I know we're into Beemers, but.......

[Rich]

I see that a lot of you have second bikes, and after pawning off the Low Rider I had, I was in the market for something different. I purchased a Yamaha FZ6 the other day, and next to my BMW, I have never ridden anything more thrilling. This thing is a beauty, very plain and oh so fun to ride. I imagine it is much like an RS, and you aren't bent over like your typical crotch rocket style of bike. I had it out today and put 100 miles on it, and it is only 40 degrees. I really missed the electrics and heated grips, that is for sure. Five years ago if someone had suggested buying a bike like this to ride, I would have laughed at them. And now I own one... Go figure. Anyway, I was just wondering how anyone else who has this type of bike likes it, and just how do you decide which one you are going to ride? I know that I will definitely prefer the BMW, but this thing will be my pick for those short warm afternoon jaunts in the area. My biggest thought is that I am going to get my wife riding this thing, she is starting to think she is ready. That did help get the bike bought! I have a 17 year old son who is also going to be riding with me this summer, and of course he was a pretty good influence in the decision too. I'm not sure I will be comfortable letting him out of my sight with this thing......

[kbasa]

Neat bike. I've been a closet Honda guy from way back.

You can add heated grips to that bike pretty easily. Look for a set of Kimpex heated grips at your local snowmachine store. They install under the stock grips and make your hands nice and warm. I've been running them on my VFR for about 5 years now. I also modified a /5 accessory outlet so I can plug my jacket in on the VFR too. It's just a mounting bracket, which I bolted to the footpeg mount and a couple wires that get hooked up to the battery. I can use my BMW charger on the Honda. You might also want to check the folks at www.powerlet.com for power outlet options.

Again, neat bike and congratulations!

[CanadaDan]

Originally posted by KBasa ...You might also want to check the folks at www.powerlet.com for power outlet options...

www.powerletproducts.com ?

[basketcase]

My interests have changed some since I made my first post to this thread, so I thought I would come back and edit it.

The sport-touring bent of the K11LT is a big part of the draw for me. Comfy on the big slab, and fun in the curves ...

Knowing I am mortal, and thereby better off staying away from crotch rockets -- the closest I would go to that style is an R1150RT. IMO, a bit sportier than the K11, but not so crotchy that I would experience a sudden outburst of testestrone.

If shopping for a dual sport ride, I would lean towards an F-650.

Finally, if I were to get full blown touring bike, it would be another Wing.

[MarkF]

I've never owned a Honda but always liked them. Loved the shaft drive Nighthawk S! If I could spring for a few bikes I would add a Gold Wing or ST1300. Also, the Super Hawk looks like a great little sporty bike. Almost unchanged for years and still carborated. A lot of bike for about $8,000!

MarkF

[SHAG]

I've been looking hard at the FZ6 also! I've been a Yamaha fan for many years but, the insuance worries me! I just renewed my insurance with Dairyland for both bikes, full coverage at $367.20.
The rate went down from last year about $50:dunno . If I were to buy a 600-700cc chain bike, it would cost twice that amount for the one bike for a year. The local Yamaha dealer doesn't have a FZ6 right now. (maybe thats a good thing). I wanted to call in a vin # to the insurance company for a rate. With the gas prices so high, I think I'll hang on to a couple 85hp shafties for awhile. I love em both!!:)

[chasman]

My other ride is a 26' Envision powerboat. 24 degree deadrise, thru hull exhausts, stand-up bolster seats, full cuddy cabin, and red, white, and blue graphics. And oh yes, plenty of HP.


Riding Like the Wind (except when breaking waves at full trim)...

CHASMAN

p.s. Uses a lot more fuel then the '02 K12RS 8>)

[Rich]

I tried to attach this yesterday but was having problems. My insurance in ND is $228 a year, it sounds like that is quite a bit cheaper than what you mentioned, Shag. With a company called Nodak Mutual. Not a bad rate for this bike, but my BMW is the same rate. I bought this bike for $6400 with the first service free, I thought that was pretty fair.

[Rich]

Originally posted by KBasa
I've been a closet Honda guy from way back.


There are a lot worse things coming out of the closet these days. We can still respect you, Dave. ;)

Oh, and thanks for the advice on how to get some heat on this thing, I will check it out. Once you use electrics, it is hard to go without.

