How satisfied are you?

[sammyseaman]

Are you happy with the bike or bikes in your stable? Are they living up to expectations or are you fixin' to replace? I've owned bikes that I absolutely love and I've had bikes that I couldn't wait to get rid of. Luckily I'm very happy with my 1050 Sprint. Do I think it's the best bike out there? No. Do I think it's the best bike for me? Probably not. Is it my favorite bike I've ever owned? No, but it is right up there. Anyhoo, what say you?

[Orson]

Do I think it's the best bike out there? No. Do I think it's the best bike for me? Probably not. Is it my favorite bike I've ever owned? No, but it is right up there. Anyhoo, what say you?

I feel the same about my Guzzi.

Considering a supposedly "unreliable" bike has taken me from Norway to Sicily, and from Portugal to Romania, I'd say I'm happy with it.

The same goes with the Aprilia and Thruxton, but I don't have as many miles on them.

[Scratch33]

I always satisfied with my bikes but I'm always looking towards the next one.

[chornbe]

Do I think it's the best bike out there? No. Do I think it's the best bike for me? Probably not. Is it my favorite bike I've ever owned? No, but it is right up there.

+1

Some machines just scratch the right itches. I don't believe there's a single machine could stratch *all* the itches.

[garry]

I am satisfied with my current stable: KTM 950 SMR and a Suzuki DRZ400S.

Sure, I could swap out the DRZ for something better (KTM, Husky, Husa) if I wanted to throw a bunch of money at it. The new Multistrada 1200 is the only thing I would consider replacing the KTM with if I had to do it Right Now.

No doubt both bikes will move on sometime in the next couple years just because I'm a Bike Whore and like to try different brands and styles of bikes.

[MadOzodi]

I'm very satisfied with my Sprint 1050, but only to the extent that I can be satisfied with just 960 miles on it.  I'll need to check back after a year and hopefully more than a few thousands of miles.

[Rincewind]

Satisfaction comes from within.   

But in terms of bikes, yeah I'm satisfied with the Triumphs I've had, and the Street Triple R I have now is very satisfying indeed...   But I'm too fickle to say I'll be forever satiated by one model bike.  OTOH, my dad has only bought Gold Wings for the past...  I dunno.. 25-30 years?!!

[sammyseaman]

Satisfaction comes from within.   

But in terms of bikes, yeah I'm satisfied with the Triumphs I've had, and the Street Triple R I have now is very satisfying indeed...   But I'm too fickle to say I'll be forever satiated by one model bike.  OTOH, my dad has only bought Gold Wings for the past...  I dunno.. 25-30 years?!!

I think it's a personality trait. Not good or bad, just is. My pops buys the same feckin' car everytime and has had the same bikes forever. Me, I tend to get bored or tempted by what's out there. That being said, he tends to be that way with women (he changes A LOT!) where as I don't change so often    

[bomber]

My 1050 Tiger is certainly not the best motorcycle for everyone, but, most days, it leaves me wanted little more than, well, more time ;-}

On those other days, my Tuber Buell scratches that itch nicely.

I'll replace the Tiger when I've ridden all the fur off - -the Buell is likely a permanent member of the motor pool.

[falconati]

Very Satisfied.  Always looking for something else (or something additional...), but I absolutely love both of my bikes.

[atypical1]

Very Satisfied.  Always looking for something else (or something additional...), but I absolutely love both of my bikes.

But you were just listing your Duc. Hmmmmm, midlife crisis?

james

[Wanderer]

I really fall between 1 and 2. I'm very satisfied with the manner in which my bike perform all the jobs I ask it to.  Because it does it so well I'll likely replace it with another FJR.  I ask my bike to carry my pillion and all our crap on multi-day rides and still allow me to enjoy the feeling or riding a motorcycle.  It's not so much that I love my FJR, I just can't find anything else.

[tdeboeser]

I think like most people, I was very satisfied at first.  After 3 years I was ready for a new bike something different.  Now my bank account just needs to be ready.

Tom de

[squeezer]

I really fall between 1 and 2. I'm very satisfied with the manner in which my bike perform all the jobs I ask it to.  Because it does it so well I'll likely replace it with another FJR.  I ask my bike to carry my pillion and all our crap on multi-day rides and still allow me to enjoy the feeling or riding a motorcycle.  It's not so much that I love my FJR, I just can't find anything else.

Almost exactly what I'd say about my FJR. It's darn near perfect for the riding I do. I'm in no hurry to replace it and expect to keep it for several more years (not something you can hold me to, though).

