Concours & Interceptor

Re: Mini Comparo: Concours vs. Interceptor

Well I have a Concours and a cruiser (Suzuki 1400 intruder), and came back to motorcycling about 5 years ago with my mates HD Sportster. I am 54yrs young, bike previous to that was a Triumph in 1972.

Thing is about the test, its not exactly a great comparison. For example, hat about the 2-up capabilities? The concours wins that comparison. I dont really want a Gold Wing, and most cruisers that carry well are scarcely "sport"? You may as well compare the Concours with a Harley glide (then you would really p** off folk)

I like having two bikes that are vastly different but are perfomance machines nevertheless. To compare one with the other is possible but not in a side-by-side comparo.

But it was interesting reading as I want to know how the concours relates to other bikes since I dont get to test ride so many. My advice to prospective Concours owners is to a) study the concours.org web site and b) get a test ride -- its the only way you will know if it will work for you.

To me its a classic "real" m/c, looks well (the Interceptor is way poncy to me). It may be the last UJM if thats a fair title, and anything that can cruise at 130 is fast enough for me. Its unique, it has character. The aftermarket is strong for fixing stuff; I found the bars too far out front for my probably shorter that usual arms, but Heli bars fixed that. (cheaper "risers" nearly worked but not quite). The screen is fine for my 5' 11" but a lot of people fit Rifle screens as they are quieter. The seat is fine, and it never occurred to me that it was squishy, so that was odd.

Anyway, I rode my mates Yamaha FZ1(?) 1000cc hooligan bike. Very nice and very fast, but it felt like a bicycle with a UFO turbine hidden away somewhere. My arms were stretched.. but oddly enough it didnt seem to have a lot of character when not in hyperspace - just my 2c - it is still a great bike.

One big negative with the concourse; I found that the concourse was a b**r for the rain grooves on the freeways around LA, its the standard tyres. But a fork brace fixes that pretty much and I am happy enough to wait until the standard tyres wear out and get Avons.

Its a heavy bike, but the weight in that steel tubing should make it a good stable handler and so it is; so I am puzzled by the reported flexibility of the chassis - I notice none.

The comment on the brakes worried me, my bike brakes way better than any bike I have had (except that the front suspension dives too much - thats fixable to some extent) the levers dont come anywhere near to the grips.

Also my Concours is not very buzzy; it was a bit when running in at higher revs, but now its run in -- its smooth! (but the aforesaid yamaha was smoother). So I wonder if your test bike was in good fettle ? Maybe your test bike was too buzzy and needed the counterbalencer adjusting, as I cant believe you are all wimps? And the brakes bled?

The shaft-jacking is not noticable to me, maybe I dont brake, point and squirt around corners so much as you young'uns, but I wonder if you checked the rear suspension which is air adjustable etc (nice feature). If too soft you may get some weird effects particularly if you dont weigh much (I am 200lbs btw)

Advice for anyone new to the bike; be careful doing U-turns - particularly when uphill - keep the speed up. And take time to get used to the weight, it steers lightly when going but that weight is still there. I dont notice it now.

As for 'boring' - no bike is boring, not even an HD softail heritage I once hired (ignoring the nice looks sound and feel of course). Sometimes it takes time to get to know a bike, and to fit it out so it suits you as well.

Anyway; I like these side-by-side reviews of bikes that are not really in the same category - it makes for more interesting reading.

Final moan; the sound of the concours is excellent - thats even aparent on the dyno clips. I dont know the Interceptor of course but the dyno of that bike seemed pretty ordinary. One mans meat is anothers poisen etc etc..