Got an extended ride on a 1986 CBX750f honda today. Was a good reminder of how much things have moved on... The guy that owns it keeps it in great nick, it is low km's original condition and he rode my 2003 Monster for the duration. First thing was how smooth it was heading off. It also felt very heavy, even tho it is only marginally heavier than my Ducati. I think it would be OK to do a reasonably long day on comfort wise but not sure if my mate will do that on this bike.
Power was way down, less than I was expecting even when revving it out. To the point where you need to be very careful when overtaking. The gearbox was fine, if a bit clunky compared to the Monster. That is not a bad thing, it is nice sometimes to actually know it has gone into gear! My mates BMW S1000 is so light you often dont even feel it!
The brakes are very dated, and like the motor, possibly could benefit from a bit of fine tuning/cleaning/setup. The feel was very wooden and soggy, not at all confidence inspiring. I couldn't help thinking that I have been spoilt with good brakes etc but had to remind myself that in 1986, none of the bikes I had or rode were as good as the CBX!
I also ride a 2015 Multi and that is as far removed from the Monster as the Monster is ahead of the CBX. And not entirely in a good way either. The electronics have been troublesome and the handling can be quite quirky if one thing is not set up properly. The comfort is phenominal so it is the supreme touring bike and not out of sorts on gravel roads either. The electronics that can be so troublesome also make it an easy bike to ride fast, great traction control, active suspension and adaptable/adjustable abs etc
It made me wonder if this improvement will continue in this way with future models, lighter, more powerful, more rider aids or is it going to just top out because of cost boundaries etc.
I have done nearly 20,000km on the Multi and nearly 6,000km on the Monster and to be honest, I get more enjoyment from the Monster with it's zero electronic aids and no nonsense rideability.
The current generations of non user servicable hardware is a big turnoff for me now as well. Such as catalitic convertors and mufflers that cannot be removed etc.
I used to look forward eagerly to new models coming out, but now it is often a big disappointment. Esp when you see a racy looking prototype and then it comes on the market in six months looking like a commuter...
maybe I will update this thread in 5 yrs time?
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