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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:15:26 AM EDT
[#1]
Check out the Kawasaki Concours 14.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:16:50 AM EDT
[#2]
You only live once brother.
Don't let other folks schedules stop you from doing something you want to do. I've ridden across Texas by myself. Nothing to it. Mitigate the risks you can. Accept that some you can't. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:18:01 AM EDT
[#3]
Look at a used BMW. Lots of them out there.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:18:31 AM EDT
[#4]
A good friend of mine had a Sportster-wanted one ALL HIS LIFE-but got tired of it beating him up. Rough ride, hard steering, almost constantly having carb work done (he even got an S&S carb) etc.
He traded it in on a Moto Guzzi and absolutely LOVES it. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:18:44 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted: Been riding for a while (harley) and never ran across anyone like this, change the people you ride with if they are that ate up.I have a 2009 Harley Street Glide in my garage with 1200 miles on it. I upgraded from a Sportster. I'm still making payments on it and lately I've been on a kick of removing things that add unnecessary clutter, (I've gone digital with my books and music and I'm slowly giving away my CDs and books) so every time I go into the garage I no longer see a freedom machine I see this giant monthly payment that I hardly touch. Sure I could just ride more to justify it but I don't because something always comes up. I could ride it cross country or some such but I don't have very many friends that ride and working out a schedule where we all can take a week or two off is hard and riding around cross country by myself really isn't an option. (I was always taught to never go on long trips by yourself.) To top it off I'm tired of dealing with other Harley owners; I'm tired of them telling me how they spend an extra 6K to make their bike go marginally faster and I should too. I'm tired of them giving me shit for wearing my full face helmet and riding jacket. "Loud pipes save lifes!" bullshit. So I'm thinking about selling it. I don't think I want to give up motorcycling entirely though; I think I'd be ok with a cheaper bike in the garage but a $20K touring bike that I barely touch just doesn't make sense. Anyone have any suggestions for good scooters or bikes? Something that is small, lean, and should would be ideal. Is the Suzuki Gladius any good? Maybe go retro and get a Royal Enfield. Hell maybe I'll just say screw it and get a scooter. (This your opportunity to post pics of your scooters without getting ridiculed.) I don't ride/wear/eat anything because someone approves of it, I do it because I want to. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:19:30 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I have a 2009 Harley Street Glide in my garage with 1200 miles on it. I upgraded from a Sportster. I'm still making payments on it and lately I've been on a kick of removing things that add unnecessary clutter, (I've gone digital with my books and music and I'm slowly giving away my CDs and books) so every time I go into the garage I no longer see a freedom machine I see this giant monthly payment that I hardly touch. Sure I could just ride more to justify it but I don't because something always comes up. I could ride it cross country or some such but I don't have very many friends that ride and working out a schedule where we all can take a week or two off is hard and riding around cross country by myself really isn't an option. (I was always taught to never go on long trips by yourself.) To top it off I'm tired of dealing with other Harley owners; I'm tired of them telling me how they spend an extra 6K to make their bike go marginally faster and I should too. I'm tired of them giving me shit for wearing my full face helmet and riding jacket. "Loud pipes save lifes!" bullshit. So I'm thinking about selling it. I don't think I want to give up motorcycling entirely though; I think I'd be ok with a cheaper bike in the garage but a $20K touring bike that I barely touch just doesn't make sense. Anyone have any suggestions for good scooters or bikes? Something that is small, lean, and should would be ideal. Is the Suzuki Gladius any good? Maybe go retro and get a Royal Enfield. Hell maybe I'll just say screw it and get a scooter. (This your opportunity to post pics of your scooters without getting ridiculed.) mopeds 
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:19:50 AM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
Check out the Kawasaki Concours 14. Meh... it's okay. Kidding! It's the shit! 
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:20:01 AM EDT
[#8]
You can buy a nice used V-Rod for around 10k.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:20:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Retro? Triumph Bonneville. They still make it!
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:23:51 AM EDT
[#10]
Toys like bikes should always be paid for if you expect to get maximum enjoyment out of them. I understand your thinking when it comes to making a payment on something you don't ride..... I did that for years here in Michigan when I was young and dumb. The summer months were great but winter time I was paying on a promise of a future ride. Since 2001, I have not had any more bike payments and I enjoy the ownership experience a lot more.
If you are looking at a bike like the Gladius, there are a number of other bikes that would suit you well: SV650 (very similar to the Gladius, not as funky looking) V-Strom 650 (SV/Gladius engine in an adventure bike frame) Kawasaki Versys (light weight 650 parallel twin, great street bike, jack of all trades) Yamaha FZ6 (4 cylinder standard) Honda 600 Hornet (4 cylinder standard) Of those, I'd have the Versys on my short list, followed by the V-strom. Both of those bikes will do it all. The V-Strom is better if you do a lot of gravel road riding, the Versys if you like strafing curvy roads. Both are zippy bikes but won't scare you shitless-they are several orders of magnitude more capable than any Harley ever was. These are bikes you can commute on, sport ride with, throw a bag and leave the state for a few days etc. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:27:03 AM EDT
[#11]
Quoted:
You only live once brother. Don't let other folks schedules stop you from doing something you want to do. I've ridden across Texas by myself. Nothing to it. Mitigate the risks you can. Accept that some you can't. Same here, my bike is a ticket to MY freedom-not a just a gateway to fun with friends. I rode from Detroit to Seattle in 1994 on a ZX-11. I was 20 years old at the time and it was my first road trip. I highly, highly recommend taking at least one long cross country trip in your life... Stop in small towns for the night-you will be a celebrity at the diner/road house/bar etc. Everyone wants to know your story, where you came from, where you are headed. Traveling on a motorcycle is a truly different experience. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:27:08 AM EDT
[#12]
Want retro?
Try a Royal Enfield. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:27:35 AM EDT
[#13]
Moto Guzzi Triumph BMW Ducati *get used one? Profit |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:33:34 AM EDT
[#14]
R1 FTW
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:40:59 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
R1 FTW Squid. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:41:15 AM EDT
[#16]
Sell the bike. Pay off the note.
Get a bike you can pay cash for. If you can't pay cash? Well, there's your answer - another payment on a different bike will not change the way you feel. Edited to add: I'm a "cager" so I know nothing about motorcycles at all. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:41:52 AM EDT
[#17]
Quoted: Quoted: Check out the Kawasaki Concours 14. Meh... it's okay. Kidding! It's the shit! I want one bad, but I can't find a reasonably priced 2010 with ABS. I'll probably wait till the 11's hit, and then put some money on one. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:44:20 AM EDT
[#18]
Quoted: Check out the Kawasaki Concours 14. +1 |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:44:55 AM EDT
[#19]
Screw everyone else and do what you want.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:44:58 AM EDT
[#20]
Sounds like the HD wasn't the right bike for you in the first place. Instead of denigrating it, and the other people that ride them, why not just sell it and get one more appropriate for you?
Right now you've got the "JMB is God" mentality I see here so often from the 1911 guys. Since you didn't like the Glock you own that means they all must suck and so does anyone who owns one. It's not worth the mental stress. Sell the HD, get a bike that suits you better and leave the hate behind you. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:45:54 AM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I have a 2009 Harley Street Glide in my garage with 1200 miles on it. I upgraded from a Sportster. I'm still making payments on it and lately I've been on a kick of removing things that add unnecessary clutter, (I've gone digital with my books and music and I'm slowly giving away my CDs and books) so every time I go into the garage I no longer see a freedom machine I see this giant monthly payment that I hardly touch. Sure I could just ride more to justify it but I don't because something always comes up. I could ride it cross country or some such but I don't have very many friends that ride and working out a schedule where we all can take a week or two off is hard and riding around cross country by myself really isn't an option. (I was always taught to never go on long trips by yourself.) To top it off I'm tired of dealing with other Harley owners; I'm tired of them telling me how they spend an extra 6K to make their bike go marginally faster and I should too. I'm tired of them giving me shit for wearing my full face helmet and riding jacket. "Loud pipes save lifes!" bullshit. So I'm thinking about selling it. I don't think I want to give up motorcycling entirely though; I think I'd be ok with a cheaper bike in the garage but a $20K touring bike that I barely touch just doesn't make sense. Anyone have any suggestions for good scooters or bikes? Something that is small, lean, and should would be ideal. Is the Suzuki Gladius any good? Maybe go retro and get a Royal Enfield. Hell maybe I'll just say screw it and get a scooter. (This your opportunity to post pics of your scooters without getting ridiculed.) I'll give you a dollar for it.. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:47:59 AM EDT
[#22]
Buy something you'll be motivated to ride, not afraid to hurt or put some miles on, and is comfortable enough and versatile enough to do any kind of riding....oh and it might help if it's 1/4 what your Harley costs.
