Motorcycles: What do you like?

[Odysseus]

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/M109RK6/Default.aspx

--I found this bad little scooter and I thought what a smart way to beat up on gas prices on the cheap. Colorado isn't California so there are some days when I should not be out there but why not? What do you guy think?

---I debated Harley Fat boy custom yellow and ape hangers. I debated Honda Valkerye bright red and trimmed out. I think this bike isn't the best bike out there and certainly isn't a Ducati or a Kawasaki ZRX 1200R but for the price? I don't know. It's like a cruel twist of fate. Everytime I get hopped up for a bike a "reason" always comes up not to pick on up.

--Who rides? What do you like?

[RhymesayersDU]

I don't ride... but if I had the money, I'd make Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. whip me up something at Orange County Chopper.

[Odysseus]

I don't ride... but if I had the money, I'd make Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. whip me up something at Orange County Chopper.

I love the work those guys do but I do not ride choppers. I'd rather travel by flying monkey than ride a chopper. It's safer and easier to explain.

It's like taking a perfectly good off road vehicle and making it a low rider. I just don't get it. How is connecting the base of your spine to a hunk of metal and dragging it over every bump on the road good common sense?

I'm surprised more people are not resorting to scooters. That whole industry is starting to emerge. I don't know. Scooter versus Hotrod in Ford 3500 Diesel with mud flaps. I don't know. Which direction was the scooter going?

(Come on Hotrod. You know you like Ford!)

[heydensmom]

From an insurance angle, stay away from the sport bikes...but if you want one of those type they way around it is buell. That's what my husband has...he rides I don't I hate them. But with a certain insurance company, they don't list it as a sport bike and the rates are lower.

[SteveTensi13]

Harley Davidson Electra-Glide, thats my ride!!

[zdoor]

I ride a Harley Road King Classic and love it.

[rbackfactory80]

Honda Spree

[Odysseus]

From an insurance angle, stay away from the sport bikes...but if you want one of those type they way around it is buell. That's what my husband has...he rides I don't I hate them. But with a certain insurance company, they don't list it as a sport bike and the rates are lower.

I heard that insurance companies did the same thing with BMW. Is that true? Buell is actually a lot of bike.

[heydensmom]

I heard that insurance companies did the same thing with BMW. Is that true? Buell is actually a lot of bike.
I'm not sure about BMW, didn't write to many BMW cycles....I'm outta the personal lines game so I can't check for you. I *think* his Buell is 1200cc...not sure....Less than some of the big harley's that are 1340. If you find a bike you like call your agent see the price of insurance, most people don't...buy the bike and then realize it costs them over 1500 a year for insurance...and they pissed at me..LOL

[dbfan4life]

I heard that insurance companies did the same thing with BMW. Is that true? Buell is actually a lot of bike.

Your insurance expert chiming in here...the company I work for uses cc's as the rating factor. Also whether or not the engine is turbo charged plays a factor. Motorcyle insurance is cheapest when your a rider over 25 and can insure your bike with the same company that insures your other vehicles. I don't know if all companies give the reduced rate for insuring other vehicles but the one I work for does.

[heydensmom]

Your insurance expert chiming in here...the company I work for uses cc's as the rating factor. Also whether or not the engine is turbo charged plays a factor. Motorcyle insurance is cheapest when your a rider over 25 and can insure your bike with the same company that insures your other vehicles. I don't know if all companies give the reduced rate for insuring other vehicles but the one I work for does.
also if you have homeowners or renters insurance along with your auto's with the same company that's another potential break.

[stanky76]

Here's a picture of my Scoot - 2002 HD Deuce, Stage 1 Kit, Pipes, and CHROME. This picture is the same pic I use as my Avatar on HDForum.

[scorpio]

From an insurance angle, stay away from the sport bikes...but if you want one of those type they way around it is buell. That's what my husband has...he rides I don't I hate them. But with a certain insurance company, they don't list it as a sport bike and the rates are lower.


If I were to buy a sport bike, I would get a Buell. Hands down.

[Dutch]

Hey QT,
There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. What kind of riding will you be doing? How much experience do you have? How are you built? Where will you ride? One of the great things about the times we live in is that Motorcycles are not only better than ever, but also much more specialized. What you want out of a bike is out there in a form that will appeal to your idea of "perfect". Just a matter of figuring out what that is. If you are a new or re-entry rider from a long layoff, I'd recommend staying away from a new one. There are dozens of good models of bikes that can be had, ridden for a year then sold for the same money you laid out for them that make a great way to get up to speed with your skills without risking learning curve drops on a new bike. I've owned 32 motorcyclesw of every different type. Raced both motocross ( in Japan ) and roadracing ( WERA ). I do around 12-15K a year on my streetbikes. If you have an open mind and are interrested, I'd be glad to assist. Feel free to drop me an E-mail. I can hook you up with some great resources for doing your homework and getting started.

Post,
Dutch

By the way, be sure to take an MSF (or equivelent ) course. It will get you up to speed on how your current bike behaves in extreme situations, and will save you from 20-40% on most insurence rates.

[delany]

BMW 1150 GS Adventure.

I NEED that bike.

