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Robb

(39,665 posts)
Fri Jan 13, 2012, 09:25 PM Jan 2012

So, 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. )

59 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
So, what do you ride? (Original Post) Robb Jan 2012 OP
Not supposed to be falling over... SeattleVet Jan 2012 #1
Hey, if you're not falling, you're not riding hard enough! Robb Jan 2012 #6
1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe.. Fumesucker Jan 2012 #2
Just looking at that fairing makes me feel cozy. Robb Jan 2012 #7
It's the old Vetter Windjammer .. Fumesucker Jan 2012 #12
'73 BMW R75/5, but not in the snow JustABozoOnThisBus Jan 2012 #3
That looks like a fun ride. Robb Jan 2012 #8
2009 BMW R1200R... rfranklin Jan 2012 #4
I've always been curious about those bikes, too. Robb Jan 2012 #9
MIne is actually a "naked" version of the 1200... rfranklin Jan 2012 #11
2000 Roadie av8rdave Jan 2012 #5
That's a good attitude. Been there. Robb Jan 2012 #10
Here's the pic av8rdave Jan 2012 #13
had a HD sportster for several years - just traded it for a Burgman 400 DrDan Jan 2012 #14
I can see a lot of reasons to love scoots. Robb Jan 2012 #16
I do find the Burgman more comfortable than the Harley, particularly DrDan Jan 2012 #19
The wife and I ROFF Jan 2012 #15
OK *that* is a funky machine. Robb Jan 2012 #17
My wife actually. ROFF Jan 2012 #18
My mom rides one. AtheistCrusader Jul 2013 #49
I ride a BMW G650 X-country. momto3 Feb 2012 #20
I'm told the new small twins are worth riding as well. Robb Feb 2012 #21
2000 Moto Guzzi Quota cloudbase Feb 2012 #22
OK, I'm going to require pictures and more talk about the Quota. Robb Feb 2012 #23
I wanted one of those since I first saw it released. AtheistCrusader Jul 2013 #50
My pride and joy -2006 Bonneville Ganja Ninja Feb 2012 #24
That's awful pretty. Robb Feb 2012 #25
Here's a more recent pic I've been meaning to upload for some time now. Ganja Ninja Feb 2012 #26
Spam deleted by Robb (MIR Team) ge26252se Feb 2012 #27
Honda RC51 SP2 rvt1000rr Feb 2012 #28
Kawasaki 900 Vulcan IDemo Mar 2012 #29
Hopefully the Norton before the end of the summer BlueCollar Apr 2012 #30
82 GS750ez. 16,000 miles lumberjack_jeff Apr 2012 #31
'99 Sportster Custom guitar man May 2012 #32
'06 Road King. Last of the 88's. 14,000+ miles. cherokeeprogressive May 2012 #33
1971 Honda CB350K3 polemic_realism Jul 2012 #34
man that is real nice! frylock Jul 2012 #35
I was mowing the other day... awoke_in_2003 Sep 2012 #39
2000 SV650 sir pball Aug 2012 #36
2006 KTM 625 SMC frylock Sep 2012 #37
83 HD FXE... awoke_in_2003 Sep 2012 #38
A 2008 Honda VTX 1300C TxVietVet Sep 2012 #40
08 Kawasaki Versys charin Oct 2012 #41
4th post gonzo_del_oeste Dec 2012 #42
2011 Triumph Tiger 800 XC.. frylock Jan 2013 #43
Nice find. catnhatnh Jan 2013 #44
2012 HD Street Glide shedevil69taz May 2013 #45
2005 Honda CB900F (aka 919) Gravitycollapse May 2013 #46
Took me long enough, but picked up my new ride last month av8rdave May 2013 #47
HD Sportster Glassunion Jun 2013 #48
2009 Kawasaki KLR 650 AtheistCrusader Jul 2013 #51
'82 KZ1100 edgineered Jul 2013 #52
This is the new love of my life... EnviroBat Dec 2013 #53
Homebuilt custom... freebrew Dec 2013 #54
Just realized I've posted in here before. NVM. Gravitycollapse Jan 2014 #55
2013 Honda Goldwing F6B. TxVietVet Feb 2014 #56
Well my user name ought to be a clue...lol EX500rider Jul 2014 #57
Piaggio BV 350 Scooter Submariner Jul 2014 #58
Well after 29 years with the Kawi EX500 I bought a new bike.. EX500rider Jun 2016 #59

SeattleVet

(5,582 posts)
1. Not supposed to be falling over...
Fri Jan 13, 2012, 11:27 PM
Jan 2012

it's hard on the bike *and* the rider.

My ride's a 2004 Moto Guzzi Stone Touring.

Robb

(39,665 posts)
6. Hey, if you're not falling, you're not riding hard enough!
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:41 PM
Jan 2012
I'm going to pick your brain abut Guzzis one of these days.

Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
2. 1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe..
Sat Jan 14, 2012, 01:31 AM
Jan 2012

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..



Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
12. It's the old Vetter Windjammer ..
Sun Jan 22, 2012, 01:26 PM
Jan 2012

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.



Robb

(39,665 posts)
8. That looks like a fun ride.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:43 PM
Jan 2012

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)
4. 2009 BMW R1200R...
Sun Jan 15, 2012, 01:53 PM
Jan 2012

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)
9. I've always been curious about those bikes, too.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:47 PM
Jan 2012

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.

av8rdave

(10,599 posts)
5. 2000 Roadie
Mon Jan 16, 2012, 10:08 AM
Jan 2012

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)
10. That's a good attitude. Been there.
Sat Jan 21, 2012, 02:49 PM
Jan 2012

There is no therapy like motorcycle therapy. And there's no bike like the next bike.

DrDan

(20,411 posts)
14. had a HD sportster for several years - just traded it for a Burgman 400
Thu Jan 26, 2012, 04:26 PM
Jan 2012

I also have a Yamaha C3 that I really enjoy riding

guess I am a scooter person at heart

Robb

(39,665 posts)
16. I can see a lot of reasons to love scoots.
Thu Jan 26, 2012, 08:27 PM
Jan 2012

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)
19. I do find the Burgman more comfortable than the Harley, particularly
Fri Jan 27, 2012, 10:12 AM
Jan 2012

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)
15. The wife and I
Thu Jan 26, 2012, 05:28 PM
Jan 2012

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)
17. OK *that* is a funky machine.
Thu Jan 26, 2012, 08:29 PM
Jan 2012

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)
18. My wife actually.
Thu Jan 26, 2012, 10:31 PM
Jan 2012

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)
49. My mom rides one.
Wed Jul 31, 2013, 02:01 AM
Jul 2013

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)
20. I ride a BMW G650 X-country.
Wed Feb 1, 2012, 09:08 PM
Feb 2012

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)
21. I'm told the new small twins are worth riding as well.
Thu Feb 2, 2012, 11:03 AM
Feb 2012

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)
22. 2000 Moto Guzzi Quota
Fri Feb 10, 2012, 11:41 PM
Feb 2012

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)
23. OK, I'm going to require pictures and more talk about the Quota.
Sat Feb 11, 2012, 04:16 PM
Feb 2012

It's been on my short list for a long time.

AtheistCrusader

(33,982 posts)
50. I wanted one of those since I first saw it released.
Wed Jul 31, 2013, 02:02 AM
Jul 2013

I ended up settling for a KLR though. Fills the same role, if slower.

Ganja Ninja

(15,953 posts)
26. Here's a more recent pic I've been meaning to upload for some time now.
Wed Feb 15, 2012, 07:54 AM
Feb 2012

I had to replace the seat when mice attacked my bike in the garage. I've also added new hard bags.

rvt1000rr

(40 posts)
28. Honda RC51 SP2
Tue Feb 28, 2012, 05:07 PM
Feb 2012

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)
29. Kawasaki 900 Vulcan
Fri Mar 2, 2012, 09:43 PM
Mar 2012

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)
30. Hopefully the Norton before the end of the summer
Wed Apr 11, 2012, 10:13 AM
Apr 2012

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...



 

cherokeeprogressive

(24,853 posts)
33. '06 Road King. Last of the 88's. 14,000+ miles.
Mon May 21, 2012, 12:46 AM
May 2012

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)
34. 1971 Honda CB350K3
Mon Jul 9, 2012, 09:35 PM
Jul 2012

Going on three years as a daily rider, year round through the fairly temperate winters here in Tallahassee, FL...

frylock

(34,825 posts)
35. man that is real nice!
Thu Jul 12, 2012, 03:16 PM
Jul 2012

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)
39. I was mowing the other day...
Mon Sep 10, 2012, 10:03 PM
Sep 2012

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)
36. 2000 SV650
Thu Aug 30, 2012, 10:03 AM
Aug 2012

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)
37. 2006 KTM 625 SMC
Sun Sep 2, 2012, 07:09 PM
Sep 2012


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.

TxVietVet

(1,905 posts)
40. A 2008 Honda VTX 1300C
Tue Sep 11, 2012, 09:59 AM
Sep 2012

I have owned two Kawasaki Vulcans. A 500, my first bike and a 900 which I traded in on the Honda.

frylock

(34,825 posts)
43. 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 XC..
Wed Jan 16, 2013, 12:35 AM
Jan 2013


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!

edgineered

(2,101 posts)
52. '82 KZ1100
Wed Jul 31, 2013, 07:31 AM
Jul 2013

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!

freebrew

(1,917 posts)
54. Homebuilt custom...
Wed Dec 25, 2013, 10:01 AM
Dec 2013

'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.

TxVietVet

(1,905 posts)
56. 2013 Honda Goldwing F6B.
Tue Feb 11, 2014, 09:15 PM
Feb 2014

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)
57. Well my user name ought to be a clue...lol
Wed Jul 16, 2014, 07:06 PM
Jul 2014

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)
58. Piaggio BV 350 Scooter
Tue Jul 29, 2014, 12:30 AM
Jul 2014


Just got a new beach cruiser. First bike I've ever had with a water-cooled engine.

EX500rider

(11,425 posts)
59. Well after 29 years with the Kawi EX500 I bought a new bike..
Wed Jun 8, 2016, 08:23 PM
Jun 2016

.....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)

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