Opinions on Motorcycles?

[Bodean]

Hello All,

I'm looking into buying a motorcycle, for convenience and economy.
For some reason I don't want a street bike because It's useless on trails.

So, I'm leaning towards the enduro/baja/dual sport with street tires genre.
I've been mainly looking at Honda's and KTM's.......


Any opinion on these dirt bikes? Or your favorite.


Oh yeah and I probably have 4 miles of experience. lol. Haha.
But seriously, I'm gonna buy one, I can't drive my truck anymore,
I just can't look a polar bear in the eye when I drive it.

[MasterBlaster]

Your membrane has gone insane.

[Skwerl]

The car behind you isn't going to be the one to get you. It will be the oncoming car turning left in front of you (or into you). 3 days ago I passed a motorcycle accident on the way to the grocery store. They had all three southbound lanes of 17-92 blocked off, which is unusual for your typical car crash. But now there's a small memorial on the side of the road with flowers, a cross and a motorcycle muffler.

I've considered a bike as well, but I'm old enough to appreciate my creature comforts like air conditioning and being able to hear the radio. The cost of the bike and insurance combined would be more than I spend on fuel for my 13 mpg pickup truck. I'd like to save money but I can't do it by spending money on a bike. Your commute is longer so maybe the numbers are different for you.

[squisher]

Some people love enduros, some consider them the worst of both worlds. When I road bikes I had a street bike and a dirt bike. Either one would kick ass on an enduro on their respective surfaces. Just my .02.

[stehansen]

That Polar Bear would slap your ass silly and have you for dinner.

[NeTree]

I've considered a bike as well, but I'm old enough to appreciate my creature comforts like air conditioning and being able to hear the radio.

That, my bro, is why I ride a Goldwing. ;)

4 speakers and a 10-disc Cd changer for the tunes, GPS, air ride, cruise control... it's like driving a caddy with two wheels. :D


Oh... and it eats up 600's like candy... and gets 50 MPG doing it :P

[NeTree]

And really, could you see my fat ass on anything smaller anyways?

:lol:

[Al Smith]

I'm just an old Harley rider .

[Koa Man]

I currently ride a souped up 88cc moped. I have owned fast bikes in the past, including a 1100cc Suzuki sportbike. 70 mph in 1st.

I personally don't like enduros for the street. The seat height is way high and it doesn't handle as well as a pure street bike but I have several friends who like enduros and one of them rides his to work 20 miles each way, everyday.

I plan to purchase a Suzuki Burgman in the near future. I love riding motorcycles. I got my motorcycle license in 1970.

[Bodean]

I guess I just want an enduro to have one motorcycle for everywhere.

One guy on my crew is like a chopper guy and another is the dirtbiker.

I'm still thinking........so for now I'm just looking for the coolest cheapest motorcycle I can find on craigslist..

[sotc]

ive thought about it to. mainly for those days where the weathers nice and i really dont need the truck. no worried about polar bear hype, i do think it would pencil out better than a small pick up and if not, hey i could get a dirt bike as a write off8)

[Bodean]

Exactly, Just for long distance bids 50 miles away, or going the now 7 mile commute to work everyday.

Or just going about across the seirras.

I never thought of it as a tax write off. I bet if I put a logo on it.

[sotc]

no need for a logo, just use it to bid and to save wear and tear on your more expensive equipment. not every business decision has to be a good one;)

[Old Monkey]

I think in my Honda Civic I come up to a polar bear's belly button. They have those right?

[fishhuntcutwood]

I like those BMW touring bikes. They're hard to come by, but I think they're pretty cool.

[OTGBOSTON]

I was very close to getting a roadbike. Then I met the one-legged frenchman. It wasn't his fault, and all he got was 20 grand. The lady that hit him had basic insurance......:(

not to be a downer or anything:|:

[woodworkingboy]

Sonoma County seems like a great place to ride a bike. Remember though, the population is aging, and peripheral vision decreases with age.

[Frans]

BMW nice bike. Might want to avoid driving during the commute hours until you have some experience tho

[Al Smith]

Most auto drivers are not looking out for a 'cycle ,they just don't see them for some reason . In my opinion this is the cause of most accidents .

I think that because the headlights are now tied into the ignitions and stay on all the time it may have lessened the amount of accidents .

I first learned to ride on a Harley ULH ,1937 80 cubic inch flathead engine ,tank shift .In an apple orchard believe it or not .14 years old at the time .

Early on in life I learned two things about a bike .First you don't stand a snowballs chance in hell against an automobile .Secondly and most important ,you have to be constantly on the alert and ride in a defense posture because the other guy is not watching out for you .

There is an old saying among bikers "don't ever ride so fast as to outrun your guardian angel .";) another "there are bold riders and old riders .There are no old bold riders "

[TC3]

You could check into taking a class, maybe ? Kristian took a class for his Buell and said it had a lot of good instruction. They were taught a lot of defensive maneuvers & what the machine could do / not do.

[DMc]

Hello All,

I'm looking into buying a motorcycle, for convenience and economy.
For some reason I don't want a street bike because It's useless on trails.


Bodean, From what you described my vote would go towards a dual sport. I can't believe how fun this little bike is to ride. Even though it has knobby tires, you can still scrape the foot pegs on the street. Runs like a clock and is super quiet and most guys are getting high 70s mileage wise.

