Riding for fun and adventure...

[music man]

[quote=Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by "music man":2kfy5f28

I have ridden a 600 shadow and even though it had WAY more power than my GZ, it was still a little small for ideal conditions on an extended trip

OK, I have to ask: Just exactly what about the 600 causes you to say that?

My guess is that it is more personal preference than any really solid drawbacks......????[/quote:2kfy5f28]


It just felt like if I would have went much farther than the 130 mile trip I took on it, that it would feel like the GZ in the cramped up, sub-par seat department. You also have to realize that I have had three major back surgerys, so it takes a really comfortable ride for me to really notice a big difference. Every time I get off the GZ I walk like I am 100 years old. So Maybe I am a little biased.

So I guess what I am trying to say is, is that the 600 wasn't underpowered for the long haul,(if you need more power than a 600 will give you then you might as well just get you a Hayabusa or some other 200mph crotch rocket and be done with it), just still a little cramped for a really long trip(for me).

[mrlmd1]

Question- is a really big bike, like 800+lbs, 1800ccs, >100hp, any real advantage, other than proving your member is bigger and better than the next guys' ? :??:
For me, for my personal use, I would think 600-1000cc would be more than adequate for what I wanted it for. Maybe I'm not a real "biker" yet. And initial expense, operating expense, and maintenance would be a consideration in my choice. I still prefer the GZ as a good all around reliable economical bike and don't think I will change in the near future as I am not ready to make any jumps for anything bigger or faster 'till I maybe start to plan a long road trip taking all my valuable possessions with me. Just my opinion.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by music man

It just felt like if I would have went much farther than the 130 mile trip I took on it, that it would feel like the GZ in the cramped up, sub-par seat department.

I've recently heard....and it makes sense to me.....that the forward pegs/controls are more of a cause of that than the seat itself. Must admit that the forward controls is about the only thing I really don't like about the GZ for long trips; must constantly remember to vary my riding position to ward off that dreaded butt cramp.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by mrlmd1

Question- is a really big bike, like 800+lbs, 1800ccs, >100hp, any real advantage, other than proving your member is bigger and better than the next guys' ? :??:

I really think that is the primary consideration.......and/or the "welfare Cadillac" syndrome......of riding a bike that everybody knows costs BIG $$$$.

There are some advantages. They take the bumps better (generally), keep the rain and bugs off better, give you more room to wiggle around and will pull a bigger trailer. :shocked:

OTOH, if that is what you want, might as well get a small car. Might be cheaper and get better gas mileage too !! :biggrin:

[Moedad]

Speaking of riding positions on the GZ, has anybody ever tried scooting up onto the pillion seat to stretch their legs/rest their butt a bit on a long ride?

[dan_]

Speaking of riding positions on the GZ, has anybody ever tried scooting up onto the pillion seat to stretch their legs/rest their butt a bit on a long ride?

My dad used to ride my bike sometimes and one time I passed him on the road in my car and he was sitting on it.. he looked pretty goofy. But it is effective.

[alanmcorcoran]

I haven't made it back that far, but I have pressed back against it to get "relief underneath."

BTW, I have been eyeing up Yamaha V star 1100 Customs. Like this one: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/960599337.html

Thanks again for all of your comments. I think the idea of getting it right the third time rings very true for me. Actually I think I got lucky with the GZ as it was exactly what I wanted for a first bike. But I think it's a lot easier to be happy with your first one than the second one. I am on my third "nice" bicycle. I liked the second one pretty well, but, I REALLY like the third one. I'm on my second pair of ski's. Not totally dialed in but pretty good. I'm on my third piano: a 6' Steinway grand (after a 50 inch Samick upright and a 9' Weber concert grand.) Very happy with it.

[music man]

Originally Posted by Moedad

Speaking of riding positions on the GZ, has anybody ever tried scooting up onto the pillion seat to stretch their legs/rest their butt a bit on a long ride?

I used to do that all the time, but I no longer have a pillion seat. And Easy I think you are right about the forward controls, because the Goldwing I rode did not have forward controls, your feet were pretty much right up under you, and it was WAY more comfortable and much less fatigue.

[mrlmd1]

Has anyone seen this crossover from Honda, the DN-01, at http://www.powersports.honda.com/street/crossover.aspx
Nice looking, 680cc's, 600lbs.,auto/manual trans if you don't like shifting, ABS, 15 grand (oops).

[alanmcorcoran]

I had read something about their breakthrough on the automatic, but I've never seen one.

What about Polaris's Victory motorcycles? Some of them look a little "George Jetson-y" to me, but I don't hear much about them or see them out and about. Anybody have one?