** KNEE DRAGGERS UNITE ** Part XII - My Patch Brothers Tore My Angus

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[QUOTE=Dr. Horse;1571294141]Don't own one but have ridden a couple. The SDR is a fukn beast.[/QUOTE]

What bike(s) do you own?

[QUOTE=phillipsanchez;1571295731]Probably will be in the near future (but I'm thinking the Yamaha 700 will be better than the KTM)
I'd love to give the 1290 Adventure R a ride.[/QUOTE]

Going for the Adventure 790? I think the 790>700 in terms of performance and fun factor, but the reliability and price much in favor for Yamaha. Both great bikes for their purpose.

[QUOTE=NoMilkForYou;1571385001]What bike(s) do you own?[/QUOTE]

BMW S1000XR and suzuki SV650

Wtf did I just watch?

So Toby Price wins the Dakar with a broken wrist. That guy has to be the most talented rider in a long time.

[QUOTE=NoMilkForYou;1571385001]

Going for the Adventure 790? I think the 790>700 in terms of performance and fun factor, but the reliability and price much in favor for Yamaha. Both great bikes for their purpose.[/QUOTE]

I agree. I'm not really a Yamaha fan or a jap bike guy because their bikes are bland and basic over the last 20 years but the Tenere just looks better set up for ergos and gear for adventure riding and a huge jump from the 660.
KTM will destroy it in performance obviously but it just seems a little awkward. I will wait and see anyway.

What are you guys doing for your bikes coming out of winter this year?
No new bike for me so looking to freshen up the old Ninja a bit. New tires definitely, looking at the new Bridgestones. Probably replace the cush drive, new clutch plates, new oil and coolant, new pads all around, new plugs and maybe a valve adjustment if I can find the time.

Maybe get new boots or a new lid this year too if I actually ride it.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1573995871]What are you guys doing for your bikes coming out of winter this year?
No new bike for me so looking to freshen up the old Ninja a bit. New tires definitely, looking at the new Bridgestones. Probably replace the cush drive, new clutch plates, new oil and coolant, new pads all around, new plugs and maybe a valve adjustment if I can find the time.

Maybe get new boots or a new lid this year too if I actually ride it.[/QUOTE]Cross shopping leftover 18' H2 SX against BMW's S1000XR. XR is slightly more practical but the SX would be slightly more fun I think. We'll see where it comes down on price. The SX is also triple the cost to insure which is annoying.

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1573999451]Cross shopping leftover 18' H2 SX against BMW's S1000XR. XR is slightly more practical but the SX would be slightly more fun I think. We'll see where it comes down on price. The SX is also triple the cost to insure which is annoying.[/QUOTE]been seeing the SX drop in price again.
Wonder why it is so expensive to insure, guess the fairings and the blower?

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1573999451]Cross shopping leftover 18' H2 SX against BMW's S1000XR. XR is slightly more practical but the SX would be slightly more fun I think. We'll see where it comes down on price. The SX is also triple the cost to insure which is annoying.[/QUOTE]
Why do you think it will be more fun? It has a little more power but weighs a lot more. The XR looks tall and dorky but it very flickable and rails the twisties. Plus it pulls like a mofo.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1574037231]been seeing the SX drop in price again.
Wonder why it is so expensive to insure, guess the fairings and the blower?[/QUOTE]Has more to do with the labeling. Kawasaki calls everything "Ninja" so they all get lumped in as a "race" bike.

And to the above, it's about how it delivers the power. I had had a 14R for 3 years and it was one of my all time favorite bikes, just didn't have a factory option for bags and I wished it handled a little better. The H2 is a good compromise. Honestly they're both excellent bikes. I could go either way.

there is so much to do. im gonna be doing all of it myself. i just bought a new front tire. front is close to the bars. rear is ok. i bought new stainless lines. never did brake lines before. not even fluid changes. im gonna paint the fairings to gloss black. its currently satin white from a bad flat black before from previous owner. bought a new air filter. prob has the same stock one from 18k miles ago. probably gonna have to drill holes in some places to reattach fairing. then wash it up real good. i really didint even ride that much at all last year. had the bike for 10 months and only did 1300 miles. i need to find new routes and ares to explore.

