Looked at new bikes last week

[B P]

I recently stopped at my Kaw dealer to buy a part & check out the new bikes. The Vaquero is a nice looking bike but I not a big fan of the small windscreen.
The Voyager is big & beautiful but looks to "plasticky".
The new Nomad is ok except the new bags, I hate them! So me and my 1600 Nomad will be friends for a while longer.
For all the Victory owners posting here...
The Victory power plant has always seemed to me to look like a big air
compressor. Kinda ugly. Not a Victory fan am I!
:yep:

[dshelly]

You really didn't want a new bike right now anyway, right ?

[Cajunrider]

Ooch, ouch, and Ah yi yie!

[blowndodge]

Coming from the Ozarks.......:lol:

[dshelly]

BD..........., slinging mud and from California? :hmm: :tehe:

[landman]

the short screen on the vaquero is easily replaced for minimal $'s.

[george james]

Bike[QUOTE=B P;510765]I recently stopped at my Kaw dealer to buy a part & check out the new bikes. The Vaquero is a nice looking bike but I not a big fan of the small windscreen.
The Voyager is big & beautiful but looks to "plasticky".
The new Nomad is ok except the new bags, I hate them! So me and my 1600 Nomad will be friends for a while longer.
For all the Victory owners posting here...
The Victory power plant has always seemed to me to look like a big air
compressor. Kinda ugly. Not a Victory fan am I!
:yep:[/QUO,

Show me a newish bike, car, truck that doesn't look plasticky. I can also find reasons not to buy.

[blowndodge]

BD..........., slinging mud and from California? :hmm: :tehe:

Mud? "for all those Victory owners posting here the motor looks like an air pump and "kinda ugly"?? :ohno::wtf::wave: dave did you just black out over that remark? I ran with it just like BP.

I didn't hear BP asking for your assistance. :P

[ponch]

All "engines" are air compressors

[highwayman2011]

I'm holding out for a 111, Thunder Stroke 111 from Indian(a Polaris Co.)

[ponch]

I recently stopped at my Kaw dealer to buy a part & check out the new bikes. The Vaquero is a nice looking bike but I not a big fan of the small windscreen.
The Voyager is big & beautiful but looks to "plasticky".
The new Nomad is ok except the new bags, I hate them! So me and my 1600 Nomad will be friends for a while longer.
For all the Victory owners posting here...
The Victory power plant has always seemed to me to look like a big air
compressor. Kinda ugly. Not a Victory fan am I!
:yep:

I was at a dealer yesterday, in for a warranty repair and looked at bikes too. Saw a nice used 2012 K1600GT and also checked out the new Water cooled GS. I like my beemer, but the new stuff is so tech laden that I wonder if riding by a power station might knock it out. I've gotten to the point where I know what I want and don't want. While the victory may not stir everyone's soul and may be not like a HD, it hits all the right notes like a beemer, but doesn't require a Ph.D in physics and literacy in german to work on it. :D That said, I better not go back to that dealer for awhile.

[Loafer]

I was at a dealer yesterday, in for a warranty repair and looked at bikes too. Saw a nice used 2012 K1600GT and also checked out the new Water cooled GS. I like my beemer, but the new stuff is so tech laden that I wonder if riding by a power station might knock it out. I've gotten to the point where I know what I want and don't want. While the victory may not stir everyone's soul and may be not like a HD, it hits all the right notes like a beemer, but doesn't require a Ph.D in physics and literacy in german to work on it. :D That said, I better not go back to that dealer for awhile.


:lol::lol::lol:

[ringadingh]

My neighbour looked at the new Beemer touring bike last week, it was about $42k out the door here. I think that brought him back to reality quickly.

[schoeney]

I was at a dealer yesterday, in for a warranty repair and looked at bikes too. Saw a nice used 2012 K1600GT and also checked out the new Water cooled GS. I like my beemer, but the new stuff is so tech laden that I wonder if riding by a power station might knock it out. I've gotten to the point where I know what I want and don't want. While the victory may not stir everyone's soul and may be not like a HD, it hits all the right notes like a beemer, but doesn't require a Ph.D in physics and literacy in german to work on it. :D That said, I better not go back to that dealer for awhile.

Interesting. Thinking about going back to a cruiser/bagger?

[ponch]

Interesting. Thinking about going back to a cruiser/bagger?

