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What's your next bike?

6K views 83 replies 72 participants last post by  Spacelord 
#1 ·
Winter gives me less time to ride and more time to think, so I've been thinking about what bike I might buy next. I've owned a number of cruisers, so I'm thinking of trying something different. Not that I don't like the comfort of my C50, and I wouldn't mind more comfort for the occasional 2-up, but I can only rationalize 1 bike at a time with my wife. So I must compromise. Here's my short list for next bikes:

V-Strom 650, used Goldwing (probably 10 years old), VTX 1300R, BMW R 1200RT

All old, all used... what's on your short list?
 
#32 ·
My next bike is the one I have now, if that makes any sense.
For me, my age, our riding style its a perfect match and I want to see how much mileage I can get out of it. Bike runs like a dream.

BUT ... as the years roll by, I would be thrilled for other companies to turn out a product like the VStar 1300 tourer in the same weight and engine class and if so I will certainly take a hard look at them.

The only wild card out there is possibly a Road King 09 or later. But we are talking years and I honestly think its more weight then I want but ... again ... if even Harley turns out a product in the weight class and engine size as my current bike I will take a good long look at it.
 
#37 ·
I'm happy with my Vol for now but a few years down the road I'd like to pick up a Nomad 1700. I checked it out at the motorcycle show a few weeks ago and liked it alot, even more than the C90t.
 
#43 ·
When I get a bike or even a car that works for me, I drive/ride them until they die, so I imagine (am hoping anyway) that I have this C50 for many years.

While I do always spend a ton of time on the highways, the main roads I am looking to ride are the "bike" roads, mountain roads etc....and that is the reason I kept the C50 over a Nomad that I came within a day of buying.
Sure the Nomad would do the highway a tad better, but the C50 actually does everything I want it to do there. I can be cruising 75 and still pass cars with ease if need be. I do think the bike is most comfortable for long stretches doing between 68-73, BUT, I am getting 43-45 mpg when I am doing 70+ and between 48-50 mpg when I hit the "bike" roads.
What sold me on keeping the C50 tho is while I have not driven a ton of mid-cruisers, i don;t see how you could have more fun on a cruiser on "bike" roads than what the C50 gives you. That is where it shines and is why I will keep this bike until it dies.
Others may be able to cruise the highways at 80 with more ease, but veer off to the mountain roads and I will have a whole lot more fun throwing the C50 around.......
 
#55 ·
What sold me on keeping the C50 tho is while I have not driven a ton of mid-cruisers, i don;t see how you could have more fun on a cruiser on "bike" roads than what the C50 gives you. That is where it shines and is why I will keep this bike until it dies.
Others may be able to cruise the highways at 80 with more ease, but veer off to the mountain roads and I will have a whole lot more fun throwing the C50 around.......
RIGHT-ON !!! I've been trying to sell my C50T, but I know I'll miss it when its gone!!
 
#48 ·
Another C50. Last year, a driver failed to see me and pulled out of a parking lot right in front of me, which ended my first C50, which had 80,000 miles on it. Within a week, I found another one locally that only had 6000 miles on it - same year as my wrecked bike. These bikes are thrifty & fun, and I can do anything I need to do to 'em to keep 'em on the road. I commute 100 miles a day on mine.
 
#50 ·
Vulcan Nomad FI and eventually a HD Street Glide if I'm lucky. There's a 2011 HD here locally for $15k, but I can't seem to talk the wife into staying with me if I get it. Guess cause our 2nd child is due in 4 months, women...

Sent from my EVO
 
#51 ·
I often think to the next bike and what it will be, then I get on the C50 and think, this will do just fine.

In saying that...

Without the Gman kit and aftermarket pipes the bike is sluggish to say the least, I can't think why there is only a single disk and drum rear on a 2011 model bike.

Maybe the C90T will address those issues.
 
#53 ·
For me I've been watching and pricing a few. Being taller 6'5" @ 320 lbs a bike that is comfortable for heavy, two-up touring is where I'm looking.

The C109 seems to fit the best of all the ones I've sat or tried to date. but I'd have to do some heavy mods to bring it up to where I want it. (but right now this is the front runner)

The Rocket III has been of serious interest but it does not seem to have the reliability life expectancy of some of the others. Again,,, some mods would be needed.

A new or slightly use GL1800 would be a great machine but here size again is an issue. Heavy mods req'd.

K1600GTL would be a great machine but a bit out of my price range i think..

anyone have some experience with any of these or can offer some direction I'd be very appreciative.
 
#61 ·
Don't think i will Upgrade,Unless she get's too much for me as an Oldy ,
i Know my bike and enjoy it :)
a mate arrived on his New Usa Import Harley yesterday arvo and i got a sit ,
darned Nice bike indeed ,we all agreed Mine is Heavier and very stable :)
So no jumping the fence for me lol
 
#62 ·
I bought what I needed the first time. Then bought what I wanted this last time. I love the Sprint. Oh does she just go go go! :wayhappy:
 
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