Smart shopping

Posted on by admin

Table of contents

motorcycles

Smart shopping

Smart shopping
PICKS OUT

Save without sacrificing, enjoyment without regrets. Clever selection makes it possible. What is fine for ordinary bargain hunters can also be cheap for bikers. MOTORRAD makes suggestions from A for Africa Twin to Z for accessories.

Jorn Thomas

02/07/2003

In the Daimler to the Aldi, with the Porsche to the designer outlet, eBay gaming as a popular sport. And if anything is currently booming, it is the search for favorable opportunities. It goes without saying that buying a motorcycle also has points of attack in terms of savings potential. Especially for those who can do without the exclusive top model, the hippest features and prefer to put their focus close to the glistening cone of the 2003 spotlight. MOTORRAD has looked around there and provides suggestions for clever packages of bikes plus matching accessories, which even leave you with money for a tour.
It starts with A for Africa Twin. True to the motto »the dead live longer«, Honda’s travel enduro legend is again buzzing towards the horizon this year. Despite ten years of construction, the current version by no means looks outdated. And if fine sand sticks to it, then it’s honestly experienced patina, after all, the Marathon V2 prefers to go on a big tour. The reliable three-valve engine does not boast technical superlatives or three-digit performance values, but its healthy 60 hp has so far got everyone where they wanted to be. Relaxed travelers can easily cope with the mild, manageable performance of the 742 cm3 engine.
And since the Africa Twin is comparatively cheap compared to the really big ones in the motorhome industry, i.e. Varadero, GS and the like, at 8,690 euros, around 1,000 euros remain for targeted improvements. Starting with 90 euros for harder fork springs plus suitable oil. With their help, the 43 fork acts more precisely than before, without annoying you with undue harshness in return. In solo operation on the road, the modified part responds somewhat dryly on heels, but at the latest when walking fast, on miserable slopes or even fully loaded with luggage and passengers, the load now rolls much more precisely. Even when you slow down heavily, the 220 millimeters of spring travel are seldom completely used up? the stop buffers have a break.
Just like on the hindquarters, on which an elaborate Wilbers shock absorber works on our test object. For 620 euros, in addition to the practical hydraulic spring base adjustment using a finely milled aluminum handwheel and adjustment of the rebound stage, it even enables the compression stage to be set separately in the high and low-speed range. This means that the rear of the Africa Twin can be perfectly tailored to the load and intended use. So the Honda is good for brisk asphalt turns as well as hearty burning over gravel passes. She even feels at home in moderately difficult terrain. Here can the 229 kilograms ?? with a bulging 23-liter tank – the comparatively light travel enduro already scores points in its original condition thanks to its successful proportions and the finely adjustable power, the modified chassis makes things even easier: stand in the rests, clamp your legs on the flanks of the tank and walk to let.
Oh, would you prefer to stay in the saddle for as long as possible? We have something for you, namely the Touratech two-up bench. The firm upholstery hides individually shaped depressions for the driver and passenger. It’s over with the annoying sliding forward and sore buttocks due to soft upholstery. Meanwhile, the height-adjustable MRA screen takes care of long-distance wind protection. In the highest position, it keeps the elements away from not-too-tall drivers as far as possible up to maximum speed, without annoying with annoying suction. Only pilots over 1.80 meters get a moderate amount of wind on their hats. If a maximum overview is required, the upper part of the window can even be maneuvered downwards and locked in place while driving – practical. Just like the two-stage heated grips, which, when set to full, act like a hot, steaming coffee when started after a cold night and make traveling at low temperatures permanently bearable on the lower level.
Not quite as willing to travel, but all the more off-roading is the 174 kilogram heavy vehicle MZ Baghira. Admittedly, if you are looking for a brutally tearing tunnel monster or planning freestyle insoles, you should look elsewhere, but a great alternative to enduro-like all-rounders like KTM The long-legged Saxon is definitely the 640 LC4 or BMW F 650 GS. Especially since it showed stamina over 28,000 kilometers in the endurance test carried out by sister magazine PS. Right in the middle of it all is the sophisticated five-valve single, heirloom of Yamaha’s XTZ 660 Tenere, doped in the MZ with a larger airbox and voluminous stainless steel silencer. The 50 PS strong unit is quite difficult, but pleases with cultivated running, full throttle resistance and, in particular, a plateau-shaped power and torque development.
