Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

2 Pages V  1 2 >  
 Reply to this topicStart new topic
> OT: what bike to look at?, Commuting by bike...motor that is....
crash914
post Mar 10 2008, 04:11 PM
Post #1


its a mystery to me
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,826
Joined: 17-March 03
From: Marriottsville, MD
Member No.: 434
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
Ok, going to look at bikes..

I am thinking about BMW and Triumph.

will commute about 35 miles each way, some freeway and / or through town.

What should I look for?

Last bike was a '72 380GT, two stroke triple...

so cruiser or sport....

??????
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Ferg
post Mar 10 2008, 04:15 PM
Post #2


914 Guru
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 5,948
Joined: 8-January 03
From: Boulder CO
Member No.: 116
Region Association: None
I had a BMW F650GS and loved it!

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Rand
post Mar 10 2008, 04:19 PM
Post #3


Cross Member
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,409
Joined: 8-February 05
From: OR
Member No.: 3,573
Region Association: None
QUOTE(crash914 @ Mar 10 2008, 02:11 PM) *

so cruiser or sport....?????


Wow. In my book that is a personal decision that nobody else can make for you. Once you figure THAT out, then deciding on a model is easier.

As for me, if I'm thinking "sport" as an option, I want no part of "cruiser" in my decision.

What is your riding style?

I mean, "two-stroke triple" and "commuting" don't exactly go hand in hand in my thinking. (Well, unless you ride like me!! lol)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ws91420
post Mar 10 2008, 04:20 PM
Post #4


Yes I have one a Lensley 914
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,063
Joined: 10-September 03
From: Ruther Glen,VA (halfway between sticks and civilization)
Member No.: 1,137
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
Find a bike that you are comfortable with. Personally I like a standard but they are hard to find nowadays. Older bikes may be hard to find parts for if you need them. Get one with enough power that you can accelerate away if needed.

Personal opinion if you haven't ridden for awhile the MSF courses are great.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
JPB
post Mar 10 2008, 04:23 PM
Post #5


The Crimson Rocket smiles in your general direction.
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,927
Joined: 12-November 05
From: Tapmahamock, Va.
Member No.: 5,107
Get this one bro, ya!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif)


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-BMW-F6...tem160216084734
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
crash914
post Mar 10 2008, 04:44 PM
Post #6


its a mystery to me
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,826
Joined: 17-March 03
From: Marriottsville, MD
Member No.: 434
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
I agree... commuting to college and work with the 2 stroke was fun. I rode that bike hard for 4 years.

then my wife to be dropped it. She wanted to ride it one day...????

handled like a slug. but was cheap to keep. I used to run from phoenix to Tucson at 100+ mph at night... My back says cruiser now....(IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)..

of course I drive like a bat out of hell....lots of bikes when I lived in NH, not so many in MD.

I hope the good doctor will chime in.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
root
post Mar 10 2008, 04:55 PM
Post #7


Two Wheeled Type4 Completed!
***

Group: Members
Posts: 849
Joined: 5-May 04
From: Sterling, VA
Member No.: 2,026
Region Association: None
I'm gonna commute on this one if I ever get it finished! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
crash914
post Mar 10 2008, 04:59 PM
Post #8


its a mystery to me
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,826
Joined: 17-March 03
From: Marriottsville, MD
Member No.: 434
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
how are you going to drive the rear wheel? 2 chains?

I do have a spare engine....no I will use my 2.7 big 4......(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Rand
post Mar 10 2008, 05:06 PM
Post #9


Cross Member
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,409
Joined: 8-February 05
From: OR
Member No.: 3,573
Region Association: None
Nice Root!!! You must paint it satin black of course. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

While I like your styling better, this reminded me of another TIV bike I've seen:


Attached image(s)
Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
RoadGlue
post Mar 10 2008, 05:21 PM
Post #10


Sonoma County Gear Head
****

Group: Admin
Posts: 2,033
Joined: 8-January 03
From: Santa Rosa, CA
Member No.: 108
Region Association: Northern California
You could always buy my '04 Triumph 955i Daytona:
http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=207410

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Cap'n Krusty
post Mar 10 2008, 05:26 PM
Post #11


Cap'n Krusty
**********

Group: Members
Posts: 10,794
Joined: 24-June 04
From: Santa Maria, CA
Member No.: 2,246
Region Association: Central California
Doesn't Dr. Evil have a K75 for sale? I'd grab that in a minute if I
needed a bike .............

The Cap'n
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
root
post Mar 10 2008, 05:32 PM
Post #12


Two Wheeled Type4 Completed!
***

Group: Members
Posts: 849
Joined: 5-May 04
From: Sterling, VA
Member No.: 2,026
Region Association: None
QUOTE(crash914 @ Mar 10 2008, 02:59 PM) *

how are you going to drive the rear wheel? 2 chains?

I do have a spare engine....no I will use my 2.7 big 4......(IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


loooong chain and weldup the spidergears in the tranny!

