Single bike vs. multiple bikes

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

So I’m thinking of going back to just one bike. One the one hand maintaining two or more bikes takes time, which is currently my most precious commodity. My Quota checks all the marks for a do it all bike, once it’s sorted. (Getting closer!) Also if my only bike goes down, there’s more of a sense of urgency to getting fixed. If I have a second bike to ride there’s no rush.
On the other hand, I like to ride my motorcycle! Having to cage to work and back is not pleasant. Also I enjoy hopping on and running errands etc, which right now with both bikes down is more of a chore.

I dunno, not any serious thoughts. Just musings while I’m enjoying gorgeous weather while working.

Cheers, Robert

[JJ]

If I had to just have ONE bike, for everything, it would have to be some kind of Dual Sport like this (2020 Honda Africa Twin).  Fortunately, there are many options and choices in this category...

[Lannis]

Exactly the same thing I'm thinking at this point in my life.

From 1970 to 2000, I never had more than one bike at a time; 17 total in 30 years.   I'd use it for commuting, Fay and I would travel around the state on it (we didn't do transcontinental tours then), highways, gravel roads, didn't matter.   Two panhead Harleys, one Shovel, half a dozen Yamaha and Suzuki two-smokers, a Honda Dream, BMW R65, Triumph 650, BSA 650s, and a Centauro.

Then we really started traveling around, so we needed a good two-up cross-country bike, so I have two of those (Triumph Trophy 1215 Triple and Guzzi Stelvio).   We needed something to rally two-up to British vintage rallies, so a Norton Commando.   Something to ride to BSA rallies and share with others, so a 650 BSA Firebird Scrambler, a BSA M21 flathead single, and a BSA A10 pre-unit 650.   And a real old-timer to work on, a 1935 Matchless Model X.

The good thing about multiple bikes is that I've got one for every occasion, although I'm less and less sure what that means or how valuable it is any more.   I've got bikes to share with visitors, like they do for me.   And if one breaks, I've got another to ride. 

And that leads to the downside.

One breaks, so when you go out to the shed for a bike, you say "Well, I'll just take this other one".   Then IT breaks or needs service, and you say "Well, ...." and it happens 4 more times and pretty soon you've got a frustrating shop full of bikes that aren't ready for the road and are weighing on your mind that you own this investment and it isn't working for you, but it's a lot of collective effort to get them all going.

The OTHER and maybe worse downside is that the older I get, the longer it takes to adapt to a different bike.  Handling, brakes, clutch engagement, location of controls, engine response, they're all different.   When I've been riding one bike for three weeks, I'm very facile with it, very used to it, my reactions are working right, I feel comfortable on it.   When I then hop on another bike, I'm wobbly, unsure of myself, using too much or not enough brake, stalling, falling into turns, paddling around U-turns for about 200 miles and then I start smoothing out.

If you ride 15,000 miles a year on one bike, it's a LOT less work and expense than riding 15,000 miles a year spread among 4 (say) bikes.   Some maintenance is time-based, not mileage based.   You have to pay tags, taxes, and insurance on them whether you're putting miles on them or not.   Tires get old, gas gets old ...

Like you, just musings taking a break from working outside in this lovely weather!

Lannis

[Jorg66]

I'm kinda glad to have 2 Street legal Bikes right now [ my /our "old" 2006 VTX 1300 /C is for to odd going to Work Tip or Back Up.
Main Bike now is the '19 Cali, but up herein Manitoba to Riding season is to short to miss out [usually from May [if no Snowstorm ] till Mid Oct..
But would'nt mind to also have something for Gravel.
Do agree that multiple Bikes cost Time and Money.

[Shorty]

 I'm finding it easier to simplify as I age. I'm kinda purging stuff.  I gave my son the sidecar rig and firearms collection.    Yes, I loved the stuff, but he is young enough to enjoy it. I got rid of all my Guzzis and Triumphs, and most of the parts stash. I'm down to 2 late model Dual Sports; an XT250 (it will be the last bike to go, unless I get another scooter) for back roads, and a DR650 for places requiring a bit more speed. Riding them reminds me of when I was a kid, running out to the dunes with a DT175. There is now a little room to move around in the garage.    That's good enough, for now.

[Ncdan]

Like my “coin flipping thread” I’ve got two bikes now and love them both. In fact these my be my last bikes period.

[Testarossa]

For some decades the T was my only ride. Someone gave me the basket-case Triumph but I waited for retirement to get it running. Meanwhile the T got drowned and I began buying bikes to ride while rebuilding both the T and the TR6. Eventually wound up with the F650 and then the Mille, just because I missed Tonti handling.

Realistically the F650 is a pretty good all-around bike -- reasonable weight (400 lb), comfortable for two-up trips up to two hours (which is all Gail can tolerate), manageable on freeways, twisties and dirt roads. But the Triumph and T are so much fun to ride and the Mille is such a capable touring machine.

