One thang I noticed this weekend: the bikes are out in FORCE now that the WX is predictably nice. I've been noticing the bikes for a couple o' few weeks now... it's a personal Rite O' Spring for me. Up until this year I'd be right out there with 'em but for various and sundry reasons I got rid o' Miss Zukiko last summer. I'm beginning to think that was a mistake. From an old post:
I think I'll keep my leathers. You may think I'm weird, but I just MIGHT buy a Can-Am Spyder RS. I didn't quit riding Miss Zukiko because I don't LIKE riding, I quit riding her because I don't have enough breath to horse her around and the sporting riding position is just too damned hard on my old bod, specifically my wrists and (what's left of) my forearms. The Spyder has a reverse gear, yanno? And wouldn't I look cool on one? Much better than those geezers on Gold Wing trikes, methinks.
That's an excerpt from the post about selling my love into (light, loving) bondage. My leathers are still hanging in the closet and I've begun thinkin' about a new moto. But I don't think it's gonna be one of those Can-Ams... it might could be one of these:
I went bike shopping this past weekend. But it's the kind you pedal. Gonna try to celebrate my new abilities with a new bike as soon as my doc says I am safe to ride. Should be in just a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteThat said - I like that hog.
The "just a few weeks" bit is good news. A new bike is, too.
DeleteLooks good to me! Yeah, I tend to like something along the lines of a Softail but those Sportsters are pretty cool too! Just think - You'll have fuel injection (no carb issues or choke to deal with), hydraulic valve lifters (no valve adjustments!), belt drive (no cleaning and oiling a chain, lubing drive shaft splines, or aligning a final drive), and tubeless tires which means you can plug a puncture without removing the tire from the rim or the rim from the bike!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and keep us posted!
My last bike had FI, Jeff. I like the belt drive ideer, too... lubing and adjusting chains has never been one of the high points of motorcycling. I like the Sporty mainly for its riding position (more "standard" than the typical Harley/other cruiser "sit up and beg" position) and its incredibly good looks.
DeleteI thought you weren't favorable to 1905 motorcycle motor designs, Harley? For Buck???
ReplyDeleteBut I agree with the thought though, the 883 is a big motor onboard a small frame. I haven't been on a motorcycle in 29 years, which is the main reason I stick to convertible cars. My lack of skillz...
Look into a used model, they seem pretty affordable. maybe you could get a scooter and keep the tiltin' hiltin'.
Yeah, going to a Harley is a BIG step in the wrong direction for a life-long sport biker, but Old Age has crept in and there's no since in fighting it. Harley has also pretty well ironed all the bugs outta the Evo motors, so there's that.
DeleteOh yeah, the bikes were buzzing around these Manzanitas last weekend. Got me some Spring fever. I want something trail-ridy but with accessory potential, four stroke cc's for freeway speed and light enough to carry on my RV's carrier. Maybe a KLR-650, but I don't know if I'd like a single-banger. Loved my '78 KZ-650 (someone's entry in this year's Iowahawk Earth Day cruise-in, but mine had a fairing and luggage rack), so the displacement is right. The KZ was a four banger in-line.
ReplyDeleteKind of in the market for a different RV, too. Unfortunately your floor plan would not suit my preferences.
Singles are pretty good for just running around on and I like those KLR-650s. They're too tall for me, though. I considered one when I bought Miss Zukiko's predecessor (the V-Strom) but couldn't deal with the height.
DeleteToo bad my floor plan doesn't work for ya, Bob... I'd cut you a fabulous deal.
Since I don't understand the fever for a motorcycle, my advice is to put the top down on the GH and be happy.
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty good advice, Lou. Srsly.
DeleteI'm split on this:
ReplyDeleteThe Hog is a beauty and I can see you riding her. That said...
Lou has a great point - you've got the Green Hornet and she too is a beauty.
Speaking for myself, I do like those Can-Am Spyders. Been trying to talk The Oracle into one...he's not listening.
What does Yer Honey have against Spyders? I've seen a few around P-Ville lately... all with couples on 'em... and they look like a LOT o' fun!
DeleteBuck - The Oracle thinks that all transportation should have four sides and a roof; it's OK if the roof is a convertible but otherwise - the wide open thing just doesn't appeal to him.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of motorcyles, 'tis true. But the Spyder looks ... fun.
I'm thinking that my mid-life crisis would be more fun if The Oracle would just - play along. :-)
Wait. WIMMEN have mid-life crises? I thought that was male turf! On second thought... I have some small experience with a woman going through one of those. The Oracle should be thankful yours only involves cars and three-wheeled thingies. There are other, deadlier varieties. DAMHIK. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like sporty's myself but I would want a larger motor. That is a nice looking ride though. I don't like the Spyder though, it's just not right.
ReplyDeleteA couple o' folks have advised me in off-lines to go for the 1200 Sporty. I MIGHT...
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