Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 2058 Location: Depends on where I happen to be. '04 Honda Met "Archie" [Had to trade it :cry: ] '08 St. Tropez 'Simon'
Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2018 12:45 pm Post subject:
I can’t wait to read others’ impressions after seeing and riding since we’ve waited sooooo long! _________________ Aging is mandatory, growing up is optional.
My kids call me 'crazy', I prefer 'Eccentric'.
Nullius in verba
I can’t wait to read others’ impressions after seeing and riding since we’ve waited sooooo long!
I know, right? I figured motorcyclists needed their own forum to discuss things like D-I-D chains and sprockets, and chain tensioners, and 18" tires and motorcycle stuff like that. I can't wait to hear from our first crossover rider who actually started on a Buddy and moved up to a G400C. It's surprising how many of us were motorcyclists first and came to the Genuine Buddy because they are fun.
My fond hope is that the G400C will attract a mix of folks including folks who are trading up, folks who are trading down, and folks who are looking for that perfect first bike. I hope we can be of service to all.
I never liked motorcycles at all before getting my Stella, but the process of learning to ride and work on it has changed that. If I do ever get a motorcycle, the G400C would be the first one I look at.
I have to admit that it bothers me how transparenly Genuine is trying to sell us the retro-Americana lifestyle. ("Let’s focus on the people you’ll meet and the friendships you’ll form as you travel the roads that will take you through big cities, small towns and rural America.") I absolutely love my Stella, and its mechanical simplicity/quirkiness is part of its charm, but it has made me extremely wary of being sold an attractive, fantasy-inducing product rather than a quality product.
For example, I feel a little swindled by the retro-Americana-style Biltwell Gringo helmet I bought, which I bought because it looked awesome, and only later learned that it offers much less protection than modern helmets should. And when I contacted Biltwell to ask whether my helmet's face shield conforms to the ANSI Z87.1 safety standard as required by my state, they told me that ANSI Z87.1 is not a motorcycle safety standard. They're wrong about that. So when every rider in the G400C advertisements has a Biltwell Gringo helmet on, my gut tells me to stay away.
Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 4315 Location: Oregon City, OR Buddy 125, Buddy Kick, Vespa GTS300
Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2018 5:18 pm Post subject:
johnk wrote:
I absolutely love my Stella, ……………. but it has made me extremely wary of being sold an attractive, fantasy-inducing product rather than a quality product.
Joined: 29 Jan 2018 Posts: 560 Location: Chicago Puch Maxi, Roughhouse
Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2018 5:57 pm Post subject:
Dooglas wrote:
johnk wrote:
I absolutely love my Stella, ……………. but it has made me extremely wary of being sold an attractive, fantasy-inducing product rather than a quality product.
Careful, you are starting to sound political.
Look at it this way....your Stella is teaching you valuable mechanical skills. You may not always like your teacher, but you will be thankful for it later on.
Damn, I thought I could sneak in some complaining over in the G400C corner before anyone got here!
I guess my real point is that there can be a fine line between lovable, educational, complex, rolling beauty (like the Stella) and cheap crap with a good marketing spin (like my Biltwell helmet).
I want and expect the G400C to be on the Stella side, but those ads aren't helping!
Someone like JohnK is why I think Genuine should have named their motorcycle brand something *not* Genuine.
I've already gotten the whole "I like the G400 but my Stella was a pile" a few times. I try to explain that they couldn't be more different and that Genuine themselves aren't out back building bikes and scooters - but there's still that bad taste in their mouths.
It makes sense, though. 95% of customers aren't going to get nor care about the whole importer vs manufacturer thing. All they'll see is another retro looking thing with a Genuine badge.
Hopefully I'm wrong and it won't be as bad once people get to look at them.
I think you're right, dassscooter, but just to clarify: my Stella is NOT a pile! I love it, it is beautiful, and it has taught me a lot about value. I know that Genuine didn't manufacture the Stella and doesn't manufacture the G400C. My only complaint is with how Genuine is marketing them to us. That's the only point where the bad taste shows up (and it tastes like Biltwell). And, again, I would absolutely look at a G400C if ever I decided to buy a motorcycle!
