Long-Term Update
Long-Term Update
BUELL
THUNDERBOLT
Troubled Twin?
ERIK BUELL IS NOT ONE TO MAKE excuses, neither for himself nor his product. When we phoned Buell to inform him that our long-term Thunderbolt S-2 had developed an oil leak-prompted by an inadequately torqued rockerbox bolt that, in turn, resulted in a failed lower rockercover-to-cylinder-head gasket-he assured us that any problems encountered would be covered under the bike's one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. That's good, because our testbike has been beset with more than its share of problems.
Besides the oil leak ($4.40 for parts, we supplied the labor), the one-piece fiberglass seat base is too short and will not stay latched. We fabricated a shortterm fix, and a replacement seat has been ordered.
Buell has officially recalled the original-equipment braided-steel front brake line. Reportedly, the metal fittings are subject to cracking if the line was improperly installed. All units, sold or unsold, are now equipped with a new line and stouter fittings.
Production bugs aside, our S-2 remains a stimulating ride for pilot and passenger alike. Fuel mileage is excellent, and oil consumption is minimal. future changes include Buell's optional touring handlebars, lower footpegs, fairing lowers and locking, hard saddlebags.
KTM
400 LC4 R/XC
Street-legal dirtbike
OUR LONG-TERM KTM 400 LC4 R/XC spent its first 1700 miles mostly off-road, traversing gnarly, Expert-level trails in California, Colorado and Mexico. Since then, it’s served as a top-flight commuter and racer; most recently. Off-Road Editor Jimmy Lewis won the dual-sport class at a local grand prix.
Self-supported adventure-touring called for KTM’s 5-gallon plastic gas tank ($I80), which boosted distance between fill-ups to nearly 200 miles. Optional buddy pegs ($50) and a luggage rack ($58) were next. The steel rack has proven especially convenient; it bolts to the subframe and rear fender and will hold a single-man tent and sleeping bag.
To enhance stopping power, we ordered a 10.2-inch, stainless-steel front rotor and semi-metallic pads from Braking (820 Manhattan Ave., Suite 101, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; 310/798-4830). The $158 package offers a noticeable improvement over stock, especially on the street.
Maintenance has been limited to the specified 2500-mile valve adjustment and routine oil and filter changes. The stock Pirelli MT-21 tires lasted nearly 1400 miles and were replaced with a Dunlop D903 rear ($79) and D905 front ($76), which proved a bit less durable. We also sampled a prototype Dunlop K695 D/P rear, which performed admirably and will hopefully be on sale this fall.
KAWASAKI
CONCOURS
A rocky start
PERHAPS A SIGN LIKE THE ONE greeting visitors to Dante's vision of Hell ought to hang from the door to the Cycle World garage: “Abandon hope, all ye who enter here,” it would read. How appropriate for our long-term Kawasaki Concours.
This worthy machine made it to Hell’s first circle soon after it arrived when News Editor Robert Hough, trying to avoid a homicidal driver, pitched it down the 55 Freeway just blocks from the office. Hough was uninjured, but when the Concours finally came to rest it looked like it had taken an artillery round. We trucked it to Champion Motors in Costa Mesa, our local Kawasaki dealer, for a repair estimate: with labor, nearly $5600.
“Egad,” we said, and hauled the bike back to the Team CW garage, where, at the suggestion of Mr. Editor Edwards, Hough obtained parts and personally conducted repairs. Doing the work ourselves and living with the dented gas tank, scraped fork leg and bunged saddlebag, we shaved quite a bit from the original estimate.
Finally, the bike made right, we rode it. Right past its first service, scheduled for 3107 miles-that’s 5000 kilometers. Its clock now reads 4010 miles. We’ll get it serviced soon. We promise. With the wreck damage sorted, it at least runs and feels fine and is in great demand. And why not? It’s made it through Hell. Commuting ought to be easy.
List price (with bags):..............$8999