The only place I'd differ is that I think it's unlikely that I'll get the same thing again. It won't be because I'm unhappy, but just because I know I'll want to try something different. My bike lust is starting to lean towards things that are more capable off the pavement.

That's why I voted the second option. I'm completely satisfied at the moment, but I'll probably get something else next time. Just 'cause it's something else.

[Bryan217]

I'm quite satisfied with my VFR, but I've got less than 1k miles on it. I bought it too late in the season to really enjoy it. I plan on making up for it this year. It's too early to say if I'd buy another VFR. If so, it would probably be the new 1200. But I figure that's a few years away yet.

[JonS]

I answered #2. It has been a learning experience along with filling the role of a great sport tourer. One funny thing, is that, other than a dirt oriented bike, my next will be European, whether it's a Duc or something else.  It's that intangible that we have debated endlessly.

[Shrike]

I LOVE my Stelvio..
Will I replace it with another one? Well.... We will have to see in a few years.
There is nothing I am aware of available that I have any itch for now. I may add to the stable with something such as a real dirt bike though.

When I am ready to replace the Stelvio I may have the itch for something else... I dunno.

[Grove Rat]

I also chose the second option. Love my FZ1, great all arounder. Always look forward to the next bike though.

[Mr. Whippy]

I LOVE my Stelvio..
Will I replace it with another one? Well.... We will have to see in a few years.
There is nothing I am aware of available that I have any itch for now. I may add to the stable with something such as a real dirt bike though.

When I am ready to replace the Stelvio I may have the itch for something else... I dunno.

This.

Love my Multistrada.  Every time I think about getting a new bike, I stop myself when I realize I'd likely have to sell the Multistrada.

[Chuck 500]

Very satisfied with my GS500F.  First bike, first year of riding.  Can't wait to get some longer trips in this year.  I guess this would be the "MG Midget" of sport touring (for those who remember what an MG Midget is).

Cool

Chuck

[Justin]

Very satisfied with the Busa, was a great XX replacement. Fast, comfy for LD riding with the mods I've done, handles very well for it's size and did I mention fast?

But, the XX was the best bike I ever owned. I really really  'd that bike.

[falconati]

But you were just listing your Duc. Hmmmmm, midlife crisis?

james

Like I said, always looking for something new, but that doesn't mean I don't like what I have.

[Baz]

Just returned from the bike show, and while I love my FJR, there were a couple of pieces I would like to add to my garage.

My wallet says this is not possible.  

[nnjhawk02]

   w/ my '02 VTR

Have made many mods to make it mine, will ride it until it catches fire...

I believe three more mods to make PERFECT

1.  Bar risers
2.  HID conversion
3.  Modifying the seat - have the Ortho foam (just too lazy to get it done)

Nothing like the torque / power + sound of a V-Twin......................

[Chips]

Like many of you, I don't regret owning the bikes I have but I'll need to add another to the stable soon.

[R Doug]

For the first time ever, I have never felt so complacent with my current stable.  The ADV for touring and dual sport riding and the smaller evil bike for those laugh out loud in your helmet rides.

Will I replace both bikes with the same?  I can't say because I have no idea what other choices there may be when that time comes.  But I can say if I were to replace either bike today, it would be with the same machine.  

With that said, I would still LOVE to have a smaller (250-400 cc) dirt oriented bike in the garage.  

[Shrike]

This.

Love my Multistrada.  Every time I think about getting a new bike, I stop myself when I realize I'd likely have to sell the Multistrada.

As nice as the Multistrada is... it really does nothing for me. Might well be a great bike but.. it just doesn't have the... I dunno... No emotional attraction perhaps.    

[R Doug]

As nice as the Multistrada is... it really does nothing for me. Might well be a great bike but.. it just doesn't have the... I dunno... No emotional attraction perhaps.    

You realize the same can be said about either of our bikes.  

[MK96xj]

As nice as the Multistrada is... it really does nothing for me. Might well be a great bike but.. it just doesn't have the... I dunno... No emotional attraction perhaps.    

Seriously?

If you put the silhouette of the Stelvio and Multi side by side with the exception of the head light they are pretty close

[R Doug]

Let's be honest.  When it comes to beauty, adventure touring bikes have a rather distinctive look which takes a bit of an acquired taste (Uly, Multi, GS, Stelv, Adv, etc...).  

[ / threadjack]

[Shrike]

Seriously?

