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Posted: 2/22/2017 1:00:14 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They've gotten better, but they remind me of 90's BMW's....either rock solid or a pile of putrid shit. All the Guzzi owners I've talked to have either had one or the other....in equal measures. Electrical gremlins galore, my buddy's Norge had electrical gremlins that drove him nuts, and it would vapor lock and not run right hot. He replaced it with a Caponord, and it was even worse. lol He traded for a newer Caponord and it's been solid. Eh, Italians. I love the idea of them, but I couldn't gamble on something with so sparse a dealer network comfortably. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 1:25:39 AM EDT
[#2]
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You have just described about 99% of Honda products... I will give up a lot of soul for boring reliability. Hondas are good reliability-wise but they have their problems like every other bike. My two 1984 V65 Sabres were awesome but they had problems wiping cams. Cams were built of poor quality metal and the design of the oiling system was inadequate. Shame, too, because the V4 engines were otherwise incredible. My 2001 ST1100 had pretty bad headshake problems around 35mph. A common problem with those. But the bigger common problem is the tendency for rear tires to blow out regardless oh whether the bike is loaded down. Previous owner sold it to me because he was scared to drive it after a brand new Avon blew out on him at 70 mph on the interstate. ST1100 owners sometimes switch to a goldwing rear rim with a car tire since they won't blow out. Doesn't handle quite as well but at least it's safer. I was intending on getting an ST1300 before I got the 1100. But they have an instability problem above 85mph. A lot of people have tried to figure it out but there seems to be no rhyme or reason to it (same as the blowouts above). Some people get lucky and don't have the problem but it is a gamble every time you break 85. Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against Hondas as evidenced by my ownership of them. Just don't try to pass them off as something greater than they really are. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 1:30:51 AM EDT
[#3]
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You should trade your brother for that Strom. :D The thought has crossed my mind. 
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Posted: 2/22/2017 2:01:51 AM EDT
[#4]
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Motorcycles, in general, are not for the faint of heart. Nevertheless, iff that 8V motor and the Stelio itself was not up to it, I would not recommend it. I believe you. But it's still boutique with boutique parts. Also busts my spec sheet being one of the big 1200 ADVs. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 3:45:21 AM EDT
[#5]
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I'm in the same boat. I had some fickle bikes and given that I adventure or offroad ride, that really put the damper on their fun. It's one thing when your bike won't start in the Panera parking lot. It's altogether different when you're 18 miles from the nearest road in the middle of the woods on hills so steep you can't push the bike up to get out. BTDT, walked the whole way to civilization in fucking MX boots. I'm getting ready to do a ride out west and up the CDT into Canada on my Strom. One of my riding buddies has a GS800 which has been a reliability issue since he bought it, he wants to go but when we sat down and talked about it I asked him how confident he felt about his bike making all 6,000 miles without issue. He kind of made the "yeah, not very" face and said he'd probably trade the bike before summer when we left. I don't even give mine a second thought...I'm confident it'll get me there without issue. ADV bike swingset, you're supposed to throw on your ATGATT super suit and go to Starbucks. Plus I did some readong on the 800GS and apparently it can get a bit wheezy on the freeway. So it's out. The freeway isn't where I want to be, but sometimes you want to make up some time. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 8:38:38 AM EDT
[#6]
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Highs have been in the 60s here for the past couple days and I'm without a motorcycle for the first time in 12 years. This thread is starting to give me the itch again. We got into the low 50s yesterday with gusts of 20mph, but I rode mine back to work at lunch yesterday because of this thread. There's still ice in some of the gutters, and sand at every intersection, so I'm really careful at each junction. It's still glorious to be on it after all the cold months. I even stopped at the bike store this weekend and looked at a new 16' DL1000. This thread is not good for my wallet. 
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Posted: 2/22/2017 9:09:35 AM EDT
[#7]
OK, I think you are honestly down to two bikes. The Africa Twin that you already know you want. Which honestly you would love and it is supposed to be awesome. And...I think you would be doing yourself a disservice to not look at the Tiger 800 in one of its various forms. The triple is a sweet engine and the platform is proven.
ETA: I had an earlier Tiger 800 and this past fall I was struggling greatly between the Tiger XcX and the 1200 GSA I ended up with. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 9:47:40 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well even the BMW dealer echoed sentiments about the F800GT . Said the seating postion was too sporty for long term and the engine didn't measure up to the seating pretentions.
