Riding for fun and adventure...

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

So many bikes, so little time.

Why? What's the rush all of the sudden?

[mr. softie]

Alan you have the "need a different bike fever". I do too but have no funds to treat it. I think you should try as many rides as possible among different styles of bikes to see what you like the best. At least sit on as many as possible. I have in the past been enamored of all sorts of bikes but when I rode them or even just sat on them I didn't like them at all. Form should follow function but all too often the marketing department is responsible for the design, leading to a lot of bikes that appeal to us but don't perform the way we want. Try to ride a dual sport, a cruiser, a standard, and a touring bike even if you don't think you will like it. I want to at least try a KLR (ugly), a VStrom (odd but capable), a Concours or ST1100 (plastic), a Bandit 1250 or FJR1300 (sporty and fast) and a S50 or VStar (harleyesque) just to see if they might be the style of bike I would like to ride. My heart of course tells me to buy a Moto Guzzi LeMans 1000 , but would I really want to ride it or just look at it?

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, there's no "sudden" rush, but:

1) I put off getting a motorcycle for a very long time (28 YEARS!)... because "what's the rush," "you're going to kill yourself," "what'll become of your poor wife and kids," and (mainly) "you'll have to go take a test at the DMV!!!"
2) I know there's lot of guys on here that're older than me, but, let's face it, I am old. I have had significant back problems, knee problems, shoulder problems, acid reflux problems and lots of other non-fatal, but fun-limiting issues. I am currently going through a period of relative good health, but I could be one chuck hole away from a compressed/herniated disc and no more riding. I am sure you have seen a number of members "disappear" or quietly put their bikes up for sale. Getting old is real, it hurts, and it happens to all of us sooner or later. Never heard anyone say "I wish I had put off getting my motorcycle until I was even older!"
3) Although I find most of life to be random and pointless, I take comfort (and distraction!) in having and working some sort of plan. My plan in this case was: buy a beginner bike, learn to ride it, and, after 3000 miles get a "real" bike. The odometer on Suzy is right at about 2875. I'll admit the GZ is a lot real-er than I thought it would be, and is probably plenty of bike for riding back and forth to work and the occasional 50-60 miler, but, I kind of want to see what it's like to be astride a big badass machine that'll go 100 down the super-slab if I'm so inclined. I know it was only for a half hour or so, but I really did get a kick out of riding the Stratoliner.
4) Although I've had long periods of relative naval gazing, over the long haul, I've managed to assemble a decent portfolio of life experiences, to the point where, if it DID all end tomorrow, I don't have a so-called "bucket list." I think part of the reason I was able to do as much as I did is I don't dither around once I've made up my mind I'm going to do something.
5) Believe it or not, I don't really like shopping. I'm a recovering impulse buyer. I want my toy and I want it NOW!
6) On the local used ones, you sort of have to shit or get off the pot. Economy non-withstanding, I think the Vstar I'm looking at it is not going to wait around forever. Yes, there will always be others, but, a lot of secondhand bikes are crap, and, my selection criteria narrow the good ones down to just a handful locally.

If you know where I can get help or a cure for my disease, please let me know.

[alanmcorcoran]

Originally Posted by mr. softie

Alan you have the "need a different bike fever".

Yep, busted. :plus1: Even worse, I CAN afford it!

But you guys are doing a pretty good job of talking me down off the ledge. I will try to be strong. What the hell is a "Strom" anyway? Some guy in marketing dyslexic?

[mr. softie]

The Moto Guzzi is great (I wish I had the dough), but the KLR might be just the ticket...it will soak up bumps like crazy for example. The VStrom might as well. Like you said, so many bikes so little time...These are some bikes on eBay right now


Moto Guzzi Lemans 1000...



KLR...


VStrom...

[mr. softie]

Hey plunk yer money down and stop looking and start riding... the doctors orders!

[alanmcorcoran]

That KLR looks a little "off-roadie." Front looks like a skinny knobbie with a lot of travel in the shocks. Is it a dual purpose or "adventure tourer"?

I ride the GZ almost everywhere (except to the local ski hill.) I gave up my beloved '98 Camry to my daughter last week and my wife is away with the 'burb, so I ain't got a lot of options.

[mr. softie]

The KLR is about 80% paved street and 20% dirt road, and will soak up bumps and rough pavement very well. Top speed close to 90mph I think. Just the thing for riding to Patagonia and back. The 2009's have quite a few upgrades like a bigger fairing and rack, better brakes etc.The V-Strom 650 uses a v twin motor based on the Suzuki SV 650's and has an upright riding position, a bit more suspension travel and a lower power band than the SV. The V-Strom 1000 motor is from the TL1000. Both Stroms share basically the same frame. Top speeds in the mid 120's plus! A favorite among Adventure tourers, they are really "sport enduro tourers." Lots of aftermarket stuff for both. I am leaning towards a V-Strom for my next bike when I can afford one, but would have to ride one to make sure.
V-Strom comes from 'V' for the motor and the German 'Strom' meaning stream or current of air. Here is a DL1000 V-Strom with a sidecar:







And here is a fully farkled V-Strom 650:

[alanmcorcoran]

Been reading up on the Suzi M50 after someone here recommended it. Might go look at one tonight.

FI
Shaft
800cc (should cruise at 80 okay. Fifth gear is supposedly an overdrive for low RPM crusing.)
Gas tank a tad small 4.1 I think, but, has low fuel light so might be able to go farther between re-fills. Plus better Gas mileage than 1100.
Liquid cooled (some people seem to prefer this... I suspect there are plusses and minuses)
V twin. No counter balancers, but some business with crankshafts is suppose to reduce vibrations. Some reviewers agree, some don't.
Good wheelbase, but... 600lbs!
CHEAP!!!!

This one might be my next bike.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by alanmcorcoran

800cc (should cruise at 80 okay. Fifth gear is supposedly an overdrive for low RPM crusing.)

If you believe Suzuki. A LOT of riders would disagree; there is a buzz at 80........but coming off a GZ, you will hardly notice! :biggrin: