We all know our beloved GS500, right? Well, there are other more expensive bikes out there that have similar Specs to ours...
GS500 | W800 | Guzzi V7 | Bonnie | Harley 883 |
47hp | 48hp | 48hp | 52hp | between 45 - 53 |
As you can see, our humble little under-estimated bike is pulling the same numbers as larger far more expensive bikes. Of course, it doesn't look so retro and has less torque. But still...
(http://i.imgur.com/6Auer.jpg)
(http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/uploadedImages/articles/issues/2009-01-01/Sidecar1.jpg)
(http://www.bikez.com/pictures/triumph/2006/23404_0_1_2_bonneville_Image%20credits%20-%20Triumph.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mC96G.jpg)
There are rumors the Bonnie's HP is up near 70. But who really knows. I do know, of these four pictured there is one I have Zero interest in. And the V7 would have to have the nicest sounding Stock pipe of the rest. Which of them would you own?
Michael
a liitle more power and i would take the guzzi. I like guzzis
On a side note - The Guzzi all while looking retro has a plastic fuel tank. I don't know if they have expansion issues with this but in countries that use ethanol blend fuels bikes with plastic tanks have been known to have issues.
If I had to pick it would be the Triumph but not the Bonnie. It would be the Thruxton. Same motor as the Bonnie just a lil more cafed up.
Be cool to find a guzzi frame and restore it but alas, I do not have the (http://www.hostguards.com/images/money.gif)
I'd go the Moto guzzi, on the fact that my ex's old man had the triumph. Yes I'm
Shallow. :angel:
id take the HD. makes its torque down low. no need to rape it
I like all black. So the Bonnie has a special spot. I've ridden the W800 and do quite like it. However, I think I'd take the Guzzi as well. It has a certain je ne sais quoi the others do not have.
What I like about these types of bikes is, they are not meant for racing, they are meant for riding, enjoying the road, the bends, the scenery. And when you ride one, it's like it draws you into that milieu.
Michael
I surprisingly like the harley out of the bunch, but would opt for the 1200 for the power alone. You can find a used sporster 1200 with pipes and extras for pretty dang cheap.
Quote from: bombadillo on October 10, 2011, 02:58:12 PM
I surprisingly like the harley out of the bunch, but would opt for the 1200 for the power alone. You can find a used sporster 1200 with pipes and extras for pretty dang cheap.
Yes, but we are talking about bikes that have the same HP as our GS. A 1200 Sportster is not in the same league.
For you Twisted... (in the color I like)
(http://www.motorsports-network.com/triumph/thrux2.jpg)
Michael
If I was loaded there would be one parked next to my Ducati. They look even better in the flesh. Pity they only average around 180k's to a tank.
I think I still prefer the GS500...it's not trying to be anything but a motorcycle...I would prefer a Gladius to any of the other options offered...but I don't feel like I fit on one...maybe a Vstrom is in the cards...who knows...
For now I am just gonna rebuild my GS replacement...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8M7cR7Kd-Uo/TcDIhPwHudI/AAAAAAAABBo/0my4SrtVNko/s600/IMAG0009.JPG)
I just have some work to do to get it back to that look...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AI8UQ3zkMZU/TnAJNg15QBI/AAAAAAAABYs/kLLDekQkpBg/s600/IMAG001514.JPG)
Later.
Quote from: madjak30 on October 12, 2011, 08:09:07 AM
I think I still prefer the GS500...it's not trying to be anything but a motorcycle...I would prefer a Gladius to any of the other options offered...but I don't feel like I fit on one...maybe a Vstrom is in the cards...who knows...
yeah but.... the Gladdy and Strom have more than 48-ish HP the others have which makes them compatible with the GS. The Gladdy has 72hp and the Strom has 65-ish HP so they don't enter the Compatible Picture the other bikes have.
In somewhat related news... Suzuki announced a 400cc Gladdy version at the 2009 Tokyo Motorshow. If the same HP-to-Cc was applied it would put out around 45hp and would enter the compatible realm. And if this was the case (a 400cc Gladdy) they'd be doing it to compete with the Honda CB400 in Japan where it's bulk hard to get a license to ride something bigger than 400cc. But it would also mean, it would be a likely contender to replace the GS500 as a mid range bike with fuel injection.
Word is, it's the same bike as a 650 but with the smaller CC engine. Which would make me think, it's just a resleeved 650, resleeved down to 400. And rumor has it it is for the home market and will have ABS. Hmmm...
In other news, a pop into my local Suzuki dealer showed an 11th month 2010 GS500F on the floor. No sign of a 2011 model yet.
Michael
I'd go with the Guzzi, mostly because I need something Italian to complete my "Axis Powers Garage".
I have something German (Porsche 944)
Something Japanese (GS500G and Subaru Legacy)
but nothing Italian
I wonder how the Guzzi would go in a drop? I mean look at how far the engine sticks out each side. Would suck to get a leg under it.
Cant imagine it would do much worse than a flat 2 beemer.
Another bike with similar horsepower to the GS is the Ducati Monster 600...
(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Ducati%20M600.jpg) (http://motoprofi.com/bikephoto/4393/ducati_monster_600_2001_2.jpg)
From the mid to late 90s and early naughties, it has a smidge over 50hp which puts it in this league. While not available New anymore - now 696 with HP more like the SV650 - they still fit in this category. Could even throw in the 400 monster with a touch over 40hp. Oddly, in Australia, the prices of 2nd hand 600 and 400 monsters are quite close to a new GS500 (naked). I suppose the idea is, you're paying for Italian Quality and Character and Identity.
Michael
Hell yeah I'd take a 600 duke!
Quote from: Twisted on October 09, 2011, 06:12:48 AM
On a side note - The Guzzi all while looking retro has a plastic fuel tank. I don't know if they have expansion issues with this but in countries that use ethanol blend fuels bikes with plastic tanks have been known to have issues.
Glad you mentioned this Twisted. I have a plastic tank on a project bike and all the stations near me are 10% ethanol. I'll have to keep an eye on that........
Quote from: aussiegs on October 14, 2011, 11:15:44 PM
Hell yeah I'd take a 600 duke!
Yessum. I am really growing to appreciate them more.
Michael
Quote from: Big Rich on October 15, 2011, 02:00:01 AM
Quote from: Twisted on October 09, 2011, 06:12:48 AM
On a side note - The Guzzi all while looking retro has a plastic fuel tank. I don't know if they have expansion issues with this but in countries that use ethanol blend fuels bikes with plastic tanks have been known to have issues.
Glad you mentioned this Twisted. I have a plastic tank on a project bike and all the stations near me are 10% ethanol. I'll have to keep an eye on that........
I think the issues occur when the blended fuel is left in the tank over the winter. I know Ducati had a problems with there tanks deforming and now use a different plastic. I would be researching any bike that has a plastic tank by going to a forum dedicate to it and asking some questions.
Quote from: Twisted on October 18, 2011, 01:04:53 AM
I think the issues occur when the blended fuel is left in the tank over the winter. I know Ducati had a problems with there tanks deforming and now use a different plastic. I would be researching any bike that has a plastic tank by going to a forum dedicate to it and asking some questions.
I looked around a little after you mentioned it and heard both stories - it will destroy the tank and it will NOT destroy a tank. So basically I'm on my own. The tank I'm using was made for a 70's era desert race bike so it wouldn't have any modern plastic components to protect from ethanol. Pics are in this link:
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=19830.80
Sorry for the thread jack folks! Didn't mean to get into the whole "ethanol" discussion again.
I would like to think the ethanol thing is a known element by this stage and makers have adjusted their plastic formula to prevent the plastic being eaten away.
On a side note... here are the Promo Videos of the bikes in question (Well, I tried to find promos for everything but was not having much luck so found something that will do)...
W800 Official http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm9LUaFj3Qc
Guzzi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdU4CvoaGs4
Bonne http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U840aRAg4eg (this stops being a promo one third the way in and is then just the song and the words Bonneville)
883 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhWJO3_h0sM
Monster 600 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPwGwQtaFXQ
Michael
Here is a good review on the W800 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLtmDTnbxjc&feature=related
Quote from: Twisted on October 19, 2011, 12:10:44 AM
Here is a good review on the W800 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLtmDTnbxjc&feature=related
Not too bad at all. I feel he left out the vibey mirrors at 90kph and that the engine braking all but negates using the useless drum brake.
When I rode it I found it quite comfortable and it handled just like the GS. may have lacked some of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear acceleration. But otherwise, it is what it is, a bike quite enjoyable to ride on the scenic back roads taking your time. :thumb:
Strange with his price in the UK. Cause down under they are cheaper than the Bonnie.
Michael
if you can't find an engine within 2 hours on craigslist for it less than $500, it can't compete with the gs.
gs has better ergos too.
Quote from: mister on October 19, 2011, 03:41:04 PM
Strange with his price in the UK. Cause down under they are cheaper than the Bonnie.
Michael
That is because UK Triumphs are made in the UK not Thailand like most of the rest of the worlds Triumphs.
Quote from: Twisted on October 21, 2011, 02:21:28 AM
Quote from: mister on October 19, 2011, 03:41:04 PM
Quote from: Twisted on October 19, 2011, 12:10:44 AM
Strange with his price in the UK. Cause down under they are cheaper than the Bonnie.
Michael
That is because UK Triumphs are made in the UK not Thailand like most of the rest of the worlds Triumphs.
He said the W800 was more than the triumphs in the UK. That's what I didn't understand. W800 is made in a cheap country, UK triumph isn't so w800 should be cheaper in the UK like it is elsewhere.
Michael
Quote from: mister on October 21, 2011, 03:40:40 AM
Quote from: mister on October 19, 2011, 03:41:04 PM
Quote from: Twisted on October 19, 2011, 12:10:44 AM
Strange with his price in the UK. Cause down under they are cheaper than the Bonnie.
Michael
That is because UK Triumphs are made in the UK not Thailand like most of the rest of the worlds Triumphs.
He said the W800 was more than the triumphs in the UK. That's what I didn't understand. W800 is made in a cheap country, UK triumph isn't so w800 should be cheaper in the UK like it is elsewhere.
Michael
Yeh but what I meant was the Triumphs the UK use are made in the UK so they're gonna be cheaper because they're already there. No importing or extra taxes for import unlike the W800 which has to be shipped in. That is my guess anyways on why they're cheaper. :dunno_black:
Ah yes, the tarrif thing.
What is going on now whenever you "quote" someone it puts your text in the box with theres? :dunno_black:
Quote from: Twisted on October 21, 2011, 02:29:01 PM
What is going on now whenever you "quote" someone it puts your text in the box with theres? :dunno_black:
I think there is a missed or extra quote tag in the above somewhere. Let me look...
Yep, found it, there was an Extra start quote with one less End quote. Going back above and adding the extra End quote to just before you new message will fix it.
Michael
How can the XS650 not be in this discussion with its mighty 50HP?
Also, when you consider the GS is considerably lighter than any of the bikes being discussed here, it has a better power-to-weight ratio, humble as it is. :thumb:
Quote from: bill14224 on October 22, 2011, 07:33:42 AM
How can the XS650 not be in this discussion with its mighty 50HP?
You would have to consider the old Honda CB fours and twins too. They're from a different era really. Good bikes though.
Quote from: Twisted on October 22, 2011, 09:24:19 AM
Quote from: bill14224 on October 22, 2011, 07:33:42 AM
How can the XS650 not be in this discussion with its mighty 50HP?
You would have to consider the old Honda CB fours and twins too. They're from a different era really. Good bikes though.
From a different era, or are they? They have overhead cams and disc brakes like the others. Later models have electronic ignition. Better than old Bonnies of the day. That's why Triumph went out of business for a while.
You could include the Honda CBs if you want but I thought this was a twin discussion. I like fours, but twins are kewel! :cheers:
And with that I admit I was wrong about this when I was younger. I used to hate twins. When I was 21 it was fours or nothing. I was half right but on the other hand I was so wrong! :dunno_black: Well, part of it was at the time you couldn't buy a 10,000 rpm twin.
Quote from: bill14224 on October 22, 2011, 07:33:42 AM
How can the XS650 not be in this discussion with its mighty 50HP?
Cause you cannot but it new. The original list was with New bikes. New bikes with comparable horse power. Threw the duke in because, while the new one has more power its immediate predecessor doesn't, while looking the same.
Michael