Tpoppa

I'll bet the new rebel 500 is a hell of a lot more fun than most cruisers. That little motor is surprisingly entertaining.

I seriously considered purchasing a new BMW S1000R. I think it's a great bike, but the potential cost of ownership scared me away. Not sure if BMWs or Aprilias are more reliable, but BMW has a vastly superior dealer network. After owning 3 Buells (that had TERRIBLE dealer support from HD's dealer network), I really have no interest in owning anything like a KTM, MV, or Aprilia even though I really like some of their motorcycles. IMO, Ducati & BMW are borderline, but I would own another Triumph someday. With any of those brands I think it's wise to ride as many miles as possible while the motorcycle is still under warranty and let the dealer sort out any teething issues on the factory's dime. Having a second bike, preferably something Japanese, is also a smart move. I'm more of a riding enthusiast than a motorcycle enthusiast.

I have to say based on some of the updates, I was expecting to hear something bad. This great news.

^^^

A little crossed up too

Electric bikes are interesting. Personally, I think off roading would be a better market for electric for it's current level of technology. Typically, dirt bikes and ATVs don't need as much range as a street bike, so current battery tech might be just fine.. Plus the lack of noise may open up some off roading areas that don't want the noise to scare off wildlife, etc.

Wow. I hope this is accurate!

Harley is one of the most stubborn backward thinking companies around, per a few insiders I've spoken with. If it wasn't for EPA regs forcing them, they'd prefer to still be using carbs over FI. I seriously doubt HD will be anywhere near the cutting edge of new motorcycle technology. I also doubt they have the in house engineering muscle to change that anytime soon. The Livewire was a Buell project (even had stock Buell parts on that bike). HD fired most of the Buell engineers that were involved.

A big problem that Harley may not be able to solve anytime soon is that a big chunk of HD owners are aging to a point where they can no longer ride and are selling their barely ridden hogs. The market is flooded with late model, low mile harleys that aren't holding their value like they used to. People that may have bought new are opting to buy cheap used bikes instead. Unfortunately for HD, a 5 year old bike is 99% the same as a new one. For many years they've chosen not to invest much in product development, and rehash basically the same models with slightly different decorations. If they do fall into financial trouble it's totally their own fault. Maybe they have something new up their sleeve

Test ride one. I'll bet it would handle mach retard extremely well.

That's what happens when you specialize in selling decorative motorcycles to old people, then release that turd of a new Street Rod in a half assed attempt to attract younger buyers.

Just based on people I've spoken with, is seems like the Street is capable of going faster on a tight technical back road. Also, seems like Triumph has put more R&D and marketing into the Street3 than the Speed3.

That new 2018 Street Triple RS 765cc with factory Ohlin shock is pretty sexy.

You don't need reservations.

Epip

Are you keeping the Ninja? I'll chase that 1290 with my 500.

The correct term is post whore.

Just tried these Leight Pilot Plugs. I have to say I like them. The yellow piece is fairly firm so you can insert them into you ear easier.

Ride. South. Fast-ish.

Come on Tinder

You are describing the 1290, Tuono, or S1000R (not RR). The riding experience on all 3 would be fantastic, but the ownenership/dealership experience on the KTM or Ape might not be so great. I'd give the BMW the nod for that reason. If it was me & was looking to buy a brand new bike for "demon releasing 500 mile street rides," I'd be taking a long hard look at the FZ10 or Ducati Supersport S

Any bike I suggest would potentially be something that I need to try to keep up with in SEO or WV...so, Grom.

My ex wife is a physician. You don't have to be on that schedule forever. You have many options depending on your specialty and practice.

I'm going to ride a mix of paved & unpaved tomorrow.