Motorcycles
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@Bfd70 was right when he last year stated one needs four bikes to cover the bases.
I recently bought my 4th, a 2014 BMWR1200R which is slated to become my touring bike.
It had the well known problem with rust around the gas filler cap.
A good cleaning, some silver soldering and paint seems to have stopped that. I’ll have to check further along to see whether rust starts up again.
The seating position was very cramped as I had the lowest saddle option. Couldn’t find a higher saddle for a reasonable price so I went for a local solution. Toto, the town’s best known motorcycle upholsterer had a go at it this morning. He’s built up the height using various pieces of foam from discarded seats. Doesn’t look pretty but Toto claims it’ll do a good job.
Seat height was increased by 12 cm. Leg position feels good now. I tested the saddle on a 5 minute ride, foam/sponge still visible, and it felt comfortable.
I’ll add a pic once the seat job is finished.
Just picked it up. Job done in one day and I’m happy with it. Feels comfortable and the overall fit and finish look nice.
Of course the real test of comfort will require a full day ride.
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Ahhhh, see @motojobobo we thinks alike.
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Nice bike @Bfd70 ! I’ve read great reviews on the camhead but haven’t ridden mine much yet. Mostly around town…been wearing my IHJ-79 on the chillier days.
How long have you had yours? Happy with it? -
It is no longer in the stable but i did enjoy it very much. Very refined ride. Drink a cup of coffee and ride one hand while plowing thru pot holes at 75 mph and not spill a drop (that’s in 3rd). Really an ideal distance tourer.
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Took my BMW 2014 R1200R camhead for a 3-day ride to the mountains In central Bolivia. We had excellent weather, perfect for warm IH gear.
Here is my IHJ 79
Dry, barren mountains getting their early leaves on trees as spring slowly kicks in.
Central plaza in town of Samaipata
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@Jett129 I too have been a Harley guy. Have a 2008 Dyna that I fully customized and I still love. However, I have been thinking about something different. I’m going to try the Triumph’s and Ducati’s this week and am hoping for some insight.
The newer Harley’s aren’t doing much for me (except the Road King Special).
Really appreciate any advice that you have.
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I have a 2014 Heritage that I love,but when I was growing up,in the Bronx, nobody had Harley’s. The all had Triumps,Nortons,BSAs,and Hondas. I loved the Triumph Bonnevilles and the Norton Commandos. If I,also,was going to get another bike Triumph is where I would start looking as well. The only advice I can give you is to go and ride them. I think everyone is making pretty good bikes these days,it’s just a matter of what makes you happy.
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@Jett129 Thank you! I would love one of the old Vincent’s, Norton’s, and Triumph’s, but I love being able to jump on a new bike and just riding.
One of these days I am going to build a custom panhead or one of the old Brit bikes, but I will wait until the kids are older. I don’t have the time to wrench and ride.
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I don't have a Harley with ABS brakes, however I do have a Honda w/ ABS brakes, and they have saved my ass a couple of times with people making late cross traffic turns out of nowhere, or people pulling out from a parking spot with no turn signal. It's nice knowing that I can just yank and be safe. For me, the added cost was worth having the option of being able to just squeeze without thinking if need be.
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@louisbosco Thank you for the heads up and for tagging @Graeme
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@goosehd, my Thruxton has been barely run in, and I've had it four years. I need to ride it more! It's an R rather than RS, but I think that the difference is in the electronics package.
I've had no reliability issues with it, other than the original battery failing after it was left standing for a few months. Finish is generally good, and I like the details on the bike.
I'm pretty tall (nearly 6'3" / 190 cm), and I find it a bit cramped. I've done a couple of longer rides on it, but it wouldn't be my first choice for distance work. My previous bike, an air-cooled BMW R1200R was a lot better for that.
I've got the fairing on mine. With the bars in the dropped position, I find it a bit more comfortable than in stock. It gives me a bit more space.
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@Graeme Thank you very much! I’m hoping to go and see/test ride them this week. Hoping to try the Thruxton RS and Ducati 1100 Sport Pro.
From what I’ve been reading the Triumph beats the Ducati in reliability, and the aesthetics of the Thruxton just speaks to me. Should have a better feel after I’ve had a ride.
Appreciate the help!
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@goosehd you might want to consider the BMW R nine-T range range too. They just had an overhaul for the 2021 model year, gaining a more sophisticated electronics package.
Normally EICMA would be happening this week, but like everything else it has been cancelled due to Covid. I don’t know if we’re going to see manufacturers launch new models, but it’s rumoured that Husqvarna have an 801 Svartpilen in the works…