If you put the silhouette of the Stelvio and Multi side by side with the exception of the head light they are pretty close

Not really.. the Multi is chain drive.. L twin Desmodromic... Stelvio is shaft and transverse V twin .
To me that accounts for enough of a different look and feel to make a difference.

[delta one]

I could not be happier with my current bike. it is PERFECT... for me.  no it is not the best machine on the planet but it fits MY riding style and MY idea of a beautiful bike. Its not for everyone.

it does not do EVERYTHING I want in a bike but no bike could. It is not a long legged touring bike, but a touring bike would not handle in an urban environment like this bike does either.  My bike is a great commuter and good for a spirited ride every now and again. I can do 400 or so miles without complaining too much.

my next bike will not replace this bike but fit more into a touring niche. more straight line power and more room for bags and a passenger.


Edit: I would buy one just like it when this one wears out but the company is gone...  'nuff said.

[falconati]

Uhhhhh....the Stelvio and the Multi do not look alike.  The Stelvio looks WAY better.  The Multi is the one exception to Ducati's beautiful lineup.

[sammyseaman]

I thought the Completely satisfied. Will replace with the same when I wear this one out. would get a lot more votes with all the "I suggest the bike I ride" at every chance they get.  

[Spanky]

I bought a 09 concours in July and I am very happy with it after several additions. In my humble opinion, the stock seat was designed to torture and mame. Corbin and Heli risers saved the day. Traxxion Dynamics fork cartridges and a Ohlins rear shock improved ride quality and handling. Full exhaust, power commander, and air filter from fuel moto gave it significant kick and a nice sound. I am getting it painted in February, then I think I will be in love. Yes, I am shallow, looks do matter!  

[BPFowler]

I am very happy with all the bikes in the paddock. However ... I think there is room for another one.
But what?
Mmmmm
Back to watching craigslist.

[jsanford]

I have been very happy with both bikes...except I'm not as comfortable leaning the BMW, perhaps due to the forward lean, perhaps due to the girth of the bike.

I rode the Guzzi for a couple of hours yesterday, and there is something so traditional-pure about it.  I can liken it only to the response I had riding a fixed gear bicycle to-from work ten years ago.

I'm glad the Monster isn't my only bike.  I like to ride fast on it.  

[Orson]

I rode the Guzzi for a couple of hours yesterday, and there is something so traditional-pure about it.  I can liken it only to the response I had riding a fixed gear bicycle to-from work ten years ago.

Once people can get past reading horsepower figures, they discover there's sumthin about a Guzzi powerplant that tickles your innards in a way others cannot.

It's not about the bike having soul...it's about how the bike reaches your soul.

[sammyseaman]

Once people can get past reading horsepower figures, they discover there's sumthin about a Guzzi powerplant that tickles your innards in a way others cannot.

It's not about the bike having soul...it's about how the bike reaches your soul.

  And that's the reason some people don't get the "bikes with character" thing. They seem to think character means undependable  . Silly motorcyclists. Soul-less motorcyclists.

[Gsam]

 Very satisfied, glad i bought it. (ST1300)

[rodm850g]

Guys,
As per norm I weigh in on this one late in it.....I have overthe year owned over 20 or more bikes.....I have narrowed down my list to three I have for me and one for my Wife. All of mine are on my top to own list...there are others on the "short list" of bikes I want before I die.
The Wife's bike is  a neat lil cruiser ,a V-Star 650 Silverado...got saddle bags back rest and a weather cheating wind shield.....size is of no importance on this one and as aextra it gets really good fuel economy.
I did a resto last year on my screen name sake GS850g and its like a new 30 year old....GS850.....
My latest acquisition is the venerable VFR800, known for its greatness and all round versatility...all VFR owners know what I mean and those who wish they had one will  argue me all day.....Last but not least for me is the 04 ST1300a model. This one isn't a hot rod like its crossed tuning fork competitors....arguments abound and I don't care what the COG folks have to say at all.....These are my picks and its just opinion...
Rod

[Attack Pug]

GW-Yes
BMW-Love it
Tiger-Not so much

[denydog]

K1200R Sport is the perfect bike for me, and I voted that I'd replace it with another one, but I can't exactly, because they bumped the displacement, dropped the R-Sport version,  and call it a 1300.  I consider the k1300S pretty close, but not quite.

My vote will change when a new bike comes out that works better for me.

[sunjiangyao]

I like bike  

[falconati]

You like golf, not bike.

[coho]

I've had my R1100R for nearly 100K and I'm starting to think about the R1200R quite a lot.
I'm not a brand fanboy, the standard boxer just really pushes my buttons in a handling/power delivery kind of way.

