Connie14

^ what he said.  I haven't ridden the VFR1200.  The Connie and FJR tend to be a little more oriented to touring, and the VFR is a little sportier.  They are all fast enough to get you into trouble, and comfortable enough to ride all day long.

My wife is running 2 miles everyday for lent.  I have decided that I am going to do the same.  It will help me lose a few pounds without giving up tasty beers.  Them darn Christmas beers and Barkley Wine Ales get me for 7 to 10 pounds every year. 

My 8 year old daughters can ride better than some of them. 

I am bummed.  I will be in the Outer Banks with the family on 7/2.  I was looking forward to my first track day.   Hopefully, you guys will do it again next year. 

Life is short.  Schedule the trip.  Once my daughters are grown, I am going to ride to Alaska. 

Kawasaki Versys X?

 Agreed. The feds need to balance the tax cut with a reduction in expenditures.

1 hour ago, what said:

https://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/d/honda-repsol/6470659637.html

 

$4k 

"Most likely one of a kind in the USA"

It's a f'n race bike.  

Here we go again. 

3 hours ago, what said:

I'd have a rough time staring at it for the next month or so >.>

 ^ what he said.  I don't have the internal restraint.  I have salt water remnants on the garage floor from a new dual sport.   Come on spring! 

Seriously, discuss this with your PT.  Your back is nothing to take lightly! 

Wheelsports has some street bikes, but they do carry more dirt bikes than street bikes.  CCM has a much better selection of the KTM street bikes.  They also made me a deal that Wheelsports wouldn't touch. 

27 minutes ago, JustinNck1 said:

26 has some good passing zones 

I have a sneaking suspicion that you will have no issues passing on your new bike.

Is there a limit to the number of cruisers that you are allowed to pass at one time?

4 minutes ago, CBBaron said:

They also cost way more and except the 690 are much heavier on maintenance. 

If you ride regularly there is nothing wrong with a well sorted carb (stock is pretty lean). 

I do drool over KTMs and Huskys, but my skill level doesn't justify the extra purchase, maintenance and repair costs.

I recently picked up the exc-f 350, and I absolutely love it.  It starts way better in the cold than a carbed bike, and the throttle response is great.  You are correct on the price.  It was not cheap.

38 minutes ago, what said:

Boy, I wouldn't be able to handle having a brand new bike this deep in winter... All that salt and all that temptation to go play. 

 The good news is that he would only need to power wash the rear wheel. 

 If they had FI on this bike, I would have one right now.  A few years ago, I had the 400S, and I loved it.  I also don't intend to get another carbed bike. 

On another note: Pony Powersports in Mansfield sells KTM's that have FI.  They also have way more power. 

I know that you wanted to skip the finance stuff,  but it may be advisable to buy a house that you can pay off with a 15 year loan. It would be paid off before retirement, and you will save a bunch of interest expense.  (Don't buy a more expensive house that will take you to the age of  71 to pay off.) 

Nice bike!

Jerry was a good man, and he will be missed. 

I am thinking about going to March Moto Madness in Tellico Plains:

http://www.marchmotomadness.com

I was thinking about trailering a KTM dual sport and a FZ1 down for the event.  I would like to hit Cherohalla Skyway and some of the other  nearby roads on something sporty.

Has anyone ever gone? Any suggestions? 

 As mentioned above by some very good touring riders, waterproof and breathable are the key factors.  For summer riding to the Gap and Florida,  I recommend a waterproof/breathable liner with a  good mesh suit.  In June, it will be hot and humid in Florida.  A well venting textile suit will also be bearable when moving. 

 Upgrade the trail bike, so I can ride some dual sports this year.

I have been there twice, and I enjoyed my food both times.