2nd Bike Option

over the last 10 years, I have bought and sold 8 motorcycle. To date, the longest I've kept one is 16 months. That was my '99 BMW R1100s. I loved that bike. I really don't know why I sold it. Just got the itch I guess. Anyway, 13 months ago I bought my '98 VFR800. I absolutely love it. I doubt I will ever sell it. It's just about perfect for me. Especially since I did my upgrades to make it a proper weekend sport touring ride.

My question is, if you could buy a second bike (assuming that you don't already own multiple bike), what would you get?

I have the clearance (from the wive) to purchase "one more bike". She wants it to be something that I'll keep for the remainder of my riding life. I am going to be 53 this December, so hopefully (fingers crossed), that will be another 20 years.

I am considering either (another BMW) S1000XR or a slightly used (2012) Multistrada 1200S. Although I owned and love a '06 ST1300, and you can pick them up for a song.

Suggestion? Dream bike? Fill in the blank. Don't say Harley, I've ridden several and I'm not a cruiser guy.

Kevin (aka HellFishTat)

 

I was considering a peek at the 2015 Multistrada, Cycle World just gave it the best touring bike award for 2015. From the few owners I've spoken with, all say the same thing, it's just a great motorcycle. Not sure how far off it is from the 2012 you are looking at though. I've put my bike buying on hold for the moment and I'm waiting for the Honda Africa Twin to be released to also check that out first.

 

The Africa Twin would be a decent 2nd bike (although 98bhp and 72ft torque isn't anywhere close to the Ducati or BMW). I also have reservations that Honda will actually bring the bike to US markets. How long did it take the CB1100 to finally make it here? I thought I wanted one, but after a test ride last year, I think my '77 CB750F had more character and sex appeal (even with the comstars!)

 

I have no realistic expectation that the Africa Twin will even compare to the Mutlistrada, in terms of comfort, power, etc. just seems like it would be more off road worthy than than many of the other offerings out there. Not that I'll be going cross country all the time, just seems like it would be fun to be able to off the beaten path and not on a $20k motorcycle! I'll just have to wait and see if/when it ever shows up!

 

Well now, this depends on what your expectations are and what's missed from the VFR. The bikes you mentioned are somewhat just bigger vfrs in riding, so if you were leaning towards sport or farting around, that's different. IMO sounds like you are just looking at what the VFR all ready does? just saying, depends were you want to go? I don't know you to be able to let you know. That said, I'm one that also thought that after the VFR whats next, as it does fill a huge wild range of riding styles less urban assault machine and pure breed sport. For me it was about Motards light and flicklable, easy to ride here or there on a whim, again not that the VFR couldn't, but a friend left their Honda 230, a poor attempt at a low level motard. anyway after a few months that thing grew on me what a hoot. Reminded me of the 175 scrambler I use to have, just plain simple fun. Then there's the other side, serious touring. Pick your poison, be hard to go wrong here, your Wife gave you a green light..

 

http://powersports.honda.com/africatwin.aspx

 

RVFR you read my mind. I was wondering if there was room in your life Hellfish for the small, nimble machine, perhaps a CBR300 or 600, or a dual sport, to wind out to max around the neighborhood. How about a Monster 696/796 for the same throttle mashing good time? I own one bike but as I think about a second bike I think big vs. small as the most interesting combination of two bikes. Or alternatively, bloated vs. minimalistic.

 

I chose the ST1300A as number 2 to my VFR. Still have it and picked up 2 more VFR of different generations. Next bike will take me off the paved paths., and up the Forrest roads of the Pacific NW. A Yama Super T or African Twin might be the ticket.

 

If I had the money ... I'd get the new Honda Africa Twin to compliment my VFR.

The VFR does everything but off road.

 

I'm with you that Africa twin does look good. Look better in the red,white and blue with gold wheels of the old one.

 

I wish I was small (enough) for a little bike. Unfortunately, my late 40's/earlly 50's haven't improved my metabolism. I would like a bike that could do more adventure riding, but realistically, I'm 3+ hours away from any fire roads in the NC mountains. That's part of the reason I didn't buy a F800gs or R1200gs. I rented a 2014 R1200GS(w) for 4 day in Colorado two years ago. Amazing bike, I absolutely loved it. I only rode on dirt roads, no trail riding. Everything I did, I could do on my VFR800.

 

just watched several videos about the Africa Twin. Count me in! Anyone have an idea of what "early 2016" really means for us in the USA?

 

I have a second bike (748). I am thinking of a third - Aprilia V4 Tuono. Why not, eh?



.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if you see it before Christmas or shortly after.

Nothing official had been given yet for the actual release date.

 

One word, Hayabusa...

 

On the inexpensive side a mid sized dual sport is fun. I picked up a DR 650 last year and have had a blast on it. Cheap to mod and maintain.

 

Africa Twin is too modern, too complex, imo. I'd still rather pick up a KLR, or better yet spend the time modding out an XR to be an adventure bike.

 

DR's and KLR's can't be beat for bang for the buck. Between these 2 bikes I would bet they have traveled more on the planet than any other.

 

Much as I'd like some wicked bike for tearing up the canyons, I'll actually go in a different direction for my next bike.

The back is getting old, and things don't heal the way they used to. But what I'd really like - and laugh if you will - is a Goldwing. All decked out and ready to take me and the little lady across the county.

 

No laughing here, love Goldwings.