[QUOTE=Dr. Horse;1574054281]Why do you think it will be more fun? It has a little more power but weighs a lot more. The XR looks tall and dorky but it very flickable and rails the twisties. Plus it pulls like a mofo.[/QUOTE]

Both are ridiculously ugly, but I agree the BMW would be funner to ride.
Better off just getting the 19 Hyper SP if you want a nimble and flickable bike, and it will definitely make you a happy man every time you touch the throttle.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1573995871]What are you guys doing for your bikes coming out of winter this year?
No new bike for me so looking to freshen up the old Ninja a bit. New tires definitely, looking at the new Bridgestones. Probably replace the cush drive, new clutch plates, new oil and coolant, new pads all around, new plugs and maybe a valve adjustment if I can find the time.

Maybe get new boots or a new lid this year too if I actually ride it.[/QUOTE]

So you're just gonna do basic maintenance?
If I spent a whole season not being to ride I would planning a road trip with at least a few days up my sleeve.

[QUOTE=phillipsanchez;1574077481]Both are ridiculously ugly, but I agree the BMW would be funner to ride.
Better off just getting the 19 Hyper SP if you want a nimble and flickable bike, and it will definitely make you a happy man every time you touch the throttle.[/QUOTE]I'm not looking for a super nimble bike. I'm looking for a powerhouse with the full array of sport touring goodies (cruise control, heated grips, cornering lights, etc) and most importantly factory hard bags with a clean mounting system. I'm not a track guy. I commute April through November on my bike. Last bike was a Super Duke R and while it was fun it was terrible for two up and I had to wear a backpack everywhere. The longest I have ever kept any bike was my ZX-14R but it was slightly annoying on the knees after a few hours, didn't have good options for bags and I wished it handled just a little better. Different priorities. I'm riding a borrowed FJR1300 right now and love it. Just want more power and a quicker tip in on corners.

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1574299551]I'm not looking for a super nimble bike. I'm looking for a powerhouse with the full array of sport touring goodies (cruise control, heated grips, cornering lights, etc) and most importantly factory hard bags with a clean mounting system. I'm not a track guy. I commute April through November on my bike. Last bike was a Super Duke R and while it was fun it was terrible for two up and I had to wear a backpack everywhere. The longest I have ever kept any bike was my ZX-14R but it was slightly annoying on the knees after a few hours, didn't have good options for bags and I wished it handled just a little better. Different priorities. I'm riding a borrowed FJR1300 right now and love it. Just want more power and a quicker tip in on corners.[/QUOTE]You are looking for a sport tourer that can chew up miles and still have power while riding 2 up. Can't think of anything else besides the SX, plus Kawasaki nailed the mounting system for the hard bags.


[QUOTE=phillipsanchez;1574077501]So you're just gonna do basic maintenance?
If I spent a whole season not being to ride I would planning a road trip with at least a few days up my sleeve.[/QUOTE] would love to do a long road trip one day but need time and money.
At least I found some guys at work that ride so I should be out more on the weekends.

Also, valve check and adjustment is routine maintenance? Always though checking the chain, oil change, tire pressure, etc were more routine since they don't require cams coming out.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1574326141]You are looking for a sport tourer that can chew up miles and still have power while riding 2 up. Can't think of anything else besides the SX, plus Kawasaki nailed the mounting system for the hard bags.
[/QUOTE]Exactly. I'm in process negotiating with a dealer down in NC. Hoping to do a fly and ride in early April.

And Kawasaki has easily the cleanest mounting system for their bag setup. No massive framework hanging off the bike when the bags are off.

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1574329341]Exactly. I'm in process negotiating with a dealer down in NC. Hoping to do a fly and ride in early April.

And Kawasaki has easily the cleanest mounting system for their bag setup. No massive framework hanging off the bike when the bags are off.[/QUOTE]
Are you in NH or something?

You should see if any yokel dealers ship as they have lower prices compared to up north.
You looking at the SE or the SE+??

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1574326141]You are looking for a sport tourer that can chew up miles and still have power while riding 2 up. Can't think of anything else besides the SX, plus Kawasaki nailed the mounting system for the hard bags.


[/QUOTE]

I’d rather buy a good bike like a GS or Multistrada for those duties, much more fun.

Higher insurance premiums for Kawasaki has nothing to do with race orientation of the name Ninja, and everything to do with the degenerate/youth people group who buy them and are a higher risk to insurance companies. Panigales, S1000, 1290s all tend to be cheaper to insure do to a more responsible group of owners.

[QUOTE=TTViper;1574343511]I’d rather buy a good bike like a GS or Multistrada for those duties, much more fun.

Higher insurance premiums for Kawasaki has nothing to do with race orientation of the name Ninja, and everything to do with the degenerate/youth people group who buy them and are a higher risk to insurance companies. Panigales, S1000, 1290s all tend to be cheaper to insure do to a more responsible group of owners.[/QUOTE]I'd rather be on a bike that isn't going top break down and be in the shop for months at a time personally. Ducati might be just a bit more reliable than a Harley. Just saying.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1574331981]Are you in NH or something?

