Kawasaki Concours Forum
Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: Awaz on June 09, 2015, 07:27:52 PM
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Sold my cruiser last year and now itching for another bike. Just have the C14 for now.
1. Went looking for a Versys 650 lt - none here locally, but looks like will be too tall for me.
2. Test rode a 2014 Ninja 1000 - not sure if it was the demo bike, but it was a vibrating mess.
3. Checked out a 2014 Ducati Multistrada. Are they Italians THAT tall?
After some thoughts, I decided maybe I will just get another cruiser. Was toying the idea of getting a adv. type, but those might be too tall for my taste. Here is what I narrowed down to:
1. Ducati Diavel Strada - crusier-sportsbike mutt? whatever it is, I like it. Looks good to me and quite comfortable sitting. Alas, the dealer won't let me do a demo ride. Lot of people in v-rod forum says not reliable, costly maintenance, valve train weak, etc. etc. Not sure fan boy talk or any substance to it.
2. V-rod: Nice looking, decent power. Clam-shell siting will be a problem (I am told it can be fixed). I prefer the Ducati, only if the reliability and maintenance questions are just fan boy talk.
3. Indian chief: Would be the last choice. Quite the looker - (sarcasm on) might get entry to the 'real biker' world (sarcasm off). I have not seen one in person. Too heavy and too much chrome to polish. But sounds like a good bike to take leisurely short ride.
So give those choices, what you guys think? The most important criteria is that it should be capable of two-up riding. SWMBO is almost always on the back.
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I don't think swmbo will be happy on 1 or 2 depending on saddle time.
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http://powersports.honda.com/cruiser/2015/gold-wing-f6b.aspx (http://powersports.honda.com/cruiser/2015/gold-wing-f6b.aspx)
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Last year I did a demo ride on a few bikes. One stood out as something I would have fun with as a second bike. KTM SuperDuke 1290R. Light and powerful, and nothing but fun.
I also rode a few BMWs a few weeks ago. Review was posted, but in short the R1200GS would have been my pick there. Adv style, but with the seat in the LOW position, fine for my 31" inseam.
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I'm with Rubberdown if your going cruiser. But if you really want V-twin cruiser I would look at the Victory's.
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The bike Rubberdown posted a pic of is much better looking in person. If I had the $ and space, I would have one. But thats just me...
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I went with the 1200GS. You can also lower them some more if they're too long in the saddle for you. It just cost a "little" extra.
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My next cruiser will be a used HD Road King. If I had the money, the F6B is really nice. On the other hand, the Diavel is surprisingly comfortable and an amazing ride.
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The F6B is no go at this time. If I do get it, then I will not keep the C14.
Looks like the Diavel strada has a pretty comfortable seat. As far as ride time, I am not looking for riding more than 2 hour at the most at a stretch. For any longer rides, I will be using the C14. The v-rod stock seat does look like it will suck for SWMBO....
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My next bike WILL be the Triumph Trophy!
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Look at the Indian dark horse. No chrome on that one.
The diavel is a nice riding position. Why not visit a Ducati forum to get opinions. Large burly guys look stupid on the diavel.
I am trying to figure out if there is a bike that blends my Voyager and Concours. Looks like the wing is the only option. Unfortunately, it cost the same as both the Voyager and Concours combined.
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I have a hard time thinking "Wing" but those that own them LOVE THEM!
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My next bike WILL be the Triumph Trophy!
If I could put passenger floorboards and a Corbin trunk with nice passenger backrest, the trophy might fit the bill.
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If I could put passenger floorboards and a Corbin trunk with nice passenger backrest, the trophy might fit the bill.
From what I can see the Trophy has a nice backrest on their optional trunk
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Dark horse is a good option. I imagine a two-up seat can be fitted.
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I loved the Ducati Multistrada Gran Turismo. I had the dealer down to $18,000 on a leftover and backed out thinking I'd rather keep my 2 Concours' instead of losing both of them for the one bike.
Of the 3 in your choices. I would go with the Indian Chieftan.
