I haven't been following racing much in general these days. There's not much of interest left for me there. I'd like to watch some vintage action one of these years.
I don't want to test ride anything just yet, either. I'm a year or two out from purchasing anything and don't want to lust over something I can't have for that long.
Somehow I missed this thread. Thanks Rick for the K100RS video, brought back some good memories. I had a 4 into 1 Supertrapp on my K bike. Sounded great! The familiar alternator whine included! Those bikes had such a long wheelbase it was physically impossible to ride the DMV test course on one. I literally walked the bike around the course and could not do it! Anything over 100 mph was it's element. I cruised through the pan handle of Texas at 120 mph for around an hour. Suspension and handling all came together at those speeds. A true GT machine. I did get to ride a K1 on the track once and that bike handled so much better than my K100 it was amazing!
I've admired Yamaha for some time...starting with the RD400, TZ750, RG500, RZ350, SRX600...and have always thought the crossplane R1 engine would make a great streetfighter base.
That's one thing about the XSR900 that appeals to me...its almost like a modern RZ.
While "postulating," a coworker that has owned an S1000RR and HP4, of course believes I should get an S1000R. It's known for being very capable with an impeccable fit, finish, and level of refinement.
I've seen one on the road and it's a handsome machine.
The local BMW dealership will have a demo truck in, in the middle of the month.
I've looked at some used ones and they really retain their value.
The 1000XR gets rave reviews as well, but that's a lot of bike. It gets impressive lap times for a long, tall, bike.
You've been riding that S1 for so long you may not meld with a new bike. You get used to the character and quirks and have been making it work for you for quite awhile. Maybe find another Buell like an S3 or Ulysses, certainly it wouldn't break the bank and you seem to know the Buell's inside out, who know's, that could possibly be your best bet.
The S1 has been, through years of hard lessons, hammered into my vision of the most fun and capable air cooled streetbike imaginable. It's a riot and I miss it. The longest I've been without it previously was one year when the crank got twisted and I had to save up to fix it. That said, it's kind of ridiculous for a daily rider.
My DR650SM is incredibly fun, extremely forgiving, and amazingly agile, despite a total lack of refinement and power. It took months to get used to sitting upright and a couple weeks to get used to a standard shift pattern. That said, it's a bike I'll keep forever if I can, like the Buell. A little bit more power in the way of a cam, high compression piston, and perhaps headwork would make it perfect. The rear shock could use a revalve, but that'll come when it blows.
The next bike, in my estimation, should be more powerful than necessary, have a massive and flat torque curve, yet be easy to live with long term.
The FZ-10 has everything I'm looking for, but it is a bit wide and portly for my tastes, physically. I've rode a bunch of bikes at this point. It's a matter of a few weeks to get acquainted, is all, me thinks.
I may go check out some Beemers this afternoon, but it'll be more a matter of curiosity than anything else, methinks.
As much as I love my Buell I have no yearning for another...though the thought of an 1125CR has crossed my mind...
The S1000R was a disappointment. It's literally a racebike with more compact bodywork and a slightly more upright handlebar. Certainly not a favorite. I'm not going to bother going to the demo.
Was riding around yesterday surveying the local wildfire burn area (La Tuna canyon) Even though the fire was horrendous and happens to be in the neighborhood I grew up ridding in. It brought back a lot of good memories and was very sad to see in person. At least the FZ-10 is all fun.
Posted on Wednesday, September 06, 2017 - 10:36 pm:
I read that a few days ago.
That Ducati has thrown me for a bit of a loop. I've looked into what's involved in desmo belt replacements and valve adjustments. As long as I've got another roadgoing bike it wouldn't be bad. The wife likes it (and wants to ride it) and the kid loves it. The only downside is that a catastrophic engine failure in those bikes out of warranty more or less means ruin. The cost of parts alone often quickly exceeds the value of the motorcycle.
I've looked into servicing and modification of the FZ, as well. That thing has as much bodywork as a fully faired sportbike...it's just in smaller pieces.
The XSR may make a good compromise. I've been reluctant to go and look at one. I'm not sure why.
