Ever get the itch for a "modern" bike?

[gentlemanjim]

If you are buying late model used Bonnies most have the wire spokes. Personally I like the mags 17" front and back the way it should be

 

[Call Of Doodie]

My "modern" bike is the '95 Duc:

I've been tempted by the new Bonnies for years - especially the Thruxtons - but my true loves have always been inline 4s, so have actually been looking closely lately at the Yammer FZ6R. Sportbike looks, old YZF-R6 engine (around 100hp), pretty comfortable upright-ish seating, and both adjustable bar AND seat heights! I figure with a quick re-spray of all that white bodywork to a nice Ducati red, and we're lookin' gooood!

 

[axeugene27]

Love the FZ8 I have to stare at it for 5 min every time I go the bike dealer

 

[Rusnak_322]

The nice thing about having a newer bike is going on a 450 mile ride in 100+ heat, beating the crap out of it in the twisty back roads of southern Ohio and not ever having the bike hiccup, fail to start or have to turn a wrench.

my baby -

 

[whataulooknat]

I really one one of the new triumph cruiser bikes like the America or the Speedmaster.

 

[redwillissuperman]

I love the V7 Cafe Racer but its almost too "done" for me. Kind of hard to personalize it. The Triumph is a blank slate.

 

[metaltriumph]

I would love a bonnie but just as has been said before - do i need another cafe bike? and that doubled with - why would i buy another triumph (bonnie) when it has half the power of my current triumph?

I would have to sell the speed triple to afford a bonnie - i think i would be headed more towards a nightster or 48 special. Or even a KTM enduro!

Certainly no plans to sell the speedie at the moment! Best bike i have ever owned.

 

[axeugene27]

I think your savings in monthly insurance would likely pay for the bonneville. That said speed triples are absolutely sweet.

 

[Rusnak_322]

I don't know, I pay $360 per year for full coverage on my Ducati Monster and my wife pays less for her 1098. That includes an extra $3k each in coverage for the aftermarket accessories.

 

[alexmac]

I love the V7 Cafe Racer but its almost too "done" for me. Kind of hard to personalize it. The Triumph is a blank slate.

The Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is a blank slate too. The engine is the same.

 

[CJHusband]

On the days the project bike annoys me, I dream of a new Bonneville.

 

[rock2d2]

On the days the project bike annoys me, I dream of a new Bonneville.

+1

 

[danejurrous]

I apologize for chiming in a little late on this thread but I am a bit newer here as you can tell. Just read the thread and I currently have two bikes. My trusty 81 GS750 which has been a thrill of a bike had it for a long time and a 02 Bandit 1200s and I understand it is a bit bigger than some think is usable although I have found a few places while ripping some twisties where it has been beneficial ;D

Although both bikes are different in style and function both are awesome bikes and depending on the mood I am in or type of ride I am heading on I have what I need. I strongly suggest as JRK5892 said, if you are looking for a newer bike that does not cost an arm and a leg but still reliable the Bandit will shine. Over 30k miles and still running like a champ with basic maintenance.

 

[axeugene27]

I am a proponent of the bandit as well. It is a smooth, fast, excellent handling motorcycle which people underestimate, value, and sell dirt cheap. What else can you ask for.

 

[jwarriner]

I used to own a 2002 Honda Superhawk. It was a fun bike and sounded mean with Slips. But I always felt douchey riding it because it's a sport-ish style bike and really not my style I found. Plus, being 250lbs I also always felt like "fat guy on a sport bike."

I've occasionally thought of the following:

ZRX1100 or 1200
Newer vintage looking Triumph (Bonneville, Thruxton, Scrambler)
H-D 883 Sporster
Suzuki TU250x
Honda 919 or 599 Hornet
Ducati Monster of some kind

Some of those bikes are getting old now. And also some are only slightly better than the Superhawk in the standard vs. sport bike department.

But it would be really cool to have something that just works all the time where I am not fucking with the idle/carbs or battery/charging system/crusty old wiring all the time. I suppose I could spend some coin and rebuild any of my bikes to closer to modern specs. But that would be pretty costly, and it kind of defeats the purpose of a dirty old runner.

Something like this would be many orders of awesome:
http://www.zrxoa.org/forums/showthread.php?259571-That-is-a-Wrench-Monkees-ZRX

 

[Wahoo650]

I lust after a white Moto Guzzi California Vintage. I really want something I can cover a lot of miles on that handles decently, shaft drive with fuel injection. But still needs me to do some maint. (adj. valves, etc.). It's still air cooled and looks "vintage" as well.

 

[jwarriner]

It's still air cooled and looks "vintage" as well.

Not that it should be a deal breaker but there is just no way to make a radiator look appealing on a bike.

 

[veloracermike]

No not the SC this one...looks to be a custom build

I tracked down the build thread for this beauty!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/redmaxspeedshop/sets/72157628387961085/

Started life as a 1990 900SS. Looks like all they added were some knee dents to the tank, the tank was my big question mark. The rest would be pretty easy to fab up more or less. God I wish I'd never seen this thing.

 

[bbqb4racin]

Not that it should be a deal breaker but there is just no way to make a radiator look appealing on a bike.

I beg to differ...............

 

[veloracermike]

I think he meant sans fairing.