Best "Stop and smell the roses bike"?

[Rabidsnipe]

The reality of living in central Oklahoma is I am 108 miles from the nearest “curvy road”.  Although that isn’t that far when taken in the context of a trip, it means that, for the most part, there aren’t a lot of Saturday rides that involve any sort of sport riding.  The vast majority of riders that I know (and would ride with regularly) are not sport riders and, instead, ride an assortment of cruisers, scooters, and tourers.  

The FZ1 isn’t, for me, a whole lot of fun to just poke along at 55 on straight two-lane blacktop.  It’s not really my thing.  However, there are a lot of people that are close to me that enjoy that type or riding (dad, future step-mom, step-dad, mom, father-in-law, et. al.).  So what are the best “stop and smell the roses” type of bikes?  KLR650?  V-Strom 650?  A cruiser?  Give me some suggestions.  And try to keep it cheap(ish).

PS – Like any and all of my bike suggestion questions, this isn’t a replacement for the FZ1.  I really dig that bike for what it is.

[Rincewind]

Poking along at 55mph on 2-lane, I think that is Moto Guzzi territory.    

For me, a twin of some variety is more pleasing for that sort of riding.  Triples and Fours just want to run.  What I would want for that type of riding is a Ducati Monster or a Triumph Scrambler.  Something that is naked, simple, and easy to hop on and ride.  An SV650 naked would also qualify, as would a Buell CityX.

[Blunder]

I see a Moto Guzzi in this man's future.

How about a DR of some sort? The 350s are indestructible and the 400s are moreso.

[Rabidsnipe]

I see a Moto Guzzi in this man's future.

How about a DR of some sort? The 350s are indestructible and the 400s are moreso.

Interesting you suggest a DR350 considering I've got one  Its big limitation, at least right now, is that it is huffing hard-core if any interstate is required.  Maybe a sprocket change is in my future.  Plus it's got fairly aggressive knobbies.  An extra set of wheels?  I also wouldn't regard the seat as super comfy either.  Sounds like I'll be doing valve checks all the time too!

[iXXion]

An restored CB350.  There's a reason Honda sold so many of them.  So utilitarian they are fun, cheap, and pretty torquey under 60mph.  Good seat height, high up and simple controls, no surprises.  Absolutely great for beginners and up.  

Now why did I sell mine?  

[chornbe]

The FZ1 isn’t, for me, a whole lot of fun to just poke along at 55 on straight two-lane blacktop.  It’s not really my thing.  However, there are a lot of people that are close to me that enjoy that type or riding (dad, future step-mom, step-dad, mom, father-in-law, et. al.).  So what are the best “stop and smell the roses” type of bikes?  KLR650?  V-Strom 650?  A cruiser?  Give me some suggestions.  And try to keep it cheap(ish).

Something low-revving and lopey... Sportster, SV, Guzzi, cruiser-du-jour, or a big-bore I4 that is also lopey... akin to the FJR, etc.

[bomber]

I'd also go with some for of Dual Sport --

Or, perhaps, a Bonnevile Scrambler -- bonus points for looking like Steve McQueen (so long as your helmet's on, of course).

[Roadscum]

All of the bikes in the Triumph Classic line would do the trick, except the Thruxton(riding positionis a bit  aggressive). I've got a Scrambler and it's my favorite for the type of riding you want. A KLR650 might also be a good bet if you want to get off the paved roads.  

My Guzzi 1200 Sport is a nice bike for the long haul, but for a day ride I'd rather be smelling the roses from the seat of my Scrambler or my KLR.

[Justin]

You need a Moto Guzzi, nuff said! Check out Daniel Kalal's photo threads from Kansas in region three, the bikes just seem to go with the country side

[Papa Lazarou]

Guzzi or Bonnie.

[Justin]

From Daniel's threads .. says it all..





And if you get one, that will make 3 Guzzi's in Kansas!

[Bounce]

Seriously... there are quite a few day trips (out and back) that can be fun
from OKC
there's all around Talihina and SE OK that's a ride out, rip it up, and back all in 1 day.
there's 2 s of 270
there are the roads around most of the lakes (even Draper, Thunderbird and Hefner but Eufala and Tenkiller as well as the state parks - even the wildlife refuge near Payne).

just get off the thick lines on the map and pick a random road. if it dead ends turn around and go back a different way.

but you pretty much have to head east to take advantage of the AR/MO hills that spill over into OK.

