Qman

Sena Coms kept working thru the downpours???? Obviously much better than my experience with maybe 2 minutes of rain on our 10S models!

I have to jump in and warn anyone of the gawdawful traffic in/around Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. I would not recommend this area unless you like traffic jams, tourists, etc.

Held makes some nice products! Would likely make a decent tail bag as well!

Gonna do the "Snake" while you're in the area? http://www.421thesnake.com

Maybe you're being investigated???!!

Nah....The Italian Harley is called a "Moto-Guzzi"!

Now that's funny right there!!!!

Welcome!

THE DANIMAL!

The ironhorse is a pretty kewl setup! The little restaurant on the road in has some awesome catfish too!!

...And I'm worried about suspension settings!!!

Mee Too! 5 miles, barely gets to temp!

Near sportbike cost too! Have you looked at Kymco? Good value from the biggest internal combustion engine manufacturer on the planet. (Made some engines for BMW bikes too).

Doesnt look nearly as stupid as do-rags, assless chaps, fringes, quiltwork vests,...your basic pirate outfits.

I got the attention of a restaurant owner a few weeks ago with my hi-vis jacket. I came walking in the place with jacket on, carrying my helmet. The guy rushes towards me with wide eyes and starts to say something....then he looks at my helmet and says "Holy shit you scared the hell outta me...I thought you were a fireman!"

Safety course I took a few years ago, the instructor was adamantly against modulated headlights. His rationale is that people flash their lights to communicate all sorts of things, like "go ahead", "cops ahead", ...etc... In other words you can create an accident with a modulating headlight. I tend to agree.

Those bikes were hard to handle, it seems. Known several people who have dumped them.

Keep in mind how stinking old that bike must be!

Yeah...the 1150s were pretty much tractors. The 1200s after 07 were far superior, except maybe in long term durability.

Pretty much meets the adjectives many desire when they're deep into a several thousand mile trip!

I hate to contradict, but suggesting that a modern (last 10+ yrs) 600R or any similar track-purposed bike is a good beginner bike is something id have to disagree with. These bikes are meant to be ridden at their upper rev range, have comparably little torque down low, and have steep rake angles....the list goes on. The OP also stated they want to commute, which means they want comfort and some cargo carrying capability. Not the traits of a "R" bike. I'm sorry, but I'll respectfully disagree. Stick with something a little more street based.

+1 on the Vstrom. Easy bike to ride, and easy to spend all day on it.

Quite a speed average!....but that Trip shows you started in Illinois!

Increasingly, I find that the true passionate group of true 2-wheeled addiction is really relatively quite small. We are a fringe group of unloved outcasts. Carry on my fellow addicts!!!

Good times. Great IPA and pulled pork! Muchas gracias señor Sam! Looking forward to the May ride!