Conference csc32::fxrs89::cycles

    
    I must be getting old, I can't remember where the Valkyrie note is Bill
    was asking about pipes. Just a rumor from the Cinci show, but supposedly
    there will be pipes available other than the stock pipes. No good
    detail. I will keep an eye out and if I see something, I'll let you
    know.
    
    Alpo 

Hi,
Anyone see the new Ducati clone ? (VTR1000 ?) Looks pretty slick to me. 
432 pounds dry, 996cc 90 degree twin, 48mm cv carbs. arrg, arrg, arrg (Tim
Taylor impression (-: ) A real one shows up here in Colorado Springs next week.
I've only seen the Honda mechanics alert brocure. I think I may be in lust again.

					Brian...

    
    
    Brian,
    
    	I'm in  negotiations with the Honda dealer for a VTR1000.  They are
    called a Fire Storm here in Canada.  I've wanted a red V-twin sport
    bike for some time but couldn't afford a Ducati and was leary of their
    reliability.  I've been comparing the Suzuki TL1000s and the VTR1000. 
    I have decided on the Honda for a couple of reasons.  The Suzuki's
    clipons are just to low for my crap wrists and back.  The Honda is a
    better all rounder and I think it looks better.  The tests indicate
    that the Suzuki is the better bike on the track but the Honda is the
    better bike for the street.  When I read several tests where they said
    the Honda was like a big dirt bike,  I knew it was the one for me. 
    
    	The red models are available in April but the yellow won't ship
    until the summer.  The dealer said that 10.000 were made, 2000 went to
    North America with only 200 coming into Canada.  So I wouldn't wait to
    long if you think you would like one.
    
    	So its bye bye to the ZX-11.  A great bike but I what something
    different.
    
    
    Scott

    The copy of Performance Bike (UK rag) features a comparison between
    916, TL and VTR.  The Suzook is classed as outright dangerous,
    tankslappers BIG TIME. They LOVE the engine (the bike outruns a Honda
    'CBR900RR Fireblade....) but were afraid to use it.  The Honda wins on
    overall useability etc but they didnot class it as a dirtbike for the
    road, that would be the Suzook.
    
    If you have problems gettinmg a copy let me know.
    Flying Dutchman

    
    
    	Well there is a red VTR1000 with my name on it due to arrive at the
    dealer mid April.  There is no better feeling than curing spring fever
    with a new bike.  Well actually there is, the first ride on your new
    bike!  
    	
    	Unfortunately it looks like I'll be working in CXO the week it is
    supposed to arrive.
    
    Scott  

    
    
    It's getting closer but its not here yet.  I talked to the dealer and
    my bike is stuck in shipping in Vancouver.  I offered to ride it here
    if they covered the one way air fare but they didn't go for it.  We
    have our annual spring ride this weekend and I had hoped to put some
    miles on before the run.  I'm trying to get a demo bike from the dealer 
    but they said they don't have any yet.  They're supposed to get back to 
    me on thursday with an updated status.
    
    	My backup plan is to use my enduro but it has a blown shock.  I
    took it for a spin on sunday and almost got sea sick.  If anyone isn't
    clear on what rebound dampening does, come ride my bike for a
    demonstration, yikes!  This is especially bad since this is an on/off
    road bike with lots for suspension travel.  The stock honda shock is
    not rebuildable so I'm looking for an aftermark shock which is.  Does
    any know of a rebuildable, gas shock for an 94 XR650L?  
    	
    Scott

    
    
    	Well my bike finally arrived!!  I was at the dealer as they took
    the crate off the transport truck.  I had to wait a couple of hours
    while they put it together but I was able to convince them not to put
    all the warning and dealer stickers on.
    
    	The bike is physically much smaller than my ZX-11 and alot lighter.
    It appears to be narrower and maybe a bit shorter than my friends VFR750.  
    I managed to get 200kms on last night and I'm very impressed.  I'm just
    breaking in the engine so I'm not able to use its full potential but it
    is going to be a blast to ride. 
    
    	I'll hold off riding comments until I get some more seat time.  The
    only two negative points are minor; 1)The mirrors give a clear, blur free 
    view of your elbows,2) this bike is to quiet!!!  You can just hear the 
    v-twin rumble and it sounds great.  I rode without ear plugs just so I could
    listen but I need more volume!  Rolling off when going through a rock
    cut or alley is great.  I think there may be some Staintunes exhausts
    in my future.
    
