Regarding comfort, one has to appreciate that a motorcycle will never be as comfortable as a car. Getting hit by wind in all directions, having a mildly sore butt after a long ride, getting hot and cold and tired is all a part of motorcycling. You can spend thousands on comfor mods or even upgrading your bike but it will never be like a car and that is the fun part of it. Being exposed to the elements. Just like camping isn't as comfortable as your home, but it's still fun.
At 46 years old, I went from dirt bikes and dual sports that I had ridden since my teenage years, to a Yamaha Bolt. I went in not knowing if I would enjoy riding on the road or not. I ended up loving it and soon upgraded to a Harley M8 Street Bob 114. The bike fits me better (I'm a big guy), has the power I want and was absolutely a needed upgrade. My Street Bob has brought me so much joy in motorcycling, I plan to keep it for as long as I can ride it. I'm sure I'll want a bagger at some point, but it will be added to the stable alongside my Bob, not replace it.
The main reason I got my Valkyrie Interstate is to go motorcycle camping with my lady. I figured out the right camping gear that all fits on it. 2 tents, sleeping bags, air matresses, tarp, 2 chairs, collapsable cooking utensils, fire starting stuff, rain gear, you name it. I can fit it all on that bike including clothing and food. We have put on so many miles and stayed at so many campgrounds all over the mountains, foothills and priaires, it is just amazing being able to fit all that stuff on a motorcycle. Next step is a tent trailer for the bike since it has a hitch.
I started riding at 49. 50 now. First bike was a KLR 650 S. As a long haul trucker it was difficult adjusting to shifting from 8-9-10-13-15 speed transmissions with my right hand for 30 years to left foot 5 speed😂 plus size 18 shoes made shifting difficult. Though most semi trucks now in fleets are automatic (auto shift) gave me lots of familiarity with the DCT by Honda. So I traded my 23 KLR for the 24 Africa Twin adventure sport with DCT, man I felt like a kid again, only not pedaling to go up hills😂. It’s really smooth and on home times I pick up where I left off rather than relearning all over again with the KLR. I wanted to wait for a couple years, but I did not like starting all over again each time I came home 3-4 months later. So learning was occurring at a very slow pace and I like learning things really fast. So the Africa Twin was like hopping on a scooter in terms of simplicity. This allows me to focus on other task more efficiently when riding vs overly focused on shifting and clutch work and not stalling at traffic lights😂. So after a total of 7 days riding across 8 months and only getting 80 miles, the Honda allowed me to do like 250 miles on the third day I got it. So for me, I didn’t want to upgrade, but I really needed too. Facing that reality of slow learning, safety concerns and starting over each time I come home, kinda forced my hand to upgrade. I honestly have no regrets doing so. Though at 50, the Africa Twin taught me something the KLR could not, that I highly regret not starting with motorcycles years ago. I missed out on so much. Though with the DCT, I figure a few hundred miles a week on home times will help me make up for lost times and memories I could have had. Now I understand why people love to ride. I tried to see that with the KLR, but it took the Africa Twin DCT to really learn that. Can’t wait till spring to start slow speed drills😂.
Im downgrading too at 70, seem to spend more time commuting with a pillion than touring, trading my 2010 Vulcan Voyager for a 2024 114 Street Bob, and after many years on big tourers, its going to a learning curve. But like you, I try to buy what is fit for purpose. I think the Street Bob will make city riding fun again
All my motorcycles had an intended purpose and none of them ever needed an upgrade. They all did exactly what I needed them to do. For me an upgrade is just moving from a worn out motorcycle to a new or newer motorcycle.
I upgraded once from an Indian Springfield to a Roadmaster because I'd never had a bike with a fairing much less a full dresser, thought I was missing out. After putting over 60k miles on it in about 3 years, I lost it in a wreck. BUT, I realized I didn't want or need any of that. The only thing I miss is the radio, but all of the other added plastic and electronics is a major waste for me. Back on a Springfield now and love it, if anything I wouldn't mind going down to a Chief or maybe adding an old HD Softail Deluxe or Springer one day.
I am 70 years old now. I’ve been riding for 50 years now. I’m on a StreetGlide and would like to add a side car. I think that would be fun and definitely give my bike a distinct look. I have to do some research on this. I ride in all kinds of weather.
Just getting back into riding, what tips can you give an up and coming rider to stay alive out there like you have? im always looking up safety videos on how to ride safer/better
@@eldoradogunworks3065 1)Take training classes. 2) If you can afford a used dirtbike (a 150 or 250cc 4 stroke depending on your size), learning lessons on the dirt is less painful & expensive than on pavement. 3) Don’t try to be Rossi on the road. If you’re in a hurry, you’re better off taking a car. 4)Lighting is your friend. I’ve had many cars pull out in front of me in low light conditions when I had a single headlamp on my bike. After mounting auxiliary lighting, I haven’t had any pull out in front of me since. Our eyes pick up pairs or trios of lights far better than single lights. Most important upgrade in my opinion. 5) Pay attention to road surface conditions. Water, leaves, gravel, broken glass will lay you out. Experience riding on dirt really helps you develop a sense for this.
I guess my only regret was trading in my Yamaha 650 two-tone blue V-Star. It was such a beautiful bike and it was great for riding around town and for day trips. My wife encouraged me to keep it but I didn’t think I could afford upgrading to another Goldwing (my 2nd of 3 that I’ve owned). I don’t regret the upgrade because I’ve ridden Goldwings for decades. I just wish I’d have been able to keep the V-Star. I’m retired now for five years and just turned 71. I still have a 2015 Goldwing and a 2020 Road Glide Limited. I can’t imagine selling either one of them any time soon. Such fantastic bikes! I ride as often as is practical. Ride safe brothers and sisters.
The biggest thing is justifying the cost. Sure, I’d love a Chieftain, but don’t want to spend 20+ on a depreciating asset, especially when 6 mos out of the year the roads are heavily salted. Maybe if I was southern Cali where I could ride 300 plus days out of the year I could justify it. Switching subjects, you brought up a ton of solid points.
That’s why you buy used. I bought my first bike new (Sport Chief). My next two will be used. I’d like a sport bike for track days, doesn’t need to be too gnarly, GSXR600 or a Triumph Daytona.Although, I got my eye on a FTR. Not sure what to get for a third, maybe an adventure or a dirt bike to fool around on in the back 40.
I own a 22' Indian Scout Rogue and a 24' Street Triple RS 765. Both bought brand new and love both of them. I actually surprise people when i say I love both for different reasons and don't have a favorite... But.... I have been looking to upgrade the Indian for some reason, even if it's the new scout 101. Others I've been looking at are the Sport Chief and the FTR... I think it's just wanting a little more power, tech, and upgraded parts. While a new bike would cost more than unlocking more power with a stage 1 and tune, I'm thinking the new bike would have a better value as basically everything would get upgraded instead of just power. I keep going back and forth with it.
for me when i had my 883 i wanted a bagger because i needed a bigger tank and i wanted to travel more im mostly a solo rider cause im quite introverted almost took my 883 with me to fl which was a 1k ride but got stopped cause i couldnt load up enough stuff on it in the small bags i had that still looked good to an extent but i dont plan on ever having a passenger cause id be a worried wreck with them on the back and i couldnt enjoy the road like i so love doing edit: i went from my ninja 300 to a 883 because i was bored one day and wanted to ride other bikes and landed at the harley dealer and i fell in love with cruisers and baggers so much so i forgot how to ride my ninja for about 5 minutes and knew then i was gonna trade to it in hindsight i should of gotten the 1200 it would of suited me better but i just knew i had to upgrade cause i enjoyed the cruiser i swung my leg over a 1000x times better
Heg, I'm actually looking to downgrade! I'm 65 and own what was for years my dream bike (2019 H-D 48, with a Stage 3 Kit). I have a neurological condition that sometimes affects my ability to handle its weight. I've been looking at the Ninja 500 and the Z500. I started on a 76 KZ 400 and have always had a loyalty to Kaws. Really debating what to do!
Some types of passengers are a hazard EG my wife is the worst passenger I've had in 58 years. She is always jerking around and shifting her weight. She only weighs 120 lbs! I always tell new passengers to sit like a sack of potatoes and hang on to me.
When I got my first Wing as soon as I got it running we took off on a long trip. My wife is the perfect passenger. She hangs on well and leans with me. I kept reaching back to be sure I didn't use her. My wife no longer does long rides but she does short rides every day.
The, I need to get a bigger motorcycle so I can take a passenger doesn’t hold water. I can take a passenger on my 2020 Honda super cub and you know that has a 125 cc engine and yep I can put it backseat on it and I have pegs on it so yeah if you got anything bigger than what I’ve got chances are it can handle a passengerunless it’s something really really small
Regarding comfort, one has to appreciate that a motorcycle will never be as comfortable as a car. Getting hit by wind in all directions, having a mildly sore butt after a long ride, getting hot and cold and tired is all a part of motorcycling. You can spend thousands on comfor mods or even upgrading your bike but it will never be like a car and that is the fun part of it. Being exposed to the elements. Just like camping isn't as comfortable as your home, but it's still fun.
Singlehandedly the best synopsis of motorcycling I've ever heard ..
