Other standards

[dougl]

Every so often, I think the Rocket is too heavy for me. The other day, I was going downhill on a long gravel driveway and the **** thing would not stop no matter how slow I could go. It was like trying to stop a bobsled with an elephant on it with your feet. Fortunately, I made it to the street upright.

So, I'm thinking about other options that fit the "standard" motorcycle mode but weigh around 600 lbs or less. The Triumph Bonnies are light but have no power. The Sprint and Tiger seem like dirt bikes.

A V-Rod would be nice but they're pricey. How about a new Sportster?

Not interested in any Japanese v-twins.

The Kawasaki Concours looks like a possibility, however the riding position looks more "sport" than "touring". Also, the local dealer doesn't even have one in stock and doesn't allow test drives. Are they out of their freaking minds? How can you buy a bike without driving it?

The bad or good news is that every time I sit on or ride another bike, they seem puny and the urge passes.

 

[snuffcityrider]

Keep the bike...stay off the gravel Maybe Triumph will come out with a 1500cc something or other sooner or later. They need to fill the gap between 800 & 2300.

 

[dougl]

Keep the bike...stay off the gravel Maybe Triumph will come out with a 1500cc something or other sooner or later. They need to fill the gap between 800 & 2300.

Staying off the gravel is good advice. Also, avoid situations where you have to back peddle up hill. I don't like to have to worry about this crap.

The problem is I'm addicted to the power, which you get only from cubic inches or high performance. The Concours is a toned down Z-14 - they claim 156 HP. I want a Bonnie with 150 hp.

 

[Gunshots]

I would try to stop the bike with something beside my feet. Gravel is tricky but it isn't impossible to whoo it up with the rear wheel brake, and a light touch of the front.
Another option is the Victory, all U.S. and not a slouch either. But take plenty $$$ with ya when you go. Or how about the Suzuki M109. It's jap crap but they are bunches cheaper. There are lot's to pick from but for me, I'll just keep the Rocket. In my book there's nothing that you will find good in the gravel thats decent for touring. (Maybe Flip's KLR)

 

[snuffcityrider]

Staying off the gravel is good advice. Also, avoid situations where you have to back peddle up hill. I don't like to have to worry about this crap.

The problem is I'm addicted to the power, which you get only from cubic inches or high performance. The Concours is a toned down Z-14 - they claim 156 HP. I want a Bonnie with 150 hp.

I don't know about 150hp, but I bet (and have read about) you can get quite abit more out of one with different heads, cams, etc.

 

[dougl]

I would try to stop the bike with something beside my feet. Gravel is tricky but it isn't impossible to whoo it up with the rear wheel brake, and a light touch of the front.

Downhill! Pretty steep. I was doing the braking thing and just using the feets to keep it straight up. Very disconcerting.

Or how about the Suzuki M109.

Faux Harley with more power. Also pretty heavy.

In my book there's nothing that you will find good in the gravel thats decent for touring.

This was a one-time thing. My fault. There was actually a paved area near the street. Getting up hill into the garage wasn't hard so I figured downhill wouldn't be too bad.

I don't care about touring - I rarely ride for more than a couple of hours at a time. But I like to be comfortable (bad back, knees, shoulders) and I need power!!!

 

[Pig9r]

You might wait until this Aug after the dealer meetings at Triumph HQ, that is when they are supposed to introduce the new 16-1700cc belt driven twin cruiser. That might be just what you are looking for.

Or you could pave your drive.

 

[dougl]

You might wait until this Aug after the dealer meetings at Triumph HQ, that is when they are supposed to introduce the new 16-1700cc belt driven twin cruiser. That might be just what you are looking for.

Or you could pave your drive.

It wasn't my drive. The kawasaki dealer said no more 2008 Concours. Have to wait until Sept. for the 2009's, which they won't let you test drive. Screw them.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Staying off the gravel is good advice. Also, avoid situations where you have to back peddle up hill. I don't like to have to worry about this crap.

The problem is I'm addicted to the power, which you get only from cubic inches or high performance. The Concours is a toned down Z-14 - they claim 156 HP. I want a Bonnie with 150 hp.

Remember, I have a Bonnie. Actually mine runs very strong when it isn't towing the sidecar around. I can run with an 1800 VTX, well stay with a few bike lengths to 100 or so. Problem is, the Bonnie, just like the KLR feels like a toy compared to the Winnebago, I mean Rocket.

I never park the Rocket where I have to back up, uphill. That's impossible unless the wife pushes.

My Rocket don't like gravel roads and that's what I live on. I always take it easy. Now the KLR likes gravel. I hit the gravel from the pavement and gas it in second and get it sideways. The Rocket would be in a heap with me under it. The Bonnie don't like gravel either. It must be something in the steering geometry, however, the Bonnie with the sidecar attached loves gravel. I can do doughnuts with the Bonnie/Sidecar in the gravel road.

 

[greenbaron]

Hmmm... i have not had a big problem on gravel. Every ride of mine begins and ends with a mile trek down (or up) the mountain on my gravel drive. I actually think the RIII does better than the lighter and skinnier-tyred Legend, which I did dump on the rocks once, early on. That is not to say my gravel is laid on heavy. That's not the way we do it, when we're paying for the rock ourselves! No, thick gravel is something else altogether... but a properly maintained gravel road offers plenty of traction, at least i think so.