Horst
03-28-2005, 11:11 PM
While deciding what I wanted the last 1-2 years, I kept short reports on all the rides ... here are some gut reactions to test rides:
1. BMW K1200LT
The big beemer seemed very familiar when ridden … a lot like a 1500 or 1800 Gold Wing in fact. Very modern of course, with impeccable road manners, always in control, it’s considerable heft lost once under way. Uneven road surfaces absorbed without effort, a rolling living room with all the comforts.
Is the measly 1,171cc motor working too hard ? … perhaps at the outer extremes but not anything under 140 km/h which was a pleasant surprise, a little rush at the end of the test ride. Very nice bike, but too big for me. For now …
2. BMW R1200C Montauk
The big surprise … and a most pleasant surprise too. Other than some vibration in the seat (!?) this bike makes the most of the lower RPM motor … there’s not much above 4,000 but then when cruising is at 2,800 to 3,000 who needs high revs. As with all boxers the Telelever does a great job up front and the back is not a problem. This is a nice bike …. almost perfect for solo riding – too bad the seat vibrates ? … what’s with that, eh ?
3. Honda VT750 Aero
What a disappointment … under-powered and nothing above 110 km/h this is a good ‘around town’ bike and nothing more. Glad I rode this so I know I’ll never want a small V-twin … maybe not any v-twin !
4. Honda ST1300
Hmmm … this is was a pleasant discovery … so all they say about the ST1100 is even truer on the new ST1300. This is a sport bike for touring …. Handles like a VFR but rides like a Gold Wing …. Is this the PERFECT BIKE ? … time will tell.
I put this bike through it’s paces, right behind a VFR. Nothing but pleasure and grins, and to top it off – an adjustable seat height. Only problem remaining is the low handlebars which can already be fixed with short risers.
This is one bike to consider.
5. H-D Big Twin (any)
So this is what all the fuss is about, huh ? Well it is a nice ride … the vibes are there and they are mellow … all the shaking at idle becomes good vibrations but vibrations nonetheless …. But watch out in corners because something will touch the ground …. ‘the thing’ for some, loathing for others. Not me.
6. H-D XL1200 Sportster
The little H-D always did have something of an attraction … the basics, no extras, the pure motorcycling experience. As far as that goes, I’ll take one of these over a big twin, but not for the long run. At least this H-D can corner without scraping metal …
7. BMW R1100RT
Test rode a ’96 RT at SM Cycle, with the intent of buying it. It’s a shame you have to pay so much for even an older (cable clutch, 5-speed) RT that did not look pristine. Too much shaking at idle – and the boxer vibes are indeed always there. Touring comfort is otherwise excellent, all the BMW appointments there including top box. But, decided to pass …..
8. ST1100
Test rode an immaculate 2002 ST1100 – finally .. and bought it ! .. this one was always an option (hey Clem has one and half the IBA crowd does too !). Not quite an ST1300, but if razor-sharp handling is not mandatory, it’s fine and does not cost an arm and a leg. Touring needs are met, the ride is sporty enough, engine is smooth and powerful (but not overwhelming) and the build quality – as I’ve often said, Honda does not build junk – quality is everywhere. And now, it’s in my garage ! … the ST1100 is indeed a ‘Gold Wing Light’.
More – There is indeed a small amount of vibes – noticeable only after riding a Wing. The engine strains a bit below 3,000 – but there are no problems above that. Indeed, power and smoothness abound between 3,000 and 5,000 RPM and the ride is sublime. The stock w/s allows some buffeting at 130 km/h but hey that’s why there is the aftermarket. Handling is excellent, the radials work, ABS works, it all works – this is a fantastic machine.
1. BMW K1200LT
The big beemer seemed very familiar when ridden … a lot like a 1500 or 1800 Gold Wing in fact. Very modern of course, with impeccable road manners, always in control, it’s considerable heft lost once under way. Uneven road surfaces absorbed without effort, a rolling living room with all the comforts.
Is the measly 1,171cc motor working too hard ? … perhaps at the outer extremes but not anything under 140 km/h which was a pleasant surprise, a little rush at the end of the test ride. Very nice bike, but too big for me. For now …
2. BMW R1200C Montauk
The big surprise … and a most pleasant surprise too. Other than some vibration in the seat (!?) this bike makes the most of the lower RPM motor … there’s not much above 4,000 but then when cruising is at 2,800 to 3,000 who needs high revs. As with all boxers the Telelever does a great job up front and the back is not a problem. This is a nice bike …. almost perfect for solo riding – too bad the seat vibrates ? … what’s with that, eh ?
3. Honda VT750 Aero
What a disappointment … under-powered and nothing above 110 km/h this is a good ‘around town’ bike and nothing more. Glad I rode this so I know I’ll never want a small V-twin … maybe not any v-twin !
4. Honda ST1300
Hmmm … this is was a pleasant discovery … so all they say about the ST1100 is even truer on the new ST1300. This is a sport bike for touring …. Handles like a VFR but rides like a Gold Wing …. Is this the PERFECT BIKE ? … time will tell.
I put this bike through it’s paces, right behind a VFR. Nothing but pleasure and grins, and to top it off – an adjustable seat height. Only problem remaining is the low handlebars which can already be fixed with short risers.
This is one bike to consider.
5. H-D Big Twin (any)
So this is what all the fuss is about, huh ? Well it is a nice ride … the vibes are there and they are mellow … all the shaking at idle becomes good vibrations but vibrations nonetheless …. But watch out in corners because something will touch the ground …. ‘the thing’ for some, loathing for others. Not me.
6. H-D XL1200 Sportster
The little H-D always did have something of an attraction … the basics, no extras, the pure motorcycling experience. As far as that goes, I’ll take one of these over a big twin, but not for the long run. At least this H-D can corner without scraping metal …
7. BMW R1100RT
Test rode a ’96 RT at SM Cycle, with the intent of buying it. It’s a shame you have to pay so much for even an older (cable clutch, 5-speed) RT that did not look pristine. Too much shaking at idle – and the boxer vibes are indeed always there. Touring comfort is otherwise excellent, all the BMW appointments there including top box. But, decided to pass …..
8. ST1100
Test rode an immaculate 2002 ST1100 – finally .. and bought it ! .. this one was always an option (hey Clem has one and half the IBA crowd does too !). Not quite an ST1300, but if razor-sharp handling is not mandatory, it’s fine and does not cost an arm and a leg. Touring needs are met, the ride is sporty enough, engine is smooth and powerful (but not overwhelming) and the build quality – as I’ve often said, Honda does not build junk – quality is everywhere. And now, it’s in my garage ! … the ST1100 is indeed a ‘Gold Wing Light’.
More – There is indeed a small amount of vibes – noticeable only after riding a Wing. The engine strains a bit below 3,000 – but there are no problems above that. Indeed, power and smoothness abound between 3,000 and 5,000 RPM and the ride is sublime. The stock w/s allows some buffeting at 130 km/h but hey that’s why there is the aftermarket. Handling is excellent, the radials work, ABS works, it all works – this is a fantastic machine.