think i need a second bike
 

Well, so far so good (knock on wood). I'm actually back to commuting most every day on the bike, and have amused myself with some low key canyon cruises. I'm actually itching to do some longer rides and maybe short tours (upm3?), but the naked bike beats me up pretty good on the freeway. So I'm pondering a second bike. Or maybe one to replace the Aprilia, although I love this bike. Some options:

Another Multistrada. I can get a used one but then will be on the hook for possible costly repairs. There is a local shop with a ragin' deal on a brand new '08 "S" that they can't sell. But $13K is still $13K...

A used Duc touring bike. There are ST2/3/4 bikes pretty regularly. Downside is that the ST4 is the superbike engine so it isn't cheap to service. Also they have discontinued making/selling any ST bikes so parts will likely start to get a little more sparse (especially the ST3 which was only made for a few years).

BMW. I have to admit that I love the R1200S but that is a ton of money. The R1100S can be had used for reasonable prices but is more sport than tour. I don't really want a full blown touring bike though.

VFR. Plenty of these around, and from what I understand the pre-vtec bikes ('02 and older) are bombproof and reasonable to service. It isn't European, but the VFR seems to have the rep of being one of the ultimate do-all bikes around. Plus an '00 (mmm, yellow) can be had for $5K plus or minus.

I know some of you guys have had VFRs and other mentioned. Plusses or minuses?

Told you a long time ago to get one of the R/RS BMW's... but no, you wanted "sporty!" :)

There is a reason why us old farts like some coverage on the bike. The wind just knocks you down after a while.

Am looking at a R1100RS right now that I do not need but dammit.... I still love the speed!

Todd I think you know I have had a VFR for years. My last one was a 2001, the last of the gear driven cams. Unfortunately no yellow 2001's. VFR owners are a fanatical group and you can read all you want about them here: http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php?

Plusses: Does damn near everthing well. From cross country excursions to track days.

Minuses: If your inseam isn't at least 32" you will find it a tall bike. Mine is 30" and I had to lower it a bit.

Another vote for the VFR here.

Get a well sorted 1100, 1150 or 1200 GS.

Todd, you are more car/motorcycle bi-polar than me, which is tough to do. I vote for a cheaper VFR, keep the Aprilla, or sell both, and get a new BMW.

Bill

Inseam isn't a problem. 2000 was evidently the only year for yellow.

The GS is interesting, and there also is a left-over Caponard at a local dealer. But not sure how much "adventure" touring I'd really be doing.

Used pre '02 VFR certainly is the cheapest way to go.

VFR is a pretty decent bike.

I'd either get a Bandit or hold out for one of those 100 mpg diesel jobbies that's supposed to come out whenever they stop having to make so many for Iraq. . .

how expensive to maintain are the newer VFRs? I know the shop that has this one:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/mcy/699785124.html

Very cheap. Few things go wrong with them and the valve adjustment interval is 16K miles!

Another thought in 2002 they went to VTEC and some people complain that they don't like how it comes on cam at I think it is 7000 rpms. Not a problem in the straights but some riders say it is a bit disconcerting when cornering. Lots of others have no complaint about it at all.

My friend has a VFR 800, I think it may be a year older than that silver one (it is all red). Damn nice bike! If I were to ever get another bike, that would probably be it. You should go give it a test ride.

How much you wanna bet that once you get a VFR you're gonna stop riding the Duc ;) Dude you go through more vehicles than I do!

David, I have an Aprilia now, not a Duc. Try to keep up ;)

If I get a second bike I'm pretty sure that the Aprilia will still get plenty of workout. If I bought another Multistrada, then the Aprilia would like go, as that bike does everything well in style. But for a hell of a lot more money than a used VFR.

Man, you change vehicles like I change toothpaste.

I encourage you never to add up the lack of amortization of sales tax/reg fees :D

But it's fun to live vicariously through you!

Thought about getting a faring for the Aprillia?

VFR's are great bikes.

There are coyotes in those canyons!

There are a couple of small windscreens for the Aprilia, and I have one on oder that should show up soon. That may be enough to keep me happy. I was fine with the windblast onthe Triumph and it only had a small bikini fairing to which I added a laminar lip.

Don't go making things up Don. Amortize...right, like that is really a word :p

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1212098339.jpg


sorry, couldn't help myself ;)

Another second for the VFR. I had one for a while. Truly missed it when it moved on. It had a aftermarket pipe that was a guaranteed woody, and I am not a noise guy. The power curve was seamless all the way to the 10.5 redline, and would get you automatically to jail in Kahliforneeeia on the 2 -> 3 shift. Unlike the Hurricane, the front end was heavy enough to not get in the air accidentally, and the Dunlop radials were sticky enough to warrant replacing twice a year. No sissy stripes on them when they came off, it was a bike that would drag elbows before pegs.

If $$$$ is an object (I know, I know), you might also look into a well-kept flying brick. Good ones are in the $3k range, decent ones are in the $2k range, and fairing and stance are perfect for SoCal freeways. The Autobahn police still use them for a reason. I think I was on one behind you that day when you got the flat tire.

VFR's are terrific bikes, but do lack a little personality, and you seem drawn to bikes with personality. ST2s are more or less 900ss with a more upright position, nice torquey italian bikes. RT beemers are a nice touring bike, capable enough within their envelope, with excellent wind protection, and the best 2 up bike of the bunch, just a bit of a handful at low speed. Mine is an ideal compliment to my 749, two opposite ends of the spectrum. But if I didn't ride two up a lot, I'd probably opt for something lighter.

A Triumph ST maybe?