And since you are in this direction take a good look at the Victory Cross Tour (the better American tourer), and the Moto Guzzi California line is awesome. They have Custom and Touring and two newer models called Eldorado and Audace. All shaft drives too. Even the Griso 8V SE is a sick bike.
http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/california-1400-touring.html (http://www.motoguzzi-us.com/motorcycles/california-1400-touring.html)
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My next bike WILL be the Triumph Trophy!
I found a new '14 for $15500. Going to schedule a test ride. They sell BMW also, so will try their offerings to compare.
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I found a new '14 for $15500. Going to schedule a test ride. They sell BMW also, so will try their offerings to compare.
Take your checkbook ;D!
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I found a new '14 for $15500. Going to schedule a test ride. They sell BMW also, so will try their offerings to compare.
Let me/us know your thoughts on it after you ride it
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Today I saw a guy riding a Versys LT. Since the dealer did not have one, I flagged him down to check it out in person. I was primarily wanting to find out if it will be too tall for me. He was more than eager to show off his brand new bike (had like 100 miles). Here is what I do not get. The 650 Versys LT says seat height is 33.1 inch. When I sat on his bike, it felt pretty much like my concours 14 - balls of my feet, but much more manageable due to weight. The Ducati Multistrada specs says seat height from 32.5 to 33.3 inches. When I sat on a 2014 Grand Turismo at local dealer, I could barely be on my tippie toes - not manageable at all. What gives?? I do not think the Versys guy lowered his bike or anything.
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Today I saw a guy riding a Versys LT. Since the dealer did not have one, I flagged him down to check it out in person. I was primarily wanting to find out if it will be too tall for me. He was more than eager to show off his brand new bike (had like 100 miles). Here is what I do not get. The 650 Versys LT says seat height is 33.1 inch. When I sat on his bike, it felt pretty much like my concours 14 - balls of my feet, but much more manageable due to weight. The Ducati Multistrada specs says seat height from 32.5 to 33.3 inches. When I sat on a 2014 Grand Turismo at local dealer, I could barely be on my tippie toes - not manageable at all. What gives?? I do not think the Versys guy lowered his bike or anything.
Softer suspension on the Versys? Wider, firmer seat on the Duc?
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tried the Diavel a couple of years ago for about 300 miles. Biggest stupid grin ever!!! ;D
And it looks awesome. No idea about reliability, though.
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tried the Diavel a couple of years ago for about 300 miles. Biggest stupid grin ever!!! ;D
And it looks awesome. No idea about reliability, though.
That Duc is cool, comfortable, and fast. Looks real stupid with the typical overweight American male on it though.
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Well, I rode the concours 45 miles to test ride the Triumph Trophy this morning. They have a silver '14 New one for sale.
I have nothing bad to say about the trophy. Very nice touring bike. It is considered sport touring, but definitely leans on the touring end of sport touring. Kinda like what many of you turn the Concours into with your Corbin seats, hellebars, and barn door windscreens. ;)
The dealer only wanted to give me $4800 for my Concours, and was charging almost $1700 in fees on top of their 'sale' price. By the time I left, we were still $5000 apart.
I may put the Concours and Voyager up for sale and watch for a lightly used one when I have cash in hand. I think I should be able to get a little more than $4800 for my Concours.
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Well, I rode the concours 45 miles to test ride the Triumph Trophy this morning. They have a silver '14 New one for sale.
I have nothing bad to say about the trophy. Very nice touring bike. It is considered sport touring, but definitely leans on the touring end of sport touring. Kinda like what many of you turn the Concours into with your Corbin seats, hellebars, and barn door windscreens. ;)
The dealer only wanted to give me $4800 for my Concours, and was charging almost $1700 in fees on top of their 'sale' price. By the time I left, we were still $5000 apart.
I may put the Concours and Voyager up for sale and watch for a lightly used one when I have cash in hand. I think I should be able to get a little more than $4800 for my Concours.
Glad you liked it. I really liked the more "touring" setup. Felt good on this 50 year old body! It's my next bike...just need to keep "buggin'" the wife!!
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Well, I rode the concours 45 miles to test ride the Triumph Trophy this morning. They have a silver '14 New one for sale.
I have nothing bad to say about the trophy. Very nice touring bike. It is considered sport touring, but definitely leans on the touring end of sport touring. Kinda like what many of you turn the Concours into with your Corbin seats, hellebars, and barn door windscreens. ;)
The dealer only wanted to give me $4800 for my Concours, and was charging almost $1700 in fees on top of their 'sale' price. By the time I left, we were still $5000 apart.
I may put the Concours and Voyager up for sale and watch for a lightly used one when I have cash in hand. I think I should be able to get a little more than $4800 for my Concours.
I'll be "re-connecting" with you on the Trophy Forum eventually :chugbeer:
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Well, It turns out the dealer wanted to sell the Trophy more than I wanted to buy it. They called and we did some more negotiating and this morning I turned the Concours over to them and rode home on the Trophy.
I spent last evening converting it back to stock as much as possible.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24653409/411435833.jpg)
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One of Hinckley's finest ...................Enjoy :thumbs:
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Well, It turns out the dealer wanted to sell the Trophy more than I wanted to buy it. They called and we did some more negotiating and this morning I turned the Concours over to them and rode home on the Trophy.
I spent last evening converting it back to stock as much as possible.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24653409/411435833.jpg)
I have liked those ever since they came out again. Keep us posted on what you like/dislike about it. Good luck and enjoy your new ride. Silver is nice on those.
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Nice! Went to Triumph dealer myself this Saturday. Plan was to check out a Tiger 800. Ended up test driving a bonnie and a scrambler. I absolutely loved the scrambler. Looks like it will fit the bill nicely and complement my C14 quite nicely. Still want to check out Indian before I plop down cash.
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Yeah, be sure to keep us up-to-date on this bike. I have always like the look of it.
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Yeah, be sure to keep us up-to-date on this bike. I have always like the look of it.
Guys, it is a good look BUT you have to go ride one...they're awesome! I test rode the 2014 and have been hooked since. I'd have one now if my wife would let me spend the money! I could just go and get it but as good as that bike is it's not worth the "wrath" of my wife! Actually, she's not opposed to it but wants to get some other bills paid down first. I will buy that bike eventually but just know it is a fantastic bike...it has that "get on and ride all day" kind of comfort!! I currently have 30,000 miles on my 2012 Connie so I still have lots of life left in her but am hoping to have my Trophy sometime next year (2017 at the latest) at which time the Concours goes away.
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I test rode an Indian Chief Vintage a couple months ago. Before I give my impressions, let me say that I'm a retired CPA, been riding since 1970, and feel that the C14 is the absolute best bike ever...at lest for me.
My take on the Indian: beautiful paint and trim, very heavy, very loud, mediocre power, brakes and suspension (due to mass?)... And very expensive. It was a beautiful bike to look at, but I could not EVER see myself picking the Indian to ride anywhere, as long as I had a C14 to ride. But it sure was pretty! YMMV of course. There's no denying the popularity of the American V-twin motorcycles, but They're not for me.
I also test rode a Diavel. Very fun bike! That's a V-twin I could enjoy, if I could get past the sticker shock. Don't see how you could ride 2 up on it, but I guess it might be possible. I have no clue as to reliability or maintenance costs.
After looking around, I still keep coming back to the same conclusion that the C14 is my favorite, (along with a KLR).
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What is maintenance like as well as cost of repair? Just curious as to how it stacks up to other bikes.
Wasn't the Trophy chain instead of shaft before?
I also found this while looking it up: Fuel Efficiency
Spending more time on the road and less time at the petrol station is important to any rider. The Trophy’s efficient
engine and tall 6 gear provides relaxed cruising and impressive economy with 69.2mpg at 56mph, and 54.5mpg
at 75mph. The tank is a capacious 26 litres allowing well over 250 miles between refills.
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Doubt you'd be satisfied with the performance of the Trophy
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What is maintenance like as well as cost of repair? Just curious as to how it stacks up to other bikes.
Wasn't the Trophy chain instead of shaft before?
I also found this while looking it up:
It's shaft now. Fuel economy is great!
