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Login to post Forums » Sprockets » All this riding has got me thinking

April 6, 2010 3:12 p.m. PHeller Dork

I went from my barely able to idle 1975 CB360T to a new(er) underpowered 1999 Yamaha XT225.

The dual sport is fun in that I can ride it offroad (as rare as that is), and also in that its light and flickable. Downsides? Brakes suck. Power sucks. To most people it looks like I'm riding a scooter.

So here I am, two weeks into new bike ownership and I'm already looking around for something that solves the downsides of the current ride. I don't need more speed, but would like something thats a little more fun in the twisties.

I'm even dreaming Harley. I've always thought they were like the Apples of the conservative nation, but the new Sportster 48' looks pretty badass and would cruise all day long at a comfortable 75mph. So then I look at the prices of post-millenium HDs and discovered that for around $4000 a decent example can be had. Powdercoat some stuff black. Set of 48' bars. Ride and fix anywhere in the U.S.

I'm almost regretting selling my kickstart cool vintage bike...but when I hop on the XT and it starts right up without a hitch...I take that back.

Oh well...guess this is part of being a new rider.
April 6, 2010 3:45 p.m. eastsidemav Reader

I'll bet you can get some decent road tires for the XT225 and have a low-budget supermoto. Might be able to surprise some sportbikes in the t wisties.
April 6, 2010 4:37 p.m. oldtin Reader

Harleys and the F-word

They're more like the microsoft around here. Brub Brubb Brubbb... Then again, I'll go for the unusual about every time - would probably choose broken on the side of the road with a moto guzzi than running in a pack of HDs
April 7, 2010 1:47 a.m. skierd Dork

You do realize that "ohh shiny new thing!" is more than the simple nuisance it is with cars when it comes to bikes right? There's always another bike to have, and the nice thing is there's quite often room enough for two if there's room enough for one. And three if you can fit two... and four...
April 7, 2010 5:56 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

A friend bought his girlfriend a Yamaha 650 something that looks like a Harley. Floorboards, windshield, bags and up to 80 mph it keeps up with his 1100. It's white with silver pinstriping and costs $4800. out the door brand new.

Shiney new thing, Japanese reliability and less cash out of your pocket.

Dan
April 7, 2010 7:52 a.m. zomby woof HalfDork

Kenda K761 (among others)

A pipe, cam, and carb, and you'll be having loads of fun.
April 7, 2010 2:05 p.m. PHeller Dork

It's my understanding the XT225 will never be a comfortable 70mph bike, which is what I'd like for long distance touring.

It also will not be a "cool" bike in the eyes of opposite sex.

It also won't really get any bigger, which could be a good or bad thing. I am a little cramped on the bike. I'm a sure a DR or WR would fit me much better.
April 7, 2010 9:14 p.m. Jensenman SuperDork

The XT225 is a rather limited use off road bike and a pretty cool low speed commuter bike but 70 MPH touring? I'd rather ride a unicycle. In fact, for long distance touring with any amount of gear 400cc is the very lowest rung. If you might consider a passenger, bump that to 600cc.
April 7, 2010 9:25 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

I looked at the picture of that Sportster 48. If you could ride all day on that tiny little seat, you're a lot tougher than me.
April 8, 2010 8:32 a.m. PHeller Dork

Many sport bike guys ride all day on little seats.
April 8, 2010 9:17 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

It's not the seat, it's the vibration. Sporties have small gas tanks so you have to get off and walk around more often.
April 8, 2010 10:13 p.m. skierd Dork

Oh yeah, if you want an excuse to keep the XT, do the durty dabbers dual sport on 6/5-6 in Mill Hall, PA. I sent my registration in earlier today.

http://www.durtydabbers.com/?page_id=8
April 13, 2010 5:44 p.m. PHeller Dork

That looks like a ton of fun. Though I wouldn't really have any way of getting my moto up there without riding it. That and I'm not at an AMA member.
April 13, 2010 9:50 p.m. Mental SuperDork

914Driver wrote:

It's not the seat, it's the vibration. Sporties have small gas tanks so you have to get off and walk around more often.

Truth.

I love my DR400. But I rode across Mexico on it and it was the only time I ever got monkey butt. and I stand a lot when I am off road and it still got to me. I love that bike and it is more fun than it should be in the twisties. But if you are looking for more power and cool, look to old and cheap UJM. That way you can keep the cool XT225, but have a big old CB750 or GS or KZ that will be cool and have character.

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