Well, like I said, I better not go back to the BMW dealer. If I did get a cruiser again, I'd probably look at a cross country or a cross country tour. That said, The GT is quite a bike, but I am not sure the bugs are out of it. In fact I am sure they aren't. The new watercooled boxer is neat too, but it's new. I've seen videos of the upcoming watercooled RT and I am not impressed. Looks like they made it sportier. The only other bike I want to see isn't here yet and that is the update to the ST. You never know though. If I saw the right deal, who knows. Right now I am riding every day so that will have to do. :yep:

[pooker]

Has anyone checked out the;
2013 Honda Gold Wing F6B

Looks like a nice machine!!

[ponch]

I am sure someone has. Only drawback is no ABS. What were they thinking?

[dank]

I am sure someone has. Only drawback is no ABS. What were they thinking?


Also no cruise control. Add cruise, ABS, a taller windscreen and a top case and it could be a great touring bike! Wonder if Honda will think of it. :ohno: :crazy:

[ponch]

Also no cruise control. Add cruise, ABS, a taller windscreen and a top case and it could be a great touring bike! Wonder if Honda will think of it. :ohno: :crazy:

And add 60-70 lbs of dead weight. If I thought the K bike was more reliable or better put knew it was as it's new, I would say that's the bike. 200lbs lighter than a gold wing with more HP and torque. I will be interested to see what honda does with the ST. Seems honda is dragging their feet though with new stuff.

[cactusjack]

Also no cruise control. Add cruise, ABS, a taller windscreen and a top case and it could be a great touring bike! Wonder if Honda will think of it. :ohno: :crazy:

Seriously? No ABS or cruise control? That's a shame.

[ponch]

Yeah, for 20 large too

[dank]

Jim, I think Honda is in between a rock and a hard place with the ST. It doesn’t need more power or acceleration, but to garner attention at the new bike’s release it will have to have it. That is expensive. It will also probably lessen mpg, which will not be thought a plus. They need to add cruise and heated grips to keep up with the competition, but also need stay somewhat competitive with the FJR on price and to lessen weight, yet any major remodeling will likely carry with it the necessity to add a catalytic converter to the mufflers. They designed a great bike with few if any serious flaws, and I suspect it is hard to redesign it so that it continues to be excellent in all the current ways, adds new features like cruise control, heated grips, suspension that can be adjusted on the fly, etc., and at the same time stay in a competitive price position. Yet they will lose the market, in fact already are, by not updating it.

[blowndodge]

Jim one thing that a big guy like you would like is the ROOM! The ergo's are second to NO OTHER BIKE when it comes to room. You'd like that and the fact that they are easy as pie to work on!

[IntheWind]

Seriously? No ABS or cruise control? That's a shame.
...and no reverse. I like it though. I sat on one a month ago. Very comfortable. I could live without ABS, but no cruise control? What were they thinking?
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

[dank]

Jim one thing that a big guy like you would like is the ROOM! The ergo's are second to NO OTHER BIKE when it comes to room. You'd like that and the fact that they are easy as pie to work on!

And goodness Jim, don't forget the XCT saddle bags! They're big enough for Brad to pack his ego without adding a sidecar!!! :tup:

[dshelly]

I always thought the Goldwings were more like an open air car than a bike.

[blowndodge]

And goodness Jim, don't forget the XCT saddle bags! They're big enough for Brad to pack his ego without adding a sidecar!!! :tup:

My ego is nicely packed away in my rather large melon head Dan! :wave:

[Monkeyman]

...and no reverse. I like it though. I sat on one a month ago. Very comfortable. I could live without ABS, but no cruise control? What were they thinking?
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

I don't care so much about reverse but I won't have another bike without cruise. I don't like the riding position of the Wing, either. Too much for too little. Once you add all the stuff the regular Wing has (like cruise, ABS, etc), it'll cost MORE than a normal Wing.

[Kevinhyland]

I have a friend with a Gold Wing and I have ridden it and for such a big bike the riding position is very cramped, couldn't wait to get back on my Vaquero. I am a Honda fan, I rode a Shadow for 4 years and it was a great bike, but as previously stated Honda has been passed up by the competition for lack of innovation in recent years, especially in the Cruiser market which is the largest sales demographic at this time. The same friend has a BMW 1300 and that bike handles amazing and is very fast, it too has a fairly cramped riding position but better than the Gold Wing. He can't keep up with me in the twisties on the Gold Wing, but on the Beemer he right on my tail. The Honda STS 1300 is a sweet ride, have a friend who owns 5 bikes and the STS is his favorite.

[ponch]

Jim one thing that a big guy like you would like is the ROOM! The ergo's are second to NO OTHER BIKE when it comes to room. You'd like that and the fact that they are easy as pie to work on!

I agree, but I can't get over the price. I am not ready to spend 23 large on a bike.

[ponch]

...and no reverse. I like it though. I sat on one a month ago. Very comfortable. I could live without ABS, but no cruise control? What were they thinking?
__________
IntheWind
'08 Nomad

Gotta have ABS and cruise.

[ponch]

And goodness Jim, don't forget the XCT saddle bags! They're big enough for Brad to pack his ego without adding a sidecar!!! :tup:

As big as they are, a full face helmet won't fit.

[schoeney]

I thing Honda will make a big splash in 2014 or 2015. Over the last few years they moved the wing production back to Japan, they dealt with the tsunami supply issues, and a bad economy. All three of these issues are pretty much over now......back to business.

Regarding the revamp of the ST, to add cruise, heated grips, and change the design of the instrument cluster would not be much on the OEM level. I think the real expense would be adding a 6th gear and updating the cosmetics. Personally I only think they need to tweak the cosmetics (rear end look just a bit and add a color?). But of course they are at $18,000 already compared to Yamaha's $16,000 so Dan is right, could price them out of the ball park.

Oh Ponch, the bags of the ST DO fit a full face helmet so score one more for Honda over Victory.:tup: Hey BD and Kris..........:P:lmao:

[ponch]

I thing Honda will make a big splash in 2014 or 2015. Over the last few years they moved the wing production back to Japan, they dealt with the tsunami supply issues, and a bad economy. All three of these issues are pretty much over now......back to business.

Regarding the revamp of the ST, to add cruise, heated grips, and change the design of the instrument cluster would not be much on the OEM level. I think the real expense would be adding a 6th gear and updating the cosmetics. Personally I only think they need to tweak the cosmetics (rear end look just a bit and add a color?). But of course they are at $18,000 already compared to Yamaha's $16,000 so Dan is right, could price them out of the ball park.

Oh Ponch, the bags of the ST DO fit a full face helmet so score one more for Honda over Victory.:tup: Hey BD and Kris..........:P:lmao:

So does my RT and it still looks good with the bags removed. 18K isn't prohibitive and the FJR isn't in the same ballpark for me: To tight ergos/too sporty. Even the C14 is so. The ST is more like the RT and Triumph Trophy, which is now the other choice. Triumph basically copied the RT and added a 1200 triple.

[blowndodge]

As big as they are, a full face helmet won't fit.

But 2 full faced helmets will fit in the trunk just fine with room to spare. :tup:

[blowndodge]

I agree, but I can't get over the price. I am not ready to spend 23 large on a bike.

It took me a while to justify it Jim. I've had not one second of buyer's remorse for spending that much. Kris and I are into the "age" factor. At what age will I decide to get a bike I want regardless of price. The answer came as "NOW". I ain't getting any younger... :tup:

[waterman]

I ain't getting any younger... :tup:

And definitely not any prettier.:P

[ponch]

My top case holds two as well, not much more. As far as money goes, I need to make more of it before I try to crack 20k.

[dank]

But 2 full faced helmets will fit in the trunk just fine with room to spare. :tup:


That would be nice. I can just barely squeeze two in my givi, but no room for anything else and I have to angle them exactly right.

[highwayman2011]

My Voyager has ABS and Cruise and was well under 20K, just sayin'. On another note we don't ride two up any more because my wife got her own Spyder RT Limited. Yes it was 26K.

[Netnorske]

I agree, but I can't get over the price. I am not ready to spend 23 large on a bike.

I thought that very thing, so I settled on the Voyager at about 8K less OTD (including accessory additions). Within a short time, I was sorry I did not just pony up the $$ for the bike I really wanted. That little mistake cost me an additional couple K to rectify, but to my credit (if I do say so myself), I recognized my unhappiness and moved quickly to get myself in a position where riding would be joyful again. Make no mistake, like with any bike, I had to spend some additional $$ to make the bike fit me a little better, but fit me it does (like a glove) and I could not be happier!

It's only money and if not for the things you enjoy in life, what good is it? My suggestion to anyone looking for a new bike, if you find one you REALLY like and want....do not let price be the deciding factor, like me, you will come to regret it later. You only live once, and besides Jared....none of us are getting any younger...:ohno::D.

[ponch]

My Voyager has ABS and Cruise and was well under 20K, just sayin'. On another note we don't ride two up any more because my wife got her own Spyder RT Limited. Yes it was 26K.

And the quality isn't there and that's why it's under 20K. Not trying to start something, we've been there before. I've ridden the Voyager, and it's not for me. Ergos are tighter than the 1600 and the bags/trunk are poor quality plastic, lots of plastichrome too. It's also pokey compared to the HD, Victory and just about anything in that price range and market segment.

