I used to laugh at people who had more than one motorcycle. Why on earth would you do that? You have one bike, you ride that bike. But then I bought my second bike. And then my third. And then my fourth. Then I sold the third one and traded the fourth one in for a different one. I had discovered that different bikes excel at different things, and I wanted to do those different things. Here are the bikes that are currently in my garage, waiting for the next adventure.
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This is Kiki, my 1991 Honda VFR 750. This is the bike that I feel that I really learned to ride on, despite having four bikes prior to this one. It was on the VFR that I finally learned how to approach a corner, lean the bike, roll on the throttle and pull hard on the exit. This is the first bike that took me on an overnight trip, packed like an donkey on the way to market. This is the bike that led me to a wonderful group of like-minded motorcyclists and helped me explore the world of riding as I enjoy it today. I low-sided this bike a while ago and messed up the plastics pretty bad. I finally repaired/replaced the plastics and had them painted up fresh in Honda Red. Still need to find decals for the lower fairings, but in the meantime, she's looking pretty sweet in my living room!.
Check out Kiki's amazing reassembly party here. |
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Never one to be left behind, this is the bike that I picked up just weeks before my trip to Alaska. The 2000 Kawasaki KLR 650 is considered a dual sport because of its gearing and suspension. It is really good at absorbing bumps and potholes in the road, not to mention riding through construction sites, dirt tracks through the wilderness and river crossings. This bike is a workhorse! I have since put some large metal saddle bags on it and it is my "grocery-getter" and daily commuter. It's light, affordable to maintain and gets 57mpg. There's not a whole lot of power in that single cylindar, but its enough to get me where I want to go in a decent amount of time.
Check out the KLR's "packmule" double identity here. Various mods are shown here. Some are interesting, some are not. Some are even visible under the mud...(this is a new feature and rather barren right now) The KLR gets a facelift!!! Check out the new paint scheme here. |
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One friend called this bike a pachyderm and I can see the resemblence. Big and heavy, it goes forever and goes through anything. Mine is a 2001 BMW R1150GS and I picked it up in May of 05 and immediately put 15,000 miles on it within four months. I wanted this bike for the luxuries that the KLR couldn't give me. It has a power outlet to allow me to wear my heated jacket and gloves, heatedgrips, heated seat, lockable hard bags, excellent gas range, a more comfortable seat, superior lighting and a smoother ride. When people ask "if you could have any bike, what would it be?" I point to this bike. It will do anything that I want. I can travel across the country and no longer be concerned if that squiggle on the map is paved or not. The GS will tackle it without hesitation. Its my own hesitation that will slow me down! |
**** Whoops! Gravity Surge!!!! ****
Bikes that I've had in the past...
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19?? Honda Express (49cc) - the
one that started it all |
1978 Yamaha 500 (not the actual bike) |
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1985 Kawasaki 454LTD (but mine was
purple) |
1974 Honda CB750 |
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1995 Kawasaki KLR650 |
2002 Bandit 1200 |
