Added a 2000 Jackal to the family

[blackbuell]

I brought home a 2000 Jackal from eastern Pennsylvania last weekend. Very unique bike that runs and handles very well. Here it is with its new sibs.

Jon

[Oxman]

I brought home a 2000 Jackal from eastern Pennsylvania last weekend. Very unique bike that runs and handles very well. Here it is with its new sibs.

Jon

Very nice line up .... i have a 2000 jackal as well and yes they are a rock solid bike .... its a keeper

[Orson]

too much coolness

 

[Hambonee]

too much coolness

 

LOVE the Jackal!!

[Rincewind]

Sweet Jackal.  There's one I wouldn't mind owning either!  

[Biking Sailor]

I'm looking forward to hearing your opinion of the Jackal after you have had it around for a while.  How does it compare to the Norge?  The Cali's I have ridden, just a couple, seemed very "agricultural" compared to the 1200 Sport (which is quite similar to your Norge) I was coming off of.  I bet this Jackal was well set up and I could see myself on one for long distance duty.  I'm real curious how much better yours handles, shifts... than the ones I rode.

If I got one, it would have to be very capable in the twisties (to offset my poor riding skills   ).

Oh, and I really like the paint scheme on the bike.  I bet it really pops in the bright sunlight.  

[blackbuell]

Biking Sailor,

I too have used the word "agricultural" when describing the Jackal; the motor runs a bit rougher than the one in the Norge, and there is a BIG difference in the shifting: long, hard throw on the Jackal. Overall, by comparison, the Norge seems very refined. However, the Jackal has better low-end pull, which is nice for the type of riding that I will be doing with it: local day-rides on twisty roads. The Jackal handles the twisties as well, if not better, than the Norge, as it has good ground clearance and feels very nimble. At low speeds, the Jackal is easier to handle than any bike I have ever owned.

The paint does look very nice in the sunlight; sparkles in a subtle way. However, it is by no means a pristine bike, as it has a few rusty spots that need some attention, and it weeps oil, so the engine and tranny look greasy.

I bought the bike as an inexpensive way of giving Moto Guzzi Californias a try; so far I like the concept.

I'll post an update about the bike after I put a few thousand more miles on it.

Jon

[blackbuell]

I've now put 2K miles on the Jackal, and am getting to know the bike fairly well.

It is not a typical cruiser, as it handles the twisty roads in KY very well; it does have good after-market shocks, which probably help.

I've already had a few minor issues with it: clutch cable snapped (bike came with a spare), a fuel leak developed, and the interval for checking valve clearance elapsed. The bike is very easy to work on. I had never done a valve clearance check on a Guzzi before myself--piece of cake on the Jackal. The other issues were easily resolved. I just wish the Norge was this easy to work on--damn body work is a PITA.

The bike is fine for 2-up duty, but not for more than 4-5 hours. My wife much prefers the Norge for long rides. I am OK on the Jackal for one-up all-day rides, but would be more comfortable on the Norge; the up-right, slightly-back position on the Jackal gets to the tailbone after several hours.

Overall, the I really like the bike; it complements VFR and the Norge quite well.


Jon

[Chronic]

I miss me Jackal

They really do work well in the twisities......... ur gonna surprise alot of the typical canyon carvers with it.

[sempervee]

 definitely one of the nicest Jackals I have seen....  Congrats !

[fastfreddy]

I miss my Jackal.

[Kraz]

 definitely one of the nicest Jackals I have seen....  Congrats !

QFT.    Love it!