12-03-2020, 05:29 PM
The headline is 'defects' but we're discussing preferences, by definition a personal thing. This has already been stated (several times), but to me preferences are also fluid if I'm motivated.
Years back, when I spent a lot of time on tracks, I routinely and extensively modded everhing that was unfortunate enough to enter my garage, 'fixing it' so it would be 'rideable'. An old friend of mine, professional motocrosser in the 50s and 60s (Lito-framed Ariel 500, raced in Sweden, Belgium and France) just shook his head: "Learn to ride what you got first. Adapt. Then modify, if you really need to". That stuck (eventually) and I found that his philosophy went a long way.
While this aimed for improving lap times it also works on the road, and with the CB. For example, coming from sports bikes I prefer head-down-tucked-in riding position which the CB does support at all. But if I just shift back on the seat and bend my arms a little I'm fine, and in city traffic the upright position is bliss. Another: the CB seems to like steering 'helps' through the pegs much more than I'm used to. So I relax input through the bars and try to focus more on the pegs. Awkward at first, second nature after a while. A third: spirited oovertaking calls for a bit more planning and downshifting than my previous big bore twins. So I try to get used to that, eventually finding it engaging and enjoyable.
So, no mods needed. But, which is important, I need to be motivated to adapt. If I don't really like the bike that much I just can't be bothered. The CB motivates, however. The more I experience this bike the more I consider myself lucky I've got one and I really enjoy 'getting it'.
By the way, my friend still has his Ariel 500, complete with spare engine in a wheathered wood box, just as it finished its last race, and rides it every now and then. And not slowly either
Years back, when I spent a lot of time on tracks, I routinely and extensively modded everhing that was unfortunate enough to enter my garage, 'fixing it' so it would be 'rideable'. An old friend of mine, professional motocrosser in the 50s and 60s (Lito-framed Ariel 500, raced in Sweden, Belgium and France) just shook his head: "Learn to ride what you got first. Adapt. Then modify, if you really need to". That stuck (eventually) and I found that his philosophy went a long way.
While this aimed for improving lap times it also works on the road, and with the CB. For example, coming from sports bikes I prefer head-down-tucked-in riding position which the CB does support at all. But if I just shift back on the seat and bend my arms a little I'm fine, and in city traffic the upright position is bliss. Another: the CB seems to like steering 'helps' through the pegs much more than I'm used to. So I relax input through the bars and try to focus more on the pegs. Awkward at first, second nature after a while. A third: spirited oovertaking calls for a bit more planning and downshifting than my previous big bore twins. So I try to get used to that, eventually finding it engaging and enjoyable.
So, no mods needed. But, which is important, I need to be motivated to adapt. If I don't really like the bike that much I just can't be bothered. The CB motivates, however. The more I experience this bike the more I consider myself lucky I've got one and I really enjoy 'getting it'.
By the way, my friend still has his Ariel 500, complete with spare engine in a wheathered wood box, just as it finished its last race, and rides it every now and then. And not slowly either