Recent Posts

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General Discussion / Re: Polaris Selling Indian Motorcycle Brand

« Last post by Shorty on Today at 09:58:00 PM »

A lot of older guys are finding out that a small inexpensive bike is just as fun and easier to live with than a big heavy "touring" bike. My favorite Royal Enfield FB page has 24K members, with old farts from around the world chiming in. (Of course the owner of that page now rides a Guzzi and probably browses these pages )

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General Discussion / Re: New To Me 2016 Eldorado 1400

« Last post by TN Mark on Today at 09:24:29 PM »

Before and after dyno sheets don't lie Chad. My Victory bikes are both putting out about 113 Hp and 114 Ft/Trq at the rear wheel. These are not claims, they're facts shared by anyone else with a Victory 106" with intake, cams, exhaust and a tune. Whether you believe it or not is irrelevant, it's still true.

The 1400 is quite shy of those rear wheel numbers, but it feels a bit quicker.

And yes, the 1400 is smaller and feels lighter than either of my Victory bikes.

99% of the guys I ride with are on a Harley. When my Victory CCT is parked next to their Street Glide, the Harley looks like a boys bike compared to the Victory looking like a mens large motorcycle. Same with my Hard-Ball when parked next to a Road King. The Harley's look, well, a bit small and cramped. IMHO, the 1400 Eldorado is sized similar to a Harley Road King.

The average Guzzi 750 and 850 are very similar in size and weight to bikes I rode in grade school and junior high school. If these bikes feel big and heavy to others, ok. To me, my first 'big bike' was a Honda 1200 Goldwing. The last years they sold it without a fairing etc.

Like I said, it's all relative and in perspective to what the rider is used to.

A few years ago when the 1400 was coming out, I wanted Guzzi to punch it out to an 1800. That was around the time BMW was talking about their R1800. Which has been a huge sales disappointment, for several reasons. Had Guzzi made the 1400 into an 1800, I 'think' it would likely have been returned in more sales and a longer life span for the range.

Euro emission specs? Yea, right. That hasn't stopped Harley from selling the production line and all the tooling for the Sportster to China. Who now builds that exact same bike in Italy and sells it under the Chinese brand name. Euro emission standards? All the Chinese did was lower the compression ratio 1 point and added oil cooling to the bottom of the pistons. It obviously passed Euro specs. Therefore the Euro specs excuse some use wasn't/isn't true.

Piaggio simply didn't have the stomach for an 1800 and/or they didn't see the sales potential and/or they didn't care to make the change.Maybe the larger displacement idea never really entered their mind.

Anyway, before and after dyno sheets are readily available by reputable tuners as well as independent shops.
   

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General Discussion / Re: Norge Cataracts

« Last post by Haioku_Mantan on Today at 09:10:42 PM »

Situ normal.  Mine look the same - 07 Norge.

Thanks! Every other pic I've managed to scrounge off the internet has shown both sets of projectors being clear so was wondering.

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General Discussion / Re: November 2025 Tn/Ga/Nc Traveling lunch meet-up!

« Last post by Motormike on Today at 09:10:19 PM »

Just buy one of those little battery-powered compressor things they sell on Amazon, toss it into your saddlebag and ride on!

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General Discussion / Re: '74 Eldo ignition wire set

« Last post by cliffrod on Today at 08:32:48 PM »

Copper core wires on all my bikes, no interference with the GPS, but I don't use any sort of communication devices.

IMO, resistor wires aren't necessary on an old bike, that's all. Not "voodoo".

Need to ask for legit information, not being a smart ass.  Why are resistor caps (plug wire ends) like NGK necessary? 

The reason I ask is that I installed a full dyna ignition (coils & pickup) on my V7 Sport in the 90’s plus accel solid copper core wire and plain plug wire ends from the same generic accel kit at the same time.  I’ve never had any problems and the bike runs great.

Am I just lucky or ?.

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General Discussion / Re: Polaris Selling Indian Motorcycle Brand

« Last post by cliffrod on Today at 08:24:19 PM »

Recently there was talk of this at Harley Davidson and I believe they just sold off their credit arm to private equity.  We are just running out of old fat white guys who want air cooled driveway jewelry per the demographics. Myself included after having 14 HD's.   *If I were to partake again it would be an unmolested EVO road king if anything.

That’s not all HD sold….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otl5KQBXVbE

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General Discussion / Re: NGC - '26 Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory

« Last post by 1wild1 on Today at 07:06:36 PM »

IIRC, there's like a $2500 retail price difference between a '26 Tuono 660 Factory and a '26 RS660 Factory.  The main difference between the two is bodywork and lower bars on the RS660.  With a competent rider and good knowledge of the roads, a Tuono 660 could keep up with an S1000R in the twisties, but not on straights where hp is king.  A Mandello couldn't keep up with an S1000R either.  But I've come to realize I get more enjoyment out of riding a smaller displacement bike fast (Tuono 660) than a bigger displacement bike slow (V100 Mandello).  The Mandello would be the better choice for comfort and sport-touring, with the occasional run thru the twisties.

Have you considered something like a Suzuki SV650?  That was higher on my list than a Tuono 660, but the later year model and color I wanted wasn't available in my area.  It's considerably less expensive than a Tuono, doesn't have all the rider aids (I really could do without a bunch of them on the Tuono if it meant a cheaper price), and parts are a lot less expensive.  Just a thought...       

I'm not worried about keeping up, just wanna be able to run up to 130 or so if need be. I've hit 110 on teh V85 but she is pretty busy sounding up that high and I don't like running it that hard. I've been leaning toward a track oriented bike but still comfortable for the street.  So brakes and suspension are worth the extra for me. I have the bitubo front and rear on the V85 and it handles like a dream. I need to get more comfortable running it at higher rpm's.  Give me another 5 degrees of lean angle and 15 more hp I'd be set.  The other thing that I'm considering is an early 2000's V11 sport.  Can't decide if I want new or classic.  My Honda Fury is supposed to be sold this weekend, so I've just been window shopping in the meantime. I kinda like things that are different and look cool.  Anyone wanna buy a Fury?

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General Discussion / Re: '74 Eldo ignition wire set

« Last post by Antietam Classic Cycle on Today at 06:50:01 PM »

Because my riding buddy and I use two way communication and I use a GPS. My research tells me copper core will interfere with electronics. Why, are resistor wires voodoo for the loop frames?

Copper core wires on all my bikes, no interference with the GPS, but I don't use any sort of communication devices.

IMO, resistor wires aren't necessary on an old bike, that's all. Not "voodoo".

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General Discussion / Re: Neophyte V7 Mechanical Advice

« Last post by Kev m on Today at 06:04:36 PM »

If you are keeping it simple I'm not sure why you'd suggest a expensive $30 wheel roller thingy when the OP could find a stick in his backyard wad it up against the swingarm and make a trail jack?

 

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General Discussion / Re: New To Me 2016 Eldorado 1400

« Last post by bad Chad on Today at 05:38:29 PM »

Quote from Mark, "The  Eldorado is, to me, the size and weight of an old Honda 750." 

What???     A CB weighs something a bit over 500LB fueled and ready to roll, a newer Eldo flirts with 700lb plus.

Now I realize you left the back door open by including "to me" but come on brother, is that what you really are trying to say?

I owned a 96 CB750 Nighthawk, and it was a great bike, relatively easy to move around as one would think.  I have also pushed a 1400 around the garage, and the difference between the two is noticeable!  I'll give you the 1400 doesn't feel its weight under way, but one can say that for an awful lot of M/C.

Perhaps your exaggerations regarding weight may explain your super optimistic horsepower and torque numbers you have claim on your vaunted Victories?