Final Bike Choice - advice

[ArizonaRocket]

If I wasn't touring and wanted a bike for sheer pleasure around country-side I would cast my net a little further into the past and see if I can get an old Norton Commando in working order.  Something cool, nostalgic, classy and sent shivers up your spine when it rumbles.


 

[garry]

Why is it gonna be my last bike?
If I'm old and my reflexes/health are slipping, I'll go smaller and lighter. Maybe an SV and realize my touring days are done.
If I'm healthy and sharp, I'll get a new ST rig and use my retirement time to see some country.

+1. I like Orson's idea of a nice Bonneville if I'm looking for something small and light. But if I'm in good health, I hope it's game on. Give me a comfy ST rig and let's ride!

[Scratch33]

Crib a 'busa mill into this.

[Frankienuckles]

Why does it have to be your "last" ride, why not just your "next" ride and whatever the future holds... so be it. Unless there is some potentially terminal situation going on. It happens to many people, I know. If that were the case I'd get whatever ridiculous machine (desmodeici ?) that appealled to me and ride it like I was superman and immortal. oh yeah I'd probably finace it too.  

[GRN]

Thruxton SE, get some custom leather pans, trade in the Shoei for an old bomber cap and some goggles.

[Mr.Black]

La-z-boy


Leave the riding to those who can.

[HipGnosis]

I'm hearing the H-Ds are really sorted out as rideable and reliable.  I can see the appeal of slowing down, appreciating the scenery and being able to take a lot of the creature comforts of home.  I don't know what model, as I'm not that interested yet.

Then again.. I'm seriously looking forward to the Tiger 800 as something lighter and more agile...  It very well could be my last bike.

[falconati]

I'm hearing the H-Ds are really sorted out as rideable and reliable.  I can see the appeal of slowing down, appreciating the scenery and being able to take a lot of the creature comforts of home.  I don't know what model, as I'm not that interested yet.

Then again.. I'm seriously looking forward to the Tiger 800 as something lighter and more agile...  It very well could be my last bike.

Hmm, sounds like you're slightly torn about having a lighter platform, and having a great amount of comfort and features - I might recommend a BMW RT.  It looks like you already own a K-bike, so you're probably familiar with the RT; however I think the low suspension/low seat option might give you the kind of comfort and low center of gravity to give you plenty of confidence and make the bike feel light, while remaining sporty and full-featured.  Just a thought

[2Pokey]

Bonneville w/ aftermarket peashooters  

+1 a T100 in burgundy and cream

[jsanford]

I'm hearing the H-Ds are really sorted out as rideable and reliable.  I can see the appeal of slowing down, appreciating the scenery and being able to take a lot of the creature comforts of home.

On those grounds?  Moto Guzzi.  Last summer at the Grand Coulee Dam we met an old gentleman whom I sure was looking at 80 from this side or the other who had ridden to the Norton rally from Colorado, on a Moto Guzzi California.

Personally, if I really knew it was my last ride, I'd go whole hog and get a Desmosedici RR, like that Transformers kid in the new Wall Street movie.

[GilaMonster]

Well, I'm 62 and still have 4 years unlimited mileage of warranty left on my K12S.  Seems like a great goal

[Tydive]

There are plenty of older riders around here. I was down at Corbin getting my seat foam customized again this summer and met two older riders on Goldwings. Both were pretty gimpy, but one was just on the way back to His home in AZ after riding out to Alaska staring in May. A little trailer and he was good to go anywhere. So, yeah I want to be that guy in 25 years.

For messing about town and zipping up to Alice's, I would prefer to have a Triumph Scrambler or if I stay flexible enough the new Tiger 800.

[Crackedpot]

Why does it have to be your "last" ride, why not just your "next" ride and whatever the future holds... so be it. Unless there is some potentially terminal situation going on. It happens to many people, I know. If that were the case I'd get whatever ridiculous machine (desmodeici ?) that appealled to me and ride it like I was superman and immortal. oh yeah I'd probably finace it too.