May I suggest...  Try to find someone who regrets owning one. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:50:32 AM EDT
[#23]
I would not finance a motorcycle, but then again, I'm better than you
. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:52:05 AM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
Screw everyone else and do what you want. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:52:31 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
Buy something you'll be motivated to ride, not afraid to hurt or put some miles on, and is comfortable enough and versatile enough to do any kind of riding....oh and it might help if it's 1/4 what your Harley costs. May I suggest... http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Suzuki%20DL%20650X%2007.jpg Try to find someone who regrets owning one. I regret selling mine. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:53:03 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
I don't think I want to give up motorcycling entirely though; I think I'd be ok with a cheaper bike in the garage but a $20K touring bike that I barely touch just doesn't make sense. Anyone have any suggestions for good scooters or bikes? Something that is small, lean, and should would be ideal. Is the Suzuki Gladius any good? Maybe go retro and get a Royal Enfield. Hell maybe I'll just say screw it and get a scooter. (This your opportunity to post pics of your scooters without getting ridiculed.) The Gladius is the replacement for the highly-regard SV650. Not a bad bike, but if you hate monthly payments, just buy a used SV650. Perfect bike for commuting or short trips. The newer ones have fuel injection, there's a strong aftermarket for them, and they're relatively common. Another option is the Yamaha FZ6. Another option is some kind of sports car. They're more practical than a motorcycle, but slightly less fun. A used Miata, Solstice, Camaro, or Mustang would work. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:53:23 AM EDT
[#27]
Quoted: Buy something you'll be motivated to ride, not afraid to hurt or put some miles on, and is comfortable enough and versatile enough to do any kind of riding....oh and it might help if it's 1/4 what your Harley costs. May I suggest... http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery%20C/Suzuki%20DL%20650X%2007.jpg Try to find someone who regrets owning one. Jeez and harley guys get all the hate for chrome on dressers and trailer queens... |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:53:25 AM EDT
[#28]
I'm in the same place. I've got an 02 Fatboy sitting in my garage that never gets ridden. Its just not very much fun anymore, and the friends I have who ride, probably put 20 miles on their bike every year. I've been thinking about getting something quicker and more fun to run around town on. Ducati has a new one coming out, they've been leaking spy photos for a few weeks. Only downside is my Harley is paid for, and I'm sure the Duc will be 40k.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 9:53:34 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Retro? Triumph Bonneville. They still make it! Love my Bonny. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 10:04:24 AM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
... and riding around cross country by myself really isn't an option. (I was always taught to never go on long trips by yourself.) ... Okay advice. But you're not in a third world country. Use some judgement, jump on that bike, and go see the country. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 10:16:11 AM EDT
[#31]
If my wife ever leaves me.
I am buying a bike and wandering. Like a mix of cain from kung fu and Lorenzo Llamas from the renegade. I will travel from town to town kicking ass and righting wrongs. But, she has not become that tired of my shit yet. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 10:22:16 AM EDT
[#32]
Quoted:
Check out the Kawasaki Concours 14. Nice looking bike. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 11:00:30 AM EDT
[#33]
Sounds like the OP chose poorly.
Sell the HD, lose the debt and don't buy another bike, if your friends cant make it and you don't ride like to ride alone there's no reason to have one. I've got an '89 FLSTC thats paid for, I'd like to have a VMax as well  |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 11:04:17 AM EDT
[#34]
Looks like failure post of the day.
I have a 2009 Harley Street Glide in my garage with 1200 miles on it.
Kinda like having a supermodel wife for a year and all you have done is sniff her panties. 
Ride that bitch!
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Posted: 7/22/2010 11:09:37 AM EDT
[#35]
I got into motorcycling later in life. I was 29, and had gotten a part time job at a local Harley shop. Growing up my mom always wigged out about motorcycles. Joining the Marine Corps infantry was okay, riding motorcycles was not. (turns out when she was younger, she was riding on the back of a boyfriend's bike when he lost control. She broke her leg, he died.)
