Author Topic: 2nd bike ??? (Read 2509 times)

kach_me · « **on:** July 09, 2007, 02:43:45 PM »

I asked this question in another thread and X-talon suggested starting a new thread... so here goes:

I have a '76 750k that I enjoy but I am seriously thinking of trying to find a bike that is more suited to highway travel for longer trips. At this point, I'm thinking that I would like to find a CBX with the smaller fairing and saddlebags. Don't get me wrong, the 750 loves the open road but my ass gets sore after about 2 hours in the saddle. Plus I don't wanna garbage it up with add on fairing and bags. I'll be content to ride within a couple of hours of home on it.

I'm curious as to what other bikes you all have and why? Especially the ones for traveling (and I don't think I'm ready for a gold wing).

Aaron J Williams · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2007, 02:56:07 PM »

I drive a Goldwing now but in my younger days I had a CB900 Custom with a hondaline fairing and adjustable backrest. The high/low transmission was nice for passengers or if loaded down with camping gear. Plenty of power and quite reliable, nice looking bike too.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2007, 12:19:09 AM »

I've got two 500s but use a Triumph Sprint ST 955i as a daily runner as I do a lot of miles (600/week).

I bought the second 500 ("Silver Machine" see link below) as the first is a stocker and this was really different.

I bought the Triumph because I needed a 12 month, reliable, goes like stink, stops, handles, no carbs to adjust, no fuel tap to leave on, no choke to fiddle with bike (and I was bored with the VFR800!)

Steve F · « **Reply #3 on:** July 10, 2007, 09:58:27 AM »

If you're not holding out for a "vintage" bike, take a look at the Honda ST1300. I'm seriously considering this bike, as it suits my style, and isn't too big (like a Gold Wing). My wife is arguing with me about this, and she wants me to get a 'Wing. $:-\$

Cvillechopper · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2007, 10:12:55 AM »

I'm just breaking in my Suz M50 Limited and have only put one trip over 150 miles on her so far but the engine is dead on for a mid-size cruiser. They make the C50 and C50T for luggage, fairing, etc. serious distance riding but it's the same drive train. Fuel injection is the way to go. I looked at all of the bikes in the mid-size cruiser and this one got my vote, but the Vulcan 900 was a very close 2nd. It also comes in a tour version. How come no Hondas in my consideration? I had a 2000 ACE deluxe 750 and loved it but the handling wasn't as crisp and the power was no where near the M50.
Just my 2cents.

kuyarico · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2007, 10:44:46 AM »

I think I need a 3rd bike. My first is the 78 550K in my avatar which has been cafe'd. It's a fun bike that gets a lot of attention when I ride it out. But it's not a commuter, which is why I picked up my 76 750 F SS. This bike has taken a lot of work to get it where it is now. When i picked it up, it had loose carb boots, improper jetting, stripped screws and bolts all over the place, and leaks here and there. I've gotten most of it sorted out, but it still needs a little bit of work for me to feel comfortable having it as a daily commuter. It has an intermittent hard start issue that I've been trying to tackle for some time now. Once started, it flys like a bat out of hell. I'd love to get on a newer bike, but simply can't afford to.

medic09 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 10, 2007, 02:21:05 PM »

I have a 750 K8 that I would ride anywhere. Still can't find a 'modest' fairing and bags that I like for it, though. Soooo, I also have an '01 Sprint 955i ST (like Steve's above). I do 600+ miles/week on it, mostly highway. The side bags are good, and big enough for most of what I need them for. It's the bike presently in my avatar (behind the handsome guy in the matching flight suit). We'll see what happens when I finally get my '75 Triumph running.

736cc · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2007, 06:21:59 PM »

How much you want to spend?
There ain't a better handling or more comfortable hwy bike than a Honda ST1100 or ST1300. Owners love them and get over 100,000 miles ez

kach_me · « **Reply #8 on:** July 10, 2007, 06:29:32 PM »

Hell, $$$ is no object

Right?!

All I gotta do is sell a kid or two and maybe lose the wife on the side of the road... (I should get one of those t-shirts that says "if you can read this, the B_tch fell off")

Seriously, I'm just considering my options... at this point, I'm thinking of a bike with minor issues. You know, the one that I can fix with basic knowledge, even more basic hand tools, lower-than-average-mechanical-aptitude, and limited manual dexterity. Oh and the kids WILL be in the garage with me!

Tell me what you think... what you've had... what you have... and, of course, the ups and downs! Pictures and stories will help much better! ANYONE with a 2nd bike throw in your two cents...

tsflstb · « **Reply #9 on:** July 10, 2007, 08:11:44 PM »

Here's a couple more suggestions...throw them on the pile.

People swear by the Kawasaki Concours for reliability and good do-it-all performance. It's not as sophisticated as some more current sport touring bikes, but it's still plenty of motorcycle to tour the country. They haven't changed much since the late '80s and have a huge following. You could probably find a nice used example in the 2-3K range.

