New acquisition, what would you choose?

[L.B.S.]

Please don't take my curiosity as any kind of criticism, happy, I am not meaning it in that way at all. I'm just a naturally curious type when it comes to this stuff!

I was just thinking that sometimes "almost" can be very subjective to different people, and different engine characteristics. Some people think a motor's redline is where the painted red section begins on the dial, others thinks it's where the red section ends, some just kind of guess, others keep the motor spinning until actual limiter is found.

I've read tests where the magazine writers say the limiter kicks in just above 8,000 rpm.

So I can totally understand if you were anywhere shy of 8k on this gauge, you might assume you were closer to the actual limit than you were. But say, if the ecu doesn't really shift the bike in S2 mode until just after 8k, dependent on engine load, how aggressive the throttle input is, etc., well then, I would think it would hang out at 7,900 rpm all day long, because it hadn't reached the shift point yet, under the prevailing specific parameters needed to do so.

 

[happy]

Please don't take my curiosity as any kind of criticism, happy, I am not meaning it in that way at all. I'm just a naturally curious type when it comes to this stuff!

I was just thinking that sometimes "almost" can be very subjective to different people, and different engine characteristics. Some people think a motor's redline is where the painted red section begins on the dial, others thinks it's where the red section ends, some just kind of guess, others keep the motor spinning until actual limiter is found.

I've read tests where the magazine writers say the limiter kicks in just above 8,000 rpm.

So I can totally understand if you were anywhere shy of 8k on this gauge, you might assume you were closer to the actual limit than you were. But say, if the ecu doesn't really shift the bike in S2 mode until just after 8k, dependent on engine load, how aggressive the throttle input is, etc., well then, I would think it would hang out at 7,900 rpm all day long, because it hadn't reached the shift point yet, under the prevailing specific parameters needed to do so.

Hey...old pal, no worries. I wasn't gonna let anyone's criticism get in my way in choosing a next bike.
Yeah I tried the AT DCT and did not like it.

It did have superb ergonomics though. Very tall for me (me gotta tip toe at stops) but then when it goes, it gives me a firm feeling of the ground.
I did not have enough time to go offroad (not that I am legally allowed in many places here).
I was given 1.5hours gratis (FOC) test ride.

The dealer also seemed surprised with my comments. I thought I was being kind to tell him his demo bike seems to be a lemon at 2nd gear.
Then again, no one really likes to hear negative things.

I did wish that it had gone better than it did.
Anyway it was quite an enjoyable test ride if I was "docile" and not like a mad hare out to race. (I was)

 

[happy]

I say that you gave the AT DCT a try and you didn't like it. No harm and no foul. At least you did not buy one and find out you didn't like it after signing the papers.

My money is on you ending up on a GS before too long.

Thanks Dave.
I do think many folks (not meaning anyone in particular) was unable (or unwilling) to really rip the demo bike to see her capabilities.
Many will have bought it with minimal or zero testing (and I do mean testing the limits) of any bike before buying.
And after buying, it is usually not a good thing to bash one's own bike (and own toes) with negative comments about one's own purchase.

I was indeed lucky to have a demo bike to test today. OTOH, the ergonomics is very good. Very good.

PS: The Honda dealer also told me there are no new shipment of new ATs for the time being because the Honda factory has had earthquake. Is this guy trying indirect sales tactic?

 

[L.B.S.]

Yeah I tried the AT DCT and did not like it.

In the end, that's all that counts anyway, how you feel about a bike you are trying to decide on. No one can try to argue against all of those little intangible things that make us each like the things we like, yet not care for other things- it would be very boring if everyone liked the same stuff!

 

[dduelin]

Thanks Dave.
I do think many folks (not meaning anyone in particular) was unable (or unwilling) to really rip the demo bike to see her capabilities.
Many will have bought it with minimal or zero testing (and I do mean testing the limits) of any bike before buying.
And after buying, it is usually not a good thing to bash one's own bike (and own toes) with negative comments about one's own purchase.

I was indeed lucky to have a demo bike to test today. OTOH, the ergonomics is very good. Very good.

PS: The Honda dealer also told me there are no new shipment of new ATs for the time being because the Honda factory has had earthquake. Is this guy trying indirect sales tactic?

PS. Well, there was an earthquake that struck Japan and in fact the Honda factory producing the AT was damaged along with a number of Africa Twins awaiting shipment. The factory is still not up and running. Some folks might be influenced by the short term lack of supply and buy one that is available now rather than waiting. I think he's (dealer) just doing his job. I'm not sure about Switzerland but in the USA a large percentage of shoppers buy a new whatever within 3 days of visiting a showroom to look at one and nearly all buy within 90 days. I sold cars in another life and I can't tell you the number of times I later called someone that walked out without buying saying "I'm just looking" that said "sorry, I bought one the next day" somewhere else.

 

[HarveyM]

I wonder if your problem was due to the Africa Twin's 'tilt sensor'

"Further new functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, by means of which the gear shift pattern is adapted depending on the grade of any incline to provide optimum control."

 

[netizen]

I don't have much to add to your question... just wanted to say Welcome Back Happy! Your welcome around this forum no matter what your riding!

Hope you find what your looking for. Just wait until you feel the bike is right and you should be happy with it (no pun intended)

Since your on the other side of the pond, recommendations are a bit different as the bikes over there are not as expensive to buy or maintain as they would be in the US.

I am NOT a fan of the big bikes, especially for ADV riding which is why I am riding the NCX. (yes I realize the NCX is considered a big bike in most of the rest of the world)
Anything I would recommend would probably not interest you due to my size preferences in bikes.

Hope you hang around here no matter what you end up riding Happy!

 

[Old Can Ride]

If a bike has two wheels and a motor, set on it. If the bike fits, buy it.

 

[johnakay]

sorry OCR I dont agree .
when you get to our age we dont bend so easily so the bike has to feel comfortable even if it got two wheels and a motor.
that would be my priority then comes do I like the bike?,does do what I want? etc etc.

 

[JamesD]

I have three bikes so my answer probably won't be what you want to hear.
Besides the NC I have a 1998 VFR800, and a 2000 WR400F.

If I just replaced the NC700X, it would be with an NC750X with DCT... which isn't available in the US. I'd have the foot shifter option installed.
If I replaced the VFR800 and NC700X, I'd buy an ST1300, VFR1200, or FJR1300 and I'd probably buy it used if I could find one with low miles.
If I replaced the NC700X and WR400 I'd buy an Africa Twin or Super Tenere.

 

[Deleted member 1183]

Hi Happy so You tried the DCT AT and didn't like it. From what I am reading Your problem seems to be just with the DCT aspect of that particular bike. As mentioned elsewhere I have already succumbed. I have the base model AT, non abs. I am curious that you didn't try that model or the abs version, especially as your NC is a standard gear change also ?

 

[happy]

Hi Happy so You tried the DCT AT and didn't like it. From what I am reading Your problem seems to be just with the DCT aspect of that particular bike. As mentioned elsewhere I have already succumbed. I have the base model AT, non abs. I am curious that you didn't try that model or the abs version, especially as your NC is a standard gear change also ?

I had no time.
I was busy getting scammed by the shopkeeper for anew battery for the NC700X.
He does have a manual AT which will not have any DCT issues with me.

But again, price of AT seems high compared to a new GS which is about 15% more here and the latter has much more engineering than the AT. Shaft drive, looks better, brand name, electronic suspension etc etc.



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[happy]

I wonder if your problem was due to the Africa Twin's 'tilt sensor'

"Further new functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection, by means of which the gear shift pattern is adapted depending on the grade of any incline to provide optimum control."

I thought that too. But I wasn't doing any crazy hill climbing competition.



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[Brillot2000]

I test drove the Super Tenere this spring and and am impressed. Admittedly, I have never driven any of it's competitors but I can't imagine how any bike could feel much better. Definitely a world class bike that deserves consideration.

I test rode one of these about 2 years ago, I was not impressed in the least bit. First gear has no torque and feels like you are starting off in second. "Eco Mode" makes the bike non-responsive and perform like a sick dog.

I'm entitled to my option...

 

[Gbjbany]

well you have eliminated Yamaha and Suzuki , so that means no , Fj09 , FZ09 or FZ07. Also no Vstrom

Also agree the Super T did not spin my wheels at all , sorry.

What about Kawasaki Versys (probably the right money) ? or a KTM 1190 - a friend of mine loves his - maybe too much money - also right in your back yard ! or Ducati Multistrada or Hypermotard -great financing deals on them in the US right now.

 

[happy]

Today I tried the 2011 R1200GS.
I am.....not impressed.
The bike looked new, is 5 years old and had only 6500km on the clock.
Tires were almost new too and with 3 panniers.

First thing I saw was a very yellow front brake reservoir. On closer inspection, it even had a layer of fungus on the cylinder. Ouch.
Then I saw the left clutch with dark brown clutch oil (fluid). Someone please tell me I am not imagining this.

The engine and power delivery was under par. I have had a R1100R from 1995 and TBH, I suddenly realised why I did not crave for a GS all these last 20 years. It was slugged sh at best under 4500rpm and then loud and shaky after 5000rpm. Not quite a good flashback.
The engine seems to be brand new and very tight. Not runned in at all. It was running out of breath at 5000rpm although I could force it to 7000rpm, and then I stopped because the bike belonged to my friend from church.
Brakes was a bit spongy but perhaps because visually the fluid was yellow. Should this be clear?

Otherwise the metals and plastics were showroom new. Exhaust was ok, no great shakes.

In the end I listed out the things I needed to do, a new brake bleeding exercise (200-300chf by the BMW service) and a new battery (400chf) and oil service (300chf) and I asked for a reduction in price. He came down a bit but not at the price I offered.

So no deal. Actually I am now afraid he might call me back and accept my price offer and then I have to buy it (not quite what I want).

Next, the new model GS with ESA and Cruise control. Here I come.


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[supertux1]

One day I will own a BMW 1200GS, but not today. I get that motorcycles aren't cheap, but BMW's seem unnecessarily expensive, and maybe they can command that price since they practically invented the adventure class and there's a certain status that goes along with owning one. (Like HD...) I love my NC, so far it's been completely problem free and a joy to farkle up and personalize without breaking the bank.

 

[rippin209]

One day I will own a BMW 1200GS, but not today. I get that motorcycles aren't cheap, but BMW's seem unnecessarily expensive, and maybe they can command that price since they practically invented the adventure class and there's a certain status that goes along with owning one. (Like HD...) I love my NC, so far it's been completely problem free and a joy to farkle up and personalize without breaking the bank.

If I have the money and want that level of comfort I'll just get a bigger Honda. STI or a gold wing would be nice.

 

[happy]

If I have the money and want that level of comfort I'll just get a bigger Honda. STI or a gold wing would be nice.

To be objective, have you tried out a R1200 RT or a K1600 GT?
They are more expensive than Hondas....but hey, they are not just expensive to be expensive.

 

[Deleted member 1183]

Next, the new model GS with ESA and Cruise control. Here I come.

I am not a BMW fan at all, but I tried one of them over a year ago to assess the suspension as so called state of the art equipment, prior to updating the suspension on my Triumph 1200 Explorer. I will say nothing for now but I will be interested to see your opinion.