pprior
Member
We don't do any long distance riding 2up but even an hour my wife is not happy. Are there any solutions for adding padding/backrest to the stock top box? From what others are saying maybe I'm over thinking the cruise importance.
Can you save me about $30,000? BMW shopping....
- Thread starter pprior
- Start date
OneGun
New Member
I'm pretty sure they make a pad/backrest for the top box. Think I've seen them on eBay before. Might want to do something about that seat for her though.
IMO, cruise is really nice for the same reason it's nice in my car... I set it so I don't accidentally speed and get a ticket. That's why I'm a big cruise control fan-boy. But on my bikes (which don't have cruise), I just use a throttle rocker deal, which doesn't even lock, just adds a bit of leverage. Done multi-day trips with it and never experience any fatigue.
IMO, cruise is really nice for the same reason it's nice in my car... I set it so I don't accidentally speed and get a ticket. That's why I'm a big cruise control fan-boy. But on my bikes (which don't have cruise), I just use a throttle rocker deal, which doesn't even lock, just adds a bit of leverage. Done multi-day trips with it and never experience any fatigue.
showkey
Super Mods
One problem with any pad on the stock box.........it takes up space and moves the passenger even farther forward making the cramped space worse. The stock box mounting system does not easily allow the box to moved backward.
ld_rider
Elite Member
How many riders actually cross-shop a BMW K1600GT with a NC700x? One is German engineered 6 cylinder $30K technological tour de force and the other?
A $6K inexpensive commuter bike with a ...................funk (!)
What exactly is this conversation about anyway? ;-)
On a related note, I'm thinking of getting rid of my 1997 Saab 900s w/186,000 miles on it for a Ferrari 458 Italia...I hate the manual tranny on the Saab and the Ferrari has a DCT just like my motorcycle. What should I do? Thoughts? ;-)
A $6K inexpensive commuter bike with a ...................funk (!)
What exactly is this conversation about anyway? ;-)
On a related note, I'm thinking of getting rid of my 1997 Saab 900s w/186,000 miles on it for a Ferrari 458 Italia...I hate the manual tranny on the Saab and the Ferrari has a DCT just like my motorcycle. What should I do? Thoughts? ;-)
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pprior
Member
Well I do. I can afford what I want it's just what fits my needs for a good value. I shopped basically every brand before I bought the Honda, I'm doing the same right now
No reason to be snarky about it – many people shop different brands, it's not all about price
I own two BMW automobiles, but also own a Honda truck.
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No reason to be snarky about it – many people shop different brands, it's not all about price
I own two BMW automobiles, but also own a Honda truck.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
ld_rider
Elite Member
I do apologize, wasn't trying to be snarky, just wondering how a $30k luxo-touring machine got mentioned on a forum dedicated to ah, frugal motorcycling since well, it has <never> crossed anyone's mind as to which one to buy. Except for now.
Totally agree that many people shop different brands and it's not all about price....I was trying to decide between a new M3 and a new Mustang GT and posted my concerns on Bimmerfest since price wasn't an issue for me. Like you, I was looking for "value".
Consensus from the faithful was that the Ford was twice the performance car at 1/2 the price of the BMW so I totally get where you are coming from.....and I agree it isn't always about the price....Sometimes it is about something else
Is there another M/C forum in the world with as many Fuelley graphs in member's signature lines? We are a cheap, er, frugal lot!. Sometimes I think I've wandered into the Prius chat forum by mistake ;-) As a result I haven't seen too many "how can I turn my NC into a K1600?" questions. Like.Ever.
Anyway, good luck with the $20 throttle lock and $15 foam rubber pad behind your wife. Hopefully those two inexpensive mods will turn your NC into a reasonable facsimile of a $30k K1600 and we will have saved you $29,965 USD. Seems reasonable to me!
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D
Deleted member 1183
I have come to a point in my life where user friendly and light weight are the most important aspects of motorcycling for me. I have been through the full spectrum of various types and weights of motorcycles over my 46 years of motorcycling, and only in the past few years am I beginning to appreciate these two important aspects . Ok I am the wrong side of 65 and that of course will colour my thinking but I still ride briskly on my beloved backroads and still do a bit of trail riding. I remember when I had CB750's my close friend always swore by CB500's because they were lighter and easier to manage. He only ever lost out on top speed try outs when we could still get away with them on public roads. I continued with my biggest is best thinking over the years until the time when I purchased a little ER5 Kawasaki 500 to commute on. Very soon I found myself using that little bike much more than expected. I even took it to Scotland for a weeks holiday once in the company of two friends on GS's and it was only found wanting on motorways if they exceeded the speed limit of 80mph. That was many years ago but it was the dawning for me of a realization that ridden properly, lightweight low powered motorcycles could be just as effective as much bigger ones. I did not drop my big bikes there and then but the seed had been sown.
