Author Topic: The dark side (Read 8069 times)

stormi · « **Reply #15 on:** May 07, 2006, 05:02:46 PM »

Quote from: "amboman"

Thanks for the kind words. I have pretty much convinced myself that the big honda is the one for me. Not sure what the clear stuff is called but I will ask for you and post the name. I do know there is a product that both Oxford and Progrip make which is similar but of a thicker material and comes in all different colours.

That paddock stand you mention is that one you can use to lift rear of bike for servicing chain etc? Still think I would prefer main stand attached as it would help if the worst happend and a flat rear tyre appeared while in the boonies. (Thats the back country to non New Zealanders).

I had expected that sheet to be a little bigger,.. like to wrap a tank. Where would a person put that? Or is that the stuff that's "grippy" to help you stick to the bike. I sure could use some of that, a panic stop with waterproof textile pants on is not fun no matter how strong your leg muscles are.

The stand is this one: http://www.lockhartphillipsusa.com/rs/showProduct.cgi?prodID=3082

I suspect, but haven't looked, that that bike has no spools, so you'd need this stand as well. I like it for the ability to lift the bike to work on it, as well as the wheels on the bottom, that allow me to pivot the bike around the shed to move it out of the way for the other bikes/projects.

I agree that this doesn't help you on the road, hence the reason I'm looking at the centrestand. Before you get it from your dealer, look around. I've found the stand ( actual Honda part) for mine -much- cheaper from dealers all over the US, I don't think it would be different on your side of the world either. I'm talking $95 less on a $270 part. They might be willing to price match it.

amboman · « **Reply #16 on:** May 08, 2006, 07:39:23 AM »

Hey thanks stormi, I had a message to phone the dealer today which I did. I should be able to pick up the big beast on Wednesday if it is prepared on time if not Friday is the big day.

They have sourced a center stand for me and have given $100nz discount on it. They will also fit for free. I am really impressed with the bend over backwards attitude of these guys. Its not the first time I have bought Honda but I never got service like this in the past.

The sales guy said that you can buy the clear stick on stuff on a large roll so I will ask the service guys when I pick the bike up.

Its getting tougher to get a good nights sleep now. Haven't felt like this since I bought the B12.

If anyone is interested I will pop in here and there to let you guys know how the big Honda is going. Thanks heaps for being a great bunch of people. (YES THAT INCLUDES MY BROTHER IN LAW).

stormi · « **Reply #17 on:** May 09, 2006, 01:27:46 PM »

So,.. is it Wednesday yet?

Congratulations. I think you made the right decision. How ya sleeping?

Sounds like they're really treating you well. That's really good, considering the other experience.

I would definitely be interested in knowing what product they tell you about in the big sheets. I talked to my dealer today, and they mentioned that Lockhart Philips had something, and that Parts Canada sold something, but I'd like to know what Honda is selling and recommending over there.

I would love to know how you do with that bike. We didn't get them over here, so I'll have to live vicariously through you.

amboman · « **Reply #18 on:** May 10, 2006, 06:40:54 AM »

One more night of broken sleep then look out open road. Went in to dealer today Wednesday and paid for bike. Just waiting for pack rack to arrive so will pick bike up on Thursday late afternoon, just as well as have been called into work extra shift tonight so couldn't sit and stare any way.

The parts guy at the dealer said that the clear stuff is straight from the distributor known as Forbes and Davies here in NZ. It is called Protech Clear. Comes in a 5kg roll. He said that they don't really sell it direct to public but guessed that It would retail for about $45nz a metre. He thought that the average price to get a road bike covered in all of the usual places was about $150 - $200 and that the workshop guys did use a heat gun set on low to help with bends etc.

Of course I don't need to worry as my bike is being done included in deal. Will certainly keep you posted on progress. Was hard to leave bike behind today.

