Post by: touringman on April 09, 2017, 03:35:35 PM
https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/why-some-riders-are-downsizing-to-smaller-motorcycles?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=4/8/2017%20-%20CT&utm_term=Common%20Tread%20%7C%20Combined
I'd love to hear comments! Syd
Post by: Patmo on April 09, 2017, 05:30:19 PM
Post by: Brick on April 09, 2017, 09:22:27 PM
I did think of you Syd when I read it.
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Post by: HawkGTRider on April 09, 2017, 09:47:33 PM
I guess that makes me a trend setter as well.
Post by: DirtFlier on April 10, 2017, 04:09:12 AM
Post by: Brick on April 10, 2017, 07:43:22 AM
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Post by: Paco Bulto on April 10, 2017, 10:59:41 AM
It's not just the 100+ horsepower that is seen as over-the-top as we age. Holding up that monster at stop signs can sometimes be a challenge especially when the roadway is severely cambered, you have to stop on a hill, or there is something potentially slippery on the ground. There was an active Gold Wing chapter in my town so in the 90s I'd often see them running around town. Rather than step down to smaller bikes, it seems those who are still riding have converted their Wings to trikes.
That is true about trikes, Tosh. My Honda dealer builds 3 brands of trikes out of Gold Wings and they keep one tech employed full time doing those conversions. It is amazing how many they sell and typical MSRP for one is $35,000 and up.
Post by: dpippin on April 10, 2017, 01:27:02 PM
I just purchased the biggest (1000 cc) bike that I've ever owned.
It's tall and it's heavy until you ride it. Once moving it handles like a lighter bike.
And it doesn't even have a clutch lever.
So there you go.
Correction; I did have a Honda ST1100 years ago so this isn't the largest bike I've owned
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi292.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm3%2Fldpippin%2FBikes%2FP1070615%2520Small_zps27nkvcxr.jpg&hash=f187b963bcb79c98367cd0ffd357fdaae635daac)
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi292.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm3%2Fldpippin%2FBikes%2FP1070618%2520Small_zpspwjekqul.jpg&hash=c9381bc13ecbabf189957d19fabf0fbd5c1c47af)
Doug
Post by: dpippin on April 10, 2017, 01:29:34 PM
We need the "like" comment on this forum. There are many posts the I don't need to reply but would like to hit "like".
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Keep the "likes" to your Facebook account and don't clutter up this forum with all that unnecessary stuff.
Doug
Post by: PYG RYDR on April 10, 2017, 02:48:40 PM
Well I guess we don't all agree.
I just purchased the biggest (1000 cc) bike that I've ever owned.
It's tall and it's heavy until you ride it. Once moving it handles like a lighter bike.
And it doesn't even have a clutch lever.
So there you go.
Correction; I did have a Honda ST1100 years ago so this isn't the largest bike I've owned
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi292.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm3%2Fldpippin%2FBikes%2FP1070615%2520Small_zps27nkvcxr.jpg&hash=f187b963bcb79c98367cd0ffd357fdaae635daac)
(https://ridemsta.com/mstaforums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi292.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm3%2Fldpippin%2FBikes%2FP1070618%2520Small_zpspwjekqul.jpg&hash=c9381bc13ecbabf189957d19fabf0fbd5c1c47af)
Doug
Very Nice!!!
Jealous!
17 or 18?
Post by: stevegrab on April 10, 2017, 04:41:32 PM
We need the "like" comment on this forum. There are many posts the I don't need to reply but would like to hit "like".I agree, but doubt we'll see it here or have a forum shift to support that.
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You could respond and type the single word LIKE.
Or if you got some good advice from the poster (help with a problem or issue) you might click the applaud link under their post count to give them a higher plus/minuse score.
I got out for my first short ride of the year after a long layoff even with decent winter weather. My neck has been bugging me some and it was getting aggravated trying to turn side to side checking for traffic at intersections. The bike (VFR800) didn't feel too big or heavy, but I do enjoy the lighter bikes and suspect that will continue as I age.
Post by: BlueRidgeGal on April 10, 2017, 05:20:14 PM
Post by: TN2Wheeler on April 10, 2017, 05:32:42 PM
I know this will draw fire but as far as I'm concerned, trikes are not motorcycles. I'm pretty sure I can categorically state I will never own one. Yeah they don't fall over but they give up the one safety advantage a bike has - maneuverability. AND they add a 3rd track making it difficult to miss obstacles. All that without adding any protection for the rider and passenger. No thanks.It's not just the 100+ horsepower that is seen as over-the-top as we age. Holding up that monster at stop signs can sometimes be a challenge especially when the roadway is severely cambered, you have to stop on a hill, or there is something potentially slippery on the ground. There was an active Gold Wing chapter in my town so in the 90s I'd often see them running around town. Rather than step down to smaller bikes, it seems those who are still riding have converted their Wings to trikes.
That is true about trikes, Tosh. My Honda dealer builds 3 brands of trikes out of Gold Wings and they keep one tech employed full time doing those conversions. It is amazing how many they sell and typical MSRP for one is $35,000 and up.
I've been going smaller and lighter for several years. When I can no longer ride smaller and lighter I'll just drive some sort of sporty and/or open 4 wheeled vehicle. I have a rag-top Wrangler already. It's not the same as a bike but I could live with it if I had to.
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 11, 2017, 02:35:38 AM
I know this will draw fire but as far as I'm concerned, trikes are not motorcycles. I'm pretty sure I can categorically state I will never own one. Yeah they don't fall over but they give up the one safety advantage a bike has - maneuverability. AND they add a 3rd track making it difficult to miss obstacles. All that without adding any protection for the rider and passenger. No thanks.
I've been going smaller and lighter for several years. When I can no longer ride smaller and lighter I'll just drive some sort of sporty and/or open 4 wheeled vehicle. I have a rag-top Wrangler already. It's not the same as a bike but I could live with it if I had to.
I told Cindy 10 years ago that when the time came to get off 2 wheels I'd need a rag-top Jeep or a Miata (or both). I'd add a convertible VW Beetle to that list now.
Post by: rideandfly on April 11, 2017, 08:27:13 AM
Also like the 47HP CB500X for solo twisty and fire road riding. Purchased a ramp to transport the shorter wheel base and lighter CB500X in the back of the tow vehicle for local two up riding while camping with a travel trailer. Last solo fire road/twisty ride with the CB, rode 205 miles burning 2.9 gallons of gas, it has a 4.5 gallon tank.
CB500X:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-mv9MBF5/0/M/IMG_9632-M.jpg) (https://rideandfly.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-mv9MBF5/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-B6FKZ3m/0/M/IMG_2227-M.jpg) (https://rideandfly.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-B6FKZ3m/A)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-c5Pbqck/0/M/IMG_2228-M.jpg) (https://rideandfly.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-c5Pbqck/A)
FJ-09:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-TCnDNzk/0/M/IMG_2179-M.jpg) (https://rideandfly.smugmug.com/Motorcycle-2017/i-TCnDNzk/A)
Post by: Paco Bulto on April 11, 2017, 10:27:54 AM
Post by: Patmo on April 11, 2017, 10:32:31 AM
Post by: touringman on April 11, 2017, 02:24:39 PM
Post by: stevegrab on April 11, 2017, 03:58:39 PM
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 12, 2017, 12:19:28 AM
A leaning 3 wheeled vehicle would really be the best option. But I'm not worrying about it now, who knows we could see motorcycles eliminated as they won't fit into the autonomous driving world that will be coming.I'd like to say they won't be eliminated, and it probably won't be a straight line thing. Non-autonomous vehicles will just be taxed into oblivion. Better sell anything not being used regularly now, and be prepared to trim that multi-bike collection down to the bare minimum.
Post by: DirtFlier on April 12, 2017, 04:34:29 AM
Perhaps a bit too Orwellian? By the way, there is a motorcycle maker in Milwaukee that has resisted modernization for many decades and its fans that make up the majority of motorcycle riders are also of the same mindset so they could put up quite a political fuss! :-)
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 12, 2017, 09:30:30 AM
[...Non-autonomous vehicles will just be taxed into oblivion. Better sell anything not being used regularly now, and be prepared to trim that multi-bike collection down to the bare minimum...Geoffrey]Orwellian? Sure, but here's what I'm seeing in Tennesee right now...Since electric and hybrid vehicles use less fuel, the State is trying to add taxes/surcharges to them to make sure they get their pound of flesh since they're paying less road taxes via gas taxes. So you think you figured out a way to save money and buy less fuel? Ha! A surcharge that applies only to you is obviously in order. It's only a small number of drivers...that makes it easier. How long will it be until they try the same thing with motorcycles if the State thinks we're not paying our fair share of fuel taxes? It doesn't have to make sense...it's government.
