Tonyblaze

18 minutes ago, jschaf said:

Guess I was wrong when I thought we didn't get any pictures in WV Tony, lol.  I will attest that bike would put a whoopin on most sport touring machines.  In Tony's hands the bike would embarrass a significant majority of the sportbike riders on the forum.

Think I could still slide a piece of paper between the exhaust and the track there.

8 hours ago, Qman said:

Well, the F800's don't have the boxer engine style, they are parallel-twins.  At any rate, the 1200 boxer GS and RT is what I was referring to.  If you could find a good used version, (2009+) that would be the way to go for best value.

No, the one with the Boxer engine she tried to get me to look at was the R1200 RS. Bike had everything including a Shiatsu massager. I was sold until I flipped over the price tag. $16,000 used. She saw look on my face and added that they rent them also when their used at $149.00/day. Still trying to figure out if I was insulted.  

1 hour ago, Qman said:

Its not the silencer that makes it sound awful, its the engine firing order/timing. 

I've given up trying to get a musical exhaust note. My SV650 with a aftermarket can was beautiful! Just didn't have the power I wanted. Folks say I'm crazy for not liking the Street Triple's Arrow exhaust. To me it sounds marginally deeper than stock but cuts $1000 out of your pocket. 

1 hour ago, Qman said:

Which BMW were you looking at?  I think you'd be surprised by the GS, unless you're shorter than ~5'8".  Plenty of suspension for 2-up. No (almost) dive on braking, which is great for 2-up.  Torque is there for easy loaded-up riding.  Might not be the best comfort for pillion tho.  The other option is the RT, which is probably the lightest touring rig.

I was looking at the F800 RT. The rep walked me through what type of riding I do and said that I should focus on the torque capabilities of a bike and not the horsepower. She thought the F800 would give me what I wanted without breaking the bank. She just didn't realize I was working with a piggy bank, not a real bank.

2 minutes ago, Tpoppa said:

It handles fine with a passenger...but the passenger accommodations aren't as comfortable as say an FJR.  Good enough for a couple hours, but I wouldn't throw my gf on the back for a trip.

That's fine. We're not doing long haul trips. The longest they're on with me is for 3-4 hours running back roads between here and mid Ohio. This will be the "Family Time" bike and I'll get my mental health bike next year or the year following. 

Well here's my situation: currently have a 2013 Street Triple R. Love it but the death strike for it was when the 2018's released. More power, better handling and a bit sexier. I'm definitely getting one but not until at least late next year. I currently need a bike that is comfortable for 2-up riding then I'll add the STR to the stable later. My two 16 years have developed a liking for riding with me now and the wife always has wanted to but doesn't like the pillion environment on the Triple. Bike handles like crap with her on it anyway. Have a couple of buyers lined up for it so I know its going to sell. Have been looking at VFR800's (2006-2011), VFR1200(2010), Triumph Sprint (2006-2011). Rode a few Multistradas, like the mechanicals and handling but seating position is too upright and you can't find a deal on any basically because they're so damn good. Friend dragged me into a BMW shop. Love the bike. Didn't think I could get over the look of the Boxer engines but after you stare at them long enough and understand why they are like that it grows on you. Can't find a decent deal on any right now though so they're out. FJR's seem too big. Moving down into sportier bikes appeal to me but the pillion seats suck.So I think its down to the VFR's and the Sprint. Both can be had relatively reasonably in pretty good shape. I like the size and nimbleness of the VFR800 but some reviews say that the pillion seat slides the passenger into the rider. VFR1200 is suppose to be pure comfort but it is bigger and seems to be an acquired taste. I'm thinking the Sprint splits the baby and it's a Triumph. Actually have a shop in Connecticut that's willing to take my bike for a ridiculous price and put me in a 2008 Triumph Sprint with 12,000 miles for a handshake and a lollipop. Would have to get there and back but might be worth it. Seems that Triumphs are valued significantly higher on the east coast than here locally. Right now trying to just make a logical decision based on facts instead of emotion. 

Does anyone have an idea why there are so many 2010 model VFR 1200 on the market? I rarely see any year later than that for sale. I understand that was a new model year but still....  

I'm a 60% rider so no chance of that. Thanks for the info. Just got back from Quaker State Bike Night and I saw a couple there. Think I got the bug.

