My next motorcycle is going to be a ___________.

Currently having a showroom affair with the Guzzi 1100i Sport, or God help me another Laverda. November starts the big hunt with all the ammo I've got. There are no alternatives (kidding..?)

Hmmmmmmm, My wife will hate you for that question... :-)

OK, I won't tell, Shane.

Well, Shange, what's it going to be? A GL1500 maybe? I understand you got a big pay raise in the move to San Antonio. Come on, Shane, you owe it to yourself. I think my next will be a Triumph. I was originally thinking Speed Triple, but the new Thunderbird Sport has got me drooling....

Uh, that's "Shane". Sorry there....

right now there is now way I could pick a single bike.The Kawasaki KLR 650 really draws me as does the Royal Star.Today i saw Tony's post at Crossroads on the new 1500 Intruder and perked up.Read the Nov Motorcyclist and that Triumph T bird Sport looks really great.Just read The new Cycle World about the Guzzi V-10 Centauro and off I go in another direction. then I saw ........well you get the picture.

A smaller bike than the current RS for another bike. I already have an 83'XS650, but the new V-Star (the Drag Star Yamaha has in Europe) is a definate in the states for 98. Gonna be a 650 and as strong as most 800s out there. Looks very similar to an RS, but a lot lighter. The big dealer show in Orlando starts tomorrow with some big unveilings. Word is that Bob Burk (Yamaha Guru who brought us the XS650, Virago line and now the Royal Star) gave Cycle World an exclusive V-Star to test before the other mags Why (BLVD is going defunct..and Rider???), when they didn't give the RS a very good report when it came out early last year (incorrect power assumptions). Bob says Dave Edwards, Editor-In-Chief said if he had a bike to ride back on a long trip..it'd be a Tour Deluxe (saw that in print). Strange from a sport bike mag.

Y' know BLVD. had no publicity and wasn't a bad read for the cruiser guys. What's that about Rider? Salvadori can't carry a magazine by himself or something?

I dare not think about the next one, I havent finished paying for this one yet!, or finished the project either! .... but it may well be a HD engined Trike

Yeah Frank, too bad BLVD didn't catch on. Well done I thought. You ask "What's that about Rider?". I've always liked Salvadori, but I think he talks more about his travels than the bike he's riding. Nothing wrong with that, as I like to hear about places to go and all..but tell us about this new bike Rider gives him to ride..but doesn't report on. Isn't it a bike magazine..not a travel mag?

Unless it has a *real* important piece (like any Eurobike "review") Rider is the one I pick on a cold/rainy day with the fireplace going, to go on vacation by reading. I also found their tour-equipment stuff helpful reading. Very little tech info except for the write in stuff.

Assuming money (not good assumption), possibilities for new bike: Honda Rebel MZ Silver Star (n/a Jamaica) Honda Nighthawk 250 A small D-P (Honda or Yamaha, maybe) Realm of Fantasy: A PC800 Pacific Coast, a FXDS-CONV Dyna Convertible, or a R100GS (N.B.: NOT a R1100GS)

Sam, I hear ya on the R100GS over the 1100. The Beemer dealer here has (last I saw) a used 95 or 96 R100GS with low miles (22k). It sat side by side next to a new 1100 and I liked the used one better. Perfect bike for long distance practically anywhere. It might be a big bike for Jamaica, but it could handle most dirt roads (the beautiful roads) a lot of folk don't see. The PC800 might be a good one to get around the island and take everything with ya. Hard to imagine ya on the Dyna though...

All the Fantasy bikes listed are big for Jamaica. The R100GS is also good for a lot of the paved roads in Kingston where it's very hard to see the pavement, because there isn't much of it! Why is it hard to imagine me on a Dyna Convertible? Maybe because I've never sat on a bike of 500cc capacity or bigger? Or is it because Jamaica doesn't have a Harley dealer? (We don't have any dealers for any European bikes either!)

That's amazing, Sam! You'd think that there would be atleast one or two non-Japanese dealers there. Sure, a Dyna may be out of the financial reach of most Jamaicans, but you'd think there would be atleast one measly dealership.

A Sportster is also out of the financial reach of most Jamaicans! Yamaha's top-of-the-line cruiser in Jamaica is the XV535 Virago! I didn't see any Shadows at all in the Honda dealership, only bikes of up to 250cc or 300cc. That's the usual upper limit in Jamaican bike dealerships. They'll bring down larger bikes on special order (like a CBR600), but they only have small bikes in stock. I'm not certain whether or not there's a Kawasaki dealer in Jamaica.

No Kawi dealer? Maybe you need to start one. ;-)

I know that there are people who repair Kawasakis, but I don't know if they also import and sell. I do know that there are quite a few Ninjas in Jamaica!

See, Sam? There's a big demand for 'em. You could start a dealership, stock a couple of Ninja 250s and maybe even an EX500. You're already the master bike repairman (forget "ASE Certified" or "Factory Certified", you're "Twin Star Certified") so you've got the service department covered. As crazy as it sounds, it might be a successful venture. If only we had the bucks....

I've been inspired by a friend who has a CB400F done up Cafe style. My next bike (as I tend to swing from project to project) will be some sort of a basket case that I can work up the same way. A XS650 would be nice, but I saw an ad for a GS500 in pieces for only $350. THAT could be interesting... Stu

I guess if you like assembling all the bits a basket case is a good winter time-filler. For the price, as long as it's all there, the GS would be a good, if heavy cafe-scratcher. The XS would really lend itself to a cafe project, though! Seems they're hard to find here.

Triumph?

Honda 160 equivalent.

Check out Kawi's web site, Terry. http://www.kawasaki.com/ as they have models that might interest you.

My next HD will come in year 2003--any model!