Perhaps a bit too Orwellian? By the way, there is a motorcycle maker in Milwaukee that has resisted modernization for many decades and its fans that make up the majority of motorcycle riders are also of the same mindset so they could put up quite a political fuss! :-)
I'm not really that much of a whack job. I've got too much time on my hands as I wait for bones to heal. I'm a lot more sane when I spend more time riding.
Post by: Brick on April 12, 2017, 12:25:57 PM
I'm currently on the injured reserve and hating every minute! My back is getting better every day and my goal is the North Georgia Classic!
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Post by: vfroger on April 12, 2017, 01:17:56 PM
Several of you know that Diana bought a CSC RX3 which is 200 lbs lighter than her GS. Yes, it's Chinese, but it was cheap. It is fully equipped and ready to ride distance. We're going to be testing it's durability this summer at STAR and afterwards. So far so good.
Post by: DirtFlier on April 12, 2017, 04:19:07 PM
Post by: Brick on April 12, 2017, 06:01:17 PM
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Post by: HawkGTRider on April 13, 2017, 12:14:51 AM
I'll let Geoffrey explain his injuries and I will avoid saying he is a whack job!I'll post a write-up of my adventure in a bit. I appreciate that RESOUNDING support from Roger that I'm not a whack job. Oh wait...all he said was that he wouldn't say it. I take my comment back. :-)
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 13, 2017, 12:06:41 PM
Whoa... did I miss something? Geoffery you said... waiting for bones to heal!!! What? When Where?
I'm currently on the injured reserve and hating every minute! My back is getting better every day and my goal is the North Georgia Classic!
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Brick...I'm pleased to hear you are getting better.
Friday, March 31st, I was on my way to Pigeon Forge to help load out a concert I'd helped set up earlier in the week. I was supposed to be at the LeConte Center at 9:30 p.m., so I started plenty early and went up Chapman Highway (US441) from Knoxville.
The section of the road between Seymour and Sevierville transitions a few miles from Sevierville from 3-lanes (one lane in each direction and a turn lane) to a divided 4-lane road with a grass median. Being after dark and riding a Suzuki DR650 with no aux lights (8:30-8:45 p.m.), I rode onto the edge of the median. I can't say what happened...I may have glanced in my mirror or to the road side or something else, but just got too close to the edge of the pavement. Realizing I was bouncing around at near the speed limit, I tried to move to my right to get back to the pavement. It is my best guess that there was a bit of an edge trap there causing the front wheel to deflect back to the left, but I can't say for sure.
After being briefly aware of unpleasantness happening (best guess is a high-side), I woke up laying on my back on asphalt with people standing around me. I couldn't tell if I was in a traffic lane or what, and I had no idea how long I'd been "out". I'd guess at least a couple of minutes. One guy said he'd seen sparks from the other side of the road, did a u-turn, and came back to help as needed...he did all of that before I regained consciousness.
Both the bike and I were in the parking lot of the convenience market located on the outside of the road there. I called Cindy while lying there on the ground with a promise to call back with an update asap. EMTs showed up quickly and did their examination. Nothing seemed life threatening, so after the THP trooper got his info for an accident report, I finally stood up to check out the bike. I determined it could be ridden, so once the EMTs got my ok to not take me to the hospital, I fired up the bike and left. I actually went on to Pigeon Forge to confirm the guys knew I needed to be replaced on the work call (I'd also called them while laying on the ground). I checked in, found they'd gotten the word to replace me, and I got back on the bike and rode home. By this time I guess the adrenaline was wearing off, and I was starting to get a lot more stiff and feel more pain. My banged up left hand was keeping me from squeezing the clutch, so I was hooking as many fingers as possible over the clutch lever and pulling my whole arm back to shift gears.