I parted with my much loved GL1800 in 2012 because it was simply too heavy for me to manhandle. I had no issues with riding it but had some close shaves when maneuvering in tight spaces or at walking pace. It was replaced with a Triumph 1200 for touring with my Wife. That is an excellent motorcycle and a lot lighter than the GL but still a big lump which can make its substantial presence felt in the same situations as the Wing did because it is quite top heavy. That weight will eventually dictate when I part with it.
Then came the NC and it was just such a nice motorcycle that it was being ridden to the exclusion of everything else weekly, except for two up. In the end I only parted with it because of its budget suspension which was hurting me. However it is a low powered motorcycle and not too heavy. Folks scoffed at it over here because of its meagre 48bhp. After a few spins out with me on backroads and some long weekends the scoffing stopped. The NC had power that could be used to the full and enough to do the job. The Africa Twin replaced it because it wasn't much heavier but much better suspended. It has significantly more power than the NC, but I don't use any more of that power than I used of the NC's. Again it is a reasonably light bike with respectable power. I can manhandle it easily and it gives me no anxious moments. It is lots of fun to ride, just as my NC was.
Yesterday when out for a ride I got to thinking. If I was to embark solo on a world tour on all roads including tracks and trails, which bike would I use. The Triumph would be immediately excluded. I gave some passing thought to the AT. While not nearly as heavy as the Triumph it is still a sizeable motorcycle and with lots of gear on board it would probably be too heavy for me. Now I am down to two, either my 27 year old Dominator which is still in excellent condition, or my recently acquired CRF250L. The Dominator is a very attractive proposition. A nice motor, small , uncomplicated, plenty of aftermarket stuff available etc etc. However its petrol consumption is not good. How about the little CRF then ? It has everything going for it but is lacking a little in the power department. However if going on such a trip would one be in a hurry ? I think not. To date folks have been touring on these little bikes with great success. They are economical, reliable, easy to fix, easy to pick up. One sees more of the countryside because one is not blasting through it at high speed on a big bike. Some mods are needed and one could be on ones way.
So I suppose one should put it all into perspective.
For two up one needs sufficient power, as light weight as possible, comfort for the pillion, some protection up front, luggage capacity. The NC does not cover all these bases. However because of its weight neither does the K1600. It is a monster by comparison. For me the RT would be better, but it is still a very big motorcycle and I am not a fan of modern flat twins. Imho the earlier ones were better as the modern ones suffer from environmentally restricted fuelling at low revs, not unlike other big twins from other manufacturers. If I had to pick a BM then it would be a base model GS as I don't like the elephantine proportions of the GSA. Having been down the full dress road and out the other side, adventure bikes are where its at for me. There are lots out there, the GS, Super Tenere, Crosstourer, Versys, V Strom, KTM Adventure etc etc
These are just some thoughts. Hopefully they will give the OP something to reflect on.
I parted with my much loved GL1800 in 2012 because it was simply too heavy for me to manhandle. I had no issues with riding it but had some close shaves when maneuvering in tight spaces or at walking pace. It was replaced with a Triumph 1200 for touring with my Wife. That is an excellent motorcycle and a lot lighter than the GL but still a big lump which can make its substantial presence felt in the same situations as the Wing did because it is quite top heavy. That weight will eventually dictate when I part with it.
Then came the NC and it was just such a nice motorcycle that it was being ridden to the exclusion of everything else weekly, except for two up. In the end I only parted with it because of its budget suspension which was hurting me. However it is a low powered motorcycle and not too heavy. Folks scoffed at it over here because of its meagre 48bhp. After a few spins out with me on backroads and some long weekends the scoffing stopped. The NC had power that could be used to the full and enough to do the job. The Africa Twin replaced it because it wasn't much heavier but much better suspended. It has significantly more power than the NC, but I don't use any more of that power than I used of the NC's. Again it is a reasonably light bike with respectable power. I can manhandle it easily and it gives me no anxious moments. It is lots of fun to ride, just as my NC was.
Yesterday when out for a ride I got to thinking. If I was to embark solo on a world tour on all roads including tracks and trails, which bike would I use. The Triumph would be immediately excluded. I gave some passing thought to the AT. While not nearly as heavy as the Triumph it is still a sizeable motorcycle and with lots of gear on board it would probably be too heavy for me. Now I am down to two, either my 27 year old Dominator which is still in excellent condition, or my recently acquired CRF250L. The Dominator is a very attractive proposition. A nice motor, small , uncomplicated, plenty of aftermarket stuff available etc etc. However its petrol consumption is not good. How about the little CRF then ? It has everything going for it but is lacking a little in the power department. However if going on such a trip would one be in a hurry ? I think not. To date folks have been touring on these little bikes with great success. They are economical, reliable, easy to fix, easy to pick up. One sees more of the countryside because one is not blasting through it at high speed on a big bike. Some mods are needed and one could be on ones way.
So I suppose one should put it all into perspective.
For two up one needs sufficient power, as light weight as possible, comfort for the pillion, some protection up front, luggage capacity. The NC does not cover all these bases. However because of its weight neither does the K1600. It is a monster by comparison. For me the RT would be better, but it is still a very big motorcycle and I am not a fan of modern flat twins. Imho the earlier ones were better as the modern ones suffer from environmentally restricted fuelling at low revs, not unlike other big twins from other manufacturers. If I had to pick a BM then it would be a base model GS as I don't like the elephantine proportions of the GSA. Having been down the full dress road and out the other side, adventure bikes are where its at for me. There are lots out there, the GS, Super Tenere, Crosstourer, Versys, V Strom, KTM Adventure etc etc
These are just some thoughts. Hopefully they will give the OP something to reflect on.
Last edited by a moderator:
Triumph 'n Shadow
Member
PPrior:
I did the same comparisons as you for the very same reasons.
I do like cruise control and I use it all the time.
Even for short stretches as it is a nice relief break for older wrists.
For me cruise is a big deal.
And I like to give my wife the best possible comfort when riding so she wants to go out with me.
I looked at the BMW R1200s and K1600s.
Love them!
But price, repairs costs, and distance to the dealerships made me hedge.
So I started looking at other options.
I have both the Honda NC700X and a Triumph Tiger 800XRX.
Very similar in function bikes.
But the Triumph is so much smoother and comes with all the nice electronics.
Because of this I have been considering both the Triumph Trophy and the Triumph Tiger Explorer (1215 cc model).
They both come from the factory with cruise and have no maintenance shaft drive.
The thing that would back me off the Trophy is the weight.
If cost is not a hindrance then get what you would really like.
But I would say take your time looking and comparing.
I have jumped at a bike or two and thought when done, I may have not originally done that.
And my changing bikes is usually for the same reason, uncomfortable seat and wanting cruise.
Remember, for just about every bike out there are aftermarket seats that are better than the stock seat that came with it.
But electronic cruise is very difficult to obtain.
I like to find a dealer with a used bike or two that I am looking at and take a test ride.
This can help eliminate a bike in a hurry.
And I do recommend keeping the NC if possible so you can enjoy the lighter more fuel efficient bike when short runs are the call.
The important thing is don't jump too quick and enjoy the process of looking.
God bless!!
Michael
I did the same comparisons as you for the very same reasons.
I do like cruise control and I use it all the time.
Even for short stretches as it is a nice relief break for older wrists.
For me cruise is a big deal.
And I like to give my wife the best possible comfort when riding so she wants to go out with me.
I looked at the BMW R1200s and K1600s.
Love them!
But price, repairs costs, and distance to the dealerships made me hedge.
So I started looking at other options.
I have both the Honda NC700X and a Triumph Tiger 800XRX.
Very similar in function bikes.
But the Triumph is so much smoother and comes with all the nice electronics.
Because of this I have been considering both the Triumph Trophy and the Triumph Tiger Explorer (1215 cc model).
They both come from the factory with cruise and have no maintenance shaft drive.
The thing that would back me off the Trophy is the weight.
If cost is not a hindrance then get what you would really like.
But I would say take your time looking and comparing.
I have jumped at a bike or two and thought when done, I may have not originally done that.
And my changing bikes is usually for the same reason, uncomfortable seat and wanting cruise.
Remember, for just about every bike out there are aftermarket seats that are better than the stock seat that came with it.
But electronic cruise is very difficult to obtain.
I like to find a dealer with a used bike or two that I am looking at and take a test ride.
This can help eliminate a bike in a hurry.
And I do recommend keeping the NC if possible so you can enjoy the lighter more fuel efficient bike when short runs are the call.
The important thing is don't jump too quick and enjoy the process of looking.
God bless!!
Michael
D
Deleted member 5383
Once you get out of Urban Freewayland it becomes more apparent top speed need not be a holy grail. A lot of minimalist touring is done on 250 cc and below. It's more about being in the landscape and points along the way, not just hustling through them.
Surely low maintenance 650cc or so can be done nearly as light as the CRF250L which is actually pretty heavy for a dualsport of its displacement. Still better perhaps, 400-500 cc designed for some fuel economy and not for ripping up the woods. If a lighter dualsport-like design but with a ADV-style seat was done around the 500 cc engine that's in the CB500X which is a pretty cool machine but again, could be lighter...