I wound up learning to ride, and buying a bike. Got an 01 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic. Enjoyed it, but out grew it. Moved to a brand new 06 Kawasaki Concours, (last year of the old model). Really like that bike. Substantially more power than my VStar, much more comfortable, much more capable for carrying things, (On my salary, I cant afford something that expensive that I cant use at least 9 months out of the year for transportation as well as enjoyment.). However, the Connie (again, old model, not Concours 14) was prett dated for a 2006 bike. No fuel injection, brakes and suspension that were top of the line in 1984, (bike was originally released in 1985 as a 1986 model....so it was designed in 1983-1984). The bike was great for what it was, I just wanted more. Then a buddy of mine decided to sell his 06 Triumph Sprint ST 1050..... I love that bike. I've been on two road trips with it, one to Eureka Springs AR, and the other was a quick blast (36 hours there and back) to Charleston WV. First trip was 900 miles, second was 1100 miles. I wouldnt trade my bike for any other model. But that doesnt mean you should go buy a Sprint. Buy what fits YOU. All of the bikes mentioned above are good bikes, you would quite likely be happy with any of them. But I suggest you take your's for an extended ride before deciding to sell it. Take an over night trip somewhere on your bike. That will do one of two things: 1...Re-enforce the reason you originally bought the bike 2...Convince you beyond a shadow of a doubt that bike is not for you. Nick |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 11:22:46 AM EDT
[#36]
Get a dual-sport like a Honda XR650L. You can get good used ones for under $4K, and riding out of your garage, through the streets, and into the mountains is great.
In fact I am just about to take mine (after I finish lunch) on a 4 day back-packing, bow hunting trip. I will ride 20 or so miles of road, then 12 miles of dirt trail, then stash the bike and hike in another 7 miles. That is getting away from it all. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 12:01:37 PM EDT
[#37]
Why don't you sell it and invest the $ somewhere else. You complained about people telliing you what to do with your current bike, and then ask the interwebz for their input? Be a leader and do what you want.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 12:05:01 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Hell maybe I'll just say screw it and get a scooter. (This your opportunity to post pics of your scooters without getting ridiculed.)
(There were no other bikes in the parking lot... Buncha wimps I guess.) |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 12:09:58 PM EDT
[#39]
"freedom machine"
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:06:18 PM EDT
[#40]
The Bike isn't the issue.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:08:51 PM EDT
[#41]
Got one in my garage I bought brand new, 30K miles on it, been paid for for years. No problems.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:11:20 PM EDT
[#42]
It's not the Harley, it's the fact that you spend too much money on what it essentially a toy.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:20:17 PM EDT
[#43]
Sounds like financially and socially the Harley thing is not for you. Probably just best to sell it.
Harley riders are insensitive and use hurtful words.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:25:23 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted: It's not the Harley, it's the fact that you spend too much money on what it essentially a toy. Exactly. I spent right at 4k on my 06 Ninjette and have put 20k miles on it. The only things added are taller gears (for 80 MPH cruising) and a headlight modulator (for safety). I ride alone, it is transportation first but is a blast to ride in the twisties. |
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:27:37 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
I'm in the same place. I've got an 02 Fatboy sitting in my garage that never gets ridden. Its just not very much fun anymore, and the friends I have who ride, probably put 20 miles on their bike every year. I've been thinking about getting something quicker and more fun to run around town on. Ducati has a new one coming out, they've been leaking spy photos for a few weeks. Only downside is my Harley is paid for, and I'm sure the Duc will be 40k. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/xdoctor/2011-Ducati-Cruiser-Side.jpg Holy fuck, they need to shoot whoever designed that fucking abomination - and while they're at it shoot his dog too. 
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:28:16 PM EDT
[#46]
Yamaha FJR begs for open road and open throttles.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:30:40 PM EDT
[#47]
This is about $16K worth of bikes here.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:33:30 PM EDT
[#48]
Well if you're not drawn to ride it, there may be an issue.
Personally, I love my Harley.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:34:36 PM EDT
[#49]
Hypermotard.
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Posted: 7/22/2010 4:36:15 PM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
Quoted:
It's not the Harley, it's the fact that you spend too much money on what it essentially a toy. Exactly. I spent right at 4k on my 06 Ninjette and have put 20k miles on it. The only things added are taller gears (for 80 MPH cruising) and a headlight modulator (for safety). I ride alone, it is transportation first but is a blast to ride in the twisties. Hey, another Ninjette owner. Spent 5k on my 2008 OTD and have 12000 miles on it so far. Mostly just commuting, but I've gone on a few trips, too. I shimmed the carb needles for a whopping 60 cents and added a $15 front sprocket to make the gearing taller as well. Next week, it's going to have a 12v outlet for a gps. It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow.
ETA: Not to mention $140/year for full coverage ain't too shabby. |
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