Hello everyone,
I have been following the posts on this board for about a month, but this is the first time that I have had the time to jump in.
I am the proud owner of a White, 2004, 1600 Classic as of 6/29/04. I just turned over 2,500 miles today (mostly driving to and from work).
This is my seventh bike, but I have been out of motorcycling for the last eight years due to 3 back surgeries including a lower spinal fusion. My last bike was an 84 Goldwing and I really loved that bike. I was seriously considering another one, but I don't think that I have the strength to manage the machine especially if I drop it. So I jumped on the Internet to do some research and narrowed my list to three options. The 1600 Classic, Nomad, or VTX 1300.
I liked the look and feel of the Kaw's over the VTX's including the 1800. If the Nomad had the 1600 powerplant I probably would have bought the Nomad. That said, I couldn't be happier with my choice.
The bike is a pleasure to drive. Well balanced and plenty of low-end power. I also think that roll on power is more than adequate.
The vibration in the gas cap is there and I think that there is some vibration coming from the wiring inside the headlight as well. So far these are my only complaints.
I have been getting 41-42 mpg - mostly Interstate driving between 70 & 80 mph. I try to take back roads as often as I can so that I can relax and enjoy the ride a little more. It was tough keeping it under 60 for the break-in period. I have to admit that I cheated.
My Mods:
Bought a Mustang Seat with drivers backrest, but had to send it back. I think it's the best looking seat you can put on the bike and it offered very good butt support. I just couldn't find a comfortable riding position with the backrest. I was really beginning to worry about my decision to get back into motorcycling with all of my lower back problems.
F&S tall windshield and lowers: Helped immensely with wind protection and buffeting. Very comfortable riding up to 65 mph. If you are over 6' tall, I would recommend going with a taller aftermarket shield. I am 6'3" and when I hit speeds over 65 the head buffeting and wind noise starts picking up considerably.
Custom World Drivers Backrest and Passenger Backrest with Wide Pad: The drivers backrest is outstanding. It adjusts 3" forward/backward and has three vertical adjustment positions. It is a nice piece of hardware and the chrome is of excellent quality. The wife likes the passenger backrest with the large pad. She says it is very comfortable.
Custom World Luggage Rack: Excellent quality.
PhatII Risers from Scootworks: I can't say enough about these risers. The quality is exceptional and they look fantastic on the bike. They are much larger than I expected and weigh about 1.5 lbs each. It took me longer to unwrap them than it took to mount them (just kidding). If you do risers, getting to the nut under the triple tree is a PITA. I used a 12 point 17mm thin walled socket to get the right side off and a 6 point thin walled socket to get the left side off. The key is the thin walled socket. I had to buy both as the wall on the Craftsman sockets are to thick to postion over the nut. There is a plastic cap over the steering head that is to close to the nut that is causes the problem. Once you get the nuts loosened the process is pretty routine. The risers have two sets of mounting holes to provide the greatest flexibility possible in mounting positions. I did not have to reroute any cables, or move any controls. The combination of the PhatRisers II and Custom World drivers backrest have given me the most relaxed and comfortable riding position imaginable.
LeatherLyke Saddlebags: Great bags. Took me about 15 minutes to install. I can put them on and take them off in less than 2 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and cleaning. Don't use Armor All as it will dull the finish on the bags. I can fit my laptop and projector in one bag and I don't have to worry if it rains.
If you are coming off a touring bike like a Goldwing you will miss all the storage and the wind/rain protection that the fairing and shield provide. The crusiers and tourers are apples and oranges; however, when you spend some time on this bike you won't regret your decision - I makes you remember what you loved about biking in the first place.
I have been following the posts on this board for about a month, but this is the first time that I have had the time to jump in.
I am the proud owner of a White, 2004, 1600 Classic as of 6/29/04. I just turned over 2,500 miles today (mostly driving to and from work).
This is my seventh bike, but I have been out of motorcycling for the last eight years due to 3 back surgeries including a lower spinal fusion. My last bike was an 84 Goldwing and I really loved that bike. I was seriously considering another one, but I don't think that I have the strength to manage the machine especially if I drop it. So I jumped on the Internet to do some research and narrowed my list to three options. The 1600 Classic, Nomad, or VTX 1300.
I liked the look and feel of the Kaw's over the VTX's including the 1800. If the Nomad had the 1600 powerplant I probably would have bought the Nomad. That said, I couldn't be happier with my choice.
The bike is a pleasure to drive. Well balanced and plenty of low-end power. I also think that roll on power is more than adequate.
The vibration in the gas cap is there and I think that there is some vibration coming from the wiring inside the headlight as well. So far these are my only complaints.
I have been getting 41-42 mpg - mostly Interstate driving between 70 & 80 mph. I try to take back roads as often as I can so that I can relax and enjoy the ride a little more. It was tough keeping it under 60 for the break-in period. I have to admit that I cheated.
My Mods:
Bought a Mustang Seat with drivers backrest, but had to send it back. I think it's the best looking seat you can put on the bike and it offered very good butt support. I just couldn't find a comfortable riding position with the backrest. I was really beginning to worry about my decision to get back into motorcycling with all of my lower back problems.
F&S tall windshield and lowers: Helped immensely with wind protection and buffeting. Very comfortable riding up to 65 mph. If you are over 6' tall, I would recommend going with a taller aftermarket shield. I am 6'3" and when I hit speeds over 65 the head buffeting and wind noise starts picking up considerably.
Custom World Drivers Backrest and Passenger Backrest with Wide Pad: The drivers backrest is outstanding. It adjusts 3" forward/backward and has three vertical adjustment positions. It is a nice piece of hardware and the chrome is of excellent quality. The wife likes the passenger backrest with the large pad. She says it is very comfortable.
Custom World Luggage Rack: Excellent quality.
PhatII Risers from Scootworks: I can't say enough about these risers. The quality is exceptional and they look fantastic on the bike. They are much larger than I expected and weigh about 1.5 lbs each. It took me longer to unwrap them than it took to mount them (just kidding). If you do risers, getting to the nut under the triple tree is a PITA. I used a 12 point 17mm thin walled socket to get the right side off and a 6 point thin walled socket to get the left side off. The key is the thin walled socket. I had to buy both as the wall on the Craftsman sockets are to thick to postion over the nut. There is a plastic cap over the steering head that is to close to the nut that is causes the problem. Once you get the nuts loosened the process is pretty routine. The risers have two sets of mounting holes to provide the greatest flexibility possible in mounting positions. I did not have to reroute any cables, or move any controls. The combination of the PhatRisers II and Custom World drivers backrest have given me the most relaxed and comfortable riding position imaginable.
LeatherLyke Saddlebags: Great bags. Took me about 15 minutes to install. I can put them on and take them off in less than 2 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and cleaning. Don't use Armor All as it will dull the finish on the bags. I can fit my laptop and projector in one bag and I don't have to worry if it rains.
If you are coming off a touring bike like a Goldwing you will miss all the storage and the wind/rain protection that the fairing and shield provide. The crusiers and tourers are apples and oranges; however, when you spend some time on this bike you won't regret your decision - I makes you remember what you loved about biking in the first place.
