The Suspense is Building
- Thread starter Lorien
- Start date
rcase13
Guest
Yeah I too am excited about the CB1100 and disappointed with the apparent back shelf placement of the sport touring segment. Honestly I would have thought the sport touring segment would be the most popular segment. Obviously I was wrong.
I looked....I think I will keep my NT since I just put some new shoes on it at 6500 miles (Michelin PR2's) Very nice bike for an old beginner (moved up from scooter) and the twisties of SE Ohio.
elizilla
Guest
I like that CB500X. I could see adding that to my collection. It's got a chain, but it's small, so it probably won't chew the chain up so fast. And I bet it's a hoot to ride. If the price comes in the same range with the other CB500 models, it would be easy to buy one on impulse.
I think it's great that they are bringing on all these reasonably priced bikes with good feature sets for newer riders. The industry has been neglecting that sector, in favor of more expensive bikes that they can only sell to existing riders. Making entry level riders comb the classifieds for some old beater from the days when smaller bikes used to be made, is not a good long term strategy.
Fun and inexpensive will also get them into the garages of experienced riders. And from there, they will quickly get shared with newer riders recruited by the current riders. Hooray for Honda, that they have decided to put some serious weight behind increasing the future motorcycle customer base!
I think it's great that they are bringing on all these reasonably priced bikes with good feature sets for newer riders. The industry has been neglecting that sector, in favor of more expensive bikes that they can only sell to existing riders. Making entry level riders comb the classifieds for some old beater from the days when smaller bikes used to be made, is not a good long term strategy.
Fun and inexpensive will also get them into the garages of experienced riders. And from there, they will quickly get shared with newer riders recruited by the current riders. Hooray for Honda, that they have decided to put some serious weight behind increasing the future motorcycle customer base!
The CB500X is the only bike in the lineup of new models that appeals to me. Be curious to see how it does and what accessories are available for it from Honda and the aftermarket.
bicyclist
Guest
That's the one I like, too. In a few years, I'll be wanting a lighter bike (actually, I want one now) and that has the potential for being the base of a lightweight tourer. And, in a few years, there will be the aftermarket stuff necessary to build it.
On the UK Honda site there's a picture of a CB500X with panniers. They look pretty small, but they're different from and a better shape than the ones on the NC700.
Bear
2
The NC-700 is a good entry level bike that can be made into a tourer or commuter. It is not in the same class as the NT. Weather protection is less, it has chain drive, it has less power than the NT, and it is taller than the NT. By the time you set it up as a touring bike, you have reached the same price point as the NT.
The advantage is that the initial investment is relatively small and one can add on later.
The advantage is that the initial investment is relatively small and one can add on later.
I still won't buy anything with a chain, unless I get the urge for a real dirt bike one of these days. Street bike, no.
What I wish Honda would do is drop the ST and make the VFR into their sport touring bike. Good engine and transmission, just need better fairing for touring and slightly better seating position. Just a little heavier than the NT. Shaft drive. DCT if you want it. What's not to like
Heck, if I ever see the need to get rid of the NT the VFR would be the replacement.
I don't like cruisers but the 'cruiser' GW is good looking.
What I wish Honda would do is drop the ST and make the VFR into their sport touring bike. Good engine and transmission, just need better fairing for touring and slightly better seating position. Just a little heavier than the NT. Shaft drive. DCT if you want it. What's not to like
Heck, if I ever see the need to get rid of the NT the VFR would be the replacement.I don't like cruisers but the 'cruiser' GW is good looking.
I keep seeing the large aversion to chains. I must admit that one of the reasons I got the NT was because of it's shaft drive. However having since got a chain drive Triumph Bonneville T100, I don't find it unpleasant at all. Sure you have to lubricate it every 500 miles or so (for me about every two weeks) and it does need minor adjustment every now and then, but the maintenance is really minimal. Modern x-ring chains last and last. They are just not a big deal.
NO, no, NO, You have it all wrong. Keep my beloved ST1300 (maybe just up grade it some ) and put the VFR 800 motor into the NT. Then we will have a heavy (Gold Wing), medium (ST1300) and light (NT800) weight tour line up. After that Honda can bui;ld all the 500cc, cruisers, sport bikes, etc. that they want. I won't care.I still won't buy anything with a chain, unless I get the urge for a real dirt bike one of these days. Street bike, no.
What I wish Honda would do is drop the ST and make the VFR into their sport touring bike. Good engine and transmission, just need better fairing for touring and slightly better seating position. Just a little heavier than the NT. Shaft drive. DCT if you want it. What's not to like
I don't like cruisers but the 'cruiser' GW is good looking.
Speaking of ST's . Joe, any ETA on ST-owners coming back on line?
Last edited:
Mellow
Admin
Nope sorry.. major issues withe the ISP. The server is up and data is okay but possibly a router or some other hardware issue. This ISP is not very good at communicating so a future move may be the follow-up even if they're been pretty reliable the past couple years.
I agree with Chuck's evaluation of what Honda should have done with the sport-touring line up of bike updates.The NT with the VFR 800 motor would address lack of power, improve engine NVH, and reduce heat from rear exhaust pipe.
The ST1300 needs to loose 100lbs and update its instrument panel so it is visible, add cruise control.
John
The ST1300 needs to loose 100lbs and update its instrument panel so it is visible, add cruise control.
John
If you put the VFR engine in the NT and the ST loses 100lb then you have two bikes of near the same weight and size and capability. Besides, the NT suspension is lacking compared to the VFR.
Coyote Chris
Site Supporter
Cant wait to see a comparo between the 700x and the 500x. One thing is for sure...with the 700x, you take the radiator off and the screw valve ajusters are right there.
Cant wait to see what the ajustment interval and cost is on the 500x. ("What do you mean I just bought this $6000 bike and after 900 miles I need to give you $400 more?")
Hey, here is a good trivia question. Who remembers when Yamaha would give you two free cupons for a free 600 mile service and a free 1,000 mile service when you bought a new bike?
Cant wait to see what the ajustment interval and cost is on the 500x. ("What do you mean I just bought this $6000 bike and after 900 miles I need to give you $400 more?")
Hey, here is a good trivia question. Who remembers when Yamaha would give you two free cupons for a free 600 mile service and a free 1,000 mile service when you bought a new bike?
I was given a whole coupon book with Free services, discounted parts and accessories, and discount coupons for MSF classes when I bought my 84 RZ350 and my 86 FJ1200. The dealer even put together a "Group Discount" for several of us to attend SuperBike School at Firebird Racetrack in Phoenix! Plus I was guaranteed, in writing, "Same Day Service" by the dealer unless parts, that weren't normally stocked, were required. At the dealer I bought the NT at I couldn't even get a "Same Day" response to a message left to schedule a service...:rolleyes1: Serviceability may have improved but Service has taken a turn for the worse...
Coyote Chris
Site Supporter
If ever I bought a bike and was guarranteed a loaner bike for long service appointments, I think I would pass out!