So I've returned to riding about 5 years ago. At first I tried to justify the decision with a small cheap fuel efficient bike.
CBR 125. Then a deal that I couldn't pass up on a 250.
I rode an Ontario cannonball 1000 with the 125 and a 4000km back roads trip on the 250.
Then I decided to f__ fuel mileage and got a GL650 Interstate just because it looked cool and it was cheap. I love the step up in power, luggage capacity and its oddball character. It's more nimble than I expected and the fairing is nice for my 80km commute which I do in almost any weather. It does gravel roads well enough with dual sport tires. The rattle can paint job has gotten a surprising number of compliments. ( kind of military surplus kind of vibe) It's taught me how to change head gaskets and a stator and track down a wiring short in a parking lot. Not bad for 900 bucks.
The down side is the time I've spent wrenching rather than riding (not a complete negative) and less range on a tank of fuel compared to other bikes I admire.
Here's the problem. The previous owner was selling because he bought a ST1100. He said as a pilot, the only thing he's felt accelerate like the 1100 is a turbine powered airplane. Who wouldn't want that sort of machine in their driveway?
So, I'm getting the itch. 1100's are relatively cheap and would be a comfortable commuter I would think. Even the 1300 comes up relatively cheap on Kijiji.
The other bike that appeals is the first gen Magna V45 or V65. Not as practical, but I like the old school look and it's reputation as a sleeper. Perhaps a V65 with a Hondaline fairing would be the ultimate sleeper and would keep me comfy on rainy commutes.
Would I be disappointed with those choices? Is there other bikes I should consider? Goldwings come to mind, but they don't catch my imagination as well as the other two. I'm biased towards Honda because of their reputation for longevity, but I'd consider any make of bike that is reliable.
On another note, somewhat banged up but reliable CBR for sale cheap and possibly a GL650
Sent from my Redmi 7A using Tapatalk
CBR 125. Then a deal that I couldn't pass up on a 250.
I rode an Ontario cannonball 1000 with the 125 and a 4000km back roads trip on the 250.
Then I decided to f__ fuel mileage and got a GL650 Interstate just because it looked cool and it was cheap. I love the step up in power, luggage capacity and its oddball character. It's more nimble than I expected and the fairing is nice for my 80km commute which I do in almost any weather. It does gravel roads well enough with dual sport tires. The rattle can paint job has gotten a surprising number of compliments. ( kind of military surplus kind of vibe) It's taught me how to change head gaskets and a stator and track down a wiring short in a parking lot. Not bad for 900 bucks.
The down side is the time I've spent wrenching rather than riding (not a complete negative) and less range on a tank of fuel compared to other bikes I admire.
Here's the problem. The previous owner was selling because he bought a ST1100. He said as a pilot, the only thing he's felt accelerate like the 1100 is a turbine powered airplane. Who wouldn't want that sort of machine in their driveway?
So, I'm getting the itch. 1100's are relatively cheap and would be a comfortable commuter I would think. Even the 1300 comes up relatively cheap on Kijiji.
The other bike that appeals is the first gen Magna V45 or V65. Not as practical, but I like the old school look and it's reputation as a sleeper. Perhaps a V65 with a Hondaline fairing would be the ultimate sleeper and would keep me comfy on rainy commutes.
Would I be disappointed with those choices? Is there other bikes I should consider? Goldwings come to mind, but they don't catch my imagination as well as the other two. I'm biased towards Honda because of their reputation for longevity, but I'd consider any make of bike that is reliable.
On another note, somewhat banged up but reliable CBR for sale cheap and possibly a GL650
Sent from my Redmi 7A using Tapatalk
