Out with the old and in with the new(er)

[Dabbers]

Hi All,

I'm awaiting delivery of a 2013 manual Crosstourer this Tuesday, going back to the dealers (PX) will be my old CBR1100XX that I've had more years than I can (care to) remember. Seemed a logical step for me to go adventure style and I'm a Honda fan so CT it was. I've loved and hated the XX in equal measure and found of late that even with the lowered pegs and raised bars I hankered after more comfort. I might miss the old girl, damn fast, bullet proof reliability, stellar build quality etc. but ultimately a little characterless...so maybe not  , we'll see.

[Dabbers]

My new (to me) CT sat waiting for me when I arrived home Tuesday. Took for a spin and had a few issues....a heavy vapour/fume kept catching the back of my throat at low speeds to the point I returned home and noticed the same odour was really strong when stood aside the bike, (not noticeable when engine cold). Long story short when I checked the oil window it was full and I had to remove over 250ml to get it central. On top of that there is a vibey type shudder when applying the front brake at speed so assume a disc is out? I've checked the head bearings and they appear fine. I spoke to the service manager today who felt sure the smell was due to overfilling, I've since took her out again and it does seem less evident so hopefully that's one issue sorted. The discs I have to get checked and let them know. Rather annoying as my 24 year old Blackbird that was PX'd was spot on in every respect  So not a great start but these issues aside I've enjoyed the few rides I've been on, it would of been nice not to have these things to worry about though!

[DE65Y]

Sad day if you had to get rid of the BIRD, especially a 'carby'.
I managed to keep hold of mine and it is still my prefered ride.
Honda's biggest mistake ceasing production, in whatever guise.
The CT as you said, for me felt like the natural progression, with my age
But I don't feel as confident on the CT as I do on the BIRD.
Plus it runs out of horses where the BIRD is just starting to getting 'interesting'!

[Max2007]

I kept my Bird and got a new 2017 CT, so i have both!! Bird is a Caracter very much and as you said bullet proof, fast, no vibes, agil for its weight!! I love her!
CT is good bike, has a nice engine is solid bild. Suspension is weakest point for me on the CT.
All in all good bike. You made good choise. I hope you going to solve this issues and get lot off miles on your new toy!!
👍💪

[Dabbers]

Originally Posted by DE65Y

Sad day if you had to get rid of the BIRD, especially a 'carby'.
I managed to keep hold of mine and it is still my prefered ride.
Honda's biggest mistake ceasing production, in whatever guise.
The CT as you said, for me felt like the natural progression, with my age
But I don't feel as confident on the CT as I do on the BIRD.
Plus it runs out of horses where the BIRD is just starting to getting 'interesting'!

Must admit I was thinking I'd made a mistake but for my purposes, and since getting more miles on the CT, I'm finding it a good fit. It's not got that ballistic acceleration, it's not as smooth, the fuelling on the carbed 'bird makes a mockery of the CT's injection, it's not as rock solid in fast sweeping bends, it's nowhere near as pretty! but.....it's got that lovely grunty V4, I find the general handling great, (especially over slightly uneven/broken surfaces), the upright view over/ahead is welcome and above all it's more comfortable.

[Dabbers]

Originally Posted by Max2007

I kept my Bird and got a new 2017 CT, so i have both!! Bird is a Caracter very much and as you said bullet proof, fast, no vibes, agil for its weight!! I love her!
CT is good bike, has a nice engine is solid bild. Suspension is weakest point for me on the CT.
All in all good bike. You made good choise. I hope you going to solve this issues and get lot off miles on your new toy!!
👍💪

I thought about keeping the BB but it was 24 years old, I'd started to replace O rings in the carb link pipes, the valve recesses in the wheels needed corrosion removing as they were leaking air, fuel lines were replaced, brake hoses replaced, clutch line replaced, lots of little things would of needed doing in time and I thought it best to move on. The other thing is had I of kept it, the few times I would of taken her out I'd probably reminded myself of how quick she was and got points/banned possibly.

[Dabbers]

My CT is now near enough at the point I had hoped it would of been on delivery day...looong story short the bike was overfilled with oil, the rear tyre was leaking air, the front brakes had a shudder when braking from speed, the rear tyre squared off, one of the fairing captivated bolts would not undo so had to be drilled out and replaced, the air filter was filthy, (guessing they couldn't remove the side panel so left air filter in situ'), high beam and right indicator switches needed cleaning. Last but by no means least the service book had the mileage clearly changed (written over). I e-mailed the 'sales manager' and recieved a call from the 'service manager' who apologised for the over filling but didn't offer much of a response about the brakes. Further e mails (requesting an e mail response by return) have been ignored. No biggie, it's all simple relatively inexpensive things I can/have sorted myself but thier dishonesty is dissapointing...waiting for new oil to arrive so I can change it as I'm not convinced this was done during the 'service'. So say 'premium Ducati dealer'...hopefully they'll take a little more time/effort with the higher end bikes?!

[andyrob]

Bottom left fairing bolt by any chance? Whole threads on it. Nightmare if over tightened. I ended up putting a sticker on the inside of the fairing asking for it just to be nipped up.