I had some nasty abrasions on the back of my left hand, but I could wiggle all my fingers...I wasn't worried. My knees were real sore as was my right shoulder. I'm guessing again, but I think I landed first on the back of my right shoulder (jacket is torn there), continued to tumble, and landed, hard, on my knees. I had ugly abrasions on my knees. But with no tears in my pants, they must have been more like burns from my pants rubbing against my skin. Scrapes on my helmet make me think I slid face down for some distance. I don't know how I ended up on my back.
Saturday I awoke to a left hand and both knees badly swollen and sore along with limited movement possible in my right shoulder. I laid around all day hoping for the best. It became pretty obvious that I wouldn't be able to play with our church handbell group on Sunday. I play the biggest bells we have, and with a bum left hand and a bum right shoulder there was no way I could "swing" (pun intended) that.
Sunday didn't offer much change, so I got Cindy to take me to an emergency room that afternoon. As much as anything, I wanted to make sure I was ok after blacking out. They discovered the 5th metacarpal in my left hand was broken, and put a splint on my hand/forearm. Everything else needed R.I.C.E....rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Amazingly enough, no broken ribs. And no, I'm no more of a whack job than before.
Wednesday I went to an orthopedic doctor for my hand. After asking Cindy to leave the room, he attached my pinkie to a finger trap mounted to a bracket on the side of the bed. Then he suspended weights to my arm. After that, to make sure it was pulled straight, he used a ratchet strap to put more tension on my arm. To top it off, he then positioned the bone by manipulating it manually. That was the part that he didn't want Cindy in the room to hear...apparently some patients are very vocal during that part of the procedure. I took a big breath and managed to remain silent, but I probably was quite wide-eyed.
Two weeks now after the crash, my knees are almost back to normal size and are much less sore. I still can't lift my right arm normally, but it's improving. Abrasions on my knees are healing. With a cast on my clutch hand, I'm not riding at all. Bummer. This cast comes off the middle of next week, and I get another one for 2-4 more weeks.
By the first to middle part of May I hope to be back riding. I still plan on 2-wheeling it to Colorado in June for STAR.
The DR650 had some scuffing on the front fender and headlight cowl...black spray paint will cover that. The left hand guard is structurally sound, but had a couple of holes ground through the plastic. Replacement <$75 and may not do that. Left saddlebag mount scuffed...again with the black spray paint. Left rear turn signal busted,,,<$50 for OEM parts. For a ~50 mph crash, I've got to say these are tough bikes.
My Arai helmet and Aerostich riding gear are trashed. If my Darien jacket weren't the most versatile piece of gear I've ever owned, I might not replace it. But it is. We'll see. Maybe it's time to wash the yellow Roadcrafter and get more miles out of it.
To relate this to the thread, I consider the DR650 I was riding to be one of my smaller and lighter bikes. Had I been riding the Honda ST1100, Honda GL1200, or BMW R100, I have no doubts that the bike would have been totaled. That would have been a shame.
Post by: Brick on April 13, 2017, 02:05:11 PM
Speedy recovery my friend!!
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Post by: HawkGTRider on April 13, 2017, 03:12:53 PM
Post by: RichGrab on April 13, 2017, 03:25:30 PM
Heal up and hope to see you at an event later this year.
Post by: stevegrab on April 13, 2017, 04:56:28 PM
I had something similar happen once on a back road, was gazing at homes, next thing I know I'm on a driveway near the edge of road, quick push on the bars got me back on the road before I got into the gravel beyond the pavement edge.
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 14, 2017, 08:18:01 PM
I've been a testament to it before, was this time, and may be again some day, but hope not...ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME! It works. That and clean living, a loving family, and lots of prayers.
Now if I can just figure out a way to tuck my shirts in and put a belt in my pants after I've already got them on. It's amazing how many things we use two hands to accomplish without ever thinking about it.
Post by: fartymarty on April 14, 2017, 11:18:00 PM
Definitly ditch and replace the helmet as it must have suffered internal crush if you hit hard enough to black out.
Regardless, I hope you heal up real fine and have no lasting physical effects.
The DR650 is a fairly tough lil' guy, but it definitely could use better lighting for night riding.
I'm glad you'll be able to ride again, heal fast. :trink39:
Now if I can just figure out a way to tuck my shirts in and put a belt in my pants after I've already got them on.
