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Last saturday I went to 2nd annual Bikefest at Copper Mountain, Colorado. Signed up to ride 3 bikes: Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic, Yamaha Warrior, and Suzuki C90. The warrior is not really in the same class as the other 2, and drove like it, but my overall observation is one of vague disappointment. Every time I ride a V-Twin I am remided why I don't own one...vibration.
The Vulcan was the worst. Vibration even made reading the tank-mounted speedo difficult. (Plus, on all 3 bikes, I didn't like looking down that far to see the speedo and gauge cluster.) The Yamaha was better, had better roll on performance, but still after the 20 mile ride I could feel the vibration in my arms and seat. Not really impressed.
Best over-all was the Suzuki. Rated at 1492cc, it had the least vibration but shifting was noisier, though still smooth. Suspension seemed to work the best overall, though I would have cranked up the preload a bit to handle my 260 lbs. Brakes were excellent, best of the 3, both front and rear very smooth, positive and linear with excellent feel.
With a price range form about 9K and up, I didn't feel any of the 3 were that much better than my XJ. Clearly the lower seat heights, longer cruising range, floorboard and heel/toe shifter set-up, and better brakes(!) were things I could appreciate. The vibration, lack of a tachometer (up to $300 as an option) and tank-mounted gauge cluster were all drawbacks. Maybe I expected to much.
A bike I would like to ride but didn't have a chance was the new 2300cc Triumph tripple. One of the guys I went with (5 of us total) road one. Truly impressive he says, with something like 140 pounds-feet of torque generated at 1,500 rpm. Difficult to ride slowly. Its also faster than a Hyabusa. Price is right around 18K.
At any rate, I left the event (which also included AMA SuperCross races - interesting to watch) without a buring desire to get a new bike, at least none of the ones I rode. (Also tried out a Suzuki 4wd ATV. That was kind of a hoot.) had a good time, though, and was reminded once again how well the XS/XJ design has held up over the years.
Cost of admission for the day was $20.00, which included test rides and admission into the SuperCross. If you get a chance , attending one of these eventsis a good way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
The Vulcan was the worst. Vibration even made reading the tank-mounted speedo difficult. (Plus, on all 3 bikes, I didn't like looking down that far to see the speedo and gauge cluster.) The Yamaha was better, had better roll on performance, but still after the 20 mile ride I could feel the vibration in my arms and seat. Not really impressed.
Best over-all was the Suzuki. Rated at 1492cc, it had the least vibration but shifting was noisier, though still smooth. Suspension seemed to work the best overall, though I would have cranked up the preload a bit to handle my 260 lbs. Brakes were excellent, best of the 3, both front and rear very smooth, positive and linear with excellent feel.
With a price range form about 9K and up, I didn't feel any of the 3 were that much better than my XJ. Clearly the lower seat heights, longer cruising range, floorboard and heel/toe shifter set-up, and better brakes(!) were things I could appreciate. The vibration, lack of a tachometer (up to $300 as an option) and tank-mounted gauge cluster were all drawbacks. Maybe I expected to much.
A bike I would like to ride but didn't have a chance was the new 2300cc Triumph tripple. One of the guys I went with (5 of us total) road one. Truly impressive he says, with something like 140 pounds-feet of torque generated at 1,500 rpm. Difficult to ride slowly. Its also faster than a Hyabusa. Price is right around 18K.
At any rate, I left the event (which also included AMA SuperCross races - interesting to watch) without a buring desire to get a new bike, at least none of the ones I rode. (Also tried out a Suzuki 4wd ATV. That was kind of a hoot.) had a good time, though, and was reminded once again how well the XS/XJ design has held up over the years.
Cost of admission for the day was $20.00, which included test rides and admission into the SuperCross. If you get a chance , attending one of these eventsis a good way to spend a Saturday or Sunday.
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