Also don't forget when you purchase a bike for economy, you won't see the savings immediately because of the purchase price but you will instantly reduce your high consumption of fuel. Besides, they are fun!

Good luck, Dave

[treetx]

I would rather spend more and live longer.

But everyone has to weigh their own opportunity costs and risk tolerance. I would never ride a bike on the street but I love to fly a hangglider for hours, thousands of feet over the ground.

[sotc]

Sonoma County seems like a great place to ride a bike. Remember though, the population is aging, and peripheral vision decreases with age.

if hes only 7 miles from work he mustve moved to marin county and not updated, the slacker:D id hate to ride down there but i see the advantages. anytime im there they go squeeking between cars when the lights are red

[blue]

i used a to have a Yamaha WR400 enduro bike that i used for commuting and off road,26mile round trip each day and no problems.
Only thing is enduro bikes have tiny tanks so i had a 13litre aftermarket tank, the other thing is that proper off road tyres do not last long at all on tarmac especially when you give it some from every standing start:) . The only thing that annoyed me was top speed was only around 65-70mph but it did get there pretty damn quick and on 1 wheel mostly:0:0

[sawinredneck]

I've ridden the Enduro's, I like the seat height and the steering angle myself. But that was an NX 650 and I am 6'.

Take the class. Really, if you are even remotely interested. The fact you don't have bad habits now wil benefit you in the class. Then you will have a license and you can test ride different bikes to se what you like.
I have eight buddies with bikes, they let me ride all of them, thats how I fel in love with the Shadow 1100:P

But I think my bike days are over. Never even got to own one:cry: The buddy with the Shadow had a car pull out in front of him. Then seeing what they did slamed on the brakes to mae sure he was ok? He had to lay it over and skid into the back of the car.
Another buddy lost a buddy a week ago. Sitting at a red light, drunk came up from behind and ran right over the top of him as he ran the red light! Rolled on down the road and stopped at the next bar!

[lumberjack]

A Civic or other small car wouldn't be as cool as a bike, but you get the advantage of AC/heat, all weather comfort, similar milage, and more safety.

I was going through the same ideas when I rolled the Jeep. I'm still happy with my Civic nearly 20k miles and 10 months later.

[MasterBlaster]

I want a Mini Cooper!!!

[DMc]

Here's my thoughts on the dangers of motorcycle riding.

First off, I believe everyone should be required to learn to ride a motorcycle prior to operating a motor vehicle. Six months of mandatory motorcycle riding will weed out the stupid and inattentive. That's the first cut.

Next, all vehicle operators with a DUI or a violation that may be classified as due to inattentiveness, should have their motor vehicle taken away but be allowed to fulfill their personal driving priviledges via a motorcycle. That will be the second cut.

Thirdly, motorcycle riders MUST understand that helmets and protective gear are not armor and the only thing that will truly keep you safe is having a strong preservation instinct and situational awareness.

You may have the right of way, but so what. A car will win every time.

Dave

[Paul B]

just as a retort to MB's post, not trying to derail.
How about the AC Schnitzer Cooper S? 222HP 245lb/ft torque ....
http://drive-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ac_schnitzer_r56_mini_cooper_s_3.jpg

[MasterBlaster]

Those 'lil bastards haul ass!

[Paul B]

unt handle like zee gokarts......

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[Greenhorn]

Dual sports do both, but neither very well. But they are fun.

I have a sv650, I 've had alot of bikes and this one is the most fun commuter by far.

[Dave Shepard]

I had a '96 Suzuki DR650. A great bike. I'd go out after work every night and put on about 100 miles. I'd like another. Don't skimp on cc's, you want enough zip to zip outta the way.;)


I like the Coopers, but I'll take this Smart:

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Dave

[BlackSmith]

just as a retort to MB's post, not trying to derail.
How about the AC Schnitzer Cooper S? 222HP 245lb/ft torque ....
http://drive-line.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/ac_schnitzer_r56_mini_cooper_s_3.jpg


is there a diesel version..?

[Dave Shepard]

No diesel in the U.S., same for the Smart. :what:


Dave

[Hobby Climber]

Deva,


A dual sport bike eh???

I was in the same situation as you some years back. My only problem is that I'm a big guy and 6'4" tall. Fit IS very important on a bike! I can't stress that enough!!!

Tires are the other major choice you'll need to make for the type of ridding you do!

When going from point A to point B...be on the lookout for that guy who is going to KILL YOU! He's out there and is waiting for you to let your guard down!!!

Take nothing for granted, your a sitting duck in an accident and most bike ridders don't make it. Those who do, well the majority are not the same as they were before the accident!

Bikes are good on gas & fun to ride. But don't forget ALL your safety gear because thats all thats protecting you from a bad case of road-rash!

In my "day job" I see my share of accidents. One that sticks out was a rider who was cut in half after he struck the A-frame of a SUV. The last thing going through his mind was his nose!!! As for the bike, there was no part of the bike that weighed over 5 lbs.

SPEED KILLS...think of natural selection and all them fools that get weeded out for doing stupid things.

*


I ride and dicided on a Duel Sport for myself. I bought a KLR 650 and like it for a to work & back bike.

Its not a Hwy bike at all. I changed the front sprocket & tires from stock to get better millage & a smoother ride as well as an ATV seat pad for comfort!

If I were looking for a bike that will take the Hwy without any problems and will be Ok on the fire roads 10% of the time, I look into the "Suzuki V-Strom" (650cc or 1000cc).

You can do lots to make a bike fit you with all the aftermarket options. Depends on how deep your pockets are.

The KLR650 is a single cylinder thumper and is excelent on gas! My bike gets over 460kms on primary take and well over 500+kms with reserve!!!:D


-The first pic below is my KLR 650 with tank bag and back-pack on the rear.

-The second pic is of my friends Suzuki V-Strom DL1000. I like his bike, its an "Adventure Touring" style bike meaning you sit more upright than most bikes making this bike a bit easier to handle.

The KLR is more off-road orientated but can be altered (like mine) to handle the street better. The V-Strom prefers the street over dirt but isn't afraid of getting dirty!

Check out both bikes on the web for more info.


Bob

[Hobby Climber]

Forgot to mention, check out both bike on e-bay. Some good deals to be had there.

For the money though and the over 500kms per tank, ya just cant beat a KLR-650!!!

[sawinredneck]

No diesel in the U.S., same for the Smart. :what:


Dave

There is nothing "Smart" left in that car:lol: Some numbskulls from Poland I believe, have been building these things. Gut the car, pull the passanger seat and transplant a CBRR1000 (R1) motor and tranny in them. STUPID FAST!!!

I SOOOOOO WANT ONE!!!!:lol:

[stehansen]

Deva did you move to the city? Or are you refering to your drive to the bus.

[Dave Shepard]

That one's got a 1300 cc Hyabusa engine in it.:D

For what you want to do, a dual sport will fill the bill, not great at either, but will do either,

Dave

[No_Bivy]

Ducati super moto......

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[No_Bivy]

no question....i want one:|:

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[Thor's Hammer]

no question....i want one:|:

<>

Me Too!:|:

[TheTreeWiseMen]

Me three, but I couldn't see me having a driving liscense for much longer if I got one. :whine: Back in the day, I had one of these.....

[gf beranek]

Bikes are cool, I've had quite a few over the years. Scramblers, light street and the grand ol 74 hog. My fav though was the Norton Commandos. Had two them. The coastal and rural county roads are just so much fun to tour on two wheels.

Rode for over 20 years and was lucky to never sustain a major injury. Though had to put a couple of bikes on their side to avoid a direct hit. I learned you have to expect that everyone else on the road doesn't see you. Keep the speed down and ride defensively.

[MasterBlaster]

Did it look like this? :evil:

http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/MC_Blog/CNW3.jpg

[gf beranek]

Yeah, but all black. Including the chrome. I have a pic of it. I'll have to do some searching to find it.

[TheTreeWiseMen]

The Norton Commander was a particularly fine example of British engineering at it's best. IMHO of course. ;)

[gf beranek]

In 1969 the Commando was the first Limey motorcycle to isolate the engine and tranny in rubber mounts. Called, Isolastic Suspension. As done in latter years with the chainsaws. Thus greatly reducing the vibration and making extended riding more enjoyable.

I rode a BSA 750 Thunderbolt from Syracuse New York to Miami Beach in 3 days and the vibration of that machine made my hands and butt numb for weeks afterwards. Never, never again!

[TheTreeWiseMen]

There was this too.....The Triton, a 'featherbed' Norton frame coupled with a Triumph engine. 'Cuse to Miami Beach in 3 days on a 'bone rattling' BSA? You da man!!

[Thor's Hammer]

Or there was the Daddy - the NORVIN
Vincent Black shadow 1000cc Vtwin in a Norton featherbed frame...
http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Hybrid%20Bikes/images/Norvin(2)-4.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2558746619_e5009665dc.jpg?v=0
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_8Fz0rdM-9mY/RpsXTuDZ81I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/9433Cag8aMc/IMG_0797.JPG

[gf beranek]

What a beauty. The Norton styling was impeccable.

[Al Smith]

That thing came to being by a fluke .Vincent had a transperancey of a 500 cc single and while doodling at his desk placed the transperancy over a print and saw it would work as a twin . A legend is born . Trivia 101 .

I do believe you can still buy a Vincent engine but the price is rather steep .

Once about 1966 I saw a Black Shadow run at Pinces drag strip in Sidney Ohio .It hit close to 150 terminal and was misfiring the whole time . It literally left the Harley it was running against in the dust .

[Bodean]

Awesome info, thank you all, keep it coming.

Yes, I moved to the Sunset in the City.

[brendonv]

Totally oppisite of what your looking for, but worth a pic....I have been rocking a Tomos, 100+mpg, 40mph, complete with my custom touch.....50 cal. ammo can saddle bags.

[Hobby Climber]

:lol:

[lumberjack]

Hahaha I liked the huge chrome pipe/expansion chamber/can getup.

[No_Bivy]

Likor' Cykle:lol:

[Skwerl]

Sorry Brendon, but this is the first thing I thought of.. :/:

http://n1.cdn.spikedhumor.com/1/318000/62978_theyhatin_vw.jpg

[MasterBlaster]

THat's a fricking birth defect, Brian.

What's your point? I think I'm missing it. :what:

[Hobby Climber]

Instead of a motorcycle...



















































...there are other options!:P

[MasterBlaster]

Maybe 20 years ago.

[NeTree]

LOL Skwerl.

I got it.

