Nothing wrong with enjoying a scooter and a motorcycle. I have both and like them both for their purpose. Yesterday the woman who hangs around here and I took a 200 mile through the mountains around here. The temperature ranged from 64F to 48F during the day with rain showers on and off. On that ride I was glad I was on the Goldwing with it's superior weather protection. Today I was running errands in town and went out to the club shooting range using the SW. I perferred it due to its easier handling in tight quarters and better fuel economy. I wouldn't go with a HD but that's just my prejudice from past years. If I were to go with a Cruiser type it'd be a Honda Shadow or VTX. I don't believe the Harley can come close to equalling Mother Honda's machinery for reliability and longevity.

Peter,

It isn't "irrational" at all to want the 883 Sportster. They really are nice bikes and the ones now are better than the one I had since they are 5 speeds and belt drive now. Get some highway pegs and backrest and some saddle bags and you are ready to go. I say you should try the 883 since you want one and they hold their re-sale really good so if you don't like it you should get most of your money back.

You might be happier with the 1200 Sporty. The 883 is really slow for its engine size.

Hey Peter, the States don't get the W800-at least, not yet...

If they ever do, I'll be all over it. That is one beautiful machine...and it's going to give Triumph a run for its money...

I'm with the others...Sportsters are, for me, too small and they have poor suspension systems which really need upgrading, but once the kinks are worked out, they are very good motorcycles which really get to the essence of motorcycling the way it used to be (like when I was a kid before the invention of dirt...). If a Sportster lights you up, go for it...

I'm sort of the same way with the V-Strom. Much as I like the idea of them and appreciate all the farkles you can put on them, getting a leg over is a pain, unless you do the horse mount/dismount (with bike on sidestand, put L foot on L peg, stand on peg, swing R foot over and put on R peg, then sit down). If you do that, BE CAREFUL to do so on a solid surface....it's easy to unbalance the machine and knock you and it a$$ over teacup...

I love my SWing, but still like other motorcycles as well. One does not preclude the appreciation of the other...

Guys,


After having had the accident and the TMAX totalled, I pondered whether to buy a new one, go with a small dual sport 250cc or less or an adventure touring bike. So I decided to go with a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, I will not be commuting to work anymore, so there would be no need for the CVT.
I decided that the new bike for me had to have the ability to do light off highway. So I purchased a 2011 White V-strom with ABS, and I am not looking back. Although that Mid-Concept may wind up in my garage as well.
240 miles and counting. swing2010

Hmmm....W800 v Sportster? I'd go for the W800-however, I had a look at a very nice '06 1200 Sportster Roadster this morning...very nice shape, with windshield and locking bags...the Roadster's suspension is better than the Low's or the Custom's I think, and render it the most roadworthy for sizable gents like myself.

I could definitely go for a Roadster...nice machine.

Still want the W800 here, though...but we may not get it...naked bikes don't do very well here, for reasons which are beyond my understanding...

Not having the W800 here, my eye gets drawn to the Honda Shadow RS. It's got its down sides, but from an aesthetic standpoint, I think it is gorgeous. The shop where I got my Swing had one in the red,white and blue 2011 model and it made me do a double take. If it weren't for my commuting needs, I may have ended up with the RS instead.



Also, I'm not a Harley guy, but that XR1200x is a damn fine looking bike.