GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

So, I was at the bike show...rubbing and touching things I can't afford (no Yama...different show) when I went over to the Honda area and saw a couple of bikes that they are bringing to Canada (and I think to the States as well?).

These were the naked NC700S and the fared NC700X.  The naked is the bike I saw first and sat on.  Really comfortable with a lower seat height.  I liked it...then I saw the NC700X.  It looks quite similar to the Honda CrossRunner that is supposed to be coming as well with the V4 out of the VFR800...but I'm not talking about that one...I like the styling...a little bit sporty, a little bit adventure...all good to me...

The "X" has a higher seat height, longer travel suspension and farings...that's about the extent of the differences between them...

It has a new motor, 670cc parallel twin and a 6spd transmission, wet multi-plate & chain drive.  The center stand is an option (expect around $120cdn, probably $100US)  Honda states that the engineering direction on these bikes is different from the normal performance mandate.  They went after fuel efficiency and low emissions...and nailed it...the consumption numbers from Honda are 3.78L/100kms (62mpg US ~ 75mpg Imp), and some real world testing has been done and they found the bike to get 4.04L/100kms (58mpg US ~ 70mpg Imp) on average...so pretty close to the projection and someone that is really trying would probably hit the projected numbers...

The bike is a little heavier than the GS500F, coming in at 480lbs wet...but the engine puts out quite a bit more torque.  Performance numbers for the engine are 47Hp@6250rpm & 44lb.ft@4750rpm, with a redline at 6500rpm...so obviously not high revving, more like cruiser numbers...but decent numbers given the efficiency of the unit...

Another cool thing about the bike is the storage...the fuel tank is smallish at 14.1L, but the efficiency of the bike would give it similar range to the GS500...so pretty good.  That small tank is under the pillion seat and where the fuel tank usually sits is a storage area large enough to hold a full face helmet...

Anyway, here are some pics...I grabbed them off the net...my daughter's pics weren't very good (since I was sitting on it grinning...)

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fYLW3saAHv8/TxWqJamintI/AAAAAAAABjA/QPKhj5ycr_E/s600/Honda_NC700X_02.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-m5-UXV1u80Q/TxWqKXPbQ_I/AAAAAAAABjI/UDfXLVdwHbA/s600/Honda_NC700X_03.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T0tksdCV_JI/TxWqKmWUhQI/AAAAAAAABjM/q51lEbjZLTs/s600/Honda_NC700X_07.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hYaoxwa_Rw8/TxWqNP7kXRI/AAAAAAAABjo/zY75p2oqUV8/s600/Honda_NC700X_21.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tCGk8gD2mUw/TxWqOj-6H4I/AAAAAAAABj4/U_uQa6fsTbU/s600/Honda_NC700X_23.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SHtl6ZQ845s/TxWqSBtdlSI/AAAAAAAABkQ/rtMOUm9aau8/s600/Honda_NC700X_26.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s0773galv2o/TxWqHyvcjTI/AAAAAAAABi4/CKQlyyrdDEM/s600/Honda_NC700X_27.jpg)

And after talking to the Honda Rep, she said the bike would be hitting the showroom floors in July this year at $8990cdn for the NC700X, maybe $7990 in the States? (sorry, I didn't even ask about the pricing for the NC700S)

Dimensions that I found...
Seat Height: 32.7" (830mm) the "S" was lower by about an inch
Wheel base: 60.6" (1540mm)
Rake/trail: 27deg/4.3" (110mm)
Weight: 481lbs (228kg) wet...the "S" may have a slight weight advantage, 20lbs maybe??

Anyway, I was really impressed.  Nice looking bike in my view, decent pricing, more leg room than the GS...a little heavier, but the fuel weight is lower due to tank location, similar Hp rating but approx. 50% more torque than the GS...I never found the GS slow, but I didn't like how the wind or hills would cause you to have to gear down at hiway speed...the extra torque of this motor should correct this...

Now who thought it would be Honda to update our beloved bike??  I sure didn't...

Of course this is totally my opinion and I'm sure a bunch of you won't agree, but that's how I saw the bike and got quite excited to take one for a test ride when they arrive...

Later.

Quote from: madjak30 on January 17, 2012, 03:30:00 PM
e bike to get 4.04L/100kms (58mpg US ~ 70mpg Imp) on average...

Do you mean to tell me there are two different lengths that a mile is measured to?! Man I hate english measurements more every day.
.....and to think of all the time I've watched top gear and been happy that even though I had no idea how much those cars cost, at least I could still tell how fast they were going, and obviously I was wrong about that too??


