Quote from: Twisted on February 11, 2012, 03:21:01 AM
Also look at the 2 valve Ducati Monsters from the 800 up. All great upgrades from the GS and plenty fast enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear. Don't believe the myth that they cost more to maintain. That only applies to the 4 valve Ducati's especially the SBKs. Service intervals are the same as a Jap bike except for the belts which will cost you around $150 every two years.

I have considered this.  A buddy told me his 750 was an electrical nightmare.  He builds race bikes for a living so I tend to believe him, but that is the only street bike he has ever known so who knows.

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2001-Ducati-Monster-900ie-S-102132697

Even with some practice and going light on the handlebar grip, I'm horribly uncomfortable at 60+ mph on my gs500e with or without traffic.  I'm glad to read I'm not the only one. 

Quote from: Phil B on January 29, 2012, 02:54:13 PM

Quote from: MysterYvil on January 29, 2012, 10:20:30 AM
I have a GS500 and a Ninja 650R (mechanically the same as the ER-6N).

In my experience, the GS is just fine on the highway, even in 70mph zones, if you cruise in 5th and downshift to 4th to pass.

Yup. Or if you're like me, "cruise" in overdrive, aka 6th gear, and enjoy the 58mpg that comes from running at 5k rpm all the time, rather than getting all worked up over showing off to the cars around you.



And PS to the post about getting left behind at stop lights by cars... erm...
Unless the "stop light" in question is a drag strip, "you're doing it wrong". Aint the bike's fault.
Poke around the web, and you'll see that the gs500's 0-60 times are quoted as 5.x seconds.

There arent that many cars around that can beat that.
If you're getting left behind all the time, either your bike needs an overhaul, or you need some quickstart lessons.

I'm terribly slow off the start.  Any tips?

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 13, 2012, 08:40:34 AM

Quote from: Twisted on February 11, 2012, 03:21:01 AM
Also look at the 2 valve Ducati Monsters from the 800 up. All great upgrades from the GS and plenty fast enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear. Don't believe the myth that they cost more to maintain. That only applies to the 4 valve Ducati's especially the SBKs. Service intervals are the same as a Jap bike except for the belts which will cost you around $150 every two years.

I have considered this.  A buddy told me his 750 was an electrical nightmare.  He builds race bikes for a living so I tend to believe him, but that is the only street bike he has ever known so who knows.

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2001-Ducati-Monster-900ie-S-102132697

That is a nice Monster. It already has the Termi pipes (aural heaven) and has the Ohlins shock and adjustable Showa forks being a S model. And very low miles. The 900s are damn near bullet proof engines too.

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 13, 2012, 08:35:16 AM

Quote from: mister on February 11, 2012, 02:48:34 AM
z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

The z750s is a vibrating mother also.  I am still tempted to go grab it but I want a nekked.  I did not get to ride it all that much.  It did have a can on it and who knows if it was tuned.

Z750s? I thought you were looking at a naked plain old Z750?

Okay. Something is def wrong here. First you say the bike has no mid range and then say it vibes like a mother. NONE of the Z750s I rode were like this. Not the 2004, 08 or 2010. They ALL had smooth throttle and acceleration in all speeds and no untoward vibrations. Pass on that one.

As for Electrical Nightmare, what does that even mean? IN what specific way was this bike an Electrical Nightmare? I have never heard of it being anything other than reliable. Sounds like you buddy bought a lemon or something a PO had done some backyard work on, or may have had submerged.

Michael

OP - sv650 or vstrom , done.

There are two sv's asking $2K (asking!) Within driving distance from me. Vstroms are usually higher priced and run into the ground (people ride the piss out of them) with 70000 miles before they are sold.

The 750s you test rode, was broken. Find another and test ride. You should be happy with that bike.

As far as buells, exotics,  mmm, ya, no. Stick to jap bikes and enjoy the oil changes, cause that's all you do besides ride.

In my experience, some bikes feel more vibey in comparison to the current bike you are used to, and sometimes a particular bike just has more vibration ~ I have noticed this on SV650's and VFR800's.

Quote from: mister on February 14, 2012, 03:48:14 AM

Quote from: Rough Customer on February 13, 2012, 08:35:16 AM

Quote from: mister on February 11, 2012, 02:48:34 AM
z750 with poor mid range? Nah, either the bike is tunned all wrong or you were riding it wrong or something. Cause all the ones I rode had Smooth acceleration off the throttle and all took off like nobody's business when twisted. Apart from the "plywood covered with tissue paper" feel of the seat, they are lovely bikes.

