R100 advice/opinions wanted

[SCJJR65]

Come on now....You know you are attracted to the mystique and allure of the Italiano class of the Guzzi, Steve.  Stop kidding yourself and pull the trigger and buy one!    You know you want to, deep down inside.....

Listen.... Hear it?  That growl of the V-twin from the Ambo/Eldo/Cali is calling you.... Don't deny it.... Resistence is futile.....  

[NC Steve]

Yeah, well, true dat, that's why I need a bigger garage & mo' $$$; gotta figure out a way to get 'em both, eventually...
I also want a black Triumph T100 and a coupla Ducatis, but you can't have everything! (can you?? :-?)

[SCJJR65]

Yeah, as long as we're making our wish lists, I'd also like a new Triumph Bonneville in British racing green, and even one of those "updated" Royal Enfields!  (OK, you can stop laughing.)  

[NC Steve]

Well, I'm fresh out of BRG Bonnevilles, I'm afraid, but believe it or not, I happen to know where there's a beautiful, spotless new Royal Enfield for sale. It's about a mile from where I work, I see it all the time, and it just went on the market. Cream color, looks like it's brand new, which it may nearly be.
I'll be happy to get some particulars for you if ya want...

[Bob_Roller]

These updated Royal Enfields, are these made in India ? I saw an article on the bikes that were made in India some time ago, the comment was made that they were a 'capable slogger', what ever that means. I'm sure it wasn't a positive remark.

[Justin B.]

I would interpret that remark as meaning reliable, utilitarian, uninspiring transportation.  Probably the exact term some would use to describe our Airheads!  I'm sure Thrang, or one of the other Brit-Boyz will be able to give us an exact translation.  In fact, I wish one of them would compile a Brit-American/American-Brit slang dictionary.  I bet an Aussie cross reference would also be interesting...

[NC Steve]

Hmmmm, well, what I'm reading so far isn't really giving me much of a comparison between the twin & monoshock R100RSs. In fact, the July 1988 issue of "Cycle" likes the bike, but spends much of 7 pages bemoaning the weak charging system and Monolever rear suspension as compared to the GS' electrics and Paralever rear. They do mention the horsepower reduction and retuning for low-rpm torque, and also state that valves went from 42mm to 40 (exhaust), 44mm to 42 (intake), and the carbs were reduced from 40 mm down to 38mm. And, that the Monolever and a 1 gallon smaller fuel tank brought wet weight down 37 lbs, to 506 lbs ready to roll.

I did also find this at Whitehorse Press,  http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=3757 , and ordered a copy, so maybe that'll better answer my questions.
Inquiring minds and all... :-?

[Joan]

I remember back in '03? riding back from a dinner party in Hyder AK on the Blueberry getting caught in half a day of cold, hard driving BC rain and wishing mightily for a fully faired luxobarge...

Picked up a mono '91 R100RT from a friend but still chose the R65 for long rides because it was so much more comfy, custom seat, custom fuel cell, cornered better, better gas mileage (45-55mpg vs. 38-44 on the RT), pivoted with my body instead of having to physically shove the big one around...

Imho, the mono R100RT is like a big thoroughbred horse compared to the R65. Great for long loping rides. Good weather protection from a fairing that makes a good road 'presence' (KLR gets NO respect but cagers part the way for the RT!).

Don't own and RS yet but did put 1700 mi on a friend's double shock 83 R100RS one weekend. Nice bike for long fast rides. The forward position felt really restful on the spine but pumped up my wrists and forearms since I wasn't used to it AND I had to actually work at muscling it around the curves. The short mounted fairing mirrors were a pita, but the extra head checking was probably a better idea anyway.

Horsepower... the 83 RS definitely felt like it would easily go faster than 95 if I asked it to, not so much on the RT which seemed to settle in at 85 and want to stay there.

Uh...what was the question again?  

[NC Steve]

I think the basic question was, how do I fix my very attractive but rock hard Sargent's seat without having to send it to Seattle with a check for $500?  :-?
If you can answer that one, I promise I won't ride for 20 hours at 90 mph thru SoCal...



oh, and ps: thanks for the R100 info too!

[Joan]

I think the basic question was, how do I fix my very attractive but rock hard Sargent's seat without having to send it to Seattle with a check for $500?  :-?
If you can answer that one, I promise I won't ride for 20 hours at 90 mph thru SoCal...

oh, and ps: thanks for the R100 info too!

Okay smarty, here's how you do it:   Make an appointment with Rich. Fly your bad self, riding gear, and your '84 seat out to Seattle. Stick your seat on the Blueberry and ride the ten miles to Rich's for your up close and in-person seat fitting. Eight hours later you'll be happy to give the nice man your check because it will feel like he just sewed you a new bike!

When you've got your new seat done, ride back to the Blueberry garage and party!

Ooooh, I love parties!  

[dewjantim]

These updated Royal Enfields, are these made in India ? I saw an article on the bikes that were made in India some time ago, the comment was made that they were a 'capable slogger', what ever that means. I'm sure it wasn't a positive remark.

The RE is relatively slow by todays standards. The 500cc bike has 22 horsepower, a top speed of about 85-90 mph, and will cruise at 50-55 mph all day long without downshifting for hills. They are made in India, using many of the same machines and techniques which were used in England in the early 1950's. These bikes require a little fiddling until broken in completely (about 1500 miles), but require little maintenance after that. The only thing I have had to do to mine in the last 4200 miles is to change oil and check air in the tires (they didnt need any, must be those thick Indian tubes). It starts easily, usually 1-2 kicks, and gets fantastic gas mileage. The fit and finish on the American market bikes is superb. The only bad thing that can be said is that it takes "forever" to get away from gas stops because everyone wants to talk about the "restored bike". Its a great bike for the back-roads, but not very well suited to the interstates with their 70+ mph speeds. They will hold their own in the curves with just about any bike, using high cornering speeds and a very stable chassis to make up for lack of power. Mine is a blast.......Dew.

[mtpica]

My highway bike is a 1982 smoke red R100RT.  I love it!  

I think the decision to go with an RS or an RT will depend on the experience you seek when you ride the highways.  If you plan on long day/overnight trips of fast, "hard", riding, I suspect the RS may be the BMW for you.  

I chose the RT because I'm NOT an aggressive rider and I wanted a more upright riding position for greater comfort and less fatigue over the long haul.  I also like the RT's secure fairing storage compartments.  I added a corbin seat and I hope to eventually add a parabellum windscreen.
  
Mark

1981 R65
1984 R65
1982 R100RT

[Semper Gumby]

Yeah, as long as we're making our wish lists, I'd also like a new Triumph Bonneville in British racing green, and even one of those "updated" Royal Enfields!  (OK, you can stop laughing.)  

I have a BSA Thunderbolt that is now Jaguar Racing Green.  Does that count?  Pics to come when I get the side covers back on.

TTFN,