| Author | Message | ||
     Levor |
As I'm slowly piecing together my bike to be a bit more two-up and touring friendly (and I still need to contact people about offers for bits and pieces), I realize the most important aspect is tires. I've been running Q2s since I got the bike and have no complaints, I pull abouut 7k off a set, but since I moved to WY its looking like less as they're squaring off on the long flat roads. I've also never ridden two up prior, but will be soon. so whether that makes a difference in suggestions I dunno. Point is, I need something with the qualities of the Q2 in the grip department (steering and rain, at least I really like them in the rain so far) but more durable. Probablywanting a 190 rear but 180 if a suggestion doesn't come that big. I've heard those new pilot power? Road? Whateverx, the new Pilot 3s are well liked. What's the skinny? Any other ideas? Also, while I've got your attention, decent tank bags? I need something biggerish, but don't know how big is too big on the CR. Never had a tank bag before. | ||
| Nuts4mc |
If you can find a "Buell 1125r" tank bag - I believe it fits the best - if you search "luggage" on this site you may get some ideas (look for "Froggy's" handle he rides full time) Al at American Sport bike might have something http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/5764.html - if not tank bags go here: http://www.motorcycle-luggage.com/bags/TankBags.ht ml I use the tail/tank bag model ($69) 1) the "tank" is not metal so magnetic tank bags are out 2) use a hot knife to trim excessive straps 3) use a hot punch to make holes in the webbing 4) I bolted my front straps in place by utilizing the air cleaner cover bolts (up in front) - makes for a clean install 5) the rear is tricky as I went all the way under the seat and looped it around a cross member 6) try to get the tank bag as far forward as possible (especially if you have a "spare tire") 7) you may have to be able to remove at least the front to fold the bag back to gas up the beast. 8) think of it as small back pack - many of us carry everything but our wallets in it , cell phone, camera, garage door opener, pocket knife, small first aid kit - documents for that "official stop". Tires look here: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/553517.html Like Pirelli's? = the new Angel Dunlops = Road Smarts Michelins - the new Pilot Road 3s Bridgestones = BT023s two up - keep an eye on the tire pressures AND depending on the weight - you may need to add preload to the rear. ( the front end will feel light) good luck and have fun | ||
| Duphuckincati |
Unless you have a very lightweight passenger in mind (like under 120lbs) I'd say look for a second bike for taking them along. A passenger on any full sport bike throws off the machine balance so radically that it's no fun to ride anymore. I've noticed lots of 1125 owners (myself included) have just removed the passenger pegs. Even my $2000 crashed V-Strom 650 does real well with 215lb me and my 150lb woman. In any event my favorite tire so far is the Bridgestone 023. And I usually burn through tires in under 2500 miles, these are doing better so far. | ||
| Dannybuell |
Please re-read Duphuckincati's post and reconsider the "any full sport bike throws off the machine balance so radically that it's no fun to ride anymore" part. The stock back seat of any sport bike will be a sore point after 30 minutes, even an athlete will appreciate it. Find a nice back seat for her and you will both be happier. A Ulysses has big seats, no luggage issues there. The HD FXDX is a great cruiser with mid mounted controls. Blackbirds, Concours... | ||
| Levor |
I'm not terribly worried about the seat, I've got a few options available, a line on one of the touring pillion seats floating around here in the near future and if not that, a custom seat can be had. Can't afford a second bike and I ain't ditchin the CR any time soon so I'll be making it work. She wants to tag along, so we're getting the bike setup. It won't be perfect but eh, for little jaunts it'll be fine. As far as handling goes, I don't run the piss out of my bike even in the twisties (I usually run a very distant sweep) I just want to get it set up so her and I can go out for a cruise now and then. I am aware of the downsides of a race-bike turned street bike as a two up machine but I've seen it done. Worst case scenario I guess I trade the CR toward an XB if I move back to OR. I'd get rid of the car but here, you can't do without four wheels of some kind for the winter, I ain't ballsy or stupid enough to take the CR out in the snow. I will take the suggestions and warnings to heart though, I understand where ya'll are coming from and will take it into consideration. Believe me, if I could get something better for two up, I would but I love the CR way too much to get rid of it and finances stop me from getting another. Been itching for a nice sport-tourer for a long time though. One day. I'd get her riding but thats for the future. Thanks for the tire suggestions guys, I'll check em out! | ||
| Levor |
I was looking at the Pilot Road 3s and noticed the 180s were listed as also having a "b" designated tire something to do with being rated for two up and loaded touring. is this important for me? Any difference? Never seen this before. Its twenty five or thirty bucks more so I was curious if there was anything special about it. | ||
| Duphuckincati |
There's two versions, one for heavier bikes like FJR1300 or big BMW's. Don't think you need that, but it is meant for two-up riding, I'd check with this guy.. http://www.mototireguy.com/ He's in the San Francisco area but he's always ready to help. | ||
| Sportster_mann |
For two up riding the CR high bars make things much more comfortable, may be worth considering. Also worth considering are any bolt ons that make changing the suspension settings easier - I've also got a "crib sheet" under the seat for one-up and two-up settings to make changes easier. As for tyres, look at the Conti Motion - http://www.conti-bike.co.uk/default.asp?spid=25 they're a bit cheaper and the grip's OK, I'm hoping they'll last a bit longer as I use my CR as a commuter - I've run these throughout an English winter with no problems. May be worthwhile fitting footpegs with a drop in them to make life more comfortable on longer trips - IIRC the Uly passenger pegs have an extra 1 inch in them too. As for the rear seat it may be worth getting one custom made as I've got the optional one and the wife still slides around on it - a bit of a pain when braking hard - I'm considering getting it re-done with a little more scoop in it, and also getting the rider seat re-worked with a hump at the back to stop me sliding back and my passenger sliding forward. | ||
| Fio835 |
I was just in the same predicament. I decided on the Pirelli Angel ST. Decently priced, ride smooth and they're pretty beefy in the center and did I mention they look sick! Here's the thread. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290431/671212.html?1332087489   |
