Connie 14 owners beginning to report in

[Mark]

This is a great thread!

Let's see how many things we can point out that are different and then I think we should start on things that are close to the same!

Hey! 2 wheels... nuff said.

Thanks for letting me know the status of the new ride Buff.

Mark

 

[Carl_T]

My Bandit is not all that far over 500lb wet (but a tad too far for what I'd like which is 500lb or Less) and is solid as a rock in the wind, more so even than the ST, so it's kind of design dependent. Actually the little sub 400lb. naked SV is decent enough in the wind since it doesn't have a fairing. Even my former 450lb. wet SV1000S with full fairing was solid in the wind, just barely a smidgen less than the ST. My wife's 250 Ninja blows around a good bit in comparison though, even so it isn't really a problem on the road.

Things that annoy me with the bikes mentioned are non upright ergos cutting
my old bod out of the comfort zone, less than modern stellar fully adjustable suspension, and less than all day comfort for a saddle.

The VFR could have used some more beans, a lack of Vtec, and a tad more ground clearance also.

I look at the Tuono every once in awhile and think, hmmmmm with some additional farkle money... but I'm talking, I wish for a set up for sport touring comfortably, bags and all, right from the factory. A light bike, that can just as easily hang with a Supersport in the twisties (just not with the laid forward ergo setup) as cruise down the road without giving you an aching backside.

People associate sport now days with laying on the tank ergos as it's been that way for decades, however one can ride an upright bike and adjust body position in the turns to ride in a "sport" fashion just fine. All it requires is some more bend to the elbows and a willingness to assume a position. Especially attractive if your on second half of life's run. That's not the popular thing these days though, so as per usual I'm out on the end of the bell curve again without a gaggle of machines to choose from unless I'm willing to do a bunch of expensive mods.

Even Triumph disappointed me with their coming 675 Naked. They cheapened the suspension, adjustable for pre-load only. Heck I have an SV like that and am saving for real suspenders... sigh. Not that I don't have fun with the SV in it's present configuration, I'm just saying, wish they didn't leave it to me to find good suspeners/seat/bags etc. somewhere and figure out how to successfully add on.

I like the Triumph Tiger and new Bandit, but they don't fit what I'd truly "druther" have, just hint at being closer to what I like more than some others.

I had high hopes for the Connie I did. That was until I found they made it the size of a small bus, wide and heavy to boot. I guess more sport tourers than not, truly do like the weight of a big bike, feeling more secure. Me it annoys. Not that thrilled whatsoever with that level of kinetic energy and slow speed annoyance (even when it's done well).

That's just my druthers though. Kind of like if wishes were wings, pigs would fly. No pun on heavy machines intended, just like the saying.

 

[naturally wired]

554-lb tank-full weight down low (523 lbs tank empty).

Horst:

....maybe Triumph's just not on your menu......it does everything the old Vifer did plus two up power



Changes for 2007:

? New generation ECU for quicker starting and greater fuel economy

? Euro 3 compliant

? Higher handlebars for improved rider ergonomics

? Taller touring screen and panniers fitted as standard

? Restyled side panels improve thermal insulation for the rider

? Re-profiled rider seat

? Two new paint schemes - Phantom Black and Tornado Red

 

[Spencer]

Carl,
I think you are a Multistrada S man and just don't know it yet

Spencer

 

[naturally wired]

:twisted: If Triumph's not to your liking you could alway just get there faster on a ZZR..........................................

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=1476

 

[Carl_T]

....maybe Triumph's just not on your menu......it does everything the old Vifer did plus two up power

Sure thought of it real serious like, but word is it's too hot back there for two up. Ergos are to forward for this old fart as well sigh.

HOWEVER, a certain someone's going to give me a little test ride anyway "right Greg??? " I gotta feel that sweet triple sing it's song. You can ride the baby SV certainly a fair trade for a bit Seriously I'll bring the SV to CTSTOC if you're bringing the triple. Otherwise sometime in Oct.

ZZR14 way cool, too heavy/big/laid forward riding pos. WOULD love a ride on one though big time. ZZR12 I've thought of much more than once also, but still riding pos kills it for me. Riding pos on the SV1000 wasn't quite right for me either. The SV650, Bandit, both good on riding pos. but lack other goodies.

