Who rides motorcycles?

[Kyle_in_Tex]

So my friend has a Ducati Hypermotard 1100. It needs new fork seals.
He called the dealer in Houston. They said they don't work on bikes over 10 years old.
The bike is a cream puff with only maybe 8000 miles.

Have any of you heard of dealers refusing to work on older bikes?

IIRC, the service advisor might have told him something like, "if you take off and just bring the forks, we can work on it" but friend said they later recanted that.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I've ridden 2 street bikes with 200 hp. You might only be able to wick it 1% of the time while riding the roads.

But a thrill for those moments.

At my age and responsibilities, I prefer to putt around now with both headlights on high beam during the day.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

My 92 yamaha FZ had EXUP, a servo controlled exhaust valve. It opened up at 6000 rpm.

I could quietly/stealthily zip around keeping under 6K. The cops wouldn't even look up to see.

But when it opened up, the Yoshimura exhaust expelled a sweet tune, but loud.

I told my 15yo son, "you can get away with a lot more zipping around if you can keep it quiet."

I remember talking with a deputy on Lime Creek road on the east side of Lake Travis. He said the noise was what had all the locals calling the sheriffs regularly.

 

[The Gaul]

I'd love to see you on one of those bikes follow my "wimpy bike" on the roads I like to ride.......

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I should have been more explicit, I was talking about road bikes only. What I call 'wimpy' is the likes of Ducati Scramblers and all kinds of 'Starbucks run' vehicles.

I did own dirt bikes myself at some point in my life. Back when I track raced (speed) I owned a Honda CR500 for my winter training and I have to admit that it was a handful.

 

[The Gaul]

I've ridden 2 street bikes with 200 hp. You might only be able to wick it 1% of the time while riding the roads.

But a thrill for those moments.

At my age and responsibilities, I prefer to putt around now with both headlights on high beam during the day.

It really depends where you live. I've moved all over the US for my career and there are places where it doesn't even make sense to own something nice or exciting. NJ/NY with all it's potholes and horrible weather is a good example. Not to mention crazy drivers who do not always obey the rules.
Having retired in Central Oregon I basically need to get out of town in Eastern direction and there's desert and canyons all the way to Idaho. My only concern is range to the next gas station.
It's motorcycle bliss...And yes, the 200HP are put to use. I've been on rides accompanied by friends on Sport Touring bikes (120 to 150HP) who admit that they could use some more HP.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Very nice.

Sadly I broke my wrist, yes, riding like a hooligan on a dual purpose trying to super motard on knobby tires, and I can't ride sportbikes very far at all anymore. Can't put weight on right hand for long.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I think you explained why those bikes have become popular. If you live in the city, suburbs, congested areas… those bikes are not just more practical, but more fun in those conditions. The same reason one would not dual sport a CBR or GSXR.

I’ve had as much fun on an R3 wide open on twisty roads as I have a liter bike. It’s just different. I suppose this is why we don’t all drive a Ferrari as our daily driver.

I’d personally love a supermoto as an urban bike. I’m sure plenty would disagree… but I’m not here to judge their choice of entertainment.

 

[FullMetalBucket]

Roads around here, you better have 10 inches of suspension travel . I don’t know what they spend the road tax money on, but it sure isn’t the roads.

I like the look of sport bikes, but prefer the riding position of naked bikes, especially wrist angle of the bars.

The only downside is the sail effect at higher speeds with the lack of wind protection.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

Roads around here, you better have 10 inches of suspension travel . I don’t know what they spend the road tax money on, but it sure isn’t the roads.

I like the look of sport bikes, but prefer the riding position of naked bikes, especially wrist angle of the bars.

The only downside is the sail effect at higher speeds with the lack of wind protection.

I’ve always been partial to naked bikes too. I’ve owned my 2014 FZ09 longer than any other bike in my life. I have 5 bikes, and overall it is just the most enjoyable. Ever since my Speed Triple, I’ve had a real affinity for three cylinder bikes. I’d just never own another Triumph.

 

[scootr]

Speaking of Triumphs I just took the 1200 Speedmaster out for a spin. 50 miles of twisty canyon roads. Well you just never know what you will see out there

 

[JasperFrank]

Yes, my local Yam dealer would not work on my '80 bike after they sold me the parts needed. Wrote a local yelp review. They soon went out of business.

So my friend has a Ducati Hypermotard 1100. It needs new fork seals.
He called the dealer in Houston. They said they don't work on bikes over 10 years old.
The bike is a cream puff with only maybe 8000 miles.

Have any of you heard of dealers refusing to work on older bikes?

IIRC, the service advisor might have told him something like, "if you take off and just bring the forks, we can work on it" but friend said they later recanted that.

 

[FullMetalBucket]

I have heard people complaining Harley dealers won’t work on older bikes as well. Sort of ironic.

 

[BleedingOrange]

I don,t get it. What is the difference working on an older bike versus a new bike, or are they trying to get customers to trade in the older stuff so they can sell more bikes ? Why would they have this policy ?

 

[mikester]

Its the insurance companies, lawyers, and bean counters driving this. Soon you will need to wear your helmet inside you car and in the bathroom if they have their way.

 

[scootr]

I don,t get it. What is the difference working on an older bike versus a new bike, or are they trying to get customers to trade in the older stuff so they can sell more bikes ? Why would they have this policy ?

I can think of a few problems that may arise. Like younger mechanics not schooled in old technology and diminishing parts supply. Not saying it's right, just saying mechanics today are taught to plug and play not fix.

 

[The Gaul]

Very nice.

Sadly I broke my wrist, yes, riding like a hooligan on a dual purpose trying to super motard on knobby tires, and I can't ride sportbikes very far at all anymore. Can't put weight on right hand for long.

Have you tried (heli-) bar risers ?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I have not. When I had my 92 FZ 1000, I bought the first Yamaha R1 in Texas (because I had some insider knowledge). That was the only time I had 2 sport bikes at once. But alas, my wrist just couldn't handle long durations. I even have some trouble with it on my FJR 1300.

Maybe I'll succumb and get a bike with ape hangers. LOL.

If I were in your shoes, I would have trouble deciding which to ride when I went out to the garage.

 

[scootr]

When you have trouble deciding which to ride or ride the FUN one...it's time to sell something.

 

[CloverKnollFarms]

I don't sell simply because these bikes, used, are what they cost me new, years ago. New bike prices have exploded.

 

[scootr]

I don't sell simply because these bikes, used, are what they cost me new, years ago. New bike prices have exploded.

A bike or a car is only worth how much you enjoy it. If I stop using them I sell them. I have a friend who keeps everything he buys forever...sorta limits what he gets to own but he's happy, and I'm happy buying and selling. I owned some nice cars that way even if it was for just 2 or 5 yrs. And yes, new bike and car prices have soared. Have you priced a new diesel pick up in the last 5 yrs?