seeking advice on a replacement bike ...

[ferenc]

would it not be nice to have an interactive 'which bike is best for me?' ap?
even better would be help from the fellow riders on the forum:

i've been riding for almost 40 years on and off and am about to hit 00000.0 on my old 91 VX800 odometer, at which time i'd like to retire it or at least put it on 'backup' status.  i also currently have an f650 backup (don't like suspension for street riding), that i will probably sell soon.

here are my top 10 qualities for a replacement bike (this is where the forum expertise chimes in, hopefully):
1.  upright seating position, knees tucked in (i'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam, 34/5 sleeves, weighing in at 180)
2.  centerstand
3.  efi
4.  decent suspension (rear damping adjustment, for example)
5.  under 1 liter, flat curve but under ~80foot pounds of torque, under ~80HP
6.  6 speeds.
7.  reasonably narrow for lane sharing
8.  200 mile range
9.  top case
10.  available in usa

thanks in advance!
ferenc

[Papa Lazarou]

The BSA M21 meets most of your criteria but not all.


Otherwise, have you considered a Moto Guzzi Norge (the new one, not the old one)?

[jfusaro]

Disregard stipulation #5 and you have a Multistrada 1200

[Papa Lazarou]

Ah, but that's Italian

[vulcanbill]

wee

[Scratch33]

Disregard #3 and you have a 1st gen FZ1.

[Rincewind]

200 miles is a bit of a stretch for my Triumph Street Triple - it maybe doable, but a definite stretch.  Also it makes a bit more than 80hp.  

But other than that, it's a match and a helluva good time, too.

Otherwise: FZ6 or V-Strom 650 or Versys (but w/o centerstand).  

[cbsnbiker]

BMW F800R, F650GS (2 cylinder version), F800GS.

I think they meet every one of your specifications.

The F800R probably will fit your size the best (with the knees tucked in), but you'll have to sit on them to confirm that.

[timbo813]

You may have to modify the suspension on most bikes in order to get the ride you want.  You could do that on your f650 or look into a wee, fz6, sv650 (naked), etc.  I think a wee would be an excellent choice as long as you budget some money for suspension work.  

[Papa Lazarou]

[ferenc]

sorry, i did not sit throught the whole thing - was there some appropriate content worth waiting for?
enjoy,
ferenc

[ferenc]

Ah, but that's Italian

yeah, but it is _available_ in the us - i almost bought the ms800 a few years ago.  at the time the sexy italians had no range and a lot of maintenance (latter not listed in my top 10) ...
ferenc

[ferenc]

Disregard stipulation #5 and you have a Multistrada 1200

verrrrry interessting - great suggestion - by looking at the lit - the multistrada appears to be a mulit-bike, with 4 presets, the 'urban' being 'only'
100bhp.  it's worth looking into - wonder if i could get one more present for my b'day ;-)

any particular option/year to look for?  disable abs if need to?

thanks for the tip,
ferenc
ps  i recall reading some review article (pike's peak edition race???) where i think the ms hit a pothole and bent the rim and messed up the brake caliper - well, i don't plan to take if off-road, but ... being in cash strapped california, all roads are off-roads lately!
pps  on a lighter note - being of cal (blue&gold) lineage, does it come in colors other than stanf*rd red ?

[Biking Sailor]

Tiger 800XC   .  That's what I'm drooling over right now.

[ferenc]

The BSA M21 meets most of your criteria but not all.


Otherwise, have you considered a Moto Guzzi Norge (the new one, not the old one)?

 hi, you guys across the pond get all the nice toys - are these available in the usa?
there used to be a dealer up in seattle a friend of mine bought a guzzi from - as i recall they were pretty bulky (not ideal for lane sharing).
thanks for the suggestion, still.

more on the bsa ...???

[ferenc]

BMW F800R, F650GS (2 cylinder version), F800GS.

I think they meet every one of your specifications.

The F800R probably will fit your size the best (with the knees tucked in), but you'll have to sit on them to confirm that.

i went to a couple of local dealers to sit on bikes etc.  the f800r seemed like the bike for me, at least on paper - but they had none.  i'd love to find one to take out for a spin.  any first hand reviews welcome (is it as busy as the 800cc 650gs?)

enjoy,
ferenc

[ferenc]

wee

possibly the somewhat naked '12 - the '04 (jimmy 'buffet' fame) i had had way too much plastic up on top, was wide and top heavy.  i guess the center stand could be added on.

when is the '12 coming out?

ferenc

[ferenc]

Tiger 800XC   .  That's what I'm drooling over right now.

yeah i red some reviews of the f800r vs. the 800xc and went to check them about a week or so ago.

turns out the tiger 800 was more to my liking - narrower, but as i recall the rear shock lacked - will check my notes tonight - perhaps i missed something.

