Motorcycle Message Board - Motorcycle USA

Motorcycle USA Forums : Join the Revolution

Motorcycle Message Board - Motorcycle USA > MotorcycleUSA.com! > Bike Reviews > 2008 Super Sport-Touring Comparo

Forum Quick Jump

69 posts in this thread.
Viewing Page : 1 2 3

[ << Previous Thread | Next Thread >> | Show Newest Post First ]

bmadson
MCUSA Scribbler

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1038

Posted 2/4/2008 4:37 PM (GMT -8)

Come along for the ride as we take five Super Sport-Touring motorcycles for over a 1000-mile trek up the scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Check out MotorcycleUSA's 2008 Super Sport-Touring Comparo.

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 2/4/2008 6:20 PM (GMT -8)

Out flippin' standing! One point, only the Kawi was mentioned as having the possibility of being hot. I know the Yam has been fixed in that respect, but I've heard that the Honda can also be a tad toasty. Did you notice anything?
I'm also looking forward to the Guzzi test. Maybe you can compare it to the BMW R1200RT as they seem to be remarkably similar in many ways?
Thanks!

Børk! Børk! Børk!

Sledzep01
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 1

Posted 2/4/2008 7:05 PM (GMT -8)

OK, It has been OVER a year now I believe since the electronic assist brakes were on this bike... What gives?
Yes they are partially integrated... But that is not the same. I have not ridden it, so if they suck they suck, But they are no longer electronically assisted!

Sled

jon
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4569

Posted 2/4/2008 9:32 PM (GMT -8)

nice write up,

my ranking would be:

1. connie

2. fjr

3. st

4. beemer

jimmihaffa
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2004
Total Posts : 217

Posted 2/5/2008 12:05 AM (GMT -8)

Huh? Not even close. I've ridden both the C14 and the FJR and to me the C14 was light years ahead. I didn't find fault with the C14s handling. Then again I didn't go doddling around parking lots dodging shopping carts and kids on skateboards. Sorry guys, but I'd be surprised if anyone who rides the two back-to-back would chose the FJR...to me its a no-brainer.

SilverStreak
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2007
Total Posts : 6

Posted 2/5/2008 5:34 AM (GMT -8)

Thanks to bmadson for a well-written, comprehensively detailed, and accurate S-T Comparo! They really covered all the bases in this exceptional road test. As a pleased owner of a 2006 FJR1300-AE for 19 months now, it remains a bike that still evokes exciting anticipation before each ride. Like a good friend, you never get enough of her captivating company. Impressive smooth riding comfort and fine handling traits on twisty roads, she beckons you to travel. For me, the best feature is the braking. - extremely powerful, yet straight-rock-stable stopping power. There is no engine heat problem even on hot summer days here in Florida. Runs well on regular gas and the range is 200 miles before needing to use reserve fuel. After 14,350 miles, nothing more than lubrication, new tires, and one throttle-body sync were required for service. Service checks at 600, 4000, 8000, and 12000 miles were routine. Routine dealer service checks are required to maintain the 48-month Yamaha extended warranty. I think it’s going to be trouble free. The key to maximizing the electric-shift clutch-less transmission is the proper synchronization of the throttle, paddle shifter, and modulating the rear brake. By tapping the rear brake lightly a split second before up-shifting, the electric-shift clutch will engage quicker and smoother. With practice it becomes a gratifying experience to get a perfect shift. Drag the rear brake lightly when making slow U-turns in 1^st gear is the best way to turn this big bike smoothly. However, the 2008 model has a new redesigned transmission. Nit Picks: The windshield vibrates at turnpike speeds, but is supposed to be fixed for 2008. The throttle has too much play, but this was fixed with a G-2 throttle cam. Need another 12V outlet. The stock windshield is too small and has some distortion where it creases. The Givi windscreen fixed that completely. It’s a couple inches wider and taller with a flip at the top and it is distortion free. Accessories: Corbin saddle and Smuggler Trunk. Givi windscreen. G-2 throttle cam. Motovation bar ends and sliders. Tech accessory Mount.