[Conklin]

sports bike here, then again, i ride a 01 gsx

[stanky76]

By the way, be sure to take an MSF (or equivelent ) course. It will get you up to speed on how your current bike behaves in extreme situations, and will save you from 20-40% on most insurence rates.

:thumbsup:

I couldn't agree more with Dutch - I was an experienced rider with 9 years under my belt when I took my first course and i'm here to tell you that I was doing ALOT of things wrong!!!!

[Dutch]

If I were to buy a sport bike, I would get a Buell. Hands down.



Uh, maybe the new dual sport looking one or the race only model. Otherwise, I'd sell it if you gave it to me. No I'm not a Harley basher, I've owned 2. Course I'll never own another, but that is a cruiser thing...not a Harley thing.

Post,
Dutch

[Dutch]

:thumbsup:

I couldn't agree more with Dutch - I was an experienced rider with 9 years under my belt when I took my first course and i'm here to tell you that I was doing ALOT of things wrong!!!!



I was actually an instructor when I was in the Marines for the MSF. You had to take their course to get a base sticker. You would not believe the number of people that refuse to believe counter steering works.


Dutch

[Ratboy]

I love Ninja's.

http://www.metricbikes.com/2006bikes/0610b.JPG

I want one of these.

[Dutch]

BMW 1150 GS Adventure.

I NEED that bike.


I'll always have a soft spot for that one as well. I owned mine for 6 months and sold it to a buddy that couldn't ride sportbikes anymore & wanted to do more 2 up with the wife. He still has it and has put down 25K on it in three years. We ended up enjoying my '99 Triumph Sprint ST for 2 up so much, I just couldn't justify the garage space ( or an additional insurence policy for that matter). She likes the fact that I get down out of her field of vision a bit more on the Sprint. That way she can see what is coming without having to lean out or just look at the sides of the road.

Post,
Dutch

[Dutch]

I love Ninja's.

http://www.metricbikes.com/2006bikes/0610b.JPG

I want one of these.


I just bought one of these:

http://www.triumph675.net/wallp/mcusa675_089w.jpg

It is a very, very, very bad afliction.....;D

[Den Smith 49]

Hey QT,

By the way, be sure to take an MSF (or equivelent ) course. It will get you up to speed on how your current bike behaves in extreme situations, and will save you from 20-40% on most insurence rates.



I just got my first bike last fall, 81 Honda Silverwing 500. I've been trying to go to the Basic Rider/motorcycle safety course in my area. They are booked through September.

Have to show up each weekend to hope someone doesn't show. Wish I could find somewhere else to take it. If they are so booked up they should have more classes.

[Den Smith 49]

I love Ninja's.

http://www.metricbikes.com/2006bikes/0610b.JPG

I want one of these.


I'm 39 so maybe I'm just an old fart, but those crotch rockets look uncomfortable as hell. Must have been a chiropracter who thought of that design.

[Dutch]

I just got my first bike last fall, 81 Honda Silverwing 500. I've been trying to go to the Basic Rider/motorcycle safety course in my area. They are booked through September.

Have to show up each weekend to hope someone doesn't show. Wish I could find somewhere else to take it. If they are so booked up they should have more classes.


Same problem everywhere. It really boils down to not enough instructors/people willing/able to devote the time. I haven't been current with my cert in a few years. No time, plus the reqirements to keep it updated make it a bit of a pita. The Marine Corps sent me to the school or I don't think I'd have ever been able to devote the time to it you need to do it well. Hell, the ole' USMC sent my little bro to California Superbike School ( I could'a killed him for that one)! He was a motorcycle MP in The Suck and they had just purchased Yamaha YZF 1000 sportbikes to use in Okinawa to try and cut down/keep up with the "Squids" running all over the Island on sportbikes. He didn't have to run many down, but he had a blast for 2 years doing it! Just so you know, the taxpayers got their moneys worth out of both of us. He did 12 months security in Saudi durring D-Storm/Shield. I did 14 in that one, 8 months of which I rode a Kawi KRX-650 as the "Pony Express" delivering mail to my Recon unit at the front. Stories, stories....another time.

Post,
Dutch

[Dutch]

I'm 39 so maybe I'm just an old fart, but those crotch rockets look uncomfortable as hell. Must have been a chiropracter who thought of that design.


Er, I'm 40...and the milage is a lot higher than that. If you have never ridden one, don't knock it until you try it! This is the complaint I've got with a lot of the folks I run into in the Moto world. They have never ridden a given type of bike, but they make assumptions anyway. I have the same discussion with the sport bike crowd. Don't dump on the cruiser thing or the dual sport thing or the touring thing if have never tried it. Most of the time you end up having a great time, you just have to adjust how you ride. Modern sportbikes are not nearly as demanding ergonomically as they were even five years ago.

Post,
Dutch

[SteveTensi13]

I dunno, I'm 42, and riding around with my ass in the air, hugging a gas tank leaning forward on my wrists looks uncomfortable. I'll stick with my bagger thank you very much!

[Jason in LA]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Jlewis3233/003.jpg

This is the exact bike I'd get. After watching all those biker shows on Discovery, I got hooked. Started buying chopper magazines, going to different websites. I've been to a couple shows. I plan to build one. I took a welding class, and plan to take another couple classes. I tried to get on that show Build or Bust. I got a call from the producers. I didn't get on because I didn't know how to use a couple of the machines. When I build one, it will be like the one pictured above. I can purchase all the parts from WCC.