SV650. Nice bike. If you don't want vibes don't get it. It has typical vtwin vibes. Naked has an upright riding position like the GS, Sport version has forward position. I really did not like the forward position while riding the sport. The naked was much comfier for me. BUT... don't expect it to rock your socks with speed. Don't get me wrong, they can go, but don't think you'll be a Rossi as soon as you're one one. Keep your expectations low and you will not be disappointed.

Bandits are a tad top heavy. But you don't notice it while riding. Though you might feel higher up - same with the Stroms, Versys, etc.

Keep us posted.

Michael

The z750s is a vibrating mother also.  I am still tempted to go grab it but I want a nekked.  I did not get to ride it all that much.  It did have a can on it and who knows if it was tuned.

Z750s? I thought you were looking at a naked plain old Z750?

Okay. Something is def wrong here. First you say the bike has no mid range and then say it vibes like a mother. NONE of the Z750s I rode were like this. Not the 2004, 08 or 2010. They ALL had smooth throttle and acceleration in all speeds and no untoward vibrations. Pass on that one.

As for Electrical Nightmare, what does that even mean? IN what specific way was this bike an Electrical Nightmare? I have never heard of it being anything other than reliable. Sounds like you buddy bought a lemon or something a PO had done some backyard work on, or may have had submerged.

Michael

I do not think the plain z750 ever made it to the states.  And it vibrates a bit through the bars (I should have specified) because the engine is a stressed member.  I have read that bar end weights cure the problem.  I am following up... call it a second interview, on an '03 Z1000 today.  I checked it out a week or so ago and have been haggling.  We are at $2,700 so I think it is time to pull the trigger. It will need a front tire and new rearviews.

He said the was always having problems with the switches on his duc, clutch switch, sidestand switch, but again he is used to race bikes and race cars so street oriented wiring harnesses kind of piss him off in general whether it is a bike, a mustang etc.

Quote from: jimigalahad on February 13, 2012, 02:16:58 PM
I'm terribly slow off the start.  Any tips?

The one thing that I really like on the GS is launching from a stoplight. Here's how I do it. Give the engine about 1/2 turn and slip the clutch at 4K. As soon as you're moving and the chain has tension drop the clutch the rest of the way and give it as much throttle as you can manage. You should get a nice, smooth and brisk launch this way. Don't slip the clutch for longer than a few tenths of a second - the point is to get the driveline tensioned and the rear wheel moving slightly. Then you should be able to drop the clutch and take off without roasting the rear tire.

Unless the cager next to you is seriously launching his car I doubt he'll be able to keep up with you until about 40 or so.

I think all bikes are electrical nightmares. If there's a wire on it, I think it's got too much wiring. If he's used to track bikes, maybe he got tired of the lights and all of that mess.

Quote from: ohgood on February 14, 2012, 04:20:36 AM

As far as buells, exotics,  mmm, ya, no. Stick to jap bikes and enjoy the oil changes, cause that's all you do besides ride.

That's not true, despite other shortcomings, the Buell needed the least maintenance of any bike I've owned. The valves are self adjusting, there's not even a chain to lube. As long as there's oil in the bike it'll run great. There isn't even any coolant to deal with.

I do love Japanese bikes, and I understand passing on the Buell for something else considering I sold my for a yamaha, but maintenance certainly wasn't the issue.

Quote from: ohgood on February 14, 2012, 04:20:36 AM

As far as buells, exotics,  mmm, ya, no. Stick to jap bikes and enjoy the oil changes, cause that's all you do besides ride.

Jap bikes need more than just oil changes just like exotic bikes. Like I was telling the OP, my Ducati has the same service intervals as my GS, you check the valves at the same intervals as a GS. Seems to be this big myth that everyone thinks that a bike not made in Japan is going to bankrupt you. It just is not true. I too just like tt four love the Japanese bikes but I do not think they are the be all and end all. There are so many great bikes out there. Also I can understand that exotic bikes are not everyone's cup of tea.

The reason I wanted a japanese bike wasn't the maintenance, the biggest plus is the availability of parts. You can go on ebay and find multiples of pretty much anything, and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Quote from: tt_four on February 15, 2012, 07:48:50 PM
The reason I wanted a japanese bike wasn't the maintenance, the biggest plus is the availability of parts. You can go on ebay and find multiples of pretty much anything, and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Parts price/availability and soft aluminum ended my love affair with Ducati.  Along those lines but definitely off topic, we had a Porsche Cayman traded in at work and sent it down to the Porsche dealer for an oil change.  $320 for an oil change!?!?!  Definitely a rich persons toy!

