Musings about the bikes in my garage

[ohiorider]

There's three. 
- 1991 BMW R100GS I've owned since 1991, now with nearly 155,000 miles.
- 2008 MG 1200 Sport, owned since Oct 2009, now with nearly 65,000 miles.
- 2014 Honda CB1100 owned since Jan 2017, now with 1700 miles.
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I like anything with two wheels and a motor.  I love them when it all comes together for me with the bike.

The BMW has been around now for almost forever.  We've taken a handful of trips from Ohio out West, and this bike has always (almost) gotten me home with no issues.  Even with issues, still got me home.  A bit too tall for me (always has been) but by adding 1/2" to the soles of my boots, this bike is once again ride able.  With a Nippondenso starter motor and aftermarket ignition system from Rick Jones at Motorraad Elektrik, I think I'd head out anyplace on this old bike.

The Guzzi 1200S hasn't been around nearly as long, but after 8 riding seasons, I think I can say that this is one of my all-time favorite bikes.  The more miles I put on this bike, the better it runs, whether that means smoother shifting, or more effortless revving.  When I first joined WG  in 2008, I was convinced this bike would not pull in top gear at anything under 3000rpm.  Although I don't often do that, I find that on a flat road, and light throttle loading, this bike will rumble along nicely at 3000rpm +/- .  At the tender age of 74, I'm finding this bike a bit heavy for me, but after going for an 80 mile ride today prior to the eclipse, I fell in love with it all over again.

The CB1100 and I haven't as of yet bonded.  I took delivery April 10 of this year, riding the bike 200+ miles home from the W Va dealer where it was purchased.  I blamed old US250 with all its bumps for beating me up, but found very soon that the suspension just didn't work for me ..... way too non-compliant.  That's the reason for this bike having only 1700 miles after 4 months. 
I recently purchased a set of Ikon shocks with lighter springs and 4 rebound damping positions.  I've only had 60 miles or so to test them, but already, the bike feels lots better for my 160 pound weight.  Next step ...... install the Traxxion Dynamics fork kit, which will be more time consuming than the shock swap.  Aside from the suspension. the in line 4 with DOHC is a smooth runner .... almost too smooth!  The tranny shifts smoothly, and the fuel injection seems to be well mapped.  Unlike most Japanese in line 4s, this one has apparently been designed to pump out torque and hp at relatively low revs ..... redline is at 8500rpm.  And it steps out smartly in higher gears at anything over 2200-2300rpm.

That's my current stable, and my thoughts about them.

Bob

[Joe A.]

I also assessed what was in my garage and decided it was time to shake the cage a bit. Two weeks ago I had a 2001 Jackal that I bought new, a 2012 Honda NC 700X and a 2004 Breva 750. I loved the Jackal, and if i must say so myself it was a great looking, sounding and running bike. Problem is I only put about 3000 miles on it the past five years. It just wasn't comfortable for me anymore, and I made several ergonomic changes in that period of time. Most of my miles the past couple of years  has been on the Honda. The issues:
- Jackal was not comfortable for me anymore. I struggled with selling it for about two years. Problem was, even though it wasn't being ridden a lot, it was beautiful (to my eye), garage art.
- the Honda was a great, if not soul stirring bike. A 700 mile day via the interstate cured that romance. It was windy and I got beat to a pulp. It was great on highways and secondary roads, but if the need to make time was an issue, the interstate was not its friend. I did not ride it again and sold it two weeks ago.
- the Breva is a great little bike and is set up nicely (thanks Ratguzzi)! This bike remains.
the past couple, three years, I've been thinking about a BMW. I always liked the looks of the '98-mid 2000's R1100RT / R1150 RT, and bought a nice 2003  with just under 32k and a complete, documented service history since new. Obviously it is an entirely different vibe and philosophy than MG, but so far am enjoying it. The servo brakes took some getting used to but I actually like them now. It's a heavy bike until you're moving, but I think I'm going to enjoy something different for a change.
I've had an EV, Quota, Jackal, Goldwing , the NC and a Suzuki over the past 5 or 6 years but as of this writing am quite content with the big Beemer and Baby Breva.

[kingoffleece]

The red Jackal moved about 60 miles or so down the pike to My garage to join a 2015 V7 and a 2014 Norge.  I also have a BMW 310R on order for the bride-we expect that to FINALLY arrive next week.

Past mounts include the original SuperGlide (complete with boat-tail rear end), a RoadKing, the first SoftTail (4 speed chain drive), an AMF Low Rider (GREAT bike), the first of the rubber mount 5 speed EVO SuperGlides (which I traveled all over the east on), a wonderful CB 450 I spent my youth on and totaled breaking my neck, a cranky 1970 Bonnie, 3 of the new Hinkley Bonnies, a 1050 Tiger, a Street Triple, and a Suzuki 250.

The CB 450, V7, and Jackal stand out.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have my three "keeper" Guzzis as far as I know.  The Mighty Scura is the best of the lot, being able to do it all.. from knee dragging in the California canyons to droning in relative comfort on the midwest interstates.
The AeroLario engine is a hoot to operate, and the bike is totally sorted. I'd ride it anywhere.
The Monza is just plain fun to ride.. not to mention beautiful to my eyes. I still need to sort the front end, it's over sprung and under damped, but on a smooth road it's telepathic, and the Monza engine is a sweetheart.
That said.. I've now had 13 Guzzis, from the V700 to the Norge, small block, big block, 2V, 4V. Loved em all.
Why so many? I *like* to get barn finds, go through them, learn what makes them tick, and sell them for a loss. 
Oh, almost forgot. The MZ is a tool for California. I don't *care* about it at all. It's extremely competent, but boring as a Bavarian Money Waster.    Gimme a Guzzi. Any Guzzi.
Chuck, deacon
Church of Guzzi

[Scud]

Hey Bob - nice assessment. Finding vehicles you like and keeping them a long time is a good strategy.

I'm with Chuck on the Scura - love mine. There are some other V11s in the garage too, but they can't all stay.

Second love is the TE450 Husqvarna. A proper dirt bike with a license plate - and the saddle for many a great forest or desert adventure.

On the K75s, I probably feel similarly to how you describe your Honda. But I sure do appreciate it for it's reliability - and it's tires take most of the commuting and slab-riding... which keeps the Scura's tires fresh for the fun rides. The little brick was just going to be a beater-commuter for me, but it's growing on me and I rather like her now. Perhaps you will bond with the Honda after a while...

I'd like another ADV bike one day.

[chuck peterson]

 ...downsizing for my senior years...

Sp1000, disassembled
07 Nevada 750
75 Honda 400f
07 Piaggo BV250

And now getting smaller

these...and a third one from ebay, yellow frame....I think I've cornered the market on 70s Moto Demm SMILY's...years of polishing ahead for me to stay busy...yeah baby, red metal flake helmets...need I say more?

[Gootsz]

My two cents.
2000 Jackal, (converted to EV see swap meet section) had since new now  52k miles. It too is FOR SALE for about the same reasons.

2009 Griso (rollerized) had since 2011 was a demo. Now has 15K miles. WILL NEVER EVER SELL IT. It is also what We call motorcycle porn. too pretty to ever get rid of. 

2014 California Custom left over bought April 15. Now has 14K miles. my first "big Cruiser". i like it. The HD crowd still not sure. but sounds great withe the Mistrals on it.

Micky

[Sheepdog]

Bob: Since meeting you on the Triumph forum, I've thought of you as a kindred spirit. We seem to like bikes for the same reasons. I am the steward of four bikes, but only two are being frequently used by me.

My beloved '03 Bonneville is being kept for my son. I told him he could have it as soon as he had a proper place to store it. This bike has been a gem with lots of brake/suspension/tuning mods to give it some attitude. It is relatively light and handles better than it should with a 19" front wheel. It was from the time when Bonnevilles were produced in Hinckley and had no plastic body parts. Cool bike...

The '05 Piaggio BV500 scooter belongs to my wife. She and her dad went halfers on it and she got sole possession when he had to stop driving. It is a little tall for Nana, but she keeps trying to get comfortable on it. It is a heck of a scooter with 16"/14" wheels and enough power to touch "the ton." Her dad rode it from Abita Springs, LA to Berthoud, CO back in '10. So this really isn't mine...I just look after the maintenance.

I've had some really great bikes over the years, but I think my '03 California Vintage is my favorite. That 2-valve big block is just right. Over the years, I have worked out the ergos, the fuel mapping, the brakes, and suspension. It is now everything I want it to be. This bike will be around until I can't ride anymore...

My latest purchase is a '16 BMW R1200RS. It is still pretty new to me, but I have worked out the ergos and added a few items that will protect the bike through minor falls. This bike has every option, save the top case. The engine is superlative, with 125hp and 92ft/lbs of torque. The power is intoxicating and the suspension and brakes are perfect for a broad spectrum of riding styles. Both the FI mapping and suspension have multiple modes that may be changed on the fly. It also has adaptive traction control and ABS. This bike makes me a better rider than I really am. It will be my primary traveler, owing to the low miles, greater number of dealers, and the active roadside assistance coverage. It is magnificent...but in a way unlike the Guzzi. Between these two bikes, I have a broad moto-paradigm to enjoy.