New Bikes in the PHP Garage!

[Jackpine]

Looks good, Bill! I'm not a biker, but if I was, I think I'd want a Honda Goldwing. Did you consider one of those, or is that make a no-no for serious bikers?

- Jack

[Power Hungry]

I have nothing against a Honda Goldwing. It's actually a beautiful bike with plenty of power and many options and creature comforts. I have a friend that has one and it's very nice. He rides with the Harley guys and nobody would ever give him grief over it. The only problem with a Goldwing is that it would put me back into a top heavy bike that would have a very serious toll on my knees. Maybe once I get my knees replaced it would be less of a problem, but for now I have to work within my physical limitations.

That, and I still like the semi-sport bike feel of the Concours.

For reference:

Goldwing - 835 Lbs. (Wet) A large amount of this weight (especially the 160 Lb. difference) is up high which raises the center of gravity. It's like riding with an extra person, but without the extra person.
Concours - 670 Lbs. (Wet) Most of this weight is very low which keeps the bike nimble and easy to handle, particularly when at a stop.
Harley Ultra Classic - 844 Lbs. (Dry) Figure another 50 Lbs. (894 Lbs. total wet) for fluids/fuel.

[cleatus12r]

As much as I miss the ZX-12R I am so glad I don't have it anymore. With all of the distracted drivers on the road these days.....much too scared to ride due to others who fail to see full-size vehicles on the road let alone a motorcycle.

[Jackpine]

Originally Posted by cleatus12r

As much as I miss the ZX-12R I am so glad I don't have it anymore. With all of the distracted drivers on the road these days.....much too scared to ride due to others who fail to see full-size vehicles on the road let alone a motorcycle.

That's actually my worry too! I would feel much too "exposed".

- Jack

[Power Hungry]

Originally Posted by cleatus12r

As much as I miss the ZX-12R I am so glad I don't have it anymore. With all of the distracted drivers on the road these days.....much too scared to ride due to others who fail to see full-size vehicles on the road let alone a motorcycle.

I completely get it. The nice thing about it is that when you're (WAY) out in front of traffic, the only things you really have to worry about are deer and people pulling out from side streets/driveways. Of course, you have to worry that people behind you actually stop at a light, too.

When I ride, I have to keep my head on a swivel. You get used to it thought, and it actually helps translate into driving your car. I've avoided several incidents just because I am CONSTANTLY looking around.

It sucks that you have to consider the amount of risk when riding a bike, but it's something that brings us joy and we've come to the conclusion that the risk is worth it. Maybe that's selfish, but after what happened to Wil, I'm just not going to live my life being afraid of everything. I do the best I can to anticipate stupidity and avoid any mishaps, but at the end of the day, when it's your time, it's your time.

[cleatus12r]

I am in no way trying to tell you how to live your life.

I LOVE riding and I miss it.

[Power Hungry]

Originally Posted by cleatus12r

I am in no way trying to tell you how to live your life.

I LOVE riding and I miss it.

I know you're not. I was just rationalizing things.

[Jackpine]

Nor was I. Just speaking for myself and to my own limitations.

- Jack