Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

I'm not sure about the FJR either, actually. I looked at cycle-ergo.com and it looks more compact than even my Versys. You do have a good point about the seating position, though. Maybe an Africa Twin supermoto would be a good compromise?

The thing that confuses me is Honda has ONE touring bike, the Goldwing, while BMW has 4 - S1000XR, F900XR, K1600GTL, R1250RT. They're all quite different from each other too, not sure why Honda can't bring the NT1100 over as it doesn't seem like there'd be that much overlap between the two.

Also, here is what cycle-ergo says about the Versys vs the FJR. The Versys has more knee room:





The S1000XR actually seems like it would be pretty good because it's even more upright than the Versys (more like an ADV) but also has 17" wheels and great suspension for the road:

 

Maybe an older sport tourer that they had here? https://www.cycletrader.com/Honda-V...a|2316874&model=VFR|764949625&trim=1200F|4882



The FJR definitely had me feeling more crouched. It's a sport tourer no doubt, but your Versys is more ADV style with a little more upright, IMO. I've never seen that site. I'll have to check it out for my CB500X and the Super Tenere compared to the FJR to see if the perceived difference actually shows up in the numbers.

 

Cycle-ergo is kind of outdated unfortunately but it's still really useful to figure out roughly how a bike will feel to sit on.




On an unrelated note, just saw this 2022 RC390 pop up with 5k miles.... for $6k. Sheesh.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/d/milpitas-2022-ktm-rc390/7678688084.html

 

The lazy ad and the fact that it has 5K miles makes me doubt the "like new" claim.

 

One quick note regarding the FJR. Illustration shows the seat in the low position and most dealerships set them up that way. Since 2006 the seat has offered a height adjustment that makes a big difference in comfort. No tools are required but you can raise that seat up by almost a full inch and providing you feel comfortable with the reach when at a stop it makes a nice improvement in the angles of your knees when riding. I'm 5'9" with a 30" inseam and a Laam custom seat but I ride with my seat in the high position all the time. I'm not flat footed at stop signs but that doesn't bother me much. If trying the FJR try the seat in both positions or you might be selling it short on comfort.

One major issue I have with BMW beyond the initial buy in is the continuing cost of service and rather limited dealer network. In my area we now have a dealer within 30 minutes of me but they're fairly new to the brand so I'd be a little concerned about their employee training and knowledge of the bikes. Closest dealership to me that's handled the brand any length of time is 1.5 hours away on a good day.

 

Not sure how many here are also members at ADVRider forum but seeing as the Tacoma World Secret Santa is cancelled thought I should post this here.

https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/secret-santa-is-back-2023.1674109/

I've taken part over there for 5 or 6 years now and like what I've seen on here it's a blast. If you're a member there and are interested sign ups end soon so get on it.

 

Its funny you say that.

My 04 honda 919 naked sport bike. Racetech valved F4i fork swapped sprung to my weight up front, Ohlins HO remote resi, remote preload, sprung to my weight. Needless to say without going a full USD fork on the bike the suspension was TOP notch.

2015 Super tenere with its taller stock suspension and off road wheels n tires, very similar HP and Tq.... but 100 lbs heavier.

Super tenere is BY FAR more comfortable and quicker in the undulating canyon roads thanks to like 2x the suspension travel.

Needless to say, dont write off the ADV bike, but I also get it if there is something more suited to your style. that NT1100 is a DAMN cool looking bike... why dont we get the cool things here in the states!


Also i TOTALLY forgot about the VFR1200X (EDIT - and it seems like most did as well as there are only like 3 for sale in a big radius from me)

 

Hmm, good to know! I think I'd rather just have 17" cast tubeless wheels over a 19/17 or 21/17 spoked tubed setup (I'm not rich enough for tubeless spoked wheels ). The S1000XR has the taller suspension and lower footpegs of an ADV bike with a street tire setup. I just don't really want to own a BMW for maintenance and insurance purposes.

 

Good to know, thanks! Like you, the cost of BMW ownership scares me (says the guy with a 25 year old BMW car...).

 

Super tenere is tubeless spoked! Zero issues so far with them. *knocks on wood* Not many have issues unless ridden HARD off road.

17in tires are easier to find though.

 

obligatory note that every engine and bike is different.. but, my BMW has been pretty cheap to maintain. I'm sneaking up on 50,000 miles on the motor, too. Sure, more than a Honda is, but it hasn't been $1000 for an oil filter bad, either. Have you looked at an F900XR? Should be cheaper to insure, and being a twin in theory less parts to replace

 

Well that ruins my morning. Sumbitch

 

Sorry, saw it posted yesterday on here. I've never done the Tacoma World one but ADVRider has been a blast for me. I've received stuff from Japan, England, and Canada. I've sent stuff to California, Connecticut, Arkansas, and Italy so far. No kids to buy for in my life so fun to stalk and shop for like-minded adults.

 

If you continue to ride them they aren't bad, don't park one for 4 or 5 years. It will nickel ($100) and dime ($250) you to death replacing the plastic bits in the tank that start cracking as they get old and have sat. I just went through this on an 07 GSA, there's about $400 in the inner tank parts so far and we still got another to go.

 

I went to take off the seat for the first time and the lock plastic just broke off. I think it may have been cracked from factory as others have had the same issue.



I put the plastic cowl on and I'm not sure what to think, I like the shape and the little rubber piece as a little back stop for the rider but I'm not sure about the shiny black plastic vs all the matte plastic on the rest of the bike...

 

Honestly, give it a bit of time to see what the road version of the new V-Strom looks like. It might be right up your alley. Sure, not a liter bike, but certainly not slow. The only gripe I can see anyone having with the off road version is the 505 lbs. wet weight. If they lighten up the street variant, which I am sure they will, then I think it'll eat the TransAlp's lunch. It's definitely got the oomph to be a tourer.

 

Got out for a 4hr ride today… getting chilly around here, so it might be the last run of the year.

 

That's some gorgeous scenery!

Is that an SW Motech tank bag? How's the lock system on it? One of the used bikes I'm eyeing has one but I've never seen it in person.

 

Thats some BULLSHIT. warranty replacement FOR SURE.

Never EVER say its the last run/lap/go/time etc.

Also much jelly over the beautiful scenery there!

 

it’s an SW… both the bag and the lock system have been great, never had an issue with them.

Only downside for me is that I have to release the bag and set it down somewhere every time the bike needs fuel. Minor inconvenience for having a tank bag