...ahhh...isn't that Cindy's job for now? :-*
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 14, 2017, 11:35:53 PM
Whow! So the Doc didn't say anything about the black out? You did tell them right?I did tell them about being "out". I assumed that was at least part of the reason for the cat scan (with contrast). Maybe not, but I definitely told them. Once I came to after the crash, I feel like I was completely lucid. They asked name, address, destination, day of the week, date of birth, and so forth. I knew exactly what everything was except for the day of the week. But I blame that on being semi-retired. There are lots of times when I may not have a commitment for a few days, and the day of the week is irrelevant.
Definitly ditch and replace the helmet as it must have suffered internal crush if you hit hard enough to black out.
Regardless, I hope you heal up real fine and have no lasting physical effects.
The DR650 is a fairly tough lil' guy, but it definitely could use better lighting for night riding.
I'm glad you'll be able to ride again, heal fast. :trink39:Now if I can just figure out a way to tuck my shirts in and put a belt in my pants after I've already got them on.
...ahhh...isn't that Cindy's job for now? :-*
Post by: TN2Wheeler on April 15, 2017, 08:05:45 PM
...ahhh...isn't that Cindy's job for now? :-*
When my son was in his early 20s he had a classic headon with a car turning left across his lane. Long story short he broke both wrists (could have been a lot worse! ). When they were putting the casts on in the ER, he asked the doc, "How am I gonna go to the toilet? " To which the doc replied, "I guess you're gonna find out who you're friends are."
Since Geoffrey has on one hand in a cast he's actually pretty fortunate.
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 15, 2017, 10:17:15 PM
Post by: NinjaBob on April 16, 2017, 10:06:15 AM
Post by: Brick on April 16, 2017, 10:29:00 AM
Jim's comment about me being fortunate is spot on. If we had a "like" option, I'd have used it.
I agree...
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Post by: Daboo on April 23, 2017, 10:25:00 PM
Like others, I wanted a sport-touring bike that wasn't over 1000ccs. So when I started looking for a new ride, I wanted something lighter than what I had. I downsized to a BMW F800GT that is 100 lbs lighter than what I had before. The difference is incredible. It is just as stable on the freeway, and is more flickable in the twisties. After a 10-11 hour ride, I find I'm still fairly fresh. And did I mention it feels incredibly light when I'm backing it out of the garage or a parking space?
I'll be taking a two-week ride down to Utah to ride through five National Parks. I have no doubt the bike will do just fine.
Chris
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 24, 2017, 04:56:00 AM
Post by: Patmo on April 24, 2017, 07:33:14 AM
Post by: stevegrab on April 24, 2017, 03:56:17 PM
Been on my radar to. I'd love to see Rich Grabowski post up and give us his take on it because he has had a year now to ride with it. Like G, it'll have to be an older one with low miles for me to consider it. I just sold my Ninja 600, so I'll be putting more and more miles on FZ6 this year, and it's not going to last forever (56K now). When it comes time to look for another bike the F800 and one of the Yamaha mid-sized will be on the radar, along with a few others.Last I heard he is still loving it, know he hasn't ridden much this season yet. But he's put enough miles on it since winning it to be close to needing tires, while his VFR got some repairs then became his #2. I visited him last year in Ocotber and we took the bikes out for a ride, and I had my turn on the BMW. It was a lot of fun, very nimble plenty of power. Reminded me of my Kawasaki Ninja650R more than the VFR/Sprint I ride regularly to events.
The heated grips are nice, the power very good, the sound could use some work (its no VFR for sure). Seating position was much more comfortable than a VFR. He already put a rack for Givi top case and used that on it for his FCR trip last year. Hard bags are another long term option he wants for touring.
Post by: HawkGTRider on April 25, 2017, 12:55:04 AM
Post by: Daboo on April 25, 2017, 12:02:31 PM
The F800GT has been on my radar for quite a while as well. It seems like a fine bike. If you knew me better you'd know I'd wait for 8 years after they came out and look for one with moderate miles, in good shape, and for not a lot of money.That's about what I did in the end.
I hadn't intended to buy one. I had a perfectly good Honda NT700V that I loved. But it was a sunny spring day last year, and I'd gotten out of the dentist's office early and decided to just check out the local dealership. They had both of the bikes that were on my short list. The Yamaha FJ-09 and the BMW F800GT.