I will never get rid of my shovelhead, but will probably pick up a new bike in two years. If I go cruiser, will pick up a Valkyrie (along with Wagner's opera, Flight of the Valkyries. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it is the infamous tune of Elmer Fudd, "Kill the wabbit"). If I go full touring, I really want to see the BMW bagger that I have seen an artist's rendition of...supposed to be out by 2000. Ed

I got to think about this bike first...

I was thinking. In a way, I'm carrying on the torch. Sure, the guy with the Triumph would be nuts to accept my offer, but if I end up with it I may be the youngest Triumph enthusiast in the country. Most Triumph lovers, I think, associate the machines as the performance bikes of their youth. I, of course, have no such attachment and the original Triumph marquee was dead by the time I started noticing motorcycles. I guess some of that attraction and mystique has worn off on me some how.

Ahhhh Jon, You discount the THOUSANDS of Flat Trackers out there, Many of whom still ride 70's era Triumphs and Harleys........ If you ever get a chance and want to see some real vintage iron in action go to a Flat Track (dirt) event... I know a guy in Nebraska who is probably about 18 by now who is riding his Dad's old Harley on the track and His brother's old Bonneville on the street....

I mention above that I'm pretty sold on the Guzzi Sport"i". If anyone has a chance, go to www.bayarea.net/~ramarren. Hit Moto-Miscellany and then "1000S". An identical bike is being offered to me at a very good price, about 1/2 that of a new Sport. Critiques/comments? Do I go for the "outdated" frame & quirky nits like 22-bolt oil-pan drop to change the filter, or the new $200/month in-hock deal? Harley folks *may* understand...

I could see myself on one of the new Guzzis, and though I like the style of the older Guzzis, I couldn't put up with the notorious unreliability. The new ones, however, are pretty sharp and it looks like Guzzi is getting their act together.

Well I have a deposit on a 98 883 Sportster and a BMW F650ST (street version), when the money arrives in Jan. I will make my final verdict. At the moment the Sportster is running a half step above the 4-stroke single Itailan made BMW with chain drive. Yep, thanks to Brad I found my way to the new homestead! I hope I finally figure out how to hook up. Jon, how's the job and life in general going?? Things are ok here still at the same job almost 90 days! How's the Triumph hunting going, they still have y old speed triple at Apex Sports. Tailwinds BJ

Hey, BJ, great to see you! How'd you get back on the 'net? Things are going well and I'm getting paid well. The "life in general" could be better, I suppose, but things are nice. Did you see that it looks like I'm going to be getting an old Triumph? And why on earth *those* bikes? You've got big vibes and no power in one and relatively few vibes and no power in the other. And what would a F650 be like on a trip? Not much better than the Sporty, I'd say. But, to each his own.

BJ! Hot Damn! Great to hear from you! Glad things are lookin' good! Yeah I too am a little surprised on those choices, I figured you needed a bike with room. Tell us more.

What's up with the Nighthawk? Or the Intruder/Savage deal? A Sportster or an F650? Weird choices indeed!

Yea, they still haven't come picked up the Web Tv unit but I have saved the cash to buy another unit when they do. Ok, to be honest I just decided that if I was gona do a "cruiser" style bike to hang in with JO on the Savage (found a yellow 96 model still in the crate for a great discount), I'd give Harley-Davidson a try, don't see much difference between a 883 and a 800 Intruder and the Harley has many more ways to make the bike "personal". F650, well it's different and the ST (street version) is light, 60 hp. (only 6 less hp. than my TDM 850 and it kicked butt in the twisties!), instant hard luggage and decent accessiories. To be honest even more these are the models of Harley or BMW I can afford and have "NO PAYMENTS". Sam, well I have to admit, the Honda Nighthawk is a excellent bike but it's just "too damn plain jane", it just doesn't excite me. Jon, what kinda "old Triumph"? I sure hope your a good mechanic or have Glenn on retainer, as the old british twins are as maintanence intensive as old Harleys!! See I can't ride a sportbike due to tendonites, it's not the "vibes" that are the problem, it's the pressure that my very "unliteweight" body puts on my palms and wrists and elbows in the tuck of a good sportbike. If I didn't have this problem I'd have a Yamaha YZF600 in Jan. instead of a H-D or a BMW. Tailwinds, BJ

A '72 Bonneville. I still haven't seen pictures, so I haven't decided yet.

If you would like to see a 70 Bonneville look at: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/9798/bonnev.jpg

Tell us how Jo gets along with the Savage, O.K.? Lots of talk around about the Savage: "It's Great!" "Naw, it's a piece of (expletive deleted)" People want to know! I take it you're going to spring (no pun intended ) for a dual saddle! (there's more, but I gotta go!)

Actually, there's more pun than I thought! Forgot the name of this site... Pity you decided against the Intruder; you and your wife could have used the same service dept. Anyway, good luck!

Sam, Jo had a 86 savage (650 Single) and put 9,000 trouble free miles on it in one year following around my BMW! I think there a real decent machine, yes a little on the vibes side but no more than the Sportster. For the price of a Savage, which is much lower than any of the other 500-600cc cruisers and over $1,000 less than the new 650 V-Star from Yamaha! Sam, just decided that between the Intruder and the Sportster, it's the aftermarket and HOG, that put the Sportster ahead of the Intruder. Tailwinds, BJ

And, IMHO, the Savage is a nice looking bike. Much nicer looking than the Yamaha Virago (a great bike, but not as nice looking).

A single or a parallel-twin generally looks better than a longdituninal V-Twin IMO. The Guzzi and CX500 layout is neat, though...

I think the Savage is a great beginner's bike: good wheelbase and ride/seat height, comfortable position for most, and good to learn basic mechanics and maintenance. And the looks don't hurt at the deli either!

1) Great discussion over there regarding HD/marketing etc. 2) I am major upset. PISSED! Incredulous. Why? Because in yet another display of the infinite wisdom that has made them the frequent butt of deserved joking, Moto Guzzi SpA has decided to CANCEL the 1100i Sport! "Because they aren't selling well enough to continue production" Because we want to upgrade our line" To engineer a new water-cooled beast. I can't understand it. Just like the 1000S, a bike regarded as a sought after classic design (3 years in production), Guzzi cancels the Sport now. There are n yellow, 3 red, and 14 black bikes in the warehouse. This is "too many"?! Just when developement was starting to work? Now there will undoubtedly be some price-voodoo going on with dealers and private sellers alike for some time. Moneymonemoney. I sure wish I had more. Now what's next??

My Pantah's in the garage looking at me as though saying "Do you still love me?" Guess it's voices in my head...

Well, I personally thought it was ugly, but still, to deep-6 a bike when there's still demand and growth potential is indeed ridiculous! Makes me wonder about the viability of the V10 Centauro! (Not that I can afford one!) Or is it the V11 that I like? I don't remember! It makes me worry about them all!

I saw a picture of the Pantah. I guess I just don't like the looks of faired bikes. The Darmah, now that looked COOL! Bikini fairings are O.K., except for the '82 (not '84) Katana fairing, which looks absolutely GREAT!!!

Sam, we're apart on that one! The Darmah wasn't bad, but needed a bikini to cover a little indecent exposure. I prefer a 1/2 faring at the most.

1/2 fairing...modern name for a bikini fairing. I guess we agree that it's a decent compromise, but from different sides. This might change when I've actually faced the wind at 50 mph for a half-hour or so...

1/2 = coverage down & past the headlight, a la the 1st 900SS or the Laverda SFC. Bikini = new M900 for me.

I agree on the definition of "bikini" with Frank. MO did an "open bikini shoot out" and all the bikes had "fly screen" fairings. I guess "bikini" is alot sexier than "fly screen".

So which does (did?) the 900CR have?

900CR has a 1/2, IMHO. Just enough for the real world.

So Frank, does this mean that the Moto-Guzzi purchase is pretty much "dead meat"? Maybe stick with the Duc and buy a "old beemer" for long distance riding. I am not much of a Duc fan buy I sure like Moto-Guzzi but with no decent dealership within 80 miles, for me it's totally impractical , too bad they have style! Tailwinds, BJ

Well the Duc is still here. The way I see it presently is if a leftover Injected model comes up at a reasonable price ($10K or less) I'll go. If a carb model comes up under $7500, I'd go. If the 96-97 models increase in price, I'm very tempted to get a 1000S and put up with the slight roughness of design and style (compared with the Sport's). Any of 'em will hold the values I respect. I'm positive that any '98's will be too expensive for me to jump on. The "$12K" range is just too high for a guy with kids & house and limited riding time, and the new Guzzi & Laverda are already there. I'm hearing lots of conflicting info, similar to you with Triumph, regarding Guzzi's US plans & production. The guys with $$ tell me "just go out and grab a Sport i right now", I'm not quite in that position. But I know I want a long-legged Italian mistress, so I'll work on my image a little more until Feb/March and see if I can join the party!

Well, Guzzi and Triumph (even if they don't necessarily make good decisions) atleast *want* to be in the US market in a big way--all bike makers do becuase we're the biggest market in the world. Could you imagine what it would be like if we had the same percentage of riders here as in, say, New Zealand?

Seems Australia/NZ have a lot of bikes per sq.mile though. Y'know Jon, the Hinckley group is a modern business, but Guzzi is still rocking and rolling from DeTomaso on. Yes they want a US market/world share, but their production and management does *not* measure up to real world status even now. They race well in limited Euro-classes. They appeal to a very particular type of rider (I'm slowly becoming one). They don't seem to be beyond that. Hanging models made of hopes or discontinuing when they just gai awareness gets back to the Italian methodology that pisses people off since early Ducati, when parts and dealers were mostly mirages.

They need something like the buyout of Ducati to happen to them.

I thought of that. I would hate it. When Ducati/Cagiva group went through its search for cash and Zell, etc. bought in, I felt it would dilute the essence of the company in the not-so-long run. Now, we see the ST2 along with the DKNY jacket giveaway and the limited edition paintjobs, etc. Some Italian with a love for motorcycling and big b---s in the finance world *must* be able to help a company like Guzzi without making a mockery of the marque. One way I keep on looking at Laverda is their dedication to their original ideals, even though it's a real struggle they still want to produce the type of no-holds-barred ride they made their reputation with. Took 11 years but they're on the way. Private money, not conglomerate money.

"Some Italian" being your problem. The Italians have a long and storied past in screwing up industry. As for the DKNY jacket giveaway--they're sponsors of the Ducati race team. Would it be wrong for Kawi to offer Muzzy jackets, or Honda to offer Smokin' Joe's jackets? Unless I'm mistaken, most Italian companys take decades (o.k., so I exagerate some) to develop a bike, while the Texas Pacific Group 49% buy out happened about a year ago. (Zell never materialized, of course). The ST2 just came out. I doubt that TP had anything to do with it--I'm sure it was in the works. Besides, why not have Ducati make one of the sportiest sport tourers on the planet? It's not exactly an ST-1100. And it really doesn't matter if the essence is preserved if the company isn't.

Oh, TP is going to allow them to create more bikes, although they plan on never producing more than 200,000 bikes per year. As a result availability and quality should go up while price comes down. Besides, not all bikes Ducati produces are sexy road rockets. They make the little mono around town bikes too.

I mostly agree Jon. But picking Donna Karan just whizzed me off. It seems that the modern world (") has no room for a group that hand builds at low volumes and develops something by refinement. I'm not talking Bimota. I'm talking of the Ducati/Guzzi/MV, etc. old way. As soon as "modern marketing practice" comes to bear, it attracts an entirely different type of thinker, and I feel qualities are diluted. This is MHO. I'm not dogging the need for modernization as such. I'm after the fading essence of what I believe makes classics classic. Quality overall, like paint, wel s,etc. will probably be enhanced, but they'll start leaning away from the "exclusivity", for lack of a better word right now, that made them the cult favorites at the start.

This is true. I guess I'm not into "Boutique Bikes", but I suppose there needs to be a place for them. I guess Ducati is trying to use their success to leverage themselves out of the boutique market and into the main stream. Anything against DK? Would a cigarette company be better? I'm just curious.

There is another DKNY-Ducati connection. Donna Karen's husband races Ducs. About this time last year, he bought two race-ready 916 SPS bikes from Fast By Ferracci. I believe that this is what got DKNY into sponsoring Ferracci's race team.

Hand-made craftsmanship. Sounds very Morgan/Rolls-Royce/Aston Martin/Ferrari to me! Why won't it work with bikes? Then again, with the exception of Morgan, the car companies listed here seem to be going the same way. The artisan is perceived to be as out of date as the Monarchy! Long live them both!

While waiting for the server to return here I was amusing myself by looking at the new US Laverda club site. Tests are running on a new 1000cc watercooled triple, 150hp. Time to go to The Money Store! The Australian Laverda site has good pictures and *sounds*. If there's interest I'll post the URLs (I know, Frank/Laverda yaddayadda..)

Frank, the new 750 P-twin's sure caught my eye, Iam a big P-twin fan after owning a XS650 and a TDM850. P-twins look way better than V-twins imho and they are much more compact and have a sound all their own. Post the URL's so I can bookmark the sites please! Who knows someday I might own a bike from Italy yet. Tailwinds,BJ

I agree, BJ. Parallel twins are the way to go and make a great sport bike power plant. Not quite as narrow as most V-twins, but still quite narrow, extremely short front to back making packagin it in a motorcycle frame easier, the weight is all forward improving balance, etc. Now why the heck won't Triumph reintroduce the Bonneville?

Can you make that P-Twin smoother than a V? My XS650 is the only P I've ridden and it vibrates like an egg beater. I assume newer models/technology is much better nowadays.

Yeah, the closer your angle gets to 90 the smoother the engine will run. You can make a smooth P-twin (think of it as a 0 degree V-twin) but you've got to have nice big balance shafts--one disadvantage of the P-twin because a heavily balanced motor also revs more slowly.

Well, you could put it in a double-cradle, "Featherbed"-style frame...

Kevin, your right, the XS was a great "shaker" but the 5-valve per cylinder, water-cooled, double balance shaft, TDM 850 twin had almost no vibration and was loaded with real world usable mid-range power. Jon, I wholeheartly agree, if Triumph made a 650 or 750cc P-Twin Bonnie model, it would be high on my personal "WANT" list too! Sam, a XS650 engine with a Powerrol 750 kit in a Norton featherbed frame would be a ride that most of us would want to keep. Wish I was a wrench and had extra bucks as I'd love to see if it would work! Tailwinds, Bj

I'm pretty sure the vibrating-couple of the Ptwin limits it's horsepower enough to remain uncompetive in the 750 wars, a good streetbike maybe but no GSX-killer. Tognon & company want Laverda to dominate in 3 years (if only once!) and they're banking on a triple to do it; part practical and (big)part past passions.

Frank, agreed but to be honest, a true "racer" makes a lousy streebike anyway! The 916 is art and fast but pure torture to ride on the street (per the crazies at Cycle World no less)and so far Triumphs and Kenny Roberts "Triples" haven't even scratched the "fast image" of twins and 4-cylinder machines. Even Triumph looking at the 600 class was looking at a "serious 4-cylinder" machine to compete with F3's, ZX-6's, GXSR-600, ect. In the new BEARS racing, the Triumph Triple hold's it own but still the twi s and 4's kick it around. A P-twin is a good engine for street use, the TDM 850 motor worked well and in the "really tight stuff" I could wip up on the Liter bikes of the early 90's. Yes, in the long sweepers and straight's, they'd kill me as the TDM engine only pushed a measley "66 horsepower". The 750F Larvada at 80 ponies would make sweepers much more fun! At last glance at the Kenny Roberts website, they were talking about going to a 4-cylinder model for the GP bike. Maybe in Superbike racing, the Larvada Triple could work! Tailwinds, BJ

Agreed BJ. I believe that's where they want to go in 3 years. I'm betting on first an endurance trophy, then a WSC effort, similar to the glory days of the 70's for the marque. Fine with me! I gotta check Roberts' site, I'm surprised at their teething problems at this stage; to design a new 4 would be murderous wouldn't it? Considering the huge bucks and man-hrs. in the present set-up?

Frank, money doesn't ever seem to be a problem for King Kenny, ha ha. It's really too bad as it would have been excellent to see a "triple" kick some butt on the 4-cylinder GP machines. Might see Larvada in the BEARS racing series (Sound of Thunder series, I beleive it's called now.) and wow, Superbike would be awsome with twins, triples and 4's now we just need a 500cc 6-cylinder, ha ha! Have a funny feeling that the 4-cylinder Robert's motor was being worked as a "back-up" incase the triple just wasn't going to cut it! Who know's with Robert's as he's kinda GP racing's mad man anyway.

I don't see any reason why a P-twin couldn't be made as powerful as any V-twin. The vibe reducing balance shafts *will* cause it to rev more slowly, which is a definite disadvantage in racing, but in terms of horsepower there's nothing holding it back. An inline 4 is kind of like 2 vertical twins and they put out lots of power. They don't, however, necessarily need a balance shaft (some vibes, but not too bad).

As far as I know, power = torque * rpm. What affects rpm affects power.

True, but you can rev a well balanced P-twin as high as any 90 degree twin. You can have lots of power, but a heavy crankshaft which will result in less acceleration with identical HP figures. Heck, you can do the same with a vibey P-twin, but it hurts reliability, of course. Again, I may be mistaken, but I can't see any reson why you couldn't make a P-twin just as strong as a V-twin.

What about a parallel twin in a Buell-like frame, with a non-integral, rubber-mounted engine? Isolastic mounts, anyone?

That's not a bad idea, but a nice solid frame does lend stiffness. I wonder if their "uni-planar" mounting system would help at all with a P-twin. The idea behind their mounting system is that all mounts are in a single plane that runs vertically and front to back on the bike, minimizing the severe front to back shaking of the narrow angle Harley frame.

It probably wouldn't help at all. Doesn't a parallel twin rock from side to side? Has anyone tried an inline twin in a longditudinal and horizontal plane, a la the K-bike configuration? Or a layout like the Brough Superior Dream (two flat-twins one atop the other, counter-rotating crankshafts geared together with a BMW-style shaft arrangement)? Real BS Dream, isn't it?

Either side to side or top to bottom. I don't know. I should write Gordon Jennings.

Twice mentioned is "heavier crank" which is a limter of itself. The Ptwin stress threshold is a real limiter in design of the entire drivetrain, just ask the Meriden boys! Funny BJ i never gave thought to the idea of KR having a different motor up his sleeve, and I thought backing money was still tenuous compared to other teams. I look at him as the Penske of the cycle teams as far as ideology.

Am working on a 63ish Royal Enfield I pick up out of a guys basement for 200.00 and am planing on doing in the old "Rockers" style. Have been looking at the new Triumph Trophy for cross country use, will have to see how $ is in the spring. Am hoping to have a new bike payment in march.

Pat, the new Triumphs are really nice machines, I had a 95 Triumph Speed Triple and a 95 Thunderbird. I lost my job and had to sell the bike (I traded in the ST for the T-Bird) due to lose of job early in the year. The local Triumph dealer sell's 3 to 1, Tiger D-P bikes over all the other models. Could be that being in Colorado is what makes the sales. Wish I could aford a Trophy Sport tourer but that will be many years in the future if ever. Have fun with the "Rockers" bike, it sounds like major fun to e. Tailwinds, BJ

Rode the Trophy this last spring, very comfy, and handles better than a Harley bagger. Sold me the first mile.

Pat, welcome! Though I don't favor "riding" choppers, I have admired and appreciated many, especially the original British jobs, where it all started. Are you working with an Enfield Interceptor? Around 736cc, circa mid-60's? These are all pretty rare birds!

No, it is supposedly a 63 metor minor with a factory race kit 1 of 79 produced, but I am still waiting on comfermation from Greenland on that info..

I'm sort of torn as to what my next bike will be. If Honda still made the CB1000, that would probably be it. I presently have a '96 Nighthawk 750 and love the low maintainance and overall good quality. I wouldn't mind something a bit bigger with some more power and less vibration for long rides... Tourers are too big for me, and the insurance/maintanance on the sport bikes is a bit much... I may have to run down to Woods today and see if the CB1000 has come back or not 8) LS W5QD

Sorry my friend but the BIG ONE is now just history! I am buying a 98 CB750 Nighthawk and surely wish that they had a 900F version to someday upgrade up to. The Euro version of the CB750 looks like a mini-version of the CB1000, wish the USA version was the same. I too really liked the CB1000 but they just de-gutted the CBR1000F engine too much for US riders choices. The 1200 Suzuki Bandit would be a great choice for you, real motor and decent ergonomics too boot. At around $7,000 dollars, you just can't beat the 1200 Bandit. Still it's to bad no builds a true 1000cc Standard anymore as it would be well received by old guys like myself. Happy New Year, BJ

BJ I thought that you and Jo were getting 800 Intruders?What changed your mind/ Happy TRAils/NSD Paul

Paul, yea I just decided that I like to run the twisty's and a standard would do better job than a cruiser. I like the fact I can make the bike into what I want, when I want. #2, I really make lousy "REAL BIKER type", ha ha. I make a better geekish standard rider! The old fat body is just too beat up for a decent sportbike but the next machine will be either a ST1100 or a full boat tourer Kawasaki Voyager. I plan on riding the CB750 for a minimum of 2 years to see how the job goes before I be stupid and try to "step up" again. Happy New Year! BJ

Well, that's true about the CB1000's motor; even so, it still put out 100hp. 'Course, the bike weighed about 500lbs or more dry.... Meanwhile, my goal is to pay off my 750 and then perhaps think about upping to another bike. It's going to take a little longer to pay off since I bought the 3yr extended warranty. Good thing I did, since there is a possible trouble spot - the #2 cylinder measured slightly low compression at the 8k checkup. It was 160lbs... gotta get a shop manual and see how much within spec that is (is it well within spec, or just barely?). Otherwise, my plan is to just keep it since I've gotten good service out of it. LS

oh also, yeah, I've heard good things about the Bandit 1200.. Havn't seen any, though, around here. I'm suspicious of new models of anything (known in the software world as the "release 1.0" syndrome). The new YZF1000 looks like a hell of a bike - may wait a while for the bugs to shake out and see what happens with it. LS

Well I to figure that I will have to ride the Nighthawk for more like 5 years. I have the bike paid off from the start which is an advantage. Let me know about the 2nd. cylinder low compression problem, so I can have them watch mine for any problems. Lot's of 1200 Bandit's around here but don't blame ya on the first year model jitters. A 100 HP is plenty for me but you know how crazy Americans are with power, 98% of them can't ride the bike anywhere near it's potential but macho states "must have more po er"!!! Tailwinds, BJ http://members.tripod.com/~britrider/index.html

