Who rides motorcycles?

[Helogabals]

back when I wore young man's clothes I used to ride like this

Social networks reminded me - 6 y ago I have made nice trip in Swiss & Italy

Swiss roads
and
Italian country holidays home

 

[milkman]

Had to sell my 1978 Kawasaki z1000 when times got a bit rough.

With gas and diesel being so expensive now figured the time was right to replace my old Z.

New to me 2018 Z900 RS
Love the heated grips and other amenities. Haven't even cleaned it up yet still has the dust from storage at the PO. MPG cruising at 55 shows about 55-65 MPG if it gets 40 I will be a Happy camper.

I really liked my '73 and '75 900, and glad to see that Kawasaki brought out the new 900, I just wish they'd kept the look of the original Z1 from the foot pegs back.

 

[Cougsfan]

I am 74. My current rides are a 2017 Triumph T120, a 2021 Honda CB500X, and a 1976 Rokon RT340. I'd ride them more if it ever stops snowing!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Supercross is on TV right now, on the main NBC channel. Both main classes will start in a bit.

 

[sd455dan]

My T7 checks all my boxes, for now.

As it was yesterday, right before I took it for the first ride of the season. Just a small jaunt around our mountain, on dirt and paved roads. I forgot how much I love this bike.

Plans for this season: Cyclops fog lights, to address one of it's few weaknesses, seeing deer at night.
Install already purchased heavier duty shock spring.

I've put my 2014 FJR1300A up for sale. Not getting enough use to justify keeping it.

Yamaha Set To Join Africa Eco Race With The new Ténéré 700 World Raid

I would watch bits of this race if there is coverage.

Yamaha Set To Join Africa Eco Race With The Ténéré 700 World Raid

Yamaha will be participating in the Africa Eco Race with the new Ténéré 700 World Raid with Alessandro Butti and Pol Tarres taking the helm.

www.rideapart.com

 

[Bill Guenthner]

I've had 5 different motorcycles which I rode for over 40 years until age related self preservation kicked in. I now ride an electric bicycle, mostly on trails.

Too many people driving around 4000 lb. cars looking at their phones, and a few in 80,000 lb. rigs as well.

 

[3930dave]

Stop. Stop,

Now you got me thinking "Again" about a T7, CB 500X, CRF300 Rally or maybe that new Norden "Husky" 901

Maybe I will use you guys for "Normal" examples with the wife ,

Gee Honey, Bunch of the Guys over on TBN Always keep a varied stock of motorcycles at all times.
Seems like a great idea to me - never know when a backup or different style or spare for a friend will be needed.

Always happy to help out a fella gearhead !

(But yeah.... I decided a long time ago that TBN needed a warning banner (> Bank Account Danger <) @ the top of the landing-page).

@ Canadian fuel prices now, I think I'll be on a moped with studded tires next Winter.....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

With gasoline so high there'll probably be a lot of people looking to buy motorcycles this year. LOL as if we need more buyers in this crazy market.
I decided to go retro with an air cooled in-line 4 CB1100 and found this one in January. It's a 2014 that hadn't been ridden much (2,600 miles). The PO dropped it backing out of the garage and scratched the alternator cover but otherwise it had been garage kept and looked pretty good. I cleaned it up and replaced the alternator cover, original tires, as well as engine oil, brake, and clutch fluid. I also added the factory luggage rack which along with soft bags and quick release windshield should make it a capable tourer. I've only had the opportunity to take it out a few times but I really like this motorcycle; it's comfortable, the engine is very smooth, and the gearing seems perfect with the engine only turning 2,900 RPM at 60 MPH in 6th.
Last week when I was out riding around the local roads here I found myself thinking of my 1975 CB750 and the enjoyable rides I took on that motorcycle. I'm looking forward to doing more of the same on this one.

Like the composition in that shot, and your recent addition to the fleet.....

Too bad it's a CB11 though..... change the oil, and you'll probably not get much more than 3 or 4 hundred thousand miles out of it ;-)

That other recent pic of the Swiss road.... has me wishing to be re-incarnated as a long distance Euro motorcycle courier..... <<< it's a fantasy, so it doesn't have to make sense.....

Rgds, D.

 

[wpala]

My Ride

 

[sd455dan]

I really liked my '73 and '75 900, and glad to see that Kawasaki brought out the new 900, I just wish they'd kept the look of the original Z1 from the foot pegs back.

Yeah, this one still has the sound and yet more "pull" than my old z1000 had. Handles much better and sometimes when really getting on it the front end comes up, unless the traction control is on. I have got used to the look of the horizontal rear mono shock. Sure rides better over rough road than the 78 did.
I have to admit I like it even more than I thought I would. It just gets so much right for a modern retro.

This guy is a bit nuts.

ps. Wpala above, Nice Africa Twin! I still need either a full off road bike or "maybe" an adventure bike.

 

[Rockbadchild]

I am in progress of taking my motorcycle license, always been driving dirty and off-road but I am pushing my luck and I am getting afraid of repercussions, so I am making the step to the legal side. I have to say they are not making it convenient I already almost said F&#K it and drop everything 3 times once because of insurances, finally found a affordable one after spending half a day calling insurance companies. Then was for the M2 course tried to book in my city, no answer next city over no answer third city over (3h away) same this called, left a message left emails nothing ...then called the next major city over (6h away) there was good availability but didn't fit in my schedule and it was getting too far and expensive with hotel rooms and all. So before quitting everything I called back the city 3h away but instead of calling the personalize line I was giving online by the associations I simply called the generic line to find out that the person I was trying to contact was no longer working there but now everything is book until the end of the summer but I book it regardless so that means I will be riding dirty for one more year...

 

[3930dave]

I am in progress of taking my motorcycle license, always been driving dirty and off-road but I am pushing my luck and I am getting afraid of repercussions, so I am making the step to the legal side. I have to say they are not making it convenient I already almost said F&#K it and drop everything 3 times once because of insurances, finally found a affordable one after spending half a day calling insurance companies. Then was for the M2 course tried to book in my city, no answer next city over no answer third city over (3h away) same this called, left a message left emails nothing ...then called the next major city over (6h away) there was good availability but didn't fit in my schedule and it was getting too far and expensive with hotel rooms and all. So before quitting everything I called back the city 3h away but instead of calling the personalize line I was giving online by the associations I simply called the generic line to find out that the person I was trying to contact was no longer working there but now everything is book until the end of the summer but I book it regardless so that means I will be riding dirty for one more year...

For much of the world, small MC's are low cost primary transportation. That's not how many people use 'em, Can/USA, but it would be a nice option to have, esp. where fuel cost has been manipulated to.....

They really don't make licensing easy here.... and I say that, as somebody who believes in actual rider training..... a young fella at work went through similar hoops, delays, long drives to multiple test locations last year, to finally get his M.

The whole testing system is pretty backed up these days, but if they have a cancellation queue, I hope you get a surprise early call-to-test before your booked date !

Rgds, D.

 

[setxjeff]

In my youth long time ago I rode dirt bikes. In middle age I bought a street cruiser and rode it thru several tire replacements lol. I ended up retiring with a bad back and sold my street bike because I was afraid if I ever dropped it I couldn’t pick it up again . If I was a smaller person I would buy a 250 street bike for running around but at 6’4” I don’t fit small bikes.

 

[Rockbadchild]

In my youth long time ago I rode dirt bikes. In middle age I bought a street cruiser and rode it thru several tire replacements lol. I ended up retiring with a bad back and sold my street bike because I was afraid if I ever dropped it I couldn’t pick it up again . If I was a smaller person I would buy a 250 street bike for running around but at 6’4” I don’t fit small bikes.

yeah my 450 wr is not comfortable at all and its so boring on the HWY, the RPM is not bad at 56 mph but at 60 mph is a but much but so fun in town its a power house my 250 XT is a lot more comfortable but its gutless both bike as a top speed of 87 mph... I will buy something bigger and more comfortable for HWY's once my insurance cost goes down but I won't sell any of them I love them both, the 250 is perfect for the wife and I will keep the 450 for hunting and off road/dirt road drives.

 

[3930dave]

In my youth long time ago I rode dirt bikes. In middle age I bought a street cruiser and rode it thru several tire replacements lol. I ended up retiring with a bad back and sold my street bike because I was afraid if I ever dropped it I couldn’t pick it up again . If I was a smaller person I would buy a 250 street bike for running around but at 6’4” I don’t fit small bikes.

Many of us "of an age" can relate to back issues....... I haven't gone to look (somebody has likely built one, at least as a pit-bike), but taller people could use a "Brompton" version of a 250.....

Brompton A Line: Affordable Folding Bike | Brompton

Wouldn't want a franken-250 like that off-road, but it could be run-off-and-join-circus fun on the street.... outside of DOT inspections .....

Rgds, D.

 

[3930dave]

Rainy day here.... got thinking back to a few minutes of Rev TV (Canuck gearhead channel) I caught in the lunchroom @ work early this week.

Organized meet of vintage bikes. Host is chatting with a guy with a 1937 Rudge MC.... brass (or bronze?) cylinder head, basically aero-tech quality at the time. Rudge owner talked about the work that went into restoring/rebuilding the gas tank, and when asked about the other major mechanical parts, said "Those, you just call ____ in Markham; they have them all on file to CNC".

I left my jaw on the floor of the lunchroom, on my way back to my desk to wrestle with sourcing parts for 5 to 10 y/old light and heavy vehicles.....

Kills me, when you can readily just open your wallet, and get parts that go onto a machine that rolled out the factory door before my mother learned to walk......

I haven't noticed any Rudge owners on here, but I recall the name as IRM, in Markham Ontario, Canada. A quick search just now led me to:

IRM Technologies

Between my Less Than Perfect Memory, and Just Guessing..... apologies if I send any Rudge owners on a wild-goose chase....

Rgds, D.

 

[def38]

Well, I just won the bidding on ebay for a 2002 BMW R1150R with 15000 miles. For those of you who are not BMW savvy, this model uses the well-known boxer engine with cylinders sticking out the side. The boxer engine of the era in question is known as the "Oilhead", one of BMWs most reliable engines ever. One fellow has over one half million miles on his boxer powered GS and it has the OE rotating assembly. My latest will be picked up in NC and ridden home to Alabama and will be the stablemate for my 2001 R1150GS. Now, where should I ride next? That new BMW needs some miles, about 1500 of 'em.

 

[Milo]

Ride up to Springfield, MO next week to the BMWMOA's 50th anniversary. I'm leaving Wednesday.

 

[deserteagle71]

Well, I just won the bidding on ebay for a 2002 BMW R1150R with 15000 miles. For those of you who are not BMW savvy, this model uses the well-known boxer engine with cylinders sticking out the side. The boxer engine of the era in question is known as the "Oilhead", one of BMWs most reliable engines ever. One fellow has over one half million miles on his boxer powered GS and it has the OE rotating assembly. My latest will be picked up in NC and ridden home to Alabama and will be the stablemate for my 2001 R1150GS. Now, where should I ride next? That new BMW needs some miles, about 1500 of 'em.

BMWs have always been very reliable. Here's a photo of me and my R75/5 in Canada nearly 50 years ago!

 

[Hay Dude]

DesertEagle71, you have done an amazing job on the pictorial part of your life.