Opinions on Motorcycles?

A Civic or other small car wouldn't be as cool as a bike, but you get the advantage of AC/heat, all weather comfort, similar milage, and more safety.

I was going through the same ideas when I rolled the Jeep. I'm still happy with my Civic nearly 20k miles and 10 months later.
 
Here's my thoughts on the dangers of motorcycle riding.

First off, I believe everyone should be required to learn to ride a motorcycle prior to operating a motor vehicle. Six months of mandatory motorcycle riding will weed out the stupid and inattentive. That's the first cut.

Next, all vehicle operators with a DUI or a violation that may be classified as due to inattentiveness, should have their motor vehicle taken away but be allowed to fulfill their personal driving priviledges via a motorcycle. That will be the second cut.

Thirdly, motorcycle riders MUST understand that helmets and protective gear are not armor and the only thing that will truly keep you safe is having a strong preservation instinct and situational awareness.

You may have the right of way, but so what. A car will win every time.

Dave
 
just as a retort to MB's post, not trying to derail.
How about the AC Schnitzer Cooper S? 222HP 245lb/ft torque ....
ac_schnitzer_r56_mini_cooper_s_3.jpg
 
unt handle like zee gokarts......

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Dual sports do both, but neither very well. But they are fun.

I have a sv650, I 've had alot of bikes and this one is the most fun commuter by far.
 
I had a '96 Suzuki DR650. A great bike. I'd go out after work every night and put on about 100 miles. I'd like another. Don't skimp on cc's, you want enough zip to zip outta the way.;)


I like the Coopers, but I'll take this Smart:

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Dave
 
Deva,


A dual sport bike eh???

I was in the same situation as you some years back. My only problem is that I'm a big guy and 6'4" tall. Fit IS very important on a bike! I can't stress that enough!!!

Tires are the other major choice you'll need to make for the type of ridding you do!

When going from point A to point B...be on the lookout for that guy who is going to KILL YOU! He's out there and is waiting for you to let your guard down!!!

Take nothing for granted, your a sitting duck in an accident and most bike ridders don't make it. Those who do, well the majority are not the same as they were before the accident!

Bikes are good on gas & fun to ride. But don't forget ALL your safety gear because thats all thats protecting you from a bad case of road-rash!

In my "day job" I see my share of accidents. One that sticks out was a rider who was cut in half after he struck the A-frame of a SUV. The last thing going through his mind was his nose!!! As for the bike, there was no part of the bike that weighed over 5 lbs.

SPEED KILLS...think of natural selection and all them fools that get weeded out for doing stupid things.

*


I ride and dicided on a Duel Sport for myself. I bought a KLR 650 and like it for a to work & back bike.

Its not a Hwy bike at all. I changed the front sprocket & tires from stock to get better millage & a smoother ride as well as an ATV seat pad for comfort!

If I were looking for a bike that will take the Hwy without any problems and will be Ok on the fire roads 10% of the time, I look into the "Suzuki V-Strom" (650cc or 1000cc).

You can do lots to make a bike fit you with all the aftermarket options. Depends on how deep your pockets are.

The KLR650 is a single cylinder thumper and is excelent on gas! My bike gets over 460kms on primary take and well over 500+kms with reserve!!!:D


-The first pic below is my KLR 650 with tank bag and back-pack on the rear.

-The second pic is of my friends Suzuki V-Strom DL1000. I like his bike, its an "Adventure Touring" style bike meaning you sit more upright than most bikes making this bike a bit easier to handle.

The KLR is more off-road orientated but can be altered (like mine) to handle the street better. The V-Strom prefers the street over dirt but isn't afraid of getting dirty!

Check out both bikes on the web for more info.


Bob
 

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Forgot to mention, check out both bike on e-bay. Some good deals to be had there.

For the money though and the over 500kms per tank, ya just cant beat a KLR-650!!!
 
No diesel in the U.S., same for the Smart. :what:


Dave

There is nothing "Smart" left in that car:lol: Some numbskulls from Poland I believe, have been building these things. Gut the car, pull the passanger seat and transplant a CBRR1000 (R1) motor and tranny in them. STUPID FAST!!!

I SOOOOOO WANT ONE!!!!:lol:
 
That one's got a 1300 cc Hyabusa engine in it.:D

For what you want to do, a dual sport will fill the bill, not great at either, but will do either,

Dave
 
Ducati super moto......

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no question....i want one:|:

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Me three, but I couldn't see me having a driving liscense for much longer if I got one. :whine: Back in the day, I had one of these.....
 

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Bikes are cool, I've had quite a few over the years. Scramblers, light street and the grand ol 74 hog. My fav though was the Norton Commandos. Had two them. The coastal and rural county roads are just so much fun to tour on two wheels.

Rode for over 20 years and was lucky to never sustain a major injury. Though had to put a couple of bikes on their side to avoid a direct hit. I learned you have to expect that everyone else on the road doesn't see you. Keep the speed down and ride defensively.
 
In 1969 the Commando was the first Limey motorcycle to isolate the engine and tranny in rubber mounts. Called, Isolastic Suspension. As done in latter years with the chainsaws. Thus greatly reducing the vibration and making extended riding more enjoyable.

I rode a BSA 750 Thunderbolt from Syracuse New York to Miami Beach in 3 days and the vibration of that machine made my hands and butt numb for weeks afterwards. Never, never again!
 
There was this too.....The Triton, a 'featherbed' Norton frame coupled with a Triumph engine. 'Cuse to Miami Beach in 3 days on a 'bone rattling' BSA? You da man!!
 

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