-Jessie

I recall being told by a friend who used to work in auto sales that 80% of Porsche owners say they would not buy another one

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 15, 2012, 08:13:58 PM

Quote from: tt_four on February 15, 2012, 07:48:50 PM
The reason I wanted a japanese bike wasn't the maintenance, the biggest plus is the availability of parts. You can go on ebay and find multiples of pretty much anything, and they'll be a lot cheaper.

Parts price/availability and soft aluminum ended my love affair with Ducati.  Along those lines but definitely off topic, we had a Porsche Cayman traded in at work and sent it down to the Porsche dealer for an oil change.  $320 for an oil change!?!?!  Definitely a rich persons toy!

-Jessie

Porsche oil, for sure. $50 a quart.

Jap bikes are best ,had a new triumph 900 2005 cylinder head problems from new and no oil in forks or rear brake fluid yet all the assembly checks were ticked .Thinking it was bad luck i then invested $18,000 dollars in a new 2006 Triumph Tiger 995 i, another heap of pommy junk .boiled from day one ,had to replace 2 front disce"s by 5000km next had to replace rear wheel and hub  because of bad machine tolerances ,would you believe 3mm at the middle of the wheel hub .now its Jap all the way 40,000 km of total reliability.

Quote from: twinrat on February 15, 2012, 11:10:51 PM
Jap bikes are best ,had a new triumph 900 2005 cylinder head problems from new and no oil in forks or rear brake fluid yet all the assembly checks were ticked .Thinking it was bad luck i then invested $18,000 dollars in a new 2006 Triumph Tiger 995 i, another heap of pommy junk .boiled from day one ,had to replace 2 front disce"s by 5000km next had to replace rear wheel and hub  because of bad machine tolerances ,would you believe 3mm at the middle of the wheel hub .now its Jap all the way 40,000 km of total reliability.

Bad luck for you. Triumphs are a pretty reputable company and it sucks you got a few lemons. I do like the Japanese bikes but if they were as reliable as you say half the post in this forum would not exist   

From what I can see, the problems with the GS start to develop as soon as people start messing with them. Add a crash or two, know maintenance and riding abuse and you are bound to get issues.

Triumphs cop a bad rap because they tout themselves as something kind of special - British Steel and all that - and yet some of their bikes have the most silly problems. And what makes it worse is, the OEM parts are highly priced - and - the importer in Aust carries no stock so all parts need to be ordered from England As Needed.

Michael

I dunno but jap and euro bikes seem to be on par, maybe the euros are a little further ahead. Certainly on the style front.

Quote from: twinrat on February 15, 2012, 11:10:51 PM
Jap bikes are best

I had a triumph for a few years, loved the bike but again it was nothing but stupid problems. The biggest issue there is the dealer network. There's only 1 triumph dealer in the area and they're a nightmare. They were originally a bmw dealership, so no real hope from the start, but then they got triumph, now they have Ducati as well, and it's just a showroom of nothing but arrogant asshats. All of the stupid problems could have been resolved by a competant mechanic, but unfortunately they don't have any and nobody there wanted to try.

1 recurring problem was the chain eating through chainguards and grinding into my swingarm. Simple problem, the cog and chainring were too small, which put too much pressure on the chain guide. I explained this to them a number of times, they would just keep saying "we can't keep replacing these every time they go.....". Then fix the PROBLEM! Eventually the next year of bikes came out and had the same gear ratio, just done with higher sprockets(+1/+3), and as soon as I pointed it out they pretty much had to stop denying it wasn't a probem and they fixed it. There were various things like that which were all so stupid and simple, but they made you fight to the bitter end to get them sorted. If it was a used bike I would've done it myself, but I bought it brand new and had a warranty, so I felt compelled to make them do it. I wouldn't hesitate to grab a Speed Triple if I found a good deal on one, but I would be doing 100% of my own work, and buying parts entirely from the internet.

They can design a bike that's just as nice, and as fun to ride as a japanese bike, I think the issue is that they're not as big, and without the turn around and high output there are stupid little problems like that which just slip through.

They have their own strong points though. There are no naked bikes as good as the speed triple, just doesn't happen! The Z1000 is a nice bike, that new cb1000r looks cool, but they're no speed triple. Even that 2003 speed four I had is still better than any japanese naked bike you could buy now that it's 2012. Naked bikes is just a market that japanese manufactures don't really take serious. They're all just downgraded versions of their sportbikes with older motors in them. Triumph has the modern engine and same quality of suspension and parts on their nakes bikes as they have on their sportbikes, same as Buell and Ducati.