Quote:
Originally Posted by Alex
I have to tell you that for the first time in a very long time, I don't have a good answer to this basic question. I've always had a few future bikes in my head no matter what I owned at the time, pretty much up until the past year or two. But lately, I can't really list any that I still lust after. I guess that's confirmation that I'm officially old and boring. 
Our RT is probably the nicest do-everything bike we could want, able to handle 2-up with luggage easily, fast and sporty enough for 1-up twisty-road fun, plenty of comfort, and all the gadgets we could want. There isn't a bike in the class that I'd want to replace it with, and if a meteor took out the garage and wiped the RT off the planet, I'd likely replace it with an identical machine.
I enjoy our 10R as well. It's teething issues have been worked out on my bike, with upgraded suspension and brakes now working well with that monster motor. Fun on the track, and still amusing on the street, but it does endanger the driver's license. Yes, the very latest literbikes make a handful more hp and perhaps handle a bit better out of the box, but none of them would allow me to ride any quicker on the street or track, or have more fun, so again I can't see replacing it any time soon. It serves its purpose.
Last but certainly not least, our ninjette is a simply great machine. Great fun in just about all conditions, asks for nothing, and returns smiles all day. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, and cheap to maintain. And it's a great bike for Annie to take out every once in awhile if she ever feels the need.
So I dunno. Though a new bike isn't in our immediate (or even medium-term) future, I'd guess it would be something that's completely different from the above to add to the garage, maybe a dual-sport or a pure dirt machine. We've got only a few years before I hope the little one can start to join us in this hobby, and dirt will almost definitely be the way to go at that point. |
I hear your problem.
My issue is that I'm judging with mixed feelings on my list. None of the bikes I listed is something I really "want".
I do really want the Duc 1198, but I refuse to spend that kind of money on a bike.
If I wanted a more practical bike for cruising around and daily commuting, I would probably go with these:
-Harley Davidson XR1200
-Yamaha R1
What attracts me to the R1 more than anything is the sound of the exhaust. I just love it.
I love the 250, but I do find it annoying that I feel like I have to "hang on" during windy days. I could use a more aggressive riding position.
Others I really like are:
Triumph 675
Triumph Scrambler
Honda VFR (I don't know why)
Aprilia Shiver 750
and a few others.
I have been considering a ZX14 since they aren't moving much (dealer has a new one for 9k). They would make a good sport tourer and be fun to boot. Just a bit heavy...
I honestly don't know what I would get. I know I'd have to think about it long and hard. I do know that the 250 is not that great for winter riding as it does not have very good wind protection compared to 600's and 1000's.
I don't have a heavy wrist, I do like to have fun though. Speed won't get me in trouble, I view it as another out. The 250 is my second bike, the smallest I've ever owned. I'd love to track it, but I need more power on the street. Right now my only defenses are agility and braking. I'd love to add acceleration to that list. That is why I'm thinking 1000. I won't push it as hard, and it will still get up and boggie when I need it to.