Willilliamson's Quest for a Replacement Bike

[Williamson]

As Pete's thread has been well and trule high jacked, I've started a new one.

.... a trip to Benalla first thing the week after, and I think I'll know by then.

Trip to Benalla for a refresher / test ride didn't eventuate until last week, and I was dissappointed.  Nothing wrong with the Spyder, as far as Spyders go, but the sensitive / twitching steering was not as I remembered (from my previous and only other Spyder ride in 2009).

Had a word with a couple of Spyder rider mates, including Leo, but their calming, reassuring words have not been enough to convince me that, with the Spyder, I might be biting off more than I can chew.  Second bottom line,Spyders are off the menu.

But every cloud has a silver lining.  In this case I figure that seeing as I'm not spending $20K on a Spyder, any less I spend on a replacement for the ST1300 is a bonus.  This gives me a very adequate budget.

Bottom line is that a Suzuki V-Strom 650 is now on the top of my tree.  Not new though, as there seems to be plenty of late models, low km, set-up for some touring & hopefully well-sorted, are out there.  Will need to sell the ST1300 to make sure there's enough space in the garage. 

Selling the ST will be deferred until October / November - better weather, hopefully better market.  This will give me time to sort-out the electric screen, and a few more rides through the Winter and early Spring.

[Langers]

It might not hurt to have a look at the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, it's had some great writeups. It is 230kg so a full 100kg lighter than the ST1300. However, IMHO I'd suggest looking for the unicorn - under 200kg, over say 60hp, great on black top and ok on unsealed roads, cruise control, very good wind protection and comfortable seat, the rest can be fixed with farkling.

[Williamson]

It might not hurt to have a look at the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, it's had some great writeups. It is 230kg so a full 100kg lighter than the ST1300. However, IMHO I'd suggest looking for the unicorn - under 200kg, over say 60hp, great on black top and ok on unsealed roads, cruise control, very good wind protection and comfortable seat, the rest can be fixed with farkling.

Yeah, but how many extra kg before farkles?  Then add pannier frames & panniers and top box.  I need to draw the line somewhere - ATM it's at the 650.

I'll need a few test rides, I might change my mind.

Another factor that might need to be in the mix is no. 1 son (Anthony) has exprssed interest in getting a motor bike.  He is currently sans licence, ie. a LAMS approved bike would be handy if he is to ride it.

This raises another question.  How old do you children need to be before they should be allowed to ride a motor bike?  Stand by for another thread.

[Langers]

Yamaha Tracer 7. 197kg (almost 20kg lighter than the V-strom 650), 74hp. top speed 229kph and a lot more bike for an extra $900 and comes standard with cruise control (in Europe - I can't confirm re Australia). If I didn't enjoy doing the odd adventure rally I'd sell both bikes and get the Yamaha.
Age one's child should be allowed to ride a m/cycle - males, over 35, hopefully a bit of maturity has developed along with the realisation we aren't immortal after all. For some of us, the maturity can be a long time coming (he says looking in the mirror).

[Williamson]

Yamaha Tracer 7...

Yes, high on the option list until I sat on one at a Melbourne dealer, I should take one for ride though.

[Wild Rose]

Yamaha Tracer 7...

Yes, high on the option list until I sat on one at a Melbourne, I should take one for ride though.

A friend who now rides a Honda NT1100  had a Yamaha Tracer 7 for a few years he rode it around Tasmania
But had a few electrical issues that Yamaha couldn't sort out so sold it. But he loved the bike

[StinkyPete]

I'm hanging out to get a look at the new Honda GB500, which may suit me.   https://amcn.com.au/editorial/honda-gb500-incoming/

[Shiney]

I'm hanging out to get a look at the new Honda GB500, which may suit me.   https://amcn.com.au/editorial/honda-gb500-incoming/

That sounds like it could be an interesting bike

[Williamson]

Out-of-the-blue came a link to a CFMoto 700CL-X Adventure, some research needed, reviews reviewed, Youtube videos viewed.   Currently there are some massive discounts on new 2023 models, from $11,990 ride away to $8990 ride away, but for the shrewd wheeler and dealer, even bigger discounts are available.

