the NATO garage

[Drago]

Originally posted by nostatic
haven't been to that shop. I don't know that I'd go for a thrashed used bike. Think of it like a 911 purchase. Would you buy a car that had a crappy owner, or spend a few $K more (in this case, literally) for a brand new one that will get broken in right, etc?

Sage advice there Todd. I'd go with the black one though.

[nostatic]

while I like the looks of black bikes, I feel like my bright orange bike is a lot more visible on the road. I give up some cool factor for safety.

But then again I think orange is cool

[JavaBrewer]

So are you going to ride the 05 there in the shop? Your feedback would be great.

[JavaBrewer]

Is 10K miles alot for a Triumph Triple? I spent 20 minutes today taking a second look at the used one. New tires, probably brakes, new seat, a detail, and it would be a sharp bike for $5K. What else would I look for problem wise?

[Steve Carlton]

David- don't you dare buy the '00. 10K miles is nothing, but that bike sounds like it's been rode hard and put away wet. The extra bucks for the '03 (with 10K less miles) will come back to you in resale value, plus you know nothing funky has happened. Those bikes were improved every year, sometimes in substantial ways.

I know the '04s were advertised (many months ago) for $8K or less, with the low APR financing. Do the '03s have a special APR? Can you find any new '04s?

[nostatic]

What Steve said...there are so many bozos out there on bikes. When I was looking at used Ducatis there were some that had just been beat and not maintained (because it ain't cheap). Then there were ones that were perfect (like the one I got).

I didn't have time to ride the Triple, but I know guys who ride them...they pretty much uniformly love them. You should be able to get 2.9 or 3.9% financing on the '03...mine is an '03 and I got 3.9% for 60 months. Makes for a pretty cheap monthly toy payment.

That being said I'm already drooling over an Aprilia Tuono

[Steve Carlton]

Get Tuono. Lose license. Same thing with upcoming SuperDuke...

[Steve Carlton]

My best recommendations:

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1150r

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1150r_rockster

0.9% APR + 5 free payments...

[nostatic]

Originally posted by Steve Carlton
Get Tuono. Lose license. Same thing with upcoming SuperDuke...

Same thing with any of these, doncha think?

[Steve Carlton]

No, some bikes seem to inspire deviant behavior more than others. At least, according to the magazines. Those two are the worst offenders, as far as I can tell...

A couple of up-and-comers for the same honors from BMW:

The K1200R PowerCup Replika



The R1200GS HP

[nostatic]

egad, that K1200R looks very nasty. Puts the "who" hooligan. How does it stack up against a Tuono? Or maybe an MV F4?

[Nader]

That K1200R is a little insane. A "Hooligan" bike with over 160 hp, telelever suspension, and ABS. Should be called "Mr. Hooligan". But it's kinda heavy, somewhere around 500 lbs. If I didn't already have my old Airhead...

[Steve Carlton]

Originally posted by nostatic
egad, that K1200R looks very nasty. Puts the "who" hooligan. How does it stack up against a Tuono? Or maybe an MV F4?

Not exactly sure, but I'll bet it's faster. Supposedly, the PowerCups are making 176hp with their performance upgrades. Supposedly, one was seen (in Spain, I think) turning laps at a racetrack only 2 seconds behind World Superbikes.

With it's mountain of torque and duolever front end, I'm not too surprised.

[Overpaid Slacker]

Or maybe an MV F4?

Now you're talking. While you're there, check out the Mamba and the SP01. Daaaang.

Maybe in a year or two I'll trade the Mille (and a basket full of Benjamins) for an F4. I love that bike.

Speaking of safety on bike (great segue, no?) have any of youse guys used the headlight modulator? I saw one on a bike yesterday and it REALLY helps the bike's "noticeability" without being over-the-top. They run about $40, including the light sensor to shut off the modulation at night.

JP

[Steve Carlton]

Totally agree with you on the MV Agusta. Aircraft-quality built motorcycle, and an awesome follow-up for Tamburini to his 916/996/998.

The Brutale is rumored to be coming out with a 916cc engine...

Personally, I can't stand those headlight modulators. They seem so obnoxious to me. But I do have this LED taillight that has an option to flash when the brakes are first applied:

www.gizmomill.com

The more affordable TailBlazer:

http://www.kisantech.com/kisanWeb3/tailBlazer.htm

[Overpaid Slacker]

Steve -- thanks for the Tailblazer link.

As far as the headlight modulation, maybe obnoxious is good. When I take the ONCE out for a ride, I wear the most garish cycling tops I can find b/c I'd rather have a driver say "look at the outfit on that clown" than {bump} "what was that?".

JP

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Headlight modulation isn't legal in all states, IIRC.

If you want to be REALLY visible, wear an Aerostitch Hi-Viz Lime Yellow Roadcrafter suit.

THAT is obnoxious.

[nostatic]

The aerostsitch is pretty BRIGHT. My strategy is orange bike, red jacket and yellow helmet. Not a pretty sight, but it seems to be noticable (knock on wood).

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Sounds pretty darn visible. Don't ride in AZ like that, though. Makes you a better target.

Seriously. The whole "bikers are invisible" thing is a state I'm trying to ACHIEVE, a step up from "bikers are fun to run over".

[JavaBrewer]

Since you mentioned helmets...what's up with the price differences? Seen full face (street) samples ranging from $150 up to like $700. How do I know what brand to buy and what all the various ratings mean? I want the best helmet out there, but not necessarily the most expensive, and no flaming dragons and stuff. Simple white/grey with some stripes or something would be cool.