Now the MultistradaS, didn't pay enough attention to that, didn't know they had bags for it either. I'm starting to get some serious dribble oozing down my chin.... anyone got a hanky? Hmmmm, I'll have to look into it a bit more, my wife's gonna hate you. It looks like a real interesting one up bike.

I just read this review below and the drool is starting to run much faster...

"Where the Multistrada S really excels is on the legendary tight canyon roads of the Santa Monica Mountains
above Malibu, California, where we ride every Sunday morning. Roads like Latigo, Stunt, Mulholland and Piuma have been the not so secret stomping grounds for superbike riders for 30 years. But the tight 25-60 mph corners are a handful for modern 160hp superbikes with clip-ons that offer the rider no leverage for attacking a tight corner.

Here the Multistrada excels with its high leverage motocross bars, supermoto like design, longer travel suspension for the rough road sections, and much more manageable 92hp @8,000rpm. The superbike riders are forced to nurse their throttles and cut a smooth arc through the serpetine turns, while the Multistrada is up in its powerband, cutting and thrusting from turn to turn like a motocross bike exploding from a berm. Play supermoto racer and lock the tires into the corner, square it off early, jam the secure feeling Ohlins forks across the apex with the throttle nailed back on full. this baby is sweet!

Now the Aprilia Tuono R is still perhaps the best naked bike on the planet. And on a race track or higher speed roads it will definetly run off from the Multistrada with about 30 more horsepower to the Multi?s 95 ponies. And the Tuono R is 10 pounds lighter at 415lb to the Multi?s 432lbs. But in a riding comparison to the Multistrada, the Tuono R actually feels heavier and bulkier with it?s watercooled V-twin engine and higher center of gravity. While the heavy clutch and raspy superbike engine is a handful in a normal street riding situations, especially in town. The Multistrada actually feels much lighter and is defenitly more agile, while the smooth Ducati air cooled powerplant is much easier to handle as an every day rider."

me likey!!! and they have bags for it....

Oh Connie why couldn't they have put you on a serious diet before your debut? I guess 'cause so many like the heavy feel.

 

[Carl_T]

Hey Spence, you and I may talk this winter about an SV650 seat if your interested.

 

[nm6r]

554-lb tank-full weight down low (523 lbs tank empty).

Horst:

....maybe Triumph's just not on your menu......it does everything the old Vifer did plus two up power



Changes for 2007:

? New generation ECU for quicker starting and greater fuel economy

? Euro 3 compliant

? Higher handlebars for improved rider ergonomics

? Taller touring screen and panniers fitted as standard

? Restyled side panels improve thermal insulation for the rider

? Re-profiled rider seat

? Two new paint schemes - Phantom Black and Tornado Red

I would at least look at the Triumph if it weren't missing the two most important features of a modern sport touring machine.

1. Shaft drive
2. Electric windshield

I'm not sure how large the fuel capacity is but I could even overlook the fact it's a Triumph if it wasn't lacking the two most important features.

Ray

 

[Spencer]

:th1:

I knew it :hotpepper :hotpepper :hotpepper :hotpepper

Aaaaaaand, if you don't like the Multi's styling....same bike...different suit

"The ?236? leading to Big Basin outside San Francisco narrows from two lanes to what can generously be described as one and a half. The surface is a ?squirm? of tar snakes, wetted to slickness by the morning marine layer. Corners fold on themselves, radii decreasing and elevations changing. Detritus litters the roads. I should be fretting and it?s true I need a change of shorts? because the 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 S has me peeing myself laughing."

"........and twiiiins"


Hope theres enough room in the doghouse for you and your new bike.
(damn I wish I was taller )

Spencer


Some wallpaper for Carl

 

[Carl_T]

Whooo ahhhhh! You are bad Spence, bad Bad BAD... in a really, really, good way that is. I downloaded that puppy to disk.

Sighhhhh, now I suppose I'm going to have to begin obsessing and perhaps even learn to do a dreaded Duc valve adjust in future. D*mn

Lets see, if my Son finishes learning to ride and buys the baby SV from me... that means I need a solo mount to ride then, doesn't it..... ? Keep the old Bandit for two up and then... hmmmmm

Hey man, if the bike is light enough, tippy toes works just fine "Peeing myself laughing" that sounds like something I'd like to do

I actually prefer the annoyance of a chain over most shafts, and will put up with wind on the chest in a Monsoon if the bike is worth it.

 

[STPaulK]

Sighhhhh, now I suppose I'm going to have to begin obsessing and perhaps even learn to do a dreaded Duc valve adjust in future. D*mn

You dinged the VFR because of the VTEC, yet are willing to put up with 6000 mile checks of the Duc??? I also see you commented on the VFR ground clearance. Nobody has ever complained about ground clearance on the VFR list unless their shock was adjusted too low to begin with. Or are you referring to more of a dual sport sort of style?

OK, yes, I'm a Viffer fan. 100 ponies easily puts me out in front of the cages so that's all I need.

 

[naturally wired]

I would at least look at the Triumph if it weren't missing the two most important features of a modern sport touring machine.

1. Shaft drive
2. Electric windshield

I'm not sure how large the fuel capacity is but I could even overlook the fact it's a Triumph if it wasn't lacking the two most important features.

Ray

I use to feel the same way but I have to honest with you its a blast riding the ZZR and the Sprints got to be about the same...just a little slower :-D ...the thing most worry about is the forward position!...which I guess I can understand but thats what helps me on the longer runs the air will hold me up off the bars and take some of the weight off my wrists and palms....as far as the chain goes I've put 7k plus on mine and it already had about 5k on that chain and rear sprocket when I got this bike and there both running fine...I do have to say if I could only own one the ST1300 would have to stay....its all weather easy to ride combo is hard to beat(.)........maybe they will pump the new one up a few ponies and make the frame out of titanium and heck maybe some magnesium wheels!....that should only drive the price up to say $45,000 or so

 

[Carl_T]

Lord knows EVERY bike has nit picks. The Multistrada has a TALL seat and a tad less ground clearance than a SuperSport too.

Not nicking the VFR (at least not until John lets me take a run on his, heh heh). Just things I'd likely druther do without. It's pegs scraping ground clearance I was referring to that I've read noted in tests, and noticed from looking closely at them (not from personal riding, so it could be I'm truly full of it on that issue) It seems everything has at least "something" I'd druther do without. Just some have more than others, and I've got an eye out recently for what has the most of what I like.

Supposedly the new Ducs have extended service intervals now days.

 

[STPaulK]

It's pegs scraping ground clearance I was referring to that I've read noted in tests, and noticed from looking closely at them (not from personal riding, so it could be I'm truly full of it on that issue) .

I think Honda put the wrong shock on that bike because everyone complains about the ground clearance from the factory. The solution is an aftermarket block or Penske shock to raise the back end and it's fine after that. My factory setting had the bike almost vertical on the sidestand.

 

[Carl_T]

Sometimes Honda gets a bit conservative, certainly not all a bad thing, but sometimes a bit too much so. I haven't heard John complain about his VFR, he loves the Bejeebus out his bike. I'll remember about the shock in case he ever does mention it though.

Hey maybe they'll come out with a thousand CC version of the Viffer in 2009 model needing no Vtec. and bump the ST up to 1500cc. You VFR guys would have to reach back into your wallets then I bet. I hope Honda doesn't follow Kaw lead and up the size of the ST frame/body/weight wise though (even if the Kwaker is lighter it doesn't look it).

I looked at the Connie again tonight when I went in to pick up my wheel bearings at the STealership. They had an FJR sitting nearby this time too (strangely no STs or DLs on the floor. The Kwaker is a bit bigger looking physically than the FJR. Both bikes are nice enough looking machines for the big boys they are with the Kaw being the biggest by a bit. Well, at least I can stop wondering if I'd want one.

I'm kinda with Greg on the weight just being "more" in the end. His Triumph is a nice looking bike, can't wait for a little ride. 'Fraid me might likey though, then I'll have cognitive dissidence again.

The really cool thing is the ST category is getting a bit more action in the form of variety in it. Good for us all.