[brendonv]

Haha, thought you might think its funny. People break there necks when I roll by. :D:D

[Reddog]

Deva,
Look at the Husky's also. I like mine.
Also the little Yamaha TW is fun for looking around.

[Hobby Climber]

Deva,

www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=221


Also, check out "KLR 650" on YouTube!!!

Even the US Marines use the KLR 650 so that tells you its one tough bike.


HC

[Al Smith]

Totally oppisite of what your looking for, but worth a pic....I have been rocking a Tomos, 100+mpg, 40mph, complete with my custom touch.....50 cal. ammo can saddle bags. Mopeds and fat girls are a lot alike . Fun ride if your buddies don't see you .:P

[sotc]

haha brendan, show that again when you mount the .50 on the back:lol:

[Will]

get one of these!

[Thor's Hammer]

Sunbeam?

[Tzed250]

This is my bike...I've been riding for almost thirty years now and I still love it. West Virginia is a great place to own a motorcycle. The pic was taken at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Greenbank, WV with the worlds largest steerable radio telescope in the background.

[woodworkingboy]

This was my bike :(

[Skwerl]

Jay, that looks slightly newer than the old Kawasaki that belonged to my grandfather. My dad brought it home when Grandpa died about 35 years ago and it's been sitting there ever since. Maybe one day I'll get a chance to restore it after my old man kicks off.

Deva, did you ever get a bike? 8)

[brendonv]

WWB, that thing is sweet.

[woodworkingboy]

Skwerl, big Kawasaki classic bike enthusiasts club here. You could be the foreign member, but they would be continually bugging you to find parts over there.

Thanks brendon...305 scrambler.

[CurSedVoyce]

Thats sweet Jay.... Old school fur sure :D

[sawinredneck]

I REALLY REALLY wanted one!! For a lot of reasons!!
After burying two freinds, and helping anothe haul his wrecked (the beatiful 1300 Shadow that I loved) bike home. All due to stupid people, I conceded!!!
One was killed sitting at a stop light, a drunk ran right over the top of him as he ran the red light. One died when a car pulled out in front of him and he T-boned it. Both DOA.
The other buddy had a car pul out in front of him, then seeing what they did slammed on the brakes to make sure he was alright!! He had to lay it over and slide it under the car. A few scrapes but he walked away.
They have lost fascination with me.

[MasterBlaster]

I would never use a bike as my major form of transportation, for sure. Strictly an occasional driver.

[Hobby Climber]

I bought a bike 3 years ago. First year I never rode it but took the motorcycle course to get a better insurance rate.

Two years ago I put it on the road and all went very well until the fall. Another vehicle went the wrong way down a one way and forced me to lay the bike down.

She was found 100% at fault and the insurance company gave me money to replace the bike. Bought the same modle but it was 4 years newer & with less time on it.

The reason I got it in the first place was to save money with th high gas prices and for fun! The bike gets over 500km on a full take!!! :D Ya gotta love them big single thumpers!

2004 KLR-650 Duel-Sport,


HC

[woodworkingboy]

I remember when they introduced helmet law in California. The Hell's Angels, Satan's Slaves, etc....all the outlaw bikers really pissed and moaned about it. Used to haul azz down the freeway on my bike not wearing a helmet...didn't even think about it in those days.

[CurSedVoyce]

Helmet law??? Well don't look at todays work pics Jay ... LOL

[Bodean]

Well, Just to give a tiny update.

I've signed up for a class on 1/28.
That's five hours of classroom instruction,

Then 12 hours over the course of two days riding around on the course.

Pretty cool, the class gives a discount on insurance as well as takes the place of the driving portion of the DMV motorcycle test.

[FJR]

That's really cool, we have similar classes offered here. I never took one but it wouldn't hurt to try and lower my insurance that's $1200 bucks a year! Oy Vey

[NeTree]

Holy Shit!

Bike insurance here is a flat rate... $214 for the year.

[TreeDimensional]

I'm on my fourth bike! I sold my '79 GL1000 (14000 miles) 2 years ago and felt like a boob, so for my 50th b'day present I bought myself a Suzuki Katana 750 ('02).

Hmmm! It's been a LONG time since I have been concerned with opening up the throttle on something. It will definatley get your pulse up!

It is mandatory here to wear a helmet, but only a fool likes grasshopper stuck to their teeth!:P And at least if the big one happens the odds are better of having a good looking face on the corpse!

Ah, crud I just remembered I'm talkin' with a bunch of tree guys. We're NOT pretty, we're tough!

[TreeDimensional]

Opps forgot the pic!

[DMc]

Nice ride for your open country. I think you once said something to the effect that it was so flat there when your dog ran away it took three days for you to lose sight of him. :O

By the way, welcome to the House.

Dave

[Skwerl]

:lol: Good one, Dave!

[TreeDimensional]

LOL, I did say that, and not only to Dave, I speak the truth! Yup at 250km/hr things just seem to blur. I guess I AM getting old.:?

[Cobleskill]

I have been a bit over 100 on a bike. It was fast enough for me then and too fast now. Up to 85 once in a while.

[hmm]

I remember when.

My last bike was a 1971 sportster, black. it would take a wrench each trip to keep the nuts and bolts tight.

my best bike was a 1973 honda 500. now that bike was nice.

now I am just a passenger.

more fun on the back.

hmm

also to costly to own and insure a bike (for me)

[Big A]

Had bikes from my teens till nearly 40, lost several good friends on them too. Last was an XS1.1 Yammy, solo seat, shortened rails, 4:1 zorst baffled with VW, twin spots matt black/dirt, Vincent rear light, handled like a pig on any thing other than straight roads, quality ratter. Also had the GPz750, Suzuki GT750 (kettle cos it used to boil up!!) Honda 400N with sidecar, and too many other heaps of crap.

[squisher]

A good friend of mine had a katana just like yours, I rode it numerous times. A real nice bike. I only took it to 220km/h but I am in BC ya gotta be on it to get up to those speeds around here.

Good luck with your upcoming course Deva. 8)

[treetx]

http://www.bdmotorcyclehearse.com/

[Bodean]

I think I may buy this one on Sunday.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/993355177.html

[squisher]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Dual sport, worst of both worlds.:D

Ahhh, if you buy it Deva I wish you the best of luck with it. Just please, please, hop many a curb and bust out massive catwalks at a moments notice.

[Tzed250]

I think I may buy this one on Sunday.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/mcy/993355177.html

Careful. If the owner didn't install a cush drive rear hub XR400s ridden on pavement are known for transmission failure.

[Bodean]

I'll keep you updated,
Cause I just bought it.

So much fun, I had a blast in the compost yard for about a half hour.

No key required though, oh well.
I'm keeping it at the tree shop before I get a chain for the
powerpole out front and a disc brake lock thingy. and I guess a helmet too.

The guy said it'll do 80 on the freeway no problem, larger sprokets.

Came with extra brake pads, tons of maintenance equip, the shop manual.
He's maintained it religiously, and the guy before was a moto mech in san diego.

Anyhoo, I'm stoked.

[brendonv]

Congrats!

Maybe a locking gas cap if your keeping it where it can be tampered.

[Skwerl]

Congrats Deva! Sounds like a blast. :D

[Bodean]

Thanks guys,
I've had a smile on my face since I rode it.

So stoked.

[Dave Shepard]

I want my DR 650 back. Always leave a lot of room in front of you at stop lights, that way if you have to escape, you aren't up the ass of the car in front of you.

[Bodean]

F$$king rode my bike home today from the tree shop, so much fun.

Went down great highway, watched the sunset on the surf from two wheels.

Haha. I'm getting street tires though.
Some pretty big knobs on those tires right now.
So I think I'm going to get it into the motoshop for street tires
and rewire the blinkers, brake light and horn so they work.

Passed my 15 hours of instruction and my drive test and written test.

Anyway, hoping not to be a statistic anytime soon.

[squisher]

Cool man! leave those knobby's on and hit up the beach.8)

[sotc]

cool deva!

[Hobby Climber]

So... Lets see some Pics already!!! 8)

[Buzz]

Here's my little baby :)

2006 Yamaha R6 - 17500 RPM redline !

[JamesTX]

That's a nice looking bike.

[FJR]

Nice Buzz. I always wanted an R6 when i was growing up. I've had to have a bunch of knee surgeries, and because of that my knees will not bend for enough to ride one. I cant even get my feet back to the pegs. So I had to get something different.

Its so damn cold so she is hibernating right now.

Edit: Not sure why my jeans turned out red in the photo.. yikes!

[MasterBlaster]

Wow, is that a hardtail?

[FJR]

Yeah. That pic was taken when I cracked my exhaust in half.

[MasterBlaster]

I can't imagine (or maybe I can!) how the ride would be. It sure looks nice, though.

[FJR]

Sorry for the repost.

I'm getting it out of the way while I'm young MB, don't think my back will handle it when I get older. Motorboatin' around in town is fine and dandy, but when you hit a bump at 100+ its a whole 'nother story.

[MasterBlaster]

They make awesome suspension systems that come pretty damn close to the cool, ass-dragging look of a true hardtail. Ever thought about something like that?

[FJR]

Like this?

http://www.redneckengineering.com/goodwin%20009.jpg

This a hidden shock. They are bad ass too, they just cost more money.

[MasterBlaster]

For sure, something like that. I like bikes that look like they're missing parts.

[brendonv]

Ever see Indian Larry's bikes Butch?

IMO those things are badass.

[MasterBlaster]

Yes, I've watched all that stuff. He was the one that died from cancer.

[brendonv]

IIRC he fell off his bike doing one of his infamous stunts he's done a hundred times. He would stand on the seat with no hands, fell and hit his head. I beleive it was during one of those biker build off shows.

[Paul B]

Yup, head trauma.
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[MasterBlaster]

Ahhh. I stand corrected!

[Paul B]

no worries Boss, not trying to belittle you!

[MasterBlaster]

http://planetsuzy.org/images/smilies/needhug.gif

[sotc]

http://www.thegamegallery.com/catalog/cardboard/pics/SU-439.jpg

[JamesTX]

Crazy Japanese

[MasterBlaster]

You got THAT right!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Motorcycle_Tow_Truck_4.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Motorcycle_Tow_Truck_3.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Motorcycle_Tow_Truck_2.jpg

[Al Smith]

Indian Larry was a true old school chopper builder .Built those spine breaking hardtails literally out of junk ,one at a time .

Some of them like Orange County choppers just basically assemble them from components .Either readily available or custom built to specs .

Not old Larry ,those were one of a kind . I know some bikers that had met him while he was still among the living and I guess he was a pretty cool guy .

