Author Topic: V7III black Stone Vs Carbon (Read 4591 times)

grame99 · « **on:** July 02, 2018, 07:29:22 AM »

Having trouble making up my mind... Any suggestions?

Kev m · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2018, 07:57:54 AM »

I don't THINK there's a difference that matters so it's all personal preference.

Like I'm not into black tins, but I like black on everything else, so I'd be tempted to go Carbon (with the red highlights) or a Blue stone (and probably paint the rest of the tins to match).

I don't think I'd do the Carbon Shine under any circumstances, but again, that's just my preference.

The Carbon Dark at least seems to annoy people, so it's got that going for it in my book!

Whatever you chose, have a ball they're GREAT bikes.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #2 on:** July 02, 2018, 08:07:12 AM »

Quote from: grame99 on July 02, 2018, 07:29:22 AM

Having trouble making up my mind... Any suggestions?

If you are buying it to wear it out, get the stone. The stone was $3000 less at my dealer for a new '17.

If you are going to make a lot of changes to make it your own, or add luggage, windshield, etc. Get the stone.

If you are going to ride in the rain, get the stone. The carbon seat requires a rain bonnet that is stored under the seat.

I chose the carbon. I am not putting as many miles on bikes these days and traded two bikes so it was easier to go for the carbon. I am going to try and only make additions to the bike that don't detract from the look. I didn't want any plastic on this bike if possible after having many plastic Japanese bikes.

Check out the accessories catalog for 2018. If you don't care about having a limited production bike, don't care about carbon fiber, but want some of the red pieces, you can order them and spend less than the $3000 difference if you have the ability to install yourself.

Part of why I chose the carbon over the stone is the words of my wife in my head. She says get what you really want instead of going after the bargains.

grame99 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 02, 2018, 12:54:28 PM »

I can get them for around the same price (the Carbon is a few months old) but will go for the Stone. I like its elemental purity. Thanks for the very useful feedback.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #4 on:** July 02, 2018, 01:22:02 PM »

Quote from: grame99 on July 02, 2018, 12:54:28 PM

I can get them for around the same price (the Carbon is a few months old) but will go for the Stone. I like its elemental purity. Thanks for the very useful feedback.

Don't know where you are located, but if you can get a carbon for around $6.5k I would jump on it.

roadscum · « **Reply #5 on:** July 02, 2018, 05:26:52 PM »

Quote from: grame99 on July 02, 2018, 07:29:22 AM

Having trouble making up my mind... Any suggestions?

Ask your wife, they seem to think they know what's best for us.
Or just buy the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.

Paul

fossil · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2018, 01:06:33 AM »

Milano. Of course.

Kev m · « **Reply #7 on:** July 03, 2018, 04:51:23 AM »

Quote from: fossil on July 03, 2018, 01:06:33 AM

Milano. Of course.

This is all I can ever think of when I see that name:

grame99 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 03, 2018, 05:00:32 AM »

The Milano was my original choice. But a little more than I wanted to pay.

My use will be 20 mile urban daily commute and general urban riding. Will add heated grips and engine bars and maybe the C-Bow rack bars.

Don't like the 'baboon's anus' red valve covers on the Carbon - but I assume these can be swapped over for black without too much trouble. The rain-bonnet also sounds a bit fussy.

But I can get the three-month old Carbon slightly cheaper than the new Stone. Choice anxiety...

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #9 on:** July 03, 2018, 05:27:26 AM »

Quote from: grame99 on July 03, 2018, 05:00:32 AM

The Milano was my original choice. But a little more than I wanted to pay.

My use will be 20 mile urban daily commute and general urban riding. Will add heated grips and engine bars and maybe the C-Bow rack bars.

Don't like the 'baboon's anus' red valve covers on the Carbon - but I assume these can be swapped over for black without too much trouble. The rain-bonnet also sounds a bit fussy.

But I can get the three-month old Carbon slightly cheaper than the new Stone. Choice anxiety...