[kendenton]

One of the Triumph Bonnie's with an Arrow pipe would be a very nice "tool around" mount.

[Rabidsnipe]

While true that you can get some (long) day rides in that have some sport riding, I suppose 1/2 the point was these aren't the types of rides that the people I'm interested in riding with will be going on.  This was about a bike that will be comfortable/fun while riding with cruisers/scooters/tourers on the straight flat roads of central Oklahoma.  Not how to get some sport riding in on a Saturday.

[desertxxrider]

Too bad they don't sell the Transalp here anymore they're fun to ride.

[gradus]

If you're looking for a forced "stop" to smell the rosses, an AMF Harley is best.  But any Harley will do.    

[atadaskew]

Guzzi or Bonnie.

Exactly.
There is a beautiful super low mileage Breva 750 for sale in San Fran for something like $3500.  Meant to be in perfect condition.
3400 miles on her..
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/1632909124.html

[HipGnosis]

I traded in my beloved Sprint 955 RS on my K12RS to do more long distance riding and two up riding, which the K is very good at.
But I don't really enjoy the K around town... so last spring I got a used Ninja 650r and I'm very pleased with it.  I was looking at SVs too, but came across a deal on the 650r.  It's soo much lighter than the BMW that it's actually fun to commute and ride around town.  It has no problem going on the highway either. I've ridden it on pert-near all-day trips w/o much problem at all (except I still need to wire it for my GPS).

I just got a tail bag (thank-you NewEnough clearance) so it'll be doing even more errands and trips this year.  I can see that I'm going to have times when it'll be hard to decide which bike to take, and that ain't such a bad problem to have.

[Tar Snake]

My old K75 is a good all rounder mainly due to ergonomics that work for me fast or slow and the luggage. You can do fun stuff like bring a picnic lunch or walking shoes go hike a nature trail, ride to sporting event, whatever.

It's modern equivalents are the Honda Dullsville (I guess I just like being dull ), BMW F800 series, V-strom 650 w bags, Versys ditto, that sort of thing.

All those bikes look comfy are light enough a dirt/gravel road exploring is doable yet they would also do fine sport riding and touring.

For years my K75s was my only bike, if you only want one streetbike an all-arounder is good.

[sammyseaman]

Triumph Bonnie or Scrambler: Just because they're cool and perfect for just fartin' around at a liesurely pace.
Yamaha Roadstar Warrior: Torquey lump of a twin that actually handles good for a cruiser.
Random Supermotard: Because they're badass.
Hopped-up scooter: I'm not kidding.
1st gen Vmax: Fun, fast, reasonably priced used.
V65 Magna: See above ^ (good luck finding one in good shape though)
Guzzi California: Old school cool, comfy, not busy, different.
BMW 800GS: A lighter, cheaper version of the 1200.
BMW R1200c custom: Quirky, cool, you would probably be the only one around with one which is always great in my book.
HD Sportster: Small, fun, can wrench on them.
Aprilia Shiver 750: Vtwin, fun happy goodness.
Buy an old UJM and turn it into a street tracker ala Clay.

[jstark47]

This kind of riding is the whole reason I keep a Triumph Bonneville in my stable alongside the bigger faster more capable touring bikes.

[Hunter]

I'd pick up a spare set of rims from Thumpertalk or Advrider and put some Shinkos on them, I've actually seen Deathwings for the price of shipping. Then send the DR seat to Spencer for a seat mod and add a tooth on the front sprocket.

The DR is an awesome bike for the riding you describe. It's what I was looking for when I stumbled onto a deal for my DRZ that I couldn't pass up. I'm about to put the Continental TKC 90 (50/50 tire) on the rear and see if that tire will give me the mileage without getting a spare rim. Spinning it up to 75 on the I-state isn't pleasant and I plan my rides around that but it can be done if need be, inclement weather,emergency,etc.

[Rabidsnipe]

I like the mod the DR route if only because I've already got it (it's free).

Although the UJM route also has a certain appeal. Working on them is half the fun.

[Kraz]

Nothin' like an old ambo:


A Bonneville would be cool too.

[Heath3n]

Find yourself a nice, used one of these;



Kawasaki W650

[sagerat]

Honda ACE 750.

[atadaskew]

Find yourself a nice, used one of these;



Kawasaki W650

Waaay easier said than done!
Such a sweet bike. So hard to find.

[Heath3n]

Waaay easier said than done!
Such a sweet bike. So hard to find.

Here you go:
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2000-Kawasaki-W650-96411213

[cbolling]

If you really want to stop and smell the roses then this is about the easiest thing in the world to stop frequently and get on and off of.  

[cbolling]

Honda ACE 750.

[Orson]

It's a common misperception to lump Moto Guzzis in with the smell-the-roses crowd, but in reality, that couldn't be further from the truth.

Guzzis are only happy when ridden hard. If you want to join a Shriner's parade, you best be looking for sumthin else.

(no smiley icons were harmed in the making of this post)

[atadaskew]

If you really want to stop and smell the roses then this is about the easiest thing in the world to stop frequently and get on and off of.  

This is true.  I get off on my Vespa all the time.

[mnb]

A classic standard or a stock cruiser (not a custom).  Something with an upright riding position.

[atadaskew]

Here you go:
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2000-Kawasaki-W650-96411213

That's in some place called 'Arkansas'.
I cannot trust a bike from a place that refuses to pronounce itself like Kansas.

[motrhead]

Nothin' like an old ambo:

 I really like that. Now I know I must be getting old.

[Papa Lazarou]

Find yourself a nice, used one of these;



Kawasaki W650

Not so rare over here but they all rust to bits very quickly. And the ride will remind you why the Honda 400 Superdream was a pile of shite. Pretty, though.

[falconati]

Guzzi or Bonnie.

[Metal Cutter]

For just putting around and stopping every little ways my cruiser is just the ticket.
 Not good for much else really.

[coho]

Any Royal Enfield or the Ural ST.
Teh interwebs tell me that Atomic Brown Scooters in OKC has both and there's an Enfield dealer in Tulsa.

[chesthing]

When I lived in Houston I had a blast restoring/driving a '68 Chevelle. Something to consider...

[2006FJR]

This is true.  I get off on my Vespa all the time.

I would agree with this too. We love ours.  

[Desmo]

Mine is another vote for the Triumph Bonneville.

[shawn and gwyn]

the guzzies and triumphs are all realy cool.  how is your dealer network for those bikes out there.  for parts and repairs .  where i live it is prety fair..  my vote would be for an old honda CB 750.  there are some great ones out there realy cheap. fairly easy to work on. lots of parts around.  and those old single cam 750s. love to run at 55 to 60 all day long.  and you can get on the interstate with no problem.  ohh and another good one for that kind of ridding would be a Ural.. bring the mother in law along for the ride.. LOL.. although not an interstate machine.  very cool machines.


shawn

[wibornz]

Versys.... comfy upright riding position.



light, quick handling, will handle back roads and fire lanes, and it is zippy.

[bikerstarfjr08]

The FZ1 isn’t, for me, a whole lot of fun to just poke along at 55 on straight two-lane blacktop.  It’s not really my thing.  However, there are a lot of people that are close to me that enjoy that type or riding (dad, future step-mom, step-dad, mom, father-in-law, et. al.).  So what are the best “stop and smell the roses” type of bikes?  KLR650?  V-Strom 650?  A cruiser?  Give me some suggestions.  And try to keep it cheap(ish).

PS – Like any and all of my bike suggestion questions, this isn’t a replacement for the FZ1.  I really dig that bike for what it is.

Blackbird, F650CS, Rebel 450. They all poke along just fine.

[TuffguyF4i]

I look to may "fun to ride fast bike", the xx when i know i'm going to be traveling at speed for a while.  It's the perfect bike for the northeast.  Not lots of really good twisty roads that are in your backyard.  

[rfulcher]

Suzuki DL650 V-Strom. Happy at any speed, comfy, good wind protection with different windshield and Madstad bracket, very reliable, minimal vibration.

[Trent in WA]

I'll plump for the Suzuki Gladius (SFV650).  Great bike, good fuel economy, zips along happily at any sane speed.

[kevrider]

you describe what i have in mind when i dream of these....

[SpitfireTriple]

If you're looking for a forced "stop" to smell the roses, an AMF Harley is best.  But any Harley will do.    

I too was thinking along these lines.  I'm surprised it took so long for someone to suggest it.  But my flavour of an unreliable bike would be something older - 1950s or earlier.  Then there's no shame in breaking down.

[Bounce]

While true that you can get some (long) day rides in that have some sport riding, I suppose 1/2 the point was these aren't the types of rides that the people I'm interested in riding with will be going on.  This was about a bike that will be comfortable/fun while riding with cruisers/scooters/tourers on the straight flat roads of central Oklahoma.  Not how to get some sport riding in on a Saturday.

look again. one part (text) was some ways to have fun on your current bike. the other part (graphic) was the bike that would be appropriate for those rides.

[skippy69]

I always liked my 2002 Honda Valkyrie for cruising around. You can putt around at 25mph in 5th gear if you want to,and it has enough torque to accelerate away without a hicup or lurch. It has power to spare and it is smoooooooooth!

[CLAY]

Last night whilst screwing around on the XR down a country road I saw a dude parked along the road with one of these:


He was waiting for the perfect angle of the sun at sunset to get a picture of an old tire swing in a tree.  He loved it- said it was great for mobility and carrying his camera gear.

[coho]

That is a really nice custom Ruckus.
Understated & classy.  

[Papa Lazarou]

you describe what i have in mind when i dream of these....

Either would do nicely.  

[atadaskew]

I always liked my 2002 Honda Valkyrie for cruising around. You can putt around at 25mph in 5th gear if you want to,and it has enough torque to accelerate away without a hicup or lurch. It has power to spare and it is smoooooooooth!

I had the Interstate version of that bike.  Valks are great bikes, but defintely not stop and smell the roses bikes as those should be smaller.  A whole heck of a lot smaller.  Otherwise you might as well recommend a Goldwing 1800. Which is what I replaced my Valk with because it handled a lot better and was easier to ride..

[Castaway]

Versys.... comfy upright riding position.



light, quick handling, will handle back roads and fire lanes, and it is zippy.

The Versys occurred to me, too. But the bike that I often think about regarding mellow, but fun, riding is the Triumph TR6 from the late '60s. Maybe you don't want something that'll require tinkering, but they sound great, look great, and have torquey punch - IOW, lots of character.

[luvtoride]

or a big-bore I4 that is also lopey... akin to the FJR, etc.

Pewwwweee, I smell some really stinky bait!

[skippy69]

I had the Interstate version of that bike.  Valks are great bikes, but defintely not stop and smell the roses bikes as those should be smaller.  A whole heck of a lot smaller.  Otherwise you might as well recommend a Goldwing 1800. Which is what I replaced my Valk with because it handled a lot better and was easier to ride..

Like you I've also had a 1999 Valkyrie interstate and a 2003 GL1800 also. I'm just saying that "I liked my Valkyrie standard for cruising" I didn't say anything about a Valkyrie interstate or a GL1800. I don't even know why those two were mentioned. The Valkyrie standard handles nothing like the interstate and the GL1800 is a whole different breed altogether.  
As for a smaller bike,the Valkyrie standard is not that big of a bike (IMHO). I guess it depends on what you idea of backroad cruising and stopping smelling the roses is.  

[Flyer]

After I lost my license on one o' these, there would be lots of time to smell roses up close and personal.  

[sagerat]

Not to do the "buy what I ride" thing, but if you aren't riding with other folks, a Ural makes a fine putter-abouter.  If they are on two whees, though, forget it.  I'd agree the V-7 Classic would fit the bill.

Riding buddy had a standard Valk and I asked him how he like it.  He said he loved it, but did mention the Valk could pass anything but a gas station.  28-32 mpg.  

[atadaskew]

Riding buddy had a standard Valk and I asked him how he like it.  He said he loved it, but did mention the Valk could pass anything but a gas station.  28-32 mpg.  

I did the trigger wheel mod on my Valk, and not only did the throttle response improve but mileage went from 30mpg to 42 mpg.

[coho]

Not to do the "buy what I ride" thing, but if you aren't riding with other folks, a Ural makes a fine putter-abouter.  If they are on two whees, though, forget it.  I'd agree the V-7 Classic would fit the bill.

Riding buddy had a standard Valk and I asked him how he like it.  He said he loved it, but did mention the Valk could pass anything but a gas station.  28-32 mpg.  

