Ideas for something different
Discussion
I now have a pretty long shortlist.... The problem is I like everything suggested.
I keep watching reviews of the RE Himalayan, I'm browsing ebay for 80s Japanese bikes, I'm tempted by modern retro Triumphs and Ducatis, I like the idea of a big lazy tourer, and I fancy a trail bike.... Easy
Hopefully the Gixer is sold this week and then I'll just go and impulse buy something.
I keep watching reviews of the RE Himalayan, I'm browsing ebay for 80s Japanese bikes, I'm tempted by modern retro Triumphs and Ducatis, I like the idea of a big lazy tourer, and I fancy a trail bike.... Easy
Hopefully the Gixer is sold this week and then I'll just go and impulse buy something.
Hungrymc said:
I now have a pretty long shortlist.... The problem is I like everything suggested.
I keep watching reviews of the RE Himalayan, I'm browsing ebay for 80s Japanese bikes, I'm tempted by modern retro Triumphs and Ducatis, I like the idea of a big lazy tourer, and I fancy a trail bike.... Easy
Hopefully the Gixer is sold this week and then I'll just go and impulse buy something.
another gixxer I keep watching reviews of the RE Himalayan, I'm browsing ebay for 80s Japanese bikes, I'm tempted by modern retro Triumphs and Ducatis, I like the idea of a big lazy tourer, and I fancy a trail bike.... Easy
Hopefully the Gixer is sold this week and then I'll just go and impulse buy something.
Having been a serial collector of bikes over the years. Your first thought should be when will I use it ?
Get a bike that competes too closely with another bike and the favourite gets the use the other bike sits in the garage nagging you that it's unloved.
If your riding is mainly a Sunday afternoon blasts and the odd track day then are you really going to walk past an S1000RR to go out on something else. Just because it's different.
Personally one needs a track bike blaster, a touring bike for long distances, a commuter and maybe a dirt bike to get ones fix in the winter when the roads are damp.
There's a few bikes out there that can cover a couple of the above rolls. A DR400 could conceivably do the dirt bike bit and a short commute for example.
Get a bike that'll mean you do more biking rather than split your existing miles over two bikes.
Get a bike that competes too closely with another bike and the favourite gets the use the other bike sits in the garage nagging you that it's unloved.
If your riding is mainly a Sunday afternoon blasts and the odd track day then are you really going to walk past an S1000RR to go out on something else. Just because it's different.
Personally one needs a track bike blaster, a touring bike for long distances, a commuter and maybe a dirt bike to get ones fix in the winter when the roads are damp.
There's a few bikes out there that can cover a couple of the above rolls. A DR400 could conceivably do the dirt bike bit and a short commute for example.
Get a bike that'll mean you do more biking rather than split your existing miles over two bikes.
I have to admit I uploaded that pic and I knew it didn't do the bike justice.
The whole concept is great as well. Whilst I appreciate the above is more "Cafe racer-esque", the spitfire is in many ways another take on the whole cruiser lower power:weight thing, but rather than making it something like 70 bhp and 350kg of pig iron, you make it 60bhp and 150kg (NB: can't be arsed checking real figures). But it's "add less weight" and all that.
British as well, even a filthy left wing whoopsie like me secretly loves to have the union jack embezzled on things.
The whole concept is great as well. Whilst I appreciate the above is more "Cafe racer-esque", the spitfire is in many ways another take on the whole cruiser lower power:weight thing, but rather than making it something like 70 bhp and 350kg of pig iron, you make it 60bhp and 150kg (NB: can't be arsed checking real figures). But it's "add less weight" and all that.
British as well, even a filthy left wing whoopsie like me secretly loves to have the union jack embezzled on things.
Surprised no-one has seriously suggested a British classic.
I've got a 900 Hornet, not a massively fast bike but enough to get into trouble. Until a few weeks ago I had a Ducati 851, a bike that really goaded you on so rarely legal.
However, for the last few years I've also had a 1959 AJS 500 (Model 18MS). I bought a restored one to ensure reliability but by buying a less fashionable model you get good value. It's 28hp, 80mph flat out and cruises at 50mph. I don't notice how slow it is as I mainly ride it on single lane countryside roads. I always come back from a ride grinning and relaxed, which is what I think you were looking for?
Before anyone mentions investment, it isn't. They're cheap because not that many people dream of owning one, that means they're not going to soar in value. Hopefully it'll go up with inflation, but I don't really care when it's this much fun!
I've got a 900 Hornet, not a massively fast bike but enough to get into trouble. Until a few weeks ago I had a Ducati 851, a bike that really goaded you on so rarely legal.
However, for the last few years I've also had a 1959 AJS 500 (Model 18MS). I bought a restored one to ensure reliability but by buying a less fashionable model you get good value. It's 28hp, 80mph flat out and cruises at 50mph. I don't notice how slow it is as I mainly ride it on single lane countryside roads. I always come back from a ride grinning and relaxed, which is what I think you were looking for?
Before anyone mentions investment, it isn't. They're cheap because not that many people dream of owning one, that means they're not going to soar in value. Hopefully it'll go up with inflation, but I don't really care when it's this much fun!
stang65 said:
Surprised no-one has seriously suggested a British classic.
However, for the last few years I've also had a 1959 AJS 500 (Model 18MS). I bought a restored one to ensure reliability but by buying a less fashionable model you get good value. It's 28hp, 80mph flat out and cruises at 50mph. I don't notice how slow it is as I mainly ride it on single lane countryside roads. I always come back from a ride grinning and relaxed, which is what I think you were looking for?
Before anyone mentions investment, it isn't. They're cheap because not that many people dream of owning one, that means they're not going to soar in value. Hopefully it'll go up with inflation, but I don't really care when it's this much fun!
For me the best part of owning a classic would be having a kick start. I really miss them. Not so much when the bugger won't start cause it's too hot, too cold, there's an "R" in the month but because every bike had it's only little quirkiness. You had to get to know it's foibles, routine to fire it up. Very satisfying.However, for the last few years I've also had a 1959 AJS 500 (Model 18MS). I bought a restored one to ensure reliability but by buying a less fashionable model you get good value. It's 28hp, 80mph flat out and cruises at 50mph. I don't notice how slow it is as I mainly ride it on single lane countryside roads. I always come back from a ride grinning and relaxed, which is what I think you were looking for?
Before anyone mentions investment, it isn't. They're cheap because not that many people dream of owning one, that means they're not going to soar in value. Hopefully it'll go up with inflation, but I don't really care when it's this much fun!
Many years ago I had an XT500, kicked back on start up once and threw me over the handlebars. I was a lightweight then. Obviously the b
h wasn't in the mood that day. 
Cheers chaps,
It’s terrifying, and not because of power. Its bonkers having so much suspension travel. And the knobbly tyres make lots of sense on the dirt, and zero sense on tarmac.
It’s a 350 four stroke. A mate assured me it would have the handling / weight of a 2 fiddy, and enough grunt to keep me laughing when i’ve got more off road experience.
Plan for the autum / winter is to take it out when the roads are too stty for the BMW.... and finally learn to wheelie properly instead of my rubbish 1 foot high efforts (it’s never too late right?)
It’s terrifying, and not because of power. Its bonkers having so much suspension travel. And the knobbly tyres make lots of sense on the dirt, and zero sense on tarmac.
It’s a 350 four stroke. A mate assured me it would have the handling / weight of a 2 fiddy, and enough grunt to keep me laughing when i’ve got more off road experience.
Plan for the autum / winter is to take it out when the roads are too s
tty for the BMW.... and finally learn to wheelie properly instead of my rubbish 1 foot high efforts (it’s never too late right?)Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff