I've been riding for 50 years. Started on my dad's Honda Trail 90. I've been fortunate to own quite a few. I'm on #14 now and still have #'s 11, 12, and 13. Three are adventure bikes and one dual sport. They are named Ridgie, Rallie, Roadie and Racie. Suzuki drz400, Honda 500x, BMW F850gsa, Aprilia Tuareg (respectively). I prefer to ride alone or with my son. I'd like to own #15 someday. That new BMW F450GS looks sweet. And so does the Royal Enfield Flying Flea. Previous bikes were Harley, Honda, and Yamaha brands (cruisers, street, sport touring). Love Yamaha quality. Guess you could say I pick the bikes I fall in love with. Don't matter who made it. If it fits my riding preference and my tastes, I'm in. I like a lot of bikes, but I have to love it before I'll fork out the cash. Like everyone else, my garage space is limited. I suppose the obvious solution to that problem is that I need to build another garage!
Gen 2 KTM SuperDuke here. This bike is the result of what happens when some crazy (drunk?) Austrians on the R&D team decide to-in secret-take the KTM RC8 V-twin race bike engine, punch it out an extra 100cc’s to 1,301cc’s, and stick it into the Super Adventure frame, and give it some longer-than-your-average-naked-bike suspension. It’s a factory streetfighter with some supermoto DNA. Short wheelbase with tallish suspension, the engine(!), the chassis, makes this a pure hooligan bike, but it can also cruise all day. I love everything about it.
I like your videos because of your dialog. I am a motorcycle enthusiast. I've been riding since I was 15 years old, and I have riden many different styles and brands. Harley, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, and even a Vespa! I had almost forgotten about the Vespa until you brought it up in your story. Anyway, I find your videos refreshing because you are open-minded to all types of riding. It's so funny to see who will give you the motorcycle wave on the road when riding, and who will not based on what they ride vs. what I'm riding. When I owned a Harley, almost 99% of the Harley riders would give a wave. Now that I am on a sportbike, almost none of the Harley Davidson riders will wave. Lol, I'm the same guy, but somehow, I'm not their type! No worries. I'm a young 61 years old who keeps in shape and wanted my maybe last bike to be a fun, great handling bike to enjoy in the mountains of North Carolina. In April of 2022, I purchased a new 2022 Suzuki GSXR 750Z. It's been completely modified for performance and weight reduction to be still streetable, but also for the track. My goal is to do track days at Road Atlanta. Hopefully, this will be next summer, 2025. I was at the Motoamerica 2024 Road Atlanta race this year, and it was amazing! Anyway, I find you videos refreshing and entertaining. Keep up the great work! I'm looking forward to more from a wonderful woman who obviously loves to ride and explore the open roads! Be safe and have fun, because that's what the experience is all about!
My pattern with transportation is: a) start off simple with something appropriate for beginners, b) go through the bigger, faster equals more fun stage, c) realize that stage b only drained my bank account while actually reducing the enjoyment, d) go back to stage a). I went through that with aviation - huge financial mistake - and am in the midst of stage c) right now with motorcycles. Right now I have an Africa Twin, Piaggio BV400 and a Honda Super Cub. Of the 3, the AT is the only one I have buyer's remorse about, tho not yet compelling enough to actually sell it. But I think a lot of folks go through a similar pattern: in the beginning, we're totally "wow'ed" by the experience of just being on two wheels, we start thinking that something bigger and faster will increase the fun, we get something bigger and faster and realize that it actually _reduces_ the fun and only increases the cost, and finally we downsize again to the smaller, cheaper, funner thing kind of like what we started with. The trick is to try to short circuit that and just stick with the small, inexpensive, fun machine to begin with, and learn to accept the compromises. This is a riddle of life!
I started 51 years ago at age 16 on a Honda 175. I went to a Honda 550 and 750 before I bought my first car. I stayed with Honda with another couple of 750’s a GL1000, a 1300 Stateline, and a Gold Wing. Had to sell the Gold Wing during a divorce over a decade ago. I didn’t ride with groups until I bought the Gold Wing. I joined several organizations and enjoyed the experiences of each. In the last year, I decided to see what Harley Davidson was offering and I left the dealership with a 2023 Electra Glide Ultra Limited 120th Anniversary Edition. The HD buying experience was like nothing I’ve ever had before. It was like I joined a new family. As a former Honda owner, I never thought I’d be accepted by Harley riders. I was totally blown away by how welcoming they are. Since then, I’ve purchased two more Harley’s for a total of three in my garage. One is a 2006 Road King and a 2016 Softail Deluxe. I love touring long distances and I love riding locally, as well. I enjoy talking to and riding with anyone on two wheels (or three) and a motor. I’m still looking forward to joining a group or two here in North Texas. In the meanwhile, I ride solo and love it! Stay safe!
I respect anyone who is daring enough to get on a road that is not enclosed in a compartment (car, truck, van). Whether it’s a scooter, trike, cruiser, sport, or ADV you are riding, you take a greater risk for danger than anyone in a car, truck, van. I ride a Honda NC750x DCT. I love the automatic transmission, it’s got plenty of power, great for touring and being in the elements. I also have bulging discs in my lower back and can ride much longer on an upright bike. Cruisers, and sport bikes are great but kill my back after a while. Rode dirt bike tracks in sand for years (highly recommended everyone ride a dirt track for a while. It will make you a better road rider). I will ride any bike but at this stage in my life I ride for the pleasure of being in the elements, seeing beautiful scenery and enjoying the riding the twities! Doesn’t matter what we ride. It is all about getting back home alive and in one piece!
L5 GSXR 750. It brings me joy. Being married for more than 10 years and not driving Trucks anymore, I needed some excitement. My 750 has that in spades.
I started riding in the early 70’s. I’ve had all kinds of makes from Kawasaki to Harley. I have downsized to a Triumph Tiger. I don’t miss my Harley and that crowd at all. Being somewhat anti social, I now ride my own ride, mostly alone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way
I have to add my motorcycle story to your Vespa story. I am at the top of an alpine pass in Switzerland a couple of years ago. I’m in a parking area getting ready to head down the other side of the pass. As I’m leaning the bike while pulling out, a van comes out from the other side. As I stop awkwardly I end up dropping the big GS I was riding. Suddenly I find my self surrounded by a pack of some of the biggest, toughest looking guys I have ever seen. Leather, helmets modeled after German WWII helmets, big mustaches and beards. They are all riding vintage Vespas! The biggest guy comes up and in a heavy German accent say ‘need some help?’. I answered yes please! They picked up my bike, made sure everything was Ok, and helped me on my way. So much for stereotypes.
I took my dear sweet time in picking out my only bike, and this one fits me perfectly in terms of size, torque, agility, all of that. As a mountain biker I kinda knew what would and wouldn't work for me and agility was important. This bike is a 2022 Triumph Trident 660. Bought it on marketplace off a guy in the Air Force. Between his job and his wife's job, and three small children, simply wasn't getting to ride the bike. He wanted to get into the hands of someone who would ride it and enjoy it. At three years old this bike has less than 2000 miles on it. It's magical. All bikes are. Two wheels are better than four any day of the week...I say this a Jeep owner.
I've owned and ridden almost everything from scooters to sport bikes. My 2nd first bike was (and still is) a Honda Helix scooter. She's currently joined by 14 other motorcycles and scooters housed in 2 garages. Motorcycles are like potato chips; you can't have just one.
2 KLR 650s. 1 KLR is for street only. It is way to clean to be dropping in the mud and has never hit the ground. 1 is for street and off road. Everything from dirt roads to single track. My ADV gets a lot of off roading. If I see a dirt road or a trail I go exploring. Jumping logs on a 450 lb. beast got a bit sketchy so I got myself a KLX 250. I had to regear it to make it a great woods bike. My dirt bike friends have Yamaha WR 250 and 450. I also have a 1971 Honda CT 70 just because. I began riding in the early 70s, past bikes include 72 100cc Kaw G4 , several Suzuki TS 185s, 72 Honda CL 450, 76 Husky 250, 74 Yamaha RD 350, 68 180cc YCS 1, 72 Honda SL 125, a CL 125 and many Honda CT 70 { my favorite restoration projects }. We also had many 3 wheelers but that is a different beast altogether. If you like vintage be sure to come to the Barber's Vintage Festival in Oct.
@@AnnickMagac I knew that I had forgotten a few. I also had a 73 Honda CB 400F and a CB 550F. The 400 was one of my favorite intown bikes. Looking up Ep 7 now. Thanks.
The dream garage has a lift (18" is enough), air compressor, and has room for an old couch you can fall asleep on, a beverage frig with a little freezer for bearings, direct access to a bathroom and sink, a coffee table, a PC with internet and monitor. A/C and heating are a plus.
I ride a 1972 Harley Davidson Sprint 350 SS. For those who don't know Harley purchased a motorcycle manufacturer called Aermacchi. They made a 250CC horizontal single and eventually a 350cc version and a bunch of 2 strokes. I used to race and ride the 350cc Sprints when I was in high school. So I have gotten off of my RF900R and racing TL1000 and am now trying to sell my DR350 dirt bike. I will just keep my Sprint around.
I started riding in 1988 with a Suzuki GS450 standard bike, a few years later had a Kawasaki GPz750. I took several years off from riding for budget reasons and a family. Started riding again 2 years ago . A limited budget and not wanting to borrow money I bought a 2003 BMW F650CS. My goal when looking for my bike two years ago was , get bike with fuel injection, ABS, and no chain to maintain. That is how I ended up with what I have. I enjoy backroads and travel at 50mph.
I'm 64 years old and I've been riding since I was 5 years old. I've ridden every type of motorcycle throughout my life, and many different brands. In 2014 I was severely injured in a dump truck accident and that left me with a traumatic brain injury, and I had to totally stop riding for 10 years, but I really wanted to ride again, and after a lot of good medical care and hard work I was finally given the green light to ride again. Which meant I had to purchase a motorcycle again and after doing a lot of research I decided to go take a test ride on the new Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S in November 2023 and I fell in love with it and bought it. I'm limited to day rides and I usually ride it on some great Virginia roads that take me to the Blue Ridge Parkway. With its Ohlins suspension it provides an excellent ride! It's been the most therapeutic thing that I've been able to do for myself! This is my first Moto Guzzi and I've met some very nice folks through the local Guzzi owners club. I truly don't judge a person because of the bike they ride. I appreciate all bikes and if the owners are polite then I am too.
@@AnnickMagac Thank you for the kind words. I did enjoy Ep. 07, and I hope that you'll get an opportunity to ride a Moto Guzzi V100S on some twisty roads because I'd love to hear your impression and feedback of the best bike I've ever ridden.
I ride a Harley 883 Iron 2017 evolution engine. I got it new and rode with my wife at the time, I generally ride alone these days. I struggled with what to replace it with as I wish to return to a more scrambler style Royal Enfield 650 Bear. I just basically ride back roads to country town and go for bushwhacking and hiking. I don’t live is the US and dual sport and ADV Bikes are really popular. The roads outside the CBD are rubbish. I only have one bike, and a car, I used to just have a bike and wife had the car. For me it’s therapeutic and a chance to get away from everything. I don’t care about brands or groups I mainly ride because I like to travel and journal about the places I go.
I’m sensing you’re from Australia? If so, I get so happy that these videos are in your feed. As a fellow journaler, I love that that is part of your riding experience.
@ from Australia, we used to ride a lot, back in the day. As a Widower my routines changed a lot in some ways, different job opportunities and profession changes as well.
Presently, I'm in the Northeast, less than 350 miles from Canada. In the 70's, it was a Honda 250. In the 80's and 90's it was in Germany on a Kawasaki Z1000 that I rode up hiking trails loaded with rock climbing and camping gear for the group that were walking up to climb and party for the weekend. This usually included a case of bottled bier. And I'd ride it on roads into nearly every European country, France, Austria, and Italy being favorites. 2000 and a friend that raced motorcycles wanted my Z1000 to rebuild for Hockenheim Ring, so I got a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter. 2018 and my "kids" got their motorcycle endorsements, so I expanded to a 1978 Suzuki GS750 (the grandmother) and a 2018 Suzuki GSX-S750, and 2018 V-Strom 1000XT (The grand kids). The '78 is morphing into a scrambler, the V-Strom I have been treating as a Unicorn, trying to make it dual sport while also riding it on trips to places like Minnesota, and the GSX-S750 is happy to remain stock after having had my younger son throw it into a Jersey Barrier at 90mph on I90 in Toledo in June 2019. Both ride to this day, though I had to replace about $500 in parts on the bike (we call it the SUKI because the Z and U above the headlight were ground off on the barrier.) I ride freeways to get to dirt roads on the V-Strom. The youngest wants a V-Strom 800DE for playing, and I want a busted-up project DR650. I'm NOT a dedicated Suzuki person; they just lately have offered what I liked. I would not hesitate to make the project bike a XR650. Both of those single thumpers I consider more of the rip around locally and throw in the van/pickup for any real travel distance. Need to finish off the suspension on the '78 before I start another project. Need to get the MABDR and the NEBDR done again, at some point. This time recording it. And maybe not solo. Last time I had to avoid the fun bits, being alone and no Inreach.
I am 72 and sold my Goldwing and bought a 1200 GS . So I am getting used to it . Before the Goldwings , it was Harley . Before that Yamaha 850 . I am loving country roads and exploring .
It hasn't been long since I found your channel and I'm loving it. My first thought was you being a young pretty gal we have nothing in common but I watched that first episode that I found and enjoyed it. OK, age has nothing to do with what we have in common or don't doesn't apply to the motorcycle world. I'm 70 and have been riding 50+ years and I continue to learn. I intend to ride for many more years. Years ago my goal was to retire with a garage full of motorcycles and a house full of cats. I have the garage full of motorcycles but only one cat and when he's gone, no more fur family for me. My 20 year old cat restricts my travels but I will give him the best life possible for the time he has left. When you talked about the mini bikes I could relate. Ohhhhh the giggle factor with those bikes is amazing. A few years back I bought a Honda Monkey to leave at my friends house in TX so I would have a kick around bike when I went to visit in the winter. My first ride was a two day 300 mile ride. I had so much fun I returned a few months later with my van to bring it home. I tour/motocamp with everything I own and the Monkey is no exception. A tool for every job is needed. When I get a motorcycle I enjoy I keep it until it is worn out and definitely get my money's worth. Each day my favorite riding is different. And if I could only have one bike I don't know what it would be. Probably an ADV bike but I just sold my ADV bike, a BMW F650GS. I'm extra short so finding bikes that fit isn't easy and I now regret selling that bike but I still have two dual sports, a dedicated dirt bike, a street bike, and that bike that makes me giggle. I even have a non-running vintage bike. When you get to my age, I suspect you will have a bigger garage and have it stuffed full of bikes. Keep up the good work and I will continue to follow your channel. Everything you said is just how it is in the motorcycle world. (Sorry about this being so long but I'm babbly)
LOL, four to maintain right now is enough. With the kid's friends all bringing their bikes over for wrenching, things get pretty congested, though the kid is getting really good at top end, carb, brake rebuilds and tire changes. They use the internet now more than they use the old man. Probably because I'm always telling them I had no garage, I worked in the barracks parking lot, if you wanted information you had to go to the library or get a German mechanic drunk, and all my tools fit in one toolbox.
I appreciate the kind words. Age... is just a point of reference. You're right, I aspire to have a garage full of bikes. Those mini bikes are the most bang for your buck!
Rode my first bike back in 74 a Honda ct70. A friends bike. I popped a wheelie and broke the tail light. His Dad wasn't happy. Worked at a dealership in the 80's as a assembly guy. So I test rode every bike that came in in crates. The biggest sellers at the time were GSXR,GPZ,Hurricanes, dirt bikes. Me personally I like standards and dual sports. Don't care for cruisers. Currently own a 18 VStrom 1000xt. A great bike.
Went to my first superbike race back in 07 and have owned sport bikes ever since and currently have an 18 cbr1000rr. I discovered Trans America Trail videos in 2018 and knew that looked like the most possible fun I could ever have and went and bought a crf250l and decked it out with all the awesome adv stuff to build a light adv bike and finally got to ride some of it this year. Also have a 750 shadow and a blue 21 monkey. Doesn't really matter which one I ride as long as I'm riding I'm happy. My wife and all four of our now adult children ride so we always have a riding buddy!! My wife has a 400 ninja and an xr150l. Riding gravel roads by the river with my sweetheart is the best!! Great content!!
I agree with ride what you have. I am 73 and have two motorcycles that I own and have owned 7 different bike over all. I started riding when I was 20 on a Honda 175 SL. I did two long distance trips from Missoula MT on that 175. One to Glacier National Park and one to Just outside of Bozeman MT. I owned a 175 Bultaco and a 250 Ossa. Getting married and having children I sold the 250 and did not own another bike until after my wife died in 2011. I bought a CRF230L in 2012 and still have that one in my garage. Then I bought a Honda nc700x and just sold that this year because it was just to heavy for me to pick up when off road. The other bikes I bought after that was a 2008 DRZ 400 S and gave that to my son because I wanted something a little lower and bought a Honda CRF300L and lowered it just last year. I probably spend 1/4 of my time on the dirt and the other on the highways in the PNW. I now live in Chelan WA and Have ridden to the Grand Canyon and to the Giant Loop ride in Oregon and the Tourtec Rally in Plain WA and camped in a tent on all of those trips. So that's my back ground in ridding. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.
First time seeing your content. From the perspective of a lifelong motorcyclist, the content is authentic and will connect with other motorcyclists! On the other hand, the video appears as artificial as the content appears real. Not hacking on the vid, just an observation.
I grew up with a Yamaha mini dirt motorcycle that I shared with my siblings when I was 13. Before that I rode on the back of my uncle’s Honda mini dirt motorcycle at 3 years old. I’ve always been attracted to sport bikes and cafe racer. I always wanted to ride on road race tracks. This was before track day events, other than “schools” like California Superbike. My first street motorcycle was a Suzuki GS-450S. I wound up selling it to a salvage yard because it stopped generating electricity to keep the battery charged and I charged everything out and it still wouldn’t put out electricity. My current stable includes two CBR250R’s one strictly for track, a Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, and a Kawasaki ZX4RR. I’ll ride with anyone, I wavy to anyone. I definitely try to break the clicks. The only motorcycle rider I won’t hang with is the real outlaw/criminals, they definitely exist and I just don’t need that drama. I spend most of my riding by myself. Keep the rubber side down.
I've been riding for more than 50 years. In my early days it was Yamahas & Hondas. I also did Observed trials in the 70s & 80s mostly on Montesas. I'm now retired and going around the country in a Tow Hauler with 2 bikes a 1985 R80GSPD & a 2022 BMW R1250GS. I mostly ride alone since I'm constantly moving but do ride with others while attending a rally. I mostly ride on winding back country roads and put a.lot of miles per year on my bikes. My 2022 bike has over 207,000 miles with virtually no issues.
Just ran into your content… nice! I’m 71 and to this day a full time motorcyclist ( the car’s for groceries or for extreme bad weather ). In ‘74 a friend showed me how to ride on an old “ ring-ding “ and I was done! Over the years I’ve grown fond of Sport Touring bikes because they are capable road bikes, comfortable and with Sport bike handling and great brakes; versatile machines for urban combat or the open road. My present mount is the ST1300 for daily use and my other mount Is the RC51 to enjoy the mountain Roads.
I started with my friends we all had bikes my first was a Honda cb650 custom. Loved it. All my friends stopped riding but I continue d . I got my Harley in 2012 and met a veterans group that is non profit organization and love riding with them. We're not brand particular what ever you want to ride.
Love you videos, I currently ride a Yamaha FJR 1300 sport touring bike and absolutely love it. I have been riding off and on for almost 50 years now and have owned multiple bikes in that time. For me riding is my therapy and centers me. Interesting enough I have owned Euro bikes, Japanese bikes and currently looking at maybe picking up an Indian. My previous bike was an adv bike (BMW GS), so I guess that makes me bike agnostic.
Currently on an Indian Chieftain. But I'm thinking about getting another dual sport for some trail rides. I miss the off-road riding I used to do in my younger years. lol
65yo main ride 2006 Buell XB12Ss 2 4wheelers a utv and a fast little pit bike, your on to something with the on road off road bike, thanks for your great content.
@@AnnickMagac I need something around 40-50 hp and under 400lbs with a low 1st gear for off road, the buell just does not like to go slow, looking at the honda rebel 300, I have to go ride one first, I think it would be good for a 100 mile day trip and a night of camp. we got snow today so its time to just look. love your channel👍
@@samdunston6296 Might I recommend that you also look at Yamaha XT250, Honda CFR300LS, Honda Rebel 500 or Honda SCL500. They all would fit that scenario. The Rebel 300 is great! A little buzzy for a longer ride.
Started riding at 5, Honda Z-50 then XR75. Have had all different types and brands over the years. 57 now, ride a Harley Davidson Fat Boy and a Honda Hornet 919. Wow that’s crazy used to go to Marcus Dairy, Danbury Connecticut. They called it Super Sunday one Sunday a month during summer months. I went to SUNY Albany we used to ride over, this was in the early 90’s.
@ yes especially since I’m from Missouri, moved back after graduating. But I did love Upstate Ny and the New England area. There was always something to do every weekend in the summer. Americade Lake George, Harley Rendezvous, Laconia, Saratoga Horse racing and SPAC. But the summers where to short. It’s almost December here and my bike hasn’t sat for more than a couple days. Sadly that’s about to end.
I ride a 23 SP Honda Grom … I can relate to your story about Larry, there’s a Motorcycle café in Hamilton Ontario, where I live and sometimes in between rides, I go there for a coffee to relax for 10 minutes and it’s always the same story, half the people there love my bike and can’t stop asking me questions and I can just sense the other half almost feel threatened by my little bike(I wonder what that says about them and what they may be compromising for👌🏼 lo) but the point is I couldn’t care less. I’ve always been a fit person because of martial arts , assured of myself in a quiet way …and it just makes me chuckle. Thanks for the story.
I currently have a Versys 300x, a Sportster 1200, and a VFR1200X. I haven’t ridden the sportster yet. Bought it not running, and it is in the shop making it run. The 300 is the bike that gets picked for most rides. Lighter and lower. If I didn’t live 75 miles from a freeway, I would probably ride the big one more. Back in 85, and brand new to the Air Force, I bought a CT110 to ride with my brother on his moped. That lasted about a month because we were in Northern California. Needed something faster. Got a Suzuki 370 enduro because I grew up riding small enduros. It was a pain to kick start when hot, so I went down to pick up a new Rebel 450 which was fairly new to the market. Saw a beautiful CB750K which was fresh out of the box, but 3 years carryover. A few hundred bucks cheaper, and definitely better suited to I80 traffic. Took it home and put over 17k on it the first year. Best bike ever.
@@AnnickMagacI didn’t know how much fun it could be cruising the California freeways until I got that. We had a KZ400 when I was old enough to ride, but I couldn’t get into going more than 10 miles. Then I got the CB750 and put a huge windshield in it. It was magic.
I’ve had many motorcycles. Started on a Suzuki RM80, then Yz100, Ninja 600, Triumph Street Twin, Triumph Speedmaster and now KTM 390 Adv. A couple issues I have with the KTM and Adv’s in general is their height and weight. They’re very tall, which I wasn’t expecting to be an issue for me given my experience on MX bikes. However, for everyday riding on the street, I find I need to be extra conscious of having to get the one foot down quickly when I need to stop quickly. Also, off road the weight becomes an issue. My RM and YZ were light enough to just pick up and ride on. My KTM? Not so much. I can pick it up on a level surface by myself, but in the woods is a different story and usually takes two to pick up. Beautiful bike but I think the thought of reliving my youth in the woods on a motorcycle is better than the reality. Now, I’m considering another Triumph. I Enjoy your content. Keep up the good work 😊
I am 57 YO and riding a 2024 Yamaha XSR 900 currently. I have owned Kawasakis, Honda's, and Harley's. I liked each one for different reasons. I like to ride hard and fast, so I ditched the Harley's. I would still like to put a Harley Dyna in my stable, though. My 81 Kawasaki GPz 550 was one of my favorites. But this Yamaha XSR 900 is off the chain fast and so much fun to ride. Peace to my fellow riders, I don't care what you ride, just that you are a fellow rider.
I've been riding since 1976 and even before that as a passenger on my dad's bike. We've always had a motorcycle at our house. I've rode 8 different brands of motorcycle off road and mostly on. Lately I had been riding a Kawasaki ZRX1200R for the past 17 years and most recently switched to a 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and I really love it. It's VERY comfortable and extremely reliable as are many Japanese bikes. I live in southwest Louisiana so an unexpected benefit of a smaller displacement engine is very little heat coming off the engine during our very long hot summers. I am now looking for someone to ride with because my friend I've road with since high school has given up riding due to arthritis in his hands. I'll be 65 in December so I probably only have 20 more years of riding in my future 😃
I have the 2018 V-Strom 1000 and I'd give my front teeth for two inches more ground clearance and two more inches of suspension travel. If the log is more than 12 inches, there is a better than 50% chance I'll be picking it up and dragging it over the log. I'm up here in the Northeast, less than 350 miles from Canada.
The ADV way of Day Trip Riding, you all gas up then meet up at (insert coffee place next to a gas station here) just after opening time. Earlier, the better. No one wants to be the twenty miles out and you need gas or to pee person. That coffee shop, you drink your wake-me-up, eat your early morning energy thing, and decide where you are going to ride, or you ride the predetermined, after folks have gotten together. Then you ride. A bunch of dual sports, you make this a Sunday morning routine and whoever shows, shows. Just come back for a last coffee to the same place, all muddy or dusty, at the end of the ride. So they know you aren't just riding for coffee in the AM. Moto camping, winter is the perfect time of year, for beginners. Pack everything you think you will need on your motorcycle in the garage. Now, haul it all into your living room, den, what have you. Set up your camp. Put up your tent in the living room. Use your cooking gear on the porch or if it's safe, in the kitchen. Use that camping chair. Pay attention to how long it took to set up, what you didn't need. What you forgot (do you really want to blow up that air mattress by mouth? If you have a pump, how does it get charged? How can you recharge it while riding the next day?) In the night, if you need the bathroom, bring your shovel and toilet kit in there with you. Use that mat, use that sleeping bag. Only use the lights you bring with. Do they last long enough? How are you getting woke up? Are you gonna piss of others with its loud alarm? Make your coffee. Pack back up. How long does it take. Imagine what it would be like if it was windy, cold, or raining. Do that setup and teardown a couple times, no lights. Can you pack it back the same neat way it was? Now, imagine things that could happen. Flat tire. Broken chain. Someone crashed and had a booboo. Can you get at the pump? Tube? Patching kit? First Aid? Tools? Chain breaker/master links? Or did you pack so that you have to unload the whole thing just to air-up a bit? Winter is the best time to indoor mockup a camp and figure out how not to do it, what you don't need, what can be shared between riders? I'm always carrying way too many tools, I have the air pump, chain breaker, 630, 525, and 520 master links, patch kit (bring yer own tube) trauma kit, electronic road flares. No one else needs to carry that stuff if I'm with. Maybe your own basic tools. But you can carry what you want. Just be sure it's what you want 🙂 And freeze-dried foods are great. Try them. Some will absolutely tear you up, and NO ONE wants to camp, let alone ride, with the traveler's scourge. And some require different amounts of time, depending on the cook stove. Figure yours out. No one wants to be cooking at 11PM at camp. Find food that agrees with you. DO NOT get suckered into trying something odd when really camping. Be sick at home, with you shovel and toilet bag. Did your booboo bag contain something to help, Pepto Bismil, Kaopectate, something? And remember, you usually seek out gas at the end of the day, so you are tanked and ready to roll in the morning. So you can buy gas station food, or market food, or grocery store food just before you arrive at the camp. And the morning can be a quick coffee, get on the road for an hour and stop for breakfast somewhere. And empty out again. Maybe get some water if you didn't the night before. Talk about the full day route. Earlier, all the talk was just about how to get to Bonnie's Breakfast buffet. Clearing out of camp fairly early is always a good start for the morning.
My main ride is a Triumph ST955i. It's an 04 and I've done a lot of working keeping it up so even friends with there new bikes I still hang with and if I really want to stretch it's legs out I can get to the front on most of the straits. I'm not a speed demon though in less I go to a track day but I love being able to attack the twisties through the Appellations and as a SuperSport curser it's very conferrable even on longer rides as I have three different possession I can get in depending on conditions , Strait up, forward head up, and of coarse a full tuck. Then I built my own Scrambler out of my old 700 nighthawk. It's not as good as the Triumph Scrambler or the Ducati I really want but then I didn't spend 12k either and it handles light trial heads , fire brakes and back gravel roads just fine with more then enough power for those conditions. The last is mine and my wife's get out of town long road over night camping bike like if we are going to some riding up in WV or TN around the Dragon which we have almost completed every part. Did the body 2 years ago. That's our 09 Suzuki intruder that's been heavily modified from suspension to motor getting it close to 97 hp and add about 400 more pounds weight capacity so we could get the tent, bed rolls and all the other necessary gear one might want whether it's a 3 day week end or a 2+ week excursion. Hopefully we still got another 12/15 years before I have two trade in the two wheelers. We will see how our bodies hold up but for now those 3 bikes cover just about any kind of riding I'm in the mod for.
@@AnnickMagac Thanks. went through a LOT of rides in my day to figure out what is comfortable, what I can out ride and what I can't. Learned some hard lessens (just bumps and bruises luckily) and some very expensive ones along the way. Started riding street at 17 and been riding dirt since 13. Being honest with yourself is the most important thing. I went to go and buy a bike at 18. It would have been my 3rd street bike as I moved up from a CB450 then a 750 shadow so I though I was ready for a GPZ900. The guy let me test ride it. I got halfway around the block and stopped. I took it back and told him "Nope". That bike would have gotten me either in lots of trouble or killed. It was just to much bike for me at the time. Your size, experience and most of all attitude are the 3 most important things you have to be honest about to yourself or you'll never keep that rubber side down. It's far better to be on a bike that you can take to it's limits rather then a bike that can take you to yours.
Love my high powered naked bikes but my GF and I recently bought a CFMOTO 450MT adventure bike each. Best fun we’ve had and less police to worry about 😂🍻
I ride a Buell (one that Erik Buell made). I love it, not only because it’s a fun motorcycle to ride, but it was built by a guy who was genuinely interested in making an American-made sport bike. I was so disappointed when HD killed the brand - Buell riders have become a small subculture in the biker world. The only other bike I would consider buying at this time is a 48 or a Ducati Streetfighter (sooo pretty).