Not for long.
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/positions/initialreport/uralST-lyt.html

Prototype flogged in the Cascades by HFL:

Film: Ural ST Prototype, Jumbo Mtn. from Hell For Leather on Vimeo.

PS. My naked '81 1100 Goldwing was the bike the Valkyrie should have been.  Lighter, high 30s mpg, etc.

[Orson]

I've ridden a V7 on a 4 hour test ride.

Far from "smelling the roses", I wuz late braking into corners and pinning the throttle to the stop after the apex  

any sniffing you will be doing will be sniffing for the red line on the tach  

[Rabidsnipe]

look again. one part (text) was some ways to have fun on your current bike. the other part (graphic) was the bike that would be appropriate for those rides.

I'm guessing I can't see the graphic on my iPhone   Guess I'll have to look again at home.

Something else I've noticed when cruising on the DR is the Supertrapp exhaust the PO installed is a serious liability. That thing gets so frickin annoying when cruising at 55 (which amounts to about 5.5k rpm). So maybe a swap to stock is in order.

I love the suggestions for a Guzzi but I'm afraid the nearest dealer is in Dallas. I'm not quite sure I'd feel comfortable with that.

[atadaskew]

I love the suggestions for a Guzzi but I'm afraid the nearest dealer is in Dallas. I'm not quite sure I'd feel comfortable with that.

Are you sayin' you hate Texans?
 






 

[sagerat]

Not for long.
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/positions/initialreport/uralST-lyt.html

I  know, I know.  I keep waiting for IMZ to release the Ural ST as I'd by one in a minute.  Talked to a Ural dealer earlier this week but even he didn't now the exact date production would begin as it's slipped once already.

[kevrider]

someone suggested a versys.    that's not the play, it really wants to tilt.  maybe patience is in order:

[turtle]

No more kickstand when "stopping to smell the roses"

[Rabidsnipe]

What about one of these?

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/1656151128.html

[Counter Steer]

My take your time and smell the forest bike is this. It doubles as a time machine and if I had the time off, I'd ride it across country and back.

[atadaskew]

Did someone already mention Royal Enfield?
They are back in the US market, selling fuel injected bikes. $6500, but looks (in a good way) seriously vintage.

Has anyone ridden one of these?

[Mr.Black]

If you're looking for a forced "stop" to smell the rosses, an AMF Harley is best.  But any Harley will do.    

I had one of those. I smelled many a rose.

[sammyseaman]

Did someone already mention Royal Enfield?
They are back in the US market, selling fuel injected bikes. $6500, but looks (in a good way) seriously vintage.

Has anyone ridden one of these?

Step brother has one. I'm not sure which model but he has had a lot of problems with it. Many oil leaks, faulty electronics, various parts breaking, etc.... It's a sharp bike though and sounds nice.

[Orson]

Has anyone ridden one of these?

I rented an older one in India.

charismatic, but seriously underpowered.

I'm all about riding a slow bike fast, but there are limits to that arguement  

The Triumph Bonneville is just as charismatic with twice the power  

[Bounce]

I did the trigger wheel mod on my Valk, and not only did the throttle response improve but mileage went from 30mpg to 42 mpg.

i did the 7° trigger wheel on my 98se too. better throttle response but i don't remember if there was a change in MPG. the most improvement was swapping the wires in the connector that let the cruise control know if it was in 4th or 5th. after that cruise would lock in at an indicated 100+ instead of the normal 78.

[Zerosum]

Find yourself a nice, used one of these;



Kawasaki W650

I was going to suggest that one as well.  My Dad has two identical '01s.  One w/ like 25K miles on it for daily riding, and one with 2K miles under a sheet in the garage.  I think his plan is to switch to that one when the daily rider is all used up.     His daily rider used to be an old GL1100,  but he "stepped down" to the W and never looked back.  

But yeah, the W is a great bike.  Very smooth, and pretty peppy for an air-cooled twin.   I'm usually working to keep up with him on my "faster" bikes.

Good luck finding one, though... they're quite hard to find!

[atadaskew]

i did the 7° trigger wheel on my 98se too. better throttle response but i don't remember if there was a change in MPG. the most improvement was swapping the wires in the connector that let the cruise control know if it was in 4th or 5th. after that cruise would lock in at an indicated 100+ instead of the normal 78.

Man, it's been a while but I think the one I used was a 3 degree.  Does that make sense?  I think a 3 and a 7 were offered.