today's V7R ride...and STR-X sit

[lucydad]

All,

Had to wait until it warmed up for a Guzzi ride.  This morning talked to momster, went to plant store to buy tomatoes, peppers and basil, and also took care of Grandpa Larry a bit.  Ate a light lunch, cleaned the bike up a bit (grimey from wet roads and some pretty long rides the past few weeks).  Checked for loose stuff and geared up and went out.  Temps said 60F, fairly light winds.  Cruised and got out to Rosharan, TEXAS and my hands cold and generally pretty chilly.  High humidity does that despite the Aerostich leathers.  Stopped at the grimey little Citgo station, got a bad cuppa coffee and warmed up.  Two HD riders took pains to be unfriendly and ignore me, ok fine suit yourselves.   Put on my glove liners and also made sure the ear plugs were snug.  Second half of 120 mile ride towards Houston was better and I enjoyed the sweeper curves on Crab River Road.  Still early, so I decided, heck why not:  swung north on 99 then north on 90 and then inbound on the dreaded SW freeway to the big toy store.  

Took a leak, and got some water.  Place was pretty quiet for an early Saturday afternoon.  Young sales guys utterly ignored me, as usual.  Looked at the Duc Monster 821--and noticed the complained about right side tight foot placement.  Damn expensive, but its Italian.  Wandered thru the used bike section, some pretty depleted iron:  not much trading going on early March I guess?  

Then to the Triumph aisle.  Sure enough, well damn, they had a new 2015 Triumph STR 675-X in the matte silver and red.  Looked it over.  I never sit on a bike without permission.  Pretty thing to be sure.  Wandered to the BMW section and checked out the new RT (?) flathead:  nice bike, very retro, very expensive.  Just as I was about to walk out and ride home the older sales guy walks up grins and actually asks:  can I help you?  So, yeah, want to sit on that STR-X.  He wheels it out and I sit and sure enough with the narrow Daytona seat:  I am flat footed.  Hmmmph.  Grin.   He holds bike and I try it with boots on pegs:  nice feel, fairly upright, no stretch, its a good fit for a shorter guy like me.  Talk more...bike has no battery.

So we agree on a test ride late next week.  Probably Friday the 13th, early morning. Always wanted to try one of these Triumph Triples.  Tried a MVA 675 last year:  impressive, but a bit snatchy and unknown fueling issues.  The STR-X impresses me as very, very refined.  Next week I will find out if I like, or perhaps fall in lust for the bike.  

Disclaimer:   Dusty gave me permission  ---  "a fast Mary Anne is ok", or something like that.  

Enjoyed my fast V7R ride home.  Love this bike, and it is going nowhere.  A second bike?  Really?  Hell why not, YOLO and my big brother has two bikes and lots of people on this forum have two or more.  Garage issues will work out.  I think I can park two at the back, if not the bmw can live on the street.

Fixing spaghetti right now and drinking a fairly insipid cheap bordeaux, mainly used in my world famous sauce bubbling.  Listening to Italia music and poured a glass of red for Grandpa.  Will ride to church tomorrow unless it is pouring.  

So, yeah that was my afternoon.  

Triple Fever.

Molto Bene?  Or, I say there chap, fine piece of machinery?   ~;

[Red07]

Hey Lucydad,

Sounds like you got a good ride in today.  I thought about getting the Griso out of hibernation, got up to 46 here today.  Just to many coals in the fire.  Hopefully next week.

2nd bike?  I say go for it.  Hell,...we only go around once right?  Been having the same thoughts myself.  For some bizarre reason, I've been eyeing the Suzuki DRZ 400SM.  I think it'd be a hoot to buzz around town.  Of course, there's that new Audace coming soon that just looks cooler than heck.  Who knows?

 Let us know how the test ride goes.

Randy

[lucydad]

Pokey, Red:

Thanks for your comments and encouragement.  I just feel its important to try the STR out, for real.  Hopefully they will allow a meaningful test so I can get a decent impression. The MVA dealer gave me a bike with fumes in the tank, and told me not to take it on the freeway.  So the test was on a horridly congested inner city road, and disappointing. 

 Yup: noticed the tight tank on the jewels a bit. But my smaller frame gives me more room.  I will remember the tank pads:  got some on the V7R and they are not just for looks, they make a difference. 

There was a time, long ago when I used to race Ski Doo free air, two stroke triples.  Long ago.  Got the yearn for a bike with a bit of punch.  The V7R at almost 12K miles is a splendid, predictable and very fun and relaxed ride.  She will rev willingly and we get along at a rapid clip.  Yet the dV/dT is pretty limited, so is passing ability.  I pretty much wring as much out of Little Goose as she will give.

Frankly one of the attractions of the STR are the ABS brakes.  Had a nasty bmw cager episode last week when the ABS kicked in:  reminded me of the value on our often slick Houston area streets.  Been more than once the Sport Demons on the V7R got a bit skiddy on hard braking.  We have so much wet weather here.

We will see.  I am going to find out if the bike works for me, or not.  After the test I will sleep on it.  Hard to predict exactly what will happen.

