Bike for a man in his mid 50's.

[HobieF3]

My step-father is interested in getting another bike, he hasn't had one in 20+ years.

He's not necessarily into the cruiser type bikes, but I could see him ending up with a Honda Shadow.

I want him to look at something like an FZ1 or Z1000, but that still may be a bit too much sportbike to him.

He's in shape/exercises, is into technology (he's more knowledgeable about video games, tvs, and ipods than I am) and his favorite car is the NSX. He's not the typical beer guzzling, pick up driving, mid life crisis harley buyer.

What does the 2 wheel dfwstangs crowd reccomend?

[ram57ta]

Justin...when we gonna go riding?

[my dixie wrecked]

Well reading just the title i would say one with training wheels and GPS...........but whats the price range to start with?

[89stangGT]

My step-father is interested in getting another bike, he hasn't had one in 20+ years.

He's not necessarily into the cruiser type bikes, but I could see him ending up with a Honda Shadow.

I want him to look at something like an FZ1 or Z1000, but that still may be a bit too much sportbike to him.

He's in shape/exercises, is into technology (he's more knowledgeable about video games, tvs, and ipods than I am) and his favorite car is the NSX. He's not the typical beer guzzling, pick up driving, mid life crisis harley buyer.

What does the 2 wheel dfwstangs crowd reccomend?

B-King? :D That thing is huge though, which is why I don't look at it. Busa is nice and comfy as is the ZX-14. I've seen plenty 50+ guys on those. If FZ1 is too much sportbike, then I don't know what to list. How about some buells?

[ram57ta]

Have you considered a Honda 919 for a naked bike...or if he wants something a little more oriented to gadgets maybe an ST1100 or FJ?

[Whitebread]

You know ***cough**Bandit*** my suggestion! :p

[grove rat]

:D

http://www.vespaclassics.com/scooterssold/PiaggioVespa150Super051.JPG

[Vertnut]

:D

http://www.vespaclassics.com/scooterssold/PiaggioVespa150Super051.JPG
Um...fuck all that. ;)

I'm in my late 40's, and I really like the FJR 1300 (Yamaha), and I like the Conours (Kawasaki). Both are very comfortable and have enough "sport-bike" in them, to keep it fun...especially the FJR.

[grove rat]

i was just bullshittin

[Vertnut]

i was just bullshittin
I know... ;)

I may be getting old, but I'm not dead...yet! :p

[HobieF3]

Have you considered a Honda 919 for a naked bike...or if he wants something a little more oriented to gadgets maybe an ST1100 or FJ?

They're ST1300's now ;)

Have you seen my step-dad lately? He started working out about 5 years ago. He's lost something like 80lbs.

In the loft they had it was more his style. He had the modern sound system with the TV and had an old 2 channel set up for vinyl (vinyl was recorded in 2 channel and doesn't sound right on newer systems) with those speakers that used to be in the living room at the house. He spent something like $600 getting them repaired and upgraded.

The new place is more my mom's style and he put all the two channel stuff into the other bedroom, which is pretty good size.

[ram57ta]

Um...fuck all that. ;)

I'm in my late 40's, and I really like the FJR 1300 (Yamaha), and I like the Conours (Kawasaki). Both are very comfortable and have enough "sport-bike" in them, to keep it fun...especially the FJR.

My uncle has a Concourse with a stereo system, radar detector, fog lights, and every other gadget you can think of....nothing can change the fact however that the bikes design is 20 years old...and the suspension feels like it too. The FJR1300 is simply a badass bike...modern, fast, quick, comfortable. Between the FJR and the new ST1300...I would take the FJR hands down...it simply eats the ST1300 in every category.

[evil jose]

Um...fuck all that. ;)

I'm in my late 40's, and I really like the FJR 1300 (Yamaha), and I like the Conours (Kawasaki). Both are very comfortable and have enough "sport-bike" in them, to keep it fun...especially the FJR.

I remember running into a guy at a gas station on one of our cruises that had an FJR. First time I'd seen one up close and personal, I'd pimp one if I was looking for a sports cruiser.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/08FJR1300A_blk_2_3d1f85b1.jpg

[89stangGT]

My uncle has a Concourse with a stereo system, radar detector, fog lights, and every other gadget you can think of....nothing can change the fact however that the bikes design is 20 years old...and the suspension feels like it too. The FJR1300 is simply a badass bike...modern, fast, quick, comfortable. Between the FJR and the new ST1300...I would take the FJR hands down...it simply eats the ST1300 in every category.


have you not even seen the '08 Concourse? Has a 1400cc motor that puts about 156 to the rear tire, and has so far outdone the FJR and Honda ST in every editorial comparison. ;) It's also cheaper than all those, and is actually more of a supersport tourer than a sport tourer.

http://photos.motorcycle-usa.com/08_concourse14_main.jpg

[ram57ta]

I was referring to the old 1000 :rolleyes: The new one looks a lot like the old ZZR1200. Is it injected now?

[Vertnut]

I was referring to the old 1000 :rolleyes: The new one looks a lot like the old ZZR1200. Is it injected now?
I'm talking about the new bikes. I agree, though, on the older Connie's.

[Vertnut]

I remember running into a guy at a gas station on one of our cruises that had an FJR. First time I'd seen one up close and personal, I'd pimp one if I was looking for a sports cruiser.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/assets/content/images/600/08FJR1300A_blk_2_3d1f85b1.jpg
Pop off those "saddle bags", and slide down to Austin in about an hour-and-a- half! ;)

[Big Pencil]

I'm close to his age. I like the "naked" or standard styles, and ride a Kawi ZRX1100. Very comfortable and versatile with plenty of power. I ride it to work every day I can, as its mileage beats the hell out of the SS. It's ergo's and seating position are perfect for in-town riding.

Other bikes he might want to consider are the awesome Honda VFR 800 Sport Touring V4 (bike of the year forever), the NEW Bandit (superior to the old oil burner design), the KTM Super Duke twin (crazy cool) and as other have mentioned the big transcontinental super sport tourers like the new ZX14 based Concours and the FJR1300. These things will gobble up big miles like crazy, but are a bit too ponderous for my taste in town - to each his own.

Good luck with the search. There are a lot of cool bikes to choose from these days.

[Vertnut]

I'm close to his age. I like the "naked" or standard styles, and ride a Kawi ZRX1100. Very comfortable and versatile with plenty of power. I ride it to work every day I can, as its mileage beats the hell out of the SS. It's ergo's and seating position are perfect for in-town riding.

Other bikes he might want to consider are the awesome Honda VFR 800 Sport Touring V4 (bike of the year forever), the NEW Bandit (superior to the old oil burner design), the KTM Super Duke twin (crazy cool) and as other have mentioned the big transcontinental super sport tourers like the new ZX14 based Concours and the FJR1300. These things will gobble up big miles like crazy, but are a bit too ponderous for my taste in town - to each his own.

Good luck with the search. There are a lot of cool bikes to choose from these days.
Your ZRX1100 is a great bike... ;)

[SSMAN]

I would not think a mid 50's guy would want a crotch rocket. I am in my mid forties and would prefer a V Star or some thing of that nature. Actually a Harley, but those are to pricey for my budget.

[89stangGT]

I would not think a mid 50's guy would want a crotch rocket. I am in my mid forties and would prefer a V Star or some thing of that nature. Actually a Harley, but those are to pricey for my budget.

so get a Warrior or M109R.

[89stangGT]

Your ZRX1100 is a great bike... ;)

and the latter was the ZRX1200.

[Vertnut]

and the latter was the ZRX1200.
Which is also a great bike...especially in the Eddie Lawson green. ;)

[SSMAN]

so get a Warrior or M109R.


Have you seen the size of the fart pipe on the Warriors? :eek:

[89stangGT]

Have you seen the size of the fart pipe on the Warriors? :eek:


so? have you not seen the replacements?

also, watch this entire vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDS4FfzXRzE


shows you what this bike can really do. :cool: can't do that shit on just any cruiser.

[HobieF3]

Have you seen the size of the fart pipe on the Warriors? :eek:

and I thought I was the only one who left the stock exhaust on a bike ;)

[HobieF3]

I would not think a mid 50's guy would want a crotch rocket. I am in my mid forties and would prefer a V Star or some thing of that nature. Actually a Harley, but those are to pricey for my budget.

I know someone that's probably older than you that rides a GSXR 1K and is FAST. ;)

My step father doesn't want a super sport, he's sat on my bikes, but he SAYS he doesn't want a classic cruiser. However, he's seen how cheap some of the used Shadows sell for and has mentioned something about getting one of those to get used to riding again and getting something else when he really decides what he wants. I can honestly see him sticking with a Shadow for a couple years if he does indeed buy one.

[ram57ta]

I'm not a big fan of V-twins but thats just me. Magna maybe...or something similar?

[evil jose]

There is a pretty good comparison article in the current Sport Rider magazine on the BMW K1200GT, Kawi Concours 14, and the Yamaha FJR1300A. Good read. The Kawi won by a narrow margin with runner up going to the FJR.

[SSMAN]

so? have you not seen the replacements?

also, watch this entire vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDS4FfzXRzE


shows you what this bike can really do. :cool: can't do that shit on just any cruiser.


I was just poking fun. :D That is what the pipe reminded me of.

[SSMAN]

I know someone that's probably older than you that rides a GSXR 1K and is FAST. ;)

My step father doesn't want a super sport, he's sat on my bikes, but he SAYS he doesn't want a classic cruiser. However, he's seen how cheap some of the used Shadows sell for and has mentioned something about getting one of those to get used to riding again and getting something else when he really decides what he wants. I can honestly see him sticking with a Shadow for a couple years if he does indeed buy one.


I hear ya. I just know I would get stupid on it sooner or later. Older you get the slower your reflexes get. I'm just skurred. :( I saw a 2003 Honda shadow 1100 with 10k miles go for $5400.00 today on ebay. I thought that was fucking high. But I don't know the market that well. Shit, I could get an 07 Yamaha V Star 1300 brand spanking new for $8299.00. ( I don't have that kind of cash laying around) I am amazed what the resale value of bikes are right now.

[lwk2]

I'm 54 and like to ride sport bikes :D:D:D

Also had a long time off the bikes to raise kids (18 year lay off)

Tried a cruiser (Vulcan) & that was not much fun
Moved to a Superhawk - VTR1000F.....was more fun !
Then the track bike, 600RR street bike, & now the 1000RR street bike

Hopelessly hooked on riding the track now.....could be worse....could be spending all my time & money in the bars! But no....both go to the track & tires now :D:D:D



old bike
http://www.geocities.com/lwk2@swbell.net/Pictures/06_600RR_pic_7-29/S5000914.JPG.jpg

new bike
http://www.geocities.com/lwk2@swbell.net/Pictures/CBR1000RR/1000RR1.jpg

track bike
http://www.geocities.com/lwk2@swbell.net/Pictures/N737BK/N737BK4.jpg

[lwk2]

maybe he should rent a few different types of motorcycles & see what he likes

http://www.sportryderrentals.com/

http://www.rental-motorcycle.com/namerica/usa/texas/texas_rental.html

and of course there are the Harley rental places

Whatever he feels comfortable on will be a good starter bike

He can change later as his skills improve and/or his interests change

He should do the MSF course, the advanced MFS course & the even more advanced track day school beginners class to become a more skilled rider.

[lwk2]

:D

http://www.vespaclassics.com/scooterssold/PiaggioVespa150Super051.JPG


hey.... give me one & I'll ride it ! :D:D:D

That SOB is as old as I am ! :eek:

[RedPony07]

BMW R1100RT
BMW R1150RT

or if he really has the cash

BMW R1200RT

Nice bikes I have owned two the first one I bought had 72k on the clock and you couldn't tell. Buddy took a spill on that one. 2nd one was a 1150 love the bike great engines broke me of ever owning a Harley again.

[Whitebread]

He should do the MSF course, the advanced MFS course & the even more advanced track day school beginners class to become a more skilled rider.

What do they cover in the advanced class? I know my skillset, but I'm open to exposing any bad habits I have...

[HobieF3]

lwk2, you're doing it how I dream of doing it. I've got an 05 600RR that I'm riding on the street. I bought a wrecked 07 1Krr last summer with a little over 100 miles on it, but it's not completely sorted out yet :( I want to street ride the 1K and make my 600 a track only bike. I've even got a stack of tires, spare hand/foot controls&wheels, but I'm out of money :o

[lwk2]

lwk2, you're doing it how I dream of doing it. I've got an 05 600RR that I'm riding on the street. I bought a wrecked 07 1Krr last summer with a little over 100 miles on it, but it's not completely sorted out yet :( I want to street ride the 1K and make my 600 a track only bike. I've even got a stack of tires, spare hand/foot controls&wheels, but I'm out of money :o

Keep working towards your goal !

It's taken over 3 years to get to this point for me.

You've got a good plan just be patient & you'll get there !

[bullfrog]

I am soon to be 53 and just sold my Vulcan Classic and bought an 05 Sabre. I prefer a cruiser though. $5400 for an 03 shadow does seem a bit high but it depends on the accesories and the condition. You can spend another 2K real quick on new bike accesories especially at dealer prices. I wouldn't be surprised to see used bike prices continue to escalate especially if gas continues its reach for the sky prices. Has he considered a V-max? I almost bought one but ride for pleasure and not for speed anymore.