Motorcycles

j · Jul 26, 2008

Originally Posted by A Harris

What you going to use it for?
From what I've seen, they are pretty similar to what the BMW 800 GS will be like, so basically, put huge bags on the back, load it up with stuff and kind of head off in whatever direction I feel like. And probably, take it off some sweet jumps. I really don't know. I just increasingly want to have something that can go on dirt (not necessarily serious mud/dirt/technical stuff though) as well as road. It just seems like a lot of fun. I will test ride the 800 GS when the shop gets one in October.

Tck13 · Jul 26, 2008

Originally Posted by j

And probably, take it off some sweet jumps.

Matt · Jul 27, 2008

Originally Posted by A Harris

What you going to use it for?
thrifting

eg1 · Jul 28, 2008

Originally Posted by Tck13

Who knows about BMWs? After getting caught in the rain for the MILLIONTH ******* TIME without bags and all of my gear (and for a couple of other reasons), I'm thinking about maybe a sport tourer for my next bike.

Honda's ST1300 or BMW's R1200 RT or the R1200 GS. I use my bike a lot for commuting and I like to ride in all kinds of weather (except for below freezing unless it's completely dry). I also would like a small windsheild, bags, the whole package.

I know that I could put bags on my cruiser and whatnot but I'm thinking I'd rather get a bike more suited for commuting and riding.

Anyone have either of the BMWs or the Honda that I mentioned?

I have an old K100RS, and like j says, they are rather heavy for in and around town, but are rock-solid on the highway and real favourite of the iron-butt set. If you are looking to ring up serious cross-country mileage fast, something like the the K1200GT might be what you are looking for. I've never liked the BMW opposed-twin, so I would shy away from the R-series, but admit it's pure prejudice on my part.

Off-hand I would think the ST1300 would be better value than any of the Beemers.

A Harris · Jul 29, 2008

Originally Posted by j

From what I've seen, they are pretty similar to what the BMW 800 GS will be like, so basically, put huge bags on the back, load it up with stuff and kind of head off in whatever direction I feel like.

And probably, take it off some sweet jumps.

I really don't know. I just increasingly want to have something that can go on dirt (not necessarily serious mud/dirt/technical stuff though) as well as road. It just seems like a lot of fun. I will test ride the 800 GS when the shop gets one in October.

That sounds like the right use for it. They really aren't that off-road capable (too heavy and powerful) but would be a good choice for trips that are say 80% asphalt / 20% dirt roads, where a 530 would either kill you or itself under the extended road travel.

speedster.8 · Jul 29, 2008

Originally Posted by Bradford

My new object of lust... Triumph is coming out with a 50th Anniversary Bonneville next summer. Gives me a year to get ready, make a bunch of money and buy one

NEXT YEAR? I passed this one the other day, sorry for the crappy cellph pic.

j · Jul 29, 2008

Originally Posted by speedster.8

NEXT YEAR? I passed this one the other day, sorry for the crappy cellph pic.
Yeah, I was pretty sure I'd seen one of those before too. Unless it's got something special I can't see from the pic.

Ludeykrus · Jul 31, 2008

Working out some kinks:

speedster.8 · Jul 31, 2008

Originally Posted by Ludeykrus

Working out some kinks:

Id personaly look into the way they do the exhaust piping @ confederate ... How about a "springer" style fork?

Ludeykrus · Jul 31, 2008

^ I really like the pipes on the Confederates. My pipes aren't spectacular, but they are tuned to the motor.

I like springers, but only on old school high-bar bobbers. Honestly, the only thing I can see changing on it right now is painting the front fork legs black. The rest I'm satisfied with.

A Harris · Aug 1, 2008

That chain is crazy long. Ever thrown one? I imagine that would be a big mess.

Ludeykrus · Aug 1, 2008

Nope! Not on that bike, at least. I pitched one going down the offramp off the interstate once on my GS750, luckily it got stuck between the swingarm and shock, didn't lock up the rear tire, and didn't slap around tearing into my leg!

Chain maintenance is a top priority for me after that incident!

speedster.8 · Aug 1, 2008

How about belt drive, to wide?

Ludeykrus · Aug 2, 2008

^ I know there can be problems with belt conversions on the old Ironheads due to the belt being way too wide for the side case. I've heard of people having to dremel their case a bit just to be able to fit on a good o-ring chain!

One of the only belt conversion kits I've found runs ~$800, so it wouldn't be a cheap endeavor. Actually, since it came up: anyone have any experience running belt drives? I've talked to two guys locally, and they said they've seen problems with eating belts within a short amount of miles. How's the durability compared to a chain?

j · Aug 2, 2008

Belt drive, pfeh. What is this, a bench grinder?

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