An Old Fart Needs Advice With Bikes
- Thread starter Mondo
- Start date
My wife has a F800st. She added Helibar risers,a Madstat windscreen, and a Givi trunk. It's a nice little bike. Plenty of power and handles really well. The motor is made by Rotax and is pretty much bullet proof. The gas tank is nice being under the seat keeping the weight down lower. Belt drive is very low maintenance. BMW says to change it earlier than is necessary. New belts are very expensive but I bought a new spare from a guy on the f800 forum for less than 1/2 the price BMW wants for one.
Things I dislike are the little expanding side bags. It also has a voltage check system in the computer that checks to see if any bulbs are blown. If the battery is a little weak it will say to check your lights. The fuel gauge will show a certain amount of miles left until empty then doesn't start counting down until under like 75 miles (cant remember exactly) . Not a big deal for me as I go by the trip odometer.
Another bike with simular ergos is the 650 Ninja. It's actually a little more upright. They can be found 2nd hand for half the price of the BMW.
Things I dislike are the little expanding side bags. It also has a voltage check system in the computer that checks to see if any bulbs are blown. If the battery is a little weak it will say to check your lights. The fuel gauge will show a certain amount of miles left until empty then doesn't start counting down until under like 75 miles (cant remember exactly) . Not a big deal for me as I go by the trip odometer.
Another bike with simular ergos is the 650 Ninja. It's actually a little more upright. They can be found 2nd hand for half the price of the BMW.
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I would think this has a run for money!...Good luck with the search and hope you find the right fit!
Did you get the CBF1000 over there. Not too heavy. Linked ABS. It's a Honda. GT version has full Honda luggage. Fireblade engine is so smooth. It's a Honda. The earlier twinpipe looks the bees knees and did I happen to mention it's a Honda.
Chain adjustment is easy peasy with centre stand and goes thousands between adjustment because of the linear power delivery. Don't think dull engine though; wind it up and it flies.
FWIW.
Upt'North.
Chain adjustment is easy peasy with centre stand and goes thousands between adjustment because of the linear power delivery. Don't think dull engine though; wind it up and it flies.
FWIW.
Upt'North.
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I'd suggest a new GoldWing or H-D Road King or...
Oh— you said something lighter than an ST and under 500lbs...
I don't often think of chain drive bikes but when I do it's a Honda CB1100 or Africa Twin. Depending on how much riding you'll be doing you can probably trick either out with a windshield and custom seat. Throw some soft luggage and a tank and/or tail bag and you can take a weekend ride. DCT might be a worthwhile consideration.
I put a Rifle fairing/windshield on my V65S. It was handlebar mount but it never gave me any fits at any speed and kept the wind off my face and chest. I wish I had my V65S. It would be a perfect second bike.
Oh— you said something lighter than an ST and under 500lbs...
I don't often think of chain drive bikes but when I do it's a Honda CB1100 or Africa Twin. Depending on how much riding you'll be doing you can probably trick either out with a windshield and custom seat. Throw some soft luggage and a tank and/or tail bag and you can take a weekend ride. DCT might be a worthwhile consideration.
I put a Rifle fairing/windshield on my V65S. It was handlebar mount but it never gave me any fits at any speed and kept the wind off my face and chest. I wish I had my V65S. It would be a perfect second bike.
OP
OP
Mondo
Site Supporter
Understood, but if he wants to continue LD touring, he should at least consider it. It's only 575 lbs. wet, which is significantly lower than the ST.
If your leg is that troublesome, you might consider a trike , you really need both legs to safety operate a motorcycle, just my opinion.
Slydynbye
Will ride for Pie
I think you can expect that with most Shafties
Kevin_56
Site Supporter
Can you say Miata.
Next time I go to Europe, I am renting one of these.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom 650/2018/DL650A.aspx
My 61 yo, 6'3" tall friend has one of these as his daily bike, loves it, and he is a very fast rider. It is his second V-Strom 650.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom 650/2018/DL650A.aspx
My 61 yo, 6'3" tall friend has one of these as his daily bike, loves it, and he is a very fast rider. It is his second V-Strom 650.
I wish Yamaha would make a smaller, lighter weight version of the Tenere, maybe in the 650 range like the Wee.
OP
OP
Mondo
Site Supporter
My leg, after 3-4 more months of PT with 3 already in should be no worse than 90% of its previous ability and hopefully more. A bike in the 500 and under range should not be a problem. I like the DL1000 and am amazed that it tops out at 503 pounds wet despite its size. The FJ-09 is a quick bugger without as much wind protection. I hear more on both sides of the F800 ST/GT than any other and it may be a bit more cramped for my lanky frame. Now to research the Tiger and others that have been mentioned. Let’s hear more!
Greg
Greg
Don't let chains worry you. I have learned that if you have a good high tensile strength chain and an auto oiler that chains last a long time after the first adjustment.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Nashcat
Site Supporter
Greg,
Check out the Suzuki GXS-S 750 and 1000. They're the standard version of the GXS sport bikes. I test rode a 1000. 137HP and 450 lbs. The 750 has 103HP and is even lighter.
John
Check out the Suzuki GXS-S 750 and 1000. They're the standard version of the GXS sport bikes. I test rode a 1000. 137HP and 450 lbs. The 750 has 103HP and is even lighter.
John
its not a fj-09 its a Tracer gt900, has better wind protection, heated grips and cruise. The bmw 800 belt is $592.59 , ouch! tracer,versys 1000 and bmw 800 all use premium fuel. What a conundrum. The st is good at everything and there is nothing like it.
OP
OP
Mondo
Site Supporter
Al, I certainly won’t argue with your opinion of the ST. However, there comes a time..........
Greg
Kevin_56
Site Supporter
Unless you are buying used.
OP
OP
Mondo
Site Supporter
I have a tough time with new when there are so many garage queens out there. Used but relatively new is my mantra.
Greg