NEC

what, born-again-teetotaller, taken up an "extreme"-style sport or
activity in middle age, in a desperate attempt to become "buff" far,
far too late?

lessee...

* none of the Jap big 4, 'cos they're too mainstream, right?
* not a Ducati, 'cos they're for fanbois, right?
* not a Harley, because despite the new muscles and tattoos, you're
not *really* gay, are you, right?
* not a BMW, because despite the fact one would be exactly right for
you, you still have a prejudice against them as "old farts bikes",
right?
* not a Triumph, because although you sort of like them, you reckon
they're overpriced for what they are, right?

what are we left with?

Buy a fucking scooter and be done with it. You know you want to.

 

hahahaha

 

Thinking about it, does the above explain your own varied selection of
bikes over the years?

 

Or Sir Tony's electric hybrid.

 

Here's a hybrid for you:

http://www.rokonworld.com/junk/cushmandavidson.jpg

Not electric, but probably a devastating cross-country weapon.

 

not really - you have to consider that less than 50% of the bike's
I've owned were bought from new. To address my own points above:

* Jap "big 4" machines: I've owned 2 Yamahas, 2 Suzukis, 2 Kawasakis
and 2 1/2 Hondas (the CG125 I pootled around on in the mid '90s wasn't
technically mine. Or MOTed. Or Insured, but hey ho...)

* Ducatis: nothing against them really, but never really "got it".
Plus almost without exception, people who ride Italian bikes are
twats.

* Harleys: *really* don't get it for the UK; California, for sure, but
not in this country.

* BMWs: owned 2 - no problem with them, though they are overpriced. I
liked my R1150GS, but if was too heavy and not fast enough.

* Triumphs: conceptually I still like them, but the Tiger I had had
just a few too many flaws to be a great bike.

Otherwise, I really like the KTM and ZX-12R I have at the moment. I'd
also like something a bit quirky, say, a Triumph Scrambler.

To summarize: I like bikes and biking, but I'm not glued to the
sportsbike format. We are living in what I believe to be the "golden
age" of biking; bikes are better than ever, and there's more of a
choice. Legislation and the green lobby will probably put an end to
all our fun within 10-15 years time. Best enjoy it while we can.

Though, to echo what you've said earlier in this thread, a large % of
bikers are twats through and through.

 

Hardly distinguishes them from the population as a whole though, does
it?

 

Quite a good summation of my old 1200 Trophy, too.

You're in for a shock if you think you'll find a Scrambler 'quirky'.
'Bland to the point that it tastes of distilled water' is nearer the
mark. I'm *so* glad that I didn't buy one purely on the looks alone.

Agree 100%.

 

I don't think so at all.

I see no reason why Mototcyclists need to evolve.

I agree completely with Cane's comments about shite bike shows but... I
don't think it's a problem that needs a solution. If people are happy
enough with what the industry offers then, well fine; it might not be to
my personal taste but I'm not delusional enough to expect the rest of
the world to fall in to step with my prejudices (and neither is Cane I'm
sure).

 

Well, yes and no.

Go to an "average" pub on an evening during the week. How many people
are obvious "characters" and general wankers?

Cf. any "bike meet".

 

fair enough - I've not ridden one - though I do like the look...

 

So do I, immensely. But it's got the wrong engine in it.

 

Not sure what an "average" pub would be, but I think you'd be fairly
hard-pushed to find one that represented a full x-section of society.

 

Good grief. That would look more at home in the kitchen!

 

This very day I've been looking at Siroccos - the 170PS TDi looks like
the best choice - huge stomp and 65 MPG. Decent spec is £23k though...
(after £2k gov't subsidy)

 

<fx: considers garage full of Italian bikes>

Ahem.

<thinks>

Actually, fair point.

 

Hmm, 130 quid a month in tax as a co-car. I'm swaying towards getting
the car now rather than the allowance.

 

You won't see 65mpg from it - low 40s is much closer to what you'd
actually get.

Still a good choice, though.

 

Combined of 53mpg according to VW.

I have the uncanny ability on my commute to be able to hit the
manufacturers combined mpg of any car I've driven. So 53 ain't too
shabby.

That said, if I could wrangle it onto the list, I think I'd go for the
Golf GTD in a 5 door manual. Same engine and performance as the
Scirocco but in a much more practical and usable car and a whole 5
pounds a month more in tax.