Tpoppa

I think Honda's problem is that Honda Marketing keeps answering the questions that no one is asking. They tend to make bikes that are fun and well sorted, but less features than competition with higher prices. The results have been sales flops. Ctx700, ctx1300, fury, nc700x, vfr1200, Rune, 8th gen interceptor, that black Batman scooter, Valkyrie, CBR650, etc, have all aged on showroom floors with deep discounts. None of them are bad motorcycles. They just keep building bikes that Americans don't want.

Totally impractical, but I kinda like the 2nd gen Valkyrie. It's a stripped down goldwing that weighs about 150lbs less. It's a big motor, wheels, and not much else.

...and Epstein didn't kill himself.

Is that Jonathan Cain form Journey?

or https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/2020-ktm-890-duke-r-first-look.html

Wow. HD developing something that actually sounds kinda cool. https://www.cycleworld.com/harley-davidson-developing-group-riding-adaptive-cruise-control/

Something like 90% of sportbikes will never see a closed circuit. The only street bikes I could make a case for not having cruise are those specifically geared for new riders. The $15,999 CTX1300 (touring bagger) not having Cruise Control is straight up retarded.

Now that everything is RBW. Why doesn't every motorcycle have Cruise Control? All the sensors are already there and the necessary data is already in the ECM. The only 'extra' parts that are needed are the handlebar controls and the indicator on the display.

And that's been Honda's problem for the last 10 years. They don't build what riders want, they build what they want riders to want. They are a generation behind on features, and a generation ahead on price. Hondas are generally well sorted and fun to ride, but there have been so many models that sat in showrooms until they were deeply discounted. There are still a decent amount of brand new 2014 CTX1300s sitting in showrooms. 2014

Some states have things like mechanics liens that can result in a new title being issued. AFAIK they are pretty specific and a PITA.

During my brief HD ownership experience, which included breaking down on the side of the highway, I have to say I was super unimpressed by what passes for Harley service. It had a design flaw where the battery would drain after 4-5 days of not being ridden. There was no official fix, but some home remedies such a wiring a big ass switch to the battery to break the circuit, because...character. Also take a look at this medieval steering/geomerty adjustment test. My HD had a nasty clunk in the steering head. Rock-and-Roll HD wanted to charge me $300 for this test, rather than replacing a defective piece inside the steering head. I had to bring them the actual HD TSB to show them what needed to be fixed (aluminum sleeve in the steering head would deform, the replacement part was steel). The service manager got kind of shitty with me..."Listen we've been doing this for a long time and we aren't replacing parts until we do a fall away test." Me "what the fuck is a fall away test?"

I've always thought of myself as a "riding" enthusiast more than a "motorcycle" enthusiast. There are certainly motorcycles that have caught my eye over the years, but I'm more drawn to capabilities than the actual machine...if that makes any sense.

Wait, you're wanting a twin? You must be getting old...lol

I support that type of post divorce activity.

politics in a nutshell.mp4

Never been to Cozumel, but there's a ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel that costs $10. We are planning to do that.

We looked at Jamaica and Cost Rica and few others, but the flights from Cleveland are terrible. They have long layovers and the most of the return flights wouldn't get us home until well after midnight. I don't like to waste my vacations days in airports. The direct flights to Cancun (staying in Riviera Maya) are quick and easy. We are staying at a RIU Palace.

Fair question. I'm not opposed to electronics (I said the GPS-based race tech is stupid and I stand by that). I've owned 3 bikes with ABS. I like the simplicity of riding...just me and the road. I can ride as smoothly and quickly as I want without aides. I have fun every time I toss that little 400 into a corner, which is why I ride in the first place. If I bought something with cornering ABS and TC, chances are it would probably lure me into a faster pace, which is not a current goal of mine.

That's a good friend right there 😂

It's going to be a long winter. We just booked a trip to Mexico in Feb to escape for a bit.

I could have paid cash for any motorcycle I wanted, and I did. I specifically wanted something light and maneuverable with no electronic aides. That is what seemed like the most 2 wheel fun for me. Is my Ninja 400 (non-ABS) an EGO bike 🙄 I mean I could have bought the H2 to be "safer," I just didn't want one.

No. I'm saying it's more interesting when the best rider wins. It's less interesting when the best tech wins. I'd rather watch Moto3 than MotoGP. Now, if you put the MotoGP riders on the Moto3 bikes that would be some competitive, entertaining racing that wasn't "over" halfway through the first lap.