I don't know what you mean by urban, but if I had to deal with traffic daily I would have a very brightly painted bike with a lot of extra flashing lights on it. I also probably wouldn't chose an air cooled bike. But that is me and I'm an open country road riding guy. When I was touring I would add several hours to my rides buy routing as far away from urban areas as I could. I would even find crossings over major interstates that didn't have exit ramps because of the congestion. Of course urban areas were hard to avoid in the northeast but I did my best.

fossil · « **Reply #10 on:** July 03, 2018, 05:52:50 AM »

Quote from: Kev m on July 03, 2018, 04:51:23 AM

This is all I can ever think of when I see that name:

Ahhh! Looks tasty!

usedtobefast · « **Reply #11 on:** July 03, 2018, 09:54:33 AM »

Somethings sounds off here. In the US, there are numerous leftover 2017 Stone's for stupid low prices. The 2018 Carbon is considered a "special" model (hot demand, new, etc) and so there is no (or very little) discounting. There are 2018 Stone's (which are same as 2017 Stone's) for much higher prices than the 2017 discounted models.

Not sure if you are in the US, but if you are going for a Stone, a 2017 should be found for a very good price.

It seems the blue 2017 Special is hard to find now, but there are some of the black 2017 Special's around. I like those better than the base Stone model. The special has shinny pipes (Stone's are black), a speedo & tacho meters (Stone only has speedo), spoke wheels with shinny rims (Stone has black mag wheels), nicer looking rear fender (IMO) (Stone has large black plastic fender), shinny paint (Stone is matte).

Good luck!

egschade · « **Reply #12 on:** July 03, 2018, 11:52:55 AM »

Quote from: twowheeladdict on July 02, 2018, 08:07:12 AM

If you are buying it to wear it out, get the stone. The stone was $3000 less at my dealer for a new '17. <SNIP> If you are going to make a lot of changes to make it your own, or add luggage, windshield, etc. Get the stone. <SNIP> If you are going to ride in the rain, get the stone.

I ride daily - rain or shine. The Special was very tempting but franky too pretty to be a daily rider that may get put away dirty on occasion PLUS I wanted tubeless wheels.

I'm taking my '17 Stone in the direction of the Rough and as noted above, for far less than the $2500 price difference - bought mine new for less than $7k...

grame99 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 03, 2018, 02:07:19 PM »

I am in the UK where the situation is oddly reversed - there are lots of 2017 blue Specials available at cheaper prices but the Stone is currently holding to pretty much standard retail. No idea why. Annoyingly.

The Carbon was a few months old and so lower in price. Hence the parity in this particular case.

Quote from: usedtobefast on July 03, 2018, 09:54:33 AM

Somethings sounds off here. In the US, there are numerous leftover 2017 Stone's for stupid low prices. The 2018 Carbon is considered a "special" model (hot demand, new, etc) and so there is no (or very little) discounting. There are 2018 Stone's (which are same as 2017 Stone's) for much higher prices than the 2017 discounted models.

Not sure if you are in the US, but if you are going for a Stone, a 2017 should be found for a very good price.

It seems the blue 2017 Special is hard to find now, but there are some of the black 2017 Special's around. I like those better than the base Stone model. The special has shinny pipes (Stone's are black), a speedo & tacho meters (Stone only has speedo), spoke wheels with shinny rims (Stone has black mag wheels), nicer looking rear fender (IMO) (Stone has large black plastic fender), shinny paint (Stone is matte).

Good luck!

Daleroso · « **Reply #14 on:** July 03, 2018, 02:55:55 PM »

I'm blacked out. The MGX-21, purchased in a momentary weakened state of lust, was exhilerating underway was but more than I should have @ where I am in life moving it in the garage & driveway enjoying. Sooooo, I'm thoroughly enjoying breaking in my Carbon Shine. The chrome tank & strap exude vintage more than any bike I've seen lately. Also, I wasn't expecting or prepared for the delay factor during stops with others wanting to talk about it. Always nice to have a choice validated.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2018, 04:53:02 PM »

Quote from: Daleroso on July 03, 2018, 02:55:55 PM

I'm blacked out. The MGX-21, purchased in a momentary weakened state of lust, was exhilerating underway was but more than I should have @ where I am in life moving it in the garage & driveway enjoying. Sooooo, I'm thoroughly enjoying breaking in my Carbon Shine. The chrome tank & strap exude vintage more than any bike I've seen lately. Also, I wasn't expecting or prepared for the delay factor during stops with others wanting to talk about it. Always nice to have a choice validated.

When I first sat on the MGX-21 and lifted it off the side stand I was like, "Damn, what a pig!" Then the salesman told me to turn the handlebar all the way to the right and sure enough it came off the side stand easily.

I was very tempted by the Anniversary for the classic look, but I am so tired of chrome and keeping it nice in the humid southeast. It looks so good when it is clean and shiny though. I am very happy with my carbon dark.

TimmyTheHog · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2018, 05:04:39 PM »

Quote from: twowheeladdict on July 03, 2018, 04:53:02 PM

When I first sat on the MGX-21 and lifted it off the side stand I was like, "Damn, what a pig!" Then the salesman told me to turn the handlebar all the way to the right and sure enough it came off the side stand easily.

This is an old trick for adv bikes too...for those who are short legged to be able to get the bike off its kick stand...sometimes.. .

Quote

I was very tempted by the Anniversary for the classic look, but I am so tired of chrome and keeping it nice in the humid southeast. It looks so good when it is clean and shiny though. I am very happy with my carbon dark.

I do not like chrome, and I really hate chrome for the reason of cleaning :P...

With that reason, I would love to get a Carbon black too when the time comes to trade in my current V7...which has Chrome!!...AHH (the thought of washing and polishing chrome pains me)

I prefer riding more than cleaning :P

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2018, 06:00:37 PM »

Quote from: Daleroso on July 03, 2018, 02:55:55 PM

I'm blacked out. The MGX-21, purchased in a momentary weakened state of lust, was exhilerating underway was but more than I should have @ where I am in life moving it in the garage & driveway enjoying. Sooooo, I'm thoroughly enjoying breaking in my Carbon Shine. The chrome tank & strap exude vintage more than any bike I've seen lately. Also, I wasn't expecting or prepared for the delay factor during stops with others wanting to talk about it. Always nice to have a choice validated.

When I first sat on the MGX-21 and lifted it off the side stand I was like, "Damn, what a pig!" Then the salesman told me to turn the handlebar all the way to the right and sure enough it came off the side stand easily.

I was very tempted by the Anniversary for the classic look, but I am so tired of chrome and keeping it nice in the humid southeast. It looks so good when it is clean and shiny though. I am very happy with my carbon dark.

Edit: Just came back from a ride and a little water on the corner of a microfiber towel was all that we needed for the post ride clean up. Of course I have to wait until the pipes are cool.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2018, 06:01:18 PM »

Funny you mention the trick of turning the bars on a heavy bike. The new editor of Motorcycle Consumer news complained in his MXG-21 review that it took a "Herculean" effort to lift the Flying Fort off the stand.
I wrote him a letter pointing out the front wheel method which he chose to ignore. Just one of the many ways he's ruining that magazine. But I digress............ ......

Daleroso · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2018, 06:42:51 PM »

Easier to keep black clean than chrome?. Never experienced that during 64 bikes. Wonder what I've been doing wrong. I do know they both are pretty when clean. Ride'em!!!!

TimmyTheHog · « **Reply #20 on:** July 03, 2018, 06:48:59 PM »

Quote from: Daleroso on July 03, 2018, 06:42:51 PM

Easier to keep black clean than chrome?. Never experienced that during 64 bikes. Wonder what I've been doing wrong. I do know they both are pretty when clean. Ride'em!!!!

guess I should clarify...black is easier to clean comparing to chrome...

less polishing :P

Kev m · « **Reply #21 on:** July 03, 2018, 06:53:31 PM »

Quote from: Daleroso on July 03, 2018, 06:42:51 PM

Easier to keep black clean than chrome?. Never experienced that during 64 bikes. Wonder what I've been doing wrong. I do know they both are pretty when clean. Ride'em!!!!