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Doubt you'd be satisfied with the performance of the Trophy
I don't know about that...I thought it handled great for the ride I was on. It DEFINITELY handles lighter than the Concours. It is more on the "Touring" side of the ST bikes but I am sure it would get me through the twisties juuuuust fine ;)
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Doubt you'd be satisfied with the performance of the Trophy
Steve, I took your post as "handling" but reads more like you're referring to the engine and it's performance...yes?
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Doubt you'd be satisfied with the performance of the Trophy
Steve, I took your post as "handling" but reads more like you're referring to the engine and it's performance...yes?
If that's the case then you may have a point...depends on what people are looking for. The power is definitely different between the 2, the Concours having more of it. Let's face it, the Concours loves to run and there's no denying that!
What I'm looking at are the overall attributes of the bike and one of the BIG factors for me is comfort and the Trophy is most definitely the more comfortable of the 2 bikes. I "think" I am willing to sacrifice the power and performance of the Connie's motor for the other positives of the Trophy. It feels like the kind of bike you can get on and spend 10+ hours a day riding and feel fine afterwards. I can't do that on my Connie...it hurts after a few hours!
Now, regarding the comfort...I do believe a lot of my "discomfort" comes from my seat so I am having a new seat built by Loren at Baldwin. I am hoping that new seat solves my comfort issue (all my discomfort is in my butt...nowhere else) which will make the Connie much more enjoyable to ride than it already is. One other thing I REALLY liked about the Trophy is that when I sat on it I felt like I was sitting "IN" it. It wrapped around me nice and I really liked that! I feel as if I'm sitting "ON" my Connie...not liking that much but it is what it is for now.
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I test drove a Trophy quite a number of years ago and I liked it at the time. Just couldn't afford one. The style is change a good bit now.
I met a guy at our local Triumph/Guzi/Ducati dealer one weekend that had a Trophy decked out with everything you could think of for Ironbutt rallies. He had a huge aluminum tank on the back instead of a seat, two or three GPS units, etc. It was crazy, but he was showing us all of the long distance stuff he'd been doing. That tells me that it HAD to be comfy.
I enjoyed the power of my Connie and loved riding it. The buzzy hands bugged me, but I found that my immature side kept coming out and I was having trouble holding the speed down. I never had butt or back problems (Corbin seat) and could ride hundreds of miles in a day without discomfort. But, since the wifey wouldn't "let" me have two bikes, I sold off the Connie and picked up a BMW 1200GS. Completely different ride. It's super comfortable, although it doesn't offer the protection that the Connie did. Of course, that also means that it isn't quite as hot on a summer day in Texas as the Connie was. I have no problems with big miles on the GS (cruise helps!).
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I test drove a Trophy quite a number of years ago and I liked it at the time. Just couldn't afford one. The style is change a good bit now.
I met a guy at our local Triumph/Guzi/Ducati dealer one weekend that had a Trophy decked out with everything you could think of for Ironbutt rallies. He had a huge aluminum tank on the back instead of a seat, two or three GPS units, etc. It was crazy, but he was showing us all of the long distance stuff he'd been doing. That tells me that it HAD to be comfy.
I enjoyed the power of my Connie and loved riding it. The buzzy hands bugged me, but I found that my immature side kept coming out and I was having trouble holding the speed down. I never had butt or back problems (Corbin seat) and could ride hundreds of miles in a day without discomfort. But, since the wifey wouldn't "let" me have two bikes, I sold off the Connie and picked up a BMW 1200GS. Completely different ride. It's super comfortable, although it doesn't offer the protection that the Connie did. Of course, that also means that it isn't quite as hot on a summer day in Texas as the Connie was. I have no problems with big miles on the GS (cruise helps!).
Nice! I too have the buzzy hands. I've been riding lately with ECO mode turned off which helps smooth things out some. Not as "buzzy" but still there a little.
The Connie's fairing and custom windscreen cover fairly well but the Trophy covers a bit too well. They say the Trophy could get pretty hot in the cockpit for the rider on hot days (it did win the "road cocoon" award)...probably one of the main drawbacks of that bike. I live in SoCal so that COULD be an issue but I will deal with it when the time comes. I live in an area where 100 - 110 degree summer days are common!
