Seriously Considering Adding a Third Bike

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by Zapp, Jul 26, 2019.

  1. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Poking around CL mc section and I came across two high mileage (30-40k's on the clocks) Triumph Sprint ST's, 06 and 07 models. One is highly modified but looks tastefully done the other is almost all stock. Both come with factory luggage and each is priced at $3000.

    I've always had this philosophy that if I add another bike to the fleet it has to be something quite different than what I already own. Right now I have the VFR and a Versys. To me the Sprint ST is so much like the VFR that I would break my rule. However, I've always had a soft spot for the Sprint and if a nice one would have been around when I bought my VFR last year I may have made a different choice.

    What are your general thoughts about adding an additional bike to your garage? Of course understanding that you have the space and the funds.
     
  2. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    I do prefer that with the MBS going on that any additional bikes would have to be for different flavors of riding. As a baseline, I have always had a sporty type bike and a cruiser bike for several decades. Great combination... I like the attack the twistys thing, but also just going easy and slow at 40 mph in the country woods on a hot day. Riding for me is a bit like food, I like steak, burger, pizza, chilli, a good omelet for breakfast and other stuff.... but not everyday to have the same thing... Different flavors... Variety...
    My prefect set for me at the moment would be - my '98 5th gen, a tricked out 8th gen with a 5th gen engine, my Valkyrie, an RC51, and a ST or newer Goldwing.
    I have put soooo much TLC into the VFR and Valkyrie, that in itself is a great set and on the never sell list. But I do lust for that loooong haul cross country bomber as a priorty.. and would love the hard core sporty bike. Would love to try the new Indian FTR1200, looks fun! But damn its expensive...Also have some curiosity on the Ducati side, but seems like guys I know that have them, love them and then curse them at the same time. Always thought the 999/749 was a great piece....
    I cant have too many bikes at once though, I would have a mental breakdown stressing over keeping them all perfect all at once.... There are guys here that have a phenomenal collection, I dont know how they do it. Then not criticizing anyone, but I dont understand guys who have like 8 VFRs and no other type of bikes.... Nothing wrong with that, but I just dont get it...

    BTW - if you lust for the Sprint, then go ahead and buy it!
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2019
  3. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Don't need much reason to add another bike; if you like it, get it if it's a good deal.
    If you find out after riding it that it's not what you thought, sell it and move on to the next.
    "I am a bike whore" thread is just what you need.
     
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  4. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    The Sprint ST fixation passed. I started looking at bikes and now I'm interested in a Moto Guzzi V7 or V9. They are just a bit more spendy so it probably won't happen.
     
  5. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Great move - I once helped keep a 900 Daytona alive - It truly was a reason why the british bike industry nearly died..

    The reason I mention this is how many 15 year old triumphs do you see still working.
    The newer ones are a million times better & almost Honda quality but still this is what you pay for.
     
  6. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Technically I have 7 x VFR's - LOL, but I also have a CBR & a GPX - I'm not counting the 4 mini-bikes..
    They are all different & all ride slightly different.
     
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  7. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    There are far worse addictions than motorcycle ownership.

    Money is only good when spent, might as well be something that makes you happy.

    I'm happy buying cheap bikes, ride them and sell them.. I tend to repeat the process among some of the same models:
    SV650s, Bandit 1200, Kawi Concours, BMW early K-bikes, R-bikes, CBR600F4i, 98-00 VFR, Blackbird, Burgman 650.
    Most of them are rock solid bikes that just runs, regardless how much I abuse them.

    Once every few years I clear them out to make room for exotics: MV Agusta, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, KTM, Triumph..

    Then I get tired of trying to find parts or working on them.. so I go back to the reliable bikes again.
     
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  8. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Looking on CL just now and a new/old bike has come to my attention. I remember checking these out for a friend of mine when she was bike shopping, a Honda Hawk GT, now this would be a nice alternative ride to add. Three are available in my area and one looks pristine. I'm leaving for a trip come tomorrow and won't have time to check any of them out but if they are around when I get back I may add one to my garage.
     
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  9. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I had 2 or usually 3 for a number of years. But I got tired of the maintenance, they were between 10 and 19 years old at the end.
    When all 3 need something and it's 95 degrees out. Ack, I don't want to be in the garage. Decided to "update".
    For the last year plus I have been down to one bike, a 2014 Monster.
    Couldn't be happier, but I suspect down the road I may want to get something a little less road burning than a 1200cc V twin.
    Not to replace it or anything. But just a recurrence of my MBD, which is currently in remission.
     
  10. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    I've had two Hawk GT in the past, fun bike with a cult following, very narrow & flickable in the tight twisties.
    Typical Honda in reliability, just don't break any body parts or try to find OEM stuff, they can get very expensive and difficult to come by.

    Pound per pound, $ per $, not as good of value & everyday usage as SV650, which offers far more replacement parts in aftermarket options & track/tune-ability.
     
  11. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    My thoughts on adding an additional bike to my garage is that I've had four bikes in there along with two cars (I have a large garage) with no space issues. If I want a bike and have inside room, I get the bike. Right now, I only want one bike. That hasn't always been my want. There ya go.
     
  12. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Good points. The SV650 is one of the finest bikes I ever rode.
     
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  13. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    I checked out a few SV650's in my area and everyone of them has been modified, some quite extreme. The SV650 seems hacked up more than the SV650's examples.
     
  14. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Yeah, that's the norm... FI SV650s are popular among beginner riders who want to mod their bikes.
    I'm impartial to the first gen SV650, 99-02 model year carb version, easier to tune, cheaper to buy and more frequently still bone stock bike.
    I've owned 6 of them in the last 15 years, each near stock condition, bought cheaply, tuned them up, turned two of them into designated track bikes and sold all them for profit.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2019
  15. bk94si

    bk94si Member

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    My other bike is a Hawk GT. There are aftermarket replacement body parts available if you know where to look. I've owned mine for 27 years.
     
  16. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    I've never owned or even rode one. Not sure I've even ever seen one in person, just something about it from reading about it and looking at photos and videos.
     
  17. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Just picked up a 01 SV650S last weekend.
    Nearly stock, minor body work scratches,
    needs carb sync, oil/filter/coolant/brake fluid change, 17k miles.
    $1250 cash.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
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  18. Zapp

    Zapp New Member

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    Nice SV650S. I was pretty aggressive searching for a third bike the last few months and came close a few times. Couldn’t pull the trigger on a cruiser but looked at a few, you can get great deals on metric cruisers.

    I went to look at two Hawk GT’s, they both had gorgeous photos in the ads but were pretty beat when I saw them. Took one for a test ride and the suspension was so soft I bottomed out a few times. Still like the bike but good ones seem hard to find.

    Still looking but it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.
     
  19. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Thanks.. that's one SV with lots of potential..
    I rode it home from the PO about 45 miles, with some fun detour, it reminded me how much fun those SVs can be.

    I did forget about the suspension of the Hawk GTs, OEM suspension were really soft to begin with, I upgraded mine very soon after I got it and still felt kinda soft on spirited rides.
    In addition to its age (30 y-o), if a Hawk GT still has OEM springs, likely they will need update or upgrade.

    As the weather turning colder, it is the buyer's market for used bikes in my area.
    Owners who do not feel like winterizing or storing their bikes in garage for the winter, likely will want to get rid of the bikes at a reduced prices with some persuasion.
     
  20. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Nice review:

     
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