One more sleep

stormi · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2006, 10:04:29 PM »

Quote from: "amboman"

The parts guy at the dealer said that the clear stuff is straight from the distributor known as Forbes and Davies here in NZ. It is called Protech Clear. Comes in a 5kg roll. He said that they don't really sell it direct to public but guessed that It would retail for about $45nz a metre. He thought that the average price to get a road bike covered in all of the usual places was about $150 - $200 and that the workshop guys did use a heat gun set on low to help with bends etc.

Ahh,.. that's what I suspected the situation would be.

So.... don't keep me in suspense,... where's the ride report?

amboman · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2006, 09:21:54 PM »

Weather here has been absolute sh**t since I picked the bike up. Managed to get in a 2 hr ride yesterday. Really happy with the overall package so far. The Honda is not all that different from the 05 B12 that I had.

I would have to say that the Honda is certainly a lot smoother in its power delivery and has a very workable mid range. No problems with the fuel injection, some reports suggested they were a little rough in the lower rev range but I have not found this to date. Drive train snatch is also barely noticeable.
I have noted that the front end does not track as it should. The right hand grip is a little colser than the left. Spoke to dealer and will drop bike in next week so that they can set it up again. Minor prob.

I was a little worried about going back to a twin shock model but my concerns were unfounded. The honda has showa gas assisted shocks and has very adjustable pre-load and dampening. Have not looked at set up yet due to time involved but will look at firming up rear end as it is just a little lazy on the factory settings.

So far fuel consumption seems ok. 10 litre for 130kms. Cost me $19.80 for the ten litre though. Mileage should improve as bike runs in things are pretty tight at the moment.

Sleeping better now but having dreams of far off places.

solman · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2006, 11:19:50 PM »

Quote

Honda tends to have a select number of engines that they use, and they reuse them from bike to bike.

The Bandit 1200 motor came from the GSXR 1100. The bandit motor is a proven and long lasting motor. I also like the CB1300 as well. I also bought one before I bought my Bandit. There was one in Washington for sale. I had the money to pay cash for it, but I had a few issues with it. My main issue was parts and service. Since it isn't offered in the states, I was worried about parts and servicing for it.

amboman · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2006, 06:00:24 AM »

I didn't make the decision lightly to buy the Honda, and I certainly took parts and av availability into consideration. I did struggle moving from the tried and well proven GSX Motor to a motor I knew little about. It seems however the motro used in the CB is also so far fairly well proven. It may not have the history of the GSX but it seems there are no real issues with it.

On the parts and service front here in NZ these are readily available with Honda again being the lead seller once again. Did you have problems with your CB OR was it solely a parts suplly issue.

I have now clocked up 300kms and so far still really happy with the product. Goes back to dealer tomorrow to have pack rack fitted. Also taking a scooter home overnight to test prior to ?? purchase (fuel prices and all).

amboman · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2006, 06:30:07 AM »

Heres a pick I found on the net. Same as my beast.

Silverstreak · « **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2006, 10:26:22 AM »

A SCOOTER?

Now that's dark.

amboman · « **Reply #25 on:** May 22, 2006, 03:24:42 AM »

I know a scooter??? Maybe it is a nasty virus that I have. Any how, I am an upset man at the moment. I now have about 300kms on the mighty Honda and have warm hands courtesy of new hot grips. The problem is I went to go for a ride on Saturday afternoon after picking up bike from dealers on Thursday and no go!!! The battery was flat. Managed to get bike going and traveled about 10kms when warnign lights went on and bike stopped dead. Phoned the dealer back today and they think that they have tapped into the wrong ignition wire (you know to stop battery getting flat if grips left turned on). Bike being picked up by dealer tommorrow and expect to have it back by Wednesday.

Pick up new scooter on Wenesday also. Hey it gets 160kms + on about 10 bucks so leaves more money for touring on the soon to be mighty again Honda.

Will keep you updated

Maniac · « **Reply #26 on:** May 22, 2006, 08:52:16 AM »

Wow, the 1300 looks a bit different from the 900...

Nice looking bike though, great color