Appeared I was the only GTSer at the Honda Hoot this year, hard to tell
with 19,000 attendees. Did find out the other Pirelli rep who wasn't in
the booth at the time was an avid GTSer and hopefully will be joining
the list soon. He's from Italy but lives outside Atlanta now. According
to the Pirelli/Metzler rep there is not much difference in the tire
compound on the Pirelli GTS and Metzler Z4. Biggest difference is
suppose to be wet weather performance where the Pirelli GTS is better
according to the rep.
As for bikes, they had an FJR on display which you could sit on. Though
the weight is similar to the GTS it is much lower on the bike and the
FJR feels considerably lighter, also seemed to have a lower seat as
well. Handlebars on the FJR will probably please those with the
Superbike handlebar kit, where they felt high and wide compared to my
Helibars. Other things I noticed were: the gap (3/4" or so) between the
frame and tank which gives the engine heat a nice funnel right to your
knees and thighs (more on this later), also the fairing was very close
to my legs/knees when on the pegs and I'm a modest 6' tall, this would
be an issue for tall folks. Also the way the bags are made with the
pointy front portion it looked like the passenger might have an issue
with the bags in the calf area possibly, all in all looked like a tight
fitting area for 2 up riding. Looks better in person than by the photos
and I'd still like to ride one for comparison (try it one up and two
up).
Rode the ZZR12 and was not impressed. Can't see what the moto mag guys
see in this bike myself. The gap between the engine compartment, frame,
faring and gas tank is about 2" and pours heat on your knees and thighs.
Outside temperature was about 80F when I rode the ZZR12 (only the second
ride of the day, I feel for the guy who rode it at 4 pm) and it was
cooking me. They have a real issue with this and admitted it. Saw
pictures of the bag setup which is similar to the one Givi offers for
the FZ1, functional but not integrated. Engine has lots of hp, but is
missing in the grunt area. I thought the seat was very poor as well. I
was disappointed in this bike based on what I've read in the mags.
Rode the BMW R1150GS followed by the Suzuki DL1000 VStrom (didn't get a
chance to ride Aprilia's offering in this arena). Both are good bikes,
but I thought the fun factor on the Suzuki was much higher. Also the
engine was smoother and had more spunk than the BMW. Consider the price
difference and there is no comparison. Suzuki has a winner here, good
handling, spunky motor, and generally fun to ride. Both bikes need a
better seat though. BMW always uses the GS to demonstrate their ABS
system. While the Suzuki doesn't have ABS available, one of the demo
riders did a panic stop when the lead rider stopped abruptly for a light
to keep us all together. The rider locked the rear brake but came nice
straight stop that was uneventful.
Also rode the Aprilia Futura, nice bike and probably the best V twin
sport tourer I've ridden overall (yes I think I like it better than the
Duck). A bit pricey but a quality ride that has integrated luggage.
Aprilia continues to impress me, if they could just get the price down a
bit.
And finally Yamaha. Maybe they are actually starting to listen to the
USA riders after all. They actually had Vmax's and FZ1's on the demo
line. This is a first, usually all they would bring was cruiser bikes.
After being told last year by the head Yamaha rep that the FJR "would
never come to American soil" maybe they are beginning to listen after
all. Nice to see this change from Yamaha, hopefully they will continue
to listen to us. BTW the FZ1 would make an excellent stable mate to the
GTS, it definitely has the fun factor. An awful lot of folks were
walking away from the FZ1 demos with big grins, which probably will mean
sales for Yamaha.
As for Honda the sponsor of the event, quite disappointing. Only demos
were for VTX's and Gold Wings again. No VFR's, their newest bike. Also
they did have an ST13 on display, but it was on a pedestal and roped
off. You could look but not touch. I asked for them to open the bags
just to see them work and try my helmet in them and was told they didn't
have the key, they also seemed like you were actually bothering them by
asking questions. I guess Honda just counts on their name now to sell
their bikes. Spoke to quite a few folks who also came away feeling this
way.
Overall had a good time and met some folks that I've seen in years past.
I'm still yet to find a bike that compares with the GTS though so it
will remain the my stable for a few more years. Maybe I just need to
give up on a replacement and just get the GTS a stable mate (like an FZ1
or SV650S).
YMMV...Bob B.
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