What other bikes have you ridden? What do you reckon?

[Dan]

Just daydreaming today about other bikes... a Facebook group I am a member of is setting up a ride where everyone swaps bikes, I was thinking about going along and it started me thinking about other bikes I have ridden.  Thought it might be good to share some thoughts. 

If anyone else has had a decent enough ride on a bike to get an idea of how it is, please share!

1995 Kawasaki ZZR600E - my first bike, bought it because it was cheap.  Being a new rider I never really pushed it or used it properly, but from memory I would say it was an OK bike - fairly comfortable, decent handling.  Brakes seized solid due to UK winter use.  Being a 600 it was fairly gutless, redline was at 14,000rpm IIRC.

1998 Honda CBR900RRW - the bike I have ridden the most, took it through France in to Spain, to the Nurburgring and all over Britain.  Excellent on the right road (smooth surface, good visibility).  Like all sports bikes, limited on a lot of roads.  Fast, sports bike handling, well built, easy to service and pretty reliable.

1988 Honda VFR750F - Bought as a commuter, but used it for more.  Did my one and only Iron Butt ride on it (BB1500 - miles).  Nice engine, bottom and mid-range as strong as the Fireblade.  Pretty good handling although suspension was tired.

2000 Honda VFR800 - Mates bike - decent enough, a bit squashy in the corners, not as good as my old 750.

2000 BMW R1100R - Mates bike - Looks like an old man's bike, but great fun to ride.  Brakes are just OK.  Love the Boxer engine.  Great handling, great fun to hassle sports bikes on!  I intend to get an 1150R at some point, I liked it that much.

2010 BMW R1200RT - Mates bike - goes much better than I thought it would - handles well, easy to ride quickly.  Good riding position with good visibility.

2011 KTM 990 SMT - Mates bike - HUGE fun!  It's like there is a little devil sitting on your shoulder.  Handles like a mountain bike - really fast steering.  Great suspension and brakes.  Engine is nuts, loves chasing the rev limiter! 

2008 & 2010 KTM Adventure 990 - My perfect bike - it's like KTM measured me up and built it for me.  Slightly less devilish than the SMT  but still great fun.  It would be tough to choose between the 2 KTM's, but for me the perfect fit tips me towards the Adv.  I will have one, one day.....

2010 BMW R1200GS - Demo bike - twin cam engine was great.  Steering felt a bit numb, I'm not sure that the Telelever works so well on the GS.  I'm told that you get used to it.

2010 BMW R1200GS Adv - Demo bike - As above, but the Adv feels a lot less agile than the GS - far less sporty.  I still prefer the Adv though.

2010 BMW K1300R - Demo bike - Didn't really like it.  Really didn't feel as fast as 170-odd bhp should.  The GS kept up with it up to 120mph*.  Didn't want to corner either.

2007 BMW K1200S - Mates bike - Strangely I quite liked this.  Felt really torquey.  Handled well too.  If I wanted a sporty bike again, one of these would be nice - if you ignore the reliability issues....

2002 Honda CBR900RR '954' - Mates bike - like my RRW turned up to 11.  More power everywhere (but not that much), noticably lighter, better brakes.  Suspension not as good as the Ohlins I had on the RRW.  Seat was terrible, like a plank.

2000 Suzuki GSXR600 - Mates bike - Gutless.  Had to scream it to go anywhere.  Cramped and uncomfortable.  Light and flickable handling-wise.  This bike was 2 years younger than my FireBlade with half the miles, but was a mess compared to mine (and I'm not known for my bike washing abilities!)

2002(?) BMW R1150GS - Mates bike - has that nice boxer engine again.  Didn't feel as numb steering-wise as the 1200GS.  Mitted me nicely, I could fancy one of these!

2000 Honda ST1100-P - Current bike.  Never a dream bike of mine, but it was a reasonable price, local and on paper fitted my needs (comfy, reliable, decent fuel range, hard luggage).  I've still not used it in anger, but at the moment I quite like it.  It doesn't have the 'character' of the BMW boxers or KTM twins - for some reason they make me smile as soon as I ride off - but it's growing on me.  Seems that it'll handle well enough, the engine is enough for road use.  I reckon it'll be a great bike for piling on the kms on a long trip - I might get to find out one day....!!



*In theory of course!

[alans1100]

I really haven't had that many and between dome bikes there has been a few years.

I got my licence on a Honda CB175 not sure of the year but about 1971/2 had kick/electric start. Bought used in 1976 from a friend of my girl-friend back then. Bike ok for it's commuting roll.

Then it was back to a car until about 1983 when I bought a used:-
 
Suzuki GT185 twin 2 stroke. I'm not a two stroke fan but it was cheap and ok to get used to riding again. I had to have the key on the rotary valve replaced so I started looking for something better.

1982 Suzuki GSX250E. Way ahead of Honda back then with DOHC, 4 valve head and automatic timing chain adjust. I took this one from Adelaide to Melbourne a couple times with no problems. Potent for a 250 even back then. Should have kept it longer but went back to a car.

Honda CB 250 N 1980, a step backwards but back on two wheels with a ratty version, painted black and a chain that hadn't been oiled that it amazed me when I actually got it home. New chain and sprockets plus cush drive and all was ok. Good for commuting and plenty of highway runs between Adelaide and the Riverland. Had this one nearly two years until I traded up to :

Honda CX 500 Turbo 1982

The bike in my opinion which is the forerunner of the ST 1100. Bike shop repaired alternator as it was like it on the day I got it. Good commute bike. Good for touring as well. We did the coast from Kingston SE to Sydney and back across to Adelaide. Another trip to Ayers rock/Alice Springs as well. Only fault was a poorly located alternator which meant engine removal for repair. Alternator repaired twice and looked like going again so got rid of bike for a car.

Honda GL 1200 Not sure of the year but I was looking for another bike and took this for a test ride. Nicely balanced and handle city traffic ok. It was bigger than anything I had ridden before but didn't feel it like it. Partner loved it, so did I but alas funds didn't permit us to buy.

Honda 750K. Another ratty bike, four into 1 (I hate) system into car muffler. (not good) Got this in 2003 just to tun to and from work. Not the best bike I've had but I kept it until it threw the timing chain in 2004. Bike sat in back yard until I gave it to next door neighbor. He gave it to a friend and it is now restored back to original condition. I had problem sourcing chain and sprockets. The sprockets ended up being from a police bike.

1982 Honda CX500E  Had this until May 2006 and used for commuting and weekend rides. Did have an alternator failure but twenty or more years of life you's expect that.

1999 Honda ST1100A. I needed a bigger bike for the long distance stuff. I looked at BMW K1200LT (used) and a 2006 BMW R 1200 RT (new) but found the 1100 on Bikepoint in Bendigo for $13,500 and 11,500kms.  I liked the 1100 from day one, but could never afford a new one. Finance company said yes. Oh, the female owner couldn't quite believe she had a buyer for her bike.  I was surprised to find out the bike was in fact an 1100A with linked brakes and not the basic 1100. Six years later and no regrets, can't fault it except for the seat which I replaced November 2010.


Added

About the time I owned my little Suzy 185 I had a ride on a friends Yamaha 250 which more than anything inspired me to get the Suzy GSX250.

My younger brother also had a Suzy TC 90 which had 4 speed hi and low ranges. To small for me but dual range transmission worked ok.

[Sim]

Honda XL100 - I learnt to ride on this one in my arly teens, 'twas my dads commuter bike and i used this in the paddocks and dry creek beds around home - for many years, as a kid. This is where i 'got my balance'. Leant the ropes.