 

[STPaulK]

Hey maybe they'll come out with a thousand CC version of the Viffer in 2009 model needing no Vtec. and bump the ST up to 1500cc. You VFR guys would have to reach back into your wallets then I bet.

The VTEC model is priced higher than most sportbikes the way it is. Honda would be dumb to price it even higher.

Frankly I'm not a fan of having it bumped to 1000cc. The GSXR 750 could stomp on it right now so if they at least competed with that bike and stay at 800cc I would be happy. I've maintained that the best thing Honda could do is to go on a weight saving mission and dump 75 lbs off the VTEC model (get it down to 450 lbs max). They could also put in cutting edge suspension compnents too. Of course that might ruin it's smoothness and excellent all around handling characteristics and wind up with another track bike (ala CBR).

 

[Carl_T]

Who, Me? I'm Beetlejuice. Tell ya what I want to wound up, wanna wound up that SprinT for a few miles so I can cross Triumphs off the list, or curl up in a helpless blubbering blob of desire in the corner... whichever fits after the ride. One or the other, this middle of the road thing is a tough gig.

Chains are a tad messy occasionally, depending upon what brand lube you use, but that's the worst of it now days. Sweet on power delivery. No need to gop them up like the old days now that they are sealed with o rings. just lube them lightly every 500mi. or so. get a three sided brush made for chains and some paper towels and it's pretty easy to clean them with a bit of cleaner. Wouldn't be the end of the world if you missed the 500 mi. mark on a 1000 mi. non stop run either. 'Course a quick on the road spritz takes all of 3 minutes anyway.

Oh on the VFR, by loosening the wallet, I meant owners would be buying new, not expensive. You know bigga is betta and all that (which I don't subscribe to much unless it's two up riding). Gotta agree on the weight loss for the viffer though.

Now a Zook GSXR 750 with upright ergos, and better seat with integrated bags, I'd love Suzuki to make me that one Yummee, I'd be ready for some loooong trips then I would. On the suspenders, I'd give up cushy suspenders for follows the surface like a magnet, holds the chassis level, and responds to inputs telepathically any day. I set up the 1K SV pretty firm-ish when I had it, suhweet!

No dog house yet, I'm chicken to mention the Duc just now, more research needed. :biker:

 

[buffgunner]

There is a lot of misconception about VTEC and what it does. What the VFR has is merely a system to deactivate 2 valves. It creates a step in the power band that hurts drivability. True variable valve timing is all bennies with little weight penalty. It creates a better and smoother powerband and fattens it up down low. VVT can allow you to use a smaller - ergo lighter - engine than you'd need otherwise. It hasn't yet been used in this fashion on a bike, but it has in cars.

Note: The C-14 has VVT, but it isn't used in this case to reduce weight or allow a smaller engine - although it could. What it does do here is provide much better drivability. I predict that this feature will become very common on bikes in the near future. Honda has been the leader in this area on cars - I'm surprised they haven't used it effectively on bikes yet considering their other engineering innovations.

BTW: A friend of mine had a Sprint and loved it - but he got rid of it purely because of the poor wind protection for touring.

 

[nm6r]

Ray....... let go dude. With the screen I have on, the only big difference is that I HAVE to put my helmet shield down above 60 MPH on the Sprint. I know you run hard, and maybe don't realize just how much screw torque that shaft has when you have to make big power transitions... there is none of that with the chain, which is nothing to maintain compared to yesteryear. I wasn't wild about "going back" to a chain... chains have come way "forward", easily a non-issue for the performance gains.

Here is a pretty good review of the Sprint ST. They speak very highly of it yet the one item they really criticize is the lack of electric windshield.

They neglected to mention the capacity of the fuel tank, which I still don't know.

As far as the performance gain of a chain, I buy that arguement in a competitive environment (racing), not in the real world of sport touring. We recently bought dirt bikes. I am now constantly reminded what a PITA a chain is. I have no desire to be constantly messing around maintaining a chain on a sport touring bike.

I really like the looks of the Sprint ST and generally speaking it seems to be well received. The chain drive and lack of the electric windshield make it a deal breaker for me.

Ray

 

[Computer Nerd]

Nothing compares to the terror of buying the BMW 75s, and having the driveline hassles, and electrical issues.

All bikes have tough times I guess.