Motorcycle shopping - Rambling, Ranting, Looking for thoughts M(inimal)GC

[Huzo]

You know, it's odd.  If I had a nickel for every time I read how sweet that Triumph triple is, I could buy one with those nickels.  In 2012 I rode one, and it was a fine bike except that engine.  It just seemed like I would be frazzled riding that thing for more than 30 minutes.  Not at all relaxing.  Then I read a bunch more about what a great engine it is.  So I decided to wipe the slate clean and I rode a new Tiger 800.  Again, fine bike with an intolerable engine (to me).  It's just me though, I know they are good bikes and can understand how others could enjoy them.

Hi alanp, it's clear that you are having a damn good look around and that should help you find the bike you want, although after a while I think you just begin to realise that all of them have something and none of them have everything. I reckon there's fundamentally two main streams of rider, those who like a bike for it's quirks ( character ?) let's say.......Guzzi, and the ones that see a "good" bike as an appliance that does the "job" well and never breaks down, (sorta like a plastic bucket), you don't realise what a good bucket it was 'till the handle breaks off, but remember IT'S STILL A PLASTIC BLOODY BUCKET !!! Let's say GTR 1400 Kawasaki or similar. You've had some decent bikes by the looks, so you know what's up when looking around. This forum exists because people like to buggerise around with imperfect Italian curiosities and that's where the fun is. Have a look at the Honda Gold Wing or FJR forum and I bet it doesn't have the flavour of this one, even though there's good flavours and bad! Don't over think it mate IMO, but I agree about the head shake thing, that's intolerable 'cos even when you reckon it's sorted, you're shitting yourself every time you see some bumps in a bend. If you can reach the ground and enjoy sitting in the shed with your mates looking at it and doing "improvements", then that's the one. No bike is wrong if you're creating memories on it ! Who knows ? It could end up being Russian !

[stevet]

For non-subscribers, here is a partial list if Motorcycle Consumer News' evaluation list.  Missing is the Yammy FJ-09, so I know it's a partial list, but I still have that issue, and they really thought it was a very good package.  I would consider one, but I would have to accept a life of chain maintenance again.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/model_eval.asp

My current FJR tires are the Bridgestone Battlaxe T-30, a MUCH better tire that latest generation Mich. Pilot Roads.  PR2 were great, 3 and 4 sucked.

Steve.

[Nic in Western NYS]

FJ-09 seems to fit your initial criteria best.  I would agree with the poster who suggested you try the new Ducati Multistrada. I haven't been on either bike so take it for what it's worth.  Reviews are all I know but seem to match up ok with what you want.

[Bottler]

Hi

I have a Stelvio and a 79 Laverda Jota, they complement each other perfectly, so perhaps you might consider two bikes rather than one that does it all?

Good luck



Bottler

[alanp]

Well, I started this so I better finish it.  I test rode a Honda 1200x and it didn't do it for me.  The engine was surprisingly lackluster and not as smooth as I expected.  A nice bike overall, but not overwhelming.  But if you go back to my original post, I did mention being smitten by the FJR I rode, but was put off by the head shake.  I spent a ridiculous amount of time on FJR forums over the cold rainy spell here, and determined to my satisfaction that the head shake issue, while not uncommon, is not universal.  I also learned a lot about the different years, models and particularly their suspensions.  Conclusion:  I purchased a new leftover 2015 FJR 1300A today for $13k.  I got a test ride on it and, yeah, damn smitten.  So I have to take back my disparaging comments about Yamaha.  Hope fully I won't have to renig on my renig. 
I will pick it up tomorrow. 

[alanp]

As a shameless plug, I will be selling all the motorcycles in my signature (except of course the Guzzi, which is the one you wanted).  Anyway, PM me if interested.

[stevet]

Congratulations, Alan!  I hope it helps you cover many, many miles.

I haven't made too many changes to mine over time.  I think the Gen III has redesigned seating vs. my Gen II, but I bought a Sargent just after purchase (which I use for daily use), and then a year or so later I sent the OEM seat to Russell for a DayLong rebuild.  DayLong is right, ahhh...

I also changed the windshield to a Rifle shield, oversized from stock (4" wider, 6" taller, if I recall).

And a Helibar upper triple clamp replacement with their bar riser blocks.  Sitting nice and relaxed now.  My friend with the same bike, not a change, serves him perfectly.

Enjoy!
Steve.