Seller's remorse already

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:13 am

I just sold my 82 900F and already have seller's remorse. I'm gonna miss her. I bought it abou 3-4 years ago when my wife said she would never get on the thing with me. Well, she did and she loves riding. So, I'm looking around for more of a touring bike for better 2up riding without the leadbutt syndrome. I want to thank all of you guys for your help and patience over the last few years while I worked out the kinks on her. You guys have been great I might just lurk around for awhile. I loved this bike, but I just couldn't get much more than about 60 minutes out of a sitting without goind numb from the belt to the knees. However, I love these bikes in terms of ease of repair, simplicity and handling. Frankly, I'm semi considering looking at an 1100f and just putting corbin on her.

That being said, I thought I would ask you guys if anybody knows anything about the replacements I'm considering:

94 BMW K1100LT
95-99 Kaw Concours
Mid-90's Honda ST1100

Thoughts or experiences on any of them?

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:44 am

Yea.. It is what it is. Better idea is to have another bike and keep the F.
cant say ive owned any of those bike but heres my thoughts. The BMW is probably expensive in parts. That said i hear they need parts rarely.
The concourse is a nice big cumfy bike but i heard an owner complain about repairs and the lack of parts available. all just his opinion not mine.
it makes some sence because there werent allot of them sold.
And an ST1100. forgive my ignorance but i cannot seem to remember it.
If you like big touring bikes why not a goldwing?
They are plentifull, go forever with regular maintanence, parts are everywhere new and used. or is the ST the designation for golwing?
Anyhowe good luck.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:12 am

Heard great things about all three. An acquaintance put slip-ons on his Connie and it sounds awesome! Cool

Guest

zman wrote:

Yea.. It is what it is. Better idea is to have another bike and keep the F.
cant say ive owned any of those bike but heres my thoughts. The BMW is probably expensive in parts. That said i hear they need parts rarely.
The concourse is a nice big cumfy bike but i heard an owner complain about repairs and the lack of parts available. all just his opinion not mine.
it makes some sence because there werent allot of them sold.
And an ST1100. forgive my ignorance but i cannot seem to remember it.
If you like big touring bikes why not a goldwing?
They are plentifull, go forever with regular maintanence, parts are everywhere new and used. or is the ST the designation for golwing?
Anyhowe good luck.

The ST1100 is similar to the Kawi Concourse and the Yamaha FJR..in that it is a sport-touring bike. More recently the ST is now a ST1300...it is a nice bike indeed...looking to have one myself...someday! As for the Goldwing...yep nice reliable bike..runs forever..my 96' now has close to 150,000 on the odo! The 1800 is a nice touring bike!

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 4:42 pm

Thanks guys. The GW is just a bit too big for me...I like doing some putting around town and it seems/I've heard the the GW is great on the freeway, but not so much in stop&Go stuff. These sport/touring bikes seem to be about the right size that my wife and I can head out on a 4-8 hour day trip, take a few twisties (more fun for me than for her), cruise on the interstate if needed. Going to go look, and if I like, buy a BMW K1100LT tomorrow morning.

My F is still sitting in my garage waiting for the shippers to call and come pick it up. I gave the new owner the information to get to this website and gave you guys all some good press so you should have a new member soon.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:28 pm

Normally you'll get the best bang for you $$ with a Connie. Cheap, plentiful parts, a bit smaller than the others but with basically 1985 technology (until this years model).

The ST and Beemer are similiar size and probably about the same cost. Both will probably out last the Connie by a bit and I have heard of some engine heat complaints with the ST and some seem to prefer the non-ABS model for reasons that are beyond me.

I'd love to have any one of the three and of course you might find a great deal on any of them. No real negatives, unless you consider the older technology of the Connie a negative.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 5:35 pm

If you're willing to consider something slightly older, I can highly recommend a mid-80's Honda V65 Sabre. I've done 12 continuous hours in the saddle (with no windshield) on mine, more than once. I'll grant you it's not necessarily nimble (favorite bike mag quote: "too big, too heavy, *too fast*"), but it falls squarely in the neighborhood of the bikes you're already considering, which I understand to be great bikes as well.
Nothing like a little vicarious bike shopping!
Good luck in your search!
Very Happy

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:10 pm

I saw a number of V65's on ebay. At some point somewhere somebody mentioned that a particular early Honda V had a lot of troubles. Didn't know if it was the V65's or something else but, they are a good looking bike and one that I still have my eye on if the bmw falls thru. Also looking at a 99 connie, I think some of the buzz had been taken out of them by 99. I'm 49 years old, drive a bike around 4K per year, probably more like 6K if I get something bigger that my wife would like to ride on more. The bmw has 33K and many go up to 200K. So, I figure if I keep it maintained, and I like it, and with any luck at all it COULD last me the rest of my riding days (until I can't remember where the starter button is). Not to say I won't eventually get a little bored and want a valky or something. Thanks again.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:19 pm

Supposedly V4's in the Sabre and Magna didn't lubricate the top end as well as they could at idle, when the first bikes were made. If I'm not correct, Honda used a harder material in their cams after the first year to offset the problem. I put 65,000 miles on mine, with regular oil changes of Pennzoil Turbo (best you could buy back then) and had no problems. Talk about seller's regret......sorry that I sold mine. I had many adventures, and I think they are some of the best all-round motorcycles ever made. Cool

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:26 pm

My best friend has a late 90's/early 00's Magna and he loves it. Been a great bike. I'll keep those in mind if the 2 that I'm currently eyeing don't work out.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 6:50 pm

mitch_powers66226 wrote:

My best friend has a late 90's/early 00's Magna and he loves it. Been a great bike. I'll keep those in mind if the 2 that I'm currently eyeing don't work out.

My little brother who is not so little has an 02 Magna that he loves and rides year round even though he lives in Maryland.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:32 pm

I used to have a Valkyrie Interstate. Talk about a super-duper Power Cruiser with touring package. That thing was awesome.

I've always liked the STs, thought about getting one, but its more of an all-around bike and I'm settling more on the specialized bikes. I'll likely end up with a GoldWing for touring, the F for daily riding and one day a nice XX for when I really want to go fast.

Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 11:47 pm

I didn't read all the posts but far and away the best bike I ever owned was my K1100lt. 120-140 steady and never miss a beat. Not great around town if you have short legs like me. 5'8-9". The bike is top heavy so the MRS need to know how to ride back there. You feel the weight at very slow speed. at 10 miles an hour it sheds 400 lbs. without the luggage 160 is not unattainable but 110-120 is tops with passenger or baggage. you can embarrase any cruiser in the canyons and might even do the same to all but the most ardent sport bike riders. I always loved passing guys on the outside. go for the LT and get you F back. everyone needs more than one motorcycle, maybe more than 5, maybe more than 8.

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:35 am

I just called the guy in Arkansas who had the BMW and he just sold it befor I was able to drive down there. Back to the drawing board. Oh well, still got a connie on the line.

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 1:54 am

ride a beemer before you buy another bike. my best advise.

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:18 am

I was jonesing for a Connie for a long time and just picked up an '01
month and a half ago. So far it's a mixed bag. The mushy front suspension
will be getting Sonic 1.1 Springs and 15w oil, I've got a taller replacement
CeeBaily's windscreen thats going on it, the newer Corbin style seat has
been swapped for an older flatter one because of the nut-crunch I was
receiving from the other one, and my legs cook like chicken on a BBQ
here in SoCal so I'm pulling the lowers off till it cools down. It's not an F,
but other than that, I love it. Wink

Once I have completely made it my own, I'm sure all will be well. It has
plenty of giddy up, is very stable at three-digit speed, can zig and zag
pretty well, and is a good ride. If at all possible, try some time in the
saddle before you buy one.

There is a great website for Concours owners as well, with a wealth of
information and advice. It's much like this one but lacks the free-wheeling
fun and soul that can be found here in F'eaven. Ya just can't beat the Hot
Rod Animals here. Whole different bike, whole different breed of folks.

Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:29 am

Did someone say Honda V-65 Sabre? I love my 84 Sabre. I have the Hondaline fairing on it to! Talk about roll on power, man that bike is strong. It is my bike of choice when going two up. The 6th gear overdrive makes highway miles go smooth too. I just returned from Moto GP, took my
82 750-F down for that. Went two up riding with my daughter on Hwy 25, just south of Hollister. Superbike bars with the sportkit rearsets was killing my wrist and shoulders with her on it. Guess I'm getting old! Can't go wrong with the V-65. Just try to get one with the fairing. You won't regret it. Good luck with your search.

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:56 am

I bought an 2001 ST with ABS in Arizona in 2004 for $7,500. Put over 30,000 on it and sold it last year for the exact same amount. They are a great bike, they will roll all day long like the beemer and all i ever did was change oil, put brake pads on and tires. when you put on a new rear that is when you lube the splines on the drive shaft. everything you can do yourself... easy to work on. only complaint is that it throws off some heat on the left leg when the temp outside reaches in the upper 80's. why the heat exits more to the left is unknown. the forum for the ST is great and there are really nice guys that can help you out. many of them have over 200,000 miles on their rides. here is a pic showing how easy it is to work on the ST. Nothing major going on here, but tires, pads and putting on a Works rear shock.

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:11 am

I really like those bikes too. It's coming down to which I can get a good bike and good deal on first between the ST1100, the Kaw Connie, and either a K1xxxlt, K1xxxrt, or R1xxxrt bmw.

I was still kind of poking around to see if there was something else out there. The v65 is an interesting bike for certain. I came across the Yamaha V Max. Oh my goodness, that thing looks and sounds like it would fly if you put some wings on it. Just morbid curiosity, anybody ever ride one of those things? I'm not shopping for one, but man, if I had a death wish, that could certainly be the tool of choice.

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 1:29 am

When I was looking for a Connie there were a few here and there. Now
that the new '08 Connie 14 has hit the streets, ZG1000's are poppin up
all over the place. Should be able to find yourself a deal. Have you tried
Craigslist?

Here's the link to the for sale page on the Connie owner's group site.

COG Classifieds

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 6:06 am

All i can say is please test ride the connie before you buy it..I owned one, and it was the worst bike I ever owned for enjoyment!

yes, good power, good protection, yes they are cheap..wonder why?

#1 search for the "connie buzz" Won't get a lot of negatives because like all bikers, most love whatever they own, even if they are flawed, but its out there.. That alone made mine unrideable..15 minutes and couldnt feel my fingers!! .Couldnt ride the thing, and I did all the "fixs"! just the way the engine is part of the frame.
.I even tried a new one for a day at my dealers insistence., and of course guess what, same bike for 20 years, same buzz.. Smile

Another factor is the long low reach to the bars, some guys like it, some hurt! again..a test ride...
Its a classic case of you get what u pay for..

I was never so happy to unload it and get back on my 900 and be comfortable again...guess which bike I kept for my long trips..

Now you may just not be bothered by it at all and be quit happy. Lots are!

if you can live with the buzz and are happy with a suspension same as your f, then they are a good deal due to the protection, bags if you want them, and the prices.

Thats my take on the connie, others will be diff, just make sure you try one for more than 15 minutes..that should be enough either way..

Or better yet, try one, then hop on a old st1100 or any vfr, (any v4)......that should seal the deal...

CB1100F Joined: Mar 03, 2004 Posts: 3278 Location: Seattle

60 mins or 100 miles in the saddle is about norm for ANY bike.... Its part butt, part bike seat, part knees.... I have a modified Corbin with extra gel in the seat, and it still gets a lil uncomfortable after an hour of so. It about RECOVERY time, not how long you last in the saddle. After a quick stop and stretch, the "soreness" goes away faster with a better seat... but it never really goes away.....BMW or not... Rolling Eyes

Quote:

I've done 12 continuous hours in the saddle

So, unless you sit on your bike while you gas it up, have a 10 gallon gas tank, and/or pee in a lil tube while riding, Ill say BS on this one.. Laughing

Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 12:32 pm

+1 on the Concours. 15k on my 06 so far. I've done 600+ mile days with no problem on it. Parts availability is great, and they are easy to maintain. The 94+ model years have some nice improvements over the earlier ones. (Bigger forks, better brakes, nicer gauges, better seat - though some like the earlier seats better)

Hawk Joined: Aug 18, 2006 Posts: 272 Location: Alsip, Ill

I was looking a Connie's earlier this year, went to their forum and asked some questions, the guys all seemed to be happy with the bike. the bike is an old design but a proven one, although after seeing the 2007 model that is what I would love to have...although I am not in the position to buy one that expensive right now.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:24 am

For those who were enjoying the vicarious shopping. I drove a connie today. Nice bike but I think my arms are a little too short, have to lean over quite a bit. Some buzzing but probably not as much of a problem as the lean. Good price on it but didn't buy it (somebody else did 30 minutes later). Also rode a newly traded in 96 (I think) BMW R1100RT at the same dealer. It had the ABS lights blinking, front brake lever wouldn't release after squeezing, and brake fluid drops going down the tank from the front brake reservoir. Engine had a pretty good knock to it too (although I hear that may be normal). I liked the position, the ride, but my wife said it was vibrating her bottom half pretty good and was her least favorite of all that we've tried. That being said, I can tell that a good one would be an incredible ride...what kind of crazy steep gearing is in that thing, 55 miles per hours in second gear and just gets to where you feel like you should shift.

Looking at a mid-90's Kaw Voyager, in great condition for $2900. Haven't fallen in love with it yet though. I'm thinking I wan't something sexy, and the voyager is a good steady stong gal. Going to look one more time tomorrow but...?

So, unless the Voyager wins my heart suddenly, looks like I'm more or less down to an ST1100 or a BMW K1xxx or even a K75 (has anyone had any experience with the 75? Enough power?). I might consider another Connie too, one with tires and no dent in the trunk.

This is a frustrating proposition, especially since there were about 25000 bikes on the road today, I don't have one to ride, and my F is still sitting in my garage waiting for the shipping company to pick her up and take her to her new home. Patience, patience, patience.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:40 am

try a K Roy. you know i wouldn't say it if i didn't believe it.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 2:57 am

There's an '81 9F w/ a big bore kit and ported heads in Saint Louie calling yer name - - -

Go ahead... click the pic. You can run but you cant hide!

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 5:19 am

Geddy wrote:

There's an '81 9F w/ a big bore kit and ported heads in Saint Louie calling yer name - - -

Go ahead... click the pic. You can run but you cant hide!

Woah. OMT big bore and OMT exhaust! Looks like its got a sportkit too. That's a really nice bike right there.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 5:37 am

Here's another from the COG site (in KC)

http://www.concours.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33484

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2007 10:11 pm

OK all. I pulled the trigger about a week ago on a 93 ST1100 on Ebay from a Honda dealership in the Chicago area. Flew from KC to Chicago to picked it up, drove it home. Got there and there were a couple of significant things that were not disclosed. Not that they would have been deal breakers, but one of the issues, if I have to fix it, is going to cost me about $200. I went ahead and drove it home, ran nice, very smooth, handles nicely. Gave the dealership a proposal but now they have stopped communicating. It will get addressed, just disappointed in the way people at dealerships work, would be hard for me to sleep at night. It kind of takes the fun out of getting a new bike too.

Anyway, the gentleman who purchase my 900 just joined the site, welcome DanZ into the fold. I will probably lurk around and say hi once in awhile to see how things are going. You all take care and thanks again for all the help and guidance over the last three years or so.

Mitch