They have a couple R1200 RS models for cheaper than the F800GT. Im not sure I want to go that big, but maybe ill ride it and see whats there. But I keep coming back to the AT though. Took a drive around today and saw promising dirt roads. Did some more reading on its road manners and it seems they are acceptably improved over the Vstrom in the category Im concerned about (350cc makes a difference? Who could have seen that?!). But Ill have to ride it to see for myself. 
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Posted: 2/22/2017 9:18:39 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OK, I think you are honestly down to two bikes. The Africa Twin that you already know you want. Which honestly you would love and it is supposed to be awesome. And...I think you would be doing yourself a disservice to not look at the Tiger 800 in one of its various forms. The triple is a sweet engine and the platform is proven. ETA: I had an earlier Tiger 800 and this past fall I was struggling greatly between the Tiger XcX and the 1200 GSA I ended up with. I'll deifinitely check out the Tiger 800. It seems to have fallen from favor in the publications, but they aren't the end all be all and a number of knowledgeable people here have suggested it. At this point Im thinking I'll end up with the AT though, but I'm staying very much open minded about this. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 9:54:26 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'll deifinitely check out the Tiger 800. It seems to have fallen from favor in the publications, but they aren't the end all be all and a number of knowledgeable people here have suggested it. At this point Im thinking I'll end up with the AT though, but I'm staying very much open minded about this. I bought a new 2013 Tiger 800XC, and loved it. Fantastic all around bike. For my riding style (very upright) it needed rox risers. Once done it was damn near perfect. For some reason 18 months later I sold it and bought an FJR. Again, fantastic bike, but needed risers. It ate up the road miles just like the Tiger, probably better. One day in the middle of nowhere near Ft Polk my road turned to dirt, then rutted destroyed dirt with puddles, in just a few hundred yards. I made up my mind right then to get my tiger back. I now have a 2015 Tiger 800XCx. cruise control is great, i use it damn near every day on the way to work. Mileage is awesome (without the Bumot side cases) cruising along at 70 getting high 40's to low 50's mpg. I seek out the rutted destroyed roads again, something I missed on the FJR. The AT is cheaper than the Tiger, with just as good support aftermarket. It will come down to feel, but ride the Tiger. It really wakes up at about 5500 rpm. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 10:02:32 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'll deifinitely check out the Tiger 800. It seems to have fallen from favor in the publications, but they aren't the end all be all and a number of knowledgeable people here have suggested it. At this point Im thinking I'll end up with the AT though, but I'm staying very much open minded about this. As you know motorcyclist are as bad if not worse than everyone when it comes to trends and fads. Today the AT is the shit. Tomorrow it will be the KTM 1000 and after that we will see. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 10:30:28 PM EDT
[#12]
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Posted: 2/22/2017 11:20:51 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We got into the low 50s yesterday with gusts of 20mph, but I rode mine back to work at lunch yesterday because of this thread. There's still ice in some of the gutters, and sand at every intersection, so I'm really careful at each junction. It's still glorious to be on it after all the cold months. I even stopped at the bike store this weekend and looked at a new 16' DL1000. This thread is not good for my wallet. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Highs have been in the 60s here for the past couple days and I'm without a motorcycle for the first time in 12 years. This thread is starting to give me the itch again. We got into the low 50s yesterday with gusts of 20mph, but I rode mine back to work at lunch yesterday because of this thread. There's still ice in some of the gutters, and sand at every intersection, so I'm really careful at each junction. It's still glorious to be on it after all the cold months. I even stopped at the bike store this weekend and looked at a new 16' DL1000. This thread is not good for my wallet. You're not helping.
How did you like the new DL1000? That's one of the bikes on my short list. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 11:28:22 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Tour chow for the tour, Sport chow for the Sport. And I always go feet first. Sport/feet foward-gyno position does not compute. |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 11:42:00 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Tour chow for the tour, Sport chow for the Sport. And I always go feet first.
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/461570/bikes-152180.JPG But how do you stand up? 
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Posted: 2/22/2017 11:49:22 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We got into the low 50s yesterday with gusts of 20mph, but I rode mine back to work at lunch yesterday because of this thread. There's still ice in some of the gutters, and sand at every intersection, so I'm really careful at each junction. It's still glorious to be on it after all the cold months. I even stopped at the bike store this weekend and looked at a new 16' DL1000. This thread is not good for my wallet. It's the only responsible thing. A 2016 DL1000 had TC and ABS. Your old DL650 doesn't. Dont you care about your family? |
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Posted: 2/22/2017 11:50:39 PM EDT
[#17]
Having ridden and/or owned all types, and other than dirt only (nod goes to 500 XCW), the funnest is a KTM 690 Enduro or 990 Adv, just depending on my mood.
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Posted: 2/22/2017 11:51:46 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You're not helping.
How did you like the new DL1000? That's one of the bikes on my short list. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Highs have been in the 60s here for the past couple days and I'm without a motorcycle for the first time in 12 years. This thread is starting to give me the itch again. We got into the low 50s yesterday with gusts of 20mph, but I rode mine back to work at lunch yesterday because of this thread. There's still ice in some of the gutters, and sand at every intersection, so I'm really careful at each junction. It's still glorious to be on it after all the cold months. I even stopped at the bike store this weekend and looked at a new 16' DL1000. This thread is not good for my wallet. You're not helping.
How did you like the new DL1000? That's one of the bikes on my short list. "Looked at" is all I did. 
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Posted: 2/23/2017 1:20:41 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
As you know motorcyclist are as bad if not worse than everyone when it comes to trends and fads. Today the AT is the shit. Tomorrow it will be the KTM 1000 and after that we will see. Very true. I think part of the excitement about the AT is the forbidden fruit thing for the US |
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Posted: 2/23/2017 1:42:29 AM EDT
[#20]
This video talks about the BMW, Tiger, and Africa Twin. Might be some help.
 2016 Wire-Wheel Adventure Shootout |
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Posted: 3/11/2017 4:14:38 PM EDT
[#21]
I went and looked at bikes today. I think I might go with the Ducati Multistrada 1200.
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Posted: 3/11/2017 7:14:47 PM EDT
[#22]
Multi is a fantastic bike by all accounts.
Wish I could afford one. |
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Posted: 3/12/2017 10:02:26 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Multi is a fantastic bike by all accounts. Wish I could afford one. I started reading reviews and people say they aren't reliable.
I might have to stick with a Tiger XCx |
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Posted: 3/12/2017 10:55:09 PM EDT
[#24]
Adventure bikes will get you just about anywhere!
Off road 
Near home. Or on it. 
1450 miles in 3 1/2 days. 40% dirt. |
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Posted: 3/12/2017 11:02:55 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Adventure bikes will get you just about anywhere! Off road https://photos.smugmug.com/ADVPics/ADV2015/i-cWgsL6X/0/L/IMG_20160403_171630990_HDR-L.jpg Near home. Or on it. https://photos.smugmug.com/ADVPics/ADV16/i-KDz6j8n/0/L/IMG_20160716_103815329-L.jpg 1450 miles in 3 1/2 days. 40% dirt. Hell of a trip! I've been thinking a lot more about the r1200RS in large part because there are some very good deals available on them. It will come down to a ride off probably. |
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Posted: 3/13/2017 6:54:15 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I started reading reviews and people say they aren't reliable.
I might have to stick with a Tiger XCx Can't go wrong with the tiger and Bumot side cases (narrowest) I love mine |
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Posted: 3/13/2017 7:23:49 AM EDT
[#27]
I had the same dilemma a few years ago. I went with the sport touring option and I regret it. I should have bought an adventure bike. I've run into plenty of rough dirt roads and trails while traveling that would have been fun to explore but I couldn't.