My mother bought me my first bike for my 8th birthday. A Yamaha GT80 and I was hooked. I like all types of riding so over the years I’ve held on to a few that I’ve owned. I still own my first and only Harley. A 1995 fxstsb springer softail. A 2004 Suzuki gsxr750 and a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r. Three very different motorcycles but all have been great fun for me. I’d like to get more but I’ve unfortunately run out of room in the garage lol
Very nice. You mentioned mini bikes. I also own a 2022 Honda Navi. It is so much fun to ride. I can fill it up for as little as 2 dollars. I like it better than my Can Am Ryker because I can squeeze into places and park that the Ryker can't. I'm never getting rid of it. I would trade th Ryker in first if I had to. Hope you have a great weekend. Just put my bike away for the season. Took one last ride on it today. Next ride will be next year when riding season begins, unless we have a weird spike of 70 degrees before christmas.
Hi! I ride 3 bikes and sometimes it's hard to decide..but it's never a wrong choice. I have a Ninja 1000sx...a Versys 1000SE..and an ST1300. It's all good.. thank you
A 2024 Kawasaki 1000SX Ninja. I ride it because I’m a 54 year old kid who still wants to ride sport bikes, but wants cruise control & hard bags for the longer trips. I also have dirt bikes to play with. 🤓
Harley Ultra Classic here. I grew up in Milwaukee so HD was my target bike though I started on Yamahas. I now live in Knoxville, TN. As for the biker wave, I’ve virtually stopped in East TN because there are so many bikes that pilgrimage to this area for the best riding in the country. The wave gets old in this area after the 250th bike you passed by noon. At 67 I would like to look more toward a sport touring bike but have decided to stay with my Harley. My favorite riding is long distance and my Ultra Classic is one of the best and I know and understand my bike. I can do the Dragon and drag my floorboards or cruise the highways at 80 comfortably. However, I’m not into the Harley culture anymore. All my riding gear is synthetic, protective and practical. I respect everyone on less than 4 wheels, doesn’t matter to me. The best culture in my opinion is the cross country riders. There’s a great camaraderie on the road including the non riders who want to talk with you, find out where you’re from, where you heading etc. it’s a sense of accomplishment to travel long distances. One trip in 2025 I want to travel from Knoxville, up through Michigan, over the top of Lake Superior then back through Minnesota, Wisconsin on to TN home. Ride safe!
I have been riding bikes off and on since 1980 but in 2022 at 68 years old I decided to get a new full time motorcycle. I did a lot of research and deep consideration about what I wanted in a motorcycle. I wanted a bike that wasn't too big. I didn't want a sport bike. I wanted a bike with enough power for the four lanes but easy to ride in traffic and smaller roads. I didn't want a bike that everyone else was riding. I wanted a motorcycle that was simple and easy to maintain compared to most motorcycles. I wanted a bike that looked and felt like the bikes of the 60s and 70s that I grew up around. I wanted a bike had ABS brakes. I wanted a truly air cooled motorcycle. I wanted a motorcycle that was fairly cheap to insure. I wanted a bike that had really good low end torque so it didn't have to rev'd to the moon to make any power I finally found my almost perfect bike. A 2022 Kawasaki W800. Red and chrome similar to a 1969 Bonneville but with no oil leaks and as dependable as a good dog. No bike is perfect but this one sure ticks more of my boxes than anything else on the market. It doesn't hurt that I have not seen another one on the road in the last three seasons and I can't go anywhere without someone asking me about it. Cheers: BJ in Canada
@@jimpetway8907 "Ashishishe or Curley: A Crow scout who served with George Custer at the Little Bighorn. He is considered the only survivor of the battle." I think Curley is fun!
Right now I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan nomad 1600 and my knock around bike is a Suzuki boulevard c50t been riding since around 13 so I have plenty year’s under my belt
I don't know right now... You know who may know? There is a guy named Bud Wilkinson @ride-ct that reports on the CT moto and car scene. He also has a weekly column in the Waterbury Republican newspaper.
Been riding since ‘67. What type of bike is pretty shallow. I now own a Harley, but have owned BSAs, Hondas, Kawasakis and Suzukis as well. I tend to keep my bikes 3+ years each. This Harley since 2011. It’s about two wheels all the way. I don’t care what kind of bike, just the quality of the rider.
So looking for a bestie, are you available? 🤣🤣🤣 Loving your channel and your openness to all riders and disciplines. Also agree that if I had more room, I’d definitely have way more bikes!!! So west coast or east coast? I’m on the west, just saying! 🤷🏼♂️😊
@@AnnickMagac Just starting out should be on you tube in the spring .We are a motor cycle community help /fix it group.Have subed .We like where yuor going with this.Ride safe ride far ,we will keep in touch
The Harley riders are just such a bunch of rugged individualists... I know this because there are SOOO many of them hanging out in their little groups. They all look the same.
I wouldn't care what you ride i love riding but its hard to find people to ride with i ride a harley but i give the wave to all people that i side riding i would ride with you anytime but im in louisiana
I ride a 2003 Honda Valkyrie, GL 1500 6 cyl. I just got back from finishing a four corners of the United States ride. i’m so sore the first thing I did was order a new gel pad for the seat that is covered with sheepskin. I started riding in 1982 and I usually average around 36,000 miles a year because I almost never drive my truck. My 2024 average will be a good bit more than that. It’s been a busy year. some of your comments on this video made me think about my number one complaint. I have never in almost 1,000,000 miles riding. Had anyone come up to me comment on my out-of-state tag and offer any assistance or even a pleasant comment. Eight times out of 10 they walk up to me and say “I’ve got a Harley.” and then they want to tell you about their Sunday afternoon ride. The other two out of 10 or BMW riders, they complain that my bike is too loud. I have now started replying yeah but you’re on a leaf blower on Sunday morning won’t you? They disappear, quick then. I’m not sure why all motorcyclist can’t get along, but I don’t even try to ride with anybody anymore. I think social media has made everybody think that they themselves are to be all end all. At this point I only ride with my family because I trained them. It is sad, but I almost never speak to anyone when I am out on a six week to two month trip. I ride a giant cruiser because it’s the best thing that is out there to cover the miles That doesn’t look like a JetSki.
You bring up some good points. I believe people have become increasingly socially awkward. Often, they can only connect by telling you how great they are b/c they don't know how to engage in interest. LOL
I’ve had classmates that ride Harley’s refuse to ride with me because I don’t ride a Harley. In my state, the handlebars cannot be more than 18” above the lowest part of the seat. There thoughts. Blood supply. I enjoy ADV riding. I see people riding Harleys with cruiser pegs and I think they look like the letter C. There reaching out for the bars and there feet are 2’ below there hands on the cruiser pegs. Doesn’t look comfortable to me.
Well I ride a road glide Harley Davidson… but I love all bikes !!! Indian love them and I’d like to have a bmw1250 or an adventure bikes. I have had several brands of bike. Like I said I love them all! I’m not a Harley penis head! I do wish I had more like minded peeps to ride with. Idk don’t really get into the hog groups … they seem to be like high school crap and idk turned me off from that!
I've been riding for 50 years. Started on my dad's Honda Trail 90. I've been fortunate to own quite a few. I'm on #14 now and still have #'s 11, 12, and 13. Three are adventure bikes and one dual sport. They are named Ridgie, Rallie, Roadie and Racie. Suzuki drz400, Honda 500x, BMW F850gsa, Aprilia Tuareg (respectively). I prefer to ride alone or with my son. I'd like to own #15 someday. That new BMW F450GS looks sweet. And so does the Royal Enfield Flying Flea. Previous bikes were Harley, Honda, and Yamaha brands (cruisers, street, sport touring). Love Yamaha quality. Guess you could say I pick the bikes I fall in love with. Don't matter who made it. If it fits my riding preference and my tastes, I'm in. I like a lot of bikes, but I have to love it before I'll fork out the cash. Like everyone else, my garage space is limited. I suppose the obvious solution to that problem is that I need to build another garage!
I love that you name all your bikes starting with R's. We ALL need a second garage!!!! LOL
Gen 2 KTM SuperDuke here. This bike is the result of what happens when some crazy (drunk?) Austrians on the R&D team decide to-in secret-take the KTM RC8 V-twin race bike engine, punch it out an extra 100cc’s to 1,301cc’s, and stick it into the Super Adventure frame, and give it some longer-than-your-average-naked-bike suspension. It’s a factory streetfighter with some supermoto DNA. Short wheelbase with tallish suspension, the engine(!), the chassis, makes this a pure hooligan bike, but it can also cruise all day. I love everything about it.
@@DookeyRidr How could you not have fun on that?!
I like your videos because of your dialog. I am a motorcycle enthusiast. I've been riding since I was 15 years old, and I have riden many different styles and brands. Harley, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda, and even a Vespa! I had almost forgotten about the Vespa until you brought it up in your story. Anyway, I find your videos refreshing because you are open-minded to all types of riding. It's so funny to see who will give you the motorcycle wave on the road when riding, and who will not based on what they ride vs. what I'm riding. When I owned a Harley, almost 99% of the Harley riders would give a wave. Now that I am on a sportbike, almost none of the Harley Davidson riders will wave. Lol, I'm the same guy, but somehow, I'm not their type! No worries. I'm a young 61 years old who keeps in shape and wanted my maybe last bike to be a fun, great handling bike to enjoy in the mountains of North Carolina. In April of 2022, I purchased a new 2022 Suzuki GSXR 750Z. It's been completely modified for performance and weight reduction to be still streetable, but also for the track. My goal is to do track days at Road Atlanta. Hopefully, this will be next summer, 2025. I was at the Motoamerica 2024 Road Atlanta race this year, and it was amazing! Anyway, I find you videos refreshing and entertaining. Keep up the great work! I'm looking forward to more from a wonderful woman who obviously loves to ride and explore the open roads! Be safe and have fun, because that's what the experience is all about!
I’m glad you like the videos and I’m excited for you and your track day dreams!
My pattern with transportation is: a) start off simple with something appropriate for beginners, b) go through the bigger, faster equals more fun stage, c) realize that stage b only drained my bank account while actually reducing the enjoyment, d) go back to stage a). I went through that with aviation - huge financial mistake - and am in the midst of stage c) right now with motorcycles. Right now I have an Africa Twin, Piaggio BV400 and a Honda Super Cub. Of the 3, the AT is the only one I have buyer's remorse about, tho not yet compelling enough to actually sell it.
But I think a lot of folks go through a similar pattern: in the beginning, we're totally "wow'ed" by the experience of just being on two wheels, we start thinking that something bigger and faster will increase the fun, we get something bigger and faster and realize that it actually _reduces_ the fun and only increases the cost, and finally we downsize again to the smaller, cheaper, funner thing kind of like what we started with.
