New '04 Honda Preview

From rec.motorcycles:

http://powersports.honda.com/preview/04_new_model_index.html

CBR1000RR should be fun to compare to the Gixer.

Surprising that they brought back the Helix, for $200 less than the Reflex.
For that small delta, I think I'd enjoy a decade-plus newer design.

Truly odd is the Dream 50R; a 60's replica with a 49cc engine, for $5.5K.

Personally; I'm disappointed. I was waiting for the updated ST1300ABS, and
all they've done is changed the one and only color from silver to dark
blue. Woo hoo. The regular ST1300 gets the power windshield, and thats a
Good Thing, though the price jumps $500.

--
Albert Nurick


'97 Honda Pacific Coast
'93 Honda Helix
'87 Honda Helix

 

that's really expensive for that bike. yeow.

feedback i've gotten from folks who have spent alot of miles on the ST13
is they do throw an excessive amount of heat at the rider. this is from
ST11 owners who made the jump and weren't knocked out. there also is a
high speed weave/handling issue that has honda doing modifications to
the european release of the bike, but nothing here in the usa.
motorcycle consumer news has talked about both of those problems. the
high speed weave issue is pretty well known at this point, i know a
rider who has experienced it.

fwiw, the yamster fj1300 also throws a fair amount of heat at the rider
too. if i was to get a honda, the blackbird might be interesting to
retool into a distance bike.

--
jm

'73 R75/5 Toaster (not for sale)
'99 R1100RT (in use)
'00 FLHRCI (sold!)
Iron Butt Assoc, WATR 3X, EIEIO, AEIOU etc blah blah

 

I've heard about both of these problems, and was hoping there would be
changes to fix 'em. Granted, this was a marketing release, so bug fixes
wouldn't necessarily be mentioned. Lots could happen between now and
Spring '04 when these machines actually appear.

Worth considering, but for us, pillion comfort is really important, since
Steph's on the back 95% of the time, and I'm not thrilled with a chain
drive on a touring bike.

--
Albert Nurick


'97 Honda Pacific Coast
'93 Honda Helix
'87 Honda Helix

 

if you want to stay honda, you can probably find clean used ST11s at
good prices and trade-ins if you don't want to Wing it. that's a well
proven bike with lots of aftermarket stuff and none of the ST13 issues.
there are several non-honda options out there i'm sure you've looked at.
the R11xxRT is a real fine bike, an amazing suspension and the best abs
brakes out there. ride one if you haven't tried it. same goes for the
K12 if you are thinking luxo-barge like a Wing.

how about moto guzzi ? great handling, brembo 6 puck brakes, shaftie
and not run of the mill style or marque. they sound great and have a low
seat height. not terribly spendy either. kaw concours is another time
proven ride. it just works well after so many years of manufacturing all
the bugs are worked out, not spendy at all brand new. ah toys.....

--
jm

'73 R75/5 Toaster (not for sale)
'99 R1100RT (in use)
'00 FLHRCI (sold!)
Iron Butt Assoc, WATR 3X, EIEIO, AEIOU etc blah blah

 

Guzzi is kind of like Aprilia to me. You either love 'em or hate 'em.
I haven't really taken to Guzzi's, yet. Maybe I just need to spend
some time on them.


--Fullstate

 

I've looked at ST1100's, but we're leaning towards a new bike for the
sport touring rig. I'm also enamored with the electric windshield of the
ST1300; every touring bike should have this, IMO.

I'm trying to avoid the 'Wing for now, fine ride that it is. I want
something smaller. When I turn 60, though.... I looked at BMWs, but to
be honest, find 'em overpriced for what they deliver. And when I priced
the service... ouch!

I want to stay with one of the big names, since we'll be riding around
all sorts of small towns. The last thing I want to do is to break down
in East Podunk, and be told that the part to fix my problem has to come
from Italy... assuming we can find a shop that knows the bike. A Honda
shouldn't have that problem.

If only it looked a bit more modern...

 

electric windscreen is the shiznits, nice to see honda finally catching
up, don't understand why it's not on the Wing.

labor rates are going to be the same either way. all i can say is ride
one if you haven't. nil dive under hard braking is simply amazing to
experience, the bike just settles down lower because of the suspension
geometry. simpler machine without the water cooling and its added weight
on the R bikes. serious brakes and great mileage with the 6 speed.
very forgiving for the stoopid mistakes we all make from time to time.
all these bikes will cruise will over the speed limits all day long.

there is that but it's the bargain of the sport touring group. the
yamster fj1300 is the bargain in a modern design. i just find it a bit
cheesy on the detailing after looking at it up close. the foam strip to
keep the fairing rear from vibrating looks flimsy and prone to failure
over time. they could have bolted the damn thing on and made it look
much cleaner and secure. there's lots to undo to get to the motor
already, another half dozen screws doesn't make that much difference.

as always, ride what makes you grin the most. it's your bike and no one
elses.

--
jm

'73 R75/5 Toaster (not for sale)
'99 R1100RT (in use)
'00 FLHRCI (sold!)
Iron Butt Assoc, WATR 3X, EIEIO, AEIOU etc blah blah

 

A huge omission, IMO. Especially here in the Texas summer, where you
want wind protection at speed, but need the breeze around town. I doubt
I'd buy a touring bike without it.

I'll have to give 'em another look. I know folks who love 'em, and
wouldn't consider anything else.

The FJ is something I'd like to see in person; I've not been able to
throw a leg over one. Two-person comfort is really important to us; I'm
a bit concerned that the FJ is a bit too sportbikey, but it's seriously
under consideration.

Amen

--
Albert Nurick


'97 Honda Pacific Coast
'93 Honda Helix
'87 Honda Helix

 

I think you were talking about the FJR. If I was buying a bike for
distance, today, that would be it. And with the extra cash left over
I could put on the nice screen, heated grips, etc.

Dunno about ducks. I like 'em, but they are kind of the epitome of
uncomfortable, expensive bikes.


--Fullstate

 

I looked at BMWs, <SNIP>. nil dive under hard braking is simply amazing
<<


I've got two Honda's, both with linked brakes and there is no dive to speak
of. It is especially noticeable on my ABS ST1100. Hit the binders on that
puppy and it just squats and stops fast.
___________________________________
Mick McHam Houston, Tx
'99 ST1100ABS STOC# 1134
'99 VFR
website: http://www.hal-pc.org/~mmcham

 

The FJ is something I'd like to see in person; I've not been able to
throw a leg over one. Two-person comfort is really important to us; I'm a
bit concerned that the FJ is a bit too sportbikey, but it's seriously under
consideration. <<

I've seen the FJR1300. I want one when it's time to sell my ST1100! Maybe in
a couple of years. They are really good looking bikes. To me it's a much
better looking bike than the ST1300, especially when the panniers are
removed. And there is nothing wrong with the massive torque those FJ engines
produce.

The size of the FJ is perfect for someone like myself who doesn't do two up
touring. If I took my wife on some of my long distance trips, the FJ would
just be too small and uncomfortable... same thing goes for my ST1100. The
Goldwing would be my choice of bikes if I did serious two up touring.
___________________________________
Mick McHam Houston, Tx
'99 ST1100ABS STOC# 1134
'99 VFR
website: http://www.hal-pc.org/~mmcham

 

Hey, Mick! I like what I've been reading about the FJR... especially the
power. Might be a wee bit of an adjustment moving from the Pacific
Coast.

Steph's very happy on the back of the PC. We added the Hondaline
passenger backrest, and she's comfy and relaxed back there. I think a
'wing is in our future someday, but we want to do the sport touring thing
while we're young (she's 30, I'm 40).

There have been some very timely comparison reviews of sport touring
bikes in some of the recent US and UK bike mags... more to ponder.

--
Albert Nurick


'97 Honda Pacific Coast
'93 Honda Helix
'87 Honda Helix

 

Hey, Mick! I like what I've been reading about the FJR... especially the
power. Might be a wee bit of an adjustment moving from the Pacific Coast.
<<

I'd say a wee bit of adjustment is somewhat of an understatement. Better
watch out for those wheelies when you get one!

passenger backrest, and she's comfy and relaxed back there. I think a
'wing is in our future someday, but we want to do the sport touring thing
while we're young (she's 30, I'm 40). <<

When I talk about doing serious touring I'm talking 3000 to 6000 mile trips.
I wouldn't subject my wife to the OEM seat of mine and the cramped space for
that long. Hell, my own ass is about ready to fall off at the end of one of
those tours. .

As to your age, well, I'm 56 and I consider myself still too young for a
Goldwing! I figure my couch rocket years will begin in my mid 60's to early
70's.
___________________________________
Mick McHam Houston, Tx
'99 ST1100ABS STOC# 1134
'99 VFR
website: http://www.hal-pc.org/~mmcham