Are there any Ninja 1000sx owners out there that can tell me why I need to buy one? I'm arguing between the Ninja and the Multistrada. I realize that's its not an apples to apples comparison but I'm thinking that the Ninja gets me close enough to the orange that I don't need to drop another car payment to get it. Coming from the Street Triple R. Love the bike but need something that will carry a pillion without instilling fear in my heart. I mostly like to ride back roads and highway spurts to evade the local justice dept. representatives on speed runs. Significant other only rides MAYBE twice a month but bringing a bike in the house without that capability would incur legal expense otherwise I'd get the Ducati Monster of my dreams. 

2013 Triumph Street Triple R, 5,652 miles. Excellent condition, no scratches, never been dropped or stunted. Custom Sargent seat, carbon fiber accents, aftermarket mirrors and reservoirs. Stock parts to be sold with bike. Service records available through Akron Ducati / Triumph. $6,995.00 firm. Location: Olmsted Falls.

Prior to my current career I was an x-ray tech for a short period and that is the craziest thing I've ever heard. Mis-reading the size and location of something complex like a tumor or a bleed is pretty common. Thinking no tear is a full release tear which results in totally unwarranted surgery? Wow. The very minimal thing I would do is get another doctor and not let that one ever touch me again.Even if the Radiologist made the mistake and not the doctor he had to see the scan and had some idea. On a lighter note happy the injury wasn't as bad as you thought. Some good rehab and you might be golden.

I'm late but I concur strongly on the SV650 recommendation. Bike can be had cheaply, parts are cheap and in abundance and if you put an aftermarket can on it the sound stacks up against anything on the road. I bought one for my first bike. Just enough poser to scare beginning riders into respecting the machine but also gives them a hefty margin of error with the powerband. Wish I never sold mine.

Well damn.........was planning on grabbing a Springfield XDs with the 3" barrel next weekend at the Berea show. That's a double stack 4" correct?

http://clevelandcyclewerks.com/2016-homecoming/

Yamaha demos at State 8 June 10 & 11th

Yamaha demos at Hardings June 17th & 18th

Ducati Experience at Pony Motorsports July 8th - 10th.

Keep me in mind. If Trump doesn't burn down the city I should be able to make it.

Yamaha/Star Demo days this Fri/Sat @ 10-4 and 10-3 respectively at State 8 Motorcycles in Peninsula.

FJ09

FZ-09

FZ-07

FZ6R

Super Tenere

R3

R6

V Star 1300 Deluxe

V Star 1300

Stryker Bullet

Stryker Raid

Raider

VMAX

Bolt C Spec

Bolt R

Bolt V Star 950

I went yesterday. They have the Multistrada (my next target), Diavel, 1200 Monster, Scrambler, and the 899. I might go again in the morning to ride the 'strada again. best dealer in the area of any brand. The guys there really bend over backwards for you. 

When:
Friday, July 24: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday, July 25: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, July 26: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Where:
Northern Ohio Ducati
1955 Brittain Rd
Akron, OH 44310
(330) 630-9430

The Ducati Demo Days Tour is an exciting three-day test ride event, beginning on Friday and running through Sunday. Ducati will bring the motorcycles and truck, while your local Ducati dealer will be hosting an array of other activities and specials throughout the weekend; be sure to call and ask what's going on. To see the tour in action click here!

Enjoy music, food, and beverages while you learn about the 2015 Ducati line up from product specialists. Then, take the Ducati of your dreams out for a spin! Arrive early to sign up for your preferred test ride slot.

The team at Northern Ohio Ducati will have some great  entertainment and food to keep you fueled! Stop by to test ride, relax, and talk Ducati.

Sorry guys but I have to bail on Saturday. Family medical issue that's going to take me off the grid. Hopefully I can catch up to you in the fall.

Ordered a hoodie.

It will be good to be seen. Mentally, I really, really need this. Counseling costs too damn much.

Thanks for all of the advice. Planning an expedition to the Iron Pony now. I'll use it as my prep for the Epic Spring Ride. Gotta get this done. Been blessed to ride three years without hitting the pavement but when I do I want to get back up.

With the understanding that a helmet is highly personal and subjective does anyone have any recommendations for a good quality helmet? My large nugget means that comfort is the #1 priority, with quietness 2nd and weight 3rd. I will probably maintain my preference to flat black with a mirrored shield. An internal sun visor would be a bonus. Currently have a cheap Scorpion that has served me well as a 1st helmet but its time I moved up to the big boy leagues. I'm riding a naked Triumph,  

Put me down for the slow group. Old man needs to save endurance for the trek down and back that night.