SilverStreak

(Sorry, had to remove the image for readability. Feel free to upload an image that is not as wide.) Moderator

Post Edited By Moderator (DB Cooper) : 2/6/2008 5:23:10 PM GMT

Image Attachment :

ST_Comparo.jpg 78KB (image/pjpeg)

This image has been viewed 104 time(s).

sellyourHarley!
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 1

Posted 2/5/2008 11:56 AM (GMT -8)

WHAT! No Triumph? I swear you people need to get out more often. The triumph Sprint ST is the bike. The guy we ride with that has a FJ is always looking for a gas station. or mabye you ride Harley style and avoid turns? These bikes on your article are great straight line bikes but WE like corners. These are motorcycles not motorhomes.

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 2/5/2008 1:38 PM (GMT -8)

Humm, quite a contrast between Rob K's "the bikes on your article are great straight line bikes but we like corners" and my impression of the FJR 1300. It's a second hand impression, being a bike a friend has, but we have riden together on knarly tight twist paved wagon trails, and that Dude does the boogy better than a bike with touring in the name should, and the MCUSA crew say it's best feature is steller handling (which I have to agree with), but Rob K tosses out the words of straight line bikes. Could something be amiss here?

Focus the forces, Be The Force

bmadson
MCUSA Scribbler

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1038

Posted 2/5/2008 2:39 PM (GMT -8)

Rob, we'd love to include the Trumpet but sometimes things don't always work out the way we want. The Sprint ST was a favorite when we tested it earlier and we plan on one day including it in a future comparo.

Remember we can never create the perfect comparo, as we have to keep our readers wanting more. We're kind of like drug dealers and readers are addicts - It's a beautiful and natural cycle. Embrace it!

Post Edited (bmadson) : 2/5/2008 10:44:49 PM GMT

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 2/5/2008 2:39 PM (GMT -8)

While I'm certainly not in the market for anything this large, there is no question that a good rider on any of these bikes can boogie in the twisties...unless you're talking first and second gear twisties, which will tie almost any bike in knots.

I have heard the Triumph is indeed a very good bike, however, at around 550lbs wet, it kind of is all alone in the "heavy middleweight" ST segment and not in the "heavyweight" segment these bikes fal into.

I like 'em lighter myself as well, but even the Triumph was too heavy for my under 500lb. requirements.

flickmeister
Registered Member

Date Joined May 2004
Total Posts : 1021

Posted 2/5/2008 5:12 PM (GMT -8)

Nice job gentlemen! I really like the way you describe how the bike works in it's intended area. I would really love to test ride the FJR and C14 to see if they would have enough 'oomph' to satisfy my hunger for pure, brute horsepower at times.

As a side note, for tons less money, you could fit a taller windscreen on a Bandit 1250 and throw on some luggage (hard or soft) and run with these bikes on any back road and be comfortable on the straight-line stuff. Yeah, it does have a chain and a smaller gas tank, but for $5000 less than the cheapest of your test mules?? BTW, I just got 45.9 MPG with a combination of in-town and freeway riding, keeping my speeds at 70 MPH or less. It also has one of the best real-world motors ever made: tons of low end pull and virtually flawless fueling. For what it's worth.....Cheers, Jack

shotimer
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 1

Posted 2/5/2008 9:51 PM (GMT -8)

Looks like its the ST1300 for me. After a Ducati 900SS and a Kawasaki ZX-12R, I have come to realize that my favorite rides are very long ones at a sedate pace (relative to what bikes are capable of) with enough grunt to excite when I feel like it. I don't want a full on touring bike, I want a sport tourer that is competent at sport and excels at touring. Specifically, I want the best wind protection, the most expansive ergos, velvet smooth vibe free engine, and absolutely perfect off throttle to on throttle transition. And the ST1300 seems to be it for me.

besides, I have a track prepped elise that I drive daily and it is so punishing it makes sport bikes feel comfy and after that, i want a really comfy cosseting sport bike and the ST1300 seems to fit the bill of all your contenders.

The question for me is whether a new ST is over the horizon or not.............