I admit I am ready for a new riding challenge and experience.  Timing in other ways is right, the planets aligned.  I may also test the Ducati M 821 on the same day for a comparo.  The other bike that interests me is the Indian Scout.  Yep, totally different, but a pretty machine with fantastic engine, but no ABS and not available until late 2015.  However light weight for a bike, and reasonable seat height are critical parameters.  Hence the Griso is a non-starter:  too heavy.  Too bad Moto Guzzi does not have something between the small blocks and huge big blocks.

Might also opt for the regular STR and add the fly screen and pan:  seat is different.  Very pretty in white. 

Serious bike shopping can be a lot of fun.   :D  Besides, Dusty said its ok.

[oldbike54]

 Geez Greg  ;D  Mary Ann Mary Ann Mary Ann  :D Plus she had a hotter , er , um , rear subframe  :o Hey , that STR will do anything one of those fancy Eyetalian models can , and cook breakfast in the morning  ;D

  Dusty

[lucydad]

Dusty,

I have to agree on Mary Anne.  A thought from a night of rest:  just because a rider has a hooligan bike, with 100 hp and handling to match-  that rider does not have to ride like an idiot.  Overall I am a very measured rider and age 60 a survivor.  Why?  Anticipation, thought, focus and control.  Throttle control is critical with a bike like the STR.  Same with my old Corvette, and even my BMW cage.  The old Ski-Doo triples:  throttle control was THE difference between the great riders and those that spun out, ground out and lost races.  Learned that from none other than Yvon Duhamel at a clinic around 1971.

Trivia fact:  did you know Yvon was a short fireplug build, but could do fifty one armed push ups?  No shit.  Impressed me when I was 17 big time, plus that French Canadian accent.

Big rains coming so no Guzzi ride to church.   :P  The STR fueling and tall first gear lend it towards civilized low rpm behavior.  I think Triumph has worked hard to build a Mary Anne that is fun behind closed doors.  We will see via finding out in real life, and not the internet.

cheers

[oldbike54]

Ahh , a Duhamel reference . Not sure I can make the connection to Mary Ann , could she perform one armed push ups ? :D

  Dusty

[Kev m]

I much prefer the riding position of the Scout to the Monster.

The Scout was a lot of fun to demo and many of the performance specs are remarkably similar to the tube-framed Buell I just sold (largely because the riding position wasn't for me).

[Kev m]

They do, but we don't get it here.  The Bellagio.

That's so damn nice looking...

[IVX]

I'm a proud owner of both an '09 Street Triple (with 95k miles) and my recently purchased '13 V7 Stone. Definitely two very different bikes but they compliment one another. Being a short chick I appreciate their compact sizes. I've done multi-state tours on my Striple with no issues. Although I did get the saddle modified. And I have to say, I've never even come close to doing a wheelie or stoppie on it. Must be my mellow riding style  ;)

You might be hooked after your test ride ;-T

[drlapo]

I much prefer the riding position of the Scout to the Monster.

The Scout was a lot of fun to demo and many of the performance specs are remarkably similar to the tube-framed Buell I just sold (largely because the riding position wasn't for me).

wow talk about your apples to oranges
I sat on a Scout in NYC  and founf the seating position to be  almost painfull but  then again i just don't under stand how anyone can ride in a reclined positon with your feet out front and the road shocks going directly to your spine
I guess that is why Ben and Jerry make more than one flavor

[lucydad]

IVX,

Much obliged for a meaningful comment from an experienced owner.  Complementary makes sense to me too.  The V7R I have pretty much rigged out for light touring.  Got a top and side bags soft set, and the rear rack, and long gel seat.  Its a pretty comfy ride and I can do 200 miles at a stretch, probably more. The Guzzi loves to just cruise, and for a small guy like me easy to handle.  The Dart fly screen works wonders.

The STRX would be the play toy although likely I would get a small rear bag to carry a few essentials.  Web searches reveal a LOT of ST owners that take the bikes for touring and long journeys.  That speaks well to the design and reasonable geometry.  Doubtful I would do wheelies, but you never know on a back road.  That higher rpm power would be useful at times, and very fun, used with judgement.

Yeah, we will see if my heart twists next week.  I hope the weather cooperates.

Thanks again!

[Kev m]

wow talk about your apples to oranges
I sat on a Scout in NYC  and founf the seating position to be  almost painfull but  then again i just don't under stand how anyone can ride in a reclined positon with your feet out front and the road shocks going directly to your spine
I guess that is why Ben and Jerry make more than one flavor

Well, as I've stated many times, it varies with bike and size. In my case the Scout riding position isn't real different than my California Jackal was, or my Road King was, or my Sportster is...

I'm NOT reclined, I'm upright.

My feet are just a little in front of my knees, my legs aren't stretched out.

And the suspension takes the impact, not my spine.

Heck my V7 riding position isn't all THAT different to me.

But my Breva 1100, my R1100RS, and my Buell were all feet too underneath me, like Jenn's Duc.

