Warning: Contains Worms (1 can) Tell me about these bikes

Belisaerio

Belisaerio

Joined
May 20, 2009
Messages
17
Location
Ohio, east of Cincinnati
Bike
2020 BMW K1600GTL
As I mentioned a couple weeks back, the forest rat mafia attempted another hit on me. While I survived, the BMW did not. Sadly, Allstate dragged their feet totaling it, so I missed the bike I wanted, a near new 2025 FJR 1300. After this 3rd deer (or 4, if you count the one I hit at the end of a power stop. Broke it's leg but no damage to the bike) my wife has requested that I no longer commute on a motorcycle at 4:30 in the morning. I have agreed, so I am more open to chain drives, that I have always avoided for maintenance frequency reasons.

Currently in consideration (unless an FJR drops into my lap):
  • Honda NT1100 DCT
  • Kawasaki Ninja 1100SX
  • Suzuki GSX-S1000GT
Though I am open to other suggestions. However, I have eliminated BMW for several reasons but mostly because the nearest dealer is an hour and a half away.

So does anyone own or have experience with these bikes? Good, Bad, Ugly?
 
The world's your oyster, but no, I have no experience with any of these.
Lots of really sweet bikes out there, including the used market.
You can find a dedicated forum to just about any bike, over on the ADVrider forums.
advrider.com
You'll likely know most of those cretins about as well as you know most of us... 😁
 
There are those here who have lots of experience with the Honda so hopefully they will chime in. I rode one for a couple of weeks recently through Normandy, Belgium and NL. It was my firt experience with the DCT and I was a bit apprehensive (old habits die hard) but I came away with a whole new respect to the gearbox. It functions very well and it seems to be able to tell which gear you need/want nearly all the time. It is also a godsend in city stop and go traffic (did the periferique in Paris during rush hour:oops::oops:). The bike has more than adequate power, surprisingly decent weather protection and handles quite good.
I don't have first hand experience with the Kawi or Suzuki but, if you are considering a Suzuki, I wouldn't rule out the V-Stroms. And if you are considering Kaswi's, the Versys 1000 is decent as well.

As was said earlier, there is a plethora of choices.
 
I think all those choices are good bikes. Another one worth considering is the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
 
If the FJR is what you want I'm sure they are out there. It's the only one one your list with shaft drive a big plus with me. The NT is underpowered compared to the others on the list. Complaints about uncomfortable seats with the GX and Ninja. A Kawasaki Versys 1000lt might be something else to look at. Test ride them all.
 
Al st1100 said:
It's the only one one your list with shaft drive a big plus with me
Click to expand...
I appreciate Belisario's willingness to embrace inclusivity but this is my feeling as well. I've read many many posts about how chain drive isn't like that any more but it is more than it isn't. So shaft drive is a big plus for me too.

For those who are ok or happy with chain drive– lid's off to you. I'm not "against" them for anybody but me.
 
I bought an NT1100 last July and have just under 10,000 miles now. It replaced a 2018 Goldwing DCT and a 2007 R1200RT. It is Honda’s best DCT yet and practically out of the box I did a SaddleSore 1000. Wind protection is good and the ergonomics are good for me - similar to the RT. The windshield is a bit on the noisy side and I’ll probably get around to replacing it at some point but that’s not something unheard of with any new motorcycle. I did have Sargent rework the stock seat because I wanted heat installed but the stock seat was plenty comfortable. At <550 lbs it carries the weight reasonably well and handles really well. Since 2012 I have ridden a little over 100,000 miles on chain drive bikes and do not find chain drive upkeep the least bit bothersome. Sealed O-ring chains just don’t take much care. In fact I think little attention is better than lots of attention. I ruined chains early on with too much cleaning and lubricants. I just replaced the rear tire on the NT and I did not have to adjust the chain prior to removing the rear wheel for the tire change. American Honda is back ordered 6 months on panniers which is most unlike Honda. Aftermarket luggage is filling the gap for owners that don’t want to pay and wait. When I bought mine it was not back ordered. Good luck with your search.
 
I have a NT1100 DCT. And I also owned a 2019 Kaw Versys 1000LT SE. ( I know where it is at and it is for sale) You are going to have to be a bit more specific on the things and areas that you are concerned with. Over all I have no complaints about either of the machines. If you are in-seamed challenged the Kaw Versys 1100 LT SE might be a bit tall for you. The Honda NT DCT might take you a few days with the learning curve, but the more you ride it the more you will enjoy its features. Both are chain drive but to me that is not an issue. I lube the chain after each ride and have never had to adjust until tire replacement time. I also own a 2014 FJR and a 2013 V-Strom 650. Since you are not going to be commuting on the bike, the type of riding you are going to do is important for a quality comparison.
 
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