My worst expierence was on a standard bike yet when I had a chopper no problem with comfort
At 46 years old, I went from dirt bikes and dual sports that I had ridden since my teenage years, to a Yamaha Bolt. I went in not knowing if I would enjoy riding on the road or not. I ended up loving it and soon upgraded to a Harley M8 Street Bob 114. The bike fits me better (I'm a big guy), has the power I want and was absolutely a needed upgrade. My Street Bob has brought me so much joy in motorcycling, I plan to keep it for as long as I can ride it. I'm sure I'll want a bagger at some point, but it will be added to the stable alongside my Bob, not replace it.
Until the end of our life we will always look for someting that will fill up our thursty soul. So good luck in your pursuit . Have a nice ryde !
Well said.
The main reason I got my Valkyrie Interstate is to go motorcycle camping with my lady. I figured out the right camping gear that all fits on it. 2 tents, sleeping bags, air matresses, tarp, 2 chairs, collapsable cooking utensils, fire starting stuff, rain gear, you name it. I can fit it all on that bike including clothing and food. We have put on so many miles and stayed at so many campgrounds all over the mountains, foothills and priaires, it is just amazing being able to fit all that stuff on a motorcycle. Next step is a tent trailer for the bike since it has a hitch.
I started riding at 49. 50 now. First bike was a KLR 650 S. As a long haul trucker it was difficult adjusting to shifting from 8-9-10-13-15 speed transmissions with my right hand for 30 years to left foot 5 speed😂 plus size 18 shoes made shifting difficult. Though most semi trucks now in fleets are automatic (auto shift) gave me lots of familiarity with the DCT by Honda. So I traded my 23 KLR for the 24 Africa Twin adventure sport with DCT, man I felt like a kid again, only not pedaling to go up hills😂.
It’s really smooth and on home times I pick up where I left off rather than relearning all over again with the KLR. I wanted to wait for a couple years, but I did not like starting all over again each time I came home 3-4 months later. So learning was occurring at a very slow pace and I like learning things really fast. So the Africa Twin was like hopping on a scooter in terms of simplicity. This allows me to focus on other task more efficiently when riding vs overly focused on shifting and clutch work and not stalling at traffic lights😂. So after a total of 7 days riding across 8 months and only getting 80 miles, the Honda allowed me to do like 250 miles on the third day I got it.
So for me, I didn’t want to upgrade, but I really needed too. Facing that reality of slow learning, safety concerns and starting over each time I come home, kinda forced my hand to upgrade. I honestly have no regrets doing so. Though at 50, the Africa Twin taught me something the KLR could not, that I highly regret not starting with motorcycles years ago. I missed out on so much. Though with the DCT, I figure a few hundred miles a week on home times will help me make up for lost times and memories I could have had. Now I understand why people love to ride. I tried to see that with the KLR, but it took the Africa Twin DCT to really learn that.
Can’t wait till spring to start slow speed drills😂.
Im downgrading too at 70, seem to spend more time commuting with a pillion than touring, trading my 2010 Vulcan Voyager for a 2024 114 Street Bob, and after many years on big tourers, its going to a learning curve. But like you, I try to buy what is fit for purpose. I think the Street Bob will make city riding fun again
All my motorcycles had an intended purpose and none of them ever needed an upgrade. They all did exactly what I needed them to do. For me an upgrade is just moving from a worn out motorcycle to a new or newer motorcycle.
I have a 2012 Fatboy and one 2015 Bonneville. Still going like King.
I upgraded once from an Indian Springfield to a Roadmaster because I'd never had a bike with a fairing much less a full dresser, thought I was missing out. After putting over 60k miles on it in about 3 years, I lost it in a wreck. BUT, I realized I didn't want or need any of that. The only thing I miss is the radio, but all of the other added plastic and electronics is a major waste for me. Back on a Springfield now and love it, if anything I wouldn't mind going down to a Chief or maybe adding an old HD Softail Deluxe or Springer one day.
I am 70 years old now. I’ve been riding for 50 years now. I’m on a StreetGlide and would like to add a side car. I think that would be fun and definitely give my bike a distinct look. I have to do some research on this. I ride in all kinds of weather.
Just getting back into riding, what tips can you give an up and coming rider to stay alive out there like you have? im always looking up safety videos on how to ride safer/better
@@eldoradogunworks3065
1)Take training classes.
2) If you can afford a used dirtbike (a 150 or 250cc 4 stroke depending on your size), learning lessons on the dirt is less painful & expensive than on pavement.
3) Don’t try to be Rossi on the road. If you’re in a hurry, you’re better off taking a car.
4)Lighting is your friend. I’ve had many cars pull out in front of me in low light conditions when I had a single headlamp on my bike. After mounting auxiliary lighting, I haven’t had any pull out in front of me since. Our eyes pick up pairs or trios of lights far better than single lights. Most important upgrade in my opinion.
5) Pay attention to road surface conditions. Water, leaves, gravel, broken glass will lay you out. Experience riding on dirt really helps you develop a sense for this.
I thought about a side car just to carry stuff home from the store
I guess my only regret was trading in my Yamaha 650 two-tone blue V-Star. It was such a beautiful bike and it was great for riding around town and for day trips. My wife encouraged me to keep it but I didn’t think I could afford upgrading to another Goldwing (my 2nd of 3 that I’ve owned). I don’t regret the upgrade because I’ve ridden Goldwings for decades. I just wish I’d have been able to keep the V-Star.
I’m retired now for five years and just turned 71. I still have a 2015 Goldwing and a 2020 Road Glide Limited. I can’t imagine selling either one of them any time soon. Such fantastic bikes! I ride as often as is practical.
Ride safe brothers and sisters.
The biggest thing is justifying the cost. Sure, I’d love a Chieftain, but don’t want to spend 20+ on a depreciating asset, especially when 6 mos out of the year the roads are heavily salted. Maybe if I was southern Cali where I could ride 300 plus days out of the year I could justify it. Switching subjects, you brought up a ton of solid points.
That’s why you buy used. I bought my first bike new (Sport Chief). My next two will be used. I’d like a sport bike for track days, doesn’t need to be too gnarly, GSXR600 or a Triumph Daytona.Although, I got my eye on a FTR.
Not sure what to get for a third, maybe an adventure or a dirt bike to fool around on in the back 40.
I own a 22' Indian Scout Rogue and a 24' Street Triple RS 765. Both bought brand new and love both of them. I actually surprise people when i say I love both for different reasons and don't have a favorite...
But.... I have been looking to upgrade the Indian for some reason, even if it's the new scout 101. Others I've been looking at are the Sport Chief and the FTR...
I think it's just wanting a little more power, tech, and upgraded parts. While a new bike would cost more than unlocking more power with a stage 1 and tune, I'm thinking the new bike would have a better value as basically everything would get upgraded instead of just power. I keep going back and forth with it.
Love my Sport Chief. I snagged stage 2 on a Black Friday sale and going to put the Rinehart slipons on it. Can’t wait for next season.
for me when i had my 883 i wanted a bagger because i needed a bigger tank and i wanted to travel more im mostly a solo rider cause im quite introverted almost took my 883 with me to fl which was a 1k ride but got stopped cause i couldnt load up enough stuff on it in the small bags i had that still looked good to an extent but i dont plan on ever having a passenger cause id be a worried wreck with them on the back and i couldnt enjoy the road like i so love doing
edit: i went from my ninja 300 to a 883 because i was bored one day and wanted to ride other bikes and landed at the harley dealer and i fell in love with cruisers and baggers so much so i forgot how to ride my ninja for about 5 minutes and knew then i was gonna trade to it in hindsight i should of gotten the 1200 it would of suited me better but i just knew i had to upgrade cause i enjoyed the cruiser i swung my leg over a 1000x times better
Good video, definitely things to consider and think about.
Thanks man
No debt for toys. No debt for anything.
Heg, I'm actually looking to downgrade! I'm 65 and own what was for years my dream bike (2019 H-D 48, with a Stage 3 Kit). I have a neurological condition that sometimes affects my ability to handle its weight. I've been looking at the Ninja 500 and the Z500. I started on a 76 KZ 400 and have always had a loyalty to Kaws. Really debating what to do!
Wow, use to live about 7 miles from Colbach Harley...
Some types of passengers are a hazard EG my wife is the worst passenger I've had in 58 years. She is always jerking around and shifting her weight. She only weighs 120 lbs! I always tell new passengers to sit like a sack of potatoes and hang on to me.
If she’s doing that it’s probably from an uncomfortable seat for her.
When I got my first Wing as soon as I got it running we took off on a long trip. My wife is the perfect passenger. She hangs on well and leans with me. I kept reaching back to be sure I didn't use her. My wife no longer does long rides but she does short rides every day.
The, I need to get a bigger motorcycle so I can take a passenger doesn’t hold water. I can take a passenger on my 2020 Honda super cub and you know that has a 125 cc engine and yep I can put it backseat on it and I have pegs on it so yeah if you got anything bigger than what I’ve got chances are it can handle a passengerunless it’s something really really small
Correct
Good evening from Indiana.
Upgrade the seat and then stop.
Meh, I'd say handle bars to get your arms comfortable and an exhaust, if the stock sound isn't for you. Then stop.
Shocks
Great advice!
Louisville ky
I think the title should be changed. Everything about riding motorcycles is subjective. What may be bad to one person, is good to another.
At the age downgrading is more likely.