Jay Mack
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2003
Total Posts : 491

Posted 2/6/2008 9:04 AM (GMT -8)

Really a very enjoyable, informative review article. I may have missed it but one of the features I am loath to buy a new motorcycle without is self-cancelling turn signals. I don't think you mentioned those on eway or the other and they would be a big plus. Frankly, I don't know why they aren't mandated by law. Also, I used to love the gear indicator on my 1982 GS1100E. Why the heck don't any of these fine motorcycles have one? Again, I don't know.

As others have mentioned, I would like to have seen other bikes included in the review, just for the heck of it. Though these bikes seem to be quite well matched, I still wonder why reviewing journalists rely exclusively on motorcycles provided by the manufacturers rather than begging, borrowing or stealing additional units from interested parties, dealerships or friends, at least once in a while, to see if you can have more fun on a Sprint or whatever. But, no matter, it is a fine collection you've assembled there.

Finally, this would be a better comparo if it was a little more timely. I think MCUSA is testing 2007 models. Aren't 2008 models out in California? I think there were some improvements to the FJR, at least.

See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download
the highest resolution version available.

In the beginning, God created the heavens ...

Here's a photograph of that creation.

bmadson
MCUSA Scribbler

Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 1038

Posted 2/6/2008 9:20 AM (GMT -8)

Jay, thanks for the compliments. All the bikes except the Honda have gear position indicators, but none have self-canceling turn signals.
We tried to get a 2008 FJR but they were not yet available for the test, all the remaining bikes are 2008 models.

YellowDuck
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 4130

Posted 2/6/2008 10:20 AM (GMT -8)

Regarding the dyno graphs....holy smokes! The connie must have the smoothest torque curve (and therefore most linear power curve) of any motocycle engine ever. Kawasaki really does tend to be all about the motor, no?

Cynicism is what passes for insight among the mediocre - Joe Klein

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 2/6/2008 10:44 AM (GMT -8)

I think the selection of bikes was great, as they all are big and have shaft drives. The Triumph is a much smaller bike (which I prefer) with a chain drive so it is in a different class.
I think the BMW RT would have done pretty well in this test though.

Børk! Børk! Børk!

Luke
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2004
Total Posts : 1080

Posted 2/6/2008 11:51 AM (GMT -8)

Great write-up. The close scoring really shows that all of the bikes are very close and more than competent for their intended use. And, of course, I have to agree that the best bike won!

Not having all the "full features" is not a problem. It keeps the aquisition cost down. Besides, many riders make small ergonomic changes as well as changing windscreens, seats, etc. Also adding cruise control and other desired touring options. That's what personalizes it and makes it your own. That's what I did. My FJR is optioned exactly the way I want it and it fits me and my riding style perfectly. And it Always makes me GRIN to ride it!

The only item that I is disappointing across the board is not having self-cancelling turn signals. I know that can be added also, but shouldn't it be a part of the package on ANY bike that is not a beginning/entry level ride?

It's never too late to have a happy childhood!

IBA#27755 because of my YAMAHA 2006 FJR 1300A

alii1959
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2008
Total Posts : 1

Posted 2/6/2008 12:32 PM (GMT -8)

While I understand that you could not get your hands on the Triumph Sprint, you should have had a disclaimer. Something about the fact that the industry standard, best, etc. wasn't in the comparison so.......any judgements are quite suspect

louemc
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 15451

Posted 2/6/2008 12:45 PM (GMT -8)

I share Luke's take on this, these bikes (like any bike) are a starting point in the hands of a serious biker. Comparisons have a value to show what they can, but, the bikes are very moldable in rider fit, and chassis set-up. The later changing the handling big time.

So.... if a biker chooses based on someone elses writing, and takes a bike and leaves it as is because they have no interest in changing anything (or knowing what that does), then.... the class is divided in two distinct groups, Those that need somone else, and those that can do it themselves.

Focus the forces, Be The Force

GAJ
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2007
Total Posts : 4763

Posted 2/6/2008 1:54 PM (GMT -8)

I've owned 3 BMW ST's; they've all had self cancelling turnsignals.

I agree that they should be on all bikes.

I'm surprised the BMW in this comparo did not have them...or did it???

