OhioBob

I second that the VTX is probably more of a tourer than the Harley. Think about it. No chain maintenance on the road, rides so smooth, if you want loud just add some Bub JH pipes, need more pull back there are plenty of options from risers to whole different set of bars, need a cushy seat send your stock to MeanCityCycles, etc. It is so much better. Can be customized soooo much. If he wants a "real" tourer than get a GoldWing. Those things are sweet, comfy and plenty of get up and go...did I mention plenty of trunk space. Just my .02. OhioBob

David, When do you think you will be in Washington CH? I am interested, but I need to swing by Wilmington first. So, if I can get done there in time, I could meet you in WCH.

Yeah, 41 is a nice fun twisty ride, especially, south of 50 heading to Sinking Springs.

CBBaron, Thanks for pointing that out. My VTX1300C is more like 600lbs after replacing the stock pipes. It started out around 640lbs...less due to smaller fenders. As for the search for a liter bike is because I am big guy, 6'2" 220lbs+. I was a paratrooper/air assault in the Army back in the 90's. Not saying I can handle a liter bike, since I have never road one, but just saying I'm not sure a 600cc will have the umph to get my big structure moving quickly. Alot of these sportbikes seem to be geared toward jockey type body structures. I can only wish that was true in my case. So, I am in search for a sport bike (or naked bike with sportbike performance) made for bigger people. Yes, I have thought about a FZ1, but I hate the look of the half fairing. Now Yamaha has the new FZ800, which may be the sweet spot. So, I am dying to demo one of those. Hopefully, really soon. Thanks again to all. OhioBob

I say take your time, be alert and keep your distance. If all else fails, do a couple of burn outs in stopped traffic to get the cagers off the cell phones and paying attention to you being there. Just saying. I just had a buddy die Sunday from a cager not seeing him and pulled out in front of him. I just wish people would pay more attention to driving. It is a 2 ton weapon of destruction of families or a 2 ton priviledge of transportation. Whatever you do, DON'T EVER ASSUME THE CAGERS SEE YOU!!! Ride Safe. OhioBob

Head on down to Hillsboro, OH and we can take 247 south for some nice twisty roads. If you would be up for it, we could head all the way down to the river and then run back up 125 to West Union and then take 41 up to Greenfield or Washington Court House and beyond. Just saying. If you are interested, let me know. I will be around and itching for a nice group ride. OhioBob

Yeah? got any pics? You selling it? Now you have me interested. LOL

Yes, that is the article. It happened in Bath County, KY. His daughter is having her third surgery today. She has compound fractures in both legs. I was told she is ok from the waist up, but her legs are pretty messed up. Thanks everyone.

Please keep my fallen buddies family in your thoughts and prayers. He (Harmon Sizemore III) was riding down in northern KY yesterday morning with his 17 yr old daughter on the back when a pickup pulled out in front of them and served into their lane head on. They both were tossed from the bike. Unfortunately my buddy was killed, but his daughter survives with a shattered hip. Now I know, him not being a helmet advocate possibly played a part, but luckily he always insisted his daughter wear one. This is a guy who has been riding everything on two wheels for decades. He made several trips cross country to Sturgis in his earlier years and to the wall in DC, etc. He knew how to ride. It is a total shock, I am still not sure it is real to me yet. Please keep his daughter in your prayers for a full recovery and for his wife and family. Thanks. Ride Safe out there. OhioBob

OK, to mix it up a little. How does the FZ1 compare to the SV1000S? Wish they brought the FZ1N to the states. Heck, if I am going to mix it up with FZ1, I might as well include the new or new to the states, CB1000R. Just trying to single down my choices to visit the stealerships. Thanks again for your input.

Like to see other's opinions on these topics. Sorry to cause any headaches. I guess you are right, if money is not the issue and we are talking about performance; hp, torque, brakes, suspension, etc. Thanks.

So, just curious which would you prefer and why? Ducati Monster S4RS OR Suzuki SV1000 (non fairing)

I am not planning on going 150mph, but I would like the hp that could. Yes, I know that without full fairings it is going to be nearly impossible to enjoy that speed. That is why I have really been thinking about a 2008 CBR1000RR and get the handlebar riser triple tree kit with handlebars and mod windscreen. Presto, instant awesome super standard bike. But I was just curious to what other factory standard bikes are out there that could compete with my idea. I am pretty lazy and would rather not, but if I must than so be it. Thanks again.

