New owner chimes in

[shadowarrior]

Hi there,

picked up my 2014 DCT model last week and naturally came across the forum so thought I would join up! I'm generally a lurker on a forum and find most of my questions have already been answered, so thanks in advance to those that have already done all the hard work! I have a few reflections since taking the plunge.

I was looking to move toward an ADV package for a bit of a change and to get, well, more adventurous. I had considered, of course, something like the GS, Tenere, Africa Twin 1100, or even the new Pan America. But weighing up reliability and what I get in terms of low mileage (17k miles), about 50% depreciation (fair price rather than a great deal, but not getting me into major debt), and anticipated reliability, the CT won out. This was even though I'm not certain I have ever seen one in the flesh and bought the first one I viewed! I plan to keep it at a beautiful part of the country I visit frequently for weekends etc, so a bike that would tolerate intermittent use was important. Plus as an owner of a gracefully ageing ST1300 and VTX1800, I'm no stranger to large discontinued Hondas:)!

I'm told it's a highland spec model, but the side luggage is Givi monokey and no sign of a 12V charger so its a little confusing. I have to admit the black colour, general looks, and exhaust note do not immediately set the imagination alight - this is far from the gorgeous curves of the VFR1200F - but I hope the bike fades into the background as I explore the amazing West Cork, aided by the upright stance.

The bikes lacks a premium feel for what I thought was a flagship bike in its day. I don't find it heavy like other riders but this maybe due to the bikes I'm used to! It's my first venture into DCT world and so far so good. Mainly I'd like a point somewhere between D and S and don't like the apparent gearbox hesitation around town when the bike doesn't seem to know whether it wants 2nd or 3rd. Looking forward to playing around with manual a little more.

I realise the bike leans more toward road going ADV style (and pounding straight line acceleration!) but I decided I would rather a tourer competent on the road and able to handle the odd rough stuff, rather than an off-roader that lives its entire life on tarmac. I literally do not know any viable off road touring spots in Ireland and have never turned any other bike around due to road conditions. I worried an amazing but expensive AT1100 would look sad eventually on paved roads and not be great for my pillion. All that said, I squeezed in a couple of hundred miles last week and went along the most remote highland roads I've found and the X handles them well enough, but probably not much better than my buddy on his 600 Vulcan...

So, my sorting out list involves:
- getting full service kit as I don't trust dealer stamps that don't mention jobs done
- figure out how to set the suspension to anything other than crap for my size and conditions
- decide if the Michelin Pilots are better replaced with something else when they are out
- find out how to install a 12V, in the bodywork preferably
- source a whiter bulb option
- figure out if the handlebar wobble on releasing it is normal
- improve on the stock screen, assuming the adjustable cant be retrofit to an older model, maybe Givi
- figure out why my rear hugger is off centre/warped
- replace the zany crosstourer themed tank pad with a Honda one
- decide if I get a chin guard that it's not just for looks!


All in all, I'm looking forward to getting out and about on my new machine

[thetrecker]

Hello Shadowarrior,
and welcome to the forum, I see you are a lurker so you know the set up here, a few guys around Ireland on here. I am from Meath.
Tell us about the handle bar wobble?
Cheers Tom

[andyrob]

Thats an introduction. Welcome in 

[shadowarrior]

Thanks for the welcome andyrob, and fair play Tom for getting all the way through my intro!

I haven't looked that far into it yet but I get a good bit of wobble when I release the bars, don't really feel it through my grips though apart from maybe more fatigue than expected. There isn't as much weighting in the bar ends as I'd be used to but either the tyre has a fair bit of wear and could be on the bike for some time. Chief suspect I think and I'm looking forward to figuring out the best fit for our roads Will take a look at the date stamp on it when I can and the hamster in my head is already nudging me to upgrade the stock springs and tyres to see if that remedies it...

[shadowarrior]

Oh and I meant to mention I noticed a tiny ding on the tank where the handlebar would have impacted on what I'd say was a stationary drop. Hopefully not something more serious

[Hartley]

Welcome along Shadowarrior.
Saw you mention of the small dent in the tank from a drop. Ordinarily the bars will not touch the tank, wonder if the. Forks/ handlebars may have been slightly twisted in the clamps which may cause the shaking? May need realigning?
Saw your pic and the bike does look like a highlander other than the side cases as you say, could be the previous owner preferred Givi, I do, never used the Honda cases I had with my highlander.