2012 Montreal Motorcycle Show: Honda

 

Second stop: Honda

There were 2 new models I wanted to see at the Honda booth, unfortunately the CrossTourer was not there and hopefully will be available in Canada next year. 

First, the CRF250L.  A small displacement engine does not necessarily means a small bike, that’s what I noticed while looking at the CRF250L.  I could not sit on the bike to see if it was confortable as it was strangely surrounded by a small barrier, perhaps because it is a 2013 model?   I searched for a while to see where the oil filter was located  and I even asked a representative, but it was impossible to find (useful to know for those who like to make some maintenance!)  Meanwhile, I noticed that this bike is pretty well built.  Everything looks nice and tight.  No doubt in my mind, this bike will sell like hot cakes as long as the price is reasonable.

Second, the NC700.  This funny looking bird (one has to get used to its beak, but still not ugly) reminds me of my Versys, not look wise but in its form: a crossover.  Like the Versys, the NC700 most likely hides some off road capabilities that could surprise when dual sport tires are installed (Avon Distantia as an example or even TKC80 now that Continental makes them in 120/70-17 front size). 

Advantages of crossover bikes are:

• highly competent on the asphalt (and on highways contrary to a dual sport bike),
• can  take a passenger anytime,
• usually an interesting autonomy (but in case of the NC700 it seems Honda took some gas tank volume to accommodate a trunk just in front of the seat, enough room for a gas can!),
• generally many accessories are available; and
• still those bike are fully capable to follow most dual sport motorcycles on a gravel road.

I was able to try the seat this time.  The saddle comfort was apparently correct.  Don’t take my words for granted, there is nothing like a 40 miles ride to be 100% sure on this topic, but to me the seat seemed comfier than my own motorcycle.  I don’t know if this bike will sell because of its particular aspects, but I’m convinced that those who will buy it won’t be disappointed.

As I was in the area, I had a sneak peak at the big bore dual sport from Honda, the XR650L. Once sitting on it, I was barely tiptoeing.  At 5’9” I am not that short!  It seems to me that this bike would be quite interesting for more aggressive off-road dual sport adventure ride if it would be more accessible to “normal” people.  

Next stop, Ducati. ciao!

dsaventurequebec

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2012 Montreal Motorcycle Show

 

Winter is much too long for motorcycling amateurs in Quebec.  Fortunately, there are moto shows where we can drool over the latest models.  So, I went to the Montreal Moto Show located at the Palais des Congres accompanied by my better half with the mission to meet each motorcycle constructor representative, introduce myself and briefly talk about DSAventureQuebec.

First stop, ZERO Motorcycle

 

With gas prices soaring, its no surprise to see companies like ZERO motorcycle presenting 100% electric motorcycles.  With lithium batteries, their off-road version has an autonomy of about 50 miles (80 kms).  Their road version however is good for a surprising 110 miles (180 kms) of autonomy as per the rep.  This feat is most likely reachable in perfect conditions, but it is more than decent for this type of bike… and more than enough to commute daily to work.

For an adventure ride it is still not long enough considering that it is not yet possible to recharge along the way, but I think that ZERO Motorcycle is going in the right direction.  The autonomy will most likely increase year after year and I will probably ride a long range electric bike before I retire from motorcycling; a plus for the environment.

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Versys 1000 2012 (en)

Despite its road bike look, this motorcycle probably hides some off-road capabilities comparable to the 1200GS, MultiStrada, Tiger Explorer, CrossTourer and other big adventure bikes.

But before looking deeper into the dual sport aspect, lets talk about bike esthetics.  Kawasaki did not attempt to copy the latest style which is the front fender popularized by BMW and followed by many.  I think it is honorable when a company follows its own original design.  However it took me quite some time to get used to this bike’s look.  The first thing I noticed is how strange the front part with juxtaposed lights look. It seems to me that the Versys 650 is more appealing even if it is similar.  I included a Versys 650 image below.  What do you think?

I hope that Kawasaki made the saddle comfier than the Versys 650.  The 650 seat becomes uncomfortable after 20 miles and I don’t think it has been improved since the first Versys.  In general it is a good idea to rent a bike and go for a long ride before buying one just to see how it feels.  If the seat is not comfortable enough, check if an optional gel seat is available.

Another detail to check: mirrors, on the 650 they are bad.  The vision is totally blurry at around 5000 rpm, but even worse they fold back on the highway because of the wind pressure.  Hopefully this problem was fixed for the big Versys.  Otherwise after market mirrors are available: I bought those replacement mirror for my own Versys on ebay.

There are also positive aspects.  Firstly, Kawasaki kept an eye on the weight.  At 526 lbs wet (239 kg, remove about 33 lbs-15 kg dry), the weight is close to the lightest bike of the category.  Second, OEM tires are Scorpions Trail, indicating that this bike has some off-road capacities for level 0 or 1 trails.  However, forget rocky or muddy roads as ground clearance is limited.  I don’t think installing a skid plate is required (otherwise than for esthetical purposes) precisely because the ground clearance already restrict access to roads where it could be useful.

As it is the case for many big adventure motorcycles, the Versys 1000 is a less interesting choice for dual sport adventure riders.  However this bike is right on the spot for those who ride mostly on paved roads with occasional light off-road adventuring.

To verify:

• seat comfort;
• mirrors;
• oil filter positioning (on the smaller Versys, this is not an issue);
• valve adjustment cycle (15 000 miles, 24000 km on the smaller Versys, great!);
• autonomy, at least 180 miles  (almost  220 miles (350 km) on the 650!)

ciao!

dsaventurequebec

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Dakar 2012 : EN - Stage 14 (Pisco - Lima) - 2012/01/15

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Dakar 2012 : EN - Best of Bike & Last Stage - 2012/01/15

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Dakar 2012 : EN - Stage 13 (Nasca - Pisco) - 2012/01/14

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Dakar 2012: EN - Stage 12 (Arequipa - Nasca) - 2012/01/13

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