Great Bike Gone

On Oct 14, 11:01 am, Bob Nixon wrote:
> On Oct 14, 7:47 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> > On Oct 14, 10:29 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> > > Purrrfection:http://pictures.aol.com/ap/myAlbums.do?albumId=40858.2110.11596233018...
>
> > Er ah that is purrfection:
>
> >http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/saddlebag/2e90rGnGKJJXD4ZTL5MXkmEle...
>
> Saddle. I couldn't get either of those links to work (error not found)

The whole link is here:

http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/saddlebag/2e90rGnGKJJXD4ZTL5MXkmEle

HU12fLgCfp3v4xQp5Fd3Ig=/large/tag/purrfection

for some reason, clicking on it only puts the first piece in the URL
finder winda. Damn Micreesoft. I'll bet they have a perfectly good
virtual dog that runs around and barks at the screen.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

On Oct 14, 11:35 am, Vaughn wrote:
> On Oct 14, 10:01 am, Bob Nixon wrote:
>
> > On Oct 14, 7:47 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> > > On Oct 14, 10:29 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> > > > Purrrfection:http://pictures.aol.com/ap/myAlbums.do?albumId=40858.2110.11596233018...
>
> > > Er ah that is purrfection:
>
> > >http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/saddlebag/2e90rGnGKJJXD4ZTL5MXkmEle...
>
> > Saddle. I couldn't get either of those links to work (error not found)
>
> > Bob Nixon.
>
> The second photo link worked for me.
>
> That is a fine ST you had there. Graphite grey with red wheels, very
> sharp. I could see how little bar risers and a corbin would make it
> very pleasant for long hauls and quick slicing. Very nice.
>
> Re: taller "adv" style bikes - they may seem top heavy at first, but a
> lot of that is in the suspension. Stroms, for example, come over
> sprung and under dampened (did I spell that right....? not too dry?
> heh-heh). $1000 in suspension work for a rear shock, and better forks
> and oil, and they can really haul.
>
> For short legged fellows, it may take some getting used to and
> strategic stopping/starting/parking awareness - but once under power
> they are very maneuverable.
>
> The new Tiger with a corbin.... hmm, yeah - I really think it has
> potential for a do it all bike with style. With ABS and hard bags, it
> is probably my next pick for a big go there with a grin kind of bike.
>
> The whole idea of touring bikes needing endless creature comforts just
> doesn't make sense to me. Goldwings, Harley dressers, even the new
> Connie - they are all just too much of muchness. But maybe I'lll
> change my story on that after I crest 50....?
>
> And regarding tankbags, and electronics: I keep all the gizmos in a
> very small Cortech supermini with a magnetic base.

Yeah, that's the mini bag I got that I was just telling Timsey about.
Great piece of work eh?
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

> Stroms, for example, come over
> sprung and under dampened (did I spell that right....? not too dry?
> heh-heh). $1000 in suspension work for a rear shock, and better forks
> and oil, and they can really haul.

Well...yeah...but this same statement goes for nearly everything, including
a KLR, my sv, other sv's, big bikes, little bikes, dirt bikes, etc etc.

Having spent a fair amount of money down through the years on suspension
work, its not like I don't WANT a decent set of suspenders right outta the
box.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

On Oct 14, 2:37 pm, Vaughn wrote:
> > > And regarding tankbags, and electronics: I keep all the gizmos in a
> > > very small Cortech supermini with a magnetic base.
>
> > Yeah, that's the mini bag I got that I was just telling Timsey about.
> > Great piece of work eh?
>
> Yup, and I like the way the lil magneto flaps fold in when the bag is
> off the bike, and the magnets stick to themselves (mostly protecting
> them from grabbing metal shaving/junk).
>
> Nice map pocket, nice handle, small electrical opening on the side (my
> SAE cord comes out from under the seat, and plugs the electronics in),
> and it has a few nice features on the inside.
>
> Though Tim's click on model is nice, too - but not quite as handy.
>
> The Cortech supermini is like the perfect moto "man purse." But its a
> good thing it doesn't come with a shoulder strap, or I bet they'd sell
> a lot less of them.

I got a Buell purse earlier this year, but it ain't nearly as
convenient. Does look like it could hold a laptop though.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

On Oct 14, 10:01 am, Bob Nixon wrote:
> On Oct 14, 7:47 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> > On Oct 14, 10:29 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> > > Purrrfection:http://pictures.aol.com/ap/myAlbums.do?albumId=40858.2110.11596233018...
>
> > Er ah that is purrfection:
>
> >http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/saddlebag/2e90rGnGKJJXD4ZTL5MXkmEle...
>
> Saddle. I couldn't get either of those links to work (error not found)
>
> Bob Nixon.

The second photo link worked for me.

That is a fine ST you had there. Graphite grey with red wheels, very
sharp. I could see how little bar risers and a corbin would make it
very pleasant for long hauls and quick slicing. Very nice.

Re: taller "adv" style bikes - they may seem top heavy at first, but a
lot of that is in the suspension. Stroms, for example, come over
sprung and under dampened (did I spell that right....? not too dry?
heh-heh). $1000 in suspension work for a rear shock, and better forks
and oil, and they can really haul.

For short legged fellows, it may take some getting used to and
strategic stopping/starting/parking awareness - but once under power
they are very maneuverable.

The new Tiger with a corbin.... hmm, yeah - I really think it has
potential for a do it all bike with style. With ABS and hard bags, it
is probably my next pick for a big go there with a grin kind of bike.

The whole idea of touring bikes needing endless creature comforts just
doesn't make sense to me. Goldwings, Harley dressers, even the new
Connie - they are all just too much of muchness. But maybe I'lll
change my story on that after I crest 50....?

And regarding tankbags, and electronics: I keep all the gizmos in a
very small Cortech supermini with a magnetic base. It holds an
intercom (autocomm to be precise), ipod, radar detector, and the power
for a RAM mounted GPS. That bag moves between bikes (and off of them
at stops) with alacrity. Who needs a dash mounted anything - I'd
rather have something small and flexible for music/other purposes to
tote around keep with the vehicle I'm using at the time.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

> > And regarding tankbags, and electronics: I keep all the gizmos in a
> > very small Cortech supermini with a magnetic base.
>
> Yeah, that's the mini bag I got that I was just telling Timsey about.
> Great piece of work eh?

Yup, and I like the way the lil magneto flaps fold in when the bag is
off the bike, and the magnets stick to themselves (mostly protecting
them from grabbing metal shaving/junk).

Nice map pocket, nice handle, small electrical opening on the side (my
SAE cord comes out from under the seat, and plugs the electronics in),
and it has a few nice features on the inside.

Though Tim's click on model is nice, too - but not quite as handy.

The Cortech supermini is like the perfect moto "man purse." But its a
good thing it doesn't come with a shoulder strap, or I bet they'd sell
a lot less of them.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

On Oct 14, 11:43 am, "TroytheTroll" wrote:
> > Stroms, for example, come over
> > sprung and under dampened (did I spell that right....? not too dry?
> > heh-heh). $1000 in suspension work for a rear shock, and better forks
> > and oil, and they can really haul.
>
> Well...yeah...but this same statement goes for nearly everything, including
> a KLR, my sv, other sv's, big bikes, little bikes, dirt bikes, etc etc.
>
> Having spent a fair amount of money down through the years on suspension
> work, its not like I don't WANT a decent set of suspenders right outta the
> box.

I agree wholeheartedly. I think all the manufacturers should offer
choices if customers special order, at least on their higher end
models.

For example, the triumph 675 comes with a rear spring set for a 220
lb. rider. So now, I have another oversprung (but three way
adjustable) bike, which I've shaved 14 lbs. off and I'm only 150lbs.

Maybe I'm whining about having to change springs - but wouldn't it at
least make sense to have two or three spring weights available?

Either way - I think buying used bikes, and then using the money saved
to mod and upgrade is the way to go since most manufacturers will
charge you for new mediocre unit, which then needs to be replaced -
creating more waste.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

On Oct 15, 6:35 pm, "Dave" wrote:
> wrote in message
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Oct 14, 6:31 am, saddlebag wrote:
> >> On Oct 14, 3:28 am, Vaughn wrote:
>
> >> > On Oct 13, 9:32 am, "tomor...@erols.com" wrote:
>
> >> > > On Oct 13, 6:34 am, saddlebag wrote:
>
> >> > > > American silliness kills off one of the finest machines known to
> >> > > > man:
>
> >> > > > "For the first 6 months of this year ending June 30th Ducati
> >> > > > increased
> >> > > > their sale of Superbikes from 2,583 to 8,599 (this is 232.9%).
> >> > > > Meanwhile, the sale of Sport Touring bikes dropped from 984 to 684
> >> > > > (-30.5%). North American sales increased from 4,715 to 5,816 (a
> >> > > > 23.4%
> >> > > > gain)."
>
> >> > > I guess it depends on the rider. The 1098, of course, is not
> >> > > competing with the ST3. It is competing for pent-up demand of Ducati
> >> > > Superbikes since the demise of the 998. The 999 was a dismal sales
> >> > > flop, and it had nothing to do with the motorcycle's functionality;
> >> > > its styling simply wasn't accepted by Ducati Superbike buyers.
>
> >> > The point here about the market is both sad, and telling.
>
> >> > The friend I rode with today mentioned during a break that at the most
> >> > recent trackday he attended, there were a number of crashes. Two of
> >> > them were, unfortunately, 1098 riders and their bikes appear to be
> >> > totalled.
>
> >> > The super-coolness of the bike seems to be attracting a lot of
> >> > squids. Or maybe the bike is hard to ride...?
>
> >> If nothing else, it sounds like it may become hard to insure.
>
> > My racing partner just took one out for a test ride yesterday. With
> > his wife on back. He hit a deer about a month and a half ago on his
> > GSXR1000, and badly damaged it. She likes the rush of a superbike, so
> > he was thinking about replacing both his Ducati 955 Superbike and the
> > Gixxer with a 1098. He liked the bike, but it was much more
> > uncomfortable for her than the Gixxer, and the riding position was
> > significantly more racetrack oriented than even the Gixxer, so he's
> > probably going to get the Suzuki fixed, instead.
>
> Or... he could part out the gixxer, probably just the motor and exhaust, buy
> a BRAND NEW 1L 'zuki and have $5-10K left over for track days. Course...
> the gixxer won't grow your dick like a 1098 ;-/.

He already has a Ducati 916 SpA (factory 955) for track days; the
GSXR1000 is his wife's idea of something more thrilling than riding on
the back of his Harley or Gold Wing. She was on the back when they
hit the deer, and not even that dissuaded her from liking fast bikes.
She did NOT like the pillion position on the 1098, though.

> I met a guy a few weeks ago, lawyer-type, 50-ish, just retired to the
> country from a big-city law firm. Bought a 1098, dropped it in his driveway
> before ever riding it (had it delivered) and broke his collarbone.

Probably wouldn't happen to George if he does decide to buy a 1098.
At least, since he's my racing partner, I *hope* it wouldn't happen to
him.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone 

wrote in message

> On Oct 14, 6:31 am, saddlebag wrote:
>> On Oct 14, 3:28 am, Vaughn wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > On Oct 13, 9:32 am, "tomor...@erols.com" wrote:
>>
>> > > On Oct 13, 6:34 am, saddlebag wrote:
>>
>> > > > American silliness kills off one of the finest machines known to
>> > > > man:
>>
>> > > > "For the first 6 months of this year ending June 30th Ducati
>> > > > increased
>> > > > their sale of Superbikes from 2,583 to 8,599 (this is 232.9%).
>> > > > Meanwhile, the sale of Sport Touring bikes dropped from 984 to 684
>> > > > (-30.5%). North American sales increased from 4,715 to 5,816 (a
>> > > > 23.4%
>> > > > gain)."
>>
>> > > I guess it depends on the rider. The 1098, of course, is not
>> > > competing with the ST3. It is competing for pent-up demand of Ducati
>> > > Superbikes since the demise of the 998. The 999 was a dismal sales
>> > > flop, and it had nothing to do with the motorcycle's functionality;
>> > > its styling simply wasn't accepted by Ducati Superbike buyers.
>>
>> > The point here about the market is both sad, and telling.
>>
>> > The friend I rode with today mentioned during a break that at the most
>> > recent trackday he attended, there were a number of crashes. Two of
>> > them were, unfortunately, 1098 riders and their bikes appear to be
>> > totalled.
>>
>> > The super-coolness of the bike seems to be attracting a lot of
>> > squids. Or maybe the bike is hard to ride...?
>>
>> If nothing else, it sounds like it may become hard to insure.
>
> My racing partner just took one out for a test ride yesterday. With
> his wife on back. He hit a deer about a month and a half ago on his
> GSXR1000, and badly damaged it. She likes the rush of a superbike, so
> he was thinking about replacing both his Ducati 955 Superbike and the
> Gixxer with a 1098. He liked the bike, but it was much more
> uncomfortable for her than the Gixxer, and the riding position was
> significantly more racetrack oriented than even the Gixxer, so he's
> probably going to get the Suzuki fixed, instead.
>
Or... he could part out the gixxer, probably just the motor and exhaust, buy
a BRAND NEW 1L 'zuki and have $5-10K left over for track days. Course...
the gixxer won't grow your dick like a 1098 ;-/.

I met a guy a few weeks ago, lawyer-type, 50-ish, just retired to the
country from a big-city law firm. Bought a 1098, dropped it in his driveway
before ever riding it (had it delivered) and broke his collarbone.

Dave S.
 >> Stay informed about: Great Bike Gone