cycle world writes on the middleweights

[doubleminded]

I just got the most recent CW magazine in the mail.They are talking about the honda n700 x being the bike that could change the future of motorcycling.48 hp, legs bent at about 120 degrees to ride it,but at $7000 and 73 mpg it is a good deal. I am surprised at its vertical twin engine configuration, but at least it isnt a v twin.Our bikes are probably about 100 pounds too heavy to be a middleweight, and surprisingly some of thes bikes tested have a good quarter mile time and decent topend speed.I am glad to see the end of the 1800 vtx and 2000 vulcan.it seems like everyone is coming out with some cool bikes except suzuki.I think they might be done except for racing.The honda cbr 250 is their best seller for honda and the 250 ninja for kawasaki.

Alas, a rebirth of a bike like ours isnt going to happen.

[mario]

they have a review on the new honda in this months 'rider' too, along with a comp w/ the kaw versys and suzuki v strom 650.  they were pretty high on the honda except for slow off the line and when using the automatic it's sluggish at speed and it tops out at 65 or so.  but they liked the automatic as an option for newbies.  a bit cramped for someone on the tall side.  and it has a compartment under the seat that will fit a fullface and lists plenty of addons.  will not off road.

[Bosman]

I'm curious as to your statement that you were glad to see the VTX1800 go. I traded in my 1999 Valkyrie Tourer for a 2008 VTX1800N (zero miles). I bought the Valkyrie new and put 60K plus miles on her, and enjoyed every one of those miles. The Valkyrie is great, but so is the VTX. They both have pro's and con's. The more I ride the 1800 the more I appreciate the rolling torque. I don't shift to fifth gear unless I'm above 65. If I'm cruising at 75 and want to pass a semi I just turn the throttle and I'm doing 95. I'm sure the Valkyrie would have a higher top speed. I was once on a Valkyrie lunch run down south somewhere with my ex. On the way back we were on some stretch of new highway. Rainman came up beside me on his Honda Blackbird and egged me on. I gave it the gas and we were going faster and faster. He was literally run circles around me. I looked down at the speedometer and I was doing 135. The bike was so smooth I had no idea I was going that fast. I shut her down and pulled off the road. It scared the hell out of me to be going that fast two up. The Valkyrie is a great bike, but so is the VTX.

[six2go #152]

" and it tops out at 65 or so."

Not true. Go back & read the article again. They said the REDLINE was 6500. I rode the automatic version a couple of weeks ago & it will top out at WELL ABOVE 65.

[RainMaker]

We had a dealer bring one to our last meeting.  It was nice!

[mario]

" and it tops out at 65 or so."

Not true. Go back & read the article again. They said the REDLINE was 6500. I rode the automatic version a couple of weeks ago & it will top out at WELL ABOVE 65.

I stand corrected.

[doubleminded]

I'm curious as to your statement that you were glad to see the VTX1800 go. I traded in my 1999 Valkyrie Tourer for a 2008 VTX1800N (zero miles). I bought the Valkyrie new and put 60K plus miles on her, and enjoyed every one of those miles. The Valkyrie is great, but so is the VTX. They both have pro's and con's. The more I ride the 1800 the more I appreciate the rolling torque. I don't shift to fifth gear unless I'm above 65. If I'm cruising at 75 and want to pass a semi I just turn the throttle and I'm doing 95. I'm sure the Valkyrie would have a higher top speed. I was once on a Valkyrie lunch run down south somewhere with my ex. On the way back we were on some stretch of new highway. Rainman came up beside me on his Honda Blackbird and egged me on. I gave it the gas and we were going faster and faster. He was literally run circles around me. I looked down at the speedometer and I was doing 135. The bike was so smooth I had no idea I was going that fast. I shut her down and pulled off the road. It scared the hell out of me to be going that fast two up. The Valkyrie is a great bike, but so is the VTX.

Clarification: I am glad they stopped making the VTX.There may not be anyone else that feels that way.I rode a 1800 retro and it felt like a huge heavy cumbersome tank to me,like a vulcan 2000 would if my guesses were right.I never rode the vulcan. But Honda kept increasing the displacement, which added weight,which made good handling a challenge.The 1300 is a way better bike for me and even though it has a anemic 56 horsepower, the weight of the bike makes it easier and fun to ride.I have said before calling a 56 hp 1300 cc bike an interstate is kind of a joke to me.Crank its power up to about 70 HP and one would have a perfect touring cruiser in my opinion only.The valkyrie is the only big bike I have owned that didnt feel big once I get above parking lot speed.I owned ultras,goldwings, 2 ventures, and the valkyrie is the best of them for me.I can not imagine going 2 up at 135.Scary for sure.Even 1 up I havent done that when I briefly owned a sportbike.

Clarification: