Standard Motorcycle | FerrariChat

Standard Motorcycle

Discussion in 'Motorcycles & Boats' started by Texas Forever, Aug 17, 2020.

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  1. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    What are the options for a “standard motorcycle?” No city driving. No Interstate. No biker rallies. No crouch rockets that require a visit to a chiropractor. Just fun back roads. Cruising around with no particular place to go. All I can think of is a new classic Triumph or BMW. Although I’m aware Kawasaki has a new 900.

    Thoughts?


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  2. Way2fast

    Way2fast Formula 3

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    Ducati scrambler

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  3. Alcav5

    Alcav5 F1 Rookie
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    I just picked up 3 for just cruising.
    Mine is harley fat boy 114 , I like it , have done 3 rides so far very easy, pleasurable, a looker, not too big, not small where you'll feel everything. Don't need the 114, the base 107 would be fine.
    For son I got a started bike, Honda rebel 500. For his frame he fits perfectly, 500cc can keep up, but not for long term.
    Last minute impulse purchase was pre-owned harley fat bob 114 , 800 miles got for 4k discount. I may ride this occasionally is different look and ride than fat boy , or son could use in a year or so after he gets his lic.
    I would have considered triumph or Indian but no dealers near me.
    Had ducati diavel a few years ago , also nice, but buzzy/ringy
    Yama, kawi, honda also have nice models for cruising and less than harleys but I played to the name, you may not care.
    Happy hunting.
     
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  4. SAFE4NOW

    SAFE4NOW F1 Veteran
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    I was in the same boat a few months ago, I ended up with a 2020 Ducati Diavel 1260S

    I find that I can ride 4-5 hours comfortably. Has all the Technology one would want, close to perfect riding position , and looks different then all the others out there.
     
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  5. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
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    Perfect timing. I'm in the market.
    The new 900 Kawasaki retro looks great.

    The best standard I've ever ridden was a BMW R1250R. Rode much lighter than it is.
    For me though, I've always wanted a Triumph and never had one. I'm going to looking for a Bonnie that's a couple of years old.
     
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  6. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    BTW, I'd like something close to a standard rake and trail. It's what I grew up on.
     
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  7. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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  8. NORTY

    NORTY Formula Junior

    Aug 15, 2008
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    OK, we need a little more info. Like~

    1. What is your previous motorcycle experience? (Be honest, here.)
    2. What do you want this motorcycle to be for? Is it replacing another bike?
    3. What is your budget?
    4. Do you plan on doing any dirt riding with it?
    5. Ht/Wt/age
    6. Are you getting this motorcycle for you, OR are you wanting to "show off" to your friends that you've got "garage jewelry?"
    7. Have you ALL the gear that you know you need?
    8. Do you have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license?
    9. When was the last time you took a professional motorcycle safety course?

    There, this should get you thinking, at least.
     
  9. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    The new Triumphs are great. The old Triumphs look fantastic. The brits never understood what they had. But, they also never figured out how to split a crankshaft. Talk about a proctology exam.
     
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  10. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
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    I think the old carbs, Amal IIRC, that you tickled until they pee'd gas on stuff were thrilling. It's amazing any of us lived through it.
     
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  11. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    1. I start riding motorcycles, Honda 90, when I was 14. I'm 68 now.

    2. Strictly back roads.

    3. I've been known to spend stupid money. After all, I've owned Ferraris.

    4. The adventure bike thing sounds appealing, but I'm old.

    5. Too old, too fat.

    6. Just me, baby

    7. Gear? I've got a helmet (full face). I've always wanted a Langlitz jacket. Never got around to one.

    8. Yup

    9. Never have. After my time
     
  12. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    No ****. I used to have '70 Bonnie. If you took a curve a tad too fast, it would start doing the hula. Just kinda a slow flex. Just enough to let you know, old chap, you might be going a little too fast.

    Plus, the front brake was a fashion accessory.

    But damn, I had a lot of fun as a young un.
     
  13. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
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    I don't know what it was about bikes from back in the day but so many had horrible habits like the head shake. Floppy forks or frames were the cause?

    I wasn't familiar with the z900. Kawasaki did a nice job with that. The CB1000's from a few years ago are nice with a retro flair too.

    For me, the final answer is still a Bonnieville variant. Great look but now has brakes and a non-clunky gearbox. I also think a twin is just easier. The BMW naked bikes are great but feel pretty hi tech which doesn't sound like it fits what you're looking for.

    I'm moving to Asheville and selling my Vespa 300 because the hills are too steep and the ABS brakes on that are too wooden. Ij just want something I can ride a couple of miles into town and back.
     
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  14. adc

    adc Karting

    Feb 1, 2009
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    Get Keanu to build a bike-Arch motorcycle
    Todd Eagan at GTM Custom-Moto Guzzi based.
    Maybe go electric with a Zero
     
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  15. adc

    adc Karting

    Feb 1, 2009
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    Surprised I forgot. Check out Revival Cycles in Austin. They used to have some bikes up for sale on their site but I don't see a classified section. Not going to Handbuilt this year since GP was cancelled.
     
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  16. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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  17. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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  18. Alcav5

    Alcav5 F1 Rookie
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    Texas,
    Your posts seem as though you want to go old school in the worst way . :)

    However from what I thought I read you are looking for an easy cruiser for occasional rides.

    I would like to share my take on riding at my age now (58). Situation is I can only ride in my spare time and I really want it to be easy & enjoyable, no daily , no traffic, no highways, just back roads , vista cruising.
    As a young kid I started w/ Honda 50 , went up through dirt bikes, then got married and stopped but the standards were what I thought were normal.
    Maybe 10 years ago , when I was able to afford to ride again. I started w/ a Kawi endoro (thought I was going to do some dirt riding too - not) , then to a Multistrada . Then looking for a cooler , quicker tour-er I picked up a Daivel , super fun bike .
    Never thought of getting a Harley , just wasn't my cup of tea , it didn't even look fun & not sure I wanted the affiliation. But I was convinced to try one with the forward pegs and after a ride or 2 I was sold, super comfy .
    Bought a Fat Bob and really enjoyed it , it was a cool combo of style and muscle with forward pegs , seat was super comfy . At the same time a buddy on a Heritage said I need to use foot rests. Thought no way , it'll ruin the "coolness" look , I wasn't ready to be on an "old man's" bike.
    But as things go and being without those bikes for the past 3 years , I recently picked up a Fat Boy with foot rests. Omg , I have ridden maybe 6 times in and around my place in RI and I can't imagine riding without them anymore. Just cruising down a long stretch of back road , feet on the rests is like sitting on the couch and watching a movie as the vista goes by. Def. call me lazy , I like it...
    Unfortunately Harley's are more money than some alts and I really don't know about issues but I don't think any maker has an equivalent all around . :cool:

    Best ,
    Al
     
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  19. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Ducati Monster is a nice bike for that.

    I own a Triumph Tiger 800, and it is fantastic. Triumph's modern motors are just the best-- so smooth-- and the Tiger has a very comfortable upright seating position. Mine is an XC, so more off-road/adventure focused, but they also make an XR (I see that they now call them the "GT" or "Rally" models) which would be perfect for what you want to do.
     
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  20. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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  21. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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  22. BoulderFCar

    BoulderFCar F1 World Champ
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  23. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Seven Time F1 World Champ
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    I’m bi-shifter!


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