Yamaha RD250 (if you remember 'two stroke' with a bit of mongrel, with dual chrome sausage pipes), i thought it was awesome, but i was pretty green to riding. Used for commuting and short local tour rides. On reflection a good bike to learn on - but i suspect theres not many around any more due to the 'type of owner' they were intended for (=20 something guys); crashing them.

Honda XL500 and 600. This i used a lot of off-road touring, about far north Qld (Cairns, Cape York) for a many years.  On reflection they were pretty even off-on road tourer, go anywear bike.

ST1300. After many many years 'away' from the bike scene (20 yrs) i saw the ST11/13 and new that it was the right fit. i leant towards the ST13 as it had a bit more sport about it, good touring comfort, good two up, and plenty of torque. Puts a  :) on my dial and is likely to for quite some time.
 

[Greencan]

1937 AJS...pre-dates rear suspension so try not getting ya plums caught between the saddle and the petrol tank

1947 Matchless...2 speed burman dog/gearbox on short circuits...nyioce...bike on alcohol 

1949 HRD Vincent...pulls Grandads from miles around...all of which have owned one at one point

1971 Mach III...went well in straight lines...engine toast at 1500 miles...was rubbish...ok in dry river beds, at night with rider on alcohol

1969 Trident...with 3 into 1...music, music, music

1970 TS 250 Suzuki...took of all the nu-necessary bits kitted it, and rode it at various motox tracks in NT, SA and Qld...luv'd it

1971 K1 750 Honda...engine lasted longer than the killasaki...it went around corners

1973 Ducati 450 Desmo...even after 2000 miles I still manages to forget wot side the gear leaver woz on going down from the 'eagle-on-the-hill'

1978 Kawasaki 1300...smoothest engine I have ever had below the plums

1982 Suzi GSX750...took it home to show my Wife...then took it straight back to the dealers

1997 Triumph 995 Speed Triple...light blue touch paper and hang on for the best plank ride you'll ever have

1997 Honda ST1100...something to ride that I never bother to check the oil before hand...boring & recommended for the aging motorcyclist...like me

...there are others, but I'm drunk and need to go ni-ni's...so toodly pip

[STeveo]

Started with yamaha G5 (80cc farm bike) on the property I worked at on weekends while still at school.
Bought Suzuki TS125 and thrashed to bits, sold remaining bits to buy new '74 TS250. Traded it on Honda '73 CB500, then to '73 CB750. Bought new Yamaha XS750 in '77 and and sold to buy Escort RS2000 in 1980. Stayed with trail bikes for a few years (Maico's, still have my 250 enduro bought new '81) and converted a '72 'square barrel' 400cc Maico into a road bike.     Sold that (wish I hadn't) to buy Ducati Pantah 600. Had to leave bikes for a while due family problems and raising my kids alone. Bought '82 Honda FT500 (500cc single road) and got my confidence back and three years later '94 ST1100. There have been others along the way but these are the only ones worth remembering. 

 

[saaz]

I strated out on a Honda CD175.  Mover to a Suzuki GT750K triple, then onto the Suzuki GS1000 1978 model. Still have it. Now on the 96ST1100.

Other bikes I have ridden over the years:
Honda CB750 (K2 or such I think). Felt like a heavy slug compared to the GS1000. may not have been the best example.

Suzuki Katana 1100 - seemed great at the time, as it was pretty current.

Kawasaki KZ1300 6 cylinder - a tall heavy bike, but once going very nice. Brakes did not work for a while in the wet, a common japanese problem at the time. Big tank, good fuel range.

Suzuki GT500 twin with electronic ignition.  Slow and vibrated a lot, but I had the triple at the time.

FZ750 Yamaha 4.  Seemed to go ok, and it was winning production races at the time. They must have done something to the race bikes I think..

Suzuki RG500 Gama - what can I say, a licence looser.  Front wheel up in the air all the time without trying. Rode with a mate on a test ride with the FZ750 - mate wondered why I was so slow on the FZ until we swapped, and when I took off up in the air the front wheel went when using the same throttle as the FZ.  I could own one of these.

Suzuki GSX-R750 the original model.  At the time seemed really light, great power and handling. A revolution at the time.

BMWLT1200 - luxury tourer with all the gear. Handles well for the weight, and goes as fast as you need to on the road.

Goldwing 1800 - ditto. Engine feels like it is electric

VFR1200 - heavy sports bike, goes hard, stops even better.

ST1300 - feels like and ST11 but maybe the younger sister - felt very familiar.

Honda VFR800 - nice weight and power combination. I can see why riders love their VFRs

Kawasaki GTR1400 - nice and powerful, handles and brakes nicely, more sporting than touring but could be easy enough to live with.

Triumph Trophy 1200 2013 - I will get back to you about that one sometime...

may be others, have to think

[pault]

Ducati GT750  1974
Steered like a truck at low speed. at high speed always rounded up the jap fours as they tried to wobble round bends. and that's giving away more than 250cc.

[Moez]

Okay 1967ish Triumph Bonneville during the early 70's. Leaked oil, blew Zennier Diodes (Lucas junk electrics) frame flexed 2up but stayed on track, chewed sprockets. May have had something to do with my riding style.

My mates 860 Duke mid 70's in NZUD. Pure Bliss. Covers it all.

XS1. Yamaha's Trumpy copy which left you numb from vibration for ages after you got of it.

Big break. Wife and kids in the way.

1982 GSX250. Commute to work bike enough said.

Honda VF750S. Honda's V4 shaft drive 750. Went like stink, couldn't handle, or I couldn't make it handle, tried to kill me twice by running of the road, maybe I found it's limit. Sold it and bought a Suzuki GS850. Did everything I asked and more with out grumbling, even killed a Roo and never chucked me of, and lost a side panel which I found again.

Now 1995 ST1100 (Big Red) Doesn't leak oil or blow electrics like the trumpy, doesn't vibrate like the Yamhy, doesn't sound like the Duke (what else does) Goes like stink but doesn't try to kill me(maybe I haven't found her limit yet) . Killed a Roo but saved the Joey with the Bride on board, and does everything with out grumbling.
And she commutes well.

Oh, the bride loves being on the back now and again.

I'm a happy chappie.

[Blue Baron]

First bike was a Yammy SRX 250.  Went Ok for what it was, I did plenty of miles on it, but it wasn't really suited for distance work. I ended up putting a full fairing off a Honda VT250 on it for some protection, but still remember getting drenched on it.

Bought a ratty Kwaka GT750 and gave it a fairing I got from a wrecker, then a backyard respray.  Looked OK from a distance.  Went well, stopped well and had a big comfy seat.  It did however just stop from time to time and I never could find out why....

Then a nice CX650 Honda. Did most things well; was comfy but a bit boring.

Next was a BMW K100RT.  Great mile muncher, comfy seat, but used to cook my leg on a hot day.  Never handled great; you could feel the frame flexing over bumps at speed.  Brakes only adequate for a large bike.

Got a Kwaka ZZR 600 then; great handling bike and fairly comfortable.  Scared the bejesus out of myself one night coming on to the freeway and really opened her up; went like stink once you got the revs way up....

Something a bit more comfortable then, an old FJ1100.  Handled OK for a big heavy bike, lazy engine but rattly.

No bikes for a few years as courier van driving, then kids got in the way...

Was seduced momentarily by a Suzi SV650.  Great engine.  You wouldn't believe it was just a 650....but a bit cramped for me and not very comfy.  Very hard suspension; but sounded great!  Wife didn't approve though.

Finally the ST1100A after a few more years without a bike.  Not my dream machine, but something I liked the look of, and came with ABS etc. The more I ride it the more I like it, and am gradually altering things like seat, bars etc. to customise it to suit me.  Handles well, goes hard when you want, brakes are good and fairing protection is fantastic.  Love the low speed balance.  Think I will have it for quite a few years yet....

[StinkyPete]

My previous bike was a Yamaha XJR1300 retro naked.    Awesome amount of grunt, great retro looks, ergonomically identical to the ST1300, and a reasonable tourer with a screen and custom soft pannier frames.

[ST2UP]

Started with a CT110 then worked through a TS185, PE400. WR490 husky, XT550 then turned to the road with a Katana 750......then gave them away while we started the family.....then ST1100 and now ST1300. these are the ones I have owned.....rode another ???

 

[Wayne'o]

HONDA                                  YAMAHA                       SUZUKI                   KAWASAKI                     BMW                    TRIUMPH

CB360G                              XT600 Tenere                RG250                     KLR600                          R65                 T509 speed triple
CB250RS                            FJ1100                           DL1000 Vstrom                                             K75S
CB900F2C                          FJ1200                           Burgman 650                                                R100RT
XLV750                              XJR1200                         GS1100G                                                       R1100LT
CH250                               XV1000
CL250                                XV1000 Virago
ST1300                              TDM900
                                          T-Max
Not in the correct order and have probably forgotten a bike or two.

Interesting bikes among them? The Burgman 650 is so good I am still wondering why I sold it to buy the ST1300 which is very good but the Burgy was very, VERY good. Still it's early days with the ST and I am sure it will further endear itself to me on a long trip, which really wasn't the Burgman's forte.

The Honda CL250 was interesting in that it had some 'trials' DNA in it. It actually had 2 first gears. The first activated using conventional clutch and gear lever and the second by pulling an extra clutch lever and pressing down on the gear lever again. In this low low first, it would just about walk up walls. Lots of fun in the bush.

Worst bike. Yep! A Honda.   The XLV750. Very harsh engine. Some Hondas are great but very few that I have owned can produce the smiles I have experienced when riding Suzukis.  I've only had the 4 suzukis but you missed riding them the moment you hopped off. You just wanted to keep on riding them.

The bike that reminds me so much of the ST1300 was my BMWK75S triple. The BM had a beautiful smooth, solid feel to it's drive line and like the ST, it was bloody heavy...and I was fit in those days.....not like today

They are all good but some after definitely better than others. If I could have afforded to keep more than one bike it would have been the Burgman 650. Do yourself a favour and ride one. Forget that it's a maxi-scooter and just experience for yourself probably the most relaxed ride on a motorcycle on the planet.

Now where's the keys, it's time for a ride.

cheers
Wayne

[Diesel]

Had a ride on Gaz' MASSIVE, THUNDEROUS Road Liner recently and WOW! What a machine. Turned me instantly into a mean, savage bikey! What a sound too! (Sorry Nisi for scaring the pants off ya!)

Here is a pic of another one like Gaz's... 1900cc of pure power!





Thanks mate - won't be forgetting that experience for a while.       


Cheers, Diesel


PS:    @Wayne'o and others...  WOW! you've had your leg over more things than Warney!     

[Wayne'o]

Diesel, that 'Gaz' is one very good looking motorcycle.

I'm not that into cruisers but that does look inviting.

cheers,
Wayne

[Shiney]

Had a ride on Gaz'...

Thanks mate - won't be forgetting that experience for a while.       


Cheers, Diesel

    You did WHAT to Gaz 


 

GAZ = http://ozstoc.com/index.php?action=profile;u=334

[Sicman]

Had a ride on Gaz' MASSIVE, THUNDEROUS Road Liner recently and WOW! What a machine. Turned me instantly into a mean, savage bikey! What a sound too! (Sorry Nisi for scaring the pants off ya!)

Here is a pic of another one like Gaz's... 1900cc of pure power!





Thanks mate - won't be forgetting that experience for a while.       
Cheers, Diesel

Wow - Do they make a diesel 1900 version now 

[gaz]

my first bike was a 1997 Honda 1100 ace  ,  ridden 2002 - 2010, then came the Yamaha Roadliner 1900 (The Gazliner)