Motorcycle survey, Most to least favorite by type (rep, ST..

Interesting discussion.

I agree, the "one bike" dream is tough one. I have a nicely modded V-
Strom 1000 that was my one bike for a while, and with suspension, hard
bags, some performance mods, and a better windshield - I'd still argue
that it is a darn fine do it all bike. I've taken it from Alaska to
Key West, and down to Mexico, with lots of sport touring in the
mountains all over the continent, carrying camping gear, with my gal
on back, the bike really does a great job all around.

But for play, I had and just sold a nicely modded black DR-Z400 SM.
Great bike, but if I did it again I'd go for the Husky 510 or 610.
The 400SM just didn't have enough umph over 70mph, making it less fun
once you leave town or technical twisties. Or maybe the Superduke
990, but that's a whole different league!

And my latest favorite, is a Triumph 675, which I made into a half
naked "S" version, which I call the Spitfire. With the T Gel seat, a
DB windshield, and some higher clip-ons (I like the Cyclecats) the
bike can tour pretty well up to 500 miles a day, especially if you
stick to the back roads. And for Sunday morning sport riding, it is
the cat's meow. Will try a track day on it next week, too. For
street riding, the new Street Triple 675 looks great, too (though I'd
change the headlights and add a fly screen, at least). For power to
weight ratio and fun factor, the 675 is really exceptional.

If I get serious about the track day trip, I'm in the market for Kawi
EX500 Ninja next. But that single 450 looks really tempting, too.

Bikes I'd like to try or own next include:

Triumph 1050 Sprint ST
Kawi ZX-14 with heli bars and hard bags (the new Connie to overly
technical, IMO)
Another Supermoto, prolly the Husky 510
Or the KTM Superduke 990
Maybe one of the new Buell bikes, I like the uly concept and TT, but
I'm sticking with my Strom for now, it is modded to perfection.
2007 Yamaha FZ-6 for gas sipping standard glory, with hard bags

And Steve, I live in Madison, WI - and would also love to see your
Buell in person - we should go riding sometime in the unglaciated area
west of madtown. Or maybe I'll see you at the Slimey Crud Run?

Vaughn wrote:
> Interesting discussion.
>
> I agree, the "one bike" dream is tough one. I have a nicely modded V-
> Strom 1000 that was my one bike for a while, and with suspension, hard
> bags, some performance mods, and a better windshield - I'd still argue
> that it is a darn fine do it all bike. I've taken it from Alaska to
> Key West, and down to Mexico, with lots of sport touring in the
> mountains all over the continent, carrying camping gear, with my gal
> on back, the bike really does a great job all around.
>
> But for play, I had and just sold a nicely modded black DR-Z400 SM.
> Great bike, but if I did it again I'd go for the Husky 510 or 610.
> The 400SM just didn't have enough umph over 70mph, making it less fun
> once you leave town or technical twisties. Or maybe the Superduke
> 990, but that's a whole different league!
>
> And my latest favorite, is a Triumph 675, which I made into a half
> naked "S" version, which I call the Spitfire. With the T Gel seat, a
> DB windshield, and some higher clip-ons (I like the Cyclecats) the
> bike can tour pretty well up to 500 miles a day, especially if you
> stick to the back roads. And for Sunday morning sport riding, it is
> the cat's meow. Will try a track day on it next week, too. For
> street riding, the new Street Triple 675 looks great, too (though I'd
> change the headlights and add a fly screen, at least). For power to
> weight ratio and fun factor, the 675 is really exceptional.
>
> If I get serious about the track day trip, I'm in the market for Kawi
> EX500 Ninja next. But that single 450 looks really tempting, too.
>
> Bikes I'd like to try or own next include:
>
> Triumph 1050 Sprint ST
> Kawi ZX-14 with heli bars and hard bags (the new Connie to overly
> technical, IMO)
> Another Supermoto, prolly the Husky 510
> Or the KTM Superduke 990
> Maybe one of the new Buell bikes, I like the uly concept and TT, but
> I'm sticking with my Strom for now, it is modded to perfection.
> 2007 Yamaha FZ-6 for gas sipping standard glory, with hard bags
>
> And Steve, I live in Madison, WI - and would also love to see your
> Buell in person - we should go riding sometime in the unglaciated area
> west of madtown. Or maybe I'll see you at the Slimey Crud Run?
>

*I* will be at the slimey crud run, on my older bike('98 Buell S3T). My
'ulybolt' will be track day preped on a trailer ready for an October 9th
track day at Road America.

If you want, ALF and I are meeting at Hals Harley Davidson/Buell in New
Berlin at 9:30AM on Saturday. Come on up! The more the merrier. I'd
*LOVE* to see your 675 "spitfire".

If'n you're interested, send me an email to mackay dot steve at gmail
dot com.

I know the owner of the place quite well, and am good friends with a few
of the sales people there. You could test ride several of the Buells
while we're there