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Message started by zipidachimp on 05/02/21 at 22:41:07

Title: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by zipidachimp on 05/02/21 at 22:41:07

Just took my hotrod S40 for a ride after 14 months. Not a fart in a carload, yet I feel an urge to buy a second bike.
Last October I sold my second S40, big mistake, as I rode it all summer, ignoring the hotrod.
Now I feel like buying another bike.  GS500, Ascot v-twin, Ninja 500, or a lower mileage S40. Am I nuts?  I also turned 77 2 months ago.  Help!!!!
Cheers!  8-)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Dave on 05/03/21 at 03:24:11

I got nothin'.......I am not a good role model as I have several bikes.

My Savage Cafe' is a fun bike to ride on a sunny day - but it doesn't have any luggage room and the seating position is not optimal for traveling long distances.  I have a "me" sport touring bike, and a bigger "we" sport touring bike to take when the wife wants to go......and I am working on a Savage project that will convert the cruiser into a bike resembling a 60's era British single (not an exact replica but one that will have an upright seating position).

Every year or two I feel the need to play with another bike.  A few years ago I bought a Ninja 250 with a blown engine, and after replacing the engine with a used one I put about 10,000 miles on it and it was a really fun bike.  I bought a Honda S65 barn find a few years back and got it running...then after riding it for a few months I sold it.  Last year I got a project Suzuki Hillbilly 80cc bike and replaced cranks seals, forks seals, fixed a number of oil leaks, new chain and sprockets.....and just sold it.  My next project is a Honda CB125.

I have also wanted to explore the Buell Blast....not sure why?  The Ninja EX500 is an excellent bike bargain and would be even more capable than the little 250 was.  I really like the BMW R1100RS.....and it a nice one came along I might have to try that for a while!

It is important to buy at a low price - as selling the bike is a bit hard in the current market.  There are far more sellers than buyers in today's market.  Folks "our age" are getting rid of their collections, and a number of folks who felt the urge to own a bike have decided it is not what they expected.  The Covid event has also made it somewhat difficult to obtain factory parts, and sometimes you have to wait a very long time to get OEM factory parts.  My goal when selling is not to make money or even get paid for my labor - if I can break even for the cost of the bike and the replacement parts I feel I have gotten a good deal!

The blue BMW is not mine......but if I come across a nice one it would be hard for me to resist! ;)






Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by zipidachimp on 05/03/21 at 04:03:42

Amazing what's available under $3000 !
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Dave on 05/03/21 at 09:33:20


51425B424F4A484342465B2B0 wrote:
Amazing what's available under $3000 !


Absolutely!  Where I live I have a huge marker on Craigslist.  Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington are all within a couple hours drive and there are literally thousands of bikes to choose from.

For $3,000 or less you can buy incredible bikes - some have been well cared for and are like new!  There are also a lot of vintage bikes for those kinds of prices.....although the prices go up for the "desirable" ones.

I have even been tempted by a few Honda GL1000 bikes - made when the Goldwing was a "sports" bike with a standard seat and no bodywork!

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/03/21 at 11:28:24

Hay Zip ... I feel your PAIN !!!    ;D

I've got three .

The Guzzi V7II is a Great machine but its not as much FUN to ride as the British replica 1960's Triumph made by Kawasaki also know as a W650 , I call her "Kate".  But , for a real trip the Guzzi would be number one pick.   My S-40 with its small tank don't get to go anywhere anymore except to the store and back , but at 360# I need to keep it for when I get old and weak.   :)

Hay buddy , ya only live once ... go get ya another bike or two !   Have ya thought of a RE twin ?  ;)
..................................

Dave , is the CB-125 a twin ?  



Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by springman on 05/03/21 at 12:15:33

Zipi, I'm not that much into tinkering, I just like riding. I only have 2 bikes but sure agree with the other guys that if you have the hankering, and you have the money, and you find something you like, then buy it and enjoy it. I'm only 63 but GOD willing I will be riding into my 80's and maybe beyond. 8-)

Oh, and by the way, that Ninja 500 is a bike I would love to own.

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by zipidachimp on 05/03/21 at 14:59:34

I'm into 50% tinkering, 50% riding. To anyone who asks why I'm fooling with bikes at my age, I say "I like taking ugly bikes, and making them less ugly".  Lord knows there are a lot of ugly bikes out there!
Honda Rebels lead the pack, but prices are too high.
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by springman on 05/03/21 at 15:22:25

I just say if you enjoy, it is legal, and you're not hurting anyone, then the hell with age stereotypes. Have fun doing what you like.

Just one thing though, just from pictures (as I have yet to see one in person) I like the Rebel 1100. ::)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Oldfeller--FSO on 05/03/21 at 18:39:47


Found out a thing I don't care for --- the Rebel 1100 is speed capped by Honda and unless you pay $400 for a Power Commander you will never see a 1 with two extra digits on the speedo --- it caps at 99 by Honda programming.

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by zipidachimp on 05/03/21 at 22:29:58

Honda tried a 'speed cap' on the CB1100 until a guy in PA found a way to uncap it. True top speed is 140 !
Cheers!  8-)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/04/21 at 07:34:15

I'm a little surprised that there is not a Nationally mandated speed cap on all vehicles sold in the USA.

Or even :  My GPS knows the speed limit anywhere I drive and it could limit the speed of my vehicle if it was tied to the vehicles computer. ???  ::)    We all know its just a matter of time ...

Progressive insurance company offers a SAFE DRIVER discount to me.   I believe the way it works is : You give them your phone # and they track your driving for a test period , then base your $$ rate $$ on your behavior .   Seems Fair enough .

Big brother is watching !   :o  

PS , I have a REALLY GOOD INSURANCE RATE !   ;)   On the cages ...  :P






Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by springman on 05/04/21 at 09:28:08

Oldfeller, that you say, no bueno.

MM, quit giving the government ideas. You know those people want absolute control over all of us.

Progressive offered to monitor my driving for additional discount. In a polite manner I told them where to put it. ;D

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by groupus on 05/05/21 at 08:02:52


0F34392E3F33282E353D302F5C0 wrote:
[quote author=51425B424F4A484342465B2B0 link=1620020467/0#2 date=1620039822]Amazing what's available under $3000 !


I have even been tempted by a few Honda GL1000 bikes - made when the Goldwing was a "sports" bike with a standard seat and no bodywork![/quote]

DO IT. I have two 70's goldwings and they are great. Dirt cheap and dead reliable. One is a full dresser that I took across the counrty twice, and the other is hot rodded out. 80 hp rips, even on a 500+lb bike! Sounds mean too with shorty emgo style exhausts.

I also have my first bike, an 02 Savage and I picked up a 78 Sportster basket case last year. I have been buying a bike or 2 every year to fix up and flip. Anything between $300 and $600 that sells for no more than $1500. Usually it's a pretty easy fix too, like properly cleaning the carbs, or fixing the electrical. It's a great way to experience different bikes and make a little money on the side. Mostly, I'm just happy to rescue some poor neglected bike that the owners have run out of time or talent to fix.

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/05/21 at 08:40:28

 MM, quit giving the government ideas. You know those people want absolute control over all of us.  

Springman , your right ... I've been bad ... Sorry  :-[

If the government does "Limit" our speed then they only have till 2024 to do it or I believe they won't have another chance till 2032 , I hope .   :)
..........................

I had a GS-500 for a while .   I rescued it as a basket case for $325. and sold it for a $1000.  
But
I got to ride it for a while.  
It is rated for 45HP but it feels GREAT !   Like most vertical twins it has a gate , and seems to wind-up forever !   About 5K it comes alive !   ;)    Its big enough to have nice power in the lower RPM too.   The GS-500 also has shims for valve adjustments like the W650 does , I'll bet the 500 Kawasaki motor is very similar.   :-?


Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Ruttly on 05/05/21 at 12:15:36

Absolutely Do It !  The voices in my head , guide me to my next bike !

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by springman on 05/05/21 at 15:12:56

Groupus, both of those bikes are nice. Well done.

And by the way Zipi, who says we need to grow up??!! 8-)


Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Oldfeller--FSO on 05/09/21 at 18:50:19


https://www.magnumtuning.com/en/detail/revolution-pro-motorcycle-speed-rev-limiter-cdi-box/honda/rebel-1100

First of many ~$200-$400~ control boxes needed to defeat the 99 mph speed limiter on the Rebel 1100 is out now ---- Honda needs to go ahead and fix this speed limiter situation as it will kill their sales on the big 1100 if they don't.    

NOBODY wants a neutered motorcycle ........



===================================================



Folks with the speed limiter fix in place say the first gen Rebel 1100 gets unstable over 100 mph with the stock Rebel shocks, tires, rake and trail set up.    THIS IS NOT GOOD ---- HONDA FIX THIS ASAP FOR THIS YEAR, RECALL AND REPLACE WHAT IS NEEDED TO FIX THIS UNSTABLE FIRST YEAR MOTORCYCLE BEFORE YOU KILL SOMEBODY.

Certainly fix it for next year, give it a new model designation and give the displacement and cams and PERFORMANCE programming a bump up while you are at it ......  

hint:  put current generation Africa Twin parts and programming into the bike

We are waiting for the very first instability fatality to occur and the first class action lawsuits to be declared.   Honda can get someone killed when somebody twists for power to get out of a bad situation on American high speed super highways and it isn't there for them (power increase stopped by the speed limiter).

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/10/21 at 08:26:55

 get someone killed when somebody twists for power to get out of a bad situation on American high speed super highways  

No, NO, NO

We all know adding more speed to a situation caused by too much speed is NOT the best or only way out !

There ain't no where in the world that going more than 100 mph is a good idea or the only way out of a bad situation.  

I'm not deigning there are plenty of crazies' running way to much over the speed limit every day , but adding ourselves to them is not a solution ... ever.

So Honda put the limiter in the mix to cover-up for a sorry suspension set-up ?     That would be a QUICK-FIX rolling out of the mouth of a over-promoted kin-folk of the Honda legal team personal.   I hope Honda fixes it before a law suit comes up against them , I've always been kind of fond of Honda motorcycles . 
...................

Hay Zip , "What did ya find out about the 500cc's Kawasaki ?   Is it built like the Suzuki ?     Do ya  think the shims is a better idea than the adjuster with the set nut ?

The dual Carbs is the only part I don't like ... but ... in todays world - that's just how it is !  ::)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Oldfeller--FSO on 05/10/21 at 09:01:23


Traffic on I-95 rolls at 80-90 mph all the time.

Grabbing for more power to pass safely as cars dodge in and out means you need to get to that power "on request".

Not being able to get to the power you need safely on the interstate upon request is a reason NOT TO BUY THAT BIKE.

Finding out the bike has high speed instability is a reason NOT TO BUY THAT BIKE.


Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/10/21 at 09:15:09

The better question might be is : Why is the traffic allowed to run that much over the speed limit ?    

I can't believe there is not a way to stop the crazy !  

Not taking part in it would be the first step , don't ya think !  

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Oldfeller--FSO on 05/10/21 at 09:48:09


MM,  

You are a nice guy and an exemplary safe rider.   This is about the rest of normal riders, not you.

The rest of us expect and need 20-30 mph over the limit capability to do safe passing maneuvers involving lane changing trucks and cars, etc.

On the interstate you don't ever hit your brakes abruptly or slow down abruptly ---- you speed up and maneuver for an open lane.  Slowing abruptly or not keeping pace in a traffic flow means getting hit from behind as your bike stops so much more quickly than a car can do.

In the open western states, 85-90 mph on the open road is NOT UNUSUAL.    When you pull out of a slow traffic lane and join a line of higher speed traffic, then having your bike suddenly hit a built in speed limiter at that particular point in time is LIFE THREATENING.  

The people running in the cagers behind you never even get the chance to see a brake light because the speed limiter kicking in doesn't actuate one.   They have absolutely no warning before they roll right over the top of you.  

Neither did you, as a matter of fact.  

You are just dead because of Honda stupidity.  

Sorry, sez MM and Honda ---- you were speeding at +15 over the limit now weren't you?    You got dead as a consequence of your own excessive lawbreaking.  

:P      ::)

I want a jury of my biker peers to sit in my jury box --- and I don't want Hurley and Gold Wing guys either.  

Take mine from the overlook at the top of the Dragon, if you please.

Now, if Honda was masking (covering up) some high speed instability issues with the Rebel 1100 then this makes it even worse.


Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/10/21 at 11:03:12

 :-?

Thanks - I think ?
Yes , a constant speed near the speed limit makes for a SMOOTH RIDE , Herkey Jerkey Quicky  is bad for everybody around.   Driving as far ahead as I can see keeps me safe , and you know my brakes oxide over from lack of use.  ;)
....................

So , we were going on with , "Is a 500 cc twin a  good idea and which one  ?"


Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Oldfeller--FSO on 05/10/21 at 11:45:09


I think the Rebel 1100 is an excellent pick if Honda pulls their finger out of their nose and puts the electronic controls off the Africa Twin back onto the bike.

Color me suspicious,  but it is just a bit too pat to have a undocumented unadvertised "speed limiter" that kicks in just before the Rebel 1100 reportedly gets to being a little bit wobbly ---- very suspicious indeed.

The 500cc class of Japanese twins will all go faster than the current Rebel 1100, as will the last two generations of much older 500cc twins from Kawasaki and Suzuki and from Honda itself.   The 650 twins from the same age groups will all clearly do better as well.    

Honda has issues with the new Rebel 1100, this much is becoming clear.


==================================================


Honda certainly isn't done with the Africa Twin family of motorcycles.   It has a cruiser, it has a pair of adventure bikes and will soon have a pure sports bike model as well.

Honda is now showing two brand new frame concepts for the Africa Twin family, one is extra light looking with an aluminum swing arm sub-frame (a sports bike variant) and one is a more traditional looking (less expensive) tubular steel space frame that uses bigger tubes and that strongly uses the engine itself as a load bearing member.

http://https://www.cycleworld.com/resizer/O-Xg9sSPFDpeQ2xV8Bk2L-M8Mb4=/1440x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/SS3GIUCQVJEUJKDBTOQCJHR6SQ.jpg

http://https://www.cycleworld.com/resizer/bJFX2ycwiKaUzdDmQaG-VXgYEzs=/1440x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/N3O2TKQZOBG6PA2JGC3NWFOUNE.jpg

The current Rebel 1100 has an intentionally detuned motor (20% power reduced) and has brand new electronic anti-wheelie packages, so you could say the first Rebel 1100's frame is simply too short and too weak for the power that the big twin can output.

http://https://www.cycleworld.com/resizer/7Z9rKWCtSpWMKKLi56wVuTIasHs=/1440x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/Q4HPVGRIWNBFZNWPOQX7D3AJYI.jpg

It is obvious that the Rebel 1100 frame is undergoing refinement.   The brakes on the current Rebel 1100 are not all they could be either, which falls in line with the wobbly high speed issues that the first year bike was prone to having.

We also got both some old and some very new rumors of high speed instability on the Rebel 1100 as a finished product, inference being that the "unadvertised" top end speed limiter was put in place for a liability avoidance reason.

We expect strengthened frame solutions to be put in place for next years bikes.



https://www.cycleworld.com/story/motorcycle-news/honda-developing-supercharged-africa-twin/

We also expect the powerful Africa Twin to be the Honda product picked for Roots type supercharging in order to compete against the new Kawasaki H2 centrifugal fan + pressure type charged bike.

http://https://www.cycleworld.com/resizer/htHIe9ov2HjYMc1_HUVExrwFSKg=/1440x0/smart/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/octane/N7M4O4WJWFAYNJKERHFOFQOVYU.jpg

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/10/21 at 22:04:39

I've wondered about the Rebel 500 , but its so UGLY !  

.....................
The 2000 W650 has turned into my ride of choice for now , Its real easy to like !  But its also the expendable one of the three so its for sale for $3500.oo .   I saved all the original parts I replaced for the next owner too.  Some body might want to put the breather box back on it but while I was getting the carbs right I switched to a pair of after-market  type's for my convince .    It would top out about 135 mph @ 7,500 rpm if it had the power but I believe about 110 on flat ground would be all it would do without taking the windshield off and laying flat on the tank .

Those twins are nice !
 

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by zipidachimp on 05/14/21 at 20:38:40

Went riding again today, totally painless trip on my old hotrod. Based on today, I really can't justify another bike, unless I develop a strong 'need for speed'. I will probably upgrade minor stuff, install a tubeless front wheel, Hyde 'M' bars, yadayadayada.
Unless, of course, Craigslist throws up a real 'bargoon!!! ;D
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by zipidachimp on 05/14/21 at 23:33:24

Holy crap. I know I'm old but 5 hours after this ride, both inner thighs cramped up so bad I had to frogwalk to the john.  I know I'm outta shape, but that really sucked. OOOOOOOOhhhh !  :-[

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Oldfeller--FSO on 05/16/21 at 04:27:17


Folks have now gotten a better clue as to just how poorly stabilized and shaky the Rebel 1100 can be at 100 mph and above ---- using only one mirror will upset the dynamic balance of the bike and give you a slow but large wobble effect.    Putting a cell phone holder on one side of the handle bar does the same thing.  

The slight difference in wind drag is enough to do it to it ......

Really, just putting an off center cell phone holder on your handle bar puts your life at risk?    Come on, HONDA --- you got more pride in your bikes than that.

If you are fat and weigh a lot, shifting your weight forwards or backwards or side to side on the seat can do the "make a wobble" trick too.    

Stick out your fat arm out straight on left side and see what happens ......   wobble death by lane change signalling ????

:P

------------------------------------------------

Honda certainly has some work to do on the Rebel 1100 before anyone should be trying to buy them.

Fix the stability issues coming from the bike's layout and geometry to get the bike to be rock stable at moderate to high speeds and then get rid of the 99 mph speed cut off system you have built into the electronic programming to try to cover up your nasty little frame geometry design flaws.

Recall the first year worth of bikes to install these changes or else wind up buying them all back after the class action suits are done.

:P

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by Dave on 05/17/21 at 03:07:06


54475E474A4F4D4647435E2E0 wrote:
Went riding again today, totally painless trip on my old hotrod. Based on today, I really can't justify another bike, unless I develop a strong 'need for speed'.


Lancer's new Wiseco 97mm, a nice cam.....and a Kawasaki pulley upgrade can turn your bike into a "Freeway Flier"! ;)

Title: Re: Wants versus needs, or, I never grew up !
Post by MMRanch on 05/17/21 at 09:19:45

Hay I've only got 1/2 the  "Kawasaki pulley upgrade" , and a " Modified Harley Dina seat upgrade"  .    Its a different bike than the Suzuki design by a nice bit !  ;)


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