Joined: 29 Jan 2018 Posts: 560 Location: Chicago Puch Maxi, Roughhouse
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2018 6:35 pm Post subject:
johnk wrote:
I think you're right, dassscooter, but just to clarify: my Stella is NOT a pile! I love it, it is beautiful, and it has taught me a lot about value. I know that Genuine didn't manufacture the Stella and doesn't manufacture the G400C. My only complaint is with how Genuine is marketing them to us. That's the only point where the bad taste shows up (and it tastes like Biltwell). And, again, I would absolutely look at a G400C if ever I decided to buy a motorcycle!
Not an advertisement, but I LOVE my Biltwell helmet. To be fair though, it was my first new helmet in like 10 years, and all the padding had compacted in my old one.
I think you're right, dassscooter, but just to clarify: my Stella is NOT a pile! I love it, it is beautiful, and it has taught me a lot about value. I know that Genuine didn't manufacture the Stella and doesn't manufacture the G400C. My only complaint is with how Genuine is marketing them to us. That's the only point where the bad taste shows up (and it tastes like Biltwell). And, again, I would absolutely look at a G400C if ever I decided to buy a motorcycle!
I know, I was just using you as an example. You do your own work so owning a Stella isn't a big deal.
Think if you didn't even own a screwdriver - how would you feel about your Stella? Stellas are mostly owned by enthusiasts now but it wasn't always like that.
The new CSC SG250 looks like another motorcycle that might appeal to people who are heretofore scooter riders. It's a 250cc and about half the price of the G400C. The style is a more modernized cafe racer.
Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 4315 Location: Oregon City, OR Buddy 125, Buddy Kick, Vespa GTS300
Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2018 5:51 pm Post subject:
dasscooter wrote:
Someone like JohnK is why I think Genuine should have named their motorcycle brand something *not* Genuine.
Hey now! The Genuine name is more associated with the Buddy than any other product. I would argue that the Buddy 125 is the most reliable and the best performer in its size range of any scooter ever sold in America. BuddyRaton and I were both commenting on the mechanical reliability of our Buddys in another recent thread. His '06 and our '07 have never had or needed any kind of mechanical repair since new - only routine servicing and tires. Pretty darned good record. Of course, that really gives the G400c something to live up to.
I'm going to the annual International Motorcycle Show this weekend. I've been going every year since probably 2005. I'd bet the G400C would be a huge hit there but renting space is expensive. I've seen Vespa scooters on display there & Royal Enfield is always there. I sit on 50+ bikes there every year. Fun. This year is different. Not just looking but shopping for something WAY lighter than my 490 pound bike. I learned last Friday I can't pick it up if dropped. Wasn't a problem before but I'm 62 now. Will also check out the Genuine G400C when it's at my local dealer. _________________ 2014 Genuine Buddy 170i
2013 Honda Metro
2007 Suzuki 650 VStrom
2014 Honda NC700X
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 3101 Location: San Francisco 2006 Blur 180, 2008 Buddy St. Tropez
Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 3:00 am Post subject:
There used to be a motorcycle show around here once a year but it went away so I haven`t been to one for quite a while. _________________ Some people can break a crowbar in a sandbox.
-Here is a vid of the scrambler version of the KP called the KPM 200. Looks a bit cheesy, but they are on the right track. No word on when it will be available in the States.
_________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 3101 Location: San Francisco 2006 Blur 180, 2008 Buddy St. Tropez
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2019 12:46 am Post subject:
Went to go look at a Himalayan in the flesh today. Slightly tall for me but not too bad. US$4750 with ABS. Problem is, this particular dealer is a rip-off. They want a little over $7000 out the door. Sales tax only brings it up to $5150 or so so they're charging almost $2000 for "dealer prep" and other fees. Guess I'll try elsewhere or maybe the used market. _________________ Some people can break a crowbar in a sandbox.
