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From: ron@hpfcmt.UUCP (ron)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Orphaned Response
Message-ID: <19000008@hpfcmt.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 18-Jun-85 18:20:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: hpfcmt.19000008
Posted: Tue Jun 18 18:20:00 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 3-Jul-85 06:59:10 EDT
References: <10043@rochester.UUCP>
Lines: 35
Nf-ID: #R:rochester:10043:hpfcmt:19000008:37777777600:1829
Nf-From: hpfcmt!ron    Jun 18 12:20:00 1985

What to start out on ...... another opinion on things to look for.

I started out on a Suzuki GS425E  twin.  It was a very nice bike, the 
right size, enough power, reliable etc.  However, after trading it in
for an 82 CB900F  I find that the biggest thing for my greater satisfaction
with the Honda is not the power but the suspension.  The ride on the 900 is
orders of magnitude better for a couple of reasons. First, the mass of the
bike means that bumps and crosswinds are not as large relative to the
effect possible on the bike (i.e. same bump = less disturbance on board). 
Second, the suspension setup on the 900 is vastly superior to the one on my
old GS. The GS had a very simple system with plain front forks and dual
shocks in the rear. The only (easy) adjustment available was rear spring
pre-load.  The 900 has an air front fork and variable rate damping available
in the rear.    Third, the 4 cylinder 900 is just a smoother engine than the
425 twin.  The GS was a bit buzzy at highway speeds and tended to feel like
it was working hard (even though it really wasn't).  

I put quite a few miles on the GS and was very glad I started with it 
because the size was right but after a couple of years I was ready to 
move on because the feature set wasn't complete.  Nowadays I suspect that
you could find most of my objections to my old GS taken care of by more
sophisticated mid-sized machines but still, take note that it is not ONLY
size that makes a difference in long term satisfaction but also the features
of the machine. Also note that the smaller bike is nicer to handle in the 
parking lots but if you want to ride for the afternoon you will REALLY know
whether your suspension is adequate !

Happy Riding

Ron Miller
Hewlett-Packard , Ft. Collins Systems Div.
Ft. Collins, Colo.


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