custom

johnakay · Post by **johnakay** » Mon Jul 12, 2010 9:52 am

after owning various bikes namely(recent)sportish bikes
I've had enough of sore ass's.
these days if I travel more than 120 miles I inc my wife we suffer with numb bum syndrome.
I'm considering a custom bike but certainly not a hardly shyt!
been recommended that I should get a Kawasaki VN900 or VN1500.
this year I'll continue with my current bike then maybe next year I'll get a custom bike.
must admit I'm not a great fan of custom bikes but some I do like.
being me Ilike colour and the VN has some nice colours.. we'll see. john

johnakay · Post by **johnakay** » Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:16 am

it has been suggested that I go back on an old stroker.
don't fancy that either.
even though I never got bum ache on my old T500.

my wife doesn't want me to get a custom/cruiser bike.
if I must change my bike get a Suzuki burgman 650!
looks real comfy she says

I may even go for a versy if I can get a test ride to do a few miles.

rbond · Post by **rbond** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 8:26 am

Maybe a compromise, how about a GS series of Suzuki. Like a 400, 425. 450, etc. A simple modern type twin, electric start, counter-balanced crank, great gas mileage. Only thing is take advantage of hindsight and a few years of service to 'fix' the charging problems and you have a cheap. comfy economical bike. I still have my '78 GS400. Still have not decided whether to restore it or not. In it's present state, it would be rather expensive to refurbish, but still cheaper than a new one and still a 'standard' configuration.

johnakay · Post by **johnakay** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:15 am

still an old bike though, if I go with an old bike then it would have to be a T or GT500 much easier to maintain no valves/shims etc etc.

......................................................
here is my 2 pence worth...
my theory is this the pegs are designe for sporting position whilst the handle bar is for upright position the two do not fit well together.
folks have raved on how comfy the versy is.
looking at the picture the footrest is a little far forward and probably the seatting is a little higher,this would make more comfy riding position than the er6f/n.
on the er6f the footrest is further back than the versy.
therefor the cheek(ass) bone is more expose to pressure point.
sit on a chair as normal with your hand on ya bum and then bend your knees back ,now you will feel ya cheek bone more.
this what maybe causing numb etc.
on a sport bike your leaning forward and most of your weight is on your shoulder and arms.
upright all your weight is on your bum.well thats my theory anyway.

rbond · Post by **rbond** » Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:57 am

I agree with your assesment of the pegs, handlebar on the Kwacker. I also understand your comment about valves, shims, etc. However, I will say this from experience with my GS400, NONE of the valve train was ever a problem, only me. It will take a LOT of miles before any vlave adjusments are needed, so even taking to a dealer would still be a viable maintenece chore for them to do. I mean it will probably need to be done maybe twice in the entire time you own the bike. From what I understand as long term 'problems' with the GS series is a design flaw with the charging system and seemingly premature wear with the camchain tensioner. Electrex has the charging fix, and I think the tensioner problem maybe more of improper oil maintence, but even if true, replaced once during your ownership (high mileage) is an acceptable repair bill. I know I got about 70mpg carrying two (overloaded at that). The 425 model was supposed to have a more comfortable seat and an even smoother engine, never got to find that out. The 450 is still the same lower end, but new cylinders and up hardware. At least in the states they did not sell that well because the GSX series and 'cruisers' were the big sellers. Standard types were now considered 'passe'. I understand having a 2 stroke, I like my GT500, but don't exclude some still well made 4 strokes, at least they are Suzuki's.

captainbellybuster · Post by **captainbellybuster** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 4:20 am

Hey John, yes I'm still alive & kickin'

Havn't ridden for past 2 years with totally stuffed shoulder, but had enough & sold the T500 race bike & the GS 1100 & invested in a new machine. After many, many test rides, the Honda VTX1800 came out on top. With the big distances we do here, it's sooooo comfortable & effortless riding with so much power. I don't know if you got them in the UK, but well worth a look.

johnakay · Post by **johnakay** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 7:38 am

thanks for your tip Paul.
glad to hear your doing fine.
there is a few bikes inc maxi scooter that I have in mind.
the thing about customs is you can load it up and it wouldn't look odd.
like a large top box ,bags etc.
on the other hand the maxi scoot has all the luggage space I need under the seat but a little to warm to store food 'n' drink for our pick nic.

evol02 · Post by **evol02** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 9:43 am

John,
I don't think I fully agree with your assessment of the Versys. You should NEVER have weight on your arms/shoulders, they should always be very loose, and you should be holding the tank with your knees.

That said I have found the Versys to be a very comfy motorcycle to sit on. It has a similar riding style to my Ducati Multistrada. I will say that my most comfortable bike is my 2002 Triumph Speed Triple. I typically ride that, while my wife rides her own bike, a 2002 Ducati Monster, which means that I can have the ergos that make me happy without having to worry so much about her positioning. I think the key to comfort is really the smoothness of the engine, which is where the triple is fantastic. It has the pull of a beefy twin but the smoothness of a four.

With all of that in mind, I rode a BMW R1200 GS around Phoenix (including dirt/gravel) and it was extremely comfortable, while still being quite sporty. At that point we go from talking about bikes that at $4-5k used/$8-10k new to talking about bikes that are $15-19k new.

I never thought I'd be a BMW advocate, but if you are looking at the Versys, you should at least check out the 800GS and the 1200GS as well...

good luck!

PS Last note that our typical riding days can be anywhere from 250-750 miles these days.

johnakay · Post by **johnakay** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 9:57 am

John,
I don't think I fully agree with your assessment of the Versys. You should NEVER have weight on your arms/shoulders, they should always be very loose, and you should be holding the tank with your knees.

I fully understand what you are saying.
what I'm trying to say in an upright position all your weight is more or less transfered to your bum and that on a sport bike it is not.
whether in an upright or lean positon your arms should be slightly bent(elbow out) and a relax grip(not to relax though)
I've only ever had one sport bike and that was enough for me.
I prefer the up right style.
as far as numb bum concern I still think its the pegs position that is causing the nummy bit!
theres only one bmw that I would get...BMW F 800ST

sorry to say this but as for Ducati to me they are overated same as harley's. and I wouldn't have either but thats just my opinion.

rbond · Post by **rbond** » Wed Jul 21, 2010 3:34 pm

Me, I guess I really like the old bikes. I know where a '70's model BMW R-something is, that has been sitting up for at least 18 years. I think the only thing wrong with it is bent forks. Someone had an accident and never bothered to fix it. I am hoping to offer the owner a small pittance and then do a full ground up restoration. I have always wanted a beemer, and this presents me with the only opportunity to own one.