Motorcycle & Scooter
Related: About this forumSo, what do you ride?
Since no one else has bothered, I'll be a host for a while. And a good host passes out the beer and makes sure people start talking.
So here's this:
Now, introduce yourself and let us know what you ride!
Me, I'm (cough) between bikes until I can afford the time to heal up from falling over. But my last motorbike was this old KTM:
"It's only as cold as you feel!"
(If anyone else wants to be a host, let me know. )
SeattleVet
(5,582 posts)it's hard on the bike *and* the rider.
My ride's a 2004 Moto Guzzi Stone Touring.
Robb
(39,665 posts)Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)Affectionately known as "the sewage pump" in Germany.. The odometer quit at 140,000 miles a couple of years ago so I'm not sure how many miles it actually has on it now..
I get a kick out of telling Harley riders that their engine is mounted the wrong way..
Robb
(39,665 posts)I bet that's a "warm" ride on a cold morning.
Fumesucker
(45,851 posts)And it really does have a good pocket of still air behind, I can ride through a thunderstorm and if I keep moving I only get wet from the knees down and if it's a real downpour my back gets wet. Interestingly I get about ten to fifteen percent better gas mileage with that barn door sized fairing than without, go figure. But then Craig Vetter always was interested in aerodynamics.
By today's standards the whole rig is about as utilitarian and aesthetic as a WWII combat vehicle, I get comments just about every time I park it somewhere.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,738 posts)I'm getting too old for the sub-freezing rides.
Robb
(39,665 posts)There's a guy in my neighborhood with something similar, but with a blinding amount of chrome parts. I can't imagine the time he must spend with a rag every morning.
rfranklin
(13,200 posts)No, I haven't ridden in the snow either though I used to do it on my motocross bike.
Now, if I ride in freezing temperatures I wear my electric jacket liner.
Robb
(39,665 posts)I've never ridden an "adventure" bike that big. The Charley and Ewan shows always made me wonder whether they felt like big bikes or not.
The year I bought my KTM it was in November, 400 miles away from home, in Colorado. Borrowed a heated vest and have never done anything as smart (in hindsight) in my life as bringing that thing along. Of course it drained the old battery, so I learned how to kickstart a 640cc engine in an icy parking lot... I was well motivated, I guess.
rfranklin
(13,200 posts)av8rdave
(10,599 posts)My iPad won't let me post a pic for some reason. One to follow when I get home at the end of the week.
I love the bike, and have taken some great trips on it, but a major life change (divorce) may make it go away, in which case I have to figure out what bike is next.
I will always take a couple long trips each year, but want something fun for some weekend road carving too. As much as the current circumstances can be depressing, I'm looking at it as a chance to enjoy some bike shopping.
Robb
(39,665 posts)There is no therapy like motorcycle therapy. And there's no bike like the next bike.
av8rdave
(10,599 posts)[IMG][/IMG]
I love this bike!
DrDan
(20,411 posts)I also have a Yamaha C3 that I really enjoy riding
guess I am a scooter person at heart
Robb
(39,665 posts)Mileage for one, no doubt. Although that 400 pretty much blurs the line between scooter and motorbike. Looks comfy for a long ride, too. Having ridden both, which is easier on the back/butt/legs over distance?
DrDan
(20,411 posts)in the Florida summers.
Then again, I have yet to ride it more than a couple of hours at a time.
I would never choose the Harley for simply running errands, choosing the Yamaha scoot instead. Now, the Burgman is the pick. Good under-seat storage, good gas mileage, and just plain fun to ride.
ROFF
(219 posts)have a Can-Am Spyder RTS, in Viper Red, on order. We should pick it up before the end of February.
Robb
(39,665 posts)There's a yellow one I've seen around my neighborhood. What brought you to that bike? And tell all: what's it like to ride?
ROFF
(219 posts)We have had 3 bikes in the past, but she always had a problem keeping the front wheel on the ground. She is a short person and has a problem keeping the bike upright (short legs).
The spyder does not tip, which is a definite plus, and has lots of storage space. We had a ride on one and I have been on Spyder forums for about five months now. I have downloaded Operators and Service manuals. I do have my motorcycle endorsement, wife doesn't yet. I haven't driven one, but that is OK. After watching Utube videos, I have a fair idea. Buyers of the Spyder talk about it taking hundreds of miles to become accustomed to its riding style.
I suggest going to spyderlovers.com for more information.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)She picked it out because it doesn't fall over at a red light. We tried putting her on a Harley sportster lowered as low as it would go, and her feet still don't touch.
momto3
(662 posts)This is my first bike and has been a great bike to learn on. I am thinking about purchasing a new F650 this spring - I am ready for a bit more power.
Robb
(39,665 posts)Sadly out of my budget. Actually, everything's out of my budget for the moment. But even out of my pretend budget.
cloudbase
(5,727 posts)The one that even other Guzzi riders look at and shake their heads, but it's the best handling and do everything bike I've ever owned.
1984 Guzzi V6SP, a restoration project with one of my sons. Until he comes to take it I give it some regular exercise.
Robb
(39,665 posts)It's been on my short list for a long time.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)I ended up settling for a KLR though. Fills the same role, if slower.
Ganja Ninja
(15,953 posts)Robb
(39,665 posts)Good looking pipe on that, too.
Ganja Ninja
(15,953 posts)I had to replace the seat when mice attacked my bike in the garage. I've also added new hard bags.
ge26252se
(50 posts)rvt1000rr
(40 posts)Just about as much fun as you can have! Great brakes, lots of torque, solid handling and a degree of exclusivity.
IDemo
(16,926 posts)Pretty enjoyable streetbike overall, but haven't taken any lengthy road trips yet. The 27 degree mornings are a bit nippy for me on the commute. It's supposed to warm up a bit next week, hopefully . The bike is pictured below overlooking the Snake River canyon, only about 45 miles or so from Boise.
BlueCollar
(3,859 posts)the BSA is going to be a full restoration so that's a factor. I think I can get away with a short turn on the Norton but time and money will decide...
The Norton looks a little shabby but at least it's an electric start....and it's too damn hot here in Texas to get into it with a cranky British Twin
Norton Commando 850
or
1970 BSA Lightning 650.
Actually it's in better shape than it looks. The fork rubber needs replacing and the tires are cracked. It's been stored for awhile so the rubber's rotted and the carbs will need overhaul but it turns over, and when I hooked up a battery everything turned on and off without going up in a puff of smoke...
lumberjack_jeff
(33,224 posts)I don't ride often enough.
guitar man
(15,996 posts)I'll probably ride this one until I die
cherokeeprogressive
(24,853 posts)One trip to the Canadian border and one to San Antonio, both from So. Cal., both with my wife ridin' pillion (not the word she uses, but it'll do for now).
She rides like a couch, and the seat is so soft it kisses my ass.
She's never spent a night outside except when we traveled on her. Nary a scratch.
My favorite detail? Cruise control. I wish I had pictures of the occupants of some of the cars I've passed with my hands in my jacket pockets...
polemic_realism
(66 posts)Going on three years as a daily rider, year round through the fairly temperate winters here in Tallahassee, FL...
frylock
(34,825 posts)for my next bike i'd like to find an old CB500 and build it up as a flat tracker, ala Brat Style. very similar to this W650:
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)and the same bike (same color even) drove past. I am an HD guy, but it isn't often you see these. I think they are pretty cool.
sir pball
(4,940 posts)First bike five years ago, had a few offers for it but no way...it's going to be my last, too! Had a couple of others pass through my hands but for all-round practical transportation I've yet to beat her...and still more fun than a barrel of monkeys!
frylock
(34,825 posts)for the time being, anyway. i'm trying to sell this and am looking at getting an adventure bike (a Triumph Tiger 800XC or BMW F800 GS) real soon. in any case, this thing is a blast to ride, and it hauls the mail. gets a little sketchy over 70mph though.
awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)also known as a SuperGlide.
TxVietVet
(1,905 posts)I have owned two Kawasaki Vulcans. A 500, my first bike and a 900 which I traded in on the Honda.
charin
(62 posts)gonzo_del_oeste
(9 posts)ratty looking 1986 r80
daily ride
frylock
(34,825 posts)Bought this from a salvage lot in Helena, MT. The bike had been dropped, but fired right up. The frame is cracked at the left passenger peg, but has no effect on the structural integrity. I also had to replace a turn signal, clutch lever, and the right-side footpeg. The left handguard was also destroyed, and I opted to replace the engine guards, as they had done what they were designed for. The bike rides great and receives a lot of compliments. Can't wait to do some ADV touring!
catnhatnh
(8,976 posts)May her new owner get the miles and joy she was built to supply.
shedevil69taz
(512 posts)Between February and November last year put about 16000 miles on it.
Gravitycollapse
(8,155 posts)av8rdave
(10,599 posts)f6B
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Glassunion
(10,201 posts)Picked it up on Mother's day. Already have about 1500 miles on it.
AtheistCrusader
(33,982 posts)Oil burner, but I love it anyway.
edgineered
(2,101 posts)I've been working it down to make it more my style, still looking for a tank smaller than the 5-1/2 gallon - this fall (hopefully) she gets extended about a foot. We all know how these WIP projects go, but as a motorcycle mechanic, my bike is the last one ever worked on! Love the CX500, btw, that SOB might go a million miles!
EnviroBat
(5,290 posts)freebrew
(1,917 posts)'74 shovelhead in front of a 5-speed Triumph trans.
Like an above poster said, it's a bar bike, although I don't do that anymore...
A friend that worked as a machinist made some connecting rods for me, Al4-V6 titanium.
Lots of motor work, used to be my job, dual-action disks on each end.
Can't find a picture, maybe later.
Currently working on a '51 Triumph TR6, but have the winter, no-money blues.
Gravitycollapse
(8,155 posts)()
TxVietVet
(1,905 posts)I traded in my 2008 Honda VTX 1300C for it. It was a gift to myself for winning the battle against prostate cancer. I took the Goldwing on a 2700 mile trip to visit my friends in Wisconsin.
EX500rider
(11,425 posts)1988 Kawasaki EX-500
Bought new in Oct '87
GSXR750 front end & rims-heads up display-ZX6 alum swing arm-Fox shock-chromemoly rear subsection-Ducati tail-re-enforced frame-rear sets-SS brake lines-pod air filters-Muzzy/Yoshi 2into1 exhaust-
Road raced it for 6 years in AMA/CCS Fla Region-1 SE Championship, 2 Fla Championships CCS Expert LtWt Superbike/LtWtSupertwins+Top 10 tag
Stock hp is about 52 for a EX, my race motor has about 80hp
Race motor: Bore and stroke and sleeved to 650cc, with 8mm over Wisco pistons + stroked Carillo rods + a spacer plate, a Falicon crank w/37mm CR carbs, Megacycle cams, adjustable cam sprokets, solid motor mounts, a D&D carbon fiber can w/ 2/1 header, an oil cooler, 1mm over stainless valves and polish and porting on the head and knife edge and work crank, lighted flywheel,(ie no magnets) timming adv chip, no cooling fan, Barnett kevlar clutch w/ hvy duty springs
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Submariner
(12,631 posts)Just got a new beach cruiser. First bike I've ever had with a water-cooled engine.
EX500rider
(11,425 posts).....another 500, lol, a CBR500R....strangely enough 30 years later and it is not lighter or faster then the EX?!?
I do like the fuel injection though!...and it is pretty! (I still have the EX so I can keep my user name!..lol)