My days of the choppers are done ,been down that road .If I ever get another it most likely will be a big old Harley ,dressed to the nines .Air ride ,stereo , all the bells and whistles .---Funny how ones tastes change with a few decades under your belt .;)

[olyman]

Indian Larry was a true old school chopper builder .Built those spine breaking hardtails literally out of junk ,one at a time .

Some of them like Orange County choppers just basically assemble them from components .Either readily available or custom built to specs .

Not old Larry ,those were one of a kind . I know some bikers that had met him while he was still among the living and I guess he was a pretty cool guy .

My days of the choppers are done ,been down that road .If I ever get another it most likely will be a big old Harley ,dressed to the nines .Air ride ,stereo , all the bells and whistles .---Funny how ones tastes change with a few decades under your belt .;)

a few decades--and lots of bruises, and breaks, and tired joints---!!!!

[Bodean]

Man I've been riding around having so much fun.

Here in San Francisco, you really have to pay attention with traffic.

It's a good time for sure, I haven't taken any pictures yet. Soon......

Motorcycle mechanics are expensive.
He said those blinkers were useless anyway.


So I got a brake light and headlight.
The horn is a bit of a joke.

[Bodean]

So, as this blog continues.

Sunday night I was coming back from a friends's house in the rain.
That sunday we had rolling traffic stops on 101 I wrecked a good sized euc over the freeway.
Coming home in the dark raining, I hit a dark turn and went over a steel plate in the road. With this guy tailgating me.
Needless to say when I cornered I accelerated and washed the rear end.
I got it back upright before I realized I was heading for the Range Rover so I laid it down and dumped it into this Range Rovers tire.
Only broke the clutch and frontbrake levers off, walked the bike home.

Crazy black and blue on my right foot.
But I can work on it now.

Fixed the bike and rode yesterday and today, still wet but not raining.

Motos in the rain suck, the streaked face shield kinda jacks my scene.
Still having fun.

I think of it as a safe educational crash.
A learning if you will.

[MasterBlaster]

You biker types are badasses. :drink:

[Dave Shepard]

Glad to hear you walked away. I, too, had an educational crash. I came over a hill and the road was wet, and the backend went right out from under me. I'd like another dual sport, but....

[Hobby Climber]

A friend of mine who has been rideing since the early 70's offered this advise to me when I first got my motorcycle licened:

He said that while rideing from point "A" to point "B", my number one job is to look for the guy who is out to get me once I let my guard down!

In other words, stay allert so you can recognize & locate trouble before trouble finds you! :/: ;)

HC

[wll]

call me crazy but i still like trikes 8) got to go we got trees on houses;)

[Bodean]

Figured I keep it topical......
My friend I work with won this bike on a raffle with 25 dollars in tickets.

Custom Panhead built by the National Moto Mueseum in Iowa.
The motor is stamped number nine. J0000000009. 9th panhead motor ever.
I just got back from seeing it at his place.
He went to fire it up and the builders put the battery on backwards, fried the Positive post.

Anyway, It's pretty.


And a few pictures of mine...
and one of how beautiful today was.

[Hobby Climber]

Very Cool!!! 8)

[CurSedVoyce]

Sweet:thumbup:

[MasterBlaster]

He is one lucky sumbeech!

[Hobby Climber]

As I mentioned earlier in this post, I ride a KLR650 (duel sport) and am happy with it to get me to & from work. Not to mentioned the weekend spin arount the county now & then. Thing is , its just not a highway bike...at all!!!

Was in one of our local bike shope buying a new helmet the other day & the sales person asked if I was looking at getting a new bike. I said I liked to get into something that will handle the highways on weekend getaways but the problem is Im a tall rider. I mentioned I liked the V-Strom DL1000 and the sales person asked if i looked at a FJR!

Never heard of a FJR before and as luck would have it, there were non on the show room floor to view! :what:

I started looking up the Yamaha FJRs on the internet and have to say...I like what I see so far!!! Leaning tward the FJR1300A or standard version.

Now if I can ever get to see one up close...I might just be motivated to breaking the Piggy Bank!


...Have a look at this sleek machine (Yamaha FJR1300) & maybe look it up on YouTube as well.


Man I hope I this bike fits me! 8)


HC

[Bodean]

That thing looks like a scud missile, I bet it's fast.

[Hobby Climber]

That thing looks like a scud missile, I bet it's fast.

-------------------------


I'm not a speed freak by any streatch...just need the leg room but ya, its a good looking machine. Lets just hope I don't look like a circus clown sitting on one!


Here's a pic of the FJR1300 without the bags.

HC

[Dave Shepard]

What does that have for a motor? Looks pretty sweet. I was looking at the ST1300 last time I was at the shop. Must think of other things.:lol:

[sotc]

wow deva, glad you didnt get hurt, my buddy laid one down real slow a couple years ago and broke his ankle. be safe

[Hobby Climber]

What does that have for a motor? Looks pretty sweet. I was looking at the ST1300 last time I was at the shop. Must think of other things.:lol:

---------


Dave,



The Yamaha FJR1300A has a 1298cc liquid cooled inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16valve motor.

For more specs search the internet for both 2009 models:

FJR 1300 A
FJR 1300 AE (no clutch leaver)

Do have a look at the FJR on YouTube. ;)



Bob

[Tzed250]

FJR is the gold standard sport-tourer.

[Hobby Climber]

I'm just wondering if there will be enough room between the foot pegs and the seat for my long legs! Thats my number one problem with bikes...leg comfort!

[Treevet]

Enjoyed all the talk and pictures of bikes. Might as well put a pict of mine up.

[Skwerl]

Damn, that thing looks like it would get you a speeding ticket when it's parked! :O

[hmm]

i just want to be the back seat warmer..

i have that been there done that feeling about bikes. my last one was a 1971 sportster.

[Treevet]

I passed a cop on a bend in the medium once standing there with a radar gun pointed at me when I came around a bend at 120 and he smiled and waved at me. Last week I had just cracked 110 and there was a cop in the medium in the car and he was pointed the other way and I guess couldn't pick up my direction. I got more stories like hitting a deer at 60 and not falling off. I sometimes think it has some magic in it.

[Treevet]

i just want to be the back seat warmer..

i have that been there done that feeling about bikes. my last one was a 1971 sportster.

the plastic comes of the back of my seat and you can warm it up anytime.

[Hobby Climber]

Had my KLR out three times in the last two weeks. Took it to work today,(1/2 hr drive).

Three deer crossed the road in front of me in the morning and on the way home, I just missed hitting a hawk that flew up from a road kill.

Sure glad I bought a full face helmet last month!

*

Got thinking about my next bike, was leaning tward a FJR but I think its gonna be a Suz V-Strom DL1000.

Reason: Its more my style of bike and all I'll ever need.

HC


.

[Treevet]

Had my KLR out three times in the last two weeks. Took it to work today,(1/2 hr drive).

Three deer crossed the road in front of me in the morning and on the way home, I just missed hitting a hawk that flew up from a road kill.

Sure glad I bought a full face helmet last month!

*

Got thinking about my next bike, was leaning tward a FJR but I think its gonna be a Suz V-Strom DL1000.

Reason: Its more my style of bike and all I'll ever need.

HC


.

I had a KLR 650 little over 10 years ago. What a comfortable ride. Problem I had was I thought it was ok to take anywhere off road and kept hurting my back trying to keep it up when it was going over. Pretty heavy for off the road stuff.

Got any picts?

[Hobby Climber]

I had a KLR 650 little over 10 years ago. What a comfortable ride. Problem I had was I thought it was ok to take anywhere off road and kept hurting my back trying to keep it up when it was going over. Pretty heavy for off the road stuff.

Got any picts?
------------------

No current pic of my KLR but I'll work on it and post some later. Have to admit, the KLR is a jack of all trades but master of nothing kinda bike.

I have it set up for Hwy driving with a larger front sprocker that droped the rpm's by 500. Also installed Avon Distanzi (street) tires. The bike will go all day at 90kms but earlier today I put over 150kms on it an was cruzing around 100km @hr most the time with no problems.


*


Here is a pic of the Suz V-Strom DL1000 I'm now looking at...

HC

[Treevet]

------------------

No current pic of my KLR but I'll work on it and post some later. Have to admit, the KLR is a jack of all trades but master of nothing kinda bike.

I have it set up for Hwy driving with a larger front sprocker that droped the rpm's by 500. Also installed Avon Distanzi (street) tires. The bike will go all day at 90kms but earlier today I put over 150kms on it an was cruzing around 100km @hr most the time with no problems.


*


Here is a pic of the Suz V-Strom DL1000 I'm now looking at...

HC I'd keep the KLR is you can afford to and the space. I wish I did. :cry:

[Hobby Climber]

On what I saved on gas with the KLR, its payed for my MC course, insureance, and part of the bike the first year ridding! Half dozen or so tree jobs and the bike was paid in full.

Yes, I'll be keeping it regardless if I get another! I'd likely take it up north small game hunting in September. Will have to re-change gearing and replace the street tires with off-roads though. Miles & miles of trails up there and that bike would be perfect.8)


A friend of mine in Oshawa (just north of Toronto), has a V-strom dl1000 and is thinking about selling. I'll be calling him this weekend and make an offer, we'll see if he bites. His is a 2004 bought new in '05 with between 16 -18000kms on it. Has lots of addons and luggage in matching colors. Bikes in mint shape and well taken care of. I'll let you know what he says after we talk.


HC

[Treevet]

On what I saved on gas with the KLR, its payed for my MC course, insureance, and part of the bike the first year ridding! Half dozen or so tree jobs and the bike was paid in full.

Yes, I'll be keeping it regardless if I get another! I'd likely take it up north small game hunting in September. Will have to re-change gearing and replace the street tires with off-roads though. Miles & miles of trails up there and that bike would be perfect.8)


A friend of mine in Oshawa (just north of Toronto), has a V-strom dl1000 and is thinking about selling. I'll be calling him this weekend and make an offer, we'll see if he bites. His is a 2004 bought new in '05 with between 16 -18000kms on it. Has lots of addons and luggage in matching colors. Bikes in mint shape and well taken care of. I'll let you know what he says after we talk.


HC

Sounds like a great bike and some nice riding up there. I used to live in a little town called Bridgenorth and graduated from high school in Peterborough, Ontario.

We have some great riding around here. I can go over the Ohio River and ride Rt. 10 for a hundred miles of curvy scenic hilly lightly traveled roads on a Sunday morning and not see the same spot twice. It is like a playground for street bikes.

[Bodean]

man all that double quoting is gonna peeve the hell outta Butch's pet.

I'm lovin my bike, rain, mist or sun. Great fun.

[MasterBlaster]

Nah, I'm past all that.

[Treevet]

man all that double quoting is gonna peeve the hell outta Butch's pet.

I'm lovin my bike, rain, mist or sun. Great fun.

I can lost that habit. Just seems when I straight reply bout 4 or 5 posts are between and my post makes less sense than usual. You got it tho. I am easy to get along with (after this post I guess)

[Bodean]

Ha ha, I don't care man, I was just poking you with a stick.

[MasterBlaster]

As long as it ain't the shitty end! :lol:

[Bodean]

Went on a long ride to Alice's Diner. Woodside, pretty good breakfast.
Must have been at least 150 bikes there, pretty cool.

Went with a friend and a bunch of his friends, maybe 7 of us starting out.
2 Choppers, 2 sweet Ducati's, BMW, some honda street bike and my little thumper.

I definetly don't dress like a biker.

Super fun bike ride in the curvy forest,
though the interstate I was the bogger.

Split lanes for miles, traffic was at a stand still along the beach.
the sand that blew off the ocean accumulates in the center line rutted area, made it fun.

Anyway, now I'm doing laundry.

[Skwerl]

You mean the 'Alice's Restaurant' Arlo Guthrie's song?
I love road trips. Glad you're enjoying the new ride. :)

[NeTree]

Demo'd a Spyder today.

Not bad.... not bad at all....

[Bodean]

I think I want some kinda urban assault ducati.

No Idea, Brian.
I never heard an Arlo Guthrie song,
Funny though, I have quite a bit of the Woody Guthrie collection.

May skip a generation.

[Bodean]

Maybe some day I can harness the power of the 1100.

[Dave Shepard]

Arlo's "Hippie Church" is five miles from my house, and a 1/4 mile from my workplace. I did a couple of perc tests on his land a few years ago. Cool dude for sure. I think the original Alice's was in Stockbridge MA, or not too far away, certainly within 20 minutes of my house.

[Skwerl]

It's a long one, Deva. It gets played on the radio (a lot) every Thanksgiving. :)

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[Bodean]

In all honesty I listened to the whole thing.

[MasterBlaster]

It was a great song, and a cool movie.

[sotc]

kill kill kill!

[Cobleskill]

I confess. I put that 8x10 glossy photo under that pile of garbage.

[rumination]

Alice's Restaurant is classic.

[Skwerl]

A classic derail, perfectly executed. :P

[rumination]

Haha. Here's another Arlo song to get the thread back on track.

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[Bodean]

ha!

[Skwerl]

Good one, Leon. :D

[PCTREE]

Think I might have to pull my 2000 Buell lightening out of the shed and see what it takes to get her back on the road. Shes been parked for 5 years+ since I got popped for 57 in a 25. Lost my license and business insurance.. Boy that was a bad day. But WTF Im all growed up now:D

[Bodean]

atta Boy.

[OTGBOSTON]

. I think the original Alice's was in Stockbridge MA,.

Its still there, next to the Red Lion Inn. :D

[Hobby Climber]

A nice find...maybe.

Anyone ever have own a BMW R1200GS? I like this bike but in the "Adventure" version because it has a taller seat height.

[Dave Shepard]

Wow, that looks like my next bike! I just have to wait until it's 15 years old so it's in my price range.:/: I'd be happy with another DR650, or XR650. I don't know if I'd want a 1200 or not for my riding. A friend has a single cylinder BMW, I think it's an F750 or something like that. That would do me fine.:D

[Buzz]

Here's my new ride, i swopped the R6 for it as i want to go touring later in the Summer.

I also looked at the Triumph Tiger and the Beemer above but way to much pennies for me.

[TheTreeWiseMen]

Nice bike Matt!!!

[Hobby Climber]

Cool ride! I like how there is only one swing arm on the rear wheel!!!

Yes the BMW are a lot of $$$ but I have no problem with a used...if I can fine a good one.

The one I have pictured above turned out to be a scame, when I ran the bikes VIN#, it shows its been ran by a number of other police agencies all across Canada within the last 48hrs.

Like the old saying... "If its to good to be true..." bla bla bla!!!


HC

[Buzz]

Nice bike Matt!!!


Cheers Rob, It's a weird looker from the front but i dig it lol :D

Got a album on facebook mate..

Yeah single sided swingarm looks pretty cool to me, not sure who easy chain adjustment is going to be though !!

[blue]

not sure who easy chain adjustment is going to be though !!

Should be a piece of piss Matt, on an eccentric cam?;)

[MasterBlaster]

Got a album on facebook mate..

I'm new to sussing that out. Here's me! (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/s.php?init=q&q=boyd%20butch%20ballowe&ref=ts&sid=0fdb9a7d948586937d0d2766a01da246)

Where are you? I need more friendz! 8)

[Buzz]

Done it Butch plus a few suggestions ;)

[MasterBlaster]

Suggestions? :?

[Buzz]

Friend suggestions...

[MasterBlaster]

Where are these suggestions?

[Buzz]

Should be top right or at least off to the right on your facebook homepage.

[MasterBlaster]

You mean adding all those people as friends? I did all the ones I recognized, but most of them I don't know at all.

[Buzz]

Yeah just do the ones you know mate, as some are auto suggested and will be for instance friends of friends you've never heard of lol