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Doubt you'd be satisfied with the performance of the Trophy
If by performance you mean acceleration, then I agree. I am not an acceleration junkie and have as much fun on my 250 and V7 as I do on any of my bikes. If you mean handling at all street speeds, the trophy wins hands down. It also takes 87 octane and can go further between fill ups. It is the touring side of sport touring but handles better than my Connie did, even with the larger rear tire.
For those that like to push the limits, It can clearly do that also.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24653409/411449087.jpg)
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If by performance you mean acceleration, then I agree. I am not an acceleration junkie and have as much fun on my 250 and V7 as I do on any of my bikes. If you mean handling at all street speeds, the trophy wins hands down. It also takes 87 octane and can go further between fill ups. It is the touring side of sport touring but handles better than my Connie with the larger rear tire.
For those that like to push the limits, It can clearly do that also.
(http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1461/13716103/24653409/411449087.jpg)
YES!!! That's exactly what I was trying to say only you know better than I do because YOU have one now and i don't :hail:!
That guy in your pic is going to have replace his side bags if he leans over any further :o!
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That guy in your pic is going to have replace his side bags if he leans over any further :o!
He could glue some knee pucks to them.
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He could glue some knee pucks to them.
:)
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Yes I was talking power on the Trophy. Friend bought one and mentioned when its loaded and its he and his wife, the bike feels way underpowered than his C14 did.
I absolutely love the Trophy myself.
And especially since you mentioned it handles better than the C14. I'd rather have my nimble 600's over my brute strength liter bikes ANY day (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)
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Anyone got any idea on what maintenance is like on a Duc? Also considering the duc scrambler now.
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Anyone got any idea on what maintenance is like on a Duc? Also considering the duc scrambler now.
I suggest you call a dealer and ask. or see if you can find an online manual. I hear the new multistrada actually has a pretty nice maintenance interval.
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Looks like valve inspection every 7500 miles. Belt (timing I assume) every 2 years. On the triumph, valve check every 12000 miles.
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Looks like valve inspection every 7500 miles. Belt (timing I assume) every 2 years. On the triumph, valve check every 12000 miles.
I thought they increased those on the multistrada. Mmm.
Did you check here?http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do
I downloaded the owner's manual and it says check the valves at 30,000 Km
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It's the air cooled engine in the scrambler that is 7500 miles. The water cooled ones are 15000 miles.
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Looks like valve inspection every 7500 miles. Belt (timing I assume) every 2 years. On the triumph, valve check every 12000 miles.
It's the air cooled engine in the scrambler that is 7500 miles. The water cooled ones are 15000 miles.
Which triumph are you talking about? The Trophy is at 20,000 and it looks like that is it. They don't show it on the 40,000 mile interval
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Sorry for the confusion. Was talking about Ducati Scrambler VA Triumph Scrambler
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Sorry for the confusion. Was talking about Ducati Scrambler VA Triumph Scrambler
Ah. OK. Two totally different bikes IMO. The triumph scrambler tries to replicate the classic with every detail. Even making the fuel injection look like carbs. It feels heavy, has very stiff suspension, and you better wear leather pants because it is near impossible to keep your leg off the exhaust guard. The engine has more character than the Bonneville or thruxton because of the 270 degree crank instead of the 180 degree.
The duc is a modern interpretation of a scrambler. Wide tires, modern suspension, although a little harsh on bumps. Handles like a sport bike.
I enjoyed riding the duc more, but the triumph is beautiful.
I don't think most people are going to put enough miles a year on either to make service intervals matter much.
BTW: I found my Guzzi Cafe Classic while looking for a rashed triumph scrambler that I planned on turning into a thruxton. That is how much I liked the scrambler engine character.
By one and upgrade the suspension and change the exhaust, and enjoy.
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Been checking out both. The engine on the triumph scrambler does sound nice. Have not got a chance to test ride the duc scrambler. But I hear people complain the suspension is a bit too stiff. On the triumph you can install low slung exhaust, which I plan to do if I buy it.
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This bike will probably find a spot in my garage 8)
http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/11/24/2016-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-sport-touring-motorcycle-review-first-ride-photos/ (http://www.cycleworld.com/2015/11/24/2016-ktm-1290-super-duke-gt-sport-touring-motorcycle-review-first-ride-photos/)