Thanks to the lush flywheel and a lot of ground clearance, even beginners can climb through tricky terrain with the MZ without any problems and stress-free. Sudden death is not an issue even in critical situations. But fast, relaxed gravel surfing or quick inserts in the field: The Marzocchi fork with rebound adjustment and the fully adjustable White Power spring strut on the aluminum swing arm each have 280 millimeters of spring travel ready and can digest even the roughest nasties. The MZ doesn’t take fun visits to the gravel pit or participation in enduro amateur events. And if gravity should prevail over the forward thrust in over-zeal, robust plastic parts and tubular bars help to limit damage to the bike.
The only thing missing is the right protective clothing for the pilot. The low list price of 6390 euros, from which a few euros can be filed off with a bit of negotiating skills, gives even stingy people the chance to dress in a practical manner. Textile jacket, trousers, boots, gloves, glasses and even a hydration system are easily included thanks to the price difference of around 1000 euros compared to the KTM LC4 and Co..
A prime example of a successful all-rounder is Suzuki’s GSF 1200 S Bandit, documented by a permanent subscription at the top of the German approval charts. The combination of the proven, high-torque 1157 cm3 four-cylinder, the stable, comfortable chassis and two cozy seats proves to be a top package for every day. The bandit lures just as much to an evening round on the house route as to an annual vacation on two wheels. The partially faired “S” version of the fully-fledged tourer, which even has a standard main stand, is simply missing the right luggage system. No problem, given the price difference of around 800 to 1500 euros compared to the competition Kawasaki ZRX 1200 S or Honda Hornet 900 can be remedied. For 760 euros there is the luggage system from Kappa, which with its two suitcases plus top case offers loads of transport capacity. Except for the overall width that takes getting used to and the cumbersome three-key system, this is a fine thing.
The taut seat pad of the Kawasaki ZX-9R really goes smoothly. Comprehensively and successfully modeled for 2002, the green super athlete rushes technically unchanged towards 2003. To the delight of all knee sliders who can do without the very last bit of high-tech at the top of the technical flagpole and prefer to get a first-class all-rounder for it. Which, as my colleague Schroter aptly described, represents the “all-round carefree package” in the clan of great super athletes. At the beginning of last year that even reached test victory in the group of hyper athletes, only the improved, respectively modeled adversaries Honda Fireblade and Yamaha YZF-R1 were able to overtake the Kawa on points.
By the way, the super hammer Suzuki GSX-R 1000 did not succeed? there was a point stalemate here. With a clear comfort advantage for the ZX-9R, which with its comfortable seating position does not even refuse to sporty ambitious travelers, as test boss Ralf Schneider stated on the occasion of the MOTORRAD autumn trip to southern France. Not only those in the south of France who are in love with noise levels should enjoy the Akrapovic complete exhaust system for the Kawasaki. It costs 1180 euros, which is pretty much the price difference between the ZX-9R and its direct competitors. The cleanly processed system has an ABE, saves five kilograms in weight ?? and packs a punch when it comes to top performance. With 149 HP it is a full ten HP higher than the original, but is accompanied by a noticeable hangover at 6000 rpm. The acoustics change just as noticeably; from the carbon damper it sounds much more bass-heavy and dull than before, which is a nice counterpoint to the otherwise balanced nature of the lightning-fast Kawasaki.
The hallmark of the Harley Sportster Custom 53 is a dull thump at lower revs: not only one of the cheapest ways to drive a new Harley, but also a very clever one. The nickname »Custom« already stands for an appetizing portion of accessories ex works. The 21-inch front wheel, 16-inch disc wheel at the rear, the extra-large bullet headlight and the chrome speedometer, forward footrests and drag-style handlebars set the XL 53 C apart from the 883 base model. And of course the two-person bench with the Anniversary logo to celebrate Harley’s centenary. However, only with the two-tone version, costing 8645 euros. In addition to a displacement of 316 cubic centimeters, these separate just eight hp and a little more torque, but still 2400 euros, from the bigger sister 1200 Custom.
So let’s go to the Harley dealer and pick from the huge range of accessories, the “Gold Key Package”, which for 975 euros includes a large disc, an anniversary emblem and a tarpaulin. The highlight, however, is the golden ignition key included in the package. For the remaining euros, the Custom gets a couple of leather saddlebags plus inner pockets? This means that the little Sportster is finally ready for stylish touring. And who asks about the missing 316 cubic centimeters with so much character??

Harley-Davidson Sportster Custom 53

Engine: Air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 45-degree V-engine, 883 cm³. Rated output 39 kW (53 PS) at 6000 / min Dimensions and weights: Seat height * 740 mm, weight with a full tank * 241 kg, tank capacity / reserve 12.5 / 1.9 liters. Price incl. VAT 8 180 euros Additional costs approx. 300 eurosMOTORCYCLE measurementsMaximum speed ** Solo 168 km / h Acceleration Solo0-100 km / h 7.1 secDirection Solo60-100 km / h 9.2 secConsumption country road 4.6 l / 100 kmAccessories Gold Key consisting of windshield with mounting kit, handlebar grips, anniversary badge for mudguard, motorcycle cover, golden ignition key 975 euros Saddlebags with inside pockets and attachment kit 1184.85 euros Total price of accessories 2159.85 euros Info: Harley-Davidson, phone 06105/2840 * MOTORCYCLE -Measurements, ** manufacturer information

Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin

Engine: Water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 52-degree V-engine, 742 cm³. Rated output 44 kW (60 PS) at 7500 / min. Dimensions and weights Seat height * 860 mm, weight with a full tank * 229 kg, tank capacity / reserve 23 / 5.1 Liter.Price 8 690 euros Additional costs approx. 150 eurosMOTORCYCLE measurementsMaximum speed ** Solo 174 km / h Acceleration Solo0-100 km / h 4.7 secDirection Solo60-100 km / h 5.5 secConsumption country road 4.9 / 100 kmAccessories Wilbers shock absorber type 640 620 eurosFork springs Wilbers type 600 90 eurosSeat bench Touratech A-Twin double 263 eurosTouring window MRA Vario-Screen 149.90 eurosHeating grips Daytona 69.95 euros Total price of accessories 1192.85 euros Info: Wilbers, phone 05921/727170; Touratech, phone 07728/92790; MRA, phone 07663/93890 * MOTORCYCLE measurements, ** manufacturer information

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R

Engine: Water-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 899 cm³. Rated output 105 kW (143 HP) at 11,000 rpm. Dimensions and weights: Seat height * 830 mm, weight with a full tank * 216 kg, tank capacity / reserve 19 / 4.1 liters. Price incl VAT 11 595 EuroSupplementary costs approx. 105 EuroMOTORCYCLE measurementsMaximum speed Solo 276 km / h Acceleration Solo0-100 km / h 2.9 seconds Passage Solo60-100 km / h 4.0 seconds Consumption country road 5.2 l / 100 kmAccessoriesAkrapovic Racing-Line exhaust system with ABE 1182 Euro info: Jamparts, phone 07150/970565 * MOTORCYCLE measurements

MZ Baghira Enduro

Engine: Water-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, 660 cm³. Rated output 37 kW (50 HP) at 6500 rpm. Dimensions and weights: Seat height * 920 mm, weight with a full tank * 174 kg, tank capacity / reserve 13.5 / 2.5 liters. Price incl. VAT 6,390 euros Additional costs approx. 135 eurosMOTORCYCLE measurementsMaximum speed ** Solo 160 km / h Acceleration Solo0-100 km / h 5.6 sec Pull-through Solo60-100 km / h 7.3 sec Consumption country road 4.5 l / 100 kmAccessoriesHelmet Acerbis Impact 219.90 Euro glasses Scott Bevo No Sweat III 44.90 Euro boots Gaerne Skywalker 289 Euro jacket Scott Qualifier 179.90 Euro pants Scott San Diego 139.90 Euro drinking system Scott Hydro Camel Bag 54.90 Euro total price of accessories 975.40 Euro Info: Buse, phone 02471/12690 * MOTORRAD- Measurements, ** manufacturer information

Suzuki GSF 1200 S Bandit

Engine: Air / oil-cooled four-cylinder four-stroke in-line engine, 1157 cm³. Nominal output 72 kW (98 PS) at 8500 rpm Dimensions and weights: Seat height * 830 mm, weight with a full tank * 247 kg, tank capacity / reserve 20/3 liters. Price incl . VAT 8 130 Euro additional costs approx. 140 EuroMOTORCYCLE measurementsMaximum speed ** Solo 230 km / hAcceleration Solo0-100 km / h 3.1 secDirection Solo60-100 km / h 4.2 secConsumption country road 4.7 l / 100 kmAccessoriesKappa case system Carrier with Mounting kit 237 euros, case K40 per 145 euros, topcase K48 209 euros, back padding for topcase 26.90 euros, total price for accessories 761.90 euros Information: JF Motorsport, phone 06002/91030 * MOTORCYCLE measurements, ** manufacturer information

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *