New guy here

Threebyrds · 07-10-2012, 07:33 PM

Hello. I'm a aging very fast 57 year old who has decided to get back to riding after being off the bikes for 20 years trying to raise my kid. Anyway in May I got a Kawasaki Versys (2012) and I've put 1500 miles on it.

I've been going around joining other forums but they generally seem bias toward the bike the forum is about. Somehow I found this site and have been enjoying the different thoughts about all kinds of bikes.

Right now I'm not entirely pleased with the Versys because Ive found it's not really big enough for riding 2 up although I've read several stories of people who have riden across the country on it and the wind tossing by head around wears me out especially in a west TEXAS head wind.

So I'm trying to make sure my next purchase is the right one for me. So I'll you see around the site studying your every word looking for the best fit for me. Thanks.

Scorch · 07-10-2012, 07:34 PM

Welcome aboard! Maybe you just need an aftermarket windshield that's a little taller. Cal-Sci makes a great shield.
If you want to take a test ride on a Suzuki V-Strom, come see me. I'll swap with you for a burger.

tshelfer · 07-10-2012, 09:40 PM

There are a lot of us elderly retread bikers on this site. Welcome to TWT. I have family in Lubbock. So where do you go to ride that isn't straight lines or right angle turns?

Keith · 07-10-2012, 09:44 PM

I guess I'm just a kid at heart, but I'm in the old farts group at 55. Then again, I like to ride VERY fast bikes...

Welcome aboard!

Threebyrds · 07-10-2012, 09:47 PM

Here in Lubbock the wind makes our twisties.

I wonder how the ninja 1000 would be for long trips?

HutchPhoto · 07-10-2012, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threebyrds

Here in Lubbock the wind makes our twisties.

I wonder how the ninja 1000 would be for long trips?

Welcome to TWT your gonna love it here with all these great cool guys/gals here!

If your thinking 1000 Ninja you might look at the Concours C14... I really love mine and 2 up isn't any problem for my wife & I ....

I also got a large/wide windscreen coming from CalSci.. For my C14..

.

reddogbmw · 07-11-2012, 06:58 AM

Good deal, welcome, I'm at that age also, love to ride. Versys take you place you never been before, enjoy!

road_thing · 07-11-2012, 08:51 AM

Welcome to the Elderly Retreads MC! We need to get some patches made...

rt

**Tourmeister** · 07-11-2012, 01:23 PM

Welcome to the site!

Maybe try a BMW 1200 GS, KTM 990 Adv, Tiger 1200, Yamaha Tenere 1200, etc,... Comfortable, good power and suspension, plenty of room for two up and luggage. Can wander down interesting dirt roads if the mood hits you but can still blast down the highway and eat up the miles if you need to.

**jfink** · 07-11-2012, 03:50 PM

Welcome to the site! I also am a 55+ who at times has a need for speed. I love my Wing and it does have some moves and I also own a 990 adventure but as mentioned above if you are staying on pavement and plan/like to ride twisties and two up, a late model Connie C14 or FJR is the ticket. And I don't care what they say a 990 Adventure is NOT! as fast as a Connie or an FJR.

Threebyrds · 07-11-2012, 05:34 PM

I have a question. I'm wondering what percentage of riders here have more than one bike? Seems like quite a few have 2 or more.

tshelfer · 07-11-2012, 05:54 PM

I don't know if that's specifically stored anywhere, but a lot of members have their bikes listed as part of their signature. You can at least take an informal poll just by queuing on that.

Dahveed · 07-11-2012, 06:00 PM

I'd lean more towards the sport touring bikes. Like the connie 14 abs Well suited for two people, upright position, more power than needed, and a pretty good value.

The large adv touring bikes like the GS can fill this role, but pillion comfort is an afterthought. My GF finds the top box on my 1150 GSA pokes her in the back. So I can tell she's not going to be happy on a 3 day trip on that bike. Anything longer than 3 says and I'm either flying her in or finding a new girl. It's fine for a day rider, but in Lubbock you'll need a multi day rider. Of course, the gold wing is the standard setter for pillion comfort.

Anyway, welcome back to the sport and welcome to the site. The people here are super nice.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk and my finger.

Dahveed · 07-11-2012, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threebyrds

I have a question. I'm wondering what percentage of riders here have more than one bike? Seems like quite a few have 2 or more.