As for OCC, they are pretty much hated in the chopper world, and I can understand why. They've pretty much sold out. Some of the theme bikes are cool. But the corperate bikes are lame. It's all about the money with those guys. American Choppers has become more about Sr and Jr fighting than about building cool bikes. Most of those corperate bikes that are showcased aren't cool at all. That's why I love The Great Biker Buildoff. Those guys make great looking bikes.

[Tombstone RJ]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Jlewis3233/003.jpg

This is the exact bike I'd get. After watching all those biker shows on Discovery, I got hooked. Started buying chopper magazines, going to different websites. I've been to a couple shows. I plan to build one. I took a welding class, and plan to take another couple classes. I tried to get on that show Build or Bust. I got a call from the producers. I didn't get on because I didn't know how to use a couple of the machines. When I build one, it will be like the one pictured above. I can purchase all the parts from WCC.

As for OCC, they are pretty much hated in the chopper world, and I can understand why. They've pretty much sold out. Some of the theme bikes are cool. But the corperate bikes are lame. It's all about the money with those guys. American Choppers has become more about Sr and Jr fighting than about building cool bikes. Most of those corperate bikes that are showcased aren't cool at all. That's why I love The Great Biker Buildoff. Those guys make great looking bikes.

There are lots of kits out there to buy. Personally, if I was going to build a chop, I'd buy a Exile bike. I just like the way they look.

[illbroncsfn]

I'm currently partial to the Harley V-Rods, modified of course so they sound bad ass- rhinehart pipes baby....

[TheManeMan]

Ducati Supersport 1000DS...This shall be mine! :alghh:

[Odysseus]

Hey QT,
There is a lot more to it than meets the eye. What kind of riding will you be doing? How much experience do you have? How are you built? Where will you ride? One of the great things about the times we live in is that Motorcycles are not only better than ever, but also much more specialized. What you want out of a bike is out there in a form that will appeal to your idea of "perfect". Just a matter of figuring out what that is. If you are a new or re-entry rider from a long layoff, I'd recommend staying away from a new one. There are dozens of good models of bikes that can be had, ridden for a year then sold for the same money you laid out for them that make a great way to get up to speed with your skills without risking learning curve drops on a new bike. I've owned 32 motorcyclesw of every different type. Raced both motocross ( in Japan ) and roadracing ( WERA ). I do around 12-15K a year on my streetbikes. If you have an open mind and are interrested, I'd be glad to assist. Feel free to drop me an E-mail. I can hook you up with some great resources for doing your homework and getting started.

Post,
Dutch

By the way, be sure to take an MSF (or equivelent ) course. It will get you up to speed on how your current bike behaves in extreme situations, and will save you from 20-40% on most insurence rates.

I'm a street rider. If I was rich I'd have a dozen bikes and just play with them but as it stands the biggest problem still is what do I really want? I like the way a crotch rocket gets straight to it. I like the comfort of the touring bikes. I would love to take a dirt bike and rip through Baja area unabated. My biggest problem is Colorado traffic sucks, I don't have a place to put it, and every single time I'm getting ready to buy something seems to happen.

Right now I'm looking at this as cheap way to travel but I'm just shopping right now. I doubt I do anything at this point. Thanks for the heads up and you nailed it.

[oldschoolorange]

You need smooth and comfortablehttp://www.orangemane.com/BB/attachment.php?attachmentid=15749&stc=1&d=1148005813

[Bronx33]

Someday it will be mine, someday.


http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/machines/2006/gasgas/txt250.html

http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/machines/2006/gasgas/06txt250.jpg

[Dutch]

[QUOTE=Jason in LA]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Jlewis3233/003.jpg

This is the exact bike I'd get.


Truely sorry to hear that. Diff strokes and all that, but choppers don't do a dang thing for me. Can't turn worth a crud, and as for all the "biker build-off" garbage....I'll be glad when the fad moves on and their 15 min are up. worst thing to happen to SpeedVision was being bought by the NASCAR focused Fox Sports folks, then we get the cruiser thing as well....bummer.

Post,
Dutch

[stanky76]

I can't believe how many people actually want a chopper. I've talked with several people (who own Harleys - as do I as shown in the pic on the 1st page) and so many people don't realize how much money a HOG owner puts into their bike to make it custom while maintaining a MUCH higher level of quality than many of the "Customs". If one were to buy a True Custom then i'm sure the quality would be there but as far as the normal line of bikes that companies like OCC, West Coast Choppers, Choppers Inc., Thunder Mountain, Titan, Big Dog, Big Bear, etc. the quality just isn't there. I have several Neighbors who own these bikes and they run for awhile, but when riden hard they don't last. The exception to this is a neighbor who has a Bourget. AWESOME bike. I passed on a Python from Euroworks off of Broadway and sometimes I think about it. It was used with 328 miles, 2004 for $36k and was MSRP'd at $54k!!!!

[Dutch]

Someday it will be mine, someday.


http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/machines/2006/gasgas/txt250.html

http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/machines/2006/gasgas/06txt250.jpg


All good, Bronx33. Did a trials school up in Tenn. a couple years ago with a good buddy. He talked us into it after he agreed to do a track day with us ( at Road Atlanta). Had a blast and almost bought a Gas Gas.

Post,
Dutch

[Dutch]

I can't believe how many people actually want a chopper. I've talked with several people (who own Harleys - as do I as shown in the pic on the 1st page) and so many people don't realize how much money a HOG owner puts into their bike to make it custom while maintaining a MUCH higher level of quality than many of the "Customs". If one were to buy a True Custom then i'm sure the quality would be there but as far as the normal line of bikes that companies like OCC, West Coast Choppers, Choppers Inc., Thunder Mountain, Titan, Big Dog, Big Bear, etc. the quality just isn't there. I have several Neighbors who own these bikes and they run for awhile, but when riden hard they don't last. The exception to this is a neighbor who has a Bourget. AWESOME bike. I passed on a Python from Euroworks off of Broadway and sometimes I think about it. It was used with 328 miles, 2004 for $36k and was MSRP'd at $54k!!!!


For that kind of cash, I'll take an MV Augusta F4 limited and about a dozen track days at Barber Motorsports Park including tires and fuel....

[Bronx33]

All good, Bronx33. Did a trials school up in Tenn. a couple years ago with a good buddy. He talked us into it after he agreed to do a track day with us ( at Road Atlanta). Had a blast and almost bought a Gas Gas.

Post,
Dutch

I have a 93 beta now, it's fun but not near as light as a newer one.

[Dutch]

I have a 93 beta now, it's fun but near as light as a newer one.


I've had to give up on the dirt as I can't seem to take it easy out there and the knees just won't stand (ha) for it any more. Same deal with Trials riding...to moch standing for me to make it work with my riding style 9a bit agressive).

Post,
Dutch

[Jason in LA]

[QUOTE=Jason in LA]http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/Jlewis3233/003.jpg

This is the exact bike I'd get.


Truely sorry to hear that. Diff strokes and all that, but choppers don't do a dang thing for me. Can't turn worth a crud, and as for all the "biker build-off" garbage....I'll be glad when the fad moves on and their 15 min are up. worst thing to happen to SpeedVision was being bought by the NASCAR focused Fox Sports folks, then we get the cruiser thing as well....bummer.

Post,
Dutch

Usually when somebody says different strokes for different folks, they just agree to disagree, not bash whatever they don't like.

I love the bikes. I love WCC (Jesse James), Choppers Inc (Billy Lane), Indian Larry, Exile Choppers (Russell Mitchell), and a number of others. It's a true art form.

Like I said, I love the Biker Buildoff.

If you like something else, so be it. I'm not going to diss it.

[chadta]

before i start i want to say anything on 2 wheels is cool, but i will still poke fun at anybody that dosent agree with me, so he we go

heres my ride

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/4153/mybikeedited2tx.th.jpg

maybe when i get old ill get a cruiser, but for now ill stick with my sport bikes.

Now onto the custom bikes, while i respect all those people that build them cuz they are extremely talented, i have to wonder just how ridable any of those bikes really are, i mean really, companys like yamaha and honda spend years and millions to engineer a bike to handle a certain way, and these guys just slap them together without giving a second thought to how it performs as long as it looks good.




95% of harleys ever made are still on the road















the other 5% actually made it home

[Jason in LA]

and these guys just slap them together without giving a second thought to how it performs as long as it looks good.



I'd say they give them a little more thought than that.

[Dutch]

I'd say they give them a little more thought than that.


You bring one out here and ride it back to back with my bike on these roads and might not be so sure.....and then we'll talk comfort, control, and flow. None of which those rolling works of art can claim. Give me a break, Jesse James rides his GSXR1000 when its not about being seen. They are what they are. Nothing less, nothing more. I don't see many with milage over a couple thousand a year and that is no accident. If it truely is about riding and the experience, you don't even consider them. Remember the title of the thread?

[stanky76]

For that kind of cash, I'll take an MV Augusta F4 limited and about a dozen track days at Barber Motorsports Park including tires and fuel....

It's all about what you want to ride!!! I don't ever disagree with anyone who wants the wind in their face!!!

[stanky76]

before i start i want to say anything on 2 wheels is cool, but i will still poke fun at anybody that dosent agree with me, so he we go

heres my ride

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/4153/mybikeedited2tx.th.jpg

maybe when i get old ill get a cruiser, but for now ill stick with my sport bikes.

Now onto the custom bikes, while i respect all those people that build them cuz they are extremely talented, i have to wonder just how ridable any of those bikes really are, i mean really, companys like yamaha and honda spend years and millions to engineer a bike to handle a certain way, and these guys just slap them together without giving a second thought to how it performs as long as it looks good.




95% of harleys ever made are still on the road















the other 5% actually made it home

For the AMF years I agree, however present day Harleys are dependable and confortable.

Now if I wanted to say something about your bike - LOL - i'd ride with you and at a stop light throw rice under your bike and tell you your bike is leaking - I do it to one of my employee's all the time Hilarious!

I've owned Harley, Honda, and Kaw and I do have say that each one had it's own character and every one of them were fun. They were all Cruisers, I just can't see myself getting confortable on a Crotch Rocket (never tried though). Just look at the pics i'm in on the Tailgate area and you'll see why!!!

[stanky76]

You bring one out here and ride it back to back with my bike on these roads and might not be so sure.....and then we'll talk comfort, control, and flow. None of which those rolling works of art can claim. Give me a break, Jesse James rides his GSXR1000 when its not about being seen. They are what they are. Nothing less, nothing more. I don't see many with milage over a couple thousand a year and that is no accident. If it truely is about riding and the experience, you don't even consider them. Remember the title of the thread?

Dutch - your a well educated individual when it comes to riding - SO many don't understand that it's about Freedom and Comfort. What feels right to you might not feel right to me. My Hawg has over 18k miles on it and I love to ride. With that if a person buys a bike their not comfortable on it ends up being a great dust collector. My theory has always been to buy a bike I know will ride and if at first its not the one for me....change it. There are enough aftermarket companies out there to create you own custom ride. Unfortunately for me i'm stuck with Cruisers mostly because that's what I grew up around and I love the style and feel of the bike. I'm not a DIE HARD Harley owner, though my bike is my baby, i'll ride with anyone with similar interests. If you like the Sports Bike that's fine, if you like the Chopper that's also fine..........................Your still a Rider facing the same dangers as I am everytime you straddle the saddle!!!!

[Hulamau]

I love the work those guys do but I do not ride choppers. I'd rather travel by flying monkey than ride a chopper. It's safer and easier to explain.

It's like taking a perfectly good off road vehicle and making it a low rider. I just don't get it. How is connecting the base of your spine to a hunk of metal and dragging it over every bump on the road good common sense?

I'm surprised more people are not resorting to scooters. That whole industry is starting to emerge. I don't know. Scooter versus Hotrod in Ford 3500 Diesel with mud flaps. I don't know. Which direction was the scooter going?

(Come on Hotrod. You know you like Ford!)

A six month stint on a chopper will scramble the huevos for sure!

With the popularity of scooter's its the 'Mods vs. Rockers' all over again.

Something on a much more pedestrian level for saving tons of $$$ on fuel for simply one person to putter around urban areas on is the very cool 'Segway'. When I first saw these I thought it was a joke but a friend has a pair and we go cruising around Waikki to downtown Honolulu and back and you can cruise at 12MPH without even touching the handle bars, In a very short time it becomes like a part of your body and is controlled just by barely leaning forward or lightly siitting backward. They climb steep hills go over rough terrain and even across sand at the beach

Also check out their 4 wheel prototype as a new possible ultra quiet infantry mover called the Centaur. There is a little video clip near the bottom of this page.

http://www.segway.com/products/centaur/

Its nothing like a motocycle and nothing you'd dare show up on at Sturgis, but still interesting nonetheless.

[Dutch]

Dutch - your a well educated individual when it comes to riding - SO many don't understand that it's about Freedom and Comfort. What feels right to you might not feel right to me. My Hawg has over 18k miles on it and I love to ride. With that if a person buys a bike their not comfortable on it ends up being a great dust collector. My theory has always been to buy a bike I know will ride and if at first its not the one for me....change it. There are enough aftermarket companies out there to create you own custom ride. Unfortunately for me i'm stuck with Cruisers mostly because that's what I grew up around and I love the style and feel of the bike. I'm not a DIE HARD Harley owner, though my bike is my baby, i'll ride with anyone with similar interests. If you like the Sports Bike that's fine, if you like the Chopper that's also fine..........................Your still a Rider facing the same dangers as I am everytime you straddle the saddle!!!!



Hey Stank,

[Dutch]

Dutch - your a well educated individual when it comes to riding - SO many don't understand that it's about Freedom and Comfort. What feels right to you might not feel right to me. My Hawg has over 18k miles on it and I love to ride. With that if a person buys a bike their not comfortable on it ends up being a great dust collector. My theory has always been to buy a bike I know will ride and if at first its not the one for me....change it. There are enough aftermarket companies out there to create you own custom ride. Unfortunately for me i'm stuck with Cruisers mostly because that's what I grew up around and I love the style and feel of the bike. I'm not a DIE HARD Harley owner, though my bike is my baby, i'll ride with anyone with similar interests. If you like the Sports Bike that's fine, if you like the Chopper that's also fine..........................Your still a Rider facing the same dangers as I am everytime you straddle the saddle!!!!



Hey Stank,
Not a problem with the cruiser thing. Just can't abide the "Chopper" thing. As for the "biker Build" shows, hate 'em..just hate 'em. Course I feel that way about reality TV shows in general, but if it floats your boat.....
as long as your on two wheels, eh?

[Odysseus]

Hey Stank,
Not a problem with the cruiser thing. Just can't abide the "Chopper" thing. As for the "biker Build" shows, hate 'em..just hate 'em. Course I feel that way about reality TV shows in general, but if it floats your boat.....
as long as your on two wheels, eh?

Choppers are like riding two unicycles. It's two different bikes slapped together as one. I am very utilitarian. If it's functional than it's good. Choppers are not motorcycles. They are a lifestyle.

In Colorado there is a bar called the "Little Bear". If you ever get to Evergreen Colorado go hang at the Bear. It's an old biker bar that has gone yuppified but you can still see some pretty incredible steel sitting in front of the Bear. How they ride choppers on tight winding mountain roads is beyond me. I love some of the stuff I see some of the sport bikes do but I'd never do it. Too many old blind women named Margaret with buckets of nickels from gambling riding that road. How'd they get in Evergreen? They are like a plague on Colorado highways. They are always 10 miles under the posted speed limit.

[Orange4ever]

I remember watching American Chopper and they built a bike for I believe Gillette. The front forks were raked out so far that Paul Sr. said it was impossible to turn and was not practicle for road use. So WTF? Why build the damn thing? Course, If I was offered $100,000.00 to build an impracticle chopper who am I to complain. Bet it looked great sitting a corporate HQ lobby.

[chadta]

hey dutch were you at barber last weekend ? a couple of my buddies went down for 2 trackdays said it was awesome.

[Dutch]

hey dutch were you at barber last weekend ? a couple of my buddies went down for 2 trackdays said it was awesome.


Actually We were there the weekend before. WERA races & Suzuki Cup. I'm taking this season off due to a couple of broken ribs still healing from December. We did go and work the pits for the rest of our team (MSP Racing).
If you have never seen it, you should really make a trip to the museum. They have it all. One of the top 2 or 3 collections of bikes in the world. Around 30-40% of the bikes in the Gugenheim "Art of the Motorcycle" show were from the Barber collection. Five floors and it is amazing! It is really cool to go when the AHRMA vintage guys are there (Oct 20-22). They will break out a couple of the classic bikes from the 20'-60's and run them around the track before practice starts....way cool, plus you can see down the front strait from inside the museum. Just adds to the environment. The track itself is like a park, hillside seating (lush green grass) where you can see 80% of the track from every seat. Yeah, I'm gushing. The place is absolutely cool.

Dutch

check it out at
http://www.barbermotorsports.com/

[Jason in LA]

You bring one out here and ride it back to back with my bike on these roads and might not be so sure.....and then we'll talk comfort, control, and flow. None of which those rolling works of art can claim. Give me a break, Jesse James rides his GSXR1000 when its not about being seen. They are what they are. Nothing less, nothing more. I don't see many with milage over a couple thousand a year and that is no accident. If it truely is about riding and the experience, you don't even consider them. Remember the title of the thread?

I find it funny that you say "different strokes for different folks", then you said "what ever floats your boat", but you continue to bash another person's taste. Usually when people use those sayings, they are acknowledging that we all have different tastes, and that's cool.

You like a certain type of bike. That's great. I'm not going to diss that bike. This isn't a competition. I like choppers. So what?

And I love the biker shows, which you seem to hate. If you don't like them, don't watch them. I'm sure you have a good 500 channels to choose from.

[Jason in LA]

I remember watching American Chopper and they built a bike for I believe Gillette. The front forks were raked out so far that Paul Sr. said it was impossible to turn and was not practicle for road use. So WTF? Why build the damn thing? Course, If I was offered $100,000.00 to build an impracticle chopper who am I to complain. Bet it looked great sitting a corporate HQ lobby.

OCC's corperate bikes all suck. Those episodes are just a one hour commerial for the company that's having the bike built. Pretty much sucks. And who would want to ride any of them, if they were rideable?

I love the bikes that are show cased on Biker Buildoff. They ride all of those bikes a great distance after they are built.

[chadta]

Actually We were there the weekend before. WERA races & Suzuki Cup. I'm taking this season off due to a couple of broken ribs still healing from December. We did go and work the pits for the rest of our team (MSP Racing).
If you have never seen it, you should really make a trip to the museum. They have it all. One of the top 2 or 3 collections of bikes in the world. Around 30-40% of the bikes in the Gugenheim "Art of the Motorcycle" show were from the Barber collection. Five floors and it is amazing! It is really cool to go when the AHRMA vintage guys are there (Oct 20-22). They will break out a couple of the classic bikes from the 20'-60's and run them around the track before practice starts....way cool, plus you can see down the front strait from inside the museum. Just adds to the environment. The track itself is like a park, hillside seating (lush green grass) where you can see 80% of the track from every seat. Yeah, I'm gushing. The place is absolutely cool.

Dutch

check it out at
http://www.barbermotorsports.com/


ive only seen it when watching the ama race and it looks awesome, i have to settle for what most of us call a go cart track at cayuga, the next closest is mosport which at one time was world class but that was 30 years ago. Hope all goes well with the healing dood.

[stanky76]

Choppers are like riding two unicycles. It's two different bikes slapped together as one. I am very utilitarian. If it's functional than it's good. Choppers are not motorcycles. They are a lifestyle.

In Colorado there is a bar called the "Little Bear". If you ever get to Evergreen Colorado go hang at the Bear. It's an old biker bar that has gone yuppified but you can still see some pretty incredible steel sitting in front of the Bear. How they ride choppers on tight winding mountain roads is beyond me. I love some of the stuff I see some of the sport bikes do but I'd never do it. Too many old blind women named Margaret with buckets of nickels from gambling riding that road. How'd they get in Evergreen? They are like a plague on Colorado highways. They are always 10 miles under the posted speed limit.

I know exactly what you mean - they all miss the turn to Black Hawk and think they are going to right way, never to know the difference since they end up in Cripple Creek - LOL.

I'm in Parker and know the Little Bear well!!

[orange 4 life]

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/M109RK6/Default.aspx

--I found this bad little scooter and I thought what a smart way to beat up on gas prices on the cheap. Colorado isn't California so there are some days when I should not be out there but why not? What do you guy think?

---I debated Harley Fat boy custom yellow and ape hangers. I debated Honda Valkerye bright red and trimmed out. I think this bike isn't the best bike out there and certainly isn't a Ducati or a Kawasaki ZRX 1200R but for the price? I don't know. It's like a cruel twist of fate. Everytime I get hopped up for a bike a "reason" always comes up not to pick on up.

--Who rides? What do you like?

only american. period.

i ride a custom american myself. i spent a decade dreaming about it and finally made it happen a few years ago.

its a stretched harley dyna frame ( i need the springs for my back), a harley tank, harley electrical, harley seat and sissy bar.
9 inch rear fender (stock harley is 7.5" so i wanted bigger but not too much), titan gecko front end. drag bars, ness rear view mirror, 1589 cc s&s engine, mikuni carb, samson shortie pipes.
chrome and black.

its my baby. :)

[Dutch]

only american. period.

i ride a custom american myself. i spent a decade dreaming about it and finally made it happen a few years ago.

its a stretched harley dyna frame ( i need the springs for my back), a harley tank, harley electrical, harley seat and sissy bar.
9 inch rear fender (stock harley is 7.5" so i wanted bigger but not too much), titan gecko front end. drag bars, ness rear view mirror, 1589 cc s&s engine, mikuni carb, samson shortie pipes.
chrome and black.

its my baby. :)

Pics?

And how do we post them?

Dutch

[Dutch]

ive only seen it when watching the ama race and it looks awesome, i have to settle for what most of us call a go cart track at cayuga, the next closest is mosport which at one time was world class but that was 30 years ago. Hope all goes well with the healing dood.


If you ever want to head down for a riding vacation, just let me know. We could keep you busy with our roads down here for weeks. Tie it in with a trip to Barber and maybe a track day or a race weekend and we'll be seeing you once a year like the rest of the folk we've infected!:wiggle: Makes for a great vacation....


Dutch

[orange 4 life]

I can't believe how many people actually want a chopper. I've talked with several people (who own Harleys - as do I as shown in the pic on the 1st page) and so many people don't realize how much money a HOG owner puts into their bike to make it custom while maintaining a MUCH higher level of quality than many of the "Customs". If one were to buy a True Custom then i'm sure the quality would be there but as far as the normal line of bikes that companies like OCC, West Coast Choppers, Choppers Inc., Thunder Mountain, Titan, Big Dog, Big Bear, etc. the quality just isn't there. I have several Neighbors who own these bikes and they run for awhile, but when riden hard they don't last. The exception to this is a neighbor who has a Bourget. AWESOME bike. I passed on a Python from Euroworks off of Broadway and sometimes I think about it. It was used with 328 miles, 2004 for $36k and was MSRP'd at $54k!!!!

as much as i like the LOOK of many of the true customs, i believe from a standpoint of reliability and PRIDE its the best thing to buy a bike and do your own customization.

im no mechanic or builder so i couldnt personally do the handiwork, but i PLANNED the work to be done and had it done by friends.

she's a dream come true, and she purrs like a cat.....a REALLY big cat.

ps- okay, knock on wood. the superstitions wont leave me alone!!

[orange 4 life]

I find it funny that you say "different strokes for different folks", then you said "what ever floats your boat", but you continue to bash another person's taste. Usually when people use those sayings, they are acknowledging that we all have different tastes, and that's cool.

You like a certain type of bike. That's great. I'm not going to diss that bike. This isn't a competition. I like choppers. So what?

And I love the biker shows, which you seem to hate. If you don't like them, don't watch them. I'm sure you have a good 500 channels to choose from.

i wont speak for anyone else, but i will say this.

if you like the LOOK of choppers, that does NOT mean youll like the RIDE.

i have a LITTLE rake to the front end, but not much.
get too much and its just unsafe. wont turn worth a sh!t, which makes it very impractical.

also, you have to remember that 90% of choppers are rigid frames (like the one you posted) which means a REALLY uncomfortable ride.

as long as you know that going in, i say go with what you like my friend.

[orange 4 life]

Pics?

And how do we post them?

Dutch

i wish i knew how to post pics.
im just too computer illiterate.

[Odysseus]

i wish i knew how to post pics.
im just too computer illiterate.

Check some of the help threads before you get into the general discussion area. There are too many links to cut and paste them all.

The whole allure of motorcycles to me is cruising wide open spaces. I think the rest of the world would agree with me as when I was last in New York I don't remember seeing more than a handful of motorcycles. That is the one place where it would make sense but they seem to prefer Hummers.

[Cito Pelon]

BMW boxers are the best all around bikes I've ever rode. I had a R65S and a R90/5. I had Hondas befroe that - a 450 twin, a 750, and the superb CBX. The boxer on the BMW's leaves the center of gravity right at you toes. Superb handling.

[Cito Pelon]

i wont speak for anyone else, but i will say this.

if you like the LOOK of choppers, that does NOT mean youll like the RIDE.

i have a LITTLE rake to the front end, but not much.
get too much and its just unsafe. wont turn worth a sh!t, which makes it very impractical.

also, you have to remember that 90% of choppers are rigid frames (like the one you posted) which means a REALLY uncomfortable ride.

as long as you know that going in, i say go with what you like my friend.

Long front ends and no rear suspension vs. handling and roadability. What you want is what you'll get. I've been checking out these "Biker Buildoffs" and the late Indian Larry knows how to build bikes, the rest of these guys know how to build show-pieces.

[stanky76]

as much as i like the LOOK of many of the true customs, i believe from a standpoint of reliability and PRIDE its the best thing to buy a bike and do your own customization.

im no mechanic or builder so i couldnt personally do the handiwork, but i PLANNED the work to be done and had it done by friends.

she's a dream come true, and she purrs like a cat.....a REALLY big cat.

ps- okay, knock on wood. the superstitions wont leave me alone!!

O - post a pic of your bike!!! I'd love to see it!!!

[Odysseus]

Long front ends and no rear suspension vs. handling and roadability. What you want is what you'll get. I've been checking out these "Biker Buildoffs" and the late Indian Larry knows how to build bikes, the rest of these guys know how to build show-pieces.

It's amazing what people will pay for what, to me, is a lesser scooter.

I liked your take on BMW bikes. I was surprised to see them F up and get a recall. I still love the bike.

http://motorcycles.about.com/

Triumph makes a really good bike as well.

I just think it's amazing how bikes have evolved these past five years.

[SureShot]

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/M109RK6/Default.aspx

--I found this bad little scooter and I thought what a smart way to beat up on gas prices on the cheap. Colorado isn't California so there are some days when I should not be out there but why not? What do you guy think?

---I debated Harley Fat boy custom yellow and ape hangers. I debated Honda Valkerye bright red and trimmed out. I think this bike isn't the best bike out there and certainly isn't a Ducati or a Kawasaki ZRX 1200R but for the price? I don't know. It's like a cruel twist of fate. Everytime I get hopped up for a bike a "reason" always comes up not to pick on up.

--Who rides? What do you like?

This is the last bike I had. I would like to get one of the BMWs though. I could take it fishing.

15775

[Cito Pelon]

I have a hard time figuring out what people like in bikes. Some people never ride a road bike, they like dirt bikes. People that like road bikes, they like to be noticed. That's the big reason why nobody likes to wear a helmet. You want people to see you on that nice bike.

That's why I bought the CBX. That bike was the greatest attention-getter I ever saw anywhere. Fire that straight-six up and everybody looked, I mean everybody. Everybody thought it was an Indy car. Unique sound for a bike. Straight six, six carburetors, 1050 CC's, 8200 redline. Then I got smart and traded it to a road racer for his BMW.

[Cito Pelon]

Those latest Ducatis, the 900's, those are some badass bikes. If I was a younger man, I'd target those as a bike to own. Have a good time pushing your life to the limit. Then buy a BMW.

[chadta]

I have a hard time figuring out what people like in bikes. Some people never ride a road bike, they like dirt bikes. People that like road bikes, they like to be noticed. That's the big reason why nobody likes to wear a helmet. You want people to see you on that nice bike.

That's why I bought the CBX. That bike was the greatest attention-getter I ever saw anywhere. Fire that straight-six up and everybody looked, I mean everybody. Everybody thought it was an Indy car. Unique sound for a bike. Straight six, six carburetors, 1050 CC's, 8200 redline. Then I got smart and traded it to a road racer for his BMW.

no helmet ? are you crazy ? i have a one peice leather suit, i have been out exactly once in the last 5 years without putting my suit on, id rather be hot for a little bit then scared for life.

as for orange 4 life, who says he buys american stuff only, i want to know if he has any idea where most of the harley stuff comes from ? harleys may be assembled in the us but the parts are being built in china, dont kid yourself dood. but figure out how to get a pic posted will ya. Open this page, upload a pic there and then post the link in here for us.

http://imageshack.us/

sort of unrelated but, why is it that you americans have the passion for buying "us" bikes but dont feel the same way about american cars, its my impression that most americans think that american cars are crap and will only buy japanese.

[OrangeShadow]

http://i15.ebayimg.com/01/i/07/2f/24/48_1.JPG :thumbs:

[broncobum6162]

I got a Honda VTX1300R last year, I put about 6000 miles on it last summer. I love it. Surpisinly enough I haven't scanned a picture of it yet. We looked at Harleys but w/ the financing Honda had and the price we paid. It was a no brainer. Great ride, great looks (Candy apple red w/ lots of chrome). Mrs. Bum really digs it 8')

[Odysseus]

Those latest Ducatis, the 900's, those are some badass bikes. If I was a younger man, I'd target those as a bike to own. Have a good time pushing your life to the limit. Then buy a BMW.

:thumbs: No joke! :thumbs: