Hypothetically, what?

**Big Dave** · 12th June 2006, 20:51

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Ahh, but they have spoked wheels. Do not pass Go, do not collect $200.

Whoops. My mistake, they don't. Hmmmm.

What is your aversion to the wired ones?

The strom has a loyal following too.

**Big Dave** · 12th June 2006, 20:56

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Dave, what's the headlight like on the Buell for night riding?

And how far does 16.7 litres of gas take you?

Ahh! - There's something is does lack - Headlights are average or below. There are aftermaket solutions appearing now.

I get 250-260km before the warning light appears. It's quite fuel efficient (apparently).

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgib...cus/discus.cgi

is another good resource.

**Hitcher** · 12th June 2006, 21:37

Originally Posted by Big Dave

What is your aversion to the wired ones?

Cleaning the fuckers. And corrosion. Apart from that I think they're just lovely!

**Finn** · 12th June 2006, 21:50

No point asking this lot Hitcher, you'll get too many varied responses. Only you know what you want & need. Your gut feeling is to probably stick with Honda but you're just exploring other options. Am I right? Huh? Huh?

**Hitcher** · 12th June 2006, 22:00

No, I'm not xenophobic when it comes to bikes. I've owned a Kawasaki and a Yamaha before, and love Mrs H's Suzuki. Hondas are good, but they're still bikes, just like the rest.

**Mooch** · 12th June 2006, 22:25

Transalp with bags ?.
See all the other bits of NZ roads that the ST won't get to.

**pritch** · 12th June 2006, 22:47

Originally Posted by Mooch

Transalp with bags ?.

Yeah that's not silly suggestion...

When I decided to buy a bike I had a firm idea of what I wanted. Apparently though, nobody made one: about 750cc, comfy seat, half fairing, decent tank range, oh and it should preferably be a Honda.

Then I saw a TransAlp in the shop and thought that it really did meet most of my criteria.

I'm happy with the Hornet but just maybe a TransAlp would be OK too?

**Beemer** · 12th June 2006, 23:28

Originally Posted by Hitcher

If Mr Insurance Assessor writes off the STeed...

Um, have I missed something here? Has a new - or previously undiscovered but related to the original accident - fault been found with your bike? I'm hoping it is that rather than another 'off' - so pray tell!

Interesting selection there. Andy would tell you to go for one of the BMW ST models, but please stay away from the cruisers. Really, tassles (I once got in trouble for calling them fringes...) on a man of your age is rather hard to come to terms with. You'd have to grow a ZZ Top beard for a start, and give up showering...

**James Deuce** · 13th June 2006, 00:02

You've definitely missed something Beemer.

**Swoop** · 13th June 2006, 08:10

From all of your previous posts regarding the ST, you appear well pleased with it.
Perhaps another ST is just what the doctor ordered, but with the addition of bullbars front and rear?

Beemer: see the thread Reversing lights? - you cannot be serious!

**Blackbird** · 13th June 2006, 08:27

Originally Posted by Hitcher

I use the terms "tourer" and "touring" a bit differently to some. By my yardstick a Blackbird/Hirebus/ZX14/ZX12/Triumph ST aren't tourers -- they're just bloated sprotsbikes with marginally better comfort. Would I want to do a Grand Challenge on one? I think not.

Oh, and luggage. For "touring".

Having done the Grand Challenge and Southern Cross on a 'bird, I don't see what your problem is with this type of machine, especially as these events would only represent a small percentage of your total riding anyway and would only incur a minor "inconvenience" with respect to comfort. Of all the bikes which you mentioned, the best compromise would be the FZ1 Yamaha: Upright seating position, blistering performance and superb handling; just ask Mr Angell. Perfect for your stated 250 km rides and the occasional big 'un like the Grand Challenge.

Your criteria of comfort, protection from the elements and luggage carrying ability sounds perilously close to the specifications for a car. If this is where you are leaning, could I suggest an MX5? This will leave you free to get a balls-out sports bike. Mrs B has had an MX5 for a few years and I rather enjoy thrashing it round the back roads.

I suspect that your final decision will largely be made with your heart rather than your head if you follow the approach of most other bikers anyway!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Geoff

**Paul in NZ** · 13th June 2006, 08:30

Personally, a nice Ivory Calthorpe would be the vehicle of choice for the discerning rider but alas it has spoked wheels...

**Lou Girardin** · 13th June 2006, 08:31

My vote is for the Bandit. (I would, wouldn't I), you can fang, tour, commute. Especially if you upgrade the susp. I haven't heard that the K6 has had any engine upgrade though, it's mainly cosmetic, has a longer swingarm and better fork internals.
The only thing you can't do is pose in a race suit on it.
My second choice would be a FJR1300, I've heard there's some good deals on these at present, call the Yammie dealer in Blenheim too. Wayne will look after you.
Second equal would be another 'onda. Make it a different colour this time though, the last one's not working for you.
You don't sound like a sprotbike kinda guy, not even an overweight sprotbike.

**Beemer** · 13th June 2006, 08:34

Originally Posted by Swoop

Beemer: see the thread Reversing lights? - you cannot be serious!

Shite, I hadn't seen that - been too busy with work and our dial-up connection seems to be getting slower by the minute after using broadband at work!

Glad to hear you are okay, Hitcher, but it sounds like that ST is a bit of a jinx - maybe it IS time to go for something else! Good luck with the search.