[endo]

So, a major perk of working in a shop is getting to ride various bikes...thought I'd be interesting and write up a few.

1985 Honda V65 Magna (VF1100C)
I have very limited cruiser experience, but I must say, I kinda enjoyed riding something different. That V4 engine pulls like there's no tomorrow and is damn smooth doing it. I was pleasantly surprised at the comfort and power (and smooth power at that), but turning is still more fun...I'll pass for now, but it's not permanently ruled out as a "type of bike I'll never own"

1999 Triumph Tiger
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Now THAT is a fun ass bike. Funny lookin' as all hell, but power and delivery were on tap 100%. One of the comfiest bikes I've ever ridden (Corbin assisted). Something like this is definitely in my future.

2002 Honda VFR800
A comfy bike, a lot of creature comforts and add-ons on the one I rode (heated grips, GPS, camera's and remote mounts, alarm, intercom, etc.). There's that V4 engine again. I like it. The power is all good and smooth as butter. I like it a lot. Maybe one day, but not yet.

2004 Yamaha FZ1
I now know why my buddy Mike loves his. Great seating position, awesome bars, etc. Power was definitely there, but being an inline 4 it seemed rather "peaky and twitchy". I have a GSXR with on/off power, so it wasn't bad. But ruling bikes out for the next purchase, I hate to say this wasn't the type of ride I'd be looking for. Was a ton of fun, and I could see myself getting into a lot of trouble with it, but I'm looking for some lower end torque.

2005 Ducati S4R
Here...we...go. Sitting on new bikes at the bike show I had determined that the best bike for me was the Ducati Sportclassic 1000 Monoposto. I haven't ridden one yet, and I'm sure it would be close, but GOD DAMN, I did NOT want to get off the S4R. I only got to ride it a few kms but I have never grinned that much when taking off my helmet. My boss was laughing at me. It had Silmoto Italia pipes as well *drool*. The low end grunt, the seating position and comfort, the look, the sound, the ATTITUDE...I think my next "expensive" bike will be a Ducati...actually, I know it will.

Oh yeah...I got to ride a Yamaha Razz scooter too...not my thing lol.

 

[dogbreath]

S4R... mmm... mm...

 

[endo]

And just 'cause I haven't stopped googling...

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_2006_ducati_monster_challenge/

http://www.ducatimonster.org/featured.html

I LOVE the exhaust and SSS on that one...

 

[sevenpointsixtwo]

Damn. those s4's are hot. Too bad they are pretty expensive, I'd love to get my hands on one. Other potential future-bike: triumph speed triple. also awesome.

 

[mpls|cafe|racer]

I'm gonna go ahead and disagree with you on the S4R. lol Fun runner, but I personally HATE monster styling.

Try riding the new Sport Classic 1000.

 

[mpls|cafe|racer]

Oh, another one to add to your roster if you sell Trumpets...

Daytona 675.

 

[endo]

nah, the 675 looks good, but uncomfy as shit for me. I know it fits some great (Sev for one), but it's not for me. I love the styling of the Duc, but I have to try a Sportclassic 1K. That said, it's not like I'm buying tomorrow lol...a lot of overhead right now.

 

[mpls|cafe|racer]

You'll forget that monster once you get a run on the SportClassic.

Are you pretty tall?

I'm 5' 8" and 160lbs and the 675 feels great, but it *is* a "smaller guy" bike for sure.

 

[Scrapyard]

I still have yet to get a hold of the 675, but they are a beutiful design. Compact yet tailor fit. I'm on the tall side of 6'1" and the lighter side of 140lbs. Feels great. Sounds great and everything about the bike is greatly detailed. If I had to compare it to anything I would say it's on par with Porsche quality. the components look aftermarket right out the box. Beautifuly cast and machined with a light polish that looks amazing.

