Motorcycles BS Thread 2.0

The Chinese are going after the market you're describing.
https://gpxmoto.com/product/fse-450r-rally/

 

Another random photo I took of some strangers bikes I found appealing.

 

Stop sale ended earlier this week. Something about the material used in the charcoal emissions canisters potentially not meeting spec? https://www.advrider.com/bmw-lifts-stop-sale-order/

I read a good article on the 1300 last night. British, so they're using funny money, but all the rest of the info should be accurate. https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/bmw/r1300gs-2024-review

Sounds like it'll be an improvement in almost every way, except maybe the headlight if you're not a fan of the aggressive 'x' thing they got going on. The article got really into the weeds on all of the active electronics going on in it and my brain just glassed over. So complex.

 

You can go build and price it on the BMW site right now if you want to see it in real money for all the options.

 

That'd only remind me that I can never afford one I did build a 2024 Ducati Desert X Rally the other day though, can't afford that one either

 

Yeah, with where I live and a bike being only a hobby/luxury item I flinch pretty hard at the $20K mark. Honestly, I don't even like the though of spending over $10K on a bike. Part of why I am trying to talk myself out of the Super Tenere.

 

With where you live a Super Tenere could be a great bike. I see them under 10k with reasonable mileage. Fly and ride?

 

You're not helping.



There's one I'm eying, and if it's still around in January/February I might see if I can talk them down. I don't think it's really a bad deal, but it's definitely one that has had the previous owner's personal touches put on. That'll be my basis for trying to get the price down. I just have to decide if I want to put the money toward that, or toward paying of the truck.

 

This is an Internet forum, we're all enablers here....

 

First US TransAlp video I've seen. Anyone see any others? Gotta say, it comes off as a bigger CB500X than a smaller Africa Twin to me. The engine sounds like it's solid and the numbers on paper are good, but it looks pretty budget/cheap with no cruise, bin parts from lower tier bikes, and weak styling. This is especially true when compared to something like the V-Strom 800DE. Granted, it's a little bit cheaper, but not much. Maybe if the TA were $8500-$9000 I could see it catching on, but I don't think a street rider will take this over the Hornet or that a 50/50 rider would take it over the 800DE. It may be a perfectly fine bike, but it doesn't really stand out, if that makes any sense.

https://youtu.be/BwolOCoON7U

 

Yeah, but this is a Tacoma forum. You're not supposed to tell me to buy bikes! I thought this was a safe space!

 

I would take one over the Vstrom because it's ~30-40 lb lighter than the VStrom while making about the same power (and since it's detuned from EU spec I'm thinking it can be tuned to get the 90+ hp back, similar to the ZX4-RR). The Vstrom doesn't offer cruise, either.

I do hope that Honda comes out with a touring version like Suzuki did with the Vstrom, with a slightly lower ride height and cast wheels, and any other color than black.

 

The V-strom is heavier, but power is identical to the showroom TransAlp. 83 HP for each of them, but the Suzuki gets it at 6800 RPM and the Honda waits until 8500 RPM. Still, I think the peak HP and torque numbers mean very little. I'd much rather compare the power and torque curves on a dyno, but I don't have that. I know the V-Strom doesn't have cruise either, but it's also a bit more dirt oriented. More suspension travel and ground clearance than the TA as well. That said, either bike would be fine for an on road rider who only occasionally rides down a gravel road. Both are likely to be very reliable and perfectly fine machines. I don't think either is a bad choice.

For my money I think I'd do the Vstrom. I've sat on it and it's quite comfortable. It honestly felt a lot like a KLR. I may change my mind if I ride my buddies a bit or if I see a TA in person, but I wouldn't actually buy either of them. I really am sold on shaft drive. I've had both chain and shaft, and I prefer the shaft enough that I'll put up with a fatter bike to have it.

 

You grom guys might appreciate this. A customer of mine uses his when he goes to different ports on his boat

 

Installed some Amazon turn signals yesterday! It took forever with all the wiring and parts I had to design but I’m happy with the result.

https://youtube.com/shorts/vozFlRPaqaQ?si=b7pUIoJA-Dmsv4SL

 

Exactly what I did with my supertenere. Best 1200mi ride home ever.

 

I'm definitely not opposed to it, and there are some nice candidates.

 

If I'm going to fly and ride I might have to wait until just after winter, though. Trying to ride back into Wyoming in a blizzard is way above my skill level. The two top pics for me right now are both 2019s that are kitted out pretty well. It's really the only reason I'd buy used is to have it pre-farkled. If it doesn't already have a good set of crash bars on it, then that's added expense and the savings of used start to lose out to the security of buying new.

If I am pulling the trigger these are what I see as my current top options, in no particular order:

1. Used bike in Texas with Altrider crash bars, Yoshimura exhaust, flood/fog lights, a quick connect tank bag and touratech panniers. Approximately 1000 miles one way. https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2019-Yamaha-SUPER+TENERE+ES-5027637456?adsense[make]=Yamaha&adsense[model]=SUPER TENERE
   • Altrider crash bars are my preference and they aren't made anymore.
   • Yoshimura exhausts are supposed to be good, and it shaves weight.
   • I don't like the hard panniers, but could always remove them. I also already have a tank bag, so no added value to me.
   • The lights spook me. I don't trust people not to be dumb with electrical systems and electrical gremlins suck.
   • Private seller means no dealership BS, but requires trusting an individual.
2. Used bike in Arizona with SW Motech crash bars, Barkbusters, Yoshimura exhaust, fog lights, with bars for panniers and a quick connect ring on the tank. Approximately 800 miles one way. https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2019-Yamaha-Super+Tenere+ES-5023373302?adsense[make]=Yamaha&adsense[model]=SUPER TENERE
   • Crash bars are less desirable than Altrider, but better than nothing.
   • Same exhaust as the first bike.
   • With or without the panniers and tank bag, it's the same situation as first bike.
   • Fog lights look a bit better here, but the same worries about install. The stickers on this bike from the previous owner would have to go and don't inspire confidence.
   • Barkbusters are a bonus.
   • Dealership bike, so wondering how much they will try to drive the price up with fees and BS.
3. Same dealership as bike #2 has a new Super Tenere listed at $12,995, which is only $1,500 above the used bike. Just about guarantee that the price is BS, so would have to find out the true OTD price and get it in writing. Then either use the OTD price to haggle down a bike that is closer, or fly and buy this one if it's really low enough in price.

 

Between the two I agree the T7 would be the most fun

 

Definitely the best in the dirt, so if that's your scene then it's a no brainer. I think the other two will both be more pleasant on the road. They also beat the T7 on HP.