I'll be 72 this month and while I'm fit that also means I'm skinny (148 lb). Eventually the Mille will be too heavy. Eventually long-distance riding will be a happy memory. When I simplify, I may wind up with the T  for pavement day trips and a 250 dual-sport for forest service roads.

[usedtobefast]

I really like the multiple bike approach.  That way I feel more relaxed and not in a rush to get a broken bike sorted out.  Parts going to take 2 weeks, no worries.  Hit a snag with something, stop for the day, think it over, come back to the fix\repair\work later ... or take the working bike out for a ride to teach the broken bike a lesson (oh wait, that only works with dogs and kids  )

As for extra maintenance/work with multiple bikes, I don't really see that ... sense you are spreading miles/usage across multiples. 

[Wildroamer]

Well, as I have only recently moved back UP to the ONE bike garage, the thought of a "stable" of two seems outlandish!😜

Actually, TBH, I am rather sadly finding the complete opposite. Before I bought my little V7, I had been wanting to get ANY bike for the several years it has been since I last owned one. I guess that I thought, laughably, that my motorcycle lust would be appeased. Nope.

Now I can't help looking at tourers. And dirt bikes. And mixtures. And, and... The good news is all of those thoughts vanish when I don my gear and fire up the Gray Ghost! 👻 Just planned my next 200-miler through the 'Dacks!

[Lannis]

As for extra maintenance/work with multiple bikes, I don't really see that ... sense you are spreading miles/usage across multiples.

Well, the way it happens for me is:

1) Gasoline - Unless you use stabilized non-ethanol fuel all the time, fuel gets old, it varnishes carb jets, does "whatever" to fuel injectors, you either have to run it through the bikes, empty it, or clean it.   Takes time, whatever.

2) Tires - Tires have to be aired up more often, bikes have to be rolled about to avoid flat spots, and tires age and harden before you can wear them out.

3) Batteries - Batteries go flat, need to be kept on a charger, and need to be changed out at intervals even if you NEVER ride the bike, just like gas and tires.

4) Special tools - I have to keep clutch pullers for 2 kinds of BSA and a Norton, fork pullers for 3 different bikes,  a selection of filters that has to be kept up to date.

None of that stuff is an issue if you have one bike you ride all the time ....

Lannis

[Perazzimx14]

If I had to have one bike it'd be an Adventure bike. But I've found that that's what I like.

[Anomaly]

Just sold the F650 today, so some of the comments in this thread hit very close to home. The F650 was/is a wonderful bike. But... I just wanted to simplify and head towards the one bike camp (hey, I got a classic car and boats and stuff to also take care of...). Oh, and I fell in love. With the v7 Classic. So, put me down for the one bike option.

[ampm7]

I've had more than 2 bikes at a time and it gets a bit difficult keeping them in absolute trim. I echo what Lannis had to say about re-learning a bike if you haven't ridden it for a long time and you've been riding something else. I have two Guzzi's and that is enough.

[Bisbonian]

I went through this same conversation with myself about nine months ago.
I ended up selling both my 1200 Sport and Versys-X then replaced them with the V85.
For me this bike does everything I need.

[GeorgiaGuzzi]

Now I can't help looking at tourers. And dirt bikes. And mixtures. And, and... The good news is all of those thoughts vanish when I don my gear and fire up the Gray Ghost! 👻 Just planned my next 200-miler through the 'Dacks!

I can identify with this, however, in my situation my Quota is a dual sport style bike. Long travel suspension, I have givi side panniers and a really nice top box I’m about to install. So it will tour well. I don’t mind touring on an old bike, done that lots. It also handles well, so it will be good for day trips to the Smokey mountains. I’m going to be selling my Victory, I’m just done with foot forward cruisers. I’m debating about picking another bike or just focusing on the Quota. I’m mostly leaning towards just rolling the Quota till the wheels come off!

Thanks for all the insights everyone.

[Testarossa]

It just dawned on me that I began acquiring extra bikes not long after selling the plane. When I quit flying I had a lot more time and money to redirect toward new mechanical ventures. I like not needing to hire an a&p, and can afford special tools for several brands. I can get a bike running for less than the price of an annual inspection.

[Guzzistajohn]

I don't know man, I think I'll always have to keep a dirt bike and street bike. 

[Turin]

I have too many. If I had to narrow it down to only one, it would be my Quota. It does everything and you can load it up with groceries . Plus it's a fun ride.

[cookiemech]

Few years ago I was very pleased to whittle down my eight bikes to six. Then a friend "forced" a Ural on me, I spent a winter refurbishing it, drove it, found that I liked it a LOT, then traded it on a brand new one. So I was up to seven (taking the space of eight). Next, a seriously ill friend really wanted me to take his nice R100, knowing that it would be in good hands. Now eight (taking the space of nine).