[ponch]

I thought that very thing, so I settled on the Voyager at about 8K less OTD (including accessory additions). Within a short time, I was sorry I did not just pony up the $$ for the bike I really wanted. That little mistake cost me an additional couple K to rectify, but to my credit (if I do say so myself), I recognized my unhappiness and moved quickly to get myself in a position where riding would be joyful again. Make no mistake, like with any bike, I had to spend some additional $$ to make the bike fit me a little better, but fit me it does (like a glove) and I could not be happier!

It's only money and if not for the things you enjoy in life, what good is it? My suggestion to anyone looking for a new bike, if you find one you REALLY like and want....do not let price be the deciding factor, like me, you will come to regret it later. You only live once, and besides Jared....none of us are getting any younger...:ohno::D.

I haven't seen a bike I've HAD to have. Not in a long time. I agree about getting what you pay for, but my income isn't where I'd be comfortable spending that much. That could change in the future, but I am just trying to be responsible. I have a bike anyway and I ride every weekday as it is.

[dank]

And the quality isn't there and that's why it's under 20K. Not trying to start something, we've been there before. I've ridden the Voyager, and it's not for me. Ergos are tighter than the 1600 and the bags/trunk are poor quality plastic, lots of plastichrome too. It's also pokey compared to the HD, Victory and just about anything in that price range and market segment.


Ah, don't sugar coat it Jim, give it to them straight! :lmao:

[ponch]

It's just my opinion and only that. I think the Vulcans are reliable as anything out there but they are made to a price point.

[redjay]

I enjoy riding my Voyager more than I did my 05 Nomad, and more than any other bike I have owned. For the price I paid I could not have bought a bike that suits my riding needs any better.

[ponch]

Some people go through women, I go through bikes every 5-6 year on average, every 3-4 in the last 11. I'll be time soon enough. Bikes are cheaper.

[landman]

It's just my opinion and only that. I think the Vulcans are reliable as anything out there but they are made to a price point.

like most products,building to to a price point allows working folks of average
income to enjoy the joy of owning a new bike instead of being forced to buy
used.that's why they make chevys for the masses and cadilacs for the more
blessed.

[Loafer]

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j323/glmjgm/costofHD.png (http://s1080.photobucket.com/user/glmjgm/media/costofHD.png.html)

[ponch]

And I still don't like crap. Don't get even get me started on Chevys.

[RACNRAY]

My dad brought the first skoot home in December 1973, a bright red Suzuki TS125 enduro.
Couple more enduros came along and he eventually got himself a Yamaha TX500 twin, a nice skoot but with lotsa problems. In 1976 he bought a R75/6 Beemer and rode the heck out of it. It also was not without it's problems. I worked at the dealership that sold Beemers, we knicknamed them BWTROUBLEYOU'S!

Anyways all thru owning these skoots he always talked about wanting a Harley. Mom listened to this for years and finally told dad "go get yourself a Harley so I don't have to hear you bitching about it"!

He did. They were also not without their problems but dad was a happy guy. He got what his heart always wanted. Never heard a complaint again, even when one left him stranded on the hiway!

As has been said, get what your heart desires, anything else should be temporary and just filler material.

RACNRAY

[ponch]

BMWs used to be more reliable. With the Addition of more high tech and not good enough quality control on vendor sourced parts they have more problems now. They design the best bikes, but Honda should build them for BMW.

[dank]

BMWs used to be more reliable. With the Addition of more high tech and not good enough quality control on vendor sourced parts they have more problems now. They design the best bikes, but Honda should build them for BMW.


Seems a bit of an overstatement that sells Honda short. Sure Honda tends to have high build quality, but it takes good design to produce the problem free, long lasting, solid preforming bikes that Honda typically produces.

[ponch]

I disagree. You can have the best design in in the world but if quality control isn't good or manufacturing isn't good it doesn't matter. Think of William hung singing a verde opera.

[ponch]

And it doesn't sell Honda short. Honda's only problem is that their stuff gets long in tooth.

[dank]

I disagree. You can have the best design in in the world but if quality control isn't good or manufacturing isn't good it doesn't matter. Think of William hung singing a verde opera.


Read Jim, don't just react. I did not imply that quality control and good manufacturing are not important relative to design. I said Honda has all three.

[ponch]

And reread what I wrote. I never impugned Honda's quality in my original statement.

[ponch]

The perfect bike would be designed be Italians engineered by the Germans built by the Japanese and sold/marketed by Americans

[schoeney]

The perfect bike would be designed be Italians engineered by the Germans built by the Japanese and sold/marketed by Americans

Hey I am American-German (notice what I listed first:tup:) do we have any Italians and Japanese?

Of course we will need the Chinese to finance this venture.:hmm:

[ponch]

I m half Italian