[Hodge Podge]

I've liked all the bikes I've had, though during my time with the Bandit 600S and K75S, I kept ogling other bikes and drooling at the bike shows.  The R1100S has been a different story.  I fully intend to own this bike until one of us is no longer functional.  I might add a hack or vintage cafe if/when funds allow, but this one's a keeper.  

[Oddball]

I have very happy with the Aprilia and BMW, but no one or two bikes do it all for me.  I also want more.  I really miss my DRZ400 and a big Adventure bike would be a nice addition.  Oh and there is the ever needed track bike.  

Man I really need to move south so I can ride more.

[jdgretz]

I had to go with number 2.  The Norge is just about perfect for the kind of riding I do most of the time, but it is not the bike I want to take to Bodie Ghost Town (three miles or more of dirt), or exploring the crash sites in the Mojave Desert.  For that I need something that is more suited for unimproved roads (or maybe I need another set of wheels and more aggressive tires for the Norge   ).  I'd also like something generally more suited for riding the boring long stretches of Interstate with a bit more legroom (Cal Vintage or Victory Vision).  Hey, maybe I could be a three Guzzi owner - Norge, Stelvio, and Cal Vintage or Eldo  

jdg

[rauchman]

Currently on a Suzy SV1KS.  Love the handling and performance, but can't stand the ergo's.  I've added Convertibars and Sargeant seat, but it's not a good bike for me, for long distance.  Coming from a Yamaha Road Star with sofa like comfort, I'm thinking of going to something w/ performance and comfort.

Likely candidates include....

Bandit 1250
BMW 800ST or GS
KTM SMT
Triumph Tiger
Kawi Versys

[sammyseaman]

I'm completely satisfied with Mr.RC45... it's a V4 with everything...
power... handling... looks... speed... racing heritage... contemporary
technology... not to mention exclusivity... and he continues to
appreciate yearly... the girls like him too... but there ain't no
replacement...

Damn BLS! I didn't realize you were a hot chick  

[dduck]

I also chose the second option. Love my FZ1, great all arounder. Always look forward to the next bike though.

How would you compare your FZ1 to the FJR?  I went from a Kawi 650R to my FZ1 and totally love it but have a very limited frame of reference.

[dduck]

Damn BLS! I didn't realize you were a hot chick  

If you look really close at the photo you'll see a motorcycle in it.

[The_Squire]

Need another option - Love the bike, I'd buy another when I wear it out but they stopped making it.

2003 CBR1100XX - not the fastest, not the best handling, not the best looking (though I like it)... but there's something about the 'whole package' that fits me and what I want in a bike.

2002 VFR800 - I'll say I'm glad I bought it but probably won't replace it with another VFR.  I don't care for the VTEC engine and the new VFR doesn't do anything for me.  My wife rides this bike now and when she's done with it, I don't know what we'll replace it with.  That's a few years down the road, so we'll work through that then.

Good topic.

[STJoe]

+1 "Love the bike, I'd buy another when I wear it out but they stopped making it."

[drew95gt]

Love my Z750S, I would buy another if they continued to import them to the U.S. I would LOVE to have the naked model (07+) that is offered in the UK.  Since they probably won't be bringing them back here I will have to step up to a Z1000 next I imagine.  There is just something about the Kawi "Z" bikes that I like.

[UFO]

Extremely satisfied.

Light, stonkin' engine, comfortable, configurable, tourable, a bit exotic, etc.

The only niggle that needs to be fixed is the low rpm stumble.  If/when that is fixed...wow.

[coho]

Extremely satisfied.

Light, stonkin' engine, comfortable, configurable, tourable, a bit exotic, etc.

The only niggle that needs to be fixed is the low rpm stumble.  If/when that is fixed...wow.

Did the levers fit?

[UFO]

Did the levers fit?

Should be delivered today.  Will fit tonight (maybe), and post some pics later.

[HipGnosis]

Need another option - Love the bike, I'd buy another when I wear it out but they stopped making it.

Close
For me and my BMW K12RS it's: Love the bike, I'd buy a newer one but they stopped making it.   I got an '01.  ABS w/o servo brakes.   And the last yr of symetrical looks (which is a bonus for me).  It's getting old, and I don't know what to replace it with. I don't want to wait to 'wear it out'.

My vote on my '06 Ninja 650 is also split, but rather oppositly;  I'm happy with it, but the improvements made on the '10 650s have me thinking of trading it..  but I think I'd get the ER-6N naked version since the 'Ninja' doesn't offer much weather protection anyway.