Six is the right number. I ride at least sixty miles every decent day and rotate the fleet, but I find that it is an effort to run my least favorite two in the bunch. I can't imagine how Jay Leno does it (well, he has people).

[Tkelly]

Stick with the quota until it dies.You can find another Guzzi on short notice,no sense paying insurance for a bike you aren’t riding.

[Perazzimx14]

Few years ago I was very pleased to whittle down my eight bikes to six. Then a friend "forced" a Ural on me, I spent a winter refurbishing it, drove it, found that I liked it a LOT, then traded it on a brand new one. So I was up to seven (taking the space of eight). Next, a seriously ill friend really wanted me to take his nice R100, knowing that it would be in good hands. Now eight (taking the space of nine).
 
Six is the right number. I ride at least sixty miles every decent day and rotate the fleet, but I find that it is an effort to run my least favorite two in the bunch. I can't imagine how Jay Leno does it (well, he has people).

If the weather is decent this Saturday thinking of doing a Delallo's run. I'm hungry for a mortadella sandwich . Maybe see you there

[zebraranger]

For me its been hard to go to one bike, I've tried. Since they dont make one bike that does it all, I've alway had three or four bikes in the garage for different types of riding. Touring, trail riding, sport riding, local around town short errands and such. I'm currently Guzzi-less since selling my Griso a few months ago. I've also recently sold the Harley and gone in a totally different direction. I'm down to two machines and its worked out well. Though not a bike, I recently purchased the Can Am Ryker Rally Edition and I've been setting it up for 3 and 4 day trips, and for my annual trips to the Smoky Mountains.

Its much smaller, lighter and more agile than its full size brother the Spyder, you also set in it as opposed to sitting on top of the Spyder, its also shaft drive as opposed to belt drive. It's a total blast to ride and a totally different experience after riding two wheelers my whole life. I've also Kept the Kawasaki Versys X-300 to sort of scratch that two wheel itch from time to time. Its inexpensive, lightweight, gets phenomenal fuel mileage and allows me to do light trail riding. I am missing that certain Guzzi feel, (really missing it) so I am considering selling the little Versys to purchase the V85 and just keeping it down to two machines.

[john fish]

Timely topic.  6 bikes here.  4 runners, 1 needs restoring, 1 needs repair.  Rotating the 4 runners on the bench-- they always need something.

Honestly, I should just call Cadre and trade the lot (and money) for a V85.  I don't enjoy wrenching like I used to.

I've been giving things away and throwing things away.  Simplify and add lightness. 

[moto-uno]

  A question for those with multiple bikes , if you use them , isn't it rather pricey to insure and plate them ?  Peter

[Tom H]

In commiefornia. $150 per bike for the tags/plates, we get tags to put on the permanent plate (I remember when it was only about $20). It used to be they were cheap for the tags and I complained about insurance. Now insurance is the relatively cheap part at about $500 or so with the HD and EVT having full coverage and the rest liability only. The liability ones are only about $30 per year.

Tom

[Guzzi Gal]

I have six availabe to choos from.  Two for local, slow grocery runs, two for in-state, sedate trips, and two for longer rides at slab speeds (one is a better two-up bike than the other).  Yeah, I'm a weirdo.

[SIR REAL ED]

Very timely thread.  Never knew so many psychics posted here.  My thoughts are similar.

Since I have little garage space, that acts as a governor on quantity of toys.  Plus I'm just not genetically wired to be a collector.  Some people are, I'm glad they are cause I enjoy looking at the cool stuff they have.  I just can't own something if I am not using it periodically.

I'll probably have a Suzuki DR 650 till the day I quit riding since it does everything well, and is very tinkerable (pretty sure that is a real word). 

Same for the Beta trials bike.  Especially since I own suitable land.  Lots of our trials club members are 60+, some in their late 70's, and one who recently gave it up at about 84.  At 84, he still rode better than most.

If you haven't rode trials, give it a shot.  It might be a new addiction.  Great combination of relaxation, physical exercise, concentration, and motor control skills.  Challenging and invigorating at the same time.  Very easy to rationalize as exercise equipment.  And as we get older, we all had better be working on maintaining and improving our balance.  Potential medicare expense write-off?

Anyone who wants to try it, shoot me a PM.  Only downside is riding a trials bike makes all other motorcycles gain dozens or even  hundreds of pounds.

That would bring the bike total to 2.  I could easily add one or two fiddling/tinkering bikes to that just for the recreation of that activity.

[moto-uno]

  ^^ Well I'm not going to mention what we pay here in B.C ( Bring Cash) !  Peter

[Scott of the Sahara]

I have one of each.
1 Moto Guzzi Norge for multi day high mile rides with my friends
1 Ural Patrol for short rides with my wife

[Tom H]

Peter please do, maybe it will make me feel better about the $151 for the EVT I just wrote a check for.

Tom