New bike road tests

[nashville_bill]

I have taken test rides on two new motorcycles in the past few weeks.

The first one was a BMW R1100R. A nice bike with great suspension and brakes. At first, I wasn't thrilled with the engine because it had a lawn mower like woble to it at idle and low speed. It recovered nicely after building some RPM and cruised very smoothly and I found myself doing 85 without knowing it.

The second was a Yamaha Road Star. A big truck like bike that has a 1670 cc engine with truck like tourqe and a lot of V-twin vibration. I haven't any idea where the top of the RPM horse power is because the bike has no tach. The first problem I had was finding a place to put my feet. The foot boards are very far forward but seemed comfy after awhile. I wear a full face helmet and had to look down to see the speedo which is mounted on the tank. After riding this bike, I feel like my XS is a modern wonder.

After both test rides I was very happy to get back on my twenty-two year old XS11 and ride away from the dealer.

[fusionking]

You know Bill I feel the same way! I wonder why Yamaha quit making the xs so soon yet made the V-Max forever. Go figure. The only thing I have against the XS-XJ is the tranny stuff. I was riding my bike home from work just today and thinking what a NICE looking, simple motorcycle and really lo-buck too!!!!!!!!!! Garry

[Jerry]

I had similar reaction a couple years ago at Americade, where I had a chance to ride a Polaris Victory and a BMW R1150RT. The Victory was a real disappointment, but I hear they have improved over the last couple years. The BMW was great, but with a price tag of 18K it was, and is, out of my price range.

As I got back on my XJ I was struck by how well the basic design has held up.
Over the last 3 years I've done this to my XJ: (set up for touring)

Progressive fork springs ($125.00)
Tkat fork brace ($85.00)
Stainless-steel brake lines ($110.00)
Custom seat ($420.00)
Sealed, maintenance-free battery ($95.00)
Vetter fairing and luggage ($150.00)
Jardine 4-into-2 exhaust ($50.00)
Engine case guards & alternate footrests ($90.00)
Floorboards ($35.00)
Heel-toe shifter ($10.00)
Throttle lock ($15.00)
"2nd gear fix" (Had used parts - just gaskets: $25.00?)
Jemison replacement fuse block ($35.00)

Total: $1,245.00

Still to do: (Wish list!)
Electronic cruise control
Upgrade rear shocks
New manifold boots
Coil and plug wire upgrade.

Many of these things, like battery and fuse block, are maintenance items for a 21 year old bike. Purchase price was $650, so I am still under 2K total investment, not including regular items like oil filters, tires, brake pads and such.

Nothing can beat the bang for the buck of my XJ. Its a lot of fun to ride!

[sixtysix]

I was with Jerry at Americade, and for sure the BMW R bike are not going to impress us XS-XJ owners. Only bike with a transmission worse than an XS! Since then I have ridden probably 15 or so Demo or test rides on different bikes. There is better stuff out there.....I own a couple nice ones, but some of the new stuff is amazing........

[rockyr74]

I go to Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio every year and they have LOTS of demo rides. I agee with Nashville Bill and end up with a post ride order to Dennis Kirk for XS parts and improvements rather than a purchase of a new bike.

Some general observations:
Most jap cruisers are pigs - The warrior brings it up a notch and so does the VTX, but show is more important than go in most cases.

Large Harleys are really fun to ride - The twin cam is superb, but price tag is too high - then there is all the extra apparel one has to buy.

Buells are fun to ride too, if you don't have to buy one. New 883 Sportsters are dogs regardless.

The anti lock braking on BMWs is very cool - it works, a full handfull of brake and no skid. I would buy a used RT as a tourer. Still a ten grand used bike vs. a bike with a total investment of 1 to 2 ?? No contest - Dennis Kirk here I come.

The Yamaha FZ1 fits this old 46 year old guy like a glove. I do lust for one of these. A Zen moment.

[Mike Hart]

If you like the FZ1, you'll also like the Suzuki GSF1200 and the Kawasaki ZXR1200!