Most motorcycle taxi operators use either the Honda Gold Wing motorcycle or the Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter as their main vehicle. But the Honda is very expensive to purchase, so the operators are always looking at alternatives. The new BMW K1600GTL was tested earlier this year (see related articles below), and now they tested the Victory 1700 as a possible candidate.
Here's a translation of what Christophe, a 7 year veteran motorcycle taxi rider, has to say.
First the "look". You either love it or hate it, but it never leaves you indifferent.
The first usage is a bit confusing, a different riding style than the Gold Wing. It's the Harley style, with your feet forward, arms high and sitting on your bum's bone. It'll be tiring on long runs. Afterwards, when you've come to grips with the bike, it's very nice to ride.
Watch out for the length (3 cm more than a "Gold"), and non-moveable mirrors which are part of the fairing. Ouch ouch ouch! Better not touch!
She weighs 20 kilos less than a "Gold", but the weight is better distributed (a center of gravity that is very low). I found the low speed maneuverability superior over the Gold Wing.
The engine is made by Polaris, you know, the quads and snowmobiles manufacturer. You'd expect it to vibrate a lot more, with the big bicylinder. Well, it's reasonable. However, the 6 speed gearbox can be heard clattering 100 meters away! Terrible! Well, some people like that. Cooling is by air and oil, so well heated during the winter, but you'll need air-conditioning during the summer!
It's not a jet-fighter with regards to acceleration, but still it's acceptable. There's enough reserve power to get out of difficult situations. Fuel consumption is very reasonable, 5 liters per 100 kms in mixed motorway/city usage (verified by the onboard computer).
The equipment is well provisioned, like the "Gold", and even has an electric windscreen. All instruments are lit up in blue, on the dashboard and along the fuel tank. It's a bit "bling-bling", but it's beautiful when riding in a tunnel. Good performance sound system, and connections for your iPod, etc.
The pillion/passenger backrest is a bit hard, hitting you when riding over potholes.
With regards to cargo capacity, ..... Sure you can take 2 helmets in the top case, but then you don't have any space for a bag for the client. Sidecase are of no use, except for rain clothes for example. The optional baggage rack is ridiculously small. You'll need to do some hacking to bring along the client's suitcase, which in any case will need to be placed very high. Not to good for wind resistance.
In summary, and this is my view, and only my view, a motorcycle that can be used as motorcycle taxi for those that would use it for tourists sightseeing or extra jobs.
A good way to have some fun for €23000, for those that want to be seen, You'll also need to see about the after sales service, since the dealer network is very limited (15 dealers in all of France).
| Read related articles | Thursday, May 5th, 2011 - BMW K1600GTL Motorcycle From A Professional Point Of View
Many reports/reviews have been written recently about the new BMW K1600GTL. Most were written by magazine/site reviewers, but this is the first review done by professional riders; a motorcycle taxi operator.
Motorcycle Taxi Operators favor the Honda Gold Wing due to its comfort and performance, so a comparison from a professional's point of view is essential. These riders ride some 400 kilometers every day on their motorcycle, and the passenger's comfort is essential to their business.
So how does the BMW stack up against the Honda? Read the report. | Saturday, March 19th, 2011 - Product Review: Parisian Motorcycle Taxi
Motorcycle Taxis are more and more popular in the big cities. To have a first person view, I sent my intrepid reporter, my wife, to try one out.
Here is her account. | Sunday, May 8th, 2011 - Cannes Film Festival Will See New Taxi Service Using Victory Motorcycles
A new motorcycle taxi service has started just in time for the famous Cannes Film Festival.
Every year, this film festival sees the very top of the A-list from Hollywood appearing, and going from party to party. To help them cut down in travel time, the new motorcycle taxi company, named ProtectDriver Services, will be riding the stars, starlets, directors and producers, plus any commoner, around on a Victory Vision motorcycle.
A bit unusual, but very fitting in Cannes. | Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 - French Motorcycle Taxi Uses Royal Enfield Motorcycle
A motorcycle taxi operator in the South of France is using an unusual motorcycle as his vehicle of choice: a Royal Enfield Bullet 500.
Go to your meeting in style... |
Via: Blog Taxi-Moto
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