TexBiker
0
I guess my midlife crisis finally kicked in and I'd like to get back in the game after taking a few years off riding to focus on raising my kids. I used to average 8k-10k miles per year on my bikes, but I've been a stay-at-home dad since 2008 and have only ridden about 1k miles since then. My son is 11 and and my baby girl is 7 now, and both are finally tall/mature enough to reach the passenger pegs and safely ride pillion, at least around town. My boy could probably take a little road trip to Palestine, Nac or Lufkin, but I need to see how well he can tolerate the sounds before I get out on the highway with him. I remember the first time my dad took me for a ride on his '77 CB750 when I was 8 or 9 years old and it was a life-changing moment. I'd like to share that experience with my kids and see if it sparks their interest.
Their mother and I are recently divorced, but we’re still on very good terms and she supports the idea. She has her own bikes and said she would love to take them on rides one day, but she's just not comfortable with a passenger since she’s never ridden two-up and she has more trust in my riding abilities when it comes to that. She’s primarily a dual-sport rider, but If the kids really get into it, she’ll work on getting more street experience so we can all go riding together on occasion.
But back to the purpose of this post…
I have some extra funds heading my way in March and I'll be ready to do some shopping for a nice used bike. I’ve been out of the loop for the last decade or so and I haven’t paid any attention to the bike market. I’m starting to read up on what’s been happening with newer models and features, but I’m basically starting from scratch now.
I’m really looking for what I call a “gentleman's sportbike.” I’m 47 years old, 6’4”, 200lbs with a 36” inseam and my knees aren't what they used to be. As such, the current crop of supersports are too cramped for comfort. If the old late-90s/early '00s YZF-1000R (ThunderAce), Honda CBR1000XX Blackbird or Kawi ZX-11 were still in production, they would be perfect. However, outside of the Honda VFR/Interceptor, it doesn't look like anyone has been building that sort of bike for a while. I’m thinking sport tourer with more emphasis on sport and less on touring. The last bike I owned in that category was a Triumph ST 955i with lowered pegs and bar risers and I still kick myself for trading it away. I also owned a couple of BMW GS oilheads and loved the comfort & handling, but they lacked the power I’m looking for now. Some of the newer “naked” bikes seem to fit the bill, but their aesthetics just don’t do it for me. I know that’s a shallow reason to dismiss a bike, but c'est la vie. However, some bikes in that genre are exceptions, such as older Ducati Monsters, Suzuki TL twins and the Kawasaki ZRX models. I'd certainly consider any of them.
So, long story short, this is my want list (~$5000 budget):
- Less than 20 years old. Mileage isn’t a big concern as long there is proof of proper maintenance. A little cosmetic damage is OK. I understand bikes fall over sometimes. Stuff happens.
- Pillion seat or provisions for one.
- Liter bike power (for lack of a better term. I’m sure some smaller displacement motors can match the numbers of yesteryear’s 1000cc bikes, so I’m happy to consider them if they have the grunt I want)
- Preferably tuned for low-end, midrange power delivery. My days of bumping the rev limiter are over and I don’t foresee many more track days in my future.
- Sporty, but relaxed riding position. This can either be stock or a bike that has been equipped with lowered pegs and/or bar risers for comfort.
- Non-linked brakes with ABS. I often use the rear brake to tighten my line when I get a little aggressive in the twisties and linked brakes tend upset the chassis more than I’d like.
- I’d prefer chain drive. My experience with shaft drive has been a love/hate affair. (*cough* BMW GS *cough*)
- A centerstand would be nice, but not a deal breaker. I have a stand in the garage I can use for maintenance duties if needed.
Thanks for taking the time to read this novel. I look forward to any suggestions and advice.
Their mother and I are recently divorced, but we’re still on very good terms and she supports the idea. She has her own bikes and said she would love to take them on rides one day, but she's just not comfortable with a passenger since she’s never ridden two-up and she has more trust in my riding abilities when it comes to that. She’s primarily a dual-sport rider, but If the kids really get into it, she’ll work on getting more street experience so we can all go riding together on occasion.
But back to the purpose of this post…
I have some extra funds heading my way in March and I'll be ready to do some shopping for a nice used bike. I’ve been out of the loop for the last decade or so and I haven’t paid any attention to the bike market. I’m starting to read up on what’s been happening with newer models and features, but I’m basically starting from scratch now.
I’m really looking for what I call a “gentleman's sportbike.” I’m 47 years old, 6’4”, 200lbs with a 36” inseam and my knees aren't what they used to be. As such, the current crop of supersports are too cramped for comfort. If the old late-90s/early '00s YZF-1000R (ThunderAce), Honda CBR1000XX Blackbird or Kawi ZX-11 were still in production, they would be perfect. However, outside of the Honda VFR/Interceptor, it doesn't look like anyone has been building that sort of bike for a while. I’m thinking sport tourer with more emphasis on sport and less on touring. The last bike I owned in that category was a Triumph ST 955i with lowered pegs and bar risers and I still kick myself for trading it away. I also owned a couple of BMW GS oilheads and loved the comfort & handling, but they lacked the power I’m looking for now. Some of the newer “naked” bikes seem to fit the bill, but their aesthetics just don’t do it for me. I know that’s a shallow reason to dismiss a bike, but c'est la vie. However, some bikes in that genre are exceptions, such as older Ducati Monsters, Suzuki TL twins and the Kawasaki ZRX models. I'd certainly consider any of them.
So, long story short, this is my want list (~$5000 budget):
- Less than 20 years old. Mileage isn’t a big concern as long there is proof of proper maintenance. A little cosmetic damage is OK. I understand bikes fall over sometimes. Stuff happens.
- Pillion seat or provisions for one.
- Liter bike power (for lack of a better term. I’m sure some smaller displacement motors can match the numbers of yesteryear’s 1000cc bikes, so I’m happy to consider them if they have the grunt I want)
- Preferably tuned for low-end, midrange power delivery. My days of bumping the rev limiter are over and I don’t foresee many more track days in my future.
- Sporty, but relaxed riding position. This can either be stock or a bike that has been equipped with lowered pegs and/or bar risers for comfort.
- Non-linked brakes with ABS. I often use the rear brake to tighten my line when I get a little aggressive in the twisties and linked brakes tend upset the chassis more than I’d like.
- I’d prefer chain drive. My experience with shaft drive has been a love/hate affair. (*cough* BMW GS *cough*)
- A centerstand would be nice, but not a deal breaker. I have a stand in the garage I can use for maintenance duties if needed.
Thanks for taking the time to read this novel. I look forward to any suggestions and advice.