[ferenc]

200 miles is a bit of a stretch for my Triumph Street Triple - it maybe doable, but a definite stretch.  Also it makes a bit more than 80hp.  

But other than that, it's a match and a helluva good time, too.

Otherwise: FZ6 or V-Strom 650 or Versys (but w/o centerstand).  

i lost track of the yami's line when i passed up an fz6 for a wee back in '04, but also recently read that the fz6r rear shock was a dog, and there was no room for a center stand ...

corrections on above are welcome, as my memory is not 'what it used to be,'
ferenc
ps  the speed triples i hear are great bikes in the hands of great hooligan riders - i woudn't trust myself on one ;-)

[jfusaro]

I'm new to the Ducati family but my 2011 Touring S can turn off ABS as well as the traction control, as far as bending a rim any rim will bend on impact it all depends on speed, tire inflation and type of pothole. don't believe all you read about the MTS, so far I have nothing to complain about except the weather. The Pikes Peak is expeeeensive and I felt the Touring model was the better value as it comes equipped with panniers, heated grips and a center stand, and I sprung for the S model with the Ohlin's suspension. It comes in Red, White and Black I chose Red of corse

[jfurf]

i went to a couple of local dealers to sit on bikes etc.  the f800r seemed like the bike for me, at least on paper - but they had none.  i'd love to find one to take out for a spin.  any first hand reviews welcome (is it as busy as the 800cc 650gs?)

enjoy,
ferenc

I only bring this up because just last night I read the current issue of Sport Rider and they did a "naked comparo" of the F800R, Triumph Speed Triple R, Yamaha FZ8 and Duc Monster 1100.

The Triumph ran away with it. The Yamaha seemed to also get high marks as a great value. The Beemer got panned pretty hard (for an American moto-mag, at least). IIRC, they were very critical of the fueling on F800.

[Grainbelt]

I owned a Ninja 650R, now own an FZ6, and have done decent length demo rides on the Versys and F800R.

If I was shopping today, it would be between the Tiger 800 (not the XC) and the Street Triple. As it is, I'll keep my FZ6 for a good while, it has an honest 240 mile range, centerstand, 100hp, zero torque, and is an absolute blast in the twisties. Stock suspension isn't great but older R6 forks and shocks drop in. I'll likely just do the fork internals from RaceTech and call it good.

[cbsnbiker]

I only bring this up because just last night I read the current issue of Sport Rider and they did a "naked comparo" of the F800R, Triumph Speed Triple R, Yamaha FZ8 and Duc Monster 1100.

The Triumph ran away with it. The Yamaha seemed to also get high marks as a great value. The Beemer got panned pretty hard (for an American moto-mag, at least). IIRC, they were very critical of the fueling on F800.

Link?

i went to a couple of local dealers to sit on bikes etc.  the f800r seemed like the bike for me, at least on paper - but they had none.  i'd love to find one to take out for a spin.  any first hand reviews welcome (is it as busy as the 800cc 650gs?)

enjoy,
ferenc

My local dealer has almost half a dozen in stock.

Hmmm, buy it, pay all my expenses, and I'll ride it cross-country for you.    

(I haven't ridden an F800R nor an F800GS yet. I have been on an F800ST.)

[ferenc]

hey sounds like a deal.  CA emissions would require to ride it more than the x-country trip though - something like 6.5k miles before they'd let me even register it!
i remember when the traffic sign came out and hit my wee (really! ) and not a replacement wee for a thousand miles - plenty of them in WA i found later.  california is just different, in so many ways, what can i say.

i'll have to sit on the bmw - as i recall their suspension is not as that 'tight' as i like it.  is the f800r kinda naked (the local dealer did not even have brochures)?
i'll also try and dig up some review links.  the problem is that they're all biased - even the mcn (motorcycle consumer news guys) as of late.
here is a link about the low tire pressure ms1.2k rim bent video (i already recycled the magazine that a bud lent me):

http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/09/12/pikes-peak-experience-feature/

the pikes peak model sound pricey, even for a ducati.  i'll have to swing by a local ducati shop, sans wallet, at least on the first trip in a few years.
cheap i am,
ferenc

Link?




My local dealer has almost half a dozen in stock.

