OT: Motorcycles/Motorbikes

[Dave B]

I recently have moved into the world of motorbiking. I cannot tell you how much fun this is and while I have very little time invested so far the delight is limitless. I am literally giddy like a kid again with this stuff. The learnign curve has been steep, but really energized my research engine.

It got me to wondering how many of you ride a motorbike and further more would you post up your bike(s). I love seeing how others enjoy this and would love to see what folks here are riding out there.

Any personal stories of fun rides or humorous ones would be even better.

cheers

Dave

[dancinkozmo]

I've been riding since '87...in that time I've had:

Yamaha 400 maxim (sold)
Honda Cbr 600 hurricane (stolen)
Another Cbr 600 (sold)
Honda VTR 1000 firestorm (traded in for...)
Honda RC51 (sold)
Ducati 748 (sold)
Ducati 900ss/sp (sold)

Amazing how many of us into push bikes are also into motos .
Currently I'm bike less, on the fence whether to go for another sport bike (Ducati 848 $$$) or an enduro (Honda xr650l)
Mr. Prez....tell us about your new ride !

[christian]

I ride; be careful - the first couple of years are really dangerous.

[Charles M]

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/charles/mid3.jpg
http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/charles/mid1.jpg

Current...

The past list would be longish.

[JayBay]

2008 Ducati Hypermotard

Congrats on your new addiction! Ride safe, be smart on the street, and ALWAYS watch out for the other guys. Riding a bike will make you a better driver, as you quickly learn to spot all the dumb things people in cars do.

And if you really want to learn how the bike works, get to a track day!!! :banana:

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/992/img3503croppedlarge.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/img3503croppedlarge.jpg/)

[JayBay]

Ooohh... nice looking Monster Pez!!! Must sound pretty wicked with that exhaust..

[benb]

I've had an SV650 (Suzuki) and 2 Honda VFRs.. I still have a VFR.. don't ride it much.

I put a lot of miles on my motorcycles.. 60,000+ in the last 10 years? But most of that was the first 5 years, it's become pretty boring now. I hit my limit at the track once I got into the "fast" groups. No way I was willing to put in the effort & especially the $$ to keep going faster or end up racing. IMO there is no question the risk goes up dramatically for those guys. (Practically every track day I went to the interruptions were when the experts & racers stacked it up as opposed to the beginners)

For me bicycling has much more staying power, challenge, and interest.. for the last few years I have been always on the edge of selling my motorcycle.

[gone]

I've been riding and have owned at least one motorcycle continuously since 1970 so the list of bikes I've owned is too long for my feeble brain to remember them all. I used to race a Ducati 916 (strictly amateur) and did a lot of track days and racing schools back in the 80's and 90's. If you get the opportunity, time on a race track is well spent not only for the grin factor but also in improving your skills in a safer environment: everybody's going the same way, don't have to worry about pedestrians, predictable road surface, ...

As to memorable rides there have been so many (I've ridden more than 750k miles) it'd be impossible to list even a small sample. A few that stand out:

A two month, 18k mile trip that started in California went all the way across to Nova Scotia, back down the eastern mountain ranges, across to Santa Fe, up the rockies to Jasper, Alberta then up the Alcan to Deadhorse then home.
A "4 corners tour" that started in Texas. Went to Jacksonville, FL then did all 4 corners of the US (Key West, FL; San Ysidro, CA; Blaine, WA; and Madewaska, ME). My wife and I did that together and I did an Iron Butt "50CC" as part of it (Jacksonville to San Diego).
Too many more to list!


Here's the current stable:

K1200GT. Photo taken at Glacier NP.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/DSCN1821.jpg

KTM 990S. Photo taken somewhere in the Mojave desert.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/IMG_0007.jpg

1972 Norton "Combat" Commando.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/scan0484.jpg

[Dave B]

I have taken an ABATE motorcycle safety class, got over a lot of fears, have my permit and have been doing a lot of practicing in my school parking lot on the skills we did during ABATE.

I am keeping most of my experiences right now in the city simply to get experience with traffic. I have spent a bit of time on the highway and it is going well. We have loads of round abouts where i am so that has a few unique challenges.

really becoming more aware of others when I am on the bike or in a car. The weather has allowed for some riding and my kids are nuts over the idea so I have ridden to work on a few freezing days, but good lord am I having a blast.