[drlapo]

the Scout they had at the NYC bike show must have had "forward" pegs on it because my feet were way out in front
I had a standard Sportster a few years ago , 883R, and the  mid set controls destroyed my back
I find my Triumph Thruxton more comfortable
I would prefer the pegs on my 13 V7 Special to be a bit further back

[Kev m]

<shrugs> if your 883R with mid sets was wrong for you, even the Scout's standard peg position likely would be too.

I liked the Thruxton I rode years ago, but I'm sure the position wouldn't work for me long term... I'd much prefer the SE/T100.

[drlapo]

the T100 peg position is very good
its better than the pegs on my T140 which are too far forward
my son has a Sportster 1200 C with ape bars and forward pegs; I can't even push that bike out of the way

[Kev m]

my son has a Sportster 1200 C with ape bars and forward pegs; I can't even push that bike out of the way

ick, yeah, I can't stand that personally...

[tonUPRacer]

Thanks for the report LD. You need to make your STR test and report at least half as good as this guys' http://youtu.be/KsrnQ7AQNrk

[lucydad]

Ton,

That STRX video is fun.  Liked the grinning future riders. We have a couple of those in this cul-de-sac.  Always pisses momma off when I smile and wave to the little guys on their trikes or bicycles.  Planting seeds.

Hail sucks, been there and done that on my old Honda 175 in Durango, CO around 1970 or so.  Really hurts.

Weather forecast for Friday is decent. Test ride should happen.  I suspect a difficult decision coming.  Big problem:  fitting two bikes on my side of garage, and bmw sitting on street.  Then there is Ms. LD.  If the striple tweaks my heart hard, could be a sleepless Friday night? 

Thanks for the vid.  Lifted my spirits after a dismal rainy day, morning visit to dentist (uh your gums are receding a bit) and Alzheimer's duty.

[drw916]

I took a test ride on a Triumph 800 on Saturday.  What a great engine, and I've heard the 675 version is even better.  There may be a BMW departing in the near future.

[drlapo]

I have a Tiger 800, my sons have a Daytona 675 adn a Street Triple 675
the 675s are faster than the 800 but the 800 pokes around better, its not as eager as the 675s
but OH BOY do the 675s GO!

[lucydad]

All,

Got my engineering mind thinking and measuring back of garage.  Descriptive geometry time:  angles and bike length and width and a bit of trial and error and duct tape on floor.

Solution:  the two bikes will fit side by side, diagonal parked and I can ride up the ramp and also careful manual back down my aluminum ramp.  Would require both cages out of garage, but that is no problem.  Just can't let go of the V7R.  Will put the side bags and larger top bag on the rack:  keep it ready for longer trips, and camping.  Striple will be the run about bike.   Wish I had a 3 car garage, but I don't.  Leaving bmw cage out in our crap weather sucks and likely later this year I am going to replace it with my retirement vehicle, whatever that is.

Test ride is confirmed this Friday 10 AM.  Weather is supposed to be excellent.  No rush hour traffic. 

We will see if she is a Fender Stratocaster, or not. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOt3r_aNNxE

[Kev m]

What's the garage size and layout?

I ask because my talents include placing more beer in a fridge than is physically possible and stuffing cars and bikes in a garage. ;)

[oldbike54]

What's the garage size and layout?

I ask because my talents include placing more beer in a fridge than is physically possible and stuffing cars and bikes in a garage. ;)

 Both useful life skills  ;D

  Dusty

[Kev m]

They've served me well. 8)

[lucydad]

Kev,

Hey, I will take a few pictures and show you my concept later this week.  I think it will work.  Basically the Triumph won't happen unless I can make this parking scheme work out, be safe and not be too much of a pain.  Any and all help is welcome.  The small wheel base bikes help a lot, and the wheel chair aluminum ramp I got last Christmas to deal with the strange back of garage bump up. 

More later....

[Kev m]

Diagonal parking helps a lot... I've put as many as 4 bikes in the spot of one car with room to get them all out without moving anything.

My current arrangement allows 4-5 bikes and 2 cars, and a bike lift, but I've got to pull at least one car out to take most bikes out.

[oldbike54]

 Of course you guys do realize that this is a first world problem , bunch of Thurston Howells here  ;D

                                                         Mary Ann

  Dusty

[Kev m]

Yup... It's good to be the king... 8)

[Frulk]

LD....I keep the V7 in a fairly small space and need to be able to roll it in with some sideways movement options. For $80 this Harbor Freight bike dolly was just the ticket to get the bike in and out of tight places without having to worry about dropping it. It may not solve all your problems with storage but it might just reduce them.

[tiger_one]

I took a 2012 STR for demo ride, only needed about 5 miles to convince me to bring it home.  Great little bike, very fast and nice handling.  Engine revs and revs.  On this model the rear shock/spring was way too stiff.  I changed shock/spring and put on modified linkage plates, changed the bike dramatically for the better.  Forks was fine.  I weigh 185 lb.

Triumph changes suspension over the years, so 2015 most likely is going to be whole new deal, hopefully better.

Fueling was perfect with no flat spots.  Tranny was a delight to go up and down the gears in the twisties.  Did I mention it is FAST!