    	I awoke to pouring rain this morning and its supposed to rain for
    this whole long weekend.  The gods are against me.
    
    Scott
    
    
    

    
    OK Scott, you entered your last note on the 15th. Inquiring minds want
    to know how the new bike is. So, how's the new bike? :-) You should
    have about 20km on it by now.
    
    BTW - the bike is a lot faster without the stickers!! :-)
    
    Alpo

    
    
    Alpo,
    
    	I don't know what the weather is like in New England but here it
    has been dreadfull.  The trees are just starting to bud and its been
    cold, windy and wet.  As a result I haven't felt much like riding but I
    did get out a bit.
    
    	Sunday was the best day of the weekend so I got out riding with a
    couple friends. The bike is considerably lighter than my ZX-11 was and 
    it feels much more nimble as a result.  You can pretty much choose what 
    ever line you would like through the corner.  If a pot hole turns up on 
    your chosen line, no problem, just tighten up the turn or let it run 
    wider and flick it latter.  As the day wore on I got much more
    comfortable with the bike and was able to push a little harder.  I also
    got to use more of the power band as I racked up the kilometres.  When 
    we stopped for a coffee after a nice section of road my friend noticed
    that I had run out to the last 1/4 inch of the tires.  The stock tires
    are Dunlop DE204 which are a bit stickier that the DE205 I was running
    on my ZX-11 at the end of last season.  The bike had remained stable with 
    lots of feedback and really gave me confidence.  In the morning I had been
    trailing my friend on his VFR, by lunch I was playing in his mirrors and 
    in the afternoon I was setting the pace. Mind you he was having trouble
    with his Michlens not providing good grip on the cold day. 
    
    	The motor has lots of torque and allows you to pull out of corners
    with great mid range grunt.  This was what I was hopping for when I
    decided on this model and it didn't disappoint.  I wasn't reving the motor 
    that high due to the breakin and I'm looking forward to trips in the upper 
    half of the rev range.  I've never ridden a V-twin before so I'm
    affraid I can't compare it to a Harley or Ducati.  I do enjoy the
    sensations you get as it feels like there is a motor down there and
    adds to the character of the bike.  It sort of thrums? as you
    accelerate and smooths out when your cruising.  It kind of feels like
    my big dirt bike singles only smoother.  When your not accelerating you
    can feel the power pulses but they aren't annoying and there is no
    buzzing or high frequency vibration that you normally get with an
    inline 4.  It isn't smooth like a four but just seems to lope along in
    a relaxing manner.  This actually caught me up on a couple of occasions
    as I came sailing up to a corner much quicker than I thought I was
    going had to use the brakes to scrub off some speed.  The compression
    breaking is nice and the front disc brakes are strong with good feel. 
    The rear brake works but isn't sensitive and I wasn't able to lock the 
    rear wheel with a firm jab.
       
    	The riding position is somewhat aggressive, certainly lower bars
    than the ZX-11.  When your out playing it works great but it might be a 
    pain when droning down an intersate.  Time will tell.  I have a Targa
    tank bra on order and I'm checking into soft luggage.  Any experience
    with the stuff, in particular the RKA gear?
    
    regards,
    
    Scott

    
    Scott,
    
    The weather here has been unseasonably cool. Boston's been about 10
    degrees warmer than where I live. Usually 50's to 60's, but the morning
    ride to work is usually in the 40's. We have had some real nice riding
    days. I hope it starts turning nicer for ya'll up there real soon. Must
    be tough waiting for nice days and a new bike in the garage.
    
    That's a great blurb on twins and the VTR. I am glad to hear it handles
    so well and its power is not a disapppoint compared to the ZX11. I have
    gotten the impression in reading notes in Compuserve and Mags that the
    VTR is a more refined bike than the TL. I have also heard it RUMORED that
    the TL1000's are prone to tank slappers at reasonable speeds.
    I will be looking forward to seeing your new bike. Maybe when I go to
    Americade in a couple of weeks, I'll be able to ride one.
    
    You lucky dog! :-) I hope the weather co-operates and you can get your
    riding in.
    