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Posted: 3/13/2017 7:50:21 AM EDT
[#28]
If you haven't checked it out, ADV Rider forums are a good place to pick up more information. Actual riders who have the bike and can give you the pluses and minuses. (As with all opinions, take it with a grain of salt, some people feel the need to validate their purchase, regardless of how good or bad it may have been)
The Africa Twin gets a lot of good reviews, in the press, and on those forums. Average on road, great off road. The other bike i see people enjoying is the 1190 R (now 1290 R). From what i gather, the KTM has more issues, but the engine makes up for it (in their eyes). Something along the lines of not handling any better on road than the AT, but the extra 60 HP allowing you to ride like a hooligan so you don't care. Then again, you have to pay a lot of extra money for that. I think that's the reason why so many like the Tiger 800, yet struggle with it. Great bike, but probably costs too much when compared to something like the AT. |
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Posted: 3/13/2017 9:45:49 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I had the same dilemma a few years ago. I went with the sport touring option and I regret it. I should have bought an adventure bike. I've run into plenty of rough dirt roads and trails while traveling that would have been fun to explore but I couldn't. That's what happened to me when I had a sport tourer. It was fun, but limiting. The thing about an good adventurer tourer is they are still capable sport tourers even in "adventure trim"....even with knobbies and ruggedized gear, I can still hit the twisties and do multi-state tours, but I can do dirt too. The sport tourer was more locked into its role, and what I'm enjoying so much about adventure riding is the wide variety of roads and conditions I'm comfortable riding it. They're truly the AR15 of the bike world. |
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Posted: 3/13/2017 11:21:56 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've got a stable of Guzzis. Most are extraordinarily reliable. There have been a few problem engines but the roller-tappet 8V 1200s are amazing. Keep the oil changed and just ride. forker knows. They are fukkin bulletproof. Had mine since '02 and have run the piss out of it and it's never been in the shop, ever. Still runs like a scalded cat. 
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Posted: 3/13/2017 12:27:41 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's what happened to me when I had a sport tourer. It was fun, but limiting. The thing about an good adventurer tourer is they are still capable sport tourers even in "adventure trim"....even with knobbies and ruggedized gear, I can still hit the twisties and do multi-state tours, but I can do dirt too. The sport tourer was more locked into its role, and what I'm enjoying so much about adventure riding is the wide variety of roads and conditions I'm comfortable riding it. They're truly the AR15 of the bike world. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I had the same dilemma a few years ago. I went with the sport touring option and I regret it. I should have bought an adventure bike. I've run into plenty of rough dirt roads and trails while traveling that would have been fun to explore but I couldn't. That's what happened to me when I had a sport tourer. It was fun, but limiting. The thing about an good adventurer tourer is they are still capable sport tourers even in "adventure trim"....even with knobbies and ruggedized gear, I can still hit the twisties and do multi-state tours, but I can do dirt too. The sport tourer was more locked into its role, and what I'm enjoying so much about adventure riding is the wide variety of roads and conditions I'm comfortable riding it. They're truly the AR15 of the bike world. I'm still leaning that way. The way my mind could be changed from the AT is if I tried a sport tourer and it just dropped my jaw. |
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Posted: 3/13/2017 3:28:06 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's what happened to me when I had a sport tourer. It was fun, but limiting. The thing about an good adventurer tourer is they are still capable sport tourers even in "adventure trim"....even with knobbies and ruggedized gear, I can still hit the twisties and do multi-state tours, but I can do dirt too. The sport tourer was more locked into its role, and what I'm enjoying so much about adventure riding is the wide variety of roads and conditions I'm comfortable riding it. They're truly the AR15 of the bike world. 
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Posted: 3/13/2017 3:30:44 PM EDT
[#33]
Unless you plan on heading out west, is there that much BLM and unpaved roads out east? If not, I'd probably go ST and ADV out west
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Posted: 3/13/2017 3:37:27 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Unless you plan on heading out west, is there that much BLM and unpaved roads out east? If not, I'd probably go ST and ADV out west There's more dirt, gravel and backroads in the east than you'd think. I put together a 1080 mile loop of dirt, abandoned roads and light trails that barely leaves the confines of eastern Ohio. Most of the east coast is similar, in my expeirence. |
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Posted: 3/14/2017 8:24:13 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Unless you plan on heading out west, is there that much BLM and unpaved roads out east? If not, I'd probably go ST and ADV out west There is dirt/gravel where I am. VT, NH, ME are a different part of the northeast. |
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Posted: 3/14/2017 8:40:00 PM EDT
[#36]
My ultimate dream "enduro" would be a wr450f or ktm450exc supermoto with knobbieish street tires. Light bikes are a blast and nothing would compete with kayaba shocks. Supermotos look like just as fun as a sport bike on twisties too.
 Attached FileSomething like that. |
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