[DesertRider]

Originally posted by Rich
Anyway, I was just wondering how anyone else who has this type of bike likes it, and just how do you decide which one you are going to ride?

Beemers are but one type of bike, there are many others to enjoy. In the garage next to my 1100R is a Kawasaki 750 that is much the same type of bike as your FZ6 -- a half-faired 4-cylinder with more upright position than an all-out sport bike, but still a blast to ride.

http://www.thedesertrider.com/misc/ZR-7S_IMG_1022.jpg

Like your FZ6, it's also a very versatile bike -- it's been a daily commuter, a canyon chaser on weekends, I've toured on it (note the Krauser wing racks for the Krauser K41 cases I have for it). It's not quite as cushy-comfy as the 1100R, but it's close, and in addition to being faster it does have one other thing the Beemer doesn't have -- the wonderful screaming wail of a 4-cylinder at 10,000 rpm. Yeeeee--HAAAAAA! There's absolutely nothing like a screamin' 4-cylinder at full song. I get myself in trouble on that bike just because I want to hear it sing. The Boxer, in comparison, sounds blah and flat, a fine engine but no music. The Kawi also has stronger brakes than the 1100R -- too bad it doesn't have ABS.

4-cylinder 600s are great bikes too. I used to have a 600 Yamaha that was a lot of fun, and more recently I've looked at both the FZ6 and the Honda 599. But I can't think of an excuse to get one, and I do love the torque of the 750. Aaah, so many bikes, so little children's grocery money to spend on them... :D

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Originally quoted by Rich : I know we're into Beemers, but......

Originally posted by DesertRider : Beemers are but one type of bike, there are many others to enjoy.

Originally posted by Blue Knight : 1993 Bimota Tesi... Excuse me while I go take a cold shower...]:wow

Originally posted by MarkF : I've never owned a Honda but always liked them.

Originally posted by RickM : If I were to get another touring bike, it would be another Wing.

Originally posted by KBasa : Neat bike. I've been a closet Honda guy from way back.



Well, a top-notch, well-maintained, comfortable clunky old 1973 Moto-Guzzi 850cc 'Eldorado' would do me just fine in my declining years, thanks! :D

[kbasa]

This must be the post that makes MarkF lose his mind. He's got a bad thing for Guzzis.

[MarkF]

you had to do that!

MarkF

[lorazepam]

I would love to have as a second bike, a Vstrom in the 650cc flavor. It would be a hoot to ride I am sure.

[kbasa]

After 5 years, I'm still nuts about my VFR.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/1351733-M.jpg

[Fang]

TO: MarkF:

Just saw a brand new ST1300 w/ABS braking system in a
dealer's showroom tonight. Dark blue - georgeous! Because
of ABS, price was $14,500 and dealer was in no mood to talk
about discounts! Sure was sharp-lookin', though.....:stick :banghead :rocker

Someone else on this (?) forum went on record to the effect
that they "run hot," meaning that the faired-in engine generates
a lot of heat, and that the fairing does a good job of capturing
that heat and making the rider's life miserable with it during hot
weather and slow speeds. I've never ridden one, so I can
neither confirm nor deny. :)

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by KBasa
After 5 years, I'm still nuts

Yup.

Actually to be fair, my brother did a very slow 4 corners on a VFR, and my wife blames him for my desire to ride across the country.

[YB in IN]

Here's the bike that I would like to add to the fleet.

http://www.aprilia.com/models03/road/dati//foto_mod_pg_360_1060015494.jpg

RSV 1000 R Factory Mille
:brow

[MarkF]

Originally posted by fang
TO: MarkF:

Just saw a brand new ST1300 w/ABS braking system in a
dealer's showroom tonight. Dark blue - georgeous! Because
of ABS, price was $14,500 and dealer was in no mood to talk
about discounts! Sure was sharp-lookin', though.....:stick :banghead :rocker

Someone else on this (?) forum went on record to the effect
that they "run hot," meaning that the faired-in engine generates
a lot of heat, and that the fairing does a good job of capturing
that heat and making the rider's life miserable with it during hot
weather and slow speeds. I've never ridden one, so I can
neither confirm nor deny. :)

Nice color! I spoke with a guy last summer who just rode cross country on one. He said the engine heat was not a problem. I'm guessing it only gets bad in slow traffic or very hot weather.

As for Guzzis - I was in the NYC Hard Rock Cafe last Saturday and they have a beautiful Guzzi Eldorado that Billy Joel DONATED. Now that is a crime. Donate a beautiful bike like that to a profitable business. How about a non-profit museum or better yet a guy like myself that will baby it and RIDE IT!

Bikes are meant to be ridden.

MarkF

[Fang]

TO: YB in IN: Naw, bro, yew don't wanna keep that thing! Yew
may as well send it on over to me, 'cause yew know yer only
gonna hurt yourself wif'it. SPLAT! Tinkle tinkle tinkle.....YOWLLL!
Can yew say "They're gonna blot me up wif' a sponge!"?
Can yew say "It only hurts when I breathe!"?

Aprillia - BAD! Slow-assed R1200CLC - GOOD!

Die young - BAD! Long life - GOOD!

Trust me, I know about these things! Sigh........ Cringe........

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by fang
TO: YB in IN: Naw, bro, yew don't wanna keep that thing! Yew
may as well send it on over to me, 'cause yew know yer only
gonna hurt yourself wif'it. SPLAT! Tinkle tinkle tinkle.....YOWLLL!
Can yew say "They're gonna blot me up wif' a sponge!"?
Can yew say "It only hurts when I breathe!"?

Aprillia - BAD! Slow-assed R1200CLC - GOOD!

Die young - BAD! Long life - GOOD!

Trust me, I know about these things! Sigh........ Cringe........

I think someone may want to have an Aprilia besides me. :brow

[Fang]

Tell me about it.......

Yep, them'air dago "boutique" bikes do have a certain appeal.
Sigh.......
Can yew say "Bad to the bone!"?
Can yew say "You're gonna break every bone.......!!"?

And remember, above 50 MPH or so, bones don't break......they SHATTER!! YOWLLLL!!!!

I could be talked into a flippin' dago Ducati Multistrada, too. Go
ahead, twist my arm! It's lucky for me I'm so old and such a
candy-ass that I have to settle for (!) a CLC!

Yew, on the other hand, have no such excuse! (snicker........)

tick..........tick..........tick..........tick.... ......tick..........tick..........tick........

Not only'est dat, but I hear tell dat out in de midwest, dere ain't
no curves or toins or nuthin'! Just lonnnnng stretches of straight road, where a cat might be tempted to exceed the posted speed limit, were he to find hisself mounted on a performance-oriented steed of furrin' manufacture! Just a rumor, of course, but..............

[eljeffe]

Lust is a good thing. The K1200LT gang has named it Mucho Viagra. My wife calls it a rolling b***j**. I just call her my little Italian Mistress.

http://www.bmwlt.net/pp/data/500/2IMG_0109-med.JPG
http://www.bmwlt.net/pp/data/500/2MV-med.JPG

BTW, the blue Triumph is hers.

[kbasa]

OK, I'm now officially hating you.

[Fang]

TO: eljeffe:

May the fleas of a thousand camels.......

Yew lucky dawg! Beaucoup cool bikes in the inventory, and
a wife who rides a crotch rocket alongside you, and who under-
stands about rolling.......well, you know. She's a keeper, for
sure. By any chance, does she have an unmarried sister? Maybe
one who can pilot her own R1200CLC, or a Tuono, or a Multi-
strada? Please.......? In the meantime, have a sour grape! Envy
is a turrible thang.....! Trust me....

[LICK MY BRICK]

Hey KBasa , I know he is enjoying that MV cause he has a cigarette in his right hand.Just like I do after a nice brisk ride.Nice bike dude!

by the way I hate him too!:bliss Just kidding
Jayson

[eljeffe]

Fang,

Yes, I am blessed with a wife who rides.

However, it got really interesting last October. I asked her if she wanted to go for a ride, and she told me she didn't want to anymore. I had mixed feelings, because on one hand, the K1200RS would be available for me to ride all the time. But on the other hand, I said "W-T-F?!?!?!", because she was so into riding.

After trying to figure out what was going on, I found out the real reason. While she liked the smooth ride that the K1200RS gave her, she just felt the bike was too heavy. So we started the quest to find the perfect bike that fit her, allowed her to ride all day, and had the horsepower that she loves to use (I'm the slowpoke in the family).

After a lot of research, she was down to a Yamaha FZ1 or the Triumph Sprint RS. A quick look at insurance made that decision very easy ($1800 for the FZ1 and $322 for the Triumph -- Go Figure!).

As for the MV Agusta, I've been drooling over that bike for almost a year. I was going to wait for the F4 1000 to show up on US shores, but with the deal I was able to get on the 750, and the prospects of a dollar/euro exchange rate that would put the 1000 way out of my range, I just bit the bullet and went with the 750.

And for the first time in 15 years, there are no other bikes I really want (other than a couple museum pieces like a BSA or /5 Toaster). It's a wierd feeling to not want another motorcycle. I guess when BMW finally gives the K1200LT a real update (the latest 2005 LT isn't much of a change to warrant trading up) or the rumored K superbike shows up (wishful thinking), maybe I'll get one of those. The MV is the absolute most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen, and it rides equally as well.

[eljeffe]

Originally posted by KBasa
OK, I'm now officially hating you.

Dave,

Didn't you just sell a bike? So, did you decide what you're getting next. I'm sure MrsKBasa is getting tired of you riding hers. :bliss

Before I fell in Lust (not love, it's pure lust) with the MVF4, I was eyeing that Aprilia Mille. Also, unlike a lot of people, I think the Ducati 999 is a real looker. And the new ST4S is pretty good looking as well. Ah, and the new Yamaha R1 is incredible. It almost had me over the MV. My local Yamaha dealer let me take out a 2003 R1 and then take out the new 2004 R1. Completely different bikes. The new one is just awesome, and it's got damn good ergos (for a sport bike).

BTW, if you're looking for a tricked out K1200RS (RS with lots of extras), I'm probably gonna consign it at the dealer after I get back from the K1200RS Texas Hill Rally next weekend. 4 bikes in the garage is just killing me, and I just can't give up the K1200LT right now.

[kbasa]

Yep. The S bike is gone and I'm waiting for delivery of my R12GS. Red, black side panels, and a black seat.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/2366503-M.jpg
Bye Bye Baby.

http://nls.artion.net/BMW_R1200GS_Pics/Moto-P02.jpg
Helllllloooooooo theah....

[Fang]

TO: eljeffe

Will you just look at her, standing there so cool, leanin' on
her trusty steed! Saucy little thing! Cool bike, too (!). Actually,
that's what I'm curious about - the luck she's had with her
Triumph. I'd like to have a faired Triumph touring bike with up-
right seating position - necessary due to back problems; can't
have a crotch rocket - but, being an old 50s/60s gearhead, I'm
still hung up on the "prince of darkness" syndrome, and aversion
to British 'chinery as being temperamental and unreliable, not to
mention high-maintenance. So, what has your experience been
so far, with the Triumph?

For that matter, how about the MV Agusta? Good? Bad? Scary?
Expensive? Frequent, unscheduled trips to dealer for tweaks,
adjustments, minor (?) repairs?

My head tells me to buy an R1200CLC and forget about the rest,
but my Italian heart..........well, you know. Sigh..... TIA

And speaking of my Italian heart (snicker.....), what about her
unmarried twin sister? Huh? Huh? High maintenance? (grin........chuckle...........snort) :D :brow

[eljeffe]

Fang,

Ah, Lucas - prince of darkness... LOL!!! Been a while since I heard that term. :eek

Actually, the people I know that have Triumphs have had very few problems. I've spent some time at www.triumphrat.net looking at the issues, and it seems they have come a long way in terms of quality.

Not sure on the MV yet. That's a big question. I mean getting the MV is a bit of a risk for me. Very Very Very few dealerships in the country. MV's financial future isn't set in concrete yet (waiting on funding from new partner -- Proton from Malaysia). The service is a bit aggressive, but no more than Ducati, so I'm not that worried. Remember, my idea of a well-stocked toolkit is a cell phone and a credit card. It's in for it's first service right now - having some accessories added (throttlemeister and hyperlites). As for road fun, let's just say that when you click down from 6th down to 5th (or even 4th) and wind her up to the 12,500 RPMs, you can get a near-perfect reinactment of the roadrunner speeding away from the coyote. Beep beep, Zip-tang! :bliss

I know this is blasphemous to say, but I'm a K-bike guy, not a R-bike guy. The R-bikes have never done it for me (but I am enticed by the new R1100S Boxer Cup and the new paint scheme). It might make a R-bike guy out of me after all. And I do have this fear of test riding a R1200GS (fear of having to buy one if I do). If the CLC floats your boat, then by all means, just do it! One thing I have learned over the years is that you can't just have one do-it-all bike. It just doesn't exist (even though the GS guys are going to pound on me now for saying that - LOL!!!). Then again, with more than one bike, you never have to worry about having one of the others in the shop. :)

It's springtime. If you want that CLC, go get one so you can enjoy the spring weather before the hot summer (and I think this year is going to be a REAL HOT summer).

[oldcarkook]

Kbasa: That track photo is awesome! Big cahoonies!

I am not worthy
http://204.193.156.25/forum/smiles/next/not.gif http://204.193.156.25/forum/smiles/next/not.gif

[LTOwner]

Gold Wing for a tourer? Move to Florida and buy a condo too, you've got one foot out the door. BMW makes the best tourer right now. I am not prejudiced though.

[GeoffMiller]

Why, oh why, did I ever sell my RZ 350? In fact, why did I ever sell any of the last 22 bikes? Live and learn!!

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Geoff Miller
Live and learn!!

How come I first read that as "live and lean"?

:evil

[GeoffMiller]

don' know? dyslexia?:D

[lorazepam]

I just can't stop smiling.......


http://lorazepam.smugmug.com/photos/3349260-S.jpg

[MarkF]

Originally posted by lorazepam
I just can't stop smiling.......


And I can't stop drooling!

MarkF

[GeoffMiller]

The RZ: Bumble Bee yellow and black. It was purchased by a young Lady. I spent time showing her how to ride it. I hope to run into her again someday to see how her skills have come along. It would be fun to see the progress of someone who couldn't hardly shift the bike ten years later. On one hand,, selling it was a big mistake. On the other, maybe I gave someone a bike which changed their life! That machine had the potiential!!!!!!!!!!geoff

[GeoffMiller]

Potential, jeeze. I need a spell checker!Hmm, I think I may have screwed it up again!:eek

[SweetT]

When I'm not riding the BMW sometimes I take out my 1965 BSA lightning that I built. It really turns heads! Its a fun bike, but I have to wrench on it almost as much as I ride it! Its no match for the smooth stable ride of my K75. But the BSA has WAY more character. :brow

[oldcarkook]

My other rides:
For muddy days, I use the Suzuki DR
http://204.193.156.25/forum/smiles/roost.gif
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/bikes/DR350_Mudhound.jpg

My 12 yr old son looks for a place to land:
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/bikes/Robby_XR_Landing.jpg

For sunny days, I use one of these:
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/smilies/shifter.gif
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/51_150_and_53_400.jpg

For snowy days, I take this:
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/1954_253_HyrdaMatic_DlxCab3.jpg

[dlearl476]

I'm currently making one of these from bits:

[dlearl476]

From this:

[lorazepam]

do you know about this place?

http://www.domiracer.com/about_us.html

They may help with parts. I live about 20 minutes away.

[dlearl476]

Originally posted by lorazepam
do you know about this place?

http://www.domiracer.com/about_us.html

They may help with parts. I live about 20 minutes away.

Yes, I've already achieved "GOLD" account status!:D
Great folks. When I bought this bike I thought it was going to be a real challenge, but with the internet, Domi, Britech, and Road and Race in AU, it's going to be cake. So far the only drag in the teardown is one bent fork leg. Luckily, they put the same forks on just about every bike from '59 to '74!

[lorazepam]

that looks like a safe project also. something not overly complicated. I would love to do that stuff again. Maybe when I have a garage I don't have to share.

[Fang]

Not comfortable with the kid on the FZ6?

"How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm, after they've seen
FZ6?"

You're toast! Trust me on this one........

grin........:bliss

[James.A]

Right now, I'm doing a project on a long neglected Honda XL 125. I'm a big guy, but I like small slow bikes. I bought one of the first R1100RS when we still had a dealership in Peoria. Great ride, I never dumped it, but I could have been ticketed every day. I decided that the only way to govern myself was to limit the performance of my motorcycle. I'm gonna run whatever bike I'm on to the limits of my skill and it's performance. This little Honda will serve a number of purposes, the most significant of which is to allow my 13 year old son to have a bike to practice on and ride when he gets his drivers liscense. In Illinois, you can't ride anything larger than 150cc until your'e 18. Of course, I'll be enjoying it too.