BMW has some good sale incentives on 2016 models. It looks like there’s a $1,500 credit on the 2016 F800R roadster. Has anybody ridden or even sat on this model? The reviews seem generally favorable and the color combinations look good. These motorcycle seem forgotten and ignored. Wonder if there’s cause.
Author: Rich
BSA Purchased by Indian Company
Just ran across this article in Motofire.com regarding the purchase of BSA by an Indian company:
http://www.motofire.com/2016/10/news/indian-firm-mahindra-has-bought-bsa-motorcycles/
Hope we see the return of BSA in the next few years.
Retro Comparison – Surprises
Interesting comparison by Motorcycle.com between five standard-style retro’s:
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/heritage-lifestyle-characters-compete-on-cool-factor
I thought the Moto-Guzzi Roamer did surprisingly well. Their new V9 motor must be nice, wish they would place it in a V7 style roadster. The Roamer looks OK, but really like the styling of the V7. Guessing that the Roamer is also relatively light in weight. The Harley Sportster and Triumph T120 have nice (and similar) torque and horsepower curves, but are heavy. The Ducati Scrambler and XSR900 don’t have the low-end of the other 3 contestants, but they don’t weigh much over 400 lbs.
Lots of nice choices out there.
Egan’s Leanings returns in Nov 2016 Cycle World
A sad and disturbing column in the Nov 2016 issue of Cycle World. Egan writes about suffering a mild stroke while attempting to kick start his restored Norton Commando. The event is told with Egan’s humor: “The Commando probably sensed from my tone that I meant business. Big mistake. I was soon to learn that you should never threaten a Norton.” After recovering, Egan takes the Norton on a ride, stalls, and has a difficult time restarting the motorcycle. The Norton is sold. Egan orders a new electric-start Triumph T-120 the next day.
Bet we can all relate to Egan’s challenge. My Yamaha SR/XT’s and two old Triumphs didn’t give me much trouble, but a Honda XL-250 reduced me to a quivering mass of jelly on several occasions.