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Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002
I'm going to resurrect this thread because it had a good discussion going on before turning into something weird.

I was looking at a Bolt, Sportster and Shadow RS, for comparison. The only triumph I've seen so far is the cruiser version of Bonneville, and I kinda liked it. Going to take a look at the rest of their lineup this weekend.

However, a local dealer is giving away
2013 cb1100 for $8500, that's his cost and he's not willing to go lower. That actually brings it on the same price level as the above mentioned bikes.

It seems to be way better bike than the rest, but all I have so far is online reviews and hearsay. If anyone has an opinion, please share it.

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Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002
Thanks for all the suggestions. I had a chance to go look at some bikes this week, and here are my impressions so far.

That Lightning scares me. Partly because it's a performance bike from a defunct brand, and also because it looks like a jet ski.

Bolt is a cool looking bike that is just too heavy and bulky for what it is. If it had a 6 speed, and maybe lost 75 lbs, it would have been a decent contender. The short shocks with reservoir feel the same as the standard shock/spring combo. And I'm 200lbs fully clothed. That is also my impression of a Sportster 883 if anyone is wondering. 1200 is way too expensive, and it's hard to find a basic no frills leftover model. I've stopped trying, sorry adary. Also, it looks like every Harley left the showroom with thousands of dollars worth of extra stuff. And then private sellers think it's worth about as much used.

Another bike that I liked was a Triumph Speedmaster, a cruiser version of Bonneville. The seating position is great, but the massive melted gas tank and wide handlebars makes me feel as if I'm constantly hugging someone really really fat. Also got to sit on a Street Tripple, it feels weightless and fragile by comparison. But definitely not something I'd want to ride for more than an hour.

Going to look at a blacked out Shadow 750 tomorrow. It has all the right upgrades, and the price is hard to beat. Worst case scenario, I'll ride it for a year and sell it for the same amount of money. Stay tuned.

Another thing to note, CB1100 insurance is through the motherfucking roof. I was quoted $1900 for a fully optioned out policy, which is $800 more than Bonneville. That's Progressive.

Rime posted:

Don't forget that Moto Guzzi makes a sexy loving standard:

Where do they sell those things? I tried doing a google search near me (Philadelphia) and got a bunch of insurance companies and hipster workshops. It is a sexy bike. Edit: found a dealership 25 minutes away. Hello!

Nitrox fucked around with this message at 00:12 on Mar 29, 2014

Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002

Snowdens Secret posted:

Yeah, I can see a few reasons why the St3 wouldn't be what you're looking for (insurance cost, has at least 3x the performance of every other bike mentioned) but comfort isn't one of them. It's arguably actually comfier for just riding around than everything else listed.

The Guzzi V7 is very much an "all show, no go" kind of bike.

Also, don't forget the aftermarket. On any of these you can swap out the bars and often get a better seat. That includes the St3. With a Speedmaster you can swap on a Bonneville or Thruxton tank, but it's non-trivial work.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0F_GOT3hrs

Also if you really care about the CB1100 I can pretty much guarantee Progressive is ringing it up as a CBR1100XX or something like that. They do this all the time, it saved me a bundle for a few years insuring my Z1000. You can press them, or just try Geico or some other guys (the Honda dealer may even have suggestions.)
Oh lord, that is a very sexy bike. The Speedmaster is being very seriously considered.

Anyone is using http://www.rider.com/ insurance?

Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002
http://imgur.com/a/n8ZxU

This is what I ended up with. 2012 Honda Shadow Phantom with 4k miles. Including all that aftermarket crap. It was cheap enough that I may even turn a profit next year. Not much power, and shocks bottom out on potholes, but otherwise pretty plush and eats highway miles like nothing. I have a set of 12" progressive shocks that may fit, and looks like a tuner and better air filter could net ~10hp over stock ~40. Should be good enough. Not ideally what I wanted, but 50mpg and dirt cheap insurance are hard to beat.

I'll probably sell my other cruiser and look for a cheap Bonneville to tool around with. Thanks everyone for suggestions and advise.

Nitrox fucked around with this message at 18:19 on Mar 29, 2014

Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002

PadreScout posted:

Pretty machine.

Kind of seems optimistic to get 25% power increase from an air filter, but hey, I don't know jackall about Shadows, so maybe they're awesome like that.

Seriously great looking rig you grabbed. Remember: rubber side down.

Yes it's a cup holder. I've never seen one before, but it definitely is. Looks like it's sized for 24oz+ fast food cup, loving poo poo. I'm thinking of turning it into a phone/GPS holder.

Honda Shadow forums have dyno charts that go from 38 whp to 50-something with open exhaust, pod air filters and a better fuel map. That's with 4-6 degree timing advance. People report better mpgs and throttle response. At least it's an option.

I kinda like the batwing windscreen, and if it keeps the cold wind off my hands, then it's here to stay.

Snowdens Secret posted:

Like most small cruisers, longer aftermarket shocks in the back go a long way to addressing both the ground clearance and the lack of suspension travel.

If I were 'standardizing' one of those, longer shocks, mid controls, appropriate bars and, uh, losing the Batwing would be on the to-do list
Thanks. I'll try to address issues as they come. Hopefully things will improve with the new shocks. And maybe a Corbin seat, those things are magical and could be specified to any width, height, stiffness etc.

Nitrox fucked around with this message at 21:47 on Mar 29, 2014

Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002

ought ten posted:

Ducati Scrambler. But throw out all your angle grinders first so you're not tempted by the dark arts.
http://scramblerducati.com/en

That is the shittiest loving website I've ever seen, it plays like a phone app and is completely void of anything useful. But the bike looks nice

Edit: They don't even have a spot for it at ducati.com, just a link to the abovementioned abortion of a phone app. All I wanted to know is the seat height.

Nitrox fucked around with this message at 06:35 on Nov 8, 2014

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Nitrox
Jul 5, 2002

Simkin posted:

Looks like it's 31.1" (or 30.3 optionally). You just need to scroll down and then you can find specs.
Thanks, I found it eventually.

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