Right now it is just learning as much as possible, having a grand time, and learning about what gear is needed versus what is just lust worthy.

[tannhauser]

Of course, but bikes are more fun.

David Hough books are good, as is Total Control, if you don't already know about traction points.

[dave thompson]

I'm going in the opposite direction. I first got into motorcycles in the late 50's, got into the motorcycle business in the early 60's and chucked it all, sold my shop in the mid 90's because I discovered bicycles. I had really great times on motorcycles, they took me all over the world, introduced me to terrific people. I still love 'em, just don't use them.

I still have a bike, not ridden since '94, that I just dug out (literally) from a corner of my garage, covered in 17 years worth of dust, so I can offer it for sale. A Yamaha XV920RJ, a Euro-style cruiser that was much more popular on the Continent than in America, which suited me fine.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2517/p10507011.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/695/p10507011.jpg/)

[Ken Robb]

I got a 2-speed Cushman when I was 14 in 1957 and have been riding ever since. 2005 Ducati ST3 is my current ride. It is my best climbing bike and is laterally stiff but vertically compliant. :beer:

[Steve in SLO]

Started with an SV1000s, moved to an R1, which is now relegated to track work. I ride a BMW F800ST on the street now and have a KLX250 for the dirt.
Here are a couple of shots of some now departed cycles. The Ducati was loud, crude and fun, the Transalp was the easiest cycle to just get on and ride, while the NX250 was probably the best commuter bike.

[Dave B]

Started with an SV1000s, moved to an R1, which is now relegated to track work. I ride a BMW F800ST on the street now and have a KLX250 for the dirt.
Here are a couple of shots of some now departed cycles. The Ducati was loud, crude and fun, the Transalp was the easiest cycle to just get on and ride, while the NX250 was probably the best commuter bike.


love the off road touring bikes. I just bought and watched The Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor. It was fantastic. Nice of course it was paid for due to his celebrity status, but cool none the less.

[PaMtbRider]

Here is a photo from a couple weeks ago of my wife and our new Triumphs. These have definitely affected our bicycle mileage this year. As Pez mentioned, listing previous bikes would take awhile.
http://i771.photobucket.com/albums/xx354/2_Wheels/motorcycles/IMAG0048.jpg

[fatallightning]

my motorcycle mileage took a precipitous drop once i got back into cycling. i only ride my motored bike maybe once every 2 weeks or so. once a week during those cherry 2 months. my go fast motorbike days are behind me, i used to be a backroads hooligan, foolishly getting knees down on public roads. glad to have made it over that period relatively unscathed.

current ride, makes me happy. looks cool, was cheap, it's simple, and people seem to love to talk to me about it every time i stop. seems every old timer motorcycle guy has owned one at some point.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/fatallightning/2011-10-05_16-39-53_681-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/fatallightning/2011-10-05_15-41-37_836-1.jpg

[tannhauser]

Everyone should have an old Honda.

Just like everyone should have a coffee bike.

[buldogge]

Ignoring occasional dirtbike rides as a kid...I've been riding on the street since 1991.

Classic Italian scooters (Vespa and Lambretta), Yammy RDs, Honda NSR250 MC21, and Honda VFR800.

We had a race series for the scooters for a few years, built a monster 249cc watercooled Lambretta...103mph on the front straight at Gateway (100/90/10 tire).

Did a wonderful 3 week trip out west on the VFR a couple years ago with 2 other guys (also on VFRs)...really nice trip...beautiful scenery...CO, AZ, UT, MT, WY, SD, etc.

Like all 2-wheeled riders, I have crashed (more than several times on the track)...ride smart, be safe as possible...please wear good armor and a full face helmet.

-Mark in St. Louis

[William]

I'm going in the opposite direction. I first got into motorcycles in the late 50's, got into the motorcycle business in the early 60's and chucked it all, sold my shop in the mid 90's because I discovered bicycles. I had really great times on motorcycles, they took me all over the world, introduced me to terrific people. I still love 'em, just don't use them.

I still have a bike, not ridden since '94, that I just dug out (literally) from a corner of my garage, covered in 17 years worth of dust, so I can offer it for sale. A Yamaha XV920RJ, a Euro-style cruiser that was much more popular on the Continent than in America, which suited me fine.

