LowRyter

Finally got to ride one. White Base Model. The bike rips and I only had it in T mode. I got it well over 90 criss crossing traffic in a couple of miles of city Interstate. Certainly faster than any Guzzi I've ridden. Didn't quite feel like a Guzzi, I didn't notice any torque dip with the throttle. The bike was little more upright -I could use a little more rear tuck with the pegs. It was stable in traffic, great pick up from the engine and sharp brakes. So far as handling, I didn't have a chance to run it in many curves, the riding position could be better IMO with a little more leverage for the pegs. No doubt that's a rider's preference deal. In tour mode those little wings deployed and the bike was stable in very strong sidewind. The owner told me that he could feel the difference when the active aero was on. I'd say the closest bike would be the Yamaha 900 sport tourer in feel and performance. The only thing I didn't like was chintzy header covers. They just gotten the Green one in presold.

I've never had an issue regarding shaft drive and the handling of my Guzzis, turn left or right, on the gas, on the brake, downshift, not an issue. I've heard that was a problem with older Beemers, some turn sharp one way and understeer the other. Since I've not ridden them, I don't know. But never had that issue with my Guzzis.

@p6x seems a lot like the MSF course.

one of the first music videos

They were the prettiest bikes on the grid even with those awful wings.

@GuzziMoto The soil there caliche. Which is used to make cement. When it dries it's very hard. I'm not sure if it shifts when it gets wet.

The EV doesn't have the idle adjustment screw like the Sport.

@GuzziMoto They've been dropping like flies this year. COTA lost 1/3 field. First and third places crash within a couple of laps. Rins won the first time there after MM#39 crashed from the lead. It's a tricky place with uneven pavement and lots of bumps.

Rins is a two time COTA winner. So the track suits him too. @p6x

yeah, I was only considering the locks for the brackets that attach to the bike. So far as the locks on the cases. One ea should be sufficient. That will save you two. They claim for safety reasons that one latch should be locked when you ride.

You might contact Moto Machines, they're US distribution for HB. https://www.motomachines.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlumhBhClARIsABO6p-xhN6YqNUkQCw2wgcOXkySMVD___BG7s92BC6TJzbuQeSMh_jhwCX0aAuwwEALw_wcB In worst case scenario, order new locks. I had to replace one due a tip over. Not a big deal or expense, you'll need to have a hand rivet tool which isn't that expensive either if you don't have a generous neighbor. Another hint, if they're Jr bags, dings and bends in the plastic material can easily be worked out with a hot air gun. Yes, it was quite tip over. I have to thank Chuck from Ind for his help during that trip. Shouldn't be a big deal. Wait SIX? OK, can't help ya.

I haven't worn a watch for years. Everyone carries a phone. A wristwatch is a fashion accessory. I might occasionally wear my GrandDad's Hamilton given to him by Sun Oil for 25 years service. It is a sleek gold classic looker, as a time piece so-so. I have a Seiko that hasn't been touched in 5 years but still appears to be keeping good time.

I heard that. I suppose I'll miss COTA too but no because of him. Amazing how events seem to suck out plans at the last minute.

test [url=https://flic.kr/p/2orZXHc][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802762633_a540e8c773_h.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2orZXHc]4259751[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/20458869@N08/]lowryterok[/url], on Flickr [url=https://flic.kr/p/2orZXHc][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52802762633_ee213b85c2_k.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2orZXHc]4259751[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/20458869@N08/]lowryterok[/url], on Flickr flicker sux

I rode the first year version set up with the Flat Track styled tires on it. It rode OK. The wide bars helped the steering. It was close to my Ducati for engine performance. Yes, it's got a small tank. I think they should've done a Cafe version with a sport touring practicalities and ergos.

I can tell you that I couldn't find one. My bike is in the shop getting a few thing fixed and I was told they fixed the switch when they were replacing the kick stand. IIRC something was bent. He's had both my Guzzis forever, so i've lost count.

Dorna (Spanish) let MM get away with it '15 when he was screwing with Rossi and they penalized Rossi for the championship race to the back to grid. They've created this monster and have no way to deal with him now. He's crashed so many riders and himself and now the they're floundering by penalizing him a couple of long laps even though he's been out of control and a danger to himself and anyone he's racing against.

These guys are in the more affordable range upon consideration of condition and whether maintenance was kept up. The maintenance intervals and costs are pretty high, the buy-in costs are fairly reasonable....916/996/998 My simple '17 supersport by comparison is a close match to far as weight and power. The maintenance interval is perhaps three time more miles. Styling is subjective but my newer bike won't disappoint, comfort wise, another universe.

Obviously we wouldn't be here if weren't interested in old motorcycles. Your conclusion agrees with me, that Ducs are pretty much in the ballpark cost wise as the rest of the field. Going through maintenance headaches with all of my older motorcycles and having to get rid of one, I find my newer Ducati to be so much better. It's been reliable and shines in comfort and performance beyond any my legacy bikes. I did purchase my Duc used. My advice, keep your eye o n a bike that you might likes, test ride it if you can, then wait for a good used one to come on the market. Break in period done, recalls done, lots of pampered bikes with riders that don't really ride that much.

FIVE 4? Marquez, Oliveira, Beast, Martin....who else? Pol. OK

Look at the other bikes in market. No more than Harleys, Beemers, Guzzis, or Aprilias. In the ballpark like within 15% of Japanese bikes. Is 27k Eu the fullboat V4 multi? An RT would run about the same. If you're like me, look for creampuff used one, broken-in and recalls done. I don't care for the break in riding period and that new Guzzi has a governor on it. Who wants that? I wanna crack the throttle and go. So many people buy bikes, like to own a bike rather than ride, pamper it and get tired of it or trade for something faster.

Given my experience, I have to say the Ducati has their act together. The bikes ride good, look good and seem reliable. Routine maintenance costs are only a bit more.

It looks like we're going to be down 3 riders at COTA? I plan to be there if the weather cooperates. They were falling like flies. MM#93 used to own the place. First time I went to COTA, first ever MGP practice session, I walk in the gate into the turns behind thea paddock and he goes rag doll in the little chute before the left hander. He gets right up. WOW. That little chute used crash quite a few riders, medium sharp right (T18)- short chute- medium sharp left (T19). I've seen them crash at both turns and in the chute between them.