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 3101 Location: San Francisco 2006 Blur 180, 2008 Buddy St. Tropez
Posted: Sat Nov 09, 2019 5:06 am Post subject:
This is a very interesting scrambler conversion on an RE Interceptor 650.
Really liking it. His company, TEC Bike Parts also offers shorter adjustable rear shocks for us folks with normal size legs. _________________ Some people can break a crowbar in a sandbox.
The RE Interceptor almost looks like is was designed with a scrambler conversion in mind. It looks very easy to raise the front fender a bit. Just add spacers and possibly longer bolts.
- some interceptors come with an engine skid plate. It should be easy to enlarge it or add to it. _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
I wish the higher performing small motorcycles were offered with classic styling like the G400C. The Honda CB300 has a nice big round headlight and 30 hp, but the rear end is all elevated sportbike.
-when somebody offers a tuner ecu for the G400C, maybe it can be made more competitive with some bigger valves and a longer duration cam. _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
Saw this 24 hp naked bike on TXpowersports.
TX Powersports says its a 250cc, but the Vitacci site says its 320cc, sort of.
The Vitacci site doesn't provide a displacement, but lists a bore/stroke of 62mm & 53mm. (two cylinders)
Price looks good if it is reliable.
https://www.txpowersports.com/vitacci_gto_250cc_sport_bike_efi_electric_start_p/vitacci-gto-250cc.htm _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 3101 Location: San Francisco 2006 Blur 180, 2008 Buddy St. Tropez
Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 9:11 am Post subject:
Nice looking bike and is probably made in China, not that that's a bad thing as long as QC is strictly enforced. But, like you, at this point of my life I'm hankering for something that's more traditional looking rather than sport bike. Been there, done that and these old bones just can't handle the aggressive riding position anymore.
That being said, I sure do like the looks of the RE Continental GT 650 though. _________________ Some people can break a crowbar in a sandbox.
"That being said, I sure do like the looks of the RE Continental GT 650 though."
Fortunately for those of us in the "arthritis" years, you can get riser clip-on bars. _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 3101 Location: San Francisco 2006 Blur 180, 2008 Buddy St. Tropez
Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:53 pm Post subject:
Getting closer to an Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Scrambler. A company called Malle in Great Britain customized an Interceptor and will be offering the conversion parts for purchase. Hopefully RE will jump on the bandwagon and release a version of their own.
_________________ Some people can break a crowbar in a sandbox.
It's a real looker.
Much easier to turn an Enfield Interceptor into a scrambler compared to a modern CB500.
Enfield should just offer scrambler and flat tracker kits before the motorcycle buying public moves on to other bike styles. _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
Got a new motorcycle. Honda NC700X. Always like these for the low center of gravity & bottom-end torque. These aren't sport bikes or cruisers so there's always a few leftovers going cheap. Last summer I got a new 2014 for cheap. Loving it! Much more nimble than my Suzuki & I won't have a problem picking it up if I drop it. _________________ 2014 Genuine Buddy 170i
2013 Honda Metro
2007 Suzuki 650 VStrom
2014 Honda NC700X
Somebody has finally done it. You can order a Grom clone with a 190cc cub engine already installed. No need to do the engine swap yourself.
https://gpxmoto.com/ _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 3101 Location: San Francisco 2006 Blur 180, 2008 Buddy St. Tropez
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2020 9:44 pm Post subject:
Actually, I'd like a Cub with a 190cc engine in it. Too bad Honda doesn't offer anything like that. _________________ Some people can break a crowbar in a sandbox.
A 190cc cub would be awesome. For better or worse, Honda will always prioritize reliability over brake hp and displacement. You will have to build that 190cc cub yourself. _________________ "It's not WHAT you ride, but THAT you ride" - unknown
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I can’t wait to read others’ impressions after seeing and riding since we’ve waited sooooo long!
