2010 Concours 14 ABS

[DenyP]

Congratulations! I have been thinking about a Coni in my future. How does it handle on a gravel or dirt road? I have about a mile and a half of country road before the tar.

Deny

[motoman]

With the short profile tire on the front and smaller overall diameter, likely handles bout like my St on gravel......like riddin' on marbles. The XS11 with the 19 tall radious tire handles gravel well compared to these scoots. Kinda part of why our moto-X bikes run a 21in. on the front.......taller radious......more tire contact at the ground.

[Big Daddy Funk]

Funny you should ask...

Congratulations! I have been thinking about a Coni in my future. How does it handle on a gravel or dirt road? I have about a mile and a half of country road before the tar.

Deny

I've never been the type to baby a bike or worry about dirt or stone chips.
Just this past week I got off the beaten path and found myself on 4 inches of freshly laid gravel and dirt mixture. No track to follow.
With stupidity and poor judgement on my side, I figured that it was probably a short patch, I kept going... for 10 miles of hills and curves in the middle of nowhere.
I made it through with some anxious moments and was very relieved to get to the end. I found it was the depth of the gravel/dirt mix that tended to move the bike around. I'd like to say that it was experience and skill that got me through it unscathed but more likely it was the traction contol helped me out a bunch.
On a dirt bike with knobby tires it would have been a blast. Not so much fun on street bike.
I wouldn't try that road again until it has been packed down and has a track to follow.
I am very impressed with the traction control on gravel and sand, especially in corners. It probably won't be long until most new bikes come with it as standard safety equipment like air bags have become on cars.
Thx BDF

[Big Daddy Funk]

Snow in the forecast

It's getting close to that time in Northern Ontario, when the motorcycles go into hibernation and the snow sleds wake up. Afternoon temps are under 40 F., night and mornings are below freezing. Snow is in the forecast.
Despite a soggy and cold September, I put about 5600kms (3500mi) on the new Kawi. No problems or complaints other than a lack of spots to hook bungee cords to.
No heat problems or mileage issues. Averaged 18 km per litre (44mpg US) since new. A very stable and comfortable machine. Refined power and handling.
Thanks to Marty and Tom for the encouragement to take the leap into the 21st century.
Thx BDF

[slow mo]

great white north

with temps starting to plummet i decided to take advantage of an offer of heated secure winter storage,,so the express is locked up for winter,,so with that done ..ride safe to all ,,slow mo !