Spring and Bikes thread

[Toadroller]

It's spring after a long winter for most of the country.

In Maine where I live, despite the fields still covered in snow, our local golf driving range opened today in what we call wahhhhm, 45 degrees and sunny.

But the V-Strom is still in the garage; I couldn't get it up the ice on the driveway or ride it on the sand-covered roads if I wanted to.

So help a fella out and post a pic and tell a story of your ride this spring!

[Toadroller]

End of year/season bump.

How'd y'all do?

My Suzie has swapped her parking spot with the snow-blower, who has seen enough action over the last few weeks to depress me. There were highlights to the riding year, though, including my dad's old Honda dirtbike firing on the third kick after a solid decade of storage and a spring's worth of restoration and repair. That's Honda for ya. I haven't let the boys on it yet as I haven't fixed the brakes yet. Not that they worked when I rode it in the 80s...

My pop picked up the caddy of motorcycles, a mid 90s Goldwing, and put some 6k on it with my mother on the back. By comparison, my grocery runs tallied a whopping 1k miles. I didn't even change the oil. He's picked up a trailer for his truck and has plans for pulling teh 'Wing around the eastern half of the country next summer and sojourning from there, including North Carolina, Ohio, and parts of the plains out west. A Goldwing isn't quite the rebelious BSAs, Nortons, and Suzie water-buffalos (if you know what I mean, you know what I mean) of his younger days, but the smile is just as wide. Not bad for 70.

And so, snow tires go onto the cars, we go Christmas shopping, the golf-clubs rust, and we wait, wait, wait for spring. PLease come earlier in 2015, eh?

Or should I buy a sled?

[JES1680]

A few friends that like to go more than an hour, end of the season pricing and a couple demo rides convinced me that I needed something more than the sportster. Comfortable and the 103 motor even in stock form is a torque monster. Got just under 1k on this one before the white stuff started flying. Will be spending the winter researching pipes, EFI tuning options and intake.

Anybody want to buy a well sorted Sportster Sport?

[tbonesullivan]

Season ain't over yet... yes I am one of THOSE people.

[jettster]

Still riding as weather permits, I don't put mine away for the winter since there are always a few days to ride here and there. Picked up the K bike a few months back.

[BadgerDave]

It may hit 50 in Chicago on Sunday. If it's close I'll get an hour or so in.

Taking the day off on Friday to do some Midwestern ice skiing in Wisconsin. Then it will be time to hibernate until spring.

[jettster]

Rode about 175 miles today with a Z1000 (Friend) and S1000RR (Brother). Wanted to stop and take some pictures for those of you unable to ride this time of year but after eating and gas we never stopped. Have to say it was damn cold on the way home 50ish. Temp read 44 when I pulled into the driveway. I've put right at 3000 miles on the K bike since picking it up in August and Around 3-4k on the Triumph so far this year. Very little of that is slab riding (Maybe 10-15%) mostly back roads, mountains and twistys.

[tbonesullivan]

Nice! I love back roads, though sometimes slab is necessary. I got the FJR mainly because my little nighthawk 750 couldn't really hack it on the highway. Also the anemic brakes, lack of ABS, lack of wind protection, etc etc etc.

In other words, it was time for me to get an actual touring motorcycle, not just one that can almost be one.

[mc2]

Cool or lame?

Anyone have any experience with motorized bikes or light use motorcycles?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Indian-Boardtrack-Racer-Replica-/121509238881?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=tx1AmzM2z6j0w1j%252BhqAQWHHX4zI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

There was even a brand built in New Orleans for 50+ years and they pop up for sale on occasion from $1000-4500, depending on condition. Came across a really nice green one a month ago for $2200, restores an sitting as a showpiece in a restaurant for the last decade.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMPLEX-AUTOMATIC-1953-SERVICE-CYCLE-/121502589466?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=tx1AmzM2z6j0w1j%252BhqAQWHHX4zI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[BubbaVO]

It may hit 50 in Chicago on Sunday. If it's close I'll get an hour or so in.

Taking the day off on Friday to do some Midwestern ice skiing in Wisconsin. Then it will be time to hibernate until spring.

I've done my share of the ice skiing over at Devil's Head, Alpine Valley and Wilmot. If can learn how to hold an edge there, you can hold an edge anywhere.

[jettster]

tbonesullivan, on 18 Dec 2014 - 10:01 AM, said:tbonesullivan, on 18 Dec 2014 - 10:01 AM, said:tbonesullivan, on 18 Dec 2014 - 10:01 AM, said:

Nice! I love back roads, though sometimes slab is necessary. I got the FJR mainly because my little nighthawk 750 couldn't really hack it on the highway. Also the anemic brakes, lack of ABS, lack of wind protection, etc etc etc.

In other words, it was time for me to get an actual touring motorcycle, not just one that can almost be one.

We are really lucky, 45 minutes from the north Georgia mountains and nice back roads to get there, some of the best riding in the US. Not too much further away, we have the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala skyway.

My Triumph isn't too fun either on the slab, hell for that matter any naked bike can get old pretty quick on the freeway cruising for any length of time. It's so much fun in the tight twistys though. Those FJR's are pretty sweet, had one catch me off guard coming home on the freeway a month or so back on the Triumph. I didn't think he was going to play and at the last minute he showered down and I downshifted into neutral instead of 2nd. lol He had full bags with a passenger and that thing was still pulling pretty damn hard.

I've done 350-400 miles in one day on the Triumph but when you get off it feels like you've been that far or further. The K on the other hand can do that and then some 2up without breaking a sweat. Definitely something to be said for a touring style bike. Bikes are so much more specific than cars, depending on what you are using them for.

[jettster]

mc2, on 18 Dec 2014 - 3:40 PM, said:

Cool or lame?

Anyone have any experience with motorized bikes or light use motorcycles?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Indian-Boardtrack-Racer-Replica-/121509238881?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=tx1AmzM2z6j0w1j%252BhqAQWHHX4zI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

There was even a brand built in New Orleans for 50+ years and they pop up for sale on occasion from $1000-4500, depending on condition. Came across a really nice green one a month ago for $2200, restores an sitting as a showpiece in a restaurant for the last decade.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMPLEX-AUTOMATIC-1953-SERVICE-CYCLE-/121502589466?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=tx1AmzM2z6j0w1j%252BhqAQWHHX4zI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

They look pretty damn cool but I don't think I'd want to ride one.

[tobereeno]

I've been feeling pretty guilty about not riding. I used to be a lot more hardcore; in Korea I rode year round, and it gets down into the single digits during the winter. So I have extreme cold weather riding gear, I've just been a pussy this year about it.

Last time my BMW S1000RR saw action was at a trackday in late October; temps were about 80. I rode my Ducati Multistrada a couple weeks more after that but I gave up when temps dropped below 50. Both have heated grips which are truly essential.

[tobereeno]

oh! re: thoughts on Goldwing-esque riding. I'm sure I'll get there, but I don't want to admit I'm that old quite yet. I did seriously look at and test rode the BMW K1600GTL, but it just lacked that visceral excitement and feel. Too much like a luxury car (which I understand is exactly the point of the bike).

so in late June I picked up the Multistrada and it's sporty enough to be thrilling, yet can carry almost as much as a Goldwing (my wife and I tested this on several occasions!) Not quite as comfortable though; I may look into some Sargent seats or whatever the hell them Iron Butt riders like to get.

We did about 5000 miles of two-up touring this summer, and it was some of the best times I've ever had with my wife. Attached pic is of us on the Tail of the Dragon.

[ZR]

I've been bad about riding as well. Just a few short rides this year! We've had the busiest year ever and that had a lot to do with it. I used to ride about every weekend and some times during the week too. I ride a Ducati Monster and it's great but I'm also eyeing Honda VFR's. They've been a fav of mine since the '93 models. I put bar risers on the Monster and that gave me a slightly more upright riding position and helped my wrists on long rides. Then I installed a Corbin seat (look at those when you look at Sargent) but it put me more to the rear making me lean over again to reach the bars comfortably! I question getting a new (used) bike when I'm not riding that much, but I also may ride more on a sport-touring bike. Oh well, we'll see how this year pans out money wise!

What pants are you wearing in your pic above? And is that an airbag jacket or does it have armor plates in there? Or, just a lot of turkey from T-day? Nice bikes you have!!

Rodney (jettster), we'll get out there and ride again eventually, and play guitar! Nice bikes you have too!

[tbonesullivan]

We are really lucky, 45 minutes from the north Georgia mountains and nice back roads to get there, some of the best riding in the US. Not too much further away, we have the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala skyway.

My Triumph isn't too fun either on the slab, hell for that matter any naked bike can get old pretty quick on the freeway cruising for any length of time. It's so much fun in the tight twistys though. Those FJR's are pretty sweet, had one catch me off guard coming home on the freeway a month or so back on the Triumph. I didn't think he was going to play and at the last minute he showered down and I downshifted into neutral instead of 2nd. lol He had full bags with a passenger and that thing was still pulling pretty damn hard.

I've done 350-400 miles in one day on the Triumph but when you get off it feels like you've been that far or further. The K on the other hand can do that and then some 2up without breaking a sweat. Definitely something to be said for a touring style bike. Bikes are so much more specific than cars, depending on what you are using them for.

I am kinda hoping I can find a way to keep the NH. The insurance on it costs next to nothing, and it IS a fun bike to bomb around town and backroads on. Like the FJR it runs best on REGULAR. It also gets 45-55 mpg, which is really handy on group rides. Some ride the dual sports that have like a 2 gallon tank and they are ALWAYS stopping for gas.

[tobereeno]

What pants are you wearing in your pic above? And is that an airbag jacket or does it have armor plates in there? Or, just a lot of turkey from T-day? Nice bikes you have!!

the pants are BMW City jeans. They're awesome. I had a nasty highside in 2012 and I landed on my knee first on the road at over 60mph. I was wearing those pants and you can barely see the scuff, not to mention all I got was a bruise on my knee!

I'm wearing a vest over a leather jacket with back and chest plates, plus I was about 20lbs heavier during the summer. Tennessee diet ya know? When I was no longer able to fit into my one-piece leathers for that trackday in October, I knew I had to cut back on the ribeyes and ribs

[jettster]

tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 03:14 AM, said:

oh! re: thoughts on Goldwing-esque riding. I'm sure I'll get there, but I don't want to admit I'm that old quite yet. I did seriously look at and test rode the BMW K1600GTL, but it just lacked that visceral excitement and feel. Too much like a luxury car (which I understand is exactly the point of the bike).

so in late June I picked up the Multistrada and it's sporty enough to be thrilling, yet can carry almost as much as a Goldwing (my wife and I tested this on several occasions!) Not quite as comfortable though; I may look into some Sargent seats or whatever the hell them Iron Butt riders like to get.

We did about 5000 miles of two-up touring this summer, and it was some of the best times I've ever had with my wife. Attached pic is of us on the Tail of the Dragon.

If you are looking for a comfy, 2up bike that provides plenty of excitement, check out the K1300S or K1200S. BMW also makes some killer expandable sport panniers for them. I don't remember it being this hard to embed a video?? lol

http://youtu.be/LGVOOsuKIaY

[jettster]

ZR, on 19 Dec 2014 - 12:12 PM, said:

Rodney (jettster), we'll get out there and ride again eventually, and play guitar! Nice bikes you have too!

Thanks John. We usually ride most every weekend, weather permitting. Give us a call bro

[tobereeno]

If you are looking for a comfy, 2up bike that provides plenty of excitement, check out the K1300S or K1200S. BMW also makes some killer expandable sport panniers for them. I don't remember it being this hard to embed a video?? lol

http://youtu.be/LGVOOsuKIaY

if I didn't already have an S1000RR and could only have one bike, I absolutely would have gone for a K1300S. Although even the K1600GTL comes slightly shy of the Ducati Multistrada Granturismo's luggage capacity which is cavernous. I've put in some saddle time on both the K1300S and K1300R which is available overseas and in many ways I love the K1300R more - it's lighter and feels nimbler, and the higher final drive gearing makes it feel peppier than the K1300S. You would have to give up rideability over 120mph as on any true naked bike however.

As it stands though, I'm poised to end ten years of continuous BMW ownership next year when I trade in the S1000RR for a Ducati 1299 Panigale. I love BMWs but I'm really getting into the Ducati thing.

[JGale]

These guys got funded on Kickstater. Looks like fun!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2097071998/motopeds

Cool or lame?

Anyone have any experience with motorized bikes or light use motorcycles?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Indian-Boardtrack-Racer-Replica-/121509238881?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=tx1AmzM2z6j0w1j%252BhqAQWHHX4zI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

There was even a brand built in New Orleans for 50+ years and they pop up for sale on occasion from $1000-4500, depending on condition. Came across a really nice green one a month ago for $2200, restores an sitting as a showpiece in a restaurant for the last decade.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SIMPLEX-AUTOMATIC-1953-SERVICE-CYCLE-/121502589466?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=tx1AmzM2z6j0w1j%252BhqAQWHHX4zI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[jettster]

tobereeno, on 19 Dec 2014 - 9:19 PM, said:

jettster, on 19 Dec 2014 - 7:28 PM, said:

If you are looking for a comfy, 2up bike that provides plenty of excitement, check out the K1300S or K1200S. BMW also makes some killer expandable sport panniers for them. I don't remember it being this hard to embed a video?? lol

http://youtu.be/LGVOOsuKIaY

if I didn't already have an S1000RR and could only have one bike, I absolutely would have gone for a K1300S. Although even the K1600GTL comes slightly shy of the Ducati Multistrada Granturismo's luggage capacity which is cavernous. I've put in some saddle time on both the K1300S and K1300R which is available overseas and in many ways I love the K1300R more - it's lighter and feels nimbler, and the higher final drive gearing makes it feel peppier than the K1300S. You would have to give up rideability over 120mph as on any true naked bike however.

As it stands though, I'm poised to end ten years of continuous BMW ownership next year when I trade in the S1000RR for a Ducati 1299 Panigale. I love BMWs but I'm really getting into the Ducati thing.

Those Granturismo's are nice for sure, didn't realize they had that much capacity. Makes for a great sport touring setup I'm sure. I've always like the way Ducati's looked but have never been drawn to the twin motors. We test rode an Aprillia Caponard and hated it, I'm sure it doesn't compare to the Duc though. My favorite configuration is a triple but there doesn't seem to be any big motor, high output examples of those other than maybe MV. The dealer had an 08 K1200R up there my last visit. Had never seen one of those before, looked kind of funky but I bet it would be a fun bike. The Panigale is a beautiful bike, have seen a few of them where we normally ride.

[Brooks]

i didn't get to go on any long trips in 2014, but its a 45 minute twisty backroads ride to work, so i still get to ride a fair amount in warmer weather. last year i bought some heated gloves from gerbing;

http://gerbing.com/collection.html#!/products=32&order=price&no_cache=true&p=clear&activity=45

they are located in the county i work in, and a coworkers bro-in-law works there, so i got tipped off to their parking lot clearance sale.

got these heated gloves for $99 (reg $179) w/ rechargeable batteries, makes a huge difference in a cold ride. i can usually deal w being a little chilly for 45 minutes, but my hands used to really hurt when riding any colder than 55 degrees. i rode to work one morning and it was 35, no problem from my hands, but my coworkers almost had to treat me for hypothermia, haha

[ZR]

I got some new motorcycle boots, kevlar/padded riding blue jeans, new helmet, one of those plastic crampbuster grip attachments (anyone else use one?), and also a Ducati coffee mug from my daughter. Getting a new power relay for the Ducati and I'm trying to get out there more this year.

[tobereeno]

I have a crampbuster but could never get comfortable with it. I put a Throttlemeister on my Multistrada and a Go Cruise on my S1000RR. I've ridden bikes with electronic cruise control and man, that really is the shiznit! the 2015 versions of both my bikes have cruise control. Damn

[cynic]

I've used the crampbuster and found it provided a remarkable amount of relief to my aging, arthritic hands. I used it on a BMW RT in conjunction with the Throttlemeister Toby mentioned. The Throttlemeister was great for touring, but it provides no relief in situations with speed fluctuations.