New cat here in Pittsburgh

[LL247]

What's up folks! Motorcycle enthusiast here that's starting to wander towards the vintage scene. After 20 years of riding and many, many Harleys I've had the following string of other bikes: Z1000, B-King, Speed Triple R, and now a Monster 1200. Now that I'm gracing 40 years of age and have always loved the naked, street-fighter style of bikes I've come to a realization: I love the look & feel of the naked bikes but truly love the soul and personality of my Harleys. Why haven't I figured it out sooner? An older cafe or supersport bike will have that motorcycle 'soul' but with the enjoyment of really riding like I love to do.

So I'm currently looking to let go of the Duck and move on to a good platform to build this winter. Added bonus, just started a motorcycle parts/accessories/apparel business www.77customs.com so I now have a lot more in resource department for a build! I'm now trying to decide what to purchase that will accommodate a 6'3'' 250lb rider...

 

[DohcBikes]

A well built 'cafe style' FXR is the first thing that comes to mind for a guy that's into HD's.

If you are thinking of Japanese inline 4's a KZ1000 or a GS1100 might be a good starting point for ya. At 6'3 250, think big.

So many bikes out there.

Welcome to the forum, looking forward to seeing what you decide on.

 

[VonYinzer]

Welcome to DTT fellow Yinzer, where are you located? I'm about 45 min north of downtown. There's a pretty good group of vintage bike folks in and around the city. Definitely interested in what you end up with for the build.

If you need a hand or every want to get together with some like minded weirdos, feel free to shoot me a PM. Good luck!

 

[LL247]

Well I've been looking at the larger bikes but my head is spinning around hahaha. My biggest issue is I can see the potential in all of them, then start over-analyzing a decision. Beyond wanting something for a larger framed guy, I also want a bike that was taken care of to minimize the mechanical nightmares. Try to keep my main lift open for customer bikes! Definitely not going to be a Harley, I have my Road Glide for distance and a ridiculous stereo...definitely japanese route for this bike.

VonYinzer, I'm on Route 30 in North Huntingdon, right by the Jim Shorkey dealerships out here. My 'shop' is actually a small building for my storefront where I sell parts, accessories, apparel, ect. Basically my base of operations, but my garage is literally 3 minutes away at my house. Didn't have the budget to launch a new business in a facility to house both! Who knows, if I can get this joint off the ground I'll move on up to a bigger place. Feel free to spread the word, trying to make this a motorcycle enthusiast destination spot where riders want to stop and hang out.

Ugh...slow day and all I've done is look for a bike, read every forum, watch youtube clips...