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Show us your Motorcycles

Bill S said:
Had a Honda XL 125 for a while in high school but wanted a Kawasaki triple. Probably a good thing I didn't get one. Rode until mid 20s and then stopped but picked it up again in 2000 when I bought and restored a 1975 H1 triple.
View attachment 2188644
I was 40 at the time, just had my 2nd kid and sold the bike. Now, I find myself wanting another one. Am I too old (62)? Will it all come back to me?? Not feeling supremely confident as there are so many inattentive drivers these days.
View attachment 2188647
If I were to get one, maybe a BMW F700 or similar dual purpose bike for short trips?? We'll see.
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Regarding motorcycle choices Bill, they are almost infinite these days including even electric motorcycles. Regarding feeling "supremely confident", that is one state of being that I endeavor never to arrive at while on a motorcycle. It's not only that motorists are "inattentive" these days. Many people recently seem downright "triggered", increasingly have anger and road rage issues, and yes, their attention is very divided. Gone are the days that being a distracted driver meant that you were talking with someone else in the car or changing the radio station. Conversely, I try to be "supremely aware" of my surroundings and potential dangers as anything can happen from mechanical failure to an animal deciding to run out in front of you without warning. Then there are the potholes and ruts.

Having said that, I enjoy riding very much and I even listen to soft music via Bluetooth speakers in my helmet. Yet, I stay focused, I still manage to have fun, and I consider safety a top priority as I want to be able to ride the next day if I'd like to.

PabloX recommended taking a Motorcycle Safety Course. This is a VERY good recommendation, as it could save your life, and in many states will also earn you a 10% reduction on your insurance.
 
Valveglow said:
Regarding feeling "supremely confident", that is one state of being that I endeavor never to arrive at while on a motorcycle.
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I couldn't agree more.

One other thing to consider is the specific bike. At this point, I wouldn't ride one without ABS. Also, do all you can to be conspicuous. They don't show in the pic I posted, but I converted the turn signals on the BMW to combination signals/running lights with some LED boards. They're very bright and give a lighting triangle which gets people's attention. Finally, I don't ride without a proper jacket, pants, gloves and helmet (of course).
 
I also restored an H1 and still have it. I don't ride it often (mostly neighborhood runs and MC shows) but it is a thrill every time. I need to post an updated pic of it.
As for riding MCs yes, your head needs to be on a swivel and you need to assume every cager is trying to kill you. Goes with the territory...
 
PabloX said:
I couldn't agree more.

One other thing to consider is the specific bike. At this point, I wouldn't ride one without ABS. Also, do all you can to be conspicuous. They don't show in the pic I posted, but I converted the turn signals on the BMW to combination signals/running lights with some LED boards. They're very bright and give a lighting triangle which gets people's attention. Finally, I don't ride without a proper jacket, pants, gloves and helmet (of course).
Click to expand...

Absolutely! ABS, yes, and even better, cornering ABS with 5 or 6 axis ECU control. I also have the LED combo running/ signal/ brake and headlights on my bikes. Proper gear, yes again. In Motorcycle training school, they kept drilling the term ATGATT: All The Gear All The Time.
 
MReeter said:
Bought a new RS in 2016, absolute blast to ride, with the exception of long distance. The aggressive position killed my wrists and neck on anything over 4-500 mile days.

Traded it for a GS and the upright seating and bar position is much easier on my aging body.

View attachment 2193769 View attachment 2193771
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Very nice! Looks like you put the tubular bars from the R on it. Those didn't help?

I'm good with the riding position, but I want to put a different seat on it. The factory one isn't great after 1.5hrs.
 
PabloX said:
Very nice! Looks like you put the tubular bars from the R on it. Those didn't help?

I'm good with the riding position, but I want to put a different seat on it. The factory one isn't great after 1.5hrs.
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Yes, I installed a set of bars/risers from an R model, and it did help, but still not as comfortable on long days as the GS. I wish I could have kept the RS just to tear up the roads now and again, but couldn't afford both...and a Stereo;)
 
MReeter said:
Yes, I installed a set of bars/risers from an R model, and it did help, but still not as comfortable on long days as the GS. I wish I could have kept the RS just to tear up the roads now and again, but couldn't afford both...and a Stereo;)
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An RT or GS could be my next bike.

My only comfort problem with the RS is the seat. I ordered a new one from Wunderlich that's 20mm taller. It gets good reviews but we'll see.
 
PabloX said:
An RT or GS could be my next bike.

My only comfort problem with the RS is the seat. I ordered a new one from Wunderlich that's 20mm taller. It gets good reviews but we'll see.
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BMW seats as a whole, suck. The best seat I've experienced was a Russel Day Long that I had on a 2005 RT. I will have a custom seat made for the GS one day. atm I'm using an Air Hawk to aid in comfort.
 
I had a Daylong on a K1000 flying brick that was everything claimed, and it was made for someone else. Not as stylish as the competition, but it's your butt in the saddle.
 
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