If you want to ride an evil Triumph though, throw a leg over the 1050. Tourque is instant and all over the rev range. Suspension is super crisp yet not too stiff. The riding position up right and comfortable but leaves great leverage over the controls and room to move aroud easily. The one thing that is a little off is the seat. It's a bit scooped out. As you move you'll find yourself lifting and sinking in the seat a bit. Aside from that it's a serious hooligan machine. Put s/o on it and grin from ear to ear as you wake the neighboors with that unique mellow growl.

 

[dogbreath]

I like the Monster for what it is. The styling of any bike is really irrelevant. That's what angle grinders and zipties are for.

 

[endo]

yup. I'm 6'1 280lbs. Down from 320+ but still big. The 675 just isn't for me.

 

[rdannar]

I like the Monster for what it is. The styling of any bike is really irrelevant. That's what angle grinders and zipties are for.

grinders and zipties :rock: :rock:

 

[mpls|cafe|racer]

I like the Monster for what it is. The styling of any bike is really irrelevant. That's what angle grinders and zipties are for.

Ahhh, but there's also something to the old saying "You can tie a ribbon around a turd.... but it's still a turd."

To be fair, I'm not that big a fan of MOST Duc's, save the big boys.

Though I wouldn't mind a 748 to commute on.....

 

[929_adam]

ive never been a big fan about duc's. i dont really lust over them too much.

i think its more of a result of talking to people who own them...DOUCHEBAG.... and checking out some forums and hearing what they talk about. its like theyre riding a big GUCCI purse or something. fucking gay.

however i cant totally knock them, because i've not yet ridden one. a wise person once said 'dont knock it till youve tried it' heh. and i hear they are amazing bikes to ride.

 

[trav72]

Adam, a Ducati is like a VW or an Audi......they run great, ride great but they can be a pain in the ass in the maintenance department. But once your hooked....it's all over.

 

[929_adam]

Adam, a Ducati is like a VW or an Audi......they run great, ride great but they can be a pain in the ass in the maintenance department. But once your hooked....it's all over.

uh oh.... i better not ever touch one then. i've already got taht Dub addiction. dont need a more expensive one. haha.

 

[endo]

lol

I can't stand a lot of the Italian bike owners attitudes about it, a bike is a fuckin bike. I never really lusted over them simply because they were Ducati's though. I've ridden hundreds of different bikes, and sat on pretty much everything at one point or another and they just seem to fit me best. Those and *surprisingly* the new 600RR. That was a nice fit, but I already have a high strung inline 4, time for something new.

 

[Scrapyard]

The only DUC I've had the pleasure to ride is a Monster 600 Dark ei- ei- o, lol. But it was a very nice and refined bike. I wouldn't turn down a monster if I had the means. I've always had a fetish for tube frames and trick suspension though,

 

[sanitys]

i wanted to get a 675, but i held back and got a new truck instead, frigured i really dont need two bikes, and that Id rather have a new communter/grocery getter/hauling stuff mod of transportation. And yes i know haelo you do your grocery shopping on your bike, I still want a picture.:cfrocks:

 

[mpls|cafe|racer]

uh oh.... i better not ever touch one then. i've already got taht Dub addiction. dont need a more expensive one. haha.

Oh don't even get me started on this one. lol

Here's my roster:

-PRESENT-
-1998 VW Jetta 2.Slow

-PAST-
-1984 Jetta 2 door rally car
-1992 GTI 1.8
-1989 GTI 2.0 16v
-1985 Jetta GL
-1996 Jetta 2.0T
-1991 GTI 1.8
-1990 Golf
-1989 Golf
-1984 GTI

.... I'm 26. That's 1 new VW per year of driving.

I've vowed that once my current Jetta dies though I will NEVER own another h2o VW as a driver again. God damned things are more of a hassle than anything.

I *do* however want to build a rear engined VR Rabbit.

Then again, if I go rear engine I might as well use the blueprints I've drawn up and get on my VTEC rear engined classic cooper. :rock: