Just found out that Sportsters are out of the HD line up after a 63 year run!
2020 being the last production year. Figures.... damn you, 2020
2020 being the last production year. Figures.... damn you, 2020
Any Other Biker/Riders?
- Thread starter tschiraldi
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
Watch for Updates Twice a Week
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Here's my 2 rides:
On the left, the mighty roar of 10 cubic inches from the 2009 SYM HD 200.
When I don't want to go as fast, on the right is a 1999 Honda Valkyrie, a 1.5 liter flat 6 cylinder with 150k miles.
I've been with the Gypsy MC for about 20 years.
On the left, the mighty roar of 10 cubic inches from the 2009 SYM HD 200.
When I don't want to go as fast, on the right is a 1999 Honda Valkyrie, a 1.5 liter flat 6 cylinder with 150k miles.
I've been with the Gypsy MC for about 20 years.
Weather is getting better here in New Zealand.
Let's ride!
Last November, I sold my last bike, and have been a little depressed whenever I see a bike on the road now. I mostly commuted on mine, and working until 3am put me in prime wildlife active time.
In 1 year I hit, 1 skunk, 2 squirrels, 1 turtle, 1 rabbit and 1 raccoon on the bike. Realizing it was only a matter of time before I hit a deer, I decided to sell. Literally 5 days after selling the bike, a deer ran into the side of my Porsche.
So, this was my last bike, she is a 2009 Ducati Monster 1100, panels were replaced with Tekarbon carbon fibre, did a lot of other little bits and bobs as well as frame matched the rims, CNC Racing exposed clutch and Termi pipes. I really miss this beast.
In 1 year I hit, 1 skunk, 2 squirrels, 1 turtle, 1 rabbit and 1 raccoon on the bike. Realizing it was only a matter of time before I hit a deer, I decided to sell. Literally 5 days after selling the bike, a deer ran into the side of my Porsche.
So, this was my last bike, she is a 2009 Ducati Monster 1100, panels were replaced with Tekarbon carbon fibre, did a lot of other little bits and bobs as well as frame matched the rims, CNC Racing exposed clutch and Termi pipes. I really miss this beast.
I ride a 2009 Kawasaki EX500. I use it as transportation. It has 92K miles on it so far. I only put 88K on it myself, tho. I say with a resounding knock on wood: it's never let me down. I rode it from Florida up into the Rocky mountains over the summer.
Looking forward to the warmer weather here so I can take my bike for a ride, bought her 13 years ago and haven't had any issues with her at all...
My riding season will be coming to a close in the next month or two. So far this season I've logged about 11,000 miles and 9 states. Not bad for snowy Ohio.
Sold my most recent ride last year. With two knee surgeries and a shoulder surgery scheduled I knew I wouldn't be able to ride it much. I miss it!
Thread necromancy, but that Valkyrie is so good taste man!
I've always loved bikes, in particular big heavy cruisers, seeing the engine vibrate, smelling the engine, hearing the exhausts etc. Even disregarding I always loved the cruiser aesthetic, I am a big guy and conscious enough I have neither the physique or agility to even consider something like a Ducati 848 - which I find extremely beautiful nonetheless!
I am in the process of getting a license, have had a car license for 20 years, first stab at motorcycle lessons was 10 years ago, but I chickened out, now I feel I need to do it as I'm not getting any younger.
Target bike is the Honda Rebel 500 or Ducati Monster 620 for the first two years for which riding up to 35kW (roughly 45bhp) is mandatory in Switzerland, and then unleash the real idiot within and fork out for either of the below:
- Triumph Rocket 3
- Indian Scout
- BMW R18
- Honda Valkyrie
- Yamaha VMax
Thanks!
That's the OLD Valkyrie.
The first thing I did upon selling my house was to get my dream bike, the Valkyrie Interstate model, which has the fairing, trip trunk and stereo!
I found this 2000 model with just under 30k miles. For a large Honda, that's not even broken in yet.
Here's the "family photo".
Honestly, I've enjoyed everything on 2 wheels, from a 200cc scooter up to the Valkyrie. I think you'll get a lot of use and enjoyment out of something like that Ducati 620 Monster. A 650 class machine has a great power to weight ratio, especially from Ducati.
Only thing lacking is luggage. I can do a week's grocery shopping with the Valkyrie, add a 12 pack of beer (or 2) and still scrape the pegs on the way home.
I think the Rebel 500 is far more sensible according to my biker friends - but the heart says monster.
But yeah, the Valkyrie is an absolute beauty, and from what I read among the finest bikes ever made.
But yeah, the Valkyrie is an absolute beauty, and from what I read among the finest bikes ever made.
Last edited:
The Rebel should serve you well.
My bikes are Honda. My car is Honda. My lawn mower is Honda.
If they made a toaster, I would buy it.
The Ducati will cost more if repairs are ever needed. The Honda will likely need no repairs for many years, but will lack the "spirit" of the Duck.
Same situation with luggage, though.
Get one of each!
My bikes are Honda. My car is Honda. My lawn mower is Honda.
If they made a toaster, I would buy it.
The Ducati will cost more if repairs are ever needed. The Honda will likely need no repairs for many years, but will lack the "spirit" of the Duck.
Same situation with luggage, though.
Get one of each!
Yup. Been riding since I was 4. I’ve had this one for the last 7 or 8 years. 06 Electraglide. 
Beautiful. The front end upgrade is a nice addition. I've got a 86 FXR. It now has wide trees on the original 35mm tubes. I've got two later 39mm forks in different lengths to experiment with.
Nice! My Uncle has an all original 68 Electraglide. Still running strong. My Dad had a 60 Panhead. It would probably be mine now if he had kept it….
Maybe if I'd gotten on a machine when I was about 15 and imprinted on the balance and moves, but my only bikes were self propelled. In the Navy I rented a street modified dirt bike and putted up and down the highway along Long Beach, CA, but I got a little too intimate with the hood ornaments of passing Buicks and such. However, I've always admired bikes, the big road cruisers and the lean spared down machines. But four wheels for me. Thank you one and all for sharing these beasts; they are something to behold. Ride in good health.
Ducati Streetfighter 1098.
Dry clutch.
No traction control.
Termi pipes.
A front brake you can use with a finger or two, so much feeling.
It made sounds like nothing else.
A raw machine, like riding a Grizzly with the speed of a Cheetah.
One does not ride this bike, one makes love to the road with this bike.
I sold it, it is missed but no regrets.
Dry clutch.
No traction control.
Termi pipes.
A front brake you can use with a finger or two, so much feeling.
It made sounds like nothing else.
A raw machine, like riding a Grizzly with the speed of a Cheetah.
One does not ride this bike, one makes love to the road with this bike.
I sold it, it is missed but no regrets.
I rode an 80's era rebel 450 for 11 or so years before I finally sold it due to a growing family. Marvelous bike on the back roads ...I loved it and rode it everywhere. But from time to time I wished for a bit more weight and horsepower on the highway.... basically to get away from lunatics and not get blown around by trucks or high winds. I think about getting a bike again now with the kids out of college but can't find a mid weight cruiser that's not 'blacked out'. What happened to chrome v twins?
Don’t want to derail, this is not a bike forum after all. Have read a ton the last 6 months. There’s the notion of getting a 250 for a first bike, ride the hell out of it and then move up. Then again i have three good friends who all got bikes at 25 years old and they all say “get a 500, you’re an experienced driver, and not a kid, a 250 will be too small for you in a month”.
Rebel 500 it will likely be!
Rebel 500 it will likely be!