[Shiny_Simon]

Hello folks,

I have been a lurker for awhile here, but I guess now I have something to post about. After a many year hiatus from motorcycling I got back into it in 2007 with a '96 Honda Shadow 1100. I really thought that thing was sweet looking. After a year I hated it. It was bullet proof, but for any distance it was uncomfortable, it had loud aftermarket pipes, acceleration and handling were pretty sad.

So after some research I bought a 2004 BMW R1150GSA. I thought I was in heaven. This thing was so much more fun to ride, especially in the twisties. Lots more acceleration. And even though it's kind of goofy looking I loved that everything about it had a purpose. No bits of chrome just for show. And in fact I still love the bike. 96% of my riding is with friends that ride Harleys, so it is on road. The problem is I am not particularly mechanically inclined. Sure I can change oil and do basics, but I don't synch throttle bodies or adjust valves. I could probably learn but I don't really want to wrench on my bike. But after my latest bill for service I was so upset that I started investigating other bikes. Yesterday I purchased a 2012 DL650 adventure model. So far I have only sat on the thing, I don't take delivery until Saturday. Based on stuff I have read around here, I should probably like it. This would be my first new bike. I have my bike up for sale now.

I am nervous about going down to a 650, but everything else appeals to my thrifty nature. Good mileage, regular gas, low maintenance costs, cheaper to insure, etc all sound great, and if it truly is a fun bike to ride, it really doesn't sound like a compromise.

I can tell you that the guys I ride with are really going to have some fun with me when I pull up on the 650, while they are sitting on their 100 cubic inch
HD's. Looking at the specs thugh, it doesn't sound like they will have to wait for me to catch up.

Thanks for all the info on this site. Guess I'll know more on Saturday.

 

[Stoopy]

Re-Started on a Shadow 1100 (Sabre) when I came back to riding as well. Your assesment of the bike is accurate.

Unless you are grotesquely obese you haven't anything to fear about "stepping down" to the 650 - as you'll see on Saturday.

And any initial ridicule you receive from your HD riding buddies is likely to be left behind in the glow of your taillights. You may make converts out of a few of 'em.

Congrats - excellent choice!

 

[V-Tom]

Congratulations!

Just be aware that when you do ride it, there is a whole nother part of the power curve that happens over 5,000 rpm and continues to redline. With a new engine you shoudn't do much exploring there, but when you rev it I am sure you wil have no issue leaving your friend's Cruisers behind if that's what matters to you.

..Tom

 

[trapperdick]

Welcome to the fourm,,,enjoy your new bike, you'll have no regrets........TD

 

[notacop]

You ride with folks that ride Harleys...Why? Just leave them in the dust and never look back.
Actually if you just changed oil in the beemer, you'd have been good for 100K. A lot of folks over service their bikes. And then they have sad stories.
Happiness is never following a harley in the twisties!

 

[warprints]

I mostly don't miss the extra HP when I'm on my Wee (which I only ride one-up). It has plenty of get-up-and-go, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to keep up with the Harleys (and how hard it will be for them to keep up with you). Don't confuse engine size with speed capability.

 

[Scorch]

It's a great choice. I don't think you will find the 650 engine lacking, and the handling is superb!

Pictures!

 

[Jarlaxle28]

Hopefully you are already aware of the dreaded "farkling disease" that inflicts riders of the Strom. If not, you will be soon.:yesnod:

 

[Banks C]

You ride with folks that ride Harleys...Why? Happiness is never following a harley in the twisties!

+1 on Happiness quote!!! One of best lines I've ever read ... and SO TRUE.

 

[Jayman737]

Hey Simon, Welcome. Hope you enjoy the site. Loads of great info and stories here as I'm sure you've seen. Maybe it will inspire you to pick up your tools and get some more work done. I've just become a Vee owner myself. I think the Wee has less things to worry about. I just got my Vee and it is great, but I can already tell I'm going to do my best to make it better. Hope the bike is great for ya! Safe riding!