Black = spray and wipe, plus brake dust etc doesn't show as much

Chrome = spray, wipe, polish, repeat... Ugh

Hate chrome.

Daleroso · « **Reply #22 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:11:12 PM »

Black, spray & wipe once? = dust, smears, smudges, more noticeable small, large scratches & swirls
& easily spotted by any moisture. Similar affects on chrome. Just a matter of preference. Chrome is easier for me.

Kev m · « **Reply #23 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:21:53 PM »

Quote from: Daleroso on July 03, 2018, 07:11:12 PM

Black, spray & wipe once? = dust, smears, smudges, more noticeable small, large scratches & swirls
& easily spotted by any moisture. Similar affects on chrome. Just a matter of preference. Chrome is easier for me.

Uh no... Black powdercoated surfaces don't generally swirl or show scratches.

I like nice painted tins, but black powdercoated or wrinkle black engine bits. It's a nice combo and has been much better at hiding dust, dirt, etc. on a ton of my bikes.

I mean yeah, is a preference thing, but there's definitely a difference for those of us who only wash em like once a year (and I skipped this year).

guzzi4me · « **Reply #24 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:24:19 PM »

Spray?? Wash?? Wipe?? Polish???

Have no clue what you are talking about...well maybe a little...Bikes do get hosed off twice a year...maybe.....

Too busy riding!!!! Unfortunately mostly back and forth to work but riding never the less!!!

Jeff

Bulldog9 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:24:36 PM »

Buy the one you will turn around (repeatedly) and look at while walking away.............

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #26 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:26:13 PM »

Quote from: Daleroso on July 03, 2018, 06:42:51 PM

Easier to keep black clean than chrome?. Never experienced that during 64 bikes. Wonder what I've been doing wrong. I do know they both are pretty when clean. Ride'em!!!!

The Carbon is matte black. No polishing, no waxing, just a damp microfiber cloth and maybe a wash if it gets nasty from a dirty rain ride

Chrome requires polishing to retain the mirror finish and if the sun hits it right you can be blinded. I've had many chromed out bikes, and now I prefer blacked out bikes.

twowheeladdict · « **Reply #27 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:28:22 PM »

Quote from: Bulldog9 on July 03, 2018, 07:24:36 PM

Buy the one you will turn around (repeatedly) and look at while walking away.............

That is what I always tell people. Unfortunately, I have to cover mine to protect them from the guard cats so the last thing I see is a cover and the first thing I see is a cover. LOL!

Bulldog9 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:30:32 PM »

Quote from: guzzi4me on July 03, 2018, 07:24:19 PM

Spray?? Wash?? Wipe?? Polish???

Have no clue what you are talking about...well maybe a little...Bikes do get hosed off twice a year...maybe.....

Too busy riding!!!! Unfortunately mostly back and forth to work but riding never the less!!!

Jeff

I only do a thorough wash/cleaning in the off season, usually at the end of riding when I do all my PM. Always best to let the bike sit over the winter with fresh oil in the system. I normally do a full tear down of body parts, and get into the chassis and wipe everything down, clean, wax, etc. Too busy riding to spend any time cleaning during the riding season, just a quick wipe down of tank and fairing with some gliptone, meguiars or lucas speed wax (dust free)

Daleroso · « **Reply #29 on:** July 03, 2018, 07:32:33 PM »

Bulldog9 sums it up😃🤙 Fortunately, living on the west end of "the loneliest hwy" (Nv's rte 50) & only gett ing maybe 3" of rain a yr, mostly between Dec & Mar it's rare we wash bikes to have them looking good. A spray polish, micro cloth & 10 minutes later we're 5 miles down the road.

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Author Topic: V7III black Stone Vs Carbon (Read 4591 times)