The trick is to try to short circuit that and just stick with the small, inexpensive, fun machine to begin with, and learn to accept the compromises. This is a riddle of life!
@@lstavenhagen That is very well articulated and true. I find my bikes getting smaller these days. I’m having the most fun ever!
I started 51 years ago at age 16 on a Honda 175. I went to a Honda 550 and 750 before I bought my first car. I stayed with Honda with another couple of 750’s a GL1000, a 1300 Stateline, and a Gold Wing. Had to sell the Gold Wing during a divorce over a decade ago. I didn’t ride with groups until I bought the Gold Wing. I joined several organizations and enjoyed the experiences of each. In the last year, I decided to see what Harley Davidson was offering and I left the dealership with a 2023 Electra Glide Ultra Limited 120th Anniversary Edition. The HD buying experience was like nothing I’ve ever had before. It was like I joined a new family. As a former Honda owner, I never thought I’d be accepted by Harley riders. I was totally blown away by how welcoming they are. Since then, I’ve purchased two more Harley’s for a total of three in my garage. One is a 2006 Road King and a 2016 Softail Deluxe. I love touring long distances and I love riding locally, as well. I enjoy talking to and riding with anyone on two wheels (or three) and a motor. I’m still looking forward to joining a group or two here in North Texas. In the meanwhile, I ride solo and love it! Stay safe!
That's great! I'm glad you're enjoying the Harley family.
I respect anyone who is daring enough to get on a road that is not enclosed in a compartment (car, truck, van). Whether it’s a scooter, trike, cruiser, sport, or ADV you are riding, you take a greater risk for danger than anyone in a car, truck, van.
I ride a Honda NC750x DCT. I love the automatic transmission, it’s got plenty of power, great for touring and being in the elements. I also have bulging discs in my lower back and can ride much longer on an upright bike. Cruisers, and sport bikes are great but kill my back after a while. Rode dirt bike tracks in sand for years (highly recommended everyone ride a dirt track for a while. It will make you a better road rider). I will ride any bike but at this stage in my life I ride for the pleasure of being in the elements, seeing beautiful scenery and enjoying the riding the twities!
Doesn’t matter what we ride. It is all about getting back home alive and in one piece!
I agree, it's all about getting back home safe and sound! Plus, the storage in the NC750x DCT is primo!
@ love my Frunk!
Been riding 60 years currently riding a 90 Goldwing for long trips,a 2004 Victory Vegas,1996 BMW R1100RT for something different.
Sounds like a great stable of bikes!
L5 GSXR 750. It brings me joy. Being married for more than 10 years and not driving Trucks anymore, I needed some excitement. My 750 has that in spades.
I just want folks to enjoy the ride they have.
@@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263 I agree! Sounds like you got the perfect bike for yourself.
I started riding in the early 70’s. I’ve had all kinds of makes from Kawasaki to Harley. I have downsized to a Triumph Tiger. I don’t miss my Harley and that crowd at all. Being somewhat anti social, I now ride my own ride, mostly alone, and I wouldn’t have it any other way
There are a lot of advantages to that solo time....
I ride a Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, it's just a great all round motorcycle. Love from Scotland 😊
Right on! I'm super psyched that I showed up in your algorithm!
@AnnickMagac I guess the biking community is smaller than you thought. 🤗
I have to add my motorcycle story to your Vespa story. I am at the top of an alpine pass in Switzerland a couple of years ago. I’m in a parking area getting ready to head down the other side of the pass. As I’m leaning the bike while pulling out, a van comes out from the other side. As I stop awkwardly I end up dropping the big GS I was riding. Suddenly I find my self surrounded by a pack of some of the biggest, toughest looking guys I have ever seen. Leather, helmets modeled after German WWII helmets, big mustaches and beards. They are all riding vintage Vespas! The biggest guy comes up and in a heavy German accent say ‘need some help?’. I answered yes please! They picked up my bike, made sure everything was Ok, and helped me on my way. So much for stereotypes.
Those guys sound like characters! What a fun experience! Minus, dropping the bike.
I took my dear sweet time in picking out my only bike, and this one fits me perfectly in terms of size, torque, agility, all of that. As a mountain biker I kinda knew what would and wouldn't work for me and agility was important. This bike is a 2022 Triumph Trident 660. Bought it on marketplace off a guy in the Air Force. Between his job and his wife's job, and three small children, simply wasn't getting to ride the bike. He wanted to get into the hands of someone who would ride it and enjoy it. At three years old this bike has less than 2000 miles on it. It's magical. All bikes are. Two wheels are better than four any day of the week...I say this a Jeep owner.
I’m glad you found a bike that works for you!
I ride a DR650, 5th Gen Honda VFR800, 07 Triumph Speed Triple, 07 Harley Davidson Street Bob and I love riding each one of them.
I'm sure they each offer a different experience.
@AnnickMagac Yes they do, different ride, handling, power, sound, etc. 😁
I've owned and ridden almost everything from scooters to sport bikes. My 2nd first bike was (and still is) a Honda Helix scooter. She's currently joined by 14 other motorcycles and scooters housed in 2 garages. Motorcycles are like potato chips; you can't have just one.
You're right about that!
2 KLR 650s. 1 KLR is for street only. It is way to clean to be dropping in the mud and has never hit the ground. 1 is for street and off road. Everything from dirt roads to single track. My ADV gets a lot of off roading. If I see a dirt road or a trail I go exploring. Jumping logs on a 450 lb. beast got a bit sketchy so I got myself a KLX 250. I had to regear it to make it a great woods bike. My dirt bike friends have Yamaha WR 250 and 450. I also have a 1971 Honda CT 70 just because. I began riding in the early 70s, past bikes include 72 100cc Kaw G4 , several Suzuki TS 185s, 72 Honda CL 450, 76 Husky 250, 74 Yamaha RD 350, 68 180cc YCS 1, 72 Honda SL 125, a CL 125 and many Honda CT 70 { my favorite restoration projects }. We also had many 3 wheelers but that is a different beast altogether. If you like vintage be sure to come to the Barber's Vintage Festival in Oct.
That is an incredible collection of bikes! Speaking of Barber, you may like Ep. 07 where I interview a fella that works there.
@@AnnickMagac I knew that I had forgotten a few. I also had a 73 Honda CB 400F and a CB 550F. The 400 was one of my favorite intown bikes. Looking up Ep 7 now. Thanks.
The dream garage has a lift (18" is enough), air compressor, and has room for an old couch you can fall asleep on, a beverage frig with a little freezer for bearings, direct access to a bathroom and sink, a coffee table, a PC with internet and monitor.
A/C and heating are a plus.
That is a pretty complete list!
I ride a 1972 Harley Davidson Sprint 350 SS. For those who don't know Harley purchased a motorcycle manufacturer called Aermacchi. They made a 250CC horizontal single and eventually a 350cc version and a bunch of 2 strokes. I used to race and ride the 350cc Sprints when I was in high school. So I have gotten off of my RF900R and racing TL1000 and am now trying to sell my DR350 dirt bike. I will just keep my Sprint around.
Those are some interesting bikes you've had!
@@AnnickMagac I've got some pictures of me racing them. But, alas, I can't upload images.
I started riding in 1988 with a Suzuki GS450 standard bike, a few years later had a Kawasaki GPz750. I took several years off from riding for budget reasons and a family. Started riding again 2 years ago . A limited budget and not wanting to borrow money I bought a 2003 BMW F650CS. My goal when looking for my bike two years ago was , get bike with fuel injection, ABS, and no chain to maintain. That is how I ended up with what I have. I enjoy backroads and travel at 50mph.
It's awesome that you're back in the saddle!
I'm 64 years old and I've been riding since I was 5 years old. I've ridden every type of motorcycle throughout my life, and many different brands.
In 2014 I was severely injured in a dump truck accident and that left me with a traumatic brain injury, and I had to totally stop riding for 10 years, but I really wanted to ride again, and after a lot of good medical care and hard work I was finally given the green light to ride again. Which meant I had to purchase a motorcycle again and after doing a lot of research I decided to go take a test ride on the new Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello S in November 2023 and I fell in love with it and bought it.
I'm limited to day rides and I usually ride it on some great Virginia roads that take me to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
With its Ohlins suspension it provides an excellent ride! It's been the most therapeutic thing that I've been able to do for myself!
This is my first Moto Guzzi and I've met some very nice folks through the local Guzzi owners club.
I truly don't judge a person because of the bike they ride. I appreciate all bikes and if the owners are polite then I am too.
I'm glad to hear you're back in the saddle. You might enjoy Ep. 07. My guest talks about Moto Guzzi - 3/4 of the way into the interview.
@@AnnickMagac
Thank you for the kind words.
I did enjoy Ep. 07, and I hope that you'll get an opportunity to ride a Moto Guzzi V100S on some twisty roads because I'd love to hear your impression and feedback of the best bike I've ever ridden.
@@larryechols6606 If the opportunity arises, I will report on it!
I ride a Harley 883 Iron 2017 evolution engine. I got it new and rode with my wife at the time, I generally ride alone these days. I struggled with what to replace it with as I wish to return to a more scrambler style Royal Enfield 650 Bear. I just basically ride back roads to country town and go for bushwhacking and hiking. I don’t live is the US and dual sport and ADV Bikes are really popular. The roads outside the CBD are rubbish. I only have one bike, and a car, I used to just have a bike and wife had the car. For me it’s therapeutic and a chance to get away from everything. I don’t care about brands or groups I mainly ride because I like to travel and journal about the places I go.
I’m sensing you’re from Australia? If so, I get so happy that these videos are in your feed. As a fellow journaler, I love that that is part of your riding experience.
@ from Australia, we used to ride a lot, back in the day. As a Widower my routines changed a lot in some ways, different job opportunities and profession changes as well.
Presently, I'm in the Northeast, less than 350 miles from Canada.
In the 70's, it was a Honda 250.
In the 80's and 90's it was in Germany on a Kawasaki Z1000 that I rode up hiking trails loaded with rock climbing and camping gear for the group that were walking up to climb and party for the weekend. This usually included a case of bottled bier. And I'd ride it on roads into nearly every European country, France, Austria, and Italy being favorites.
2000 and a friend that raced motorcycles wanted my Z1000 to rebuild for Hockenheim Ring, so I got a Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Drifter.
2018 and my "kids" got their motorcycle endorsements, so I expanded to a 1978 Suzuki GS750 (the grandmother) and a 2018 Suzuki GSX-S750, and 2018 V-Strom 1000XT (The grand kids).
The '78 is morphing into a scrambler, the V-Strom I have been treating as a Unicorn, trying to make it dual sport while also riding it on trips to places like Minnesota, and the GSX-S750 is happy to remain stock after having had my younger son throw it into a Jersey Barrier at 90mph on I90 in Toledo in June 2019. Both ride to this day, though I had to replace about $500 in parts on the bike (we call it the SUKI because the Z and U above the headlight were ground off on the barrier.)
I ride freeways to get to dirt roads on the V-Strom.
The youngest wants a V-Strom 800DE for playing, and I want a busted-up project DR650.
I'm NOT a dedicated Suzuki person; they just lately have offered what I liked. I would not hesitate to make the project bike a XR650. Both of those single thumpers I consider more of the rip around locally and throw in the van/pickup for any real travel distance. Need to finish off the suspension on the '78 before I start another project.
Need to get the MABDR and the NEBDR done again, at some point. This time recording it. And maybe not solo. Last time I had to avoid the fun bits, being alone and no Inreach.
I'm glad you're son is ok. Sounds like you have a lot of projects to attend to! Good thing winter is here. LOL
22' Indian Scout Rogue
24' Triumph Street Triple RS 765
I love both bikes. It allows me to ride with other cruisers and sport bikes.
It's nice to have the two options.
I am 72 and sold my Goldwing and bought a 1200 GS . So I am getting used to it . Before the Goldwings , it was Harley . Before that Yamaha 850 . I am loving country roads and exploring .
That sounds like a fun evolution of bikes!
It hasn't been long since I found your channel and I'm loving it. My first thought was you being a young pretty gal we have nothing in common but I watched that first episode that I found and enjoyed it. OK, age has nothing to do with what we have in common or don't doesn't apply to the motorcycle world. I'm 70 and have been riding 50+ years and I continue to learn. I intend to ride for many more years. Years ago my goal was to retire with a garage full of motorcycles and a house full of cats. I have the garage full of motorcycles but only one cat and when he's gone, no more fur family for me. My 20 year old cat restricts my travels but I will give him the best life possible for the time he has left.
When you talked about the mini bikes I could relate. Ohhhhh the giggle factor with those bikes is amazing. A few years back I bought a Honda Monkey to leave at my friends house in TX so I would have a kick around bike when I went to visit in the winter. My first ride was a two day 300 mile ride. I had so much fun I returned a few months later with my van to bring it home. I tour/motocamp with everything I own and the Monkey is no exception.
A tool for every job is needed. When I get a motorcycle I enjoy I keep it until it is worn out and definitely get my money's worth. Each day my favorite riding is different. And if I could only have one bike I don't know what it would be. Probably an ADV bike but I just sold my ADV bike, a BMW F650GS. I'm extra short so finding bikes that fit isn't easy and I now regret selling that bike but I still have two dual sports, a dedicated dirt bike, a street bike, and that bike that makes me giggle. I even have a non-running vintage bike.
When you get to my age, I suspect you will have a bigger garage and have it stuffed full of bikes. Keep up the good work and I will continue to follow your channel. Everything you said is just how it is in the motorcycle world. (Sorry about this being so long but I'm babbly)
LOL, four to maintain right now is enough. With the kid's friends all bringing their bikes over for wrenching, things get pretty congested, though the kid is getting really good at top end, carb, brake rebuilds and tire changes. They use the internet now more than they use the old man. Probably because I'm always telling them I had no garage, I worked in the barracks parking lot, if you wanted information you had to go to the library or get a German mechanic drunk, and all my tools fit in one toolbox.
I appreciate the kind words. Age... is just a point of reference. You're right, I aspire to have a garage full of bikes. Those mini bikes are the most bang for your buck!
I love vintage bikes. Reduce reuse recycle ♻️ I'd like to check out either a 70s goldwing or xs1100 to do a mild resto mod on
@@adamlanglois563 Both of them would be a great project & ride!
Rode my first bike back in 74 a Honda ct70. A friends bike. I popped a wheelie and broke the tail light. His Dad wasn't happy. Worked at a dealership in the 80's as a assembly guy. So I test rode every bike that came in in crates. The biggest sellers at the time were GSXR,GPZ,Hurricanes, dirt bikes. Me personally I like standards and dual sports. Don't care for cruisers. Currently own a 18 VStrom 1000xt. A great bike.
Those are some good memories!
Went to my first superbike race back in 07 and have owned sport bikes ever since and currently have an 18 cbr1000rr. I discovered Trans America Trail videos in 2018 and knew that looked like the most possible fun I could ever have and went and bought a crf250l and decked it out with all the awesome adv stuff to build a light adv bike and finally got to ride some of it this year. Also have a 750 shadow and a blue 21 monkey. Doesn't really matter which one I ride as long as I'm riding I'm happy. My wife and all four of our now adult children ride so we always have a riding buddy!! My wife has a 400 ninja and an xr150l. Riding gravel roads by the river with my sweetheart is the best!! Great content!!
It' so beautiful that your whole family can connect through a shared passion.
I agree with ride what you have. I am 73 and have two motorcycles that I own and have owned 7 different bike over all. I started riding when I was 20 on a Honda 175 SL. I did two long distance trips from Missoula MT on that 175. One to Glacier National Park and one to Just outside of Bozeman MT. I owned a 175 Bultaco and a 250 Ossa. Getting married and having children I sold the 250 and did not own another bike until after my wife died in 2011. I bought a CRF230L in 2012 and still have that one in my garage. Then I bought a Honda nc700x and just sold that this year because it was just to heavy for me to pick up when off road. The other bikes I bought after that was a 2008 DRZ 400 S and gave that to my son because I wanted something a little lower and bought a Honda CRF300L and lowered it just last year. I probably spend 1/4 of my time on the dirt and the other on the highways in the PNW. I now live in Chelan WA and Have ridden to the Grand Canyon and to the Giant Loop ride in Oregon and the Tourtec Rally in Plain WA and camped in a tent on all of those trips. So that's my back ground in ridding. Keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.
I'm glad you found riding again!
First time seeing your content. From the perspective of a lifelong motorcyclist, the content is authentic and will connect with other motorcyclists! On the other hand, the video appears as artificial as the content appears real.
Not hacking on the vid, just an observation.
Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the observation. Just FYI - It’s all real. I’m a human person existing in the world. 😊
@ That’s good to know! 😁
Good luck!
I grew up with a Yamaha mini dirt motorcycle that I shared with my siblings when I was 13. Before that I rode on the back of my uncle’s Honda mini dirt motorcycle at 3 years old. I’ve always been attracted to sport bikes and cafe racer. I always wanted to ride on road race tracks. This was before track day events, other than “schools” like California Superbike. My first street motorcycle was a Suzuki GS-450S. I wound up selling it to a salvage yard because it stopped generating electricity to keep the battery charged and I charged everything out and it still wouldn’t put out electricity. My current stable includes two CBR250R’s one strictly for track, a Husqvarna Vitpilen 701, and a Kawasaki ZX4RR. I’ll ride with anyone, I wavy to anyone. I definitely try to break the clicks. The only motorcycle rider I won’t hang with is the real outlaw/criminals, they definitely exist and I just don’t need that drama. I spend most of my riding by myself. Keep the rubber side down.
@@alanaspurling6469 You’re so fortunate that you were encouraged at such a young age to ride. Great stable of motos!
I've been riding for more than 50 years. In my early days it was Yamahas & Hondas. I also did Observed trials in the 70s & 80s mostly on Montesas. I'm now retired and going around the country in a Tow Hauler with 2 bikes a 1985 R80GSPD & a 2022 BMW R1250GS. I mostly ride alone since I'm constantly moving but do ride with others while attending a rally. I mostly ride on winding back country roads and put a.lot of miles per year on my bikes. My 2022 bike has over 207,000 miles with virtually no issues.
207,000 miles is a testament to your riding!
2016 FE 350S. West coast. SD to Seattle. Texas and Colorado.
Dirt roads, side roads and single track. Almost always solo. (No dog no woman)
Great places to ride!
Just ran into your content… nice!
I’m 71 and to this day a full time motorcyclist ( the car’s for groceries or for extreme bad weather ). In ‘74 a friend showed me how to ride on an old “ ring-ding “ and I was done!
Over the years I’ve grown fond of Sport Touring bikes because they are capable road bikes, comfortable and with Sport bike handling and great brakes; versatile machines for urban combat or the open road. My present mount is the ST1300 for daily use and my other mount
Is the RC51 to enjoy the mountain
Roads.
Thanks! Keep that RC51, they're gaining value!
…yup!
I started with my friends we all had bikes my first was a Honda cb650 custom. Loved it. All my friends stopped riding but I continue d . I got my Harley in 2012 and met a veterans group that is non profit organization and love riding with them. We're not brand particular what ever you want to ride.
If you are also a veteran, thank you for your service.
Love you videos, I currently ride a Yamaha FJR 1300 sport touring bike and absolutely love it. I have been riding off and on for almost 50 years now and have owned multiple bikes in that time. For me riding is my therapy and centers me. Interesting enough I have owned Euro bikes, Japanese bikes and currently looking at maybe picking up an Indian. My previous bike was an adv bike (BMW GS), so I guess that makes me bike agnostic.
Thank you! Riding is truly the best therapy.
Currently on an Indian Chieftain. But I'm thinking about getting another dual sport for some trail rides. I miss the off-road riding I used to do in my younger years. lol
It's good to get back to the dirt! Lots of great options out there.
65yo main ride 2006 Buell XB12Ss 2 4wheelers a utv and a fast little pit bike, your on to something with the on road off road bike, thanks for your great content.
That sounds like a great mix of bikes to keep you busy!
@@AnnickMagac I need something around 40-50 hp and under 400lbs with a low 1st gear for off road, the buell just does not like to go slow, looking at the honda rebel 300, I have to go ride one first, I think it would be good for a 100 mile day trip and a night of camp. we got snow today so its time to just look. love your channel👍
@@samdunston6296 Might I recommend that you also look at Yamaha XT250, Honda CFR300LS, Honda Rebel 500 or Honda SCL500. They all would fit that scenario. The Rebel 300 is great! A little buzzy for a longer ride.
Started riding at 5, Honda Z-50 then XR75. Have had all different types and brands over the years. 57 now, ride a Harley Davidson Fat Boy and a Honda Hornet 919. Wow that’s crazy used to go to Marcus Dairy, Danbury Connecticut. They called it Super Sunday one Sunday a month during summer months. I went to SUNY Albany we used to ride over, this was in the early 90’s.
Isn't it a small world?!
@ yes especially since I’m from Missouri, moved back after graduating. But I did love Upstate Ny and the New England area. There was always something to do every weekend in the summer. Americade Lake George, Harley Rendezvous, Laconia, Saratoga Horse racing and SPAC. But the summers where to short. It’s almost December here and my bike hasn’t sat for more than a couple days. Sadly that’s about to end.
I ride a 23 SP Honda Grom … I can relate to your story about Larry, there’s a Motorcycle café in Hamilton Ontario, where I live and sometimes in between rides, I go there for a coffee to relax for 10 minutes and it’s always the same story, half the people there love my bike and can’t stop asking me questions and I can just sense the other half almost feel threatened by my little bike(I wonder what that says about them and what they may be compromising for👌🏼 lo) but the point is I couldn’t care less. I’ve always been a fit person because of martial arts , assured of myself in a quiet way …and it just makes me chuckle. Thanks for the story.
I think that's pretty telling about the other half - maybe they're jealous of your confidence and fun!
Hamilton is a rad old city. I'm sure you can get that Grom into some interesting places.
I currently have a Versys 300x, a Sportster 1200, and a VFR1200X. I haven’t ridden the sportster yet. Bought it not running, and it is in the shop making it run. The 300 is the bike that gets picked for most rides. Lighter and lower. If I didn’t live 75 miles from a freeway, I would probably ride the big one more. Back in 85, and brand new to the Air Force, I bought a CT110 to ride with my brother on his moped. That lasted about a month because we were in Northern California. Needed something faster. Got a Suzuki 370 enduro because I grew up riding small enduros. It was a pain to kick start when hot, so I went down to pick up a new Rebel 450 which was fairly new to the market. Saw a beautiful CB750K which was fresh out of the box, but 3 years carryover. A few hundred bucks cheaper, and definitely better suited to I80 traffic. Took it home and put over 17k on it the first year. Best bike ever.
That CB750K must have been a dream!
@@AnnickMagacI didn’t know how much fun it could be cruising the California freeways until I got that. We had a KZ400 when I was old enough to ride, but I couldn’t get into going more than 10 miles. Then I got the CB750 and put a huge windshield in it. It was magic.
I’ve had many motorcycles. Started on a Suzuki RM80, then Yz100, Ninja 600, Triumph Street Twin, Triumph Speedmaster and now KTM 390 Adv. A couple issues I have with the KTM and Adv’s in general is their height and weight. They’re very tall, which I wasn’t expecting to be an issue for me given my experience on MX bikes. However, for everyday riding on the street, I find I need to be extra conscious of having to get the one foot down quickly when I need to stop quickly. Also, off road the weight becomes an issue. My RM and YZ were light enough to just pick up and ride on. My KTM? Not so much. I can pick it up on a level surface by myself, but in the woods is a different story and usually takes two to pick up. Beautiful bike but I think the thought of reliving my youth in the woods on a motorcycle is better than the reality. Now, I’m considering another Triumph. I Enjoy your content. Keep up the good work 😊
@@glennshepherd5862 I also experience the same issues with weight & height. So, I feel ya! Thank you for the kind words.
I am 57 YO and riding a 2024 Yamaha XSR 900 currently. I have owned Kawasakis, Honda's, and Harley's. I liked each one for different reasons. I like to ride hard and fast, so I ditched the Harley's. I would still like to put a Harley Dyna in my stable, though. My 81 Kawasaki GPz 550 was one of my favorites. But this Yamaha XSR 900 is off the chain fast and so much fun to ride. Peace to my fellow riders, I don't care what you ride, just that you are a fellow rider.
Always nice to have different choices!
I've been riding since 1976 and even before that as a passenger on my dad's bike. We've always had a motorcycle at our house. I've rode 8 different brands of motorcycle off road and mostly on. Lately I had been riding a Kawasaki ZRX1200R for the past 17 years and most recently switched to a 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650 and I really love it. It's VERY comfortable and extremely reliable as are many Japanese bikes. I live in southwest Louisiana so an unexpected benefit of a smaller displacement engine is very little heat coming off the engine during our very long hot summers. I am now looking for someone to ride with because my friend I've road with since high school has given up riding due to arthritis in his hands. I'll be 65 in December so I probably only have 20 more years of riding in my future 😃
It sounds like you've had a long and wonderful motorcycle journey! At least, 20 more to go! ;)
I have the 2018 V-Strom 1000 and I'd give my front teeth for two inches more ground clearance and two more inches of suspension travel. If the log is more than 12 inches, there is a better than 50% chance I'll be picking it up and dragging it over the log. I'm up here in the Northeast, less than 350 miles from Canada.
The ADV way of Day Trip Riding, you all gas up then meet up at (insert coffee place next to a gas station here) just after opening time. Earlier, the better.
No one wants to be the twenty miles out and you need gas or to pee person.
That coffee shop, you drink your wake-me-up, eat your early morning energy thing, and decide where you are going to ride, or you ride the predetermined, after folks have gotten together.
Then you ride. A bunch of dual sports, you make this a Sunday morning routine and whoever shows, shows.
Just come back for a last coffee to the same place, all muddy or dusty, at the end of the ride. So they know you aren't just riding for coffee in the AM.
Moto camping, winter is the perfect time of year, for beginners.
Pack everything you think you will need on your motorcycle in the garage.
Now, haul it all into your living room, den, what have you.
Set up your camp. Put up your tent in the living room.
Use your cooking gear on the porch or if it's safe, in the kitchen.
Use that camping chair.
Pay attention to how long it took to set up, what you didn't need. What you forgot (do you really want to blow up that air mattress by mouth? If you have a pump, how does it get charged? How can you recharge it while riding the next day?)
In the night, if you need the bathroom, bring your shovel and toilet kit in there with you.
Use that mat, use that sleeping bag. Only use the lights you bring with. Do they last long enough?
How are you getting woke up? Are you gonna piss of others with its loud alarm?
Make your coffee.
Pack back up. How long does it take. Imagine what it would be like if it was windy, cold, or raining.
Do that setup and teardown a couple times, no lights. Can you pack it back the same neat way it was?
Now, imagine things that could happen. Flat tire. Broken chain. Someone crashed and had a booboo. Can you get at the pump? Tube? Patching kit? First Aid? Tools? Chain breaker/master links?
Or did you pack so that you have to unload the whole thing just to air-up a bit?
Winter is the best time to indoor mockup a camp and figure out how not to do it, what you don't need, what can be shared between riders?
I'm always carrying way too many tools, I have the air pump, chain breaker, 630, 525, and 520 master links, patch kit (bring yer own tube) trauma kit, electronic road flares. No one else needs to carry that stuff if I'm with. Maybe your own basic tools. But you can carry what you want. Just be sure it's what you want 🙂
And freeze-dried foods are great. Try them. Some will absolutely tear you up, and NO ONE wants to camp, let alone ride, with the traveler's scourge. And some require different amounts of time, depending on the cook stove. Figure yours out. No one wants to be cooking at 11PM at camp. Find food that agrees with you. DO NOT get suckered into trying something odd when really camping. Be sick at home, with you shovel and toilet bag. Did your booboo bag contain something to help, Pepto Bismil, Kaopectate, something?
And remember, you usually seek out gas at the end of the day, so you are tanked and ready to roll in the morning. So you can buy gas station food, or market food, or grocery store food just before you arrive at the camp. And the morning can be a quick coffee, get on the road for an hour and stop for breakfast somewhere. And empty out again. Maybe get some water if you didn't the night before. Talk about the full day route. Earlier, all the talk was just about how to get to Bonnie's Breakfast buffet. Clearing out of camp fairly early is always a good start for the morning.
Sounds like you are thoroughly prepared.
My main ride is a Triumph ST955i. It's an 04 and I've done a lot of working keeping it up so even friends with there new bikes I still hang with and if I really want to stretch it's legs out I can get to the front on most of the straits. I'm not a speed demon though in less I go to a track day but I love being able to attack the twisties through the Appellations and as a SuperSport curser it's very conferrable even on longer rides as I have three different possession I can get in depending on conditions , Strait up, forward head up, and of coarse a full tuck. Then I built my own Scrambler out of my old 700 nighthawk. It's not as good as the Triumph Scrambler or the Ducati I really want but then I didn't spend 12k either and it handles light trial heads , fire brakes and back gravel roads just fine with more then enough power for those conditions. The last is mine and my wife's get out of town long road over night camping bike like if we are going to some riding up in WV or TN around the Dragon which we have almost completed every part. Did the body 2 years ago. That's our 09 Suzuki intruder that's been heavily modified from suspension to motor getting it close to 97 hp and add about 400 more pounds weight capacity so we could get the tent, bed rolls and all the other necessary gear one might want whether it's a 3 day week end or a 2+ week excursion. Hopefully we still got another 12/15 years before I have two trade in the two wheelers. We will see how our bodies hold up but for now those 3 bikes cover just about any kind of riding I'm in the mod for.
Sounds like you've got all the bases covered!
@@AnnickMagac Thanks. went through a LOT of rides in my day to figure out what is comfortable, what I can out ride and what I can't. Learned some hard lessens (just bumps and bruises luckily) and some very expensive ones along the way. Started riding street at 17 and been riding dirt since 13. Being honest with yourself is the most important thing. I went to go and buy a bike at 18. It would have been my 3rd street bike as I moved up from a CB450 then a 750 shadow so I though I was ready for a GPZ900. The guy let me test ride it. I got halfway around the block and stopped. I took it back and told him "Nope". That bike would have gotten me either in lots of trouble or killed. It was just to much bike for me at the time. Your size, experience and most of all attitude are the 3 most important things you have to be honest about to yourself or you'll never keep that rubber side down. It's far better to be on a bike that you can take to it's limits rather then a bike that can take you to yours.
KLR gen 3 . I'm over seventy now and it gets me where I want to go. I have for the most part been doing the scrambler adv bike thing since the 1970s.
I'm sure it's a ton of fun to ride.
Love my high powered naked bikes but my GF and I recently bought a CFMOTO 450MT adventure bike each. Best fun we’ve had and less police to worry about 😂🍻
Good point! LOL
I ride a Buell (one that Erik Buell made). I love it, not only because it’s a fun motorcycle to ride, but it was built by a guy who was genuinely interested in making an American-made sport bike. I was so disappointed when HD killed the brand - Buell riders have become a small subculture in the biker world. The only other bike I would consider buying at this time is a 48 or a Ducati Streetfighter (sooo pretty).
I’ve always loved that era of Buells.
My mother bought me my first bike for my 8th birthday. A Yamaha GT80 and I was hooked. I like all types of riding so over the years I’ve held on to a few that I’ve owned. I still own my first and only Harley. A 1995 fxstsb springer softail. A 2004 Suzuki gsxr750 and a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r. Three very different motorcycles but all have been great fun for me. I’d like to get more but I’ve unfortunately run out of room in the garage lol
Obviously, you have the best Mother EVER.
Moto Guzzi V85TT. I think its been off road twice;). I love it..
You made me chuckle!
Very nice. You mentioned mini bikes. I also own a 2022 Honda Navi. It is so much fun to ride. I can fill it up for as little as 2 dollars. I like it better than my Can Am Ryker because I can squeeze into places and park that the Ryker can't. I'm never getting rid of it. I would trade th Ryker in first if I had to. Hope you have a great weekend. Just put my bike away for the season. Took one last ride on it today. Next ride will be next year when riding season begins, unless we have a weird spike of 70 degrees before christmas.
I’m with you on the mini bike fun - they’re so much fun! We got our first snow today, so - likewise.
Hi! I ride 3 bikes and sometimes it's hard to decide..but it's never a wrong choice. I have a Ninja 1000sx...a Versys 1000SE..and an ST1300. It's all good.. thank you
Well said!
:)) started with Jawa 350 30+yrs ago, then Yamaha TT-R250, then all chopper cruisers Virago, Honda Vt600, Vt750, Vtx 1300 and then Harleys
That's a nice evolution of rides!
A 2024 Kawasaki 1000SX Ninja. I ride it because I’m a 54 year old kid who still wants to ride sport bikes, but wants cruise control & hard bags for the longer trips. I also have dirt bikes to play with. 🤓
Sounds like a great setup to have the best of both worlds!
Harley Ultra Classic here. I grew up in Milwaukee so HD was my target bike though I started on Yamahas. I now live in Knoxville, TN. As for the biker wave, I’ve virtually stopped in East TN because there are so many bikes that pilgrimage to this area for the best riding in the country. The wave gets old in this area after the 250th bike you passed by noon. At 67 I would like to look more toward a sport touring bike but have decided to stay with my Harley. My favorite riding is long distance and my Ultra Classic is one of the best and I know and understand my bike. I can do the Dragon and drag my floorboards or cruise the highways at 80 comfortably. However, I’m not into the Harley culture anymore. All my riding gear is synthetic, protective and practical. I respect everyone on less than 4 wheels, doesn’t matter to me. The best culture in my opinion is the cross country riders. There’s a great camaraderie on the road including the non riders who want to talk with you, find out where you’re from, where you heading etc. it’s a sense of accomplishment to travel long distances. One trip in 2025 I want to travel from Knoxville, up through Michigan, over the top of Lake Superior then back through Minnesota, Wisconsin on to TN home. Ride safe!
It sounds like you have a plan that is going to make for some great riding!
Annick , you are the best , I really enjoy & appreciate your channel , T y
Thank you. It means a lot to me. 🙏
I have been riding bikes off and on since 1980 but in 2022 at 68 years old I decided to get a new full time motorcycle. I did a lot of research and deep consideration about what I wanted in a motorcycle. I wanted a bike that wasn't too big. I didn't want a sport bike. I wanted a bike with enough power for the four lanes but easy to ride in traffic and smaller roads. I didn't want a bike that everyone else was riding. I wanted a motorcycle that was simple and easy to maintain compared to most motorcycles. I wanted a bike that looked and felt like the bikes of the 60s and 70s that I grew up around. I wanted a bike had ABS brakes. I wanted a truly air cooled motorcycle. I wanted a motorcycle that was fairly cheap to insure. I wanted a bike that had really good low end torque so it didn't have to rev'd to the moon to make any power
I finally found my almost perfect bike. A 2022 Kawasaki W800. Red and chrome similar to a 1969 Bonneville but with no oil leaks and as dependable as a good dog. No bike is perfect but this one sure ticks more of my boxes than anything else on the market. It doesn't hurt that I have not seen another one on the road in the last three seasons and I can't go anywhere without someone asking me about it.
Cheers: BJ in Canada
We love our "international" viewers! Sounds like you found the best bike for you. Welcome back to riding.
Indian Scout 60 my beginner bike @ age 70 , I am very happy with my choice after many hours of research : New 2023 model
Congratulations! I'm sure you LOVE it!
@ T y , trying to come up with a name for it , Any suggestions ?
@@jimpetway8907 "Ashishishe or Curley: A Crow scout who served with George Custer at the Little Bighorn. He is considered the only survivor of the battle." I think Curley is fun!
I been riding for 4 months, I drive a 08 zx6r.
Great vid 🤙
Congratulations! Welcome to riding! Your life will never be the same. :)
You got it all, Annick. 🤯 Thanks for giving a friendly wave as you rocket to the top! 🖖
Glad you enjoyed the show! 😁
65 , 2021 yamaha yz250fx...2023 triumph tiger rally pro 1200...1971 started with a ct70....brraapppp
@@tinfoilhatplumber485 best sound in the world! 😆
Right now I ride a Kawasaki Vulcan nomad 1600 and my knock around bike is a Suzuki boulevard c50t been riding since around 13 so I have plenty year’s under my belt
With many more years to go!
@@AnnickMagac Let’s hope so 🤞🏽
BMW, KTM, DUCATI,HARLEY ULTRA,KAWASAKI. Where am I going, who am I riding with ? Mostly ride solo. Less negotiation.
Nice stable!
I am in Connecticut. I wonder if you know of any bike meet ups like what used to happen at Marcus Dairy.
I don't know right now... You know who may know? There is a guy named Bud Wilkinson @ride-ct that reports on the CT moto and car scene. He also has a weekly column in the Waterbury Republican newspaper.
The 700 Maico on the street. I can go anywhere .
And doesn't that feel GREAT?!!!
Been riding since ‘67. What type of bike is pretty shallow.
I now own a Harley, but have owned BSAs, Hondas, Kawasakis and Suzukis as well. I tend to keep my bikes 3+ years each. This Harley since 2011.
It’s about two wheels all the way. I don’t care what kind of bike, just the quality of the rider.
Sounds like you've been able to ride a lot of different bikes!
I ride a 06fatboy most comfortable cruzer I got on after a road trip on a klr not a bike for a longer trip
haha... It only takes one long ride to figure out you need a different bike.
So looking for a bestie, are you available? 🤣🤣🤣 Loving your channel and your openness to all riders and disciplines. Also agree that if I had more room, I’d definitely have way more bikes!!! So west coast or east coast? I’m on the west, just saying! 🤷🏼♂️😊
East coast. When I have a West coast meet up, you'll see the invite. Thank you for the support!
Have a 09 XR1200 Harley and a 883. They are cafe bikes the XR is a brute.Been into cafe bikes for 43 years.Good luck with you tube.Geist Wulf Cycles
That's fantastic! Thank you for the encouragement. I will check your biz out.
@@AnnickMagac Just starting out should be on you tube in the spring .We are a motor cycle community help /fix it group.Have subed .We like where yuor going with this.Ride safe ride far ,we will keep in touch
Definitely keep in touch
BMW R1300GS Adventure. Preferably off road
Nice choice!
The Harley riders are just such a bunch of rugged individualists... I know this because there are SOOO many of them hanging out in their little groups. They all look the same.
And so do all the squids that hang out together and all the ADV folks that hang out together! LOL
2022 and 2023 Ducati Hypermotard 950SP
I bet they're super fun!
@AnnickMagac you gotta try one! Ride like a dirt bike, no knee dragging.
I wouldn't care what you ride i love riding but its hard to find people to ride with i ride a harley but i give the wave to all people that i side riding i would ride with you anytime but im in louisiana
I'm all for the wave! I'm sure Louisiana is beautiful. I haven't had the opportunity to ride there yet.
@AnnickMagac just a lot of humidity but if you get a chance I would and will ride with you
I ride a 2003 Honda Valkyrie, GL 1500 6 cyl. I just got back from finishing a four corners of the United States ride. i’m so sore the first thing I did was order a new gel pad for the seat that is covered with sheepskin. I started riding in 1982 and I usually average around 36,000 miles a year because I almost never drive my truck. My 2024 average will be a good bit more than that. It’s been a busy year. some of your comments on this video made me think about my number one complaint. I have never in almost 1,000,000 miles riding. Had anyone come up to me comment on my out-of-state tag and offer any assistance or even a pleasant comment. Eight times out of 10 they walk up to me and say “I’ve got a Harley.” and then they want to tell you about their Sunday afternoon ride. The other two out of 10 or BMW riders, they complain that my bike is too loud. I have now started replying yeah but you’re on a leaf blower on Sunday morning won’t you? They disappear, quick then. I’m not sure why all motorcyclist can’t get along, but I don’t even try to ride with anybody anymore. I think social media has made everybody think that they themselves are to be all end all. At this point I only ride with my family because I trained them. It is sad, but I almost never speak to anyone when I am out on a six week to two month trip. I ride a giant cruiser because it’s the best thing that is out there to cover the miles That doesn’t look like a JetSki.
You bring up some good points. I believe people have become increasingly socially awkward. Often, they can only connect by telling you how great they are b/c they don't know how to engage in interest. LOL
I see a street glide in your future. Go Harley Davidson!
LOL I know two people who be very happy about that!!! (Or three!) ;)
I’ve had classmates that ride Harley’s refuse to ride with me because I don’t ride a Harley. In my state, the handlebars cannot be more than 18” above the lowest part of the seat. There thoughts. Blood supply. I enjoy ADV riding. I see people riding Harleys with cruiser pegs and I think they look like the letter C. There reaching out for the bars and there feet are 2’ below there hands on the cruiser pegs. Doesn’t look comfortable to me.
I wasn't aware of the handlebar height law....
2017 harley free wheeler
Nice!
I'll take a angel over a squid any day.
I love that anyone who didn't ride would never be able to decipher what you wrote. LOL (moto speak)
Well I ride a road glide Harley Davidson… but I love all bikes !!! Indian love them and I’d like to have a bmw1250 or an adventure bikes. I have had several brands of bike. Like I said I love them all! I’m not a Harley penis head! I do wish I had more like minded peeps to ride with. Idk don’t really get into the hog groups … they seem to be like high school crap and idk turned me off from that!
It's always good to find "your people"... They can be anywhere!