Attached Image
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Dr Evil
post Mar 10 2008, 06:46 PM
Post #13


Send me your transmission!
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 22,999
Joined: 21-November 03
From: Loveland, OH 45140
Member No.: 1,372
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
Nope, Brando bought my K75. If you want classy, I would go for a 74 or newer R75 to R90. I love my R90 and parts are not hard to come by. I also like my 96 K1100RS, but I need to put the handle bars up and back so it fits my physique more correctly (tall upper half). BMW K bikes are hardy and dependable as are the R bikes, but the K bikes are more modern. I have a front fairing set for an R bike if you are interested. It would turn any R bike into a great cruiser.
There is nothing wrong with Jap bikes, they are just so vanilla (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I am also planning on getting a Moto guzzi in the future (some day). They make cruisers that look cool and last. I like shaft drive over chain, too. It is just my preference.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
zx-niner
post Mar 10 2008, 06:48 PM
Post #14


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 294
Joined: 13-June 05
From: Las Vegas, NV
Member No.: 4,269
Region Association: Central California
Having ridden a wide variety of bikes, I've found the sport-tourer to be the most all-around comfortable. Cruisers put far too much stress on my tailbone, the old standards left me wanting to lean forward into the wind, the new sport-tourers with or without clip-ons seem just right. The key is to get something you can move around on-- slide up a little, slide back a little, put your weight on one butt cheek or the other. Any bike that locks you into a single position will eventually become uncomfortable. Also make sure it has good mirrors since you will be commuting on it. You don't want to be turning your head too much or looking through the mirror under your armpit.

The Suzuki SV650 V-twin and Kawasaki Versys parallel twin get great press. I personally like my Kawasaki ZZR-600. It falls on the sportier side of the sport-tourer spectrum but is all-day comfortable and can be loaded with soft saddle bags and a tailbag for touring. And I have as much fun with it on the backroads as on my Ducati.

Plan on replacing the seat with a Corbin or equivalent regardless of what you buy.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Dr Evil
post Mar 10 2008, 07:05 PM
Post #15


Send me your transmission!
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 22,999
Joined: 21-November 03
From: Loveland, OH 45140
Member No.: 1,372
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
I have and like the corbin seats (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I dont know what your budget is, but the best long distance and most comfortable bike that I have ever ridden was the newer R1100RT. It is the one they use for the CHP and my friends owned a pair. Big seat, lots of storage, adjustable windshield, heated grips and great handlebar position.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
effutuo101
post Mar 10 2008, 07:24 PM
Post #16


Advanced Member
****

Group: Members
Posts: 2,734
Joined: 10-April 05
From: Lemon Grove
Member No.: 3,914
Region Association: Southern California
BMW. Boxer or K series. Parts from 1945 ( and some prewar parts) onward are still avalable from the factory. So, you won't run into having to make your own gasket. I was at the BMW store doing a little research on a boxer that a buddy bought. The parts guy reached into the the gaskets parts bin and pulled out the factory gasket for a 1971 bike. Brand new.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Sparky
post Mar 10 2008, 08:18 PM
Post #17


Mahna Mahna!
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,134
Joined: 21-June 03
From: Spencer, MA
Member No.: 847
If I were to buy something new I'd think outside the box and get the new Can-Am Spyder. Made by SkiDoo and they go like stink!
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
crash914
post Mar 10 2008, 08:26 PM
Post #18


its a mystery to me
***

Group: Members
Posts: 1,826
Joined: 17-March 03
From: Marriottsville, MD
Member No.: 434
Region Association: MidAtlantic Region
Lots of good ideas...

I think heated hand grips, seat and for sure a saddle bag or box...

I do like the sport bmw's.. They look like fun.

guess its time for the butt test...
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
ConeDodger
post Mar 10 2008, 08:28 PM
Post #19


Apex killer!
***************

Group: Members
Posts: 23,588
Joined: 31-December 04
From: Tahoe Area
Member No.: 3,380
Region Association: Northern California
You could buy the one in my signature so I can buy a new one. This one has 22K miles on it. Just like the CHP...
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Marv's3.6six
post Mar 10 2008, 08:53 PM
Post #20


Actual member 7"
***

Group: Members
Posts: 695
Joined: 22-November 04
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
Member No.: 3,165
Region Association: Southern California
Sounds to me the bike you are describing is the BMW R1200GS, fits the needs you describe. I just purchased (in January) an 06 BMW HP2, (hot rod version of the GS) what an incredible machine. Check out ADVrider.com
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
« Next Oldest · 914World Garage · Next Newest »
 

2 Pages V  1 2 >
Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 

Display Mode: Standard · Switch to: Linear+ · Switch to: Outline

Track this topic · Email this topic · Print this topic · Subscribe to this forum

- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 17th May 2024 - 02:32 PM
Invision Power Board v9.1.4 © 2024  IPS, Inc.
All rights reserved 914World.com © since 2002
914World.com is the fastest growing online 914 community!
We have it all, classifieds, events, forums, vendors, parts, autocross, racing, technical articles, events calendar, newsletter, restoration, gallery, archives, history and more for your Porsche 914 ...