Doing some thinking about a new bike

[six2go #152]

Back in the Spring of 2014 I made a huge blunder. I traded my '98 Valkyrie and '08 V-Strom 650 on a new 2013 F6B. The B is probably the best motorcycle I have ever owned but I just cannot seem to connect with it. My riding style has changed over the years and I don't do much distance riding anymore so I don't really need an 840 lb touring bike, so I've been looking to down size.
I have looked at what the major manufacturers have to offer and nothing really trips my trigger.
My friend Psychotic Bovine brought my attention to Janus Motorcycles. Janus bikes are built about 70 miles from me and they make old looking machines with modern technology. The only model I would want is the "Halcyon 450". It takes 6 - 8 months to get one after ordering. I would have to go to the factory and try one on for size, but for my usual 50 - 60 mile rides around the county, I think it would suit my needs(if comfortable).
I don't expect anyone else to be interested in a Janus, but check out their machines anyway, they're neat.

www.janusmotorcycles.com

[Jersey mike]

The Indian Scout bike seemed to appeal to me if I was buying a short distance, country cruising around town bike. I never rode one but sat on one at a dealership and was pretty comfy.

[Grandpot]

I'm actually have been thinking of getting a V-Strom 650.  What did you not like about it?

[f6john]

Would not be for me, not yet for sure. For that kind of money I’d rather have my 72 CL 360 with the six speed transmission back that I sold for $800.00.

I know just too cool,



Even this 550 was very flickable if my memory serves me correctly.

[six2go #152]

I'm actually thinking of getting a V-Strom 650.  What did you not like about it?

There was nothing I didn't like about the 650 Strom. I had it accessorized so that I would have been comfortable on a coast to coast trip. RDL seat was the main thing but also a peg lowering kit and 20mm handlebar risers. It was a great bike. I just got caught up in the moment when the dealer made me a good deal on a 2 fer trade. A new Strom is also on my list.

[Oldfishguy]

Would not be for me, not yet for sure. For that kind of money I’d rather have my 72 CL 360 with the six speed transmission back that I sold for $800.00.

I know just too cool,



Even this 550 was very flickable if my memory serves me correctly.

Nice machines, I’ve owned them both as well.  The top one is a 1974 CB360; the CL was the Scrambler version.

https://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_CB360K

That 550 is beautiful!  Extended forks and ape handlebars to boot, cool machine!

[f6john]

Your right it was a 74! The 550 was a 76. I’m not very good with the nomenclature of the bikes back then but the 360 was an upgrade of some sort, mine had a disc brake on the front where others had a drum brake. Maybe the exhaust was somewhat different too?

[Psychotic Bovine]

I do love the look of those Janus bikes.  I also love the Royal Enfields.

[..]

Back in the Spring of 2014 I made a huge blunder. I traded my '98 Valkyrie and '08 V-Strom 650 on a new 2013 F6B. The B is probably the best motorcycle I have ever owned but I just cannot seem to connect with it. My riding style has changed over the years and I don't do much distance riding anymore so I don't really need an 840 lb touring bike, so I've been looking to down size.
I have looked at what the major manufacturers have to offer and nothing really trips my trigger.
My friend Psychotic Bovine brought my attention to Janus Motorcycles. Janus bikes are built about 70 miles from me and they make old looking machines with modern technology. The only model I would want is the "Halcyon 450". It takes 6 - 8 months to get one after ordering. I would have to go to the factory and try one on for size, but for my usual 50 - 60 mile rides around the county, I think it would suit my needs(if comfortable).
I don't expect anyone else to be interested in a Janus, but check out their machines anyway, they're neat.

www.janusmotorcycles.com

$16,790 for a 450cc plus delivery and shipping and taxes. 

[_Sheffjs_]

Consider a CTX 700?

[cookiedough]

Consider a CTX 700?

I was going to buy one around that 3K mark near new condition.  If just a commuter bike,  would be o.k., barely.  I test drove it and said NOPE, no performance whatsoever, gutless.  Was barely adequate power for me anyways.  Was pretty comfy though for a 700cc parallet vtwin.  I did not like the shift points having to shift WAY early in the rev range for it would cut power drastically forcing you to shift ASAP.  Am sure GREAT mpg though and easy to handle and be comfy on. 

I do like the looks of them and worth looking at and can be customized for long distance touring with rear luggage and side bags and nice windshield.   Chain drive sorta a bummer but not a deal breaker.  Very lightweight cycle easy to maneuver.  Just do not expect to win any races on it. 

[LTD]

If I ever down size it will be to a kawasaki versys 1000 great bike and can tour cross country no problem

[GWS]

Have you considered a Honda VFR or a Suzuki Bandit? Two great, versatile, lightweight (relatively), reliable bikes. You can buy them pretty cheap, too.

A co-worker's son has a VFR. He commutes with it and takes it to Vermont on weekends and absolutely loves it. Plus, he gets to say "Viffer" all the time! 

[Dave Ritsema]

I totally get it and think they are very cool, especially if you just want to go blow a little wind in your hair.
Plus they are made about 20 miles from my house.

From a handling and looks perspective I LOVED my F6B and often miss it.

[six2go #152]

Back in the Spring of 2014 I made a huge blunder. I traded my '98 Valkyrie and '08 V-Strom 650 on a new 2013 F6B. The B is probably the best motorcycle I have ever owned but I just cannot seem to connect with it. My riding style has changed over the years and I don't do much distance riding anymore so I don't really need an 840 lb touring bike, so I've been looking to down size.
I have looked at what the major manufacturers have to offer and nothing really trips my trigger.
My friend Psychotic Bovine brought my attention to Janus Motorcycles. Janus bikes are built about 70 miles from me and they make old looking machines with modern technology. The only model I would want is the "Halcyon 450". It takes 6 - 8 months to get one after ordering. I would have to go to the factory and try one on for size, but for my usual 50 - 60 mile rides around the county, I think it would suit my needs(if comfortable).
I don't expect anyone else to be interested in a Janus, but check out their machines anyway, they're neat.

www.janusmotorcycles.com

$16,790 for a 450cc plus delivery and shipping and taxes. 

Yeah, so?

[derek533]

After owning a plethora of bikes of all types in my short years of riding (98 Marauder, 05 Fz6, 09 V900, Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, Burgman 650, Spirit 1100, Royal Star Tour Deluxe, Valkyrie), I'm slowly starting to realize that for pure comfort, ease of manueverability, maintenance, fuel economy, etc., that mid-sized cruisers are the best thing going when taking all of those considerations into consideration.  Plenty of power for solo riding, comfortable, easy to move around the garage, easy to work on, cheap to insure, etc.   

I'm talking crusiers with v-twins from say 900cc (Vulcan V900) to possibly 1300cc's.  After that, you start having trade-offs in that the weight makes them hard to move around, you lose fuel economy, more expensive to maintain and acquire, etc.  The mid size range seems to be sweet spot that captures the best of all points of motorcycle ownership.  All of this goes out the window for 2-up touring of course.  But for city/backroads riding for a few hours here and there, I really think they are probably the best.  I love my Valk, but it's not as comfortable as a true forward controlled cruiser for my 6'0 frame.  Fuel economy is actrocious comparatively speaking, and it's somewhat complex to work on.  I expected all of this of course, but it is the truth. 

[Valkorado]

After owning a plethora of bikes of all types in my short years of riding (98 Marauder, 05 Fz6, 09 V900, Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, Burgman 650, Spirit 1100, Royal Star Tour Deluxe, Valkyrie), I'm slowly starting to realize that for pure comfort, ease of manueverability, maintenance, fuel economy, etc., that mid-sized cruisers are the best thing going when taking all of those considerations into consideration.  Plenty of power for solo riding, comfortable, easy to move around the garage, easy to work on, cheap to insure, etc.   

I'm talking crusiers with v-twins from say 900cc (Vulcan V900) to possibly 1300cc's.  After that, you start having trade-offs in that the weight makes them hard to move around, you lose fuel economy, more expensive to maintain and acquire, etc.  The mid size range seems to be sweet spot that captures the best of all points of motorcycle ownership.  All of this goes out the window for 2-up touring of course.  But for city/backroads riding for a few hours here and there, I really think they are probably the best.  I love my Valk, but it's not as comfortable as a true forward controlled cruiser for my 6'0 frame.  Fuel economy is actrocious comparatively speaking, and it's somewhat complex to work on.  I expected all of this of course, but it is the truth. 

Was riding the Black Canyon last week, came upon a big ol' boy riding a new burgundy Wing.  While it has that massive flat six 1800 engine, Honda tucked it away inside a more compact frame that makes it appear to be a flickable mid size bike.  Kinda looks like a beefed up ST1300.  I haven't ridden one yet, perhaps out of fear that it will also perform more like a sport touring bike and I decide I can't live without one.  My budget says I should hold off, for now at least.

Gotta admit I have seriously considered selling both my beloved fat ladies and finding a svelte new (used) Wing, or maybe even one of the 1800 Valkyries.  I am reaching a point in life that fuel injected reliability means more than to me than classic looks.  Single sided swingarm a big plus too.  But all that Tupperware.  I've heard even oil changes require some serious plastic removal.

[..]

After owning a plethora of bikes of all types in my short years of riding (98 Marauder, 05 Fz6, 09 V900, Moto Guzzi Breva 1100, Burgman 650, Spirit 1100, Royal Star Tour Deluxe, Valkyrie), I'm slowly starting to realize that for pure comfort, ease of manueverability, maintenance, fuel economy, etc., that mid-sized cruisers are the best thing going when taking all of those considerations into consideration.  Plenty of power for solo riding, comfortable, easy to move around the garage, easy to work on, cheap to insure, etc.   

I'm talking crusiers with v-twins from say 900cc (Vulcan V900) to possibly 1300cc's.  After that, you start having trade-offs in that the weight makes them hard to move around, you lose fuel economy, more expensive to maintain and acquire, etc.  The mid size range seems to be sweet spot that captures the best of all points of motorcycle ownership.  All of this goes out the window for 2-up touring of course.  But for city/backroads riding for a few hours here and there, I really think they are probably the best.  I love my Valk, but it's not as comfortable as a true forward controlled cruiser for my 6'0 frame.  Fuel economy is actrocious comparatively speaking, and it's somewhat complex to work on.  I expected all of this of course, but it is the truth. 

Was riding the Black Canyon last week, came upon a big ol' boy riding a new burgundy Wing.  While it has that massive flat six 1800 engine, Honda tucked it away inside a more compact frame that makes it appear to be a flickable mid size bike.  Kinda looks like a beefed up ST1300.  I haven't ridden one yet, perhaps out of fear that it will also perform more like a sport touring bike and I decide I can't live without one.  My budget says I should hold off, for now at least.

Gotta admit I have seriously considered selling both my beloved fat ladies and finding a svelte new (used) Wing, or maybe even one of the 1800 Valkyries.  I am reaching a point in life that fuel injected reliability means more than to me than classic looks.  Single sided swingarm a big plus too.  But all that Tupperware.  I've heard even oil changes require some serious plastic removal.

The 1800 air filter is a royal PITA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8iMVpSJ6Ok

The bottom of the engine isn't flat, flat V shape, so jacking can be an adventure esp for rear wheel BUT it's easy on and off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuF4yQCy0lw

Last Sunday leading the group from MN at their group speed I got just under 60mpg. 

[F6Dave]

I've had 2 F6Bs, which are basically a GL1800 without a trunk. I've ridden them about 100K miles combined. Here are a few thoughts.

Oil change is every bit as easy as the Valk. No plastic to remove. Some GL1800 owners (including me) put a 'belly pan' on the underside to protect the coolant reservoir, which is mounted down there. If you do that, there's a 2 screw front piece that has to come off for the oil change. Only takes a few seconds.

Air filter is a 3 hour job as you have to remove dozens of plastic panels. But you can wait until 40K miles or longer, so it's an infrequent PITA.

The single sided swingarm makes tire swaps a breeze. I got a spare rear wheel from a trike builder and always have a mounted tire ready to go. I can swap it in less than an hour, maybe 30 minutes if I hurry.

GL1800s have center stands, so I've never needed my lift to change tires. For the front I use the center stand and raise the front of the engine a bit with a floor jack. BTW the front wheel removal is very similar to the Valk.

Electronic cruise control is wonderful. I never thought I'd use it so much. Heated grips are nice to have as well.

Fuel injection is so much better than carbs. Mileage is greatly improved -- I usually get mid 40s. And you don't have to worry about hydro-lock!

Handling, braking, and power are all slightly better on the 1800, but not by much.

Honda greatly upgraded the audio system sometime around 2008. They added a massive amp under the rear fender and support to play MP3s from a USB drive, with folder and track information on shown on the dash. You can flip through tracks with a thumb switch.

Having said all of this, Valkyries still have some real advantages. They look great and get attention everywhere, even more as they are becoming so rare. They also sound great. Full Wings are nearly silent, while most F6Bs are louder but have a strange drone. Valk saddlebags hold more than the bags on an 1800. When travelling on the F6B I add a bag on the rear rack.

I've taken my Interstate on 2 long trips this summer and enjoyed it thoroughly. But between the two, the 1800 is a better overall bike.

[cookiedough]

near 60 mpg on a 1800 goldiing aye?  I gotta see it to believe it.   I can see 50 but not near 60 if babying it.    Best EVER on my 1500 Valk I/S was 40 mpg but usually 35 or 36 avg mpg

[Valkorado]

Dave thanks for the info.  I love how that F6B looks in white!   Almost  looking. 

[F6Dave]

Dave thanks for the info.  I love how that F6B looks in white!   Almost  looking. 

I was surprised by how good the matte white color looks. Here's my favorite picture at Arches NP on an October morning.

[F6Dave]

There's one more advantage of a GL1800: heat management. Those twin radiators exhaust to the side and not on your legs. And when the fans come on they reverse the airflow and blow forward. It made a big difference in the triple digit temperatures I faced riding to and from Sturgis last week.

[cookiedough]

still wanting a brand NEW cycle or just a good USED cycle?  I often wonder 'is it worth it' to spend so much on a NEW cycle when there are so many 100's out there USED worth looking at with very low miles.    I have spent 8+3+2+2+1K = 16K on 5 cycles the past 11 years or so which is still less than 1 NEW goldwing. 

[six2go #152]

still wanting a brand NEW cycle or just a good USED cycle?  I often wonder 'is it worth it' to spend so much on a NEW cycle when there are so many 100's out there USED worth looking at with very low miles.    I have spent 8+3+2+2+1K = 16K on 5 cycles the past 11 years or so which is still less than 1 NEW goldwing. 

For what it's worth, I don't buy used vehicles, either 2 wheeled or 4. I like 'em new.

[..]

near 60 mpg on a 1800 goldiing aye?  I gotta see it to believe it.   I can see 50 but not near 60 if babying it.    Best EVER on my 1500 Valk I/S was 40 mpg but usually 35 or 36 avg mpg

Putzing around on the BRP by myself I see 50 mpg constantly.

The following riders were sloooower than that.

[Reb]

near 60 mpg on a 1800 goldiing aye?  I gotta see it to believe it.   I can see 50 but not near 60 if babying it.    Best EVER on my 1500 Valk I/S was 40 mpg but usually 35 or 36 avg mpg

 DCT Tour gets 40-42MPG's consistently 75-80 MPH on the interstate
50-55MPG's consistently on the fun roads averaging 40-55MPH, I have not seen 60 on it. I've tried wussy-footing it in ECO-mode just to see and averaged 57 one time, mainly downhill with the wind on my back.

[Valker]

I just made a mountain loop with my buddy. He has a 2018 Wing DCT. Lower speeds just enjoying the mountain roads and cool temps. I got 45 mpg on one tank and 48 mpg on another under those conditions on my 200K mile Valk while his Wing got 63 mpg and then 71 mpg on those same two fill ups. We road the same roads at the same speeds. It was about 350 miles total on those two tanks.

[cookiedough]

I just made a mountain loop with my buddy. He has a 2018 Wing DCT. Lower speeds just enjoying the mountain roads and cool temps. I got 45 mpg on one tank and 48 mpg on another under those conditions on my 200K mile Valk while his Wing got 63 mpg and then 71 mpg on those same two fill ups. We road the same roads at the same speeds. It was about 350 miles total on those two tanks.

wow just WOW.  heck,  I have a 250cc scooter and ONLY get 63 avg mpg.  also have a 638cc vtwin burgmann scoot and only get 50 avg mpg.   I must be doing something wrong for sure.   

[F6Dave]

I just made a mountain loop with my buddy. He has a 2018 Wing DCT. Lower speeds just enjoying the mountain roads and cool temps. I got 45 mpg on one tank and 48 mpg on another under those conditions on my 200K mile Valk while his Wing got 63 mpg and then 71 mpg on those same two fill ups. We road the same roads at the same speeds. It was about 350 miles total on those two tanks.

I can believe that. I read that Honda reduced the tank size on the new Wing because the mileage was much better.

The GL1800 engine in my F6B is an old design, barely changed since Honda introduced it in late 2000. Yet I occasionally see 50 MPG or better, including a 200 mile stretch on the ride home from Sturgis last week. With a tank the size of a Valk Interstate the range is well over 200 miles.

I had one bike with a longer range. My 1986 Concours had a 7.5 gallon tank and got mileage in the 40s. I often rode over 250 miles before stopping.

[Serk]

also have a 638cc vtwin burgmann scoot and only get 50 avg mpg.    

[Pedantic Know-It-All Serk Mode]
The Burgman is a parallel twin, not a v-twin...

[/Pedantic Know-It-All Serk Mode]

[Rams]

also have a 638cc vtwin burgmann scoot and only get 50 avg mpg.    

[Pedantic Know-It-All Serk Mode]
The Burgman is a parallel twin, not a v-twin...

[/Pedantic Know-It-All Serk Mode]

OK, be honest now.   You had to look that one up didn't ya? 

Rams

[Beardo]

The other thing I love about the new Wings is the adjustable windshield. I’ve got the non-tour shorter windshield on mine and on those hot days, I lower it all the way down and get great air. It’s strange but it’s clean air, no buffeting. But not fatiguing because your chest isn’t in the air.

Every time I’m slowing down to go through a town or city, it gets lowered. A small thing but I really wouldn’t want a bike with a fixed shield now that I’ve had it.  Our recent trip had many 100+ degree days, it was a Godsend.  Came across a guy at one of the motels with an older Wing with a 4’x8’ sheet of plywood sized windshield and he and his copilot were dying.

And yeah, the air filter is a pain. Just got the dealer to do mine this week, wasn’t going to even attempt it. They’re pretty experienced at them and charge actual labour, not what the book says. Only charged me 2.1 hours labour. I’ve heard of some dealers charging $500 for the job though. I got it done at 40,000 kms (25,000 miles), dealer said I could have gone another 15-20,000 km.   Will go a little longer next time.

[..]

The other thing I love about the new Wings is the adjustable windshield. I’ve got the non-tour shorter windshield on mine and on those hot days, I lower it all the way down and get great air. It’s strange but it’s clean air, no buffeting. But not fatiguing because your chest isn’t in the air.

Every time I’m slowing down to go through a town or city, it gets lowered. A small thing but I really wouldn’t want a bike with a fixed shield now that I’ve had it.  Our recent trip had many 100+ degree days, it was a Godsend.  Came across a guy at one of the motels with an older Wing with a 4’x8’ sheet of plywood sized windshield and he and his copilot were dying.

And yeah, the air filter is a pain. Just got the dealer to do mine this week, wasn’t going to even attempt it. They’re pretty experienced at them and charge actual labour, not what the book says. Only charged me 2.1 hours labour. I’ve heard of some dealers charging $500 for the job though. I got it done at 40,000 kms (25,000 miles), dealer said I could have gone another 15-20,000 km.   Will go a little longer next time.

My 2005 ST1300 had an adjustable windshield.

Slow speed up.

Faster down.

For winter I also had a Clearview barn door windshield which was taller and wider and kept cold air off me.

The ATV / Snow mobile windshield on y 1800 Valkyrie does a good job at protecting me from inclement cold, wet weather.

[F6Dave]

I test rode a BMW K1600 a few years ago. The dealer was great and let me take a 50 mile ride. The feature I liked most was the adjustable windshield.