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2517/p10507011.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/695/p10507011.jpg/)


Dave, I will trade you for a bottle of Ancestra?!




William

[William]

Some where I have some pictures of my last bike...Honda CB 900 Custom. I'll need to do some digging.






William

[Ken Robb]

I bought a new 1970 pre-K CB750 in August of 1970 when I moved to San Diego. I traded my 1969 Kawasaki H-1 (or Mach lll) because I wanted that disc brake.

[SPOKE]

i do enjoy a motorized ride :beer:
just don't ride nearly as much as i'd like due to work getting in the way.

currently have the following:
2008 Ducati 1098R
2009 Harley SE Road Glide
2007 Harley SE Dyna

[oldpotatoe]

I recently have moved into the world of motorbiking. I cannot tell you how much fun this is and while I have very little time invested so far the delight is limitless. I am literally giddy like a kid again with this stuff. The learnign curve has been steep, but really energized my research engine.

It got me to wondering how many of you ride a motorbike and further more would you post up your bike(s). I love seeing how others enjoy this and would love to see what folks here are riding out there.

Any personal stories of fun rides or humorous ones would be even better.

cheers

Dave

First one 1964, when CO allowed you to get a motorscooter license with HP less than 8 at age 14. Suzuki 80

Suzuki 200
Yamaha 360
Yamaha 550
Triumph 750(1984)...

Got hit 3 times, crashed a total of 8 times, had a close call almost everyride.

Sold Truimph..for the $, I'd rather have an airplane, safer.

[witcombusa]

I've got eight in the garage....here's a couple,

[echelon_john]

Beautiful 'Guzzi!

I've had a couple of BMWs, and did a great tour across the Trans-Labrador highway to Newfoundland a couple of years ago on my R1150GS. In between (motorized) bikes now, trying to ride the human powered ones more.

"A Twist of the Wrist" and "Proficient Motorcycling" are both excellent reads.

Cheers,
John

[maunahaole]

'99 ZRX1100 with a few mods as the daily driver/commuting sled.

Witcomb, you are an evil man for posting those pics and not including the soundtrack that goes along with them.

[onsight512]

I rode dirt bikes as a kid and have. Even riding on the street for five years now. Great fun. I currently have an '06 MV Agusta .

+1 to what folks have said about doing a trackday. It'll be a real Europe Ed, at least it was for me.
On the street, ride like you're invisible to people in cars.

Have fun.

[BlackTiBob]

Long list like others but nothing currently, "in between bikes (motorcycles)".

A couple from my history on here:
1. 4 Serottas- Your 72 Norton Combat Commando is sweeet. Had exact same bike. Smoothest shifting bike ever, like butter in the gearbox--in a good way.
2. witcombusa. Nice Guzzi!!! Had a 76 and 77 LeMans. Really fun machines.

Had 83 Honda Interceptor ( I call if first VFR) and later Interceptors. Those V 4 motors are hard to beat.

Currently thinking about total reversal, back to Honda CBR 250, 4 stroke single. Craft a mini-trailer for it that will haul my Serotta to bike club rides??
Anybody have a CBR 250/ care to comment on it????
Bob

[dave thompson]

'99 ZRX1100 with a few mods as the daily driver/commuting sled.

Witcomb, you are an evil man for posting those pics and not including the soundtrack that goes along with them.
You could play the "Sound Stories, Isle of Man TT Races" records on your turntable whilst gazing at those pics.

[jasond]

I love riding anything with two wheels.

[buldogge]

witcomb... Very nice Goose...850 T3? LOVE the RZ500s...pure beasts!!! Stock or tuned??

-Mark in St. Louis

I've got eight in the garage....here's a couple,

[Fixed]

honda 110 cc
cheers

[witcombusa]

witcomb... Very nice Goose...850 T3? LOVE the RZ500s...pure beasts!!! Stock or tuned??

-Mark in St. Louis


Mark....'77 850 LeMans, with the race kit parts (open meg exhaust in storage)

The '85 RZ has had a bit of tweeking, heads, cages/reeds, Jollymoto chambers, Ohlin shock, etc.

[choke]

4Serottas - Beautiful Norton.
Witcomb - The RZ is awesome...I love two-strokes. My first street bike was a RD350B.

I have two bikes at present, though the FZR400 doesn't seem to get ridden much. This one is definitely my favorite, she's as close to perfect IMO as possible...

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv148/BlackHills1/pass8.jpg

[BryanE]

2002 Low Rider with 6200 miles I bought last July.
Happier than a pig in poop with it.
Bryan

[dancinkozmo]

4Serottas - Beautiful Norton.
Witcomb - The RZ is awesome...I love two-strokes. My first street bike was a RD350B.

I have two bikes at present, though the FZR400 doesn't seem to get ridden much. This one is definitely my favorite, she's as close to perfect IMO as possible...

http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv148/BlackHills1/pass8.jpg

Goddamitt.... you post that pic every time there's a motorbike thread on here, and every time it makes me feel like a complete idiot for selling mine :crap:

[choke]

every time it makes me feel like a complete idiot for selling mine :crap:Sorry. I was actually going to post a newer pic but I couldn't get it to upload for some reason.

But you know, the prices on those aren't that high....less than a new bicycle in many cases....

[tannhauser]

Almost nabbed a Super Sport; so very perfect in sound and looks.
Got an ST2 instead; different, carried two, but not the same. Staintunes.
Dry clutch, desmo before the sounds got muted.
Creme de la creme.

[Steve in SLO]

honda 110 cc
cheers
Alright, Butch, give it up. Where did you get that photo from? That is one cool lightweight.

[dancinkozmo]

Sorry. I was actually going to post a newer pic but I couldn't get it to upload for some reason.

But you know, the prices on those aren't that high....less than a new bicycle in many cases....

Not easy to find a good example for reasonable $ in SoCal....if you ever sell yours you'll regret it !

[wooly]

I had a Norton Commando back in 95. Laid it down in LA when someone cut in front of me. Scared the hell out of me so I fixed her back up and sold it. Then I got into pedaling bikes instead. This is what she looked like (not actually her). It was a beautiful love affair.

http://www.gearheadexchange.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NortonCommandoProductionRacer09D-1.jpg

[Fixed]

Alright, Butch, give it up. Where did you get that photo from? That is one cool lightweight.

cheers
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NRNrhYo3RWg/TcNFNcdJcMI/AAAAAAAAAXo/1k_DQfoUa5g/s1600/modification%2Bhonda%2BCB%2B100%2Bcustom%2Bdrag.jp g&imgrefurl=http://otomotifmodifications2011.blogspot.com/2011/05/honda-cb-twister-110-cc-modifications.html&usg=__iRTObVVmtq_m_RkVBLMQi0XaEVo=&h=300&w=400&sz=27&hl=en&start=125&zoom=1&tbnid=zzSuQKr--ukwYM:&tbnh=93&tbnw=124&ei=d5LCTujdAYnFtgfiruyvDQ&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhonda%2Bc.b.%2B70%26start%3D105%26hl% 3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Den%26tbm%3 Disch&itbs=1

[Gummee]

I tend to ride my bikes like 2-wheeled cars, so I end up with bags. First bike was an 04 BMW RT, the second a 640 Adventure, the third was an 07 GS-Adv, the fourth was an ATK 605, and now I'm riding my little brother's 99 Buell.

The Buell's not my kind of bike, but its loads of fun.

Next up: Another GS (probably 1150 and less than $5k), as well as a Husky TE'450' for more dirty riding

M

[onsight512]

...from my first track day.

http://gallery.mvagusta.net/image_db/onsight512/4112010trackdaylvcc/48092.jpg

[kong79]

Been motorcycle riding since I was 15. I'm 50 now and was without a bike for approximately 10 years since I started riding. Four Honda enduro's, a Kawasaki cruiser, and my current ride, a KLR 650 Kawasaki. I commute on it four days a week from April to end of October to work and back - 20 miles.

[alancw3]

i am surprised that no one has mentioned the original motor bike "whizzer" on this thread

[champ]

I currently ride a Ducati Streetfighter on local rides and an ST4s on longer rides. My R100GS is somewhat of a collector's bike so it doesnt get out much anymore.

[Dave B]

I currently ride a Ducati Streetfighter on local rides and an ST4s on longer rides. My R100GS is somewhat of a collector's bike so it doesnt get out much anymore.

Wow I love both of those! I want a street fighter really bad. They are super nice!