XSeries-forum

Well, having last rode some three years ago, I'm starting to hanker after a new motorbike.  I've always owned enduro bikes in the past, with may first being a Honda Africa Twin, which was a lovely first bike but once replaced with a BMW GS1200 it was like chalk and cheese.  The BMW was a fantastic bike that was fast, comfortable and surprising chuckable.  As may a sports rider can testify too.

The easy choice will be a new GS1200 adventure, but just wondering on you views.  I was in a Harley Davidson Dealership today, and came away very impressed with the very friendly atmosphere and the whole lifestyle associated with the brand.  Just not sure if I'm really ready for the ZZ Top beards and unwashed look just yet?

Don

I've had a gsxr 750 ,aprilia pegaso  >:(,r1100rt  and now I've got a piaggio x9 500  ) which believe or not is a little flyer 500cc it goes like hell upto 110 ish which on a scooter is  ).Would like an enduro but I couldn't justify it to the misses I've only done 250 miles on the piaggio in 1 year in fact I've just bought a new battery and I'm going to get it motd etc.

Hi Don

I would say it depends what you want the bike for,

For me I have a old Yamaha RD350LC which is to go to bike meets with mates and odd shows and ride outs nothing too far.

But I went away from the sports bikes as either hurt myself or probably get banned for speeding as too easy on a bi 1000cc one. My friends Ducati is so painful on the wrists even he is considered a sit up and beg now.

I think if your choice is good, whether you want a new or secondhand I guess will depend on budget. I like the aprillia tuono or Ducati for he sound, again similar to the Harley's which are iconic and hold there values well.

I suppose what I want has to have a little street cred, must be comfortable, because although I intend to use it for commuting I will spend a week or two each year touring.  I also tend to use the bike through out the winter, hence an enduro style has worked for me in the past.  This last bit probably already rules out the 'Hogs'.  I'm also sh1t1e at routine maintenance so tend to look at shaft driven. 

I've never been a fan of sports bikes, I expect that had I have been then either I wouldn't have a licence now or worse!  :'(

I knew a guy who owned a BMW LT.  A massive touring thing that weighed in at over a third of a ton, with reverse gear and electric centre stand as well as CD/Radio player.  Now that would have been a comfortable bike, but not really ideal for commuting.

Don

Strange thing about Harleys, owners get the p*ss taken about leather chaps and tassles yet if you see a bike out in poor weather its more likely than not to be a Harley. Every time I have been in a Harley dealership (heavily disguised I might add) there have always been bikes coming and going no matter what the weather. I think the bikes do what it says on the box, but the whole Harley 'thing' seems to attract some strange characters.

Had a triumph daytona for 7 years and got to the point i didnt ride it as by the time i got out of london my back and my wrist hurt.

Mates Triumph Speed triple was written off in a crash so went out with him looking at stuff and he test rode the street triple r.  He ended up getting that and at 4.30 no a saturday afternoon i took it out for a quick ride and went back and ordered one too.    So much easier to ride, very chuckable and i love the sound of the triple.

Bikes are generally for gay people that dress up in leather at the weekends

Easy tiger  >:(.

[quote="535dboy"]
Bikes are generally for gay people that dress up in leather at the weekends
[/quote]

No if you're a real man you ride round in shorts, a t-shirt and probably espadrilles with your mates, all totally innocent.  )

[quote="graemeX5"]
[quote="535dboy"]
Bikes are generally for gay people that dress up in leather at the weekends
[/quote]

No if you're a real man you ride round in shorts, a t-shirt and probably espadrilles with your mates, all totally innocent.  )
[/quote]

[quote="535dboy"]
Bikes are generally for gay people that dress up in leather at the weekends
[/quote]

The voice of an expert. 

[quote="Don Coffey"]
[quote="535dboy"]
Bikes are generally for gay people that dress up in leather at the weekends
[/quote]

The voice of an expert. 
[/quote]

Only been on the back of one (Ducati Duvall or something like that) and it bored the shit out of me!

If they bored you then they were being very considerate to ensure they didn't scare you shitless. If all you did was sit in the back of cars would you have brought the RS?  Don't knock it if you don't have the balls/skill to do it ( or even tried it).

Don

[quote="Don Coffey"]
If they bored you then they were being very considerate to ensure they didn't scare you shitless. If all you did was sit in the back of cars would you have brought the RS?  Don't knock it if you don't have the balls/skill to do it ( or even tried it).

Don
[/quote]

I don't think skill is the question. Come to Spa in march .....

I would love to. But funds/wife will see to it that it won't happen.

Don