[Badbob]

Originally Posted by one

this was educational for both the thought process and weblinks but what I like most (for comparision purposes) is a persons opinion. About their research. It is extermely helpful while looking at bikes to use someones own knowledge to help. I posted about changing front pads. I read the MOM but after asking on this forum, there was more I learned then just what the MOM said.

All bikes you mentioned were not american, any reason? I sat and road a standard bike, for some reason, I was not thrilled since I was somewhat pushed forward and used more arms (tir-cepts) which is a reason I like the cruiser much more. For me to pull over ever 35 to 50 miles is not the worst thing at this point, stretching is key to me. I find myself standing after 35 to 40 minutes or so of riding at traffic lights.

I would like to see how you and your GZ spark at turns. I know the foot pegs can be an issue. For me, mostly on left turns going from a flat surface up hill. Maybe you have engine guards...

I saw Victory and Harleys around and like the look, being that Harley starts at 883 - it could be a good starting point since it is basically around the 750 size.

Anyway, I very much so appreciate you post..

If you look close you might find that even the "American" bikes are non-American. However, this had nothing to do with the selection process. I had a list of needs and wants and these just worked out to fit these needs. Price is an issue and since I may have to purchase two of some of them it is double important. If you look at their history all of these bikes have a traceable history that goes back 20 years or more. It's all tried and true technology that has been refined and tweaked and improved over the years. For example, Buells are very interesting but did not make the cut because they are expensive and have not been around long enough, There are Suzuki's I liked but they don't make them any more and the few newer ones I liked don't have any history.

Here is a good document about seating positions: http://www.sargentcycle.com/csroadcom.htm

Seating position is not really intuitive because what feels comfortable just sitting on a bike isn't really good for the long haul. Do an experiment the next time you ride. Lean forward slightly and see if you can ride longer before it becomes uncomfortable. I have some really long trips I want to take and having to stop every 35-50 miles would slow me down so much that some of them would not be doable.

Another advantage that the non cruiser bikes have that I didn't think to mention before is that your feet are under you so standing on the pegs without having to pull you self up with your arms allowing you to keep a light touch on the handle bars and uses proper counter steering techniques. You can also steer with your feet.

As far as leaning forward goes I really don't think this will be as much of a problem as you think. Unless you have a large windshield the wind will take some of the pressure off and its all adjustable. Different handlebars, risers and adjusting handlebar positions. If you go where there are lots of Ninjas to look at take note of all the different handlebars they have. They don't all have the same ones from the factory. Handlebars have a large affect on your seating position.

You don't want to see any one making sparks because the next think they do is hit the pavement. If you lean over far enough for this to happen you are levering the tire off the ground with the shiny parts of the bike. Chrome plated steel is slippery and the bike will slide right out from under you as soon as the tire looses traction. I'm not sure you can do this with a GZ250 because the pegs are so low to the ground you would probably hit your foot before you got metal but cruisers with low slung pipe will drag the on the pavement if you are pushing the envelope. The only time I ever made sparks with my GZ250 was when I got snagged by an edge trap along a gutter and instantly turned the bike into the curb. If you look at the bottom end of your pegs you will see a rubber tab that sticks out about a half inch. That s what touches first. I had my foot forcefully thrown into the saddle bag once because I was riding with my foot halfway off the peg and my fot hit the ground. Scared the hell out of me.

This is the basic list I'm using to eliminate bikes from my list:

1. Must have a long history.
2. Must have a good support group.
3. Must have high reliability. See item 1. US Marines use KLR650s for couriers.
4. Must be easy to maintain. See item 1.
5. Must be fairly low maintenance. See item one.
6. Must have a large cargo carrying capability for camping trips and grocery shopping.
7. Must have readily available parts and bolt on accessories available at somewhat reasonable prices.
8. Center stands are highly desirable. The facilitate maintenance and road side repairs as well as makes parking the bike in the garage take less room.
9. Must be able to ride on any road. For me this pushes the KLR650 to the top of the list.
10. Must be able to go at least 200 miles on a tank of gas preferable before hitting reserve. In some areas this can be very important.
11. Under nice to have would be comfortable riding for two. You can ride two on a KLR650 but I really don't think it would be very practical or comfortable so this is how the road bikes get into the mix.

Harley's have a long history and IMHO it ain't good. They are getting better, but they are definitely smooth pavement only. Did I mention horribly expensive.

BMW had some biles I liked but my wallet could not stand them. They are also a little to quirky for me. Parts are very expensive.

The KLR650 comes out on top any way I look at it and if it works good enough as a rood bike and a commuter I may end up with two of these in the garage and for get the rest. If I feel I want real road bike then the Kawasaki Concourse will probably win out. The Nighthawks are very appealing. Nighthawks almost put Harley Davidson out of business and if the Feds had not made it illegal for them to sell larger bikes for several years Harley Davidson might be history. How ever nice the older Nighthawks are they are old and maintaining one could turn into a hobby and the newer ones don't quite fit the mold for me. Plus they don't make them any more. They have stopped for short periods before so next year we could see a new version of the Nighthawk.

At some point I will probably have a Ninja 250 or 500 just because I want one. They completely fill the commuter roll and I think riding one would just be a lot of fun.