If you want something a little sportier, the VFR is hard to beat. I was amazed at how little maintenance they need. I actually sold mine because I wanted something to tinker with. There was just nothing to improve on that bike. It would be great to jump on and ride when you're tired of adjusting carbs and setting points.

medic09 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 10, 2007, 09:59:07 PM »

Quote from: Steve F on July 10, 2007, 09:58:27 AM

If you're not holding out for a "vintage" bike, take a look at the Honda ST1300. I'm seriously considering this bike, as it suits my style, and isn't too big (like a Gold Wing). My wife is arguing with me about this, and she wants me to get a 'Wing. $:-\$

Great bike, the Honda. I thought I would buy one, but it turned out to be more bulk and weight than I wanted for my little self. My choices narrowed down to either a Triumph Trophy (if I could even find one with low miles) or a Sprint ST. A Sprint came up for sale, and I bought it. Haven't done any real tours on it yet, so I can't tell you about that part.

The Conni, Honda ST, and a few other are all outstanding. I just wanted about 200 pounds less weight in the end.

Stormer · « **Reply #11 on:** July 11, 2007, 06:36:26 AM »

Bandit 650 S is my second, since de 400F is not a real touring tool.

chung · « **Reply #12 on:** July 11, 2007, 07:54:56 AM »

I don't see any reason why a CB750K or F wouldn't be a good choice. They love the open road and will haul a heavy load. A little setup like seat/bars and luggage along with the right sprockets should do. Maybe springs and shocks...... well, always springs and shocks.

jbailey · « **Reply #13 on:** July 11, 2007, 10:19:23 PM »

I have a 2005 Kawasaki Concours. I have done a little over 2,000 miles in four days on it quite comfortably. I like to think of it as a cross between a Gold Wing and a Ninja. Although not related to a Gold Wing, the engine is directly descended from a ZX10. She will cruise all day at 90 and then tackle some twisties just for fun. I took her down to Deal's Gap this April. I don't think there was a better bargain than the old Concours. Unfortunately time goes on and Kawasaki decided to end the old Concours in 2006 and has just come out with the new Concours which is based on the ZX-14. The price is also unfortunately based on the ZX-14! I think they should have kept the old concours along with the new one so that cheapskates like me could still get one. They can still be found used for a reasonable price.

dusterdude · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2007, 08:35:12 AM »

yea,went to the local kawasucki dealer yesterday looking at helmets,the concourse they had was damn near 14 grand,aint no way.

jdigga · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2007, 08:45:58 AM »

Anybody like Bandits? The new 1250S w/ ABS has gotten gotten reviews in pretty much all the bike magazines, plus the price can't be beat--sub $9,000 MSRP and I've seen them on sale for around $7,000. If I had the spare cash I'd consider of of those for myself.

kach_me · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2007, 09:12:02 AM »

I have seen the Bandits but not up close. They look pretty sharp and you're right, the price is hard to beat for new. Might be one to consider.

Stormer · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2007, 09:57:52 AM »

Yep, Bandit's are GREAT bikes.
As I told before, a 650S is my second bike (old fashioned, i.e., air cooled).
She's my fourth Bandit, and I tried several other bikes, like a 2000 Triumph Sprint ST, a 2003 katana 750 and a 2005 DL 1000 Vstrom.
After all, I quit trying something different, and just come back to Bandit's.

750essess · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2007, 11:55:51 AM »

Early 90's interceptor. Currently looking for one now as a 3rd bike (currently 76cb750ss and 92 xr650l ). Can be had for 2-3 grand in nice shape.

paxtonpony · « **Reply #19 on:** July 12, 2007, 05:58:30 PM »

+1 on the vote for VFR. I picked up a 95 VFR750F for $2k with 20k miles on it a few months ago. Hell of a nice bike to ride! Good power and torque all through the RPM band, not peaky like most inlines. Sportbike handling. Comfortable riding position. 5 1/2 gallon tank (huge plus for me). Gear-driven cams. Single side swing arm is handy (chain adjustment and tire changes are a snap). For the price, you can't go wrong with a 90-01 VFR. And best of all, they last forever with very low maintenance needs.

(slightly dated pic, the VFR has a smoked double-bubble windshield on it now and the CB is metalflake red)

mikedialect · « **Reply #20 on:** July 12, 2007, 08:24:27 PM »

I have been drooling over this bike for the better part of 6 months. In fact, I was going in every Friday for about a month just to see if it was still there...

It's WAY out of my tax bracket, but I absolutely love it.

sandcastcb750 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2007, 08:30:14 PM »

I bought a Goldwing for the longer trips, full fairing, trunk and side bags.

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Author Topic: 2nd bike ??? (Read 2509 times)

jdigga