Hey all,
So like I posted in my 'decisions decisions' thread, I'm looking into upgrading the bike to something more oriented for 2-up touring. Now I know most here swear by the 250 being great for long distance touring, and 2-up touring, which is great...but it's not for me.
Some of the bikes I'm looking at:
- 650R / ER-6N
- Gladius
- BMW F650GS/CS
- Versys (although on the high side for me who is vertically challenged)
- 700X/S
- CB500X/F (top of the list...awaiting final price from Honda Canada before I go forward)
My question is has anyone ridden the 700 from Honda? Reviews are rave all around, but I only heard from 2 people that rode it and both felt it was boring...
I was looking for experience from people who've gone up from the 250, or what your thoughts are of the bike? Real world experience, and not what you've read.
I'm also looking to upgrade and rode a NC700s last weekend.
The bike is geared much taller than a 250 and I wonder if starting off will be difficult 2 up.
It does have good acceleration but you must use the torque rather than revving the crap out of it-I hit the rev limiter several times.I enjoyed riding it more than I thought I would but it is still plain to look at and a bit bland to ride so boring it would be.
Other bikes I have ridden are Suzuki V Strom 650 (not as good as I hoped it would be)
Ninja 650 (better than V strom and NC700)
Triumph street triple(best ride but least economical and no ABS)
Stilla few more to look at but not in AU till next year so waiting till then.
Rode one a few weeks ago(6sp manual). Feels solid, practical with reasonable wind control with the stock windscreen, good torque, but it seemed bland like almost driving a car. I can't help but think the CB500X (if it really has the rumored 54hp) might be more fun and have a bigger 4.5 gallon gas tank to boot. It weighs ~50lbs less and you can get the manual shift transmission with the optional ABS.
What I'd really like from Honda is a 599-style bike with ABS. I doubt that is going to happen, so i'm looking at the 2013 Ninja 650ABS, 2013Triumph Street Triple(now with ABS) or if I had the money, the BMW F800 GT. I won't consider the Suzuki Gladius or any Yamaha for the lack of ABS. I might breakdown and just get a used Suzuki SV650 w/ABS and wait for something better in a few years.
I've always respected Honda"s engineering and design. My first bike was a Honda Nighthawk 650. From it's shaft drive to the hydralic valve adjusters, it was a great street bike. I want to buy another Honda, but it seems that Honda has lost their edge in some motorcycle niches. I know it costs money for R&D, but if they developed a advanced midsized street bike (650-800cc) with optional ABS and traction control, resonable horsepower(75-90hp) and reasonable weight (410-450lbs), it would be a winner.
I won't consider the Suzuki Gladius or any Yamaha for the lack of ABS...I know it costs money for R&D, but if they developed a advanced midsized street bike (650-800cc) with optional ABS and traction control...
don't pick a bike because of ABS or discount one because it doesn't have it, learn to brake properly. Traction control is yet another add-on for those unable to control a throttle...
__________________
2012 CBR250R ABS Red/Silver
- Black Adjustable Levers
- HRC Carbon Fibre Tank Pad
- Hotbodies FE Kit
don't pick a bike because of ABS or discount one because it doesn't have it, learn to brake properly. Traction control is yet another add-on for those unable to control a throttle...
It's a personal choice. On the the street,with uncertainties waiting around every corner , it's an advantage(in my opinion). I've encountered oil, ice, sand, and of course water in unexpected situations. If my bike has features that keep me on two wheels, then I'm for it. Many of the top performing RR-type sportbikes have these features available to them to ride on nice, clean, predictable racetracks. Why shouldn't I have them available to me on messy, slippery, unpredictable public streets?
I agree with you that they should not be used as a Crutch for poor riding. My son is a relatively new rider and often rides my motorcycles . I will not deny him these safety features because of my hubris that states he is not to make an error in his riding technique.
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I've always liked that bike. It's kind of quirky, and the only "loaded" mid size sport-touring bike I know of. I dig the maintenance-free shaft drive like a full-size has, and the large capacity integrated storage. I've only sat on them a couple of times, never been able to test-ride, but the comfort felt like it would be on par with a full-size sport tourer too. The turn-off was the price. I'd have to find a really good deal on a used one to get something like that. Otherwise, yeah.
Yamaha makes a very similar bike (FZ6R) to your CBF600S available in the USA. Same weight, seating style, retuned 600cc inline-4 for more torque, but no ABS option available yet. I test rode one at the Yamaha demo booth at the Long Beach Motorcycle Convention. Comfortable ergonomics for all day riding and abundant but not overwhelming engine power.
Anyone ridden the NC700X/S?