The platforms spoken about here are designed and built to be as bulletproof as they get. A new Big Bandit has to be the best deal in "sport"touring I've seen in a long time. The Yam R1 is no tourer, just sport, *serious* sport! I hear ya BJ, anything I look at has to be with an eye towards keeping a long time, in terms of buying different bikes every time I get attracted, I missed that boat when I bought the house and had 2 kids (o:}

Frank, the kids are all grown up and I can never afford a house payment here in Colorado Springs. I can't do it anymore becuase I didn't go to college, Iam over 40 and make minimum factory wage. So I gota wait till I get a hell of a lot of raise's before I can ever step up again, may be riding CB750 Nighthawk's for the rest of my days! Tailwinds, BJ

Somehow I doubt it, BJ. You go through bikes almost as fast as I. A terminal illness in which you feel an uncontrollable desire to ride every bike you can get your hands on. I know because I suffer from it too. :-) Marlboro, are you British yourself? I see you using words like "rockers" which I don't hear often.

Well my friend the time has come, the money is in and tommrow I go pick up the shiney new Nighthawk!! You'd figure this would not really excite me after all the upper class machines I have had in the past 4 year. Just the oppsite, can't wait to get my hands on it and creating the BJ Ondo Nighthawk. Sorry for bothering you all with this for the "9,000th." time but It's such a great feeling , I had to share it with somebody, ha ha ha. Happy New Year my friends. Tailwinds, BJ Ondo

Great! Congrats. When does Jo pick up her bike? I hope that I can keep my finances in order and be doing something similar before too horribly long, whether it's new or used.

Jon, oops in all the hubub, I forgot that yes, Jo will pick up her Intruder today as well. I hope things do work out for you to, it's nice to know that sometimes in this struggle we call life, nice things can happen. Tailwinds, BJ

Alright BJ. You won't need a ski in place of the front tire will ya? *GRiNs* Jon, hang in there..I expect to see you this June on a shiny new ???. You like the Triumphs, check out the Trophy (sport) tourer..nice bike.

Hey, no offense Kevin, but the only response to that is "yeah right"! (Grin) No, the Trophy is way to big, heavy, slow and laid back for my taste. IF I get a new Triumph (somehow, I doubt it--I'll wait till '99 probably) it would be a T-Bird Sport. If I get a used one it wouldu be an old style Speed-T or an old Bonnie. The Bonnie may be within my grasp in the next couple of months, so I may do that.

Thanks Kevin, yea it was so nice to sign the papers and have "NO PAYMENTS". It's the first time that has happened in my 21 years of riding. Jon, that T-bird sport is cool but I think you'd really like a 95-96 Speed Triple as it's closer to your Ninja just heavier and more power. I wish I had the ball's to ride and maintain a old Triumph Twin, they are beautiful bikes, good luck my friend! Hopefully 98 will be good for you too! Tailwinds, BJ (offically back in the family!!)

Nah, BJ, you never came close to leaving.

Maybe but Jon do you have any idea how many pair of tennis shoes I've worn out trying to run along side with riders of my local club, ha ha ha ha ha ha! Tailwinds, BJ

Congrats BJ. Buying a new bike is always exciting. Enjoy it bro! New year, new bike, new shoes(?), same cool BJ!

No, I'm not British, it just wears off of the bikes.

BJ, Happy F-in' New Year man! Good luck, I know you're feeling good!

Thanks Brad and Frank, we put the first 100 miles on the bikes today in almost 60 degree (but windy) weather! Tommrow looks pretty decent too, might just get in 200 miles before the next storm hits. The Nighthawk is turning out to be a "better overall" bike than I figured I'd get for the money. It handles good and flicks easy, it still will need the suspension upgrades front and rear, fork brace and bradided brake line to give it the edge to run at a brisk pace. It could really use a "6th." gear, I wil have to reduce the teeth on the rear sprocket by 2 and get the slight top end buzz out for highway work. It's nice to say I got "more" than I figured I would out of my money. Just think 3 Nighthawks are $16,200 dollars, less than one BMW K1200RS or R1100RT and only $3,000 more than one Ducati ST-2 or ST1100 ABS/TCS models. Life below $10,000 ain't all that bad. Tailwinds, BJ

Geez! 100 miles and you're already into the catalogs/shop work! (o; What's your highway cruise speed generally? It buzzes enough that you'd drop the rear teeth? Surprised, on a 'Hawk. Mine was screaming a little and I do a lot of 80mph cruising so I dropped, but I kind of knew a 650 would be that way. Changed it more for less engine/valve stress than my own discomforts.

Frank, I think it's just the way they set up the gearing from the factory. The 82 Nighthawk felt the same way, a little buzzy and real busy sounding and I was only cruising at max. (just a few miles) of 65mph. The Interstates out here are 75 mph. and I just figure that it will buzz a little more and sound even busy'er at +10 mph. Well it could be from my bad tedonites (both wrist's and elbows) that make the "buzz" bother me worse than the normal person. Either bike I would have purchased (Sporty or Hawk) are very basic machines that need a little help to come up somewhere near the "expensive bikes". To it's credit, the Nighthawk will take much less to bring it up to par than the Sporty would have. I have wondered if constant high speed cruising (80+), would "hurt" a bike with hydralic valves?? If I remember right, they don't put hydr-valves in performance machines cause they won't take the stress other valve types will. I have found that Honda has 3 iffernt kits to up the performance of the CB750 so Iam gona do some research (just for the fun of it). Wish I could get my uncle Merlin to breath some of his magic on that motor, it'd have to be called the "Super Nighthawk" then, ha ha. Tailwinds, BJ

Just my opinion, based on a friend who still has an original CB750 Sport (78 I think): He's been all aover the US with just regular maintenance, no mods other than a pipe. Hondas are bulletproof for all but the most demanding dragger or racer.

No, the limitation of hydraulic valves is RPMs, but as long as you stay below redline you'll be fine.

What's the redline? You can't have hydraulic valves and go past about 10,000 rpms from what I understand. But I wouldn't worry--it'll save you tons of maintanence.

So the Nighthawk has hydralic valves? I'm assuming they self-adjust too..that'd be nice.

I remember from the MO article "Frugal Flyers" that the Nighthawk 750s valves do self adjust, a feature they shared only with those of the 883 Sportster in that lineup. The Yamaha Seca II, the Kawasaki Vulcan 500, the Suzuki Bandit 600 and the (now defunct) MZ Saxon Tour all required periodic valve adjustments. I could be wrong, though. Check it out.

Jon and Frank, thanks for the information, the redline is 8,500 RPM. Iam not a racer so seems I should be ok, up to 175 miles as of today but had to come back in as high, gusty winds made the ride pretty chilly indeed. Kevin, I do beleive they are self-adjust, has hydralic clutch also, if they'd have kept the shaftdrive of the 700S model (and the cool cafe racer looks), it would be a maintance free as the PC800. For now it's got a small shield, tank & tail bags so it ready to sport tour. Later, I hope o be able to cafe style the bike as it might look great. Tailwinds, BJ

BJ, I know your probably right..who believes half of what they say in the mags anyway. The Classic I test rode was pretty peppy, but only had 3 miles on the odometer so I never got on it at all. I've always heard the Suzukis have good pep and it's probably a lighter easier to handle bike. Sounds you're having great fun so far. Spring time isn't too far away now as the days are getting longer. *GRiNs*

BJ and all, PMJI, but, yes, the hydraulic lifters in the Nighthawk don't require any adjustment (my '96 now has 10k miles on it and no adjust..8)). I don't know if they are the reason for the low redline or not; the bike I had before this one was an '86 Nighthawk 700SC and its redline was 10,500. It had hydraulic lifters too. So, I'm not sure why the 750 has such a low redline. As far as the highway buzz, yeah I've noticed a buzz too once you get over about 65mph. It's not really objectionable, but it will wear you down a little on long rides. I've thought about putting a smaller chainring on the back too, except that I rarely ride much faster than 65 here. And, if I really have to jam at 65, I still have to drop down into 4th... So BJ, enjoy the new bike! You'll notice a little more power is available once you get up to about 800 miles or so. Couple of things to watch for - it might use a little oil (about 1/2 quart every 2k miles); mine does and it's normal. So, keep an eye on the dipstick. Post whatever mods you make to the bike and let us know how it goes. I'd like to do some monkying with the mixture (bad lean spot at about 4k rpm 8((), but that might void the warranty. LS

10,500 is a low redline these days. I think that the valve train is heavier because of the hydraulic adjusters. A high redline is 12K and up.

yep, it's unbelievable. The 600 class bikes have redline's like 13.5 or even higher.. That's why they have to have those high-tech ignition systems. Even on my model fourstrokes (1.5 cubic inch and down), the redline isn't this high; they max at about 12k.. My thinking is that the 750 may be a stroker; that could account for the low redline. Oh well; the power bandwidth still isn't much less than my 700 SC - that engine wouldn't really make any power until about 7k (which gave me about a 4k bandwidth of real power), but my 750 starts making power right at 5k. That's still a 3.5k powerband. Also, the 750 is driveable as low as 2k. The 700 was not. LS.

Got 255 miles on the weekend not bad for Jan. Ya Iam really enjoying the simpleness of a standard 4-cylinder bike. It's quite fun to ride, can't wait till summer! Tailwinds, BJ

Welcome Pat - I know Im late but the holiday season slows down the brain! - and I only have net access at work! :) Nice to see another chop rider in the mix

Congratulations on the new Nighthawk! Its hell having a new bike in the dead of winter - so much ridin' to do, so few good days.

I know what i'd like my next bike to be. I'd like to get a harley road king. I think that they offer the best bang for the buck of any harley.

Mine will be a HONDA... an F-whatever is new when I finally buy a new bike. I ride a '93 Zawasaki ZX6 now. It's a difficult bike to ride because Kawi's are top-heavy...all the weight is in the front. HONDA F3 is so centered... all the weight is under you. But, I'm staying with my Kawi for now... she's got a lot more miles in her.

Wow...you mean policemen are riding around on unbalanced 'cycles?! Somehow I should think they would check for that - or are they all on Harleys? Btw, if money were no object, what is your dream machine?

This year... hmmm, I only look at the 600's because it's all the bike I really need. So in the 600 series, if I could buy tomorrow it'd be an HONDA F4. But if I could buy two, one to ride and another to just drool on, my drooler would be a Ducati, either a MH 900e or a Monster 900. My main ride would still be the HONDA F4.

Never been astride one of any sort, but it sound fantastic. All that massive throbbing machinery ....*gasp* excuse me...I was overcome momentarily. Gonna ask John - used to be his main means of transportation...

As far as 'unbalanced' I'm speaking as a 5'7" woman... the location of the zx6's center of gravity as it relates to my ability to hold the bike up while standing next to it (I'm fine on it) is where the unbalance thing comes in. It only has to tip a little bit the opposite side I'm standing and my angle of leverage to hold it up is gone... then KA-BOOM, it hits the ground. I therefore don't move my bike unless I'm sitting on it. 425lbs pretty much has a mind of it's own when it tips.

I can imagine. I am an inch shorter than you are so it would be worse for me. Astride...we are all in control...*grin*

Yee-hah! You go grrl!

Ummmm! Now go post that picture!

Couldn't resist... A woman was driving down the highway about 75 miles an hour, when she noticed a motorcycle policeman following her. Instead of slowing down, she picked up speed. When she looked back again, their were two motorcycles following her. She shot up to 90 miles. The next time she looked around, there were three cops following her. Suddenly, she spotted a gas station looming ahead. She screeched to a stop and ran into the ladies' room. Ten minutes later, she innocently walked out. The three cops were standing there waiting for her. Without batting an eye, she said coyly, "I'll bet none of you thought I would make it."

That's funny!

*grin* Thought so, too...

Not sure about dream bike. But I really liked our Suzuki 400cc Trail bike, and I'd get another one if poss. The pillion seat (which I ride) was a bit rudimentary and the Banjul to Dakar (Africa) run got a bit too much, but it was great on the dirt roads. Much better road holding than the Suzuki 125s that we started off with. The number of times I came off in the mud riding through the ford to our village on the 125..... I even managed to take the top off my toe coming down after a bump - well, I was wearing flip flops, and was stupid. Didn't do that again! Was brought up with motorbikes, my dad, both my brothers and my (then) boyfriend and friends all rode. I'm too short, legs don't reach the ground, but I'm pretty good a fiddling a carbureter! I always wanted to sidecar race at Crystal Palace.

no such thing as 'too short' anymore. the bike manufacturers have lowered the hieght of many bikes because so many women are riding. one of my friends, Judy Mirro (writer for CyberCycleMag, Motorcycle World and others, racer, and all round great gal) is all of 4'10" (MAYBE). There is nothing she can't ride... it's a hoot to watch her mount up sometimes. She's also a motorcycle safety instructor, lest you think she reckless. I'll try to dig up the online vid she made on 'how a short girl can mount her bike". You should check out the new bikes... you'll love riding your own!!

*sigh* Sounds like the best offer I've had in a long time, and it does not care what I look like... On top and in control. I like that!

Thanks for the links - going to check them out!

Maggie! You never cease to amaze me...! You have done rallying?

As promised... click on this link to go to a back issue of CyberCycle Magazine, where Judy Mirro writes about being a short cyclist. In/on the story is another link to a short QuickTime vid of her mounting up. http://www.motorcycleworld.com/cybercyclemag/rl9.html Enjoy!!

No no rallying just dirt bike riding on pillion. My dream was to side car. Oh, i got told off - forgot to mention husband in the list of motor bike freaks I know, silly really since he's the main one I ride with. I heard about the new bikes, but I don't think they get exported to Africa! The littel Suzuki's are most popular, and probably what we'll get. The trail bike was bought from frineds going home, and was a rarity, we had no problem selling it! My neighbour works for Harley Davison, and is an ex-Angel. T just read out in the paper that there's a free charity parachute jump coming up - he knew I'd be interested - another ambition!!! Shall I?????????

You're kidding, right? You pray all the time anyway. Just add a soft landing to your list *grin* Then tell us about it!

No I'm not kidding! It's something i always wanted to do. the family are just calling my bluff. Maybe I'll surprise them.

Do it Maggie! My best friend's son just turned 18 and since he was 14 he's been saying he wanted a jump for the 18th. So, she got him one... and up until he came out of the plane we were certain he would chicken out as he's NOT a risk taker (read that spends his life happily ensconced on the sofa). Not only did the kid leap, he loved it. He said just don't look down as you come out of the plane. Oh yeah, his was a 'tandem' jump where they strap you to the jumpmaster, who is pretty much in control.

Maggie. GO FOR IT. Just, please, Don't land on Stonehenge!!!

Nah, Marlow - probably Higginson Park or the Thames knowing my luck! do i really have the nerve. I'm going to ring to find out more.

Are you going to yell "Geronimo" when you bail out? If so, why?

I think if I were to ever jump out of aperfectly good airplane, folks on the ground were hear "Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!" or "Oh god oh god oh god oh god" depending on my mood that day ;-) I think I want to jump... fortunately it is far too expensive for my wallet ($200 for the jump, $100 for a seven minute video). So I will wait for jumping until after I win a substantial LOTTO.

I hear that! I asked John about the Geronimo-yelling. He used to jump out of perfectly good airplanes with radio gear for the USN over 'Nam. Not for the faint-hearted...This guy is a rock!

Gena, do you know a Mark Paquette? If so email me...please!

Hubby is getting grey when I talk about it (and that may the main reason I don't do it ...), haven't rung up yet cos it's bank holiday here. I think he's afraid I'll go splat! I rather suspect, knowing me, that I'll just hold my breath until i've pulled the rip cord! (and be concentrating on counting madly!). Gina, I think the prices are about the same here, except for these charity jumps, where you have to raise funds for the charity by jumping.

Poor Tony! See, he does love you! Don't think I have ever caused anyone to turn grey for me. Hair, maybe...face, don't think so.

We had a serious talk about it yesterday. He said he felt he had to tell me about the jump because he had seen it in the paper and knew I hadn't, but he was scared for me to do it. Very sweet.

Maggie, do a tandem jump if they offer them... they'll strap you to the front of a jumpmaster (might be fun ;-) ) and he'll take care of the old ripcord. Hubby might be more comfy with that... unless of course the jumpmaster looks like jean claude van damm.

i think he's just leery of me doing anything dangerous. We've almost 'lost' each other several times already, so I guess he has cause! I shall investigate and check out what is involved. It may be that the amount needed to be collected for charity is beyond me.

I can only dream about a new motorcycle at the time, but I am torn between a large japanese cruiser. Honda is doing an awesome flame job on the new shadow sabres and the new Kawasaki Vulcans look very vintage, but there is still a part of me that is hooked on speed and adrenaline, therefore, I long for the performance that the RC51 has to offer.

What's your time frame for getting a new bike? What do you have now?