Long-Term Update

Long-Term Update

HARLEY WIDE GLIDE

Dyna Delight

AS WE GO TO PRESS, OUR LONG-TERM Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide shares space with Editor-at-Large Peter Egan's Ducati 900SS and Formula Ford 2000, having propelled Publisher Larry Little and Editorial Director Paul Dean from our Newport Beach offices to Milwaukee for H-D's 90th Anniversary celebration.

In preparation for the ride, we fitted a set of Renegade II Slant saddlebags from Auburn Leather. Suggested retail for the conchas-and-roller-buckle-equipped leather bags is $400, and though we'd like more capacity, the Renegade II

Slants are well-made and stylish.

We had less success with National Cycle’s N2233 Beaded Heavy-Duty Windscreen ($155, $45 for hardware), due in part to its poorly designed mounting brackets. Once in place, the screen kept the bugs off our faces, but accomplished little else. Indeed, the heavy under-screen turbulence was practically unbearable. In National Cycle’s defense, the original, universal kit was not designed specifically for the Dyna Wide Glide. A new mounting kit is now available, say company representatives.

After the 1500-mile trip, the bike was overdue for its 5000-mile service, but has since had an oil-and-filter change, and its throttle cables, primary chain, and drivebelt adjusted by Decker H-D in Madison, Wisconsin. Total bill: $85.13. Earlier in the year, the bike required a new starter (covered under warranty), and minor service to a loose push-rod tube. Otherwise, the Dyna Wide Glide has performed flawlessly.

$12,550

HONDA CBR1000

Comfort and speed

ITH 6538 MILES ON ITS ter, our long-term CBR1000F continues ODOME Honda to earn

praise, especially for its plush suspension, powerful engine and comfortable seat. On the down side, a leaky fork seal has developed, and road debris generated by multi-bike comparison rides has chipped the CBR’s plastic fairing and lower fork legs. Replacing just the side panels would cost a staggering $915.

To safeguard the similarly expensive fuel tank, we fitted a Second Look designer tank skin ($70). Fit was snug, but the color-matched striping did not line up to that of the bodypanels. Second Look says Honda’s stripes are not always applied evenly. American Honda disagrees, saying its graphic elements are applied using exacting methods.

As the CBR1000 spends considerable duty as a weekend sport-tourer, we ordered a Sportpack tankbag ($135) and Rumble Pack seatpack ($100) from Eclipse. Both are nicely constructed, expandable, and offer a combined carrying capacity of 42 liters.

Maintenance has been simple, and relatively inexpensive. The 4000-mile service was performed by Champion Motorcycles in Costa Mesa, California, and cost $89.33, including $36.50 for parts. At 4200 miles, we replaced the stock Dunlop D202 tires with Pirelli Match radiais, a 120/70-17 front and a 170/60-17 rear ($286). The Pirellis use a harder compound than the Dunlops and do not offer as much grip, but appear to be longer lasting. Testing on

them is ongoing.

$7499

YAMAHA GTS1000

Super Sport-tourer

AMAHA'S GTS1000 IS QUICKLY becoming a staff favorite. With its powerful anti-lock brakes,

potent FZRlOOO-based engine and optional snap-on saddlebags ($680), the GTS offers the performance and carrying capacity expected from a topline top-dollar sport-tourer.

After 8337 miles, the RADD-designed front end remains wonderfully compliant, though steering effort is quite high. At triple-digit speeds, for example, the GTS is incredibly stable, but taking it through a series of 70-mph switchbacks requires considerable strength.

With two minor exceptions, the electronic fuel-injection has performed perfectly. Complaints of abrupt throttle response have been lodged, and at 7204 miles, the bike refused to idle until fully warm. Champion Motorcycles in Costa Mesa, California, adjusted the pilot and idle-speed circuits, which cured the latter problem. The abrupt throttle appears to be inherent to the design.

Champion also completed the 4400mile service at a cost of $119.06, $69.06 of that in parts. We’ve since replaced the stock Dunlop D202 radiais with Metzeler’s new ME ZI radiais, in 130/6017 and 170/60-17 sizes ($375.33). The front brake pads were replaced at the same time ($142.50).

With only minor maintenance to cloud an otherwise clean record, our long-term GTS 1000, with its rolling showcase of high-tech bells and whistles, continues to impress.

$13,679