You should see if any yokel dealers ship as they have lower prices compared to up north.
You looking at the SE or the SE+??[/QUOTE]NH. SE. The SE+ only offer bluetooth connectivity and active suspension, neither of which I care about.

[QUOTE=TTViper;1574343511]I’d rather buy a good bike like a GS or Multistrada for those duties, much more fun.

Higher insurance premiums for Kawasaki has nothing to do with race orientation of the name Ninja, and everything to do with the degenerate/youth people group who buy them and are a higher risk to insurance companies. Panigales, S1000, 1290s all tend to be cheaper to insure do to a more responsible group of owners.[/QUOTE]I agree that it's the people that cause the premium issue but it's a niche motorcycle that gets associated with that group thanks to the nameplate, not the buyer. With limited data available for a $22k sport tourer that Kawasaki sells in limited numbers they just classify based on the rest of the lineup. Same issue with the Ninja 1000. Low production bike with a limited following of mostly older buyers looking for a sporty bike with touring features and it gets lumped in at the same insurance rates as the ZX-10.

And again, different priorities. The GS and the Multi are both very bland motorcycles in my opinion. They're great bikes but they just don't do it for me. And both are down on power compared to the XR and the H2. If you've ever ridden a hayabusa or Zx-14 you know they're rock solid stable at speed and have stupidly smooth power delivery. I'm looking for that in a slightly more nimbler chasis. The XR was close but the power delivery was lacking in the lower RPMs and I did not like the height of the bike.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1574345531]I'd rather be on a bike that isn't going top break down and be in the shop for months at a time personally. Ducati might be just a bit more reliable than a Harley. Just saying.[/QUOTE]


You mad the ducs, Honda, and Yamahas Ive had are all more reliable than Kawis? If you’re calling Ducati unrealiable in 2019, I’d question how out of touch you are with motorcycling. It’s too easy to get the Kawasaki fanbois worked up. There’s a reason I see way more Yamahas and Ducati’s at the track ;)

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1574345761]NH. SE. The SE+ only offer bluetooth connectivity and active suspension, neither of which I care about.

I agree that it's the people that cause the premium issue but it's a niche motorcycle that gets associated with that group thanks to the nameplate, not the buyer. With limited data available for a $22k sport tourer that Kawasaki sells in limited numbers they just classify based on the rest of the lineup. Same issue with the Ninja 1000. Low production bike with a limited following of mostly older buyers looking for a sporty bike with touring features and it gets lumped in at the same insurance rates as the ZX-10.

And again, different priorities. The GS and the Multi are both very bland motorcycles in my opinion. They're great bikes but they just don't do it for me. And both are down on power compared to the XR and the H2. If you've ever ridden a hayabusa or Zx-14 you know they're rock solid stable at speed and have stupidly smooth power delivery. I'm looking for that in a slightly more nimbler chasis. The XR was close but the power delivery was lacking in the lower RPMs and I did not like the height of the bike.[/QUOTE]

The GS has thrived on bland appearances, but you’d have to ride one to understand the excitement. The Multi’s torque is intoxicating and more applicable to the street. Not to mention more nimble, eats up highway miles, looks better than the Kawasaki, and has excellent hard case options from the factory. As the two biggest brand homers I’ve ever seen in motorcycling, I’m just saying you have options, but I wouldn’t expect either of you to branch out.

[QUOTE=TTViper;1574353001]

The GS has thrived on bland appearances, but you’d have to ride one to understand the excitement. The Multi’s torque is intoxicating and more applicable to the street. Not to mention more nimble, eats up highway miles, looks better than the Kawasaki, and has excellent hard case options from the factory. As the two biggest brand homers I’ve ever seen in motorcycling, I’m just saying you have options, but I wouldn’t expect either of you to branch out.[/QUOTE]I've owned a lot of bikes. I don't see where the branch out comment comes from. I've never owned a BMW or Ducati but ridden plenty. I've owned several Yamahas, multiple Kawasakis, a KTM, and even a Harley Vrod for a very short period. The H2 is visually more attractive IMO and absolutely annihilates the Multi, XR, GS, etc on power delivery especially with a light tune. Sure they're marginally lighter, marginally more comfortable, and marginally better in handling. I would rather have the raw power. I don't want an adventure bike. I want a sport touring bike with an emphasis on power. I also liked how you included looks...because that isn't a completely subjective category...

Agree to disagree. For my style of riding and my priorities I think the H2 SX is a better fit. It's wonderful to live in an age where we have so many options.

You’re right, I’m wrong. I remember when you came down to VA to pick up the 14. All I remember since is you talking about the 14.

I’m right about the geezer tho, that’s for sure. Kawasaki is the only thing that’s gets him a chubby anymore.

[QUOTE=TTViper;1574354951]You’re right, I’m wrong. I remember when you came down to VA to pick up the 14. All I remember since is you talking about the 14.

I’m right about the geezer tho, that’s for sure. Kawasaki is the only thing that’s gets him a chubby anymore.[/QUOTE]Hahaha. Darkninja is set in his ways. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I did pick up the 14R in VA way back in 2013. Loved that bike. But sold it and spent the next couple years on a 1290 Super Duke R. Which I loved...wife hated. The short wheel base, abrupt nature of its power delivery, and tiny passenger seat made her uneasy. I sold the KTM to fund a house purchase and last year just ended up too expensive so instead of buying anything I rode my dad's 2006 FJR1300 which holds up surprisingly well for its age and cemented how much I love having good bags. Don't get me wrong I think Ducati, BMW, KTM, all make great bikes. I just think the SX fills the very strange niche that I'm looking for. Using a supercharger to produce 14R power delivery in a slightly more nimble, slightly more upright, touring ready bike just does it for me I guess. My commute is a big chunk of highway for the most part and I carry two lunches, gym gear/clothes, and a laptop most days.

[QUOTE=TTViper;1574354951]You’re right, I’m wrong. I remember when you came down to VA to pick up the 14. All I remember since is you talking about the 14.

I’m right about the geezer tho, that’s for sure. Kawasaki is the only thing that’s gets him a chubby anymore.[/QUOTE]lol
I like the Japanese stuff and there are good reasons for that.
I like all bikes though and would own every make if I had unlimited funds. I can appreciate any bike no matter the make. Big plus is I can get parts and work on an i4 myself pretty much.


Yeah you are right about racing, the green machines suck in winning anything.

[QUOTE=darkninja67;1574359421]
Yeah you are right about racing, the green machines suck in winning anything.[/QUOTE]

Not this year mate.
[img]https://cdn-5.motorsport.com/images/amp/2y3gBWv6/s6/world-superbike-phillip-island-2.jpg[/img]

Probably gonna lower the Pani revs now.

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1574358681]Hahaha. Darkninja is set in his ways. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

I did pick up the 14R in VA way back in 2013. Loved that bike. But sold it and spent the next couple years on a 1290 Super Duke R. Which I loved...wife hated. The short wheel base, abrupt nature of its power delivery, and tiny passenger seat made her uneasy. I sold the KTM to fund a house purchase and last year just ended up too expensive so instead of buying anything I rode my dad's 2006 FJR1300 which holds up surprisingly well for its age and cemented how much I love having good bags. Don't get me wrong I think Ducati, BMW, KTM, all make great bikes. I just think the SX fills the very strange niche that I'm looking for. Using a supercharger to produce 14R power delivery in a slightly more nimble, slightly more upright, touring ready bike just does it for me I guess. My commute is a big chunk of highway for the most part and I carry two lunches, gym gear/clothes, and a laptop most days.[/QUOTE]

The more I ride on the street, the more I want hard bags. Also the ability to rail in the canyons, Bomb some fire roads, carry all my **** to work, and look inconspicuous to cops because I’m riding an old man BMW GS is getting pretty appealing.

[QUOTE=TTViper;1574366871]The more I ride on the street, the more I want hard bags. Also the ability to rail in the canyons, Bomb some fire roads, carry all my **** to work, and look inconspicuous to cops because I’m riding an old man BMW GS is getting pretty appealing.[/QUOTE]That's an area the GS/Multi/XR all kill it. They're relatively low profile because of their "old man" "practical" appeal.

[QUOTE=ChaoticReignPbt;1574396151]That's an area the GS/Multi/XR all kill it. They're relatively low profile because of their "old man" "practical" appeal.[/QUOTE]

Can confirm. XR seems like old man bike. But is really hooligan bike. I have full hard luggage but just use my top case for commuting and around town. An upright bike like that with a top case makes you look like a respectable member of society. I routinely fly by cops and generally drive like there is no speed limit and I just get ignored. It's awesome. Stock exhaust helps too.

Panniers seem like that would suck for lane splitting. But my kreiga tail bags annoy the **** out of me since they dig into my back all the time.