Anyway, 6500rpm redline isn't bad. My XB9 redlined at 7200, the XB12s at 6800. the only time the low redline got annoying was when I would do wheelies, but at 47hp and 480lbs, I don't see that being an issue haha.

I think that helmet storage is a BMW idea. I remember they had a bike(looked really similar to this one) and it had a big indent in the same space where you could either fit a helmet, a tank bag, or a special stereo they made. It wasn't an internal locking compartment, but just a big recess a helmet would fit down into for storage.

Aah, found it, bmw F650CS....
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/BMW_F650_CS_storage_bag.jpg)

Looks like the Aprilia Mana also has helmet storage, but more similar to the honda.

(http://img.perthstreetbikes.com/img/3/6/9/Aprilia_Mana_850_helmet_storage.jpg)

Is it just me, or does the front end look like the early GS1000 (or 1100?) Katana?

Quote from: tt_four on January 17, 2012, 03:45:32 PM

Do you mean to tell me there are two different lengths that a mile is measured to?! Man I hate english measurements more every day.
.....and to think of all the time I've watched top gear and been happy that even though I had no idea how much those cars cost, at least I could still tell how fast they were going, and obviously I was wrong about that too??

Ummm, no...the gallon is different...US gallon = 3.78L (ish), Imp gallon=4.5L (ish)

I was just impressed by the mileage and it is another good all rounder...

Quote from: Big Rich;669169Is it just me, or does the front end look like the early GS1000 (or 1100?) Katana?

I can see a resemblence to the original Katana 750...the ones with the pop up headlights...



Later.

Quote from: Big Rich on January 17, 2012, 03:53:16 PM
Is it just me, or does the front end look like the early GS1000 (or 1100?) Katana?

It looked BMW to me before, but now that you mention it, I definitely see Katana.

Quote from: madjak30 on January 17, 2012, 04:06:27 PM

Ummm, no...the gallon is different...US gallon = 3.78L (ish), Imp gallon=4.5L (ish)

I was just impressed by the mileage and it is another good all rounder...

haha, got it, that makes me feel a little better, but not too much.

That honda is not something I'd want. Too many newer bikes look like a squashed hornet or a wasp that got painted. The lines are not simple and clean. These new bikes have so many points, gaps, twists, doo-dads hanging everywhere, that you lose the beauty of the bike.

I want a motorcycle, not a complex looking machine. If I did, I'd put wheels on a bowling pinsetter and ride it around.

Here are nice, clean, simple lines.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Assorted/mg7746.jpg)

There is so much going on here I can't appreciate the bike and am not sure where the bike is hidden in all the detail
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hYaoxwa_Rw8/TxWqNP7kXRI/AAAAAAAABjo/zY75p2oqUV8/s600/Honda_NC700X_21.jpg)

This is just my opinion and preference.

Quote from: adidasguy on January 17, 2012, 05:29:19 PM
That honda is not something I'd want. Too many newer bikes look like a squashed hornet or a wasp that got painted. The lines are not simple and clean. These new bikes have so many points, gaps, twists, doo-dads hanging everywhere, that you lose the beauty of the bike.

I want a motorcycle, not a complex looking machine. If I did, I'd put wheels on a bowling pinsetter and ride it around.

Here are nice, clean, simple lines.
There is so much going on here I can't appreciate the bike and am not sure where the bike is hidden in all the detail


This is just my opinion and preference.

Agreed. I like the 80's model sportbikes the most. Simple, elegant lines and shapes. New GSXR/CBRR/ETC just look like...well...a mishmash of stuff.

People are always trying to complicate things, I like nice straight lines  :icon_mrgreen:

(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200907/buell-lightning-xb12-3_460x0w.jpg)


Seriously though, I don't understand the direction modern bike styling is going. GP bikes are are gorgeous, and yet, superbikes just keep getting uglier and uglier.

Yes......

(http://p1.bikepics.com/2005/01/06/bikepics-269481-full.jpg)

NOOOOOOOOO............

(http://www.superbikeracingcoloursinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Yamaha.jpg)

Quote from: tt_four on January 17, 2012, 06:59:06 PM
People are always trying to complicate things, I like nice straight lines  :icon_mrgreen:

(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200907/buell-lightning-xb12-3_460x0w.jpg)


Seriously though, I don't understand the direction modern bike styling is going. GP bikes are are gorgeous, and yet, superbikes just keep getting uglier and uglier.

Yes......

(http://p1.bikepics.com/2005/01/06/bikepics-269481-full.jpg)

NOOOOOOOOO............

(http://www.superbikeracingcoloursinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Yamaha.jpg)

That Buell is gorgeous.  So is that Aprilia shown earlier:

(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/112508middle1.jpg)

Quote from: tt_four on January 17, 2012, 06:59:06 PM
People are always trying to complicate things, I like nice straight lines  :icon_mrgreen:

(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200907/buell-lightning-xb12-3_460x0w.jpg)

If that's the case, why did you sell yours?

But it's a little more than an updated GS500... :dunno_black:

Later.

Didn't mister do a thread on this bike?

Fugleee ... just goes to show all the plastic in the world cant cover up what is basically a fuglee bike.
Cool.
Buddha.

Fuel tank under the seat and a helmet/luggage storage compartment up front... sounds like a Suzuki innovation from 1990!

(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/GSX/GSX250F-Across-brochures/1997_Across_Ausales2_800.jpg)

Quote from: Unsane on January 17, 2012, 08:21:32 PM
Fuel tank under the seat and a helmet/luggage storage compartment up front... sounds like a Suzuki innovation from 1990!

(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/GSX/GSX250F-Across-brochures/1997_Across_Ausales2_800.jpg)

Such a sweet bike.  Too bad it never made it to the US.  I'd love to have one.

Quote from: madjak30 on January 17, 2012, 07:52:46 PM


If that's the case, why did you sell yours?

I was just referring to the styling. That GSVR has to be way more complicated mechanically than any bike I'll ever own, I just like the clean lines. I still think the Buell xbs are still one of the best looking bikes(only beaten by the older Buell S1). If I could have my Buell with a Suzuki TL1000 engine in it I'd never give it up. It was no secret that the engine was that bikes weak spot though. It needed to rev smoother in the low RPMs, and needed 2-3k more rpms to make up for how low the engine was geared.

Quotethe fuel tank is smallish at 14.1L, but the efficiency of the bike would give it similar range to the GS500...so pretty good.

Seriously, what's with the stingy fuel tank?
So it can go as far as the GS, why not give it the extra fuel capacity so it can go further. Why is 20L a huge fuel tank? I am not suggesting a 60+L car size but why is range given such short shrift in the bike performance stakes?

Plus it reminds me of a BMW GS without the surprised headlights.

Quote from: adidasguy on January 17, 2012, 05:29:19 PM
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Assorted/mg7746.jpg)

What a great little bike for its day.  And surprisingly agile and fun to ride. 

I did do a thread on this weak bike. I know I did one elsewhere, might not have duplicated it here. Frankly, it's hard to get excited about a 670cc bike only putting out the same hp as a gs500. Can't get excited about extra torque without hp to match.

Michael

Quote from: tt_four on January 17, 2012, 06:59:06 PM


Seriously though, I don't understand the direction modern bike styling is going. GP bikes are are gorgeous, and yet, superbikes just keep getting uglier and uglier.

I have to disagree with you on this bike though TT. This is the only faired bike I drool over.

(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff62/icecreamhands/2009-ducati-848-picture.jpg?t=1326871336)

It could be that I am very biased too  :flipoff:

Quote from: Twisted on January 18, 2012, 12:24:02 AM


I have to disagree with you on this bike though TT. This is the only faired bike I drool over.

I think I was mostly just referring to japanese bikes. Italians(and others) usually seem to know how to style a bike.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/MVAgusta_F4_750.JPG)

and by 'usually', remember when Ducati tried to pass thing thing off??  :dunno_black:

(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Ducati%20999%2003%20%202.jpg)

You don't like the 999? I wouldn't say no to one.

Quote from: mister on January 17, 2012, 11:21:01 PM
I did do a thread on this weak bike. I know I did one elsewhere, might not have duplicated it here. Frankly, it's hard to get excited about a 670cc bike only putting out the same hp as a gs500. Can't get excited about extra torque without hp to match.

Michael

I only posted this because of all the whining everyone seems to do that there is no updated version (although they are complaining that Suzuki hasn't done it...).  As for the performance part, everyone here seems to tout the mantra of...the performance of the GS500 is all you need, why would you need more?...and I think this bike addressed the one short coming that I found while riding the GS, lack of torque...I don't need a bike that goes over 160kph (100mph), but I do require one that will maintain 120kph (75mph) and would prefer to not have to shift down two gears to do that...this bike was made for the commuter in mind with an ear open to the environmentalists in the crowd...low consumption and low emissions...it isn't meant as a replacement for the 919, SV650/Gladius, CBF600, Ninja 650R...it's an in between step from the 250cc bikes to the 600cc or better bikes that lots of people gravitate towards.

I just think it is a great bike for a beginner, or someone who is just using the bike for utility and economic reasons...Honda reliability & build quality, decent price, Honda re-sale...but it's not meant to be a sport bike or a muscle bike, it has the same goals that the GS500 had 23yrs ago...provide a decent option to get into the sport that is reasonably priced and reliable...it isn't a sexy bike that people are gonna drool over, but I think it is a good option for a beginner...

I know everyone expected the mfgs to come out with 400cc bikes to meet this need, but look at the stereo type that a small bike gets...GIRL BIKE...bigger is better right? How are the sales for the Ninja 400R? I think most opt for the 650R...so Honda  come out with a mildly tuned 670cc that will last forever...better in my opinion than a 400cc that is wound tighter and may not have the same longevity...

Just sayin'  :cheers:

Later.

Quote from: Twisted on January 18, 2012, 06:53:37 AM
You don't like the 999? I wouldn't say no to one.

Ooh I wouldn't say no to one, but I still think they're ugly. Not the ugliest, but Ducati from the that older 916 style, which is largly accepted as the most gorgeous motorcycle ever designed, and then went straight into that 999 bodywork. The newer ones are looking better again, but I definitely don't consider the styling to be that bikes strong point.

Quote from: madjak30 on January 18, 2012, 08:50:22 AM
I just think it is a great bike for a beginner, or someone who is just using the bike for utility and economic reasons...Honda reliability & build quality, decent price, Honda re-sale...

Everything you said in that post is definitely 100% accurate. It's pretty much everything people on this forum say they want, all wrapped up in a 'big' bike that they can ride without having to get the depressing looks when they say they ride a 500. I'm not huge into displacement, and even though my buell had less HP than a 600cc sportbike, it was nice just to be able to say "it's a 984cc v twin" and have people give me the nod of approval, instead of having to discuss the figures and explain what the bike was really about. I was happy to if someone was interested, but that's all some people care about, and it's nice to give them a number and have them walk away. Even with the low torque, it would be nice to get a GS that's just a little more modern. Aside from the updated fairing, it's still the same GS with the steel frame, 37mm forks, same controls. So even if this bike isn't making big hp numbers, it would be nice to get a few things like nicer controls, digital gauges, fuel injection(not sure if it has it or not) just so you can feel like you're riding in the 21st century.

This new bike from Honda sounds pretty good to me. As for the "a 'big' bike that they can ride without having to get the depressing looks when they say they ride a 500." I sure understand that, when someone asks what bike I ride or which one is mine, I answer Kawasaki Ninja, then they ask what size.... 250. Sometimes they just nod, sometimes they ask why such a small bike..

The only problem I see with it, is one of the same reasons that Canada got the Ninja 400, insurance premiums. I've got State Farm and they seem to only go by engine cc size, 250-400, 500-600, 650- and so on. The insurance premium for 500cc bike is twice and the 650 is 3 times as much as my 250. Makes me wonder how some people can afford insurance on the 900-1200cc bikes.
Tony

Price is a killer. Almost double that of a gs. I don't see the few extra things as being worth double the money of a gs

Michael

The Honda is low horsepower, but the Honda lacks the low weight, simple construction, and low price that make the GS500 a wonderful bike.

Quote from: TonyKZ1 on January 18, 2012, 12:58:30 PM
Makes me wonder how some people can afford insurance on the 900-1200cc bikes.
Tony

Liability coverage.... chances of you causing a lot of damage to a car in a crash are pretty slim, so as long as they don't have to pay for your bike when you crash it, they don't have to charge you too much. That's also a good reason to shop around. I know some companies go by engine size, but a lot go by the style of the bike, as some are obviously more likely to end up wrapped around a guard rail than others.

I know how you feel, one of my first bikes was a ninja250 that I put 14k miles on. It was a great bike and a ton of fun, but it was definitely lacking in the cool factor and I pretty much stuck to myself when I rode. It was nice when I moved up to a 600 because it was so much easier to be motorcycle-social.

Quote from: mister on January 18, 2012, 01:15:06 PM
Price is a killer. Almost double that of a gs. I don't see the few extra things as being worth double the money of a gs

Michael

I agree somewhat...the price isn't stellar, but it isn't bad...the 2010 GS500F was $7199 here, but that was the last year for the bike (it isn't on the website past '10)...but this bike has fuel injection, 50% more torque, is better on fuel, is taller (I know you all think it is the perfect height, but I found the pegs a little close to my butt), has ABS...I'm not saying it is perfect, far from, but I think it would be a pretty good commuter...plus I like the look of it.

But let's be real, I'm keeping my MT-01...with it's higher consumption, smaller tank, higher insurance rates (1670cc...bragg much??  :thumb: )...but if I was looking for a commuter, do it all bike...this would be in the running...the Ninja 400R would be another, mostly because of price $6999 (but I find the pegs tight as well...but it's cheaper than the GS500F and is FI)...

This Honda is more along the lines of the Versys or V Strom 650...similar torque, but less power by about 15Hp and similar in pricing...the more I think about the pricing, the less I like it...but I was impressed with the bike...I think maybe it was the storage and fuel consumption that impressed me the most...??

Later.

Quote from: madjak30 on January 18, 2012, 08:37:20 PM
...but I was impressed with the bike...I think maybe it was the storage and fuel consumption that impressed me the most...??

I think that's more storage than you get in the back of an old Srad, and that storage space still makes that bike one of the most appealing sportbikes out there to me, even if it was introduced 15 years ago. The thought of barely ever needing a backpack again just sends my head spinning.

Quote from: tt_four on January 18, 2012, 05:14:51 AM
and by 'usually', remember when Ducati tried to pass thing thing off??  :dunno_black:

(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Ducati%20999%2003%20%202.jpg)

I almost puke in my mouth when I look at it.  Never liked it.  Thought it was the ugliest duc made in years.

Quote from: john on January 19, 2012, 07:43:29 PM

Quote from: tt_four on January 18, 2012, 05:14:51 AM
and by 'usually', remember when Ducati tried to pass thing thing off??  :dunno_black:

(http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Ducati%20999%2003%20%202.jpg)

I almost puke in my mouth when I look at it.  Never liked it.  Thought it was the ugliest duc made in years.

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

(http://www.freedesktopwallpapers4u.com/data/media/249/Ducati-Desmosedici-RR-prototype-2006-03.jpg)

The style of this Honda in the OP does indeed, as someone else said, have way to many contrasting angles and lines. There are shards of plastic fairing slapped here and there with no continuity. The headlight shape is a drooping eye; just woke up, it has a hangover and feels ill.

Are designers trying to emulate streetfighters? Do they think that's what the kids want? "Let's make the bikes resemble the bruised and dented stunters. Those bikes always harvest millions of hits on youtube. They must be cool."

Quote from: shonole on January 19, 2012, 08:20:25 PM

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 10:13:56 AM

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

They had a Panigale at the DC bike show last week. It was on a pedistal so you could only look at it. That thing has the best workmanship I have ever seen in a street bike.  Everything was polished and pristine like a work of art!   :cheers:

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 10:13:56 AM

Quote from: shonole on January 19, 2012, 08:20:25 PM

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Agreed.  There's just something.. off.. about it.

Quote from: shonole on January 20, 2012, 12:52:15 PM

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 10:13:56 AM

Quote from: shonole on January 19, 2012, 08:20:25 PM

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Agreed.  There's just something.. off.. about it.

Maybe it is the price tag for us mere mortals.

Quote from: Twisted on January 20, 2012, 04:07:52 PM

Maybe it is the price tag for us mere mortals.

haha, I know wht the issue is, I just didn't want to be overly picky. The tail is too flat for it's round shape. It's needs a beefier tail. Skinny bodywork fits on angular bikes, but curved bikes need to have a little substance to them so the curves work right. I think if the bodywork wrapped under the seat better it would look perfectly normal to me.

(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/ducati-1199-panigale-full-story-review.jpg)

It does look good in this picture though, I think it depends on the angle you see it at.

(http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/xlarge/2012-1199-Panigale-S-.gif)

Weird bike.
It's kinda nice that they seem to kindasorta be looking at the "commuter" displacement bikes again.  but that bike is sorta like the 50% solution all over.

20 years more modern design.. but it's HEAVIER?
It has basically the *same* mpg as our GS500? (I get 56mpg all the time)

and while I kinda like most of the styling.. the stupid dinky windscreen and raised bars, makes it look like a dualsport. arg.

Lets do a comparison here between these 3 "parallel twin" bikes.

GS500:   430?lbs   55mpg        30lbft (47hp)
honda:   480lbs     58mpg         44lbft (47hp)  $8000   (6500 rpm redline??!!)
800st     461lbs     55-ishmpg  63lbft (80hp) $10000   (8500 rpm redline)


yeaaaaahhhno. The honda makes no sense to me. If I was spending $8000, I'd pony up the extra $2k and buy the bmw 800st instead. better performance, and proven design.

If they were really going primarily after "fuel efficiency", I would expect something in the 60+mpg range, for all the bizzare rpm limiting they did.
I'd say it was an engineering fail. Shame on you, honda. You should be able to do better.

Here's where I got the info on the bike...

Ash on Bikes ~ NC700X (http://ashonbikes.com/content/honda-nc700x-0)

And here is a quote from that story...

Quote...That's why it can be efficient, why Honda says it achieves 80mpg on the standard motorcycle cycle, and why on my own test, which included some flat out riding (indicated top speed is 115mph, 185kph), back-and-forth photo shoots, fast cruising and a general mix taking no account of economy, it still managed 64mpg (22.7km/l, 4.41l/100km, 53mpg US). I would expect most riders with little effort to be rewarded with up to 70mpg (24.8km/l, 4.04l/100km, 58mpg US), which means the 3.1 gallon (14.1 litre, 3.7 gallons US) tank is good for a typical 220 miles (350km). Honda claims 78.8mpg (27.9km/l, 3.58l/100km, 65.6mpg US) on the standardised World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC), and this would certainly be achievable with a little rider effort...

I'm not quite sure why I'm defending this bike...I guess it just struck me as a nice updated replacement for the GS500...there are definitely better bikes out there...

Later.

If Suzuki update the bike with style changes and efi, and it would whoop this Honda.

Quote from: aussiegs on January 20, 2012, 08:31:56 PM
If Suzuki update the bike with style changes and efi, and it would whoop this Honda.

I don't know why, but I envision something light weight, kind of sporty, fair sized gas tank, and around a 400cc IL4 with water cooling and FI.  Basically gs500 size and style with a few modern improvements.  I bet it would be a blast to ride and get fantastic mileage.  I know for fact our 600 sportbike ridden normally gets just shy of 50mpg.  I would think a 400 could easily put out 60hp.

Quote from: madjak30 on January 20, 2012, 08:07:13 PM

And here is a quote from that story...

Quote... Honda claims... 65.6mpg US) ...

Okay, THATs more like it. Thanks for pulling out that tidbit of information.
Still a little underwhelming., since,  seems like with redline of 6500 rpm, all that torque wouldnt do you much good, if you have to shift it  every .5 seconds of actually trying to use it :-)  But maybe someone who gets to actually ride it, could share more.

Do you actually start using the gears "normally" at 2,000 rpm instead of 3500 like on a normal bike or something, I wonder?
That would bring more sanity into the picture.

(Still hate the windscreen thou ;)  )

Quote from: Phil B on January 20, 2012, 10:45:08 PM
Do you actually start using the gears "normally" at 2,000 rpm instead of 3500 like on a normal bike or something, I wonder?
That would bring more sanity into the picture.

Ayup, that be it. As much torque @2k rpm, as a cbr @4k rpm

(erm... and MORE torque @4k, than a cbr600 @8k?? !!)

Would be "interesting" to test ride.


From the article; the new bike is the 'red line' set.

(http://ashonbikes.com/sites/default/files/ash_images/articles/111125/Honda_NC700X_29.jpg)

Looks better in red, too.
(http://ashonbikes.com/sites/default/files/ash_images/articles/111125/Honda_NC700X_19.jpg)

Quote from: madjak30 on January 20, 2012, 08:07:13 PM

I'm not quite sure why I'm defending this bike...I guess it just struck me as a nice updated replacement for the GS500...there are definitely better bikes out there...

Yes, I agree that Honda made better replacements  :icon_mrgreen:

(http://www.motorcycle.com/gallery/gallery.php/d/232497-2/Honda-CB1000R_HH8V5957.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT)

Quote from: Phil B on January 20, 2012, 10:45:08 PM

Do you actually start using the gears "normally" at 2,000 rpm instead of 3500 like on a normal bike or something, I wonder?
That would bring more sanity into the picture.

You definitely notice more torque. When I had my Buell, I cruised around at 1500rpm all day long, and rarely had to take it over 2k. most of my fastest riding was done between 3-4krpm. There was no need to redline it like a normal sportbike. Considering I could come out of a turn at idle(1100rpm) and it would just chug away, there was no need to stress over it. That bike did have something crazy like 70ft/lbs though. Even still, it was almost 1000cc and still got 52mph, so I feel like it should be possible to get close to 80 with a 400cc bike.

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 11:09:15 PM
(http://www.motorcycle.com/gallery/gallery.php/d/232497-2/Honda-CB1000R_HH8V5957.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT)

Whoa! Where did they come up with this bike?
What do we have - Spiderman laying over it humping something?
What is that turd looking thing hanging of the tail end over the rear tire? Could it look any more out of place?
Is that a fireman's breathing mask on the front where the headlight should be?

What would you do with this thing?
1. ride fast so no one can recognize you on this butt fugley thing?
2. Pose with it and see if anyone guesses it is a motorcycle?
3. Stand proudly next to it bragging that you have so much money you can waste it on something so tasteless?
4. Say your 4 year old child designed it and the original drawing is on your refrigerator?
5. You went insane and this bike reminds you of your favorite Rorschach inkblot test picture.

Quote from: john on January 20, 2012, 10:13:54 PM

Quote from: aussiegs on January 20, 2012, 08:31:56 PM
If Suzuki update the bike with style changes and efi, and it would whoop this Honda.

I don't know why, but I envision something light weight, kind of sporty, fair sized gas tank, and around a 400cc IL4 with water cooling and FI.  Basically gs500 size and style with a few modern improvements.  I bet it would be a blast to ride and get fantastic mileage.  I know for fact our 600 sportbike ridden normally gets just shy of 50mpg.  I would think a 400 could easily put out 60hp.

You mean like this?
http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Honda/2009_CB400/Honda_CB400_Review_Page1.htm

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 11:09:15 PM

Quote from: madjak30 on January 20, 2012, 08:07:13 PM

I'm not quite sure why I'm defending this bike...I guess it just struck me as a nice updated replacement for the GS500...there are definitely better bikes out there...

Yes, I agree that Honda made better replacements  :icon_mrgreen:

(http://www.motorcycle.com/gallery/gallery.php/d/232497-2/Honda-CB1000R_HH8V5957.jpg?g2_GALLERYSID=TMP_SESSION_ID_DI_NOISSES_PMT)

Quote from: Phil B on January 20, 2012, 10:45:08 PM

Do you actually start using the gears "normally" at 2,000 rpm instead of 3500 like on a normal bike or something, I wonder?
That would bring more sanity into the picture.

You definitely notice more torque. When I had my Buell, I cruised around at 1500rpm all day long, and rarely had to take it over 2k. most of my fastest riding was done between 3-4krpm. There was no need to redline it like a normal sportbike. Considering I could come out of a turn at idle(1100rpm) and it would just chug away, there was no need to stress over it. That bike did have something crazy like 70ft/lbs though. Even still, it was almost 1000cc and still got 52mph, so I feel like it should be possible to get close to 80 with a 400cc bike.

The Buell lets you chug around at 1500rpm? I thought it would be similar to my Monster. It doesn't like to be under 3k otherwise it starts to lug. I agree with the redline. The only time I have heard mine hit the redline is when it was on the dyno to get the PC3 tuned. You don't need to hit redline when you have 70ft/lbs of torque attached to your right wrist.

Quote from: Twisted on January 21, 2012, 05:36:12 AM

Quote from: john on January 20, 2012, 10:13:54 PM

I don't know why, but I envision something light weight, kind of sporty, fair sized gas tank, and around a 400cc IL4 with water cooling and FI.  Basically gs500 size and style with a few modern improvements.  I bet it would be a blast to ride and get fantastic mileage.  I know for fact our 600 sportbike ridden normally gets just shy of 50mpg.  I would think a 400 could easily put out 60hp.

You mean like this?
http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/Honda/2009_CB400/Honda_CB400_Review_Page1.htm

Wow. stylewise, it's like honda stole a GS500 and slapped a honda badge on it :D
Right down to the rear grab bar!

(I'd want a  faired model thou. and.. erm.. $2000 off the price :-/  oh wait it's aussie dollars. but still.)

o hey.. they read my mind again  :icon_mrgreen:
(http://www.motorcycledb.com/images/Honda/Honda-CB400-Super-Bol-dOr-ABS-6361.jpg)

It looks almost EXACTLY like my bikie, that has the side fairings removed!
(http://i56.tinypic.com/15rnqqc.jpg)

Another (old) bike I've always had a soft spot for, is the kawasaki zr7. It fit's the same category as the gs, only larger. It's one of the bikes that actually got me interested in riding again after I had stopped for a few years. Someone who lived on my way home always had one parked infront of their house, and every time I'd go down that road I'd look forward to seeing it. It's a pretty decent bike for a commuter/standard. I thought about getting one, but of course the more I look around online the more and more I decided I needed something lighter and faster haha.

(http://motoprofi.com/imgs/a/a/b/m/s/kawasaki_zr7_2000_13_lgw.jpg)

Quote from: adidasguy on January 21, 2012, 12:41:19 AM

What is that turd looking thing hanging of the tail end over the rear tire? Could it look any more out of place?

What would you do with this thing?

Just the fender they're legally required to have, that they know everyone is gonna yank off as soon as they buy the bike. Most people here do the same thing on the GS's fender, I've seen plenty of posts about it. Nice thing about the honda is you can remove it with a few allen keys, and not a dremel like you need for the GS500

I think I'd ride it around with a stupid grin on my face at the mind bending power you have available at the twist of your right wrist, all while being a super smooth and well running motorcycle?? I'd do a lot of wheelies too  :icon_mrgreen:

Quote from: Twisted on January 21, 2012, 05:38:58 AM


The Buell lets you chug around at 1500rpm?

Yup, the engine gets a little smoother once you're over 2500rpm, it still thumps a bit when you're that low, but no complaints from the bike. I bet it's even easier on an xb12 instead of my xb9. You barely even had to use the throttle to leave a redlight. I've stalled my yz426 a few times in traffic because I was so used to being lazy with the throttle haha.

(  :whisper: I know what that thing sticking out the tail is. I was using a little thing called "satire" )

haha, I know, I should've emphasized "legally" a little more, as to agree that you think it's ugly, I think it's ugly, and I'm certain honda thought it was ugly, but it had to be there, so they designed the tail without it and just bolted it on there so it was as easy to remove as possible. It's nothing compared to the 5lb fender that came on my buell, and I couldn't even unbolt that one because it was cast into part of the tail. I had to get out the air cutter and the angle grinder, and repaint it all when i was done.

Yeah, the good old ZR7. I think that along with the ER5 are two bikes Kawasaki Should have kept making. Unfortunately, both are likes hens teeth down here. Either they sold bugger all of them - or - those who have them hold on to them until they have turned into a pile of rust.

600 Hornets are ok. Haven't ridden a naked one but did ride a faired one. Didn't like the faired one. Too noisey and too much heat coming onto my legs. Actually couldn't wait to get back onto my GS  :icon_mrgreen:

Would like to try a Suzuki Impulse but none available down here either. 400cc, water cooled, fuel injected. That's our upgraded GS500 right there....

(http://i.imgur.com/yzVsm.jpg)

Michael

I have seen a few Zephyr 750 on eBay going cheap.

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 10:13:56 AM

Quote from: shonole on January 19, 2012, 08:20:25 PM

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Does this help? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mctqqAQ4eAE&feature=g-vrec&context=G21aa60bRVAAAAAAAADQ

Quote from: Twisted on January 22, 2012, 09:54:48 PM

Quote from: tt_four on January 20, 2012, 10:13:56 AM

Quote from: shonole on January 19, 2012, 08:20:25 PM

I'll see your 999 and raise you this:

That Desmosedici is a gorgeous bike. I'm still a little unsure about the Panigale. It looks good from some angles, awful from others.

Does this help? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mctqqAQ4eAE&feature=g-vrec&context=G21aa60bRVAAAAAAAADQ

:icon_eek: :icon_eek: :icon_eek: :icon_eek:

Quote from: Twisted on January 22, 2012, 09:54:48 PM


Does this help? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mctqqAQ4eAE&feature=g-vrec&context=G21aa60bRVAAAAAAAADQ

Not as much as the video of the girl in the Toyota supra that popped up in the side bar haha

I don't know about a 500, but I'd love to find one of these 125's I saw in Berlin...
This looks like a lot of fun and very stylish, too!
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/Assorted/Honda_cbr125.jpg)

I like it.

Also, I strongly considered replacing my bike with the new CBR250R for awhile before I finally (knock on wood) resolved my bike's ever-present oil leaks. If Honda built a 400 cc (or so) twin with the similar styling to the CBR250R I would buy it as well.

Quote from: adidasguy on January 24, 2012, 05:41:10 PM
I don't know about a 500, but I'd love to find one of these 125's I saw in Berlin...
This looks like a lot of fun and very stylish, too!

those look like fun, but if I had my pick of 125s, I know exactly which one I'd go with...

(http://blog.derestricted.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ktm_125_duke_powerparts_03.jpg)

Quote from: adidasguy on January 24, 2012, 05:41:10 PM
I don't know about a 500, but I'd love to find one of these (honda) 125's I saw in Berlin...
This looks like a lot of fun and very stylish, too!

Pretty!  .. and, coincidentally, almost exactly like a gs500f, but with a different color scheme ;)

I wonder how honda justifies giving it an "R" suffix, though

Quote from: XealotX on January 24, 2012, 06:20:01 PM
Also, I strongly considered replacing my bike with the new CBR250R for awhile before I finally (knock on wood) resolved my bike's ever-present oil leaks.

How did you do that?  Replace all the engine gaskets?

Quote from: Juan1 on January 25, 2012, 05:36:58 PM

Quote from: XealotX on January 24, 2012, 06:20:01 PM
Also, I strongly considered replacing my bike with the new CBR250R for awhile before I finally (knock on wood) resolved my bike's ever-present oil leaks.

How did you do that?  Replace all the engine gaskets?

Tightened where the tachometer cable goes into the cylinder head, new cylinder head gasket, new head cover O rings, new oil chamber gasket, and a new magneto cover gasket. Was afraid I had more serious issues but it seemed to be leak free for about 500 miles before I put it away for the winter.