It seems that many people have 2 bikes. Fewer have 3. 4 or more are sort of rare. I know one guy that has 5+ and is thinking of a gold wing so his lady will ride with him.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk and my finger.

**TWTourist** · 07-11-2012, 07:07 PM

from another elderly. Just not as wise at 50

If you are planning street only two up look at the BMW RT, FJR, C14 or ST1300. I can tell you the first three will fit the bill. Depends on what you want, comfort, touring or sport. The last one I've never owned but hear a lot of good things about it.

If planning an occasional off rode trip, the GS1200 is hard to beat. And if your skill level is up there it can handle anything you throw at it.

**Tourmeister** · 07-11-2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Threebyrds

I have a question. I'm wondering what percentage of riders here have more than one bike? Seems like quite a few have 2 or more.

Technically... I only have two now

The kids share two little fiddies (CRF50 & TTR-50E)

Two of the other bikes in the garage belong to Snoopster, another TWT member.

I just sold the KLR recently because the garage was getting a bit tight... and I could not afford to build a bigger garage

road_thing · 07-12-2012, 05:47 PM

I'm one of the five-bike guys.

'96 Road King, '73 FLH, '95 Buell, '94 XR600R, '05 KLR 650.

Do I win a prize or something?

rt

Infidel · 07-12-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by road_thing

I'm one of the five-bike guys.

'96 Road King, '73 FLH, '95 Buell, '94 XR600R, '05 KLR 650.

Do I win a prize or something?

rt

Yes you do or our pity depending on ones perspective....lol

Threebyrds · 07-14-2012, 07:54 AM

Well I traded the Versys for a ST 1300. One thing is for sure the electric windscreen is very nice. I almost went for a Goldwing but I just couldn't make myself spend 24k but that is a wonderful bike. Also looked at HD road king and Concour. Never did find a FJR to look at.

My wife really likes this ST 1300 for the smooth ride. The Versys was quite a buzz with that V twin. The Versys is a very easy bike to ride though it just wasn't what I wanted.

sharkey · 07-14-2012, 10:08 AM

ST1300 is a fine mount. I was gonna suggest the Honda NT700V that is for sale or the FJ1300 for sale on this site.

Of course I am partial to the Burgman650 which is a mini wing to some extent.
I own 2 bikes now - Honda 919 and a Yammy Tmax. I owned 3 one time but that was too many!

07-10-2012, 07:33 PM	#1
Threebyrds Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lubbock Posts: 6	New guy here Hello. I'm a aging very fast 57 year old who has decided to get back to riding after being off the bikes for 20 years trying to raise my kid. Anyway in May I got a Kawasaki Versys (2012) and I've put 1500 miles on it. I've been going around joining other forums but they generally seem bias toward the bike the forum is about. Somehow I found this site and have been enjoying the different thoughts about all kinds of bikes. Right now I'm not entirely pleased with the Versys because Ive found it's not really big enough for riding 2 up although I've read several stories of people who have riden across the country on it and the wind tossing by head around wears me out especially in a west TEXAS head wind. So I'm trying to make sure my next purchase is the right one for me. So I'll you see around the site studying your every word looking for the best fit for me. Thanks.

07-10-2012, 07:34 PM	#2
Scorch Join Date: May 2008 Location: Heaven Posts: 828	Re: New guy here Welcome aboard! Maybe you just need an aftermarket windshield that's a little taller. Cal-Sci makes a great shield. If you want to take a test ride on a Suzuki V-Strom, come see me. I'll swap with you for a burger.

07-10-2012, 09:40 PM	#3
tshelfer Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Arlington Posts: 4,929	Re: New guy here There are a lot of us elderly retread bikers on this site. Welcome to TWT. I have family in Lubbock. So where do you go to ride that isn't straight lines or right angle turns? __________________ Tim in Arlington '05 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Preach the gospel. And if necessary, use words - Francis of Assisi

07-10-2012, 09:44 PM	#4
Keith Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 1,432	Re: New guy here I guess I'm just a kid at heart, but I'm in the old farts group at 55. Then again, I like to ride VERY fast bikes... Welcome aboard! __________________ Keith Red/Black 1997 Yamaha Thunderace! Heck - I wasn't bikeless for long... San Ducerro Vineyards

07-10-2012, 09:47 PM	#5
Threebyrds Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lubbock Posts: 6	Re: New guy here Here in Lubbock the wind makes our twisties. I wonder how the ninja 1000 would be for long trips?

07-11-2012, 06:58 AM	#7
reddogbmw Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Arlington Posts: 155	Re: New guy here Good deal, welcome, I'm at that age also, love to ride. Versys take you place you never been before, enjoy! __________________ BMW f800GS 2011 SUZUKI DRZ400s 2009 If you ride them hard you fix them hard

07-11-2012, 08:51 AM	#8
road_thing Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Welcome, TX Posts: 193	Re: New guy here Welcome to the Elderly Retreads MC! We need to get some patches made... rt

07-11-2012, 03:50 PM	#10
jfink Forum Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: League City, Tx Posts: 1,190	Re: New guy here Welcome to the site! I also am a 55+ who at times has a need for speed. I love my Wing and it does have some moves and I also own a 990 adventure but as mentioned above if you are staying on pavement and plan/like to ride twisties and two up, a late model Connie C14 or FJR is the ticket. And I don't care what they say a 990 Adventure is NOT! as fast as a Connie or an FJR. __________________ Joe "Every man is born as many men, but dies as only one. - Martin Heidegger '11 KTM 990 Dakar '04 Goldwing '08 KLR650E Ride to the end of the world

07-11-2012, 05:34 PM	#11
Threebyrds Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lubbock Posts: 6	Re: New guy here I have a question. I'm wondering what percentage of riders here have more than one bike? Seems like quite a few have 2 or more.

07-11-2012, 05:54 PM	#12
tshelfer Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Arlington Posts: 4,929	Re: New guy here I don't know if that's specifically stored anywhere, but a lot of members have their bikes listed as part of their signature. You can at least take an informal poll just by queuing on that. __________________ Tim in Arlington '05 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Preach the gospel. And if necessary, use words - Francis of Assisi

07-11-2012, 06:00 PM	#13
Dahveed Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 1,179	I'd lean more towards the sport touring bikes. Like the connie 14 abs Well suited for two people, upright position, more power than needed, and a pretty good value. The large adv touring bikes like the GS can fill this role, but pillion comfort is an afterthought. My GF finds the top box on my 1150 GSA pokes her in the back. So I can tell she's not going to be happy on a 3 day trip on that bike. Anything longer than 3 says and I'm either flying her in or finding a new girl. It's fine for a day rider, but in Lubbock you'll need a multi day rider. Of course, the gold wing is the standard setter for pillion comfort. Anyway, welcome back to the sport and welcome to the site. The people here are super nice. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk and my finger. __________________ '09 Blue KLR "Muddy Buddy" '04 R1150 GS "The Flying Banana" The DFW Area DS Road Map

07-11-2012, 07:07 PM	#15
TWTourist Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: South Texas Posts: 2,516	Re: New guy here from another elderly. Just not as wise at 50 If you are planning street only two up look at the BMW RT, FJR, C14 or ST1300. I can tell you the first three will fit the bill. Depends on what you want, comfort, touring or sport. The last one I've never owned but hear a lot of good things about it. If planning an occasional off rode trip, the GS1200 is hard to beat. And if your skill level is up there it can handle anything you throw at it. __________________ TWTourist AKA:FJR Bandit RWP TX 36 IBA# 49404 '12 Wee-Strom Adventure '12 R1200RT

07-12-2012, 05:47 PM	#17
road_thing Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Welcome, TX Posts: 193	Re: New guy here I'm one of the five-bike guys. '96 Road King, '73 FLH, '95 Buell, '94 XR600R, '05 KLR 650. Do I win a prize or something? rt

07-14-2012, 07:54 AM	#19
Threebyrds Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Lubbock Posts: 6	Re: New guy here Well I traded the Versys for a ST 1300. One thing is for sure the electric windscreen is very nice. I almost went for a Goldwing but I just couldn't make myself spend 24k but that is a wonderful bike. Also looked at HD road king and Concour. Never did find a FJR to look at. My wife really likes this ST 1300 for the smooth ride. The Versys was quite a buzz with that V twin. The Versys is a very easy bike to ride though it just wasn't what I wanted. __________________

07-14-2012, 10:08 AM	#20
sharkey The Incredible Hulk Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ft Worth, TX Posts: 7,832	Re: New guy here ST1300 is a fine mount. I was gonna suggest the Honda NT700V that is for sale or the FJ1300 for sale on this site. Of course I am partial to the Burgman650 which is a mini wing to some extent. I own 2 bikes now - Honda 919 and a Yammy Tmax. I owned 3 one time but that was too many! __________________ Conservatism, the NEW counter culture.

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