Checked 'em out in the flesh earlier today, a whole lotta new bike for (relatively) little $$, deposit paid, pick-up next week.

The whole lotta bike includes most of the usual standard features on a new bike, in addition there is cruise control, Pirelli Scorpion Rally tyres (18" front), pannier racks, on-road / off-road riding modes, a switch for the ABS at the rear wheel, tubeless wire-spoked wheels, a clever T-Box telemetry system (in 2023, that was described as possibly the most advanced of its kind, it utilises smartphone connectivity to provide real-time information on vehicle status, location, speed, mileage and the bike can also receive over-the-air updates to help minimise trips to your dealership - I'm not sure if I know what that means).

Despite all of this it does lack heated grips (on order), a rear rack (on order), hand guards (on order) and side panniers and top box (looking at options).

Previous concerns re. cash flow have been addressed so the ST1300 will still take pride of place ....... at the front of the garage, whilst the CFMoto will sit in the rear.

[Shiney]

The 700CL-X looks like a great little bike and the Adventure version looks like the pick of the three versions that are available (being the most comfortable)

I look forward to seeing some pics when you get it and reading your review of it once you have had a chance to ride it around for a bit

Congrats mate

Cheers
Shiney

[Langers]

Pretty impressive specs and I love the idea of cruise control for the price. The only concern I see is the tank size - 13 litres. A BIG drop from the ST1300. Range anxiety might accompany you on some of your rides. But for the features and the money, I can't think of anything that beats it. Well done.

[STeveo]

The 650TK I had did everything I asked for and was easy to service and maintain, and I would still be riding it if a Landcrusier had not jumped out in front of me. Enjoy the ride and ignore those who make remarks on where it was made.

[Williamson]

Range anxiety might accompany you on some of your rides.....

Yes, a short coming, due to being spoilt with the ST1300's large tank.  There's a guy on ADVRider with one, he reckons about 225km to the tank.   

Although I said after returning home from Toowoomba in March that I thought that would be the last of the long rides, I might be tempted to ride further than Sutton next March.  I don't foresee more stops when riding, it just that I'll need to fill up every pit stop or coffee stop (proving there's fuel close by). 

[Williamson]

.... ignore those who make remarks on where it was made.

Yes, a concern when first looking but some comments in reviews in Australian Road Rider, eased my mind:

Forget the ‘Made in China’ stigma, this bike is the real deal.

Some people are hesitant when it comes to Chinese-built products. After all, the nation has traditionally operated on a quantity over quality model. But CFMOTO is very quickly becoming of age and it deserves to be spoken about in the same breath as other motorcycling powers.

[ruSTynutz]

Congrats on the new bike, Michael! 

At the end of the day, just about everything is made in China!
In fact, we're probably all posting on this forum with a Chinese made product...

[Langers]

I agree Rusty, let's face it if China were not buying our iron ore, coal, gas and a plethora of other natural resources and primary produce we would be in dire straits. And now that the orange turd wants to cripple our pharmaceutical industry not to mention any other export we have to the USA, despite having a free trade arrangement in place, we need to look after our trading partners. (Sorry for the hijack, I'll get off my high horse now and go back to planning my next ride).

[Williamson]

Can anyone explain (in language a septuagenarian will understand) what a clever T-Box telemetry system is?

[Langers]

I'm surprised you didn't know:
Key Features of the T-Box System:
Real-time Tracking and Diagnostics:
The T-Box provides live vehicle tracking, allowing users to monitor their motorcycle's location and status in real-time through the CFMOTO RIDE app.
Remote Diagnostics:
The system can relay fault codes and alerts to the user's phone, providing detailed information about potential issues with electronically governed systems.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates:
Riders can receive firmware and software updates directly to their bikes through the app, eliminating the need for trips to a dealership for updates.
Geo-fencing:
Users can set virtual boundaries for their motorcycle and receive alerts if the bike moves outside of that zone, enhancing security.
Digital Key Function:
The T-Box enables the use of a digital key, allowing riders to start their motorcycle through the app.
Integration with Smart Devices:
The system seamlessly integrates with smart devices, offering a more sophisticated user experience.
Vehicle Health Monitoring:
The T-Box can detect and report on the condition of various vehicle components, assisting in troubleshooting and maintenance.

At this is according to some AI thingy in Google

Actually, I think it's a bit too clever for the likes of you and me.

[Williamson]

I'm surprised you didn't know:
Key Features of the T-Box System:
Real-time Tracking and Diagnostics:
The T-Box provides live vehicle tracking, allowing users to monitor their motorcycle's location and status in real-time through the CFMOTO RIDE app.
Remote Diagnostics:
The system can relay fault codes and alerts to the user's phone, providing detailed information about potential issues with electronically governed systems.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates:
Riders can receive firmware and software updates directly to their bikes through the app, eliminating the need for trips to a dealership for updates.
Geo-fencing:
Users can set virtual boundaries for their motorcycle and receive alerts if the bike moves outside of that zone, enhancing security.
Digital Key Function:
The T-Box enables the use of a digital key, allowing riders to start their motorcycle through the app.
Integration with Smart Devices:
The system seamlessly integrates with smart devices, offering a more sophisticated user experience.
Vehicle Health Monitoring:
The T-Box can detect and report on the condition of various vehicle components, assisting in troubleshooting and maintenance.

At this is according to some AI thingy in Google

Actually, I think it's a bit too clever for the likes of you and me.

FMD, all I wanted was a motorbike.

[ruSTynutz]

I'm surprised you didn't know:
Key Features of the T-Box System:
Real-time Tracking and Diagnostics:
The T-Box provides live vehicle tracking, allowing users to monitor their motorcycle's location and status in real-time through the CFMOTO RIDE app.
Remote Diagnostics:
The system can relay fault codes and alerts to the user's phone, providing detailed information about potential issues with electronically governed systems.
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates:
Riders can receive firmware and software updates directly to their bikes through the app, eliminating the need for trips to a dealership for updates.
Geo-fencing:
Users can set virtual boundaries for their motorcycle and receive alerts if the bike moves outside of that zone, enhancing security.
Digital Key Function:
The T-Box enables the use of a digital key, allowing riders to start their motorcycle through the app.
Integration with Smart Devices:
The system seamlessly integrates with smart devices, offering a more sophisticated user experience.
Vehicle Health Monitoring:
The T-Box can detect and report on the condition of various vehicle components, assisting in troubleshooting and maintenance.

At this is according to some AI thingy in Google

Actually, I think it's a bit too clever for the likes of you and me.

This is why we ride old motorcycles...well, some of us anyhow! 
How long before features such as cruise control, heated grips etc are shut down unless you pay a monthly/yearly subscription like some car manufacturers are already doing? 

[Williamson]

How long before features such as cruise control, heated grips etc are shut down unless you pay a monthly/yearly subscription like some car manufacturers are already doing? 

About a week before the dealership is fire bombed.

[ruSTynutz]

 

[Langers]

How long before features such as cruise control, heated grips etc are shut down unless you pay a monthly/yearly subscription like some car manufacturers are already doing? 

About a week before the dealership is fire bombed.

Give the man the chocolates - that is the correct answer!!!

[Nigel]

How long before features such as cruise control, heated grips etc are shut down unless you pay a monthly/yearly subscription like some car manufacturers are already doing? 

About a week before the dealership is fire bombed.

Give the man the chocolates - that is the correct answer!!!

Bit harsh!

[Williamson]

Picked-up new bike this morning, could have picked some better weather, raining pretty heavily on the way home.  A semi-naked bike, windscreen about as big as a dinner plate, got as wet as a shag. 

New bike, wet roads, strong cross winds and new tyres are not a good combination for testing the bike's or my limits, that will have to wait.  But early impression is that it's a very light bike, ticks my no. 1 box on my check list.

Some farkles on order, these will be added as they arrive.  Will leave order for Barkbusters (or similar) until a later date as I found some hand / weather guards (surplus from another project) in a box in the garage and fitted these for now (may give me an idea of what others, if any, I need).  Although they will be change / painted, even it is to have a colour that blends in a little better.