    Alpo

    
    
    Alpo,
    
      When is Americade this year?  What days are you planning to go?  I
    have ridden down to it a several times.  Once I stayed over night and
    twice I've gone down for the day ie,  leave early morning, hang around 
    for the afternoon, ride back at night.
    
    	The TL1000's have been recalled once already that I know of for 
    problems with the fuel injection.  The dealer who I bought the bike
    from sells both Honda and Suzuki and he has been keeping me up to date
    on tech tips etc. for both.  The roads here are pretty ruff and I was
    concerned that the Suzuki would be a hand full.  The magazine reports
    and comments from the mailing lists seems to bear that out.  The Honda
    has a longer wheel base and has a more planted feeling in the bumpy
    stuff.  
    
    regards,
    
    Scott

    
    Scott,
    
    See my reply about Americade in the Events (10.xxx).
    
    I think you made a great choice of bikes. I hope its riding position is
    not too aggressive for touring. If my memory serves me well, I remember
    you log a lot of miles. Does your riding position put a lot of weight on
    your wrists? 
    
    As for the dealer, I am glad yours takes an interest. The one have have
    had experience with lost a sale because of a few issues he and I had.
    Anyway, that's another story.
    
    I sure would like to continue hearing about the bike as you ride it
    more.
    
    Regards,
    
    Alpo    

    
    
      Scott, in regard's to your question on luggage, last year I purchased
    my tank bag from a accessory shop. It is made by a company called
    TOUR MASTER. It has lots of ample room (I can fit rain gear and my
    full length HEIN GERIC jacket inside when it expands) it has a big map
    holder, long side pockets and all kinds of places to hold stuff!!!
    It detaches easaly with a neat male/female buckle.
      The protective rubber pad on the back side has not dulled the 
    "BRILLANT FERRARI RED" paint job. (it's been on for most of the 8000 mi
    I have put on the CR)  It also comes with a well constructed rain boot.
       This year I purchased the matching sattle bags. they are verry
    configureible. Long velcro straps that fit well under the seat these
    let you adjust the height of the bags in relation to the exaust.they
    also have long straps to hold them tight to the side bike. I used my
    turnsignals and passenger foot peg brackets, they also have the same
    rubber material and rain covers as the tank bag, they are worth looking
    at.
                 tank bag $89.95
                 side bags $130.00
    
                                         Leon

    
    Leon,
    
    	Thanks for the feed back.  I have seen the adds for the Tour Master
    stuff in the bike mags and the prices are certainly attractive.  Do the
    saddle bags have some kind of internal support to keep their shape?  Do 
    you have any problems with them swinging into the rear tire when fully 
    loaded?  Do they make a seat pack as well?
    
    thanks,
    
    Scott
    

    
    
         Scott,
               The bags do have a internal support systen that gives them
    enough ridgidity(sp)  to keep there shape but not to much  that they
    won't conform to odd size cargo.
    I don't have any problems with them flapping around(even when empty)
    Going back to there construction, whatever you strap them to,they stay.
    I have not seen a seat pack by Tour Master. I will check it out for
    you.
                                             Leon

    
    Scott,
         To answer your fully loaded question directly, no they don't
    sag even when fully loaded.
    
                                  leon

    
    I have two tour Master tank bags. Bought the first one for my Katana
    after a year I liked it so I bought another for Sheri's bike. After
    about two years they started to fade and the plastic map cover
    started to crack and break up in little pieces. The only way to replace
    the plastic is sew another piece on. The one I used on the Katana the 
    thread started to rip out and I had to sew the seams in different
    sections. 
    	I bought chase harper saddle bags for the Katana before I bought
    the tour master tank bag. I used the saddle bags more often then the
    tank bag and they never faded. The stitching never fell apart even
    though I use to stuff them to the max. So my opion from my experence
    is that Tour Master tank bags do not hold up and I would never 
    recomend them. I bought a Chase Harper tank bag a couple years ago and 
    so far its been great. 
    
    	Tony

    Tony,
    
    I like the Wolfman bags, they are made in Colorado, and other than the
    rain cover being a bit wimpy, there fine.
    
    Bert
    ps; I have an older Eclipse tankbag that has a bad zipper, any ideas.