How about the Honda VFR800? I have heard good things about it, but not sure if it has the umph.

I guess I am looking for a lighter bike that is more fun to flick around in the corners and twisties on a nice day than my VTX1300C, but can get out of the corners and off the line quick like my VTX.

I have always liked the look of the 919, but wish they had inverted forks with radial brakes and a better swing arm, like the CBR. Not to mention the detuned motor of the CBR900RR. But really if there was a way to upgrade these little flaws/annoyances than I would be all for it. Although, I have always been intrigued by the SV1000S, just can't find any to test ride around here. Speed Triple is awesome, but can't find any used for a decent price.

Hi, I am looking at getting a second bike, currently, I have a VTX1300C, which is a great bike, but am looking for something that I can do short trips with or for lack of a better term "bar hop" with. So, I started thinking of the nekkid (standards)bikes that have always caught my eye. Not sure how to explain it, I just like the look, the ride ergos, etc. Just something about them. So, the specs I was thinking about for a second bike was this: Engine: 50-60 or more torque / 120-140hp / good mid range / 150mph top or better Brakes: radial brakes (dual fronts) Suspension: inverted front forks Chasis: no more than 500lbs and better if it is 450lbs or lighter / good ergos (comfy) With these specs, first comes to mind is the 2008 CBR1000RR with handlebar risers and Renthal bars or Pro Taper bars. The second comes to mind is the GSXR-750, but not sure what year is decent. Of course these are full out sportbikes, but was wondering if there is anything out there that compares for the street. I mean, can't take full advantage of the sportbike, especially literbikes power range unless on the track. So, what bikes do you recommend that would fit these specs for the street? Thanks in advance. OhioBob

I have always like the UJM and your nekkid version is awesome. I was thinking about getting a FZ1 and doing just that. I just can't stand the half fairing look of the stock FZ1's. Keep it the way it is, so you have more time to ride it.

So, I was wondering how the following compare, like for the street: - Ducati Monster S4R - Ducati Monster 1100 - Honda 919 - Honda VFR800 - Honda CB1000R - Triumph Speed Triple 1050R - Triumph Street Triple 675R - Yamaha FZ1 - Kawasaki Ninja 1000 - Kawasaki Z1000 - Suzuki SV1000 - Suzuki SV650 Just wondering. Thanks. OhioBob

Hi, I just was wondering about the sportbike arena. How is the power delivery different among the following sportbikes: - Honda CBR1000RR (2008 or later) - Suzuki GSXR-750/1000 - Yamaha R1 (cross-plane) - Kawasaki ZX-10R - BMW S1000RR Just am wondering. Thanks. OhioBob

I will be 39 when I finally get my 08 CBR 1000RR that I am saving up for next year. I have some sportsbike riding gear, do I qualify now or need the bike. OhioBob

One summer I had my big cruiser VTX on a nice dirt/gravel road with some pretty steep hills. In fact, it was a friends drive way that weaved through the country landscape. What I didn't know was it had rained pretty hard a few days earlier and just before getting to his house the road was flooded out. So, I had to turn around on a slope. Not the funniest experience, but was very surprised that my VTX didn't have a bit of a problem going back up that iffy hill, probably an incline of 45-55 degrees. Love my X. OhioBob

I will add it to my calendar, but it will depend if I have to work that weekend. I would mention it to my buddies too. Thanks for the heads up. OhioBob

I used this guy a couple years ago. http://www.meancitycycles.com/ It is good quality stuff. Very customer oriented. Just love it. Able to ride hours, hundreds of miles without butt burn, etc. Stock seat, couldn't make it 50 miles before stopping.

Head down St Rte 247 to Seaman, OH...cross over St Rte 32 to Cruisers. Or Dakotas in Hillsboro across from Walmart on Harry Sauner Rd. Or if in Chillicothe, head over to Old Canal Smoke House on Water Street. If heading down this way on a Saturday, let me know and I will meet up and ride. Hope this helps. OhioBob