Any easy way to fit hard panniers? (Again!)

[Tarwetijger]

It's a overhauled engine, so almost no oil consumption. I only take 0,5l with me, under the pillion seat.
And in case I need more, I'll just buy some.

If you still have £1600 to spend , you could take a look on your rear suspension. Because driving experience with all the luggage... Its influence is not on the positive side, lets put it that way.

[Snod Blatter]

Haha, the £1600 includes money from the sale of the TRX unfortunately.. £300 was eye-watering to sort out the forks but ultimately it improves the bike no end, but the prices asked for shocks.. I just couldn't do it. In fact I'm still sore from forking out £240 for a pair of tyres, flippin' sports bikes!

A couple of things have come to my attention just today, this is simply gorgeous and there's also this which comes with centre stand and homemade pannier rails, which the owner used with soft throwovers. The change I would be left with from the sale of the TRX would get me a lot of petrol either way..!

[dandywarhol]

I'm getting an idea that you really are looking to downsize. A buzzy 250/4 would be hard work IMO. I haven't got a problem with touring on a small bike - I've done it - but I wouldn't choose to go back to small bike touring, especially on a tight timeline.

[Snod Blatter]

I am a small bike kinda guy, the smaller the bike the more fun I seem to have.. But it seems silly when these snazzy small bikes have only around half the power of a TRX/TDM, even less of the torque, and similar fuel consumption! A GPZ500 would be nice (65MPG) but they never come with luggage. Even the CX650, despite being 200cc smaller, is heavier and has the same thirst.. Replacing a TRX/TDM is really difficult. Hell, even the CB400 Super Four is only 20kg lighter..

[Tarwetijger]

20kg is a lot. The CB400SF is definitely lighter. I know, because I have one! Well, actually my wife does. But as she never rides, the cb400sf can go. I would love to trade it with your TRX! Too bad there is registration and taxes involved and stuff like that.

Oh you dont necesssarily have to change the complete shock, only a stiffer spring will do the job.

[BigAl-TC]

Google "bag connection" - "cargobag" Just needs a bit of contact on the plastics for protecting the paint.

[Snod Blatter]

Google "bag connection" - "cargobag" Just needs a bit of contact on the plastics for protecting the paint.

That is interesting! But look at the numbers down the side.. Ooh err missus. Weird that searching for TRX luggage never brought them up at all? Still, looks like the best solution I've seen so far (bar making my own pannier rails!).

Tarwetijger - How comfortable would you say the 400SF is? Have you had any problems with it? I like the fact that it has a centre stand but I hate the fact it takes massively overpriced "MotoGP technology!!1!" tyres and has a tiny chain on it..

[Tarwetijger]

It is a comfy bike, although you get some wind when riding on the highway.
Problems? No, not really, it's a Honda. Besides the rectifier. Like I said, it's a Honda...
Low on fuel consumption, but it in the same leage as your current TRX (i think you don't realise how low on fuel your TRX is..).
One time the carbs got clogged up and the bike wouldn't run anymore. I suspect this has something to do with E10 rubbish in the fuel in France.
It is an easy bike to ride, but when you are in a hurry, with 400cc 4-cil, you really need to rev it up.

Tyres: there are some cheap ones but those are diagonal. Which i think is a waste of the 17" rims. Had to look for a while since the rear is only 140 wide, but found some sporty Pirelli radial tyres. Cant remember the exact type but can look it up if you want.

[vicar]

What about the cheapest speed on the planet ZZR 1100/ zx10 or gpz900r throw over panniers (low exhaust) fat arse seat plenty of plastic to hide behind when on the high roads mine will run at 140mph for as long as you want, and give you 55mpg not at the same time though. they are ok in the twisty s on a tour and cost less than a grand. The oil never needs topping up . real value bikes

Ive had all three the only regret is the 9oo is long gone and they are going up in price Vicar

[Adrian9912]

These are all I use for all my luggage carrying needs

[Snod Blatter]

I wouldn't mind a GPZ900 I must admit (more of that 80s style, minus the 16" wheels..!), but the insurance people do mind - I'm only 26, they are still taking me for a ride. And the tax people.. I pay more for a 250cc bike than other people do for their small cars.

Tarwetijger - I've had different experiences with Hondas, one is near unbreakable the other ruined its mains after 2000 miles and the cams and rockers weren't far behind! I have no problem with keeping the revs up though as long as the engine can take it, it's just a few more gear changes here and there..?

[Rod.s]

What about this….just listed on the Carp forum A bloody bargain and fitted with some good bits as well and a good service history, damn cheep to run and more comfortable than the CX and more reliable as well!!!

[Snod Blatter]

The CX is gone now, some nutter more desperate than me has bought it last night in the dark, in the rain.. Fair play to them, I hope it looks like a heap of crap this morning!

I don't see why it's such a bargain, there are plenty of 600 Diversions about at a similar price and mostly with less miles on, like this or this or this.

I know owners rave about the comfort and the broad power range, but they also seem to sell them on quite quickly? Perhaps if one pops up nearby with luggage it'll be worth a look, to be honest I ignore most of them, they leave me half asleep (same with most inline 4s) but they're certainly well proven. Rear disc and 17" front wheel means I'm not dribbling all over my keyboard though.

[BigAl-TC]

I see why your friend is getting irritable.

[Snod Blatter]

Ha, it is a problem! Even worse is my propensity to dislike bikes that other people seem to love, I've tried an SV650S and a CBF125 and thought they were both just awful. The SV has clip ons halfway down the forks, a horrible seat and front calipers that work like a switch, with a turning circle that makes the TRX look good. The CBF125 is amazingly uncomfortable with the riding position somehow loading my entire bodyweight onto my wrists, while feeling very top heavy and unstable.. A lot like a supermoto. Terrible things! Yet people reckon they're great..