I'm still watching that AJP PR7 and hoping the adv/dualsport market will eventually get some machines more powerful than the 250s, but not big freaking pigs that everyone seems to have been trained to buy.
OneGun
New Member
Absolutely love the new Tiger Explorers. Would like to say it's going to be my next bike, but my next bike needs to be something other than an adv type. I already have an NC and a DL1000... probably would be foolish to get another in the same class. But they're sure nice and not something everyone and their brother has. Not $30k either.
D
Deleted member 1183
Got your message. Thanks for that. There was section in ABR magazine this month where an adventure rider took a 2016 EXC500 and did the necessary conversion for long distance adventure riding. Such a pity KTM won't build that. Having owned a 690KTM though and having lived with EFI issues that it was plagued by, I am not sure if I would have another. Some day Honda may use the marketing aspect of the Dakar to the full and produce a 400/450. Perhaps though we might have to wait until they win again........
D
Deleted member 5383
Yeah, wouldn't be wanting a typical KTM service record or the short service intervals either ; }
Pretty sure it was at least a year ago that a guy posted about putting a 500 from a CB500X into his CRF250L, on ADVrider. With a larger fuel tank that wouldn't be such a bad solo rider : }
Pretty sure it was at least a year ago that a guy posted about putting a 500 from a CB500X into his CRF250L, on ADVrider. With a larger fuel tank that wouldn't be such a bad solo rider : }
sumo
Site Supporter
I do apologize, wasn't trying to be snarky, just wondering how a $30k luxo-touring machine got mentioned on a forum dedicated to ah, frugal motorcycling since well, it has <never> crossed anyone's mind as to which one to buy. Except for now.
Totally agree that many people shop different brands and it's not all about price....I was trying to decide between a new M3 and a new Mustang GT and posted my concerns on Bimmerfest since price wasn't an issue for me. Like you, I was looking for "value".
Consensus from the faithful was that the Ford was twice the performance car at 1/2 the price of the BMW so I totally get where you are coming from.....and I agree it isn't always about the price....Sometimes it is about something else
Is there another M/C forum in the world with as many Fuelley graphs in member's signature lines? We are a cheap, er, frugal lot!. Sometimes I think I've wandered into the Prius chat forum by mistake ;-) As a result I haven't seen too many "how can I turn my NC into a K1600?" questions. Like.Ever.
Anyway, good luck with the $20 throttle lock and $15 foam rubber pad behind your wife. Hopefully those two inexpensive mods will turn your NC into a reasonable facsimile of a $30k K1600 and we will have saved you $29,965 USD. Seems reasonable to me!
Likes and Thanks are free but I sometimes wonder as there are so many people who apparently have none to give. That said, I REALLY wanted to like this post but it seems that I have run out and have no more to give! So here you go:
LIKE!
PS: My wife and I are on a mission to see how much we can reduce our water consumption. It's not about the money, it's about...er...well..., yeah it's about the money!
Grey1one
Active Member
I cannot like any post either, no idea what is causing it, tried three different browsers, and with all ad-ons disabled, still no go on the likes or thanks.
edit: I am able to like posts again, YAY !!
thanks to whoever fixed it
edit: I am able to like posts again, YAY !!
thanks to whoever fixed it
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D
Deleted member 5383
Those Ruckuses are somethin' else! ; }
D
Deleted member 1183
Same here as of today. Time to get admin on the job
pprior
Member
Thanks so much for all the comments. I'm going to try and fix some of the gripes and keep my nc700x. I'm not even going to go test ride the bmw at this point to avoid falling in love.
So I was looking at the reviews of the kaoko throttle lock for Honda with barkbusters at twisted throttle and several people said they don't fit this bike. Does anyone have experience putting these on a nc700x with barkbusters in place?
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So I was looking at the reviews of the kaoko throttle lock for Honda with barkbusters at twisted throttle and several people said they don't fit this bike. Does anyone have experience putting these on a nc700x with barkbusters in place?
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rmezei
Member
SleepyC
Member
My friend has had a 2010BMW R 1200 GS since 2011. It's had at least $2500 - $3200 of service fees each year. I was shocked at the cost to run those bikes. Right before I purchased my NC, i was looking at a fairly loaded 650GS with 19K miles for around $4500. But after calling the local BMW to see what I may want to get done to assure troble free operation I was looking at at least another $1K in upkeep.
No THANKS!
Honda 4 life!
No THANKS!
Honda 4 life!
pprior
Member
Also I'd rather not add anything over the grips as they are heated, are there any heavier bar ends or other anti-vibration options for this motorcycle with bark busters on?
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
