Author Topic: Something for you bikers (Read 127 times)

george_wright · « **on:** March 26, 2008, 11:04:53 AM »

I mentioned before that my biking days are long gone, but I still keep an eye out for articles. Here's a link to one in today's Wall Street Journal: Posh Bikes Rev Up Amid Slowdown.

Manufacturers are rolling out a troop of powerful, opulent, feature-laden machines at prices that would have seemed outlandish for something on two wheels just a few years ago. Yep, almost as much as an Alembic :-)!

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 26, 2008, 01:02:07 PM »

I can only imagine that the low-end of the bike market is going to come up considerably as gas prices climb...

The good news is that there are some really nice bikes out there these days..

John

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2008, 07:56:45 AM »

Motorcycles, like cars, are getting better and better in quality as time goes on.
Unfortunately, it is the rare case in which a person saves money buy using a bike for regular transportation. Yes, fuel costs are lower, in general, but the cost per mile to operate most bikes renders that savings moot. The way to beat the system is to get a good used bike, at a good price, that requires little maitenance and is simple enough to work on yourself. Most new bikes devalue plenty as soon as they are ridden away from the showroom, and shop costs are pushing $100/hour. A tire change on my bagger (the GeezerGlide) at the shop costs about $500, and is required every 10K miles. Synth oil is about $10/quart; the dealer recommends it be changed every 2500 miles. Some people who buy bikes to save money are surprised to find it usually doesn't work out that way. The only real reason to use a bike, (in most cases, in the U. S.)considering the expense and the additional risk, is because you love it.

811952 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2008, 07:04:24 PM »

On my KLR650, a new set of tires runs anywhere from $50 to $200, and I change them myself at home (or alongside the road) for free in 30 minutes (while enjoying a beer, if I'm not riding anymore that day). The cheap tires last 3 to 5k miles, and the expensive ones last 8 to 10k miles. Synth oil gets changed every 6k miles (some KLR guys have been testing it after it comes out of the engine, and after 6k in a KLR motor the synth is still better than dino oil). I change it at home and recycle the waste oil. I've seen used KLRs listed recently for as little as $1800 in pretty decent shape. I actually save money over driving my truck every day, but yes, the best reason is because I love it.

Here's a pic from last summer's trip to Newfoundland. If memory serves, this lighthouse is at Heart's Desire:

http://scarysharkface.smugmug.com/photos/173358316_pqbSX-L.jpg

John

(Message edited by 811952 on March 27, 2008)

57basstra · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2008, 07:53:53 PM »

A friend of mine manufactures 'Pedal Paddles' in our area. We have lots of water around here.

jacko · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2008, 05:45:56 AM »

Benson
it is the rare case in which a person saves money buy using a bike for regular transportation

I regularly save money by using my bike for the 9 mile commute. The only fuel cost is a bowl of porridge ;-)

Graeme

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2008, 03:01:34 PM »

John,

That's the way to do it if you want to save money: get a bike that has already devalued (used, or one that doesn't cost a lot to begin with when new), is simple of design, unencumbered of hard luggage and valanced fenders and excessive chrome, and easy to work on, and then do the work yourself.
The KLR is a great utilitarian bike... but it's not for me. I need a touring bike that provides big comfort for two; and I never use anything but the be$t tire$, partly because I spend a lot of time with the cruise control set at 80+ mph on the way to finishing a 650-mile day. I don't even want to think of trying to change a rear tire on the side of the road on the GeezerGlide... It's 800 pounds unladen and doesn't even have a center stand. Which is why I carry my AARP roadside assistance card with me....

Graeme - is that regular unleaded porridge, or do you use the good stuff?

jacko · « **Reply #7 on:** March 31, 2008, 12:20:10 AM »

That'd be the full fat porridge ben;-)

811952 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2008, 07:01:06 AM »

Ben,

I'm all about the cheap these days, that's for sure!

I've actually been considering a smaller/lighter bike, as I've posted in a thread here recently. I think realistically the KLR is as good a compromise as I'll find for the types of riding I like. I wish it weighed 800 pounds everytime I pass a truck, and I wish it weighed 250 pounds every time I have to muscle it over or through someplace I should have thought twice about riding!

I think Graeme has the best idea though. I miss being able to rack up the miles on the pedaly bike. These days it hurts my back and knees too much to ride one of those on the pothole-infested roads near my home..

John

benson_murrensun · « **Reply #9 on:** April 03, 2008, 12:57:31 PM »

John,

I just got a used Yamaha TW-200, the one with the real fat knobby tires. I work for a rider training company, and we retired it from training, so I bought it. It won't go fast enough for the highway, but it makes a good grocery-getter. I'm going to wear a dark face shield when I ride it so no one can see it's me. LOL.

811952 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 03, 2008, 06:15:35 PM »

I want a TW-200 in the worst way. Those things will go anywhere!