The FJ didn't do much for me in the showroom. It was a bit too tall for my 5'6" body and short legs. And the styling had too many sharp edges...and the seat did too. I went over and sat on the F800GT and it felt great. The salesman said I could take it out for a ride, so I did.
One of the complaints I've read about is severe vibration in the handlebars. Magazine reviewers say it's enough to put your hand to sleep. So I wanted to see if this was true, or not. My first impression of the bike as I pulled out onto the highway was, "Wow! This is smooth!!" Not what I expected at all. I made my way over towards the freeway on-ramp and was impressed by the torque in comparison with my NT. Where I'd normally have to shift down, I didn't on the GT. I entered the on-ramp and decided to open the throttle up. I wasn't ready for this. The scenery was like in the Star Trek shows where the Enterprise goes to light speed. Everything on the sides went to a blur. The only thing in focus was the end of the freeway on-ramp where there were some flashing lights...and it was getting large, really really quick!
I got on the freeway and was cruising along in 6th gear and again, noticing just how smooth the bike felt. I could feel some vibration in the handlebars, but nothing bad, and certainly not any worse than on my NT. Hmm... So I downshifted into 5th. Same thing. RPMs up, but nothing bad for vibration. 4th...same thing. 3rd...same thing. I don't remember if it was in 2nd or 1st at 60 mph that I found the really bad vibrations. Yes, it was enough to put my hand to sleep. But seriously...1st gear at 60 mph? Who rides like that? Not me, anyway.
The other thing that impressed me, was how stable the bike felt. I was in a lot of fast moving, heavy traffic. I expected some turbulence from the trucks and other vehicles, and found none. I filed that away in the back of my mind, wondering if it was a one-off experience or not. It wasn't.
I kept riding along for about an hour on side streets, working my way back to the dealership and looking for the other flaw in the bike...the scorching hot heat coming off the engine. I couldn't find it. The temp was about 70F and I sat in stop-n-go traffic for quite awhile with the fan kicking on, and didn't feel anything. Hmmm...
So my wife and I left for a vacation in Palo Alto to see our youngest daughter who is getting her PhD from Stanford. I asked my wife if in my looking at the GT...if I decided to buy one...would she mind? Her reply was, "I mind financially...but you're going to do it anyway." Wow!!! Green Light!!!
So I went back to the dealership when we got back. Test rode the FJ-09 to be sure I wasn't missing anything. I disliked the FJ-09 so much, I only took it around the block. I took the F800GT out again, and it still wowed me. So I negotiated with the head salesman for an hour, and we were still at least $1000 off on making a deal. I told him, that he was also competing with the used bike market too. His reply was that his bike had a warranty.
So a week later, a friend of mine found a Craigslist ad for a 2014 F800GT up in Maple Falls. He had it priced at $300 less than the Kelley Blue Book...which put it a couple thousand less than the "new" demo model 2015 I'd ridden at the dealership. The mileage wasn't bad either. Only about 2300 miles were on the bike. And this is where it pays to buy used...his intention had been to take the bike touring, so he'd done the research to get the best mods for the bike to make it comfortable. He thought he had about $2000 in accessories on the bike. I counted it up later, and it was closer to $3000 he'd spent. And since he was about my height...it all worked for me too.
I've owned mine for a year now. I've used it as a commuter bike in Seattle, riding it all year long. It's sweet. The vibrations aren't an issue. There is heat coming off the frame, but nothing strange on this one. I've taken several long day trips on it (10-12 hours), and I find I come back far less tired than I did on any of my previous bikes. A couple weeks ago, I rode it up to Heather Meadows at the end of the Mt. Baker Highway where the ski lodge is. I was really thankful for the ABS and stability control. I hit numerous snow patches going up (and later down) and the bike stayed upright with no slippage. Those little options were doing what they were designed to do. It is incredibly flickable in corners. And yet it is very stable also eating up miles on the freeway. IMO, it is a great blend of "sport" and "touring".
And did I mention it weighs only 470 lbs? Moving it around in the garage or a parking lot, is a breeze. :)
Chris
Post by: Brick on April 25, 2017, 12:17:14 PM
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Post by: Iguana Joe on April 25, 2017, 08:57:41 PM
In fact those of you at Colorado Springs might just see an alpine white one with NC tags out there... it just depends upon the outcome of some projects...