Going off the deep end?

[ditto1958]

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I am. The past few days I have been infected by an urge to buy a motorcycle. I've never in my life owned one. I'm too old for a mid-life crisis, so it's not that. I have always been an avid bicyclist, and riding a bike with a motor is even cooler than pedaling one.

I'm not at all sure what type of motorcycle I should look for. I'm a big guy, 6-1, and let's just say it's been awhile since "skinny" has been used to describe me. Although I lived in or near Milwaukee for many years, I'm pretty sure I don't want a Harley. I don't like the noise they make, and frankly they seem overpriced.

If we have any bikers here, I'd welcome suggestions on what type of motorcycles would be good ones to consider.

[JEBar]

been there, done that with motorcycles and enjoyed it most of the time .... I've moved on to an autocycle (per federal classification) by placing a reservation for an Elio .... https://www.eliomotors.com/ .... the first 100 fleet test vehicles are due to be manufactured in December .... hopefully, after a period of real world testing it will be in production sometime after the first of the year

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

I'm pretty sure I don't want a Harley. I don't like the noise they make

That's not "noise", that's beautiful sound, lol.

And mine had Long, Chrome Straight Pipes to boot, lol.

But yeah, although I miss my old Harley XLH Sportster, I quit riding many years ago (too many deer in my area to reconsider it, along with bear here and there as well).

[PT7]

Ditto JEBar --- "been there, done that."

I haven't biked for a number of years now, but did spend probably a dozen years or so running along on two wheels. Back then, Harleys were not as reliable as today's Harleys are. If I would have kept on and bought another cycle, it would have been the Harley 883cc Sportster. You can make them as noisy or quiet (in a sense) as you want. Just check out what muffler systems are being used, and like I did, rev it up in the showroom.

I'm about your height, and yes, carry a little weight around that polishes the top of my belt buckle. What I would do today, if in the market for a cycle, I'd look for a similar older Honda to the one I once had. It was a Honda 900cc Custom model with a dual trans (upper and lower gears, 5-speed each). Hondas are both reliable and quite quiet (did I spell those two words okay against each other?). The low gears were great for highway cruising, and the were gears were just too fast...but there if you needed them. I mounted a cruise control and handle-bar-mounted Plexifaring on mine. Great to travel with the wife, smooth and generally comfortable. I bet you can find some of these models (or similar) still around, and for sale at a reasonable price. Here's a photo of exactly how mine looked, although this isn't my actual machine. (click the pic to get big!).

No, you haven't gone off the deep end. Lots of folk beyond the age of a "mid-life crisis" just do new and different things. I'd say it's fine.....of course, as long as you're most careful cruising on two wheels!

[ditto1958]

I'm pretty sure I don't want a Harley. I don't like the noise they make

That's not "noise", that's beautiful sound, lol.

And mine had Long, Chrome Straight Pipes to boot, lol.

But yeah, although I miss my old Harley XLH Sportster, I quit riding many years ago (too many deer in my area to reconsider it, along with bear here and there as well).

I know it's heresy to say that about Harley's trademarked and patented sound, but I find it annoying. I'm just a curmudgeon and there's no helping me.

[ditto1958]

Ditto JEBar --- "been there, done that."

I haven't biked for a number of years now, but did spend probably a dozen years or so running along on two wheels. Back then, Harleys were not as reliable as today's Harleys are. If I would have kept on and bought another cycle, it would have been the Harley 883cc Sportster. You can make them as noisy or quiet (in a sense) as you want. Just check out what muffler systems are being used, and like I did, rev it up in the showroom.

I'm about your height, and yes, carry a little weight around that polishes the top of my belt buckle. What I would do today, if in the market for a cycle, I'd look for a similar older Honda to the one I once had. It was a Honda 900cc Custom model with a dual trans (upper and lower gears, 5-speed each). Hondas are both reliable and quite quiet (did I spell those two words okay against each other?). The low gears were great for highway cruising, and the were gears were just too fast...but there if you needed them. I mounted a cruise control and handle-bar-mounted Plexifaring on mine. Great to travel with the wife, smooth and generally comfortable. I bet you can find some of these models (or similar) still around, and for sale at a reasonable price. Here's a photo of exactly how mine looked, although this isn't my actual machine. (click the pic to get big!).

CB900_1981 model with plexifaring.jpg
No, you haven't gone off the deep end. Lots of folk beyond the age of a "mid-life crisis" just do new and different things. I'd say it's fine.....of course, as long as you're most careful cruising on two wheels!

That's a nice one.

[Cofisher]

Hey Ditto! I have been actively riding for over 50 years. I agree with the Harley sentiments and the Honda reliability and comfort. I am not as tall as you, but everything else fits. I now have, and will never sell, a Honda Transalp. This is a 1989 dual sport, now called adventure bike. It is only a 600 so not that big. I would agree with PT7 on the older 900, hell of a machine. Anyway, do your research and get some training. Be safe.

I am considering a scabbard for my bike...we may go hunting together.

[PT7]

Cycles are a little like firearms. Get what you like, and what suits you. That 600 Transalp sounds cool.

Prior to my CB900 Custom, my long-term cycle was a CB650 Honda. I found a very good paint shop, and changed the candy apple red machine into my favorite look -- flat silver with some black striping (did the tank and side covers). I also had my helmet painted to match. Very sharp look!

The "big trip" I took on the CB650 was one summer when a good friend and I drove north from central IL, and spent a week cycling all the way around the state borders of WI. I packed a pup tent, a few tools, and an extra set of biking clothes, and we simply pulled off the road and camped throughout the state. Great way to see the country, and enjoy the sounds and smells of the outdoors. The 650 did just fine, and so did my then-younger body on that long road trip!!

Hmmm -- a scabbard on a cycle. Sounds interesting.

Hey Ditto! I have been actively riding for over 50 years. I agree with the Harley sentiments and the Honda reliability and comfort. I am not as tall as you, but everything else fits. I now have, and will never sell, a Honda Transalp. This is a 1989 dual sport, now called adventure bike. It is only a 600 so not that big. I would agree with PT7 on the older 900, hell of a machine. Anyway, do your research and get some training. Be safe.

I am considering a scabbard for my bike...we may go hunting together.

[RanchRoper]

I doubt you're going off the deep end. Probably just a cycle you're going through.

Think how many Henry's you could buy with that money.

[ditto1958]

I doubt you're going off the deep end. Probably just a cycle you're going through.

That's just wrong.

[clovishound]

I rode a bike when I was a teenager. I haven't owned one since. I still get itchy when I walk into a motorcycle dealership.

If I were to get one today, I would go with a 500 or 650 twin. Triumph appears to make a really nice one, but I have no idea about reliability or such. I like the mid sized twins because they have enough power, without being a rocket, and the twins are much easier to deal with maint wise than the fours.

As much as I would love to ride a bike again, the way the driver and traffic are these days, I don't see me ever getting another one.

[PT7]

Well, I really like talking cycles, so jumping in one more time, Ditto.

In his last post, clovishound reminded me about the Triumph twin engine. Back when those were fairly popular bikes, and a competitor (although not huge) to Honda. But he also reminded me of another brand cycle, which I'd also suggest you take a look at. Always has been popular, and has a sharp retro look to it.

I'd check out the new Indian Scouts. That's the current base model of Indians. It's moved along by a 61 cubic inch engine (1000 cc), and it is liquid-cooled. The MSRP for a new one is $9000, and certain you'd find one for less. For this model they offer a neat accessory, too -- a 1920 Solo Saddle seat, which is the current version of the classic original Scout seats.

If I were considering another cycle, I'd give this one some long thought and consideration. Here is a picture of a Scout 60 from the Indian web site. [Click on pic for larger view] And there are more cool-looking pics on their web site at: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/s ... nder-black

Thanks for submitting your thread. It's been much fun trying to help you get that "infection" healed up!!

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I am. The past few days I have been infected by an urge to buy a motorcycle. I've never in my life owned one. I'm too old for a mid-life crisis, so it's not that. I have always been an avid bicyclist, and riding a bike with a motor is even cooler than pedaling one.

I'm not at all sure what type of motorcycle I should look for. I'm a big guy, 6-1, and let's just say it's been awhile since "skinny" has been used to describe me. Although I lived in or near Milwaukee for many years, I'm pretty sure I don't want a Harley. I don't like the noise they make, and frankly they seem overpriced.

If we have any bikers here, I'd welcome suggestions on what type of motorcycles would be good ones to consider.

[Henry88]

Ditto,

If you buy a bike, get the best helmet you can.