[Bocephous]

I'm satisfied for the time being with my 2002 FZ1.  I probably won't part with it when I add another bike to my garage; I got rid of a first gen FZ1 before and regretted it.  The only area it doesn't REALLY satisfy is passenger comfort, but my wife and I aren't built like crackheads either.  Other than that it is really a great bike.  Isn't the best handling bike I've ever owned, but I can carve the corners quickly enough with it.  Isn't the fastest or quickest bike I've ever owned (close, though), but anyone thinking they need more power than this bike produces had better be collecting a paycheck from the Fiat Yamaha race team.  Really comfortable with a Sargent seat.  Reliable as the oft-refered to hammer.  I like it a lot.

[coho]

Right now?
Very very satisfied.


 

[Grizz]

 05 Bandit 1200s,  very happy with it. 02 Futura,  so far so good but have only put about 10,000 miles on it as I have had it less than a year.

[KodiakRS]

My ninja 650 is sort of like a first girlfriend.  I'll always have a soft spot for her, and we've learned a lot together, but I don't think she's my true love and I'll eventually move on to something else.  Also like a first girlfriend, she's really fun to ride hard even if neither of us are very good at it.  

[sammyseaman]

My ninja 650 is sort of like a first girlfriend.  I'll always have a soft spot for her, and we've learned a lot together, but I don't think she's my true love and I'll eventually move on to something else.  Also like a first girlfriend, she's really fun to ride hard even if neither of us are very good at it.  

 

[cruisin]

100% satisfied with them all; so much so I have just replaced the dismantled '98 RT with a '00 model.  Headed for Omaha to pick it up tomorrow.  

[Mr. Whippy]

Really satisfied.  

[stevent]

I'm happy with my new R 1200GS, 'course I've only put a few hundred miles on it in the few days I've owned it....still it's lots of fun to ride and a nice change of pace from the Harleys I rode for the last few years. I tend to not keep anything for a long time so who knows how long I'll keep theis, it's certainly fun for now

 

[doublen675]

Extremely satisfied with my Street Triple.  That being said, I should have gotten something a little more touring biased.  Next time.  

[servicerifle]

Extremely satisfied with my 1200GS.  I intend to wear this one out and buy another if need be, one day.  The jury is and will be out on the WR250X but I believe it will be only one notch down from the GS, fitting into the "satisfied and no need to swap" category.  Its hard for a second bike, one that's primarily purchased for specific, rather than general daily use, to occupy the "extremely satisfied" category.  The shoes of the GS are simply too big for the little WRX to fill.  It does seem to do its job well though.  

I also think that if I had the old model of Multistrada (as well as the new one) I'd probably feel close to the same, but not completely.  Even after riding the new Multi recently I was quite content to hop back on my '06 GS and ride away from the dealership,  wistful for nothing.

[GRN]

Used to be quite fond of the ST13... liked the Sprint better but sold it for the wrong reason. Next ride will either be one of the 800 ADV bikes or the Sprint GT... leaning deeply into the ADV curve at the moment. There are so many cool places to explore sans tarmac here, and it will be a refreshing change of pace and scene.

[2wTraveler]

I own 2 other motorcycles...neither one of them has been ridden in over a year

The FJR does everything I need it to do and more...dependably.

[Global Rider]

Will replace with the same when I wear this one out.

I wonder how many people have kept a motorcycle (that they bought new) long enough to wear it out...considering they should last at least 180K miles.

Except for my KLR 650, I am completely satisfied with my motorcycles.

[Dave the slave]

Sweet, I finally get to be in the majority.

[SWriverstone]

Wow...surprised nobody mentioned how satisfied they are with their Wee-Strom!  

I know...it's ugly, old, bland, boring...but I'm still loving mine. Sure, I look longingly at 1200GS's...but no matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to find anything wrong with the Wee-Strom! It runs flawlessly, costs zero in long-term maintenance, starts instantly every time (even after sitting in 20-degree weather for days), is bombproof reliable, keeps getting 50+mpg, goes plenty fast enough for me, hauls a ton of gear, works well 2-up...dammit, it's just too friggin' perfect!  

I honestly don't know what I'd get if I got a new bike. Probably a Connie or FJR for more comfortable 2-up riding. I don't want a sportbike. I don't need a dirtbike (I have a mountain bike for dirt riding!)...I can't stand naked bikes (just not my taste)...the 1200GS is just too expensive...

...so that just leaves me with...the Wee-Strom!

Scott