Procyon
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 11

Posted 2/6/2008 2:28 PM (GMT -8)

Okay.......I get it.........MCUSA is my drug dealer and I'm the junkie. STILL, I want to know why the Norge was dropped from the comparo. I saw the video and the Norge was still shown parked with the group. I'm gonna assume that it made it through the ride portion of the test. Did it blow up on the dyno? Was it the "bastard child" of the group? Since so much of the "data" was in subjective categories like grin factor, and not related to pure horsepower, I'd like to know what convinced the riders/writers to axe the M/G from the results. Inquiring readers need to know!

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 2/6/2008 4:50 PM (GMT -8)

Here's what Kenny said in best of 2007 re. the Norge:

"Ada is obviously bitter when shortly after buying the Norge he found out that riding a bike with a hinge in the middle, goofy saddlebags and weak heated grips powered by two three-legged gerbils wasn't enough to compensate for the price tag. Top case is not standard equipment and light feeling? Yeah, it feels light, I agree. Easy handling? Compared to what? A snowmobile? Just kidding, it actually handles OK too. I know that after we rode the Norge in our Sport Touring comparo that is in the works right now...we decided it just didn't belong - because of those very reasons though. On a positive note, a lot of people walking past it during luch and fuel stops liked the way it looked so you gotta give props where they are due. But...how you think that troglodyte looks good and the Hypermotard reminds you have a ridalin ridden special-ed kid has me questioning about your sense of style. In fact, on second thought you definitely shouldn't consider any of these bikes we proposed here if the Norge makes you happy. Its safer for eveyone in your county if thats the case. Here's your sign...."

Børk! Børk! Børk!

Desmolicious
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 4618

Posted 2/6/2008 4:54 PM (GMT -8)

alii1959 said...
While I understand that you could not get your hands on the Triumph Sprint, you should have had a disclaimer. Something about the fact that the industry standard, best, etc. wasn't in the comparison so.......any judgements are quite suspect

Cycle World did a big sport tourer test a year or two ago, and included the Triumph as well as the big shaft drive bikes. Their top pick was the Yam FJR, and they also rated the Suzuki Hyabusa much more highly than the Triumph.

Now that there is a new and improved Busa out, i don't see anything changing.

The BMW GT and the Kawi C14 had not yet been introduced. they tested the BMW K1200S as part of the group.

Børk! Børk! Børk!

YellowDuck
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 4130

Posted 2/6/2008 6:45 PM (GMT -8)

Why do you guys like self-cancelling turn signals? I hate the bloody things - assuming we are talking about the type that just turn off after some specified time (or distance?) after you activate them. Or is there a better system now? The old ones I thought were just awful - turn the corner and watch the thing continue to blink long after I would have cancelled it manually myself, or else activate it too soon and it is off before I make the turn. Somewhat distracting, worrying about what my turn signal is doing, when all is really required is good riding habits so I automatically cancel it myself, everytime.

What did I miss?

Cynicism is what passes for insight among the mediocre - Joe Klein

RedDog
Retired SportBike Bum

Date Joined Mar 2003
Total Posts : 11268

Posted 2/6/2008 10:38 PM (GMT -8)

A job well done, guys! I am glad to see that you have started to mention headlights in this test and even the rear/pillion seat was mentioned at least once (BMW). I have touched base with these bikes as well, and the FJR is an impressive, sporty road machine. And that is were it shines. As Lou, I have ridden many miles 1,000 of miles together with buddies on the FJR, less so with the other 3, even out in NC and here in AR: It amazes me how a good rider can turn that big rig around in the sharpest of corners. I guess it takes a Sprint ST to spank it (?) as proven in some British magazines?

For me that's what it boils down to, Super-Sport Touring. You know that the best Super-Sport-Tourer is the GSX-R1100? Again over in UK, they matched the Suzuki against the Sprint ST and it was a dead heat!

But you guys rode way too little, some 1,100 miles is just an impression. I know you have limited time but try some real long hauls including night/evening riding.

RedDog

Think Ahead! Travel Light & Leave Your Fears Behind You!

Normal People Scare me!

69 posts in this thread.
Viewing Page : 1 2 3

Forum Information

Currently it is Sunday, November 22, 2009 12:21 AM (GMT -8)
There are a total of 447,406 posts in 35,241 threads.
In the last 3 days there were 13 new threads and 230 reply posts. View Active Threads