Can't stand the sound of Harleys, maybe because I live in harley heaven ( 30 miles outside Daytona), but to me they sound like crap.

Love Fords, but for the sound give me a Chevy LT-1. Never owned one but my best friend put one in his '69 Nova.

Derail interupted.......................

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

Can't stand the sound of Harleys, maybe because I live in harley heaven ( 30 miles outside Daytona), but to me they sound like crap.

Love Fords, but for the sound give me a Chevy LT-1. Never owned one but my best friend put one in his '69 Nova.

On the way back from Southern Florida in March of '06, I wanted to stop at Daytona. First time there and it was Motorcycle Week, just out of co-incidence. There were Harley's everywhere. The weather was still cool and my wife kept complaining for me to keep my windowed closed, lol. I kept looking over at her and said "but they're Harley-Davidson's" !!

We agree on the Chevy part anyway, lol.

I've had many, including a 396 with a 375 Solid Lifter cam. Small Blocks too.

[Cowboy Gun Fan]

PT 7,

That Indian looks good.

Are they still American made?

[Henry88]

Can't stand the sound of Harleys, maybe because I live in harley heaven ( 30 miles outside Daytona), but to me they sound like crap.

Love Fords, but for the sound give me a Chevy LT-1. Never owned one but my best friend put one in his '69 Nova.

On the way back from Southern Florida in March of '06, I wanted to stop at Daytona. First time there and it was Motorcycle Week, just out of co-incidence. There were Harley's everywhere. The weather was still cool and my wife kept complaining for me to keep my windowed closed, lol. I kept looking over at her and said "but they're Harley-Davidson's" !!

We agree on the Chevy part anyway, lol.

I've had many, including a 396 with a 375 Solid Lifter cam. Small Blocks too.

CowboyGF, I got to agree with you on this one. I use to go to Daytona almost every Saturday night, but can't recall going to Bike Week. I'm not into it, but it seems like a pretty safe crowd to hang a around. I don't think you're going to see any of the shenanigans at bike week that we've been seeing in other cities.

Easier for the cowards to go elsewhere.

[Coach]

I loved my motorcycle until a pickup truck hit me. Honda Magna 500.

He turned left right in front of me at an intersection. He said he never saw me. That was it for me and I never road one again.

Enjoy , stay alert and be safe.

[isldtime]

I would recommend taking a MC safety class where they provide a small bike to learn on. I've been riding for 55 years and have owned a lot more bikes than cars. At this time I have a Ural Tourist and a Husqvarna TR650 Strada. All I can says is for #1 is don't buy too much motorcycle until you have a better idea what kind of riding you are doing. You don't want a 24K ADV bike for crusing the neighborhood after dinner or a 450cc dual sport for a trip to Texas!!
Just have fun!!

[PT7]

Yup, Indians are

Made-in-America-Motorcycle.jpg (83.91 KiB) Viewed 2433 times

I checked, and here are specifics I found, which were listed on a web site titled "AmericansWorking.com" <http://americansworking.com/listing-cat ... torcycles/>

Indian Motorcycle. American motorcycles from Indian Motorcycle®. America’s first motorcycle company is launching an exciting new chapter in motorcycle history. We are proud that all Indian motorcycles are assembled in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The engines are assembled in Osceola, Wisconsin.

I found another source, which noted a qualification as to what "Made in USA" should be/mean: "Made in USA" are supposed to be products manufactured in America, not “American” manufacturers. This means, that if Honda Goldwing was still manufactured in Ohio, it could be considered made in America.


Pretty simple concept, but probably is not understood that way by everyone. It can be a challenge at times finding those "Made in USA" items. BTW, I liked Squatch's thread about everyone listing USA-made products they purchase....been an interesting read.

PT 7,

That Indian looks good.

Are they still American made?

[ditto1958]

Ditto,

If you buy a bike, get the best helmet you can.

Can't stand the sound of Harleys, maybe because I live in harley heaven ( 30 miles outside Daytona), but to me they sound like crap.

Love Fords, but for the sound give me a Chevy LT-1. Never owned one but my best friend put one in his '69 Nova.

Derail interupted.......................

Lol. Here in WI there are a lot of them to begin with. When I lived in Milwaukee and H-D would have those big reunions I would get so tired of them. Everywhere you would go you would hear them.