I had a motorbike when I was 16, and it didn't work out well. The bike was far too small (90 cc Honda), I didn't have any idea on maintenance, and it was an odd model.
So now I'm kind of looking at bikes and kind of not. My thought is that if I were to ride from coast to coast in the US of A, what kind of motorcycle would be best for me?
I'm reading Harley owners are reporting a lot of quality/failure issues compared to other bikes.
Outside of that you sure don't want a crotch rocket. BMW, Honda Valkerie, that kind of thing would be my choice. Anything with a comfortable sitting position, comfortable seat, very low or NO vibration, reputation for reliability, easy for other drivers to notice on the road, like something in yellow for instance.
I rode for 25 years. BMW 250 cc, BSA Rocket 3 750, Suzuki 750. I enjoyed them all but wouldn't take any of those on a long trip. Did 7 hours on the BSA once and was pretty well done at the end of that ride and that was back in my studly days. PS - I pretended everyone on the road was out to kill me. That and never forgetting bikes don't win fights with cars or trucks kept me alive and in one piece.
I have a Harley but for a cross country trip I'd recommend a BMW. I have made ling distance trip on several bikes (Harley and Suzuki). That said my BMW 750 road the best for distance travel. Have fun.
What the boys said, Jack. My personal outlook is that if you want a road bike, you should get a tourer. If you want a city bike, pretty much anything goes. For the road I like to be at least 1200cc or bigger especially if you have a passenger or baggage. The big baggers are sweet rides. My current ride is the best there is on the highway but around town she is a bit of a pig.
I am on the big Kawi Voyager, Jack. These bikes are monsters and you don't want to go directly to them without getting some experience with a smaller bike first. They will kill you if you let them get in front of you.
One year ago, I bought an Indian Scout. Comfortable, low seat, bags, and a 1,200 cc, water-cooled engine. "Light" weight at 550 pounds, nimble, and quick enough. All this for ~$15,000. One of the best bikes I've ever ridden, and I've been riding for almost 50 years.
Thanks for your post, Gater. What impresses me is that you've been riding for 50 years, and this is what you recommend as one of the best bikes: the Indian Scout. I think I'm going to go looking for an Indian Scout and see what's up with this.
I appreciate the opinion from someone who's been there, done that, and has some matter-of-fact humility about it.
My 1999 Valkyrie left on a trailer Saturday morning. She was a sweet, sweet ride, but I've just got too old and brittle to mess with the risk anymore. I'd recommend a Valk or Gold Wing without reservation.
I had a motorbike when I was 16, and it didn't work out well. The bike was far too small (90 cc Honda), I didn't have any idea on maintenance, and it was an odd model.
ReplyDeleteSo now I'm kind of looking at bikes and kind of not. My thought is that if I were to ride from coast to coast in the US of A, what kind of motorcycle would be best for me?
I'm reading Harley owners are reporting a lot of quality/failure issues compared to other bikes.
DeleteOutside of that you sure don't want a crotch rocket. BMW, Honda Valkerie, that kind of thing would be my choice. Anything with a comfortable sitting position, comfortable seat, very low or NO vibration, reputation for reliability, easy for other drivers to notice on the road, like something in yellow for instance.
I rode for 25 years. BMW 250 cc, BSA Rocket 3 750, Suzuki 750. I enjoyed them all but wouldn't take any of those on a long trip. Did 7 hours on the BSA once and was pretty well done at the end of that ride and that was back in my studly days.
PS - I pretended everyone on the road was out to kill me. That and never forgetting bikes don't win fights with cars or trucks kept me alive and in one piece.
I have a Harley but for a cross country trip I'd recommend a BMW. I have made ling distance trip on several bikes (Harley and Suzuki).
ReplyDeleteThat said my BMW 750 road the best for distance travel.
Have fun.
What the boys said, Jack. My personal outlook is that if you want a road bike, you should get a tourer. If you want a city bike, pretty much anything goes. For the road I like to be at least 1200cc or bigger especially if you have a passenger or baggage. The big baggers are sweet rides. My current ride is the best there is on the highway but around town she is a bit of a pig.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of bike do you have now?
DeleteI am on the big Kawi Voyager, Jack. These bikes are monsters and you don't want to go directly to them without getting some experience with a smaller bike first. They will kill you if you let them get in front of you.
DeleteOne year ago, I bought an Indian Scout. Comfortable, low seat, bags, and a 1,200 cc, water-cooled engine. "Light" weight at 550 pounds, nimble, and quick enough. All this for ~$15,000. One of the best bikes I've ever ridden, and I've been riding for almost 50 years.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post, Gater. What impresses me is that you've been riding for 50 years, and this is what you recommend as one of the best bikes: the Indian Scout. I think I'm going to go looking for an Indian Scout and see what's up with this.
DeleteI appreciate the opinion from someone who's been there, done that, and has some matter-of-fact humility about it.
That would make an excellent suggestion, Gater!
DeleteMy 1999 Valkyrie left on a trailer Saturday morning. She was a sweet, sweet ride, but I've just got too old and brittle to mess with the risk anymore. I'd recommend a Valk or Gold Wing without reservation.
ReplyDelete