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Does anybody roam around cycle trader and YouTube and wonder if it might be nice to own a more exotic bike? . I test rode a Moto Guzzi V7 a few years back and it was pretty cool. I saw a 2013 MG 110 HP Griso model with low miles for $8k. Then I go to a discussion forum and see threads about replacing sensors,taking the rear end apart to grease swing arm bearings, and having to have valves replaced at 25k mikes because of a bad design and metal fatigue. There are also a lot of newer Moto Guzzi V85 TT adventure bikes that have all the cool electronic features. What I miss the most are a quick shifter and/or Honda DCT, and cruise control. I have been having wrist pain on my left hand from using the clutch. I previously had the NC 700x with the DCT but it was underpowered for me. I also owned a VFR1200x with the DCT but it was just too darn heavy for me. So, I feel stuck right now. I don’t want to spend more than $10k but I really need a quick shifter or DCT. Thanks for letting me ramble.
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Clutch pull complaints are common on this site. The 2017 CB1100EX has clutch assist, which lessens the lever pull effort about 25-30%, but that may not be enough for some. Most Triumphs, and many other newer bikes offer clutch assist/slipper clutch.
I think Honda is the only current maker of a clutch lever-less bike. I agree, the NC700/750s are slow, and the VFR1200s were too heavy, but they do have a Rebel 1100T DCT model now.
A last thing to look at for cable clutches is an aftermarket clutch cable booster/assist. I bought one off eBay for a friend's 2008 Bonneville, along with a shorter Thruxton clutch cable. It reduced clutch lever pull substantially, trading for a longer clutch lever pull, by changing the fulcrum point of a lever inside the box.
My friend was happy with the improvement, and is okay with the appearance. But if he wanted to shorten the stock cable somewhere in the middle, he could hide the box where it is less apparent.
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(06-18-2023, 10:45 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: Clutch pull complaints are common on this site. The 2017 CB1100EX has clutch assist, which lessens the lever pull effort about 25-30%, but that may not be enough for some. Most Triumphs, and many other newer bikes offer clutch assist/slipper clutch.
I think Honda is the only current maker of a clutch lever-less bike. I agree, the NC700/750s are slow, and the VFR1200s were too heavy, but they do have a Rebel 1100T DCT model now.
A last thing to look at for cable clutches is an aftermarket clutch cable booster/assist. I bought one off eBay for a friend's 2008 Bonneville, along with a shorter Thruxton clutch cable. It reduced clutch lever pull substantially, trading for a longer clutch lever pull, by changing the fulcrum point of a lever inside the box.
My friend was happy with the improvement, and is okay with the appearance. But if he wanted to shorten the stock cable somewhere in the middle, he could hide the box where it is less apparent.
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(06-18-2023, 11:13 AM)bvictory_imp Wrote: (06-18-2023, 10:45 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: Clutch pull complaints are common on this site. The 2017 CB1100EX has clutch assist, which lessens the lever pull effort about 25-30%, but that may not be enough for some. Most Triumphs, and many other newer bikes offer clutch assist/slipper clutch.
I think Honda is the only current maker of a clutch lever-less bike. I agree, the NC700/750s are slow, and the VFR1200s were too heavy, but they do have a Rebel 1100T DCT model now.
A last thing to look at for cable clutches is an aftermarket clutch cable booster/assist. I bought one off eBay for a friend's 2008 Bonneville, along with a shorter Thruxton clutch cable. It reduced clutch lever pull substantially, trading for a longer clutch lever pull, by changing the fulcrum point of a lever inside the box.
My friend was happy with the improvement, and is okay with the appearance. But if he wanted to shorten the stock cable somewhere in the middle, he could hide the box where it is less apparent. [/quote]
Rekluse says you still need to pull the clutch lever in during shifting, unless you have mastered clutchless shifting already.
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I think the Aprilia Mana 850 GT has about 75 hp and weighs just over 500 pounds
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(06-18-2023, 11:39 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I think the Aprilia Mana 850 GT has about 75 hp and weighs just over 500 pounds
I looked at that but it has its own maintenance challenges and they are few and far between as to how many come up for sale. It is a nice bike though.
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Hmmm, well let's see, the Yamaha 900 GT has cruise control, a quick shifter, over 115 horses and weighs about 485 I think.
Suzuki 1000 GT also has cruise, bi directional quick shifter, 150 horses and weighs 498 pounds
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(06-18-2023, 11:39 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: I think the Aprilia Mana 850 GT has about 75 hp and weighs just over 500 pounds
I think it is about 55 hp at the rear (post rubber band CVT). 75 hp sounds about right for the detuned 4-valve SOHC V-twin.
However, it is no slouch and seems to insanely accelerate.
It could be interesting putting the ol' Mana 850 up against a Honda Rebel 1100 DCT (or Africa Twin) and see who could reach a ton first (or even 180 km/h).
The Aprilia Mana is a excellent crafted machine. The primary maintenance pain is servicing the CVT belt and resetting/calibrating the controller. Aprilia has a proprietary procedure for this. A typical belt should last 20000 to 24000 kms. If the owner can successfully replace their own belt, then the Mana is a treat. In addition, you don't need to use MA/MA2 motorcycle oil in the engine.
The other negative that comes to mind is "gearbox" disengagement below 12 to 15 km/h - just like a scooter. This makes engine braking at low speeds not so fun.
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(06-18-2023, 10:45 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: Clutch pull complaints are common on this site. The 2017 CB1100EX has clutch assist, which lessens the lever pull effort about 25-30%, but that may not be enough for some. Most Triumphs, and many other newer bikes offer clutch assist/slipper clutch.
I think Honda is the only current maker of a clutch lever-less bike. I agree, the NC700/750s are slow, and the VFR1200s were too heavy, but they do have a Rebel 1100T DCT model now.
A last thing to look at for cable clutches is an aftermarket clutch cable booster/assist. I bought one off eBay for a friend's 2008 Bonneville, along with a shorter Thruxton clutch cable. It reduced clutch lever pull substantially, trading for a longer clutch lever pull, by changing the fulcrum point of a lever inside the box.
My friend was happy with the improvement, and is okay with the appearance. But if he wanted to shorten the stock cable somewhere in the middle, he could hide the box where it is less apparent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViOBB9wbXCg
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DCT is the way to go if you are tired of steam punking a clutch lever.
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