Hmmm, buy it, pay all my expenses, and I'll ride it cross-country for you.    

(I haven't ridden an F800R nor an F800GS yet. I have been on an F800ST.)

[cbsnbiker]

hey sounds like a deal.  CA emissions would require to ride it more than the x-country trip though - something like 6.5k miles before they'd let me even register it!

That would be fine with me. I'd be delighted to take a 6.5K trip out to CA for you on your bike.    

i remember when the traffic sign came out and hit my wee (really! ) and not a replacement wee for a thousand miles - plenty of them in WA i found later.  california is just different, in so many ways, what can i say.

i'll have to sit on the bmw - as i recall their suspension is not as that 'tight' as i like it.  is the f800r kinda naked (the local dealer did not even have brochures)?
i'll also try and dig up some review links.  the problem is that they're all biased - even the mcn (motorcycle consumer news guys) as of late.
here is a link about the low tire pressure ms1.2k rim bent video (i already recycled the magazine that a bud lent me):

http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/09/12/pikes-peak-experience-feature/

the pikes peak model sound pricey, even for a ducati.  i'll have to swing by a local ducati shop, sans wallet, at least on the first trip in a few years.
cheap i am,
ferenc

As I said, I haven't been on one yet (although I suppose I could walk over to the dealer tomorrow and give one a spin  ). But it does sound like it meets your needs. I even checked the parts fiche -- there's a 28 liter top case available for it. (I also saw a "stool cover" listed. Man, what will those LD riders think of next?  )

[Biking Sailor]

I only bring this up because just last night I read the current issue of Sport Rider and they did a "naked comparo" of the F800R, Triumph Street Triple R, Yamaha FZ8 and Duc Monster 1100.

The Triumph ran away with it. The Yamaha seemed to also get high marks as a great value. The Beemer got panned pretty hard (for an American moto-mag, at least). IIRC, they were very critical of the fueling on F800.

FIFY.  The little 3 cylinder 675 in the Street Triple really ran away with the 1/4 mile competition.  Fun bikes!  I was suprised how each tester fell for the Triumph, putting price aside.

[falconati]

Ducati Hypermotard 796.

[reppans]

I was recently shopping with similar criteria and ended up with the Triumph 800 (Road version).  Also tried the F800ST and F800R, but the parallel twin didn't appeal to me as much.  Although I understand most of the performance stats are very close, it just didn't feel that way when I rode the bikes and I didn't enjoy the parallel twin vibes.... (but I like V-twin vibes).  The good thing is that BMW (certainly) and Triumph (probably) have demo fleets, so you better take advantage of them and get a good long test ride.  I personally liked the ST more than the R - fairing worked pretty well, mirrors were clear, looked nice and love belt drives.  

Ever since owning a GS, I've been a big fan of dual-sports,  although I really only street ride.  I find the upright seating position comfortable with great visibility, leverage with the wide bars great for carving twisties, and get this.... dual-sport tires are about the only things that'll last me over 5k.

Enjoy shopping...



 

[jfurf]

Link?

Unfortunately it's not online.   But it's the current print issue. Cover article says something about "Get 15 Extra HP for your Superbike." (I know, that's every issue of Sport Rider  ).

[jfurf]

FIFY.  The little 3 cylinder 675 in the Street Triple really ran away with the 1/4 mile competition.  Fun bikes!  I was suprised how each tester fell for the Triumph, putting price aside.

Whoops. Yeah the STREET Triple, not its big brother. Seriously, the littler Triumph roadster has just been clobbering the competition when it comes to magazine reviews. I think I've seen 4 or 5 reviews or comparos and every single one has raved about the Street Triple.

[falconati]

Street Triple, Ducati Hypermotard 796, or any of the Ducati Monsters

[ferenc]

very appropriate feedback = thanks.
did you find the rear suspension on the 800 cc triumph street bike satisfactory?
was there a center stand on that thing (i don't recall)?
the bars on the non xc version were a lot narrower, no?  are you saying they are too wide, possibly for lane sharing?

i agree ,sitting on one was a good fit for me, too.

thanks,
ferenc

I was recently shopping with similar criteria and ended up with the Triumph 800 (Road version).  Also tried the F800ST and F800R, but the parallel twin didn't appeal to me as much.  Although I understand most of the performance stats are very close, it just didn't feel that way when I rode the bikes and I didn't enjoy the parallel twin vibes.... (but I like V-twin vibes).  The good thing is that BMW (certainly) and Triumph (probably) have demo fleets, so you better take advantage of them and get a good long test ride.  I personally liked the ST more than the R - fairing worked pretty well, mirrors were clear, looked nice and love belt drives.  

Ever since owning a GS, I've been a big fan of dual-sports,  although I really only street ride.  I find the upright seating position comfortable with great visibility, leverage with the wide bars great for carving twisties, and get this.... dual-sport tires are about the only things that'll last me over 5k.

Enjoy shopping...



 

[cbsnbiker]

Unfortunately it's not online.  

Bummer.

That's why my Google-fu skills came up short.

But it's the current print issue. Cover article says something about "Get 15 Extra HP for your Superbike." (I know, that's every issue of Sport Rider  ).

I'll see if the local library carries it. It does carry several motorcycle magazines.  

[reppans]

very appropriate feedback = thanks.
did you find the rear suspension on the 800 cc triumph street bike satisfactory?
was there a center stand on that thing (i don't recall)?
the bars on the non xc version were a lot narrower, no?  are you saying they are too wide, possibly for lane sharing?

i agree ,sitting on one was a good fit for me, too.

thanks,
ferenc

I'm very happy with the suspension, although there is really no adjustability save rear preload.  I find it firm but supple.  Suspension is high subjective though so you should test it yourself.   The centerstand is $200 option and the street version bars are 3" narrower than the XC  31" vs 34."  The OEM panniers are wide though... about 40".  I don't think the roadie's bars are any wider than any other dual sport or even most standards - if the gap is tight enough where the difference in width between a dual-sport and sportbike make a big difference, then I probably won't be lane slitting.  Also, IMHO, you need a minimum width with any bike's mirrors to get a good view to the rear anyways.

[SummerLove]

hey sounds like a deal.  CA emissions would require to ride it more than the x-country trip though - something like 6.5k miles before they'd let me even register it!
i remember when the traffic sign came out and hit my wee (really! ) and not a replacement wee for a thousand miles - plenty of them in WA i found later.  california is just different, in so many ways, what can i say.

i'll have to sit on the bmw - as i recall their suspension is not as that 'tight' as i like it.  is the f800r kinda naked (the local dealer did not even have brochures)?
i'll also try and dig up some review links.  the problem is that they're all biased - even the mcn (motorcycle consumer news guys) as of late.
here is a link about the low tire pressure ms1.2k rim bent video (i already recycled the magazine that a bud lent me):

http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/09/12/pikes-peak-experience-feature/

the pikes peak model sound pricey, even for a ducati.  i'll have to swing by a local ducati shop, sans wallet, at least on the first trip in a few years.
cheap i am,
ferenc

Ferenc, which BMW dealership did you drop by? CalMoto in Mountianview had an F800R a few months ago when I was pricing headlight parts form my monster. If you are looking at the naked route you should check out the 2V Tuono. Lower maintaince cost than the Ducati but it's pretty quick. Aprilia's doing a pretty awesome MSRP drop on them if you can find one new to clear stock for the new V4 version.  

[ferenc]

Ferenc, which BMW dealership did you drop by? CalMoto in Mountianview had an F800R a few months ago when I was pricing headlight parts form my monster. If you are looking at the naked route you should check out the 2V Tuono. Lower maintaince cost than the Ducati but it's pretty quick. Aprilia's doing a pretty awesome MSRP drop on them if you can find one new to clear stock for the new V4 version.  

hey, i drove out to concord:  concord supersports (the bandit 1200 tank indents wouldn't allow me to tuck in my knees), the ktm/triumph/? dealer (the tiger 800 had limited rear suspension adjustments, the ktm that looked interesting they did not have), some kawi dealer (no centerstands except possibly on the huge conni), and the diablo kawi/bmw in walnut creek, where i had a really nice chat with their parts guy, something williams, but they did not have the f800r, although they had a good selection of used bikes.

yup, naked is preferred, by far,
ferenc
ps  i'll have to lookin to the 2v Tuno (sport riding position?)

[ferenc]

Ferenc, which BMW dealership did you drop by? CalMoto in Mountianview had an F800R a few months ago when I was pricing headlight parts form my monster. If you are looking at the naked route you should check out the 2V Tuono. Lower maintaince cost than the Ducati but it's pretty quick. Aprilia's doing a pretty awesome MSRP drop on them if you can find one new to clear stock for the new V4 version.  

hi, i had no luck finding the '2V Aprilial Tuono' model:
http://www.aprilia.com/en-US/Models/2/Adventure.aspx
does not list it.  is it a particular year i should be looking for, or some other keyword?
lower maintenance is always a plus,
ferenc
MCN panned the 1200 multistrada.

[DogBoy]

I think Summer Love is referring to the 2nd Generation Tuono. There have been big factory incentives that have dropped the prices significantly.

 ST.N has a thread on the 2nd gen Tuonos here: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65385.0.html

[ferenc]

I think Summer Love is referring to the 2nd Generation Tuono. There have been big factory incentives that have dropped the prices significantly.

 ST.N has a thread on the 2nd gen Tuonos here: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,65385.0.html

yeah, i did find that link the details of which appeared to have expired:
" Your search for Aprilia>here. To see the contents of the current print issue of PSB, click "

i thouht it was perhaps a V-twin, but was/am clueless.  there also appears to be a little used aprilia forum - isn't aprilia the guy tony and christopher carved up, with head in bowling bag?

perhaps the college avenue aprilia/scooter guy has some info, although the last time i was there, he said he'd get a hold of me as soon the shivers hit the showroom!

enjoy,
ferenc

[Keyf]

Ferenc !

My VX has only 94,000 on it and I too have been looking at a replacement.

One bike that I have been looking at is the Suzuki GSX650F. It is as heavy as the VX, mostly upright seating, center stand available and reasonable HP.


Charlie (and Julie) in NC !

PS Julie has been looking at the FZ6 as a replacement for her Hawk GT650.

[ferenc]

Ferenc !

My VX has only 94,000 on it and I too have been looking at a replacement.

One bike that I have been looking at is the Suzuki GSX650F. It is as heavy as the VX, mostly upright seating, center stand available and reasonable HP.


Charlie (and Julie) in NC !

PS Julie has been looking at the FZ6 as a replacement for her Hawk GT650.

well, what a hoot running into you two off the vx-forums!
i tracked down an f800r earlier this afternoon.  sat on it, looked it over - dealer had no brochure, no knowledge about any of it, and did not even bother to dust off the cobwebs (lotsa cobwebs on it).  after a half hour of waiting (they were not busy) for more info and basically reading stuff on line using my cell, i left.

it'd be interesting to find a great price on the bike, but they start out pretty high, and then you start adding things up!

don't know much about the suzuki you're considering, but the fz6 is a nice bike - i hear the tranny is a bit finicky - it's a 4 cyllinder and likes the higher rpms.

enjoy,
ferenc
ps  freskos was supposed to come by and borrow some parts for the mojave magic mile he and alan are planning this coming week, but we were both too busy.  when are you two coming to sunny california?

[SummerLove]

Sorry for the slow reply; been busy with a wedding and such. If it hadn't been for timing issues and not being able to find a way to strap 30lbs of camera gear to my monster I would have ridden. Sooo many lovely twisty roads around here anyway.

Yes, I was referring to the 2nd gen Tuono; 05-Present. The 2012 model is a new V4 version while the first and second gens are Rotax V-twins. They are a little on the aggressive side for a standard but definitely not as aggressive as a race replica. I found the one I got to sit on and ride about as comfortable as my monster.
 

[rollnhot]

FZ1 check mine out you'll see what I mean.  

[ferenc]

Sorry for the slow reply; been busy with a wedding and such. If it hadn't been for timing issues and not being able to find a way to strap 30lbs of camera gear to my monster I would have ridden. Sooo many lovely twisty roads around here anyway.

Yes, I was referring to the 2nd gen Tuono; 05-Present. The 2012 model is a new V4 version while the first and second gens are Rotax V-twins. They are a little on the aggressive side for a standard but definitely not as aggressive as a race replica. I found the one I got to sit on and ride about as comfortable as my monster.
 

thanks for the reply.  i called the college avenue/w.c. vespa folks and they said they're sold out (not that they ever had anything, anyway!) - i will google again - and see if i can sit on one.

i sat on a cob-webbed f800r saturday afternoon, and it was a bit more agressive (lean forward) than i'd like - plus the reviews seemed mixed but likely biased.

[VAbikeguy]

If you waive 2, 3 and 6, you have got this gem:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63172.0.html

 

[ferenc]

If you waive 2, 3 and 6, you have got this gem:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,63172.0.html

 

yeah, your stable list gave it away ;-)
a friend also suggested one - lotta fun to ride - i believe his favorite bike...  reminds me of my f650 thumper - not a bike i'd like to sit on for too long, and the dual sport suspension on my 650 is not suited for my riding - find myself bouncing all over the place - i'd like the suspension to smoothly set and stay set!
enjoy,
ferenc

[ferenc]

and the winner is ...











from the fine folks at ozzie's in chico:










'11 f800r - i love it,
ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

Congrats!

(Are there supposed to be photos? I don't see them.)

[Mastros2]

Yep, we need pics!

[1TallTXn]

I was going to make a suggestion of the VFR800 Little high on HP, but otherwise meets the requirements. but it looks like I'm late to the party. Congrats on the new bike!

[JonS]

and the winner is ...











from the fine folks at ozzie's in chico:










'11 f800r - i love it,
ferenc

It's been a while since I checked out new bikes, but the one you chose looks very appealing in every aspect.

[ferenc]

Congrats!

(Are there supposed to be photos? I don't see them.)

sorry, been out riding (and working ...)
still happy with the bike and getting to know it.
i will need to add some stuff (center stand going on this week)
looking for topcase and some other mods.

turns out i only have one photo - of the bike's 'maiden voyage' on the way back from chico on the back of my pickup, sorry!  the photo is with lily and jessee, and i did not ask for their permission to post it.

another photo will have to be taken, sorry guys!

it's definitely the bike i was after,
ferenc

[black hills]

here are my top 10 qualities for a replacement bike (this is where the forum expertise chimes in, hopefully):
1.  upright seating position, knees tucked in (i'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam, 34/5 sleeves, weighing in at 180)-yes
2.  centerstand-yes
3.  efi-yes
4.  decent suspension (rear damping adjustment, for example)-yes
5.  under 1 liter, flat curve but under ~80foot pounds of torque, under ~80HP -75 ft. lbs. 110hp (you'll like it)
6.  6 speeds.-yes
7.  reasonably narrow for lane sharing-yes
8.  200 mile range-yes
9.  top case-available
10.  available in usa-yes

not to mention the fun you will have exploring back roads (or hopping curbs to avoid traffic

[ferenc]

here are my top 10 qualities for a replacement bike (this is where the forum expertise chimes in, hopefully):
1.  upright seating position, knees tucked in (i'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam, 34/5 sleeves, weighing in at 180)-yes
2.  centerstand-yes
3.  efi-yes
4.  decent suspension (rear damping adjustment, for example)-yes
5.  under 1 liter, flat curve but under ~80foot pounds of torque, under ~80HP -75 ft. lbs. 110hp (you'll like it)
6.  6 speeds.-yes
7.  reasonably narrow for lane sharing-yes
8.  200 mile range-yes
9.  top case-available
10.  available in usa-yes

not to mention the fun you will have exploring back roads (or hopping curbs to avoid traffic

yup, that one was at the top of my list - trouble was i was unable to find one to buy!!!
thanks, how do you like yours?
ferenc

[ferenc]

Congrats!

(Are there supposed to be photos? I don't see them.)

here are some grainy snapshots from 'the wall' on the way home from work last night:

and

today's goal:  factory centerstand install, to start lubing the chain, etc. ...
next goal:  come up with some affordable working top rack.
wohooo,
ferenc

[Kneescrubber]

here are some grainy snapshots from 'the wall' on the way home from work last night:

and

today's goal:  factory centerstand install, to start lubing the chain, etc. ...
next goal:  come up with some affordable working top rack.
wohooo,
ferenc

Ya know, if that was my rideto work, there would be no ride homefrom work.  


Oh yeah, nice bike.  

[black hills]

yup, that one was at the top of my list - trouble was i was unable to find one to buy!!!
thanks, how do you like yours?
ferenc

I love it! and the more I ride it the better it gets.

[cbsnbiker]

I love it! and the more I ride it the better it gets.

 


Enjoy!

[Rockin SV]

If anybody is interested the article of the naked bikes from Sport Rider is now up! http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_1110_2011_naked_bike_comparison/index.html

[ferenc]

Ya know, if that was my rideto work, there would be no ride homefrom work.  


Oh yeah, nice bike.  

  to the input from y'all.
patience and research is paying off with a happy rider.   bike's happy too, on its centerstand  

it's great to be alive, and i look forward to it every day - going _to_ work is more fun as there is significantly less traffic - also hardly a crossroad for the main stretch.  one major intersection that is nice to have closed is:
http://www.ebparks.org/news/111708b
going home finds a lot of sunset watchers (not my shot):

and usually a group of bikers parked at the wall, waving or tapping heir helmets, as the situation calls,
ferenc