[Vasuki]

Originally Posted by v12

Thanks James, I always thought the relay was to prevent additional load on the battery. Currently the stock wire is connected to one horn and the other horn is connected in parallel to the main horn ( I think). you suggesting I still use a relay then?

I had enquired about this horn issue. service manager advised me to go with just one horn , i.e; avoid using two horns and thus relay can also be avoided .

[mobike008]

Allen : Congrats on completing 1 year with your Godzilla

However, 4,500km is way to less for one year dude. I did ~ 11,000km in 9 months on my Bonnie....Is it because you are busy at work or you don't get too many opportunities to ride?

With regards to comparison of Versys or Tiger for long rides. It is quite obvious that Versys and Tiger would be way more comfortable and the general motorcycling trend itself not just internationally but, even in India changing towards Sports/Adv Tourers.

Folks buy the high powered bikes as a first buy and within a year or two either get satiated or realize that they aren't doing full justice to such a powerful motorcycle and then start thinking of an overall package which is more important that includes, better suspension, comfort, ability to ride long distances in varied terrain etc.

In my Versys group, I'm the lowest mileage clocker (2K kms in 2 months...Sigh) as everyone seems to be enjoying riding it so much that they are taking the bike out at drop of a hat. Shockingly, there is one member who has done 10,000kms in 2 months and expects to touch 15,000kms in another 15 days. That is what I would call making full use of the Versys..LOL!

If money god is happy with you, I would recommend to keep the Z800 for those raw power runs and get a Versys 650/Pre-Owned Tiger 800 for some real long distance mile-crunching

[Dodge_Viper]

Originally Posted by v12

Also, I have a back problem which probably worsens on the return ride. Maybe I am wrong in blaming the Z and the problem is just my back and the weather. But these are the 1000 kms that I really really wish I had a Tiger or a Versys.

Why not try those gel seats or ride-on-air cushion seats? Maybe they can make a difference?

[Vasuki]

Originally Posted by Dodge_Viper

Why not try those gel seats or ride-on-air cushion seats? Maybe they can make a difference?

Has anybody tried them? How does it hold during high triple digit speeds?

[v12]

Thanks Avi & Dodge Viper,

Yes, for 1 year that's pretty low mileage. Reasons being :
- Bike is never used in the monsoon.
- Other days it's only used twice a week to office - which is around 16 kms round-trip. Which will reduce to once a week once the RX is ready.
- Weekends also I hardly ride it unless it's a long ride or a breakfast ride within the city.

Yes, I need to ride the bike more often - but again the monsoons are going to be here in a month and Godzilla will go into hibernation. So before it goes into hibernation, we did a nice 200 kms breakfast ride to Lonavala. Enjoy the pics!!

Waiting for friends


Chai Break


8 kms to go....while the others have already settled in their sofas


The lineup outside German Bakery.






Bonneville Cafe...The best looking and sounding Bonnie I have ever seen or heard


The return journey (now adds up to 1071)


Taking breaks to admire the beauty




207 kms. Reading shows 21kmpl.


10 litres of Speed 97. 21 kmpl which matches upto the reading shown on the speedo. I never thought that would be so accurate.


4500 kms in 1 year
]

[Avinash_R]

Meanwhile, we are still waiting to hear how the exhaust sounds like

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by v12

Yes, I need to ride the bike more often - but again the monsoons are going to be here in a month and Godzilla will go into hibernation.

Allen mate what is it with hibernation of motorcycles and monsoon. Is it because of safety issues during monsoon? or something else? I mean keeping such a wonderful motorcycle under covers during those 4 months does not make much sense.

[barcalad]

Great pictures, mate. You've maintained your machine well. As someone mentioned, I also am in the queue to listen to that beautiful exhaust roaring. Oblige us.

P.S - That Bonnie looks hot.

Originally Posted by navin_v8

Allen mate what is it with hibernation of motorcycles and monsoon. Is it because of safety issues during monsoon? or something else? I mean keeping such a wonderful motorcycle under covers during those 4 months does not make much sense.

On the contrary, I love riding in the monsoons. Yes, there's a risk factor involved. But usually the sparkling roads, lush green trees and the cool breeze have been worth it. Looking forward to this year's monsoon very eagerly.

[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by barcalad

On the contrary, I love riding in the monsoons. Yes, there's a risk factor involved. But usually the sparkling roads, lush green trees and the cool breeze have been worth it. Looking forward to this year's monsoon very eagerly.

Exactly mate I always look forward to riding in monsoons dirt and muck notwithstanding. Of course there are safety issues but one is on their toes while riding in monsoon and I take that as a challenge. Almost every year when I go for offroading most of it is during monsoon. It cannot be described in words.

[Dodge_Viper]

Originally Posted by v12

- Bike is never used in the monsoon.
- but again the monsoons are going to be here in a month and Godzilla will go into hibernation.

C'mon, do you still want to hibernate even after looking at this picture?



PC Source

P.S: Spot the bike

[v12]

Safety is just one of the issues. But I would rather prefer driving than riding during the monsoons. And more so on long rides - a 4 wheeler is a much safer option than a bike. But yes, a bike would be more fun in its own way.

You are tempting me now Dodge Viper -

Oh yes I forgot about posting a video clip of the exhaust note. Here is a short one.

https://youtu.be/11TjnZqmmzk

[Rachit.K.Dogra]

Wow!! Sounds just about right. The right amount of volume and bass to be musical and not harsh. Sounds perfect to me.

CHEERS!!

Rachit

[v12]

Very true Rachit! The sound is just perfect. It's neither too loud to attract unwanted attention nor too muted. The next best thing is that there is hardly any popping sound on deceleration.

I still have the DB killers on and have no plans on removing it yet. Probably after a few months I may remove them just for the heck of it.

[Sheel]

If you have proper rain gear, it is actually fun riding if it is not raining very heavily. I have had some memorable rides in rains and one of the most memorable was when I had just fitted sticky Pirellis, boy, I still get goosebumps.

I would say, ride once

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Sheel

If you have proper rain gear, it is actually fun riding if it is not raining very heavily. I have had some memorable rides in rains and one of the most memorable was when I had just fitted sticky Pirellis, boy, I still get goosebumps.

+1 Sheel

Riding in rains is totally rewarding. It's one of the most fun thing to do on a motorcycle. I'm careful about a few things when riding in rains

1. I do not cross 100-120kmph during rains

2. No taking corners at breakneck speed. Infact, I approach it gingerly

3. Avoid rain-filled potholes or take them really slow. Had a bad moment when I went over it at slightly higher speed in heavy rains when riding back from Tadoba in 2014

4. Avoid swerving the bike and ride as much in a straight line as possible

Allen : In and around Mumbai during monsoon is nothing short of Scotland type of scenery (Love Bhandardara). Please make use of monsoon opportunity and ride more often