primitives ride motorcycles

[franksolich]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/121228

Oh my.

There's lots and lots of pictures of motorcycles at this campfire, and so if motorcyles are one's thing, it's worth clicking the link above, to go look.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

So, what do you ride?

Since no one else has bothered, I'll be a host for a while. And a good host passes out the beer and makes sure people start talking.

So here's this:

Now, introduce yourself and let us know what you ride!

Me, I'm (cough) between bikes until I can afford the time to heal up from falling over. But my last motorbike was this old KTM:

after which a photograph of a motorcycle

"It's only as cold as you feel!"

(If anyone else wants to be a host, let me know. )

SeattleVet (746 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

1. Not supposed to be falling over...

it's hard on the bike *and* the rider.

My ride's a 2004 Moto Guzzi Stone Touring.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

6. Hey, if you're not falling, you're not riding hard enough!

I'm going to pick your brain abut Guzzis one of these days.

Fumesucker (25,318 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

2. 1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe..

Affectionately known as "the sewage pump" in Germany.. The odometer quit at 140,000 miles a couple of years ago so I'm not sure how many miles it actually has on it now..

I get a kick out of telling Harley riders that their engine is mounted the wrong way..

after which a photograph of a motorcycle

after which another photograph of a motorcyle

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

7. Just looking at that fairing makes me feel cozy.

I bet that's a "warm" ride on a cold morning.

Fumesucker (25,318 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

12. It's the old Vetter Windjammer ..

And it really does have a good pocket of still air behind, I can ride through a thunderstorm and if I keep moving I only get wet from the knees down and if it's a real downpour my back gets wet. Interestingly I get about ten to fifteen percent better gas mileage with that barn door sized fairing than without, go figure. But then Craig Vetter always was interested in aerodynamics.

By today's standards the whole rig is about as utilitarian and aesthetic as a WWII combat vehicle, I get comments just about every time I park it somewhere.

JustABozoOnThisBus (8,660 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

3. '73 BMW R75/5, but not in the snow

I'm getting too old for the sub-freezing rides.

after which a photograph of a motorcyle

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

8. That looks like a fun ride.

There's a guy in my neighborhood with something similar, but with a blinding amount of chrome parts. I can't imagine the time he must spend with a rag every morning.

rfranklin (11,880 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

4. 2009 BMW R1200R...

No, I haven't ridden in the snow either though I used to do it on my motocross bike.

Now, if I ride in freezing temperatures I wear my electric jacket liner.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

9. I've always been curious about those bikes, too.

I've never ridden an "adventure" bike that big. The Charley and Ewan shows always made me wonder whether they felt like big bikes or not.

The year I bought my KTM it was in November, 400 miles away from home, in Colorado. Borrowed a heated vest and have never done anything as smart (in hindsight) in my life as bringing that thing along. Of course it drained the old battery, so I learned how to kickstart a 640cc engine in an icy parking lot... I was well motivated, I guess.

rfranklin (11,880 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

11. MIne is actually a "naked" version of the 1200...

after which a photograph of a motorcycle

av8rdave (10,310 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

5. 2000 Roadie

My iPad won't let me post a pic for some reason. One to follow when I get home at the end of the week.

I love the bike, and have taken some great trips on it, but a major life change (divorce) may make it go away, in which case I have to figure out what bike is next.

I will always take a couple long trips each year, but want something fun for some weekend road carving too. As much as the current circumstances can be depressing, I'm looking at it as a chance to enjoy some bike shopping.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

10. That's a good attitude. Been there.

There is no therapy like motorcycle therapy. And there's no bike like the next bike.

av8rdave (10,310 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

13. Here's the pic

after which a photograph of a motorcyle

I love this bike!

DrDan (13,669 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

14. had a HD sportster for several years - just traded it for a Burgman 400

I also have a Yamaha C3 that I really enjoy riding

guess I am a scooter person at heart

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

16. I can see a lot of reasons to love scoots.

Mileage for one, no doubt. Although that 400 pretty much blurs the line between scooter and motorbike. Looks comfy for a long ride, too. Having ridden both, which is easier on the back/butt/legs over distance?

DrDan (13,669 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

19. I do find the Burgman more comfortable than the Harley, particularly in the Florida summers.

Then again, I have yet to ride it more than a couple of hours at a time.

I would never choose the Harley for simply running errands, choosing the Yamaha scoot instead. Now, the Burgman is the pick. Good under-seat storage, good gas mileage, and just plain fun to ride.

ROFF (145 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

15. The wife and I have a Can-Am Spyder RTS, in Viper Red, on order. We should pick it up before the end of February.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

17. OK *that* is a funky machine.

There's a yellow one I've seen around my neighborhood. What brought you to that bike? And tell all: what's it like to ride?

ROFF (145 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

18. My wife actually.

We have had 3 bikes in the past, but she always had a problem keeping the front wheel on the ground. She is a short person and has a problem keeping the bike upright (short legs).

The spyder does not tip, which is a definite plus, and has lots of storage space. We had a ride on one and I have been on Spyder forums for about five months now. I have downloaded Operators and Service manuals. I do have my motorcycle endorsement, wife doesn't yet. I haven't driven one, but that is OK. After watching Utube videos, I have a fair idea. Buyers of the Spyder talk about it taking hundreds of miles to become accustomed to its riding style.

I suggest going to spyderlovers.com for more information.

momto3 (581 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

20. I ride a BMW G650 X-country.

This is my first bike and has been a great bike to learn on. I am thinking about purchasing a new F650 this spring - I am ready for a bit more power.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

21. I'm told the new small twins are worth riding as well.

Sadly out of my budget. Actually, everything's out of my budget for the moment. But even out of my pretend budget.

cloudbase (2,866 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

22. 2000 Moto Guzzi Quota

The one that even other Guzzi riders look at and shake their heads, but it's the best handling and do everything bike I've ever owned.

1984 Guzzi V6SP, a restoration project with one of my sons. Until he comes to take it I give it some regular exercise.

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

23. OK, I'm going to require pictures and more talk about the Quota.

It's been on my short list for a long time.

Ganja Ninja (14,467 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

24. My pride and joy -2006 Bonneville

after which a photograph of a motorcycle

Robb (34,714 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

25. That's awful pretty.

Good looking pipe on that, too.

Ganja Ninja (14,467 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

26. Here's a more recent pic I've been meaning to upload for some time now.

I had to replace the seat when mice attacked my bike in the garage. I've also added new hard bags.

after which a photograph of a motorcyle

rvt1000rr (11 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

28. Honda RC51 SP2

Just about as much fun as you can have! Great brakes, lots of torque, solid handling and a degree of exclusivity.

after which a very tiny photograph of a motorcycle

IDemo (10,917 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

29. Kawasaki 900 Vulcan

Pretty enjoyable streetbike overall, but haven't taken any lengthy road trips yet. The 27 degree mornings are a bit nippy for me on the commute. It's supposed to warm up a bit next week, hopefully . The bike is pictured below overlooking the Snake River canyon, only about 45 miles or so from Boise.

after which a photograph of a motorcyle

BlueCollar (3,426 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

30. Hopefully the Norton before the end of the summer

the BSA is going to be a full restoration so that's a factor. I think I can get away with a short turn on the Norton but time and money will decide...

The Norton looks a little shabby but at least it's an electric start....and it's too damn hot here in Texas to get into it with a cranky British Twin

Norton Commando 850

after which a photograph of a motorcyle

or

1970 BSA Lightning 650.

Actually it's in better shape than it looks. The fork rubber needs replacing and the tires are cracked. It's been stored for awhile so the rubber's rotted and the carbs will need overhaul but it turns over, and when I hooked up a battery everything turned on and off without going up in a puff of smoke...

after which a photograph of another motorcyle

lumberjack_jeff (21,076 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

31. 82 GS750ez. 16,000 miles

after which a photograph of a motorcyle

I don't ride often enough.

guitar man (15,996 posts) Profile Journal Send DU Mail Ignore

32. '99 Sportster Custom

I'll probably ride this one until I die

after which a photograph of a primitive on his motorcyle

You know, the Robb primitive is a pretty considerate poster--a rarity on Skins's island--in that after he posts something, he hangs around to get engaged in the conversation.

Anyway.

This campfire was purposely brought to the DUmpster so as to get Tucker and Big Dog engaged, to get them to say something.

<<as moderator, tries to interest the audience of the DUmpster, catering to individual interests.

[BattleHymn]

I really like the old Norton and the BSA that the bluecollar primitive posted.

[Chris_]

Those sound like some pretty expensive bikes to buy and maintain (with the exception of poor lumberjack_jeff there). 

I suppose that old Marxist narrative goes out the window when it's time for good little liberals to get their ride on.

[obumazombie]

So franksolich's mole hosted this DU thread ?

[Big Dog]

This campfire was purposely brought to the DUmpster so as to get Tucker and Big Dog engaged, to get them to say something.

<<as moderator, tries to interest the audience of the DUmpster, catering to individual interests.

Some cool bikes there. The old Brit two-cylinder machines are fun; Norton, BSA, Triumph. My dad bought a Triumph Bonneville when he got back from Vietnam. He raced it on flat-track dirt ovals.

Here is my 2009 Honda Goldwing on I-90 in Minnesota, on the west bank of the Mississippi River:



On US Highway 50 in Colorado:



Rear tire- a Bridgestone Potenza 55-series car tire:

[JakeStyle]

2000 Road King here, goes like a champ.

[diesel driver]

Started racing motocross back in 1975 (I was 16) on one of the first RM Suzuki's, the 125.  Did the motocross thing for a few years, until I tried enduros and hare scrambles.  To me, they were like a Sunday trail ride with 50-200 "friends".  

Wore out a 1984 XR-350 Honda and a 1966 International M-800 Metro-Mite step-van, racing in a statewide hare scramble series.

First started riding on the street with a 73 Yamaha RD-350, which I wreaked, and later a 73 Honda CB-350 I got for FREE, rode it for years until I got the XR, and traded it for the International!

Had a 1998 Kawasaki EX-500, traded it in 2004 for a 1980 Malibu I converted to right hand drive for mail delivery.

Currently looking at a 1200 Harley Sportster for warm-weather weekday commutes, and weekend rides.   

[ChuckJ]

I went over and looked at the photos. I would imagine that those older bikes are causing all sorts of global climate change.

[NHSparky]

Haven't ridden a motorcycle since my early Navy days.  Too many idiots who claim, "But I didn't see him!"

[franksolich]

Haven't ridden a motorcycle since my early Navy days.  Too many idiots who claim, "But I didn't see him!"

Why does that seem to happen, even when a motorcycle is s-o-o-o-o obvious?

I've seen automobiles pull out right in front of motorcycles when crossing an intersection; they had to have seen the motorcycle approaching, but it was always kind of as if "well, it doesn't really exist."

Damn.

[dutch508]

The one thing that has kept me sane in the last year(+).

[obumazombie]

Haven't ridden a motorcycle since my early Navy days.  Too many idiots who claim, "But I didn't see him!"

I'm on that same boat.

[GOBUCKS]

Why does that seem to happen, even when a motorcycle is s-o-o-o-o obvious?

I've seen automobiles pull out right in front of motorcycles when crossing an intersection; they had to have seen the motorcycle approaching, but it was always kind of as if "well, it doesn't really exist."

Damn.

Sometimes those organ donors are hard to spot.
They should at least always have their headlights on.