Switching riding styles
 

I don't think there is a thread on this, my apologizes if there is one. I know some of you have switched from sport bike to dual sport or cruiser or whatever.

I want to know what you switched from/to and why.

1. sporbikes weren't fun unless I was pushing it.

2. always having to worry about any little debris on the road

3. I like trips... but don't always wanna stay on the road.

4. the riding position is more comfortable on the dual sport.


I don't miss it for a second honestly. I've found I really do have more fun riding the dual sports even 1/3rd the speed

I got the GS cause I wanted something more 2 up friendly. I also never slowed down on the CBR because it was just plain boring going slow. I found the GS is fun pretty much everywhere but dirt.

I got the DRZ cause I wanted something more dirt friendly. I am getting rid of the DRZ cause I want something that is more dirt friendly because the DRZ wasn't a big enough step for how difficult the dirt riding is in this part of the country.

I don't want to get rid of the CBR but I do want to add a sport tourer type of bike for a more upright position, as well as the 2 up comfort, I have a few things I want to pay off before I pull that trigger though.

Havent made any kind of switch yet but my next bike will definitely either be something that gets taken to the track or something similar to a Busa that will be used for more longer sport touring kinds of trips. As of now its still a toss up.

I dont think I can see myself selling the 6R...And I dont need to go Faster and Faster to enjoy myself on my sportbike. I enjoy my pace wether it be fast to some or slow to others.

But I would def like to dabble in some Dual Sport action..it looks mighty fun...And I was always one to prefer dirt over street...Until I learned how to ride on the street.

one of the biggest pluses I found, didn't think of prior to was that with the suspension and tires allow me to not even give a second thought about the road conditions or weather... (no real worry about gravel or standing water)

Yep. Although the Strom isn't the best bike off the road, but that could partly be due to the shitty stock tires. Will know by this summer, after I buy new tires for it. However, the Strom is comfortable, yet I can still have fun in the curves with it when I want to.

I still think you shoulda went down that embankment at the lodge at last years rally...Lol

it wasn't the embankment that bugged me... it was the fact that it would have been an asshole move to the owners

True.

I currently have 4 bikes, each of different ilks, and the next was a progression of the bike before it.

I'll mention just the bikes I have now. The ones before were all sportbikes.

The TLR is a great around town bike. I took it on a 3500 mile week long trip to Florida. That gave me the sport touring bug, but I realized that I needed something a little more comfortable.

Enter the Busa. Picked this up 3 months after the TLR Florida trip. GPS, satellite radio, hard bags, and 70,000 miles later, it's the perfect sport tourer for me. Over the course of 70,000 miles and 49 states on the Busa, I got the itch to ride to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Can't do over 800 miles of gravel on the Busa easily, so it was time to go shopping.

Enter the KLR. It will suck to ride 10,000 miles in one trip on, but 800 miles of the trip this year, the KLR will be the perfect tool for the job. It's actually fun as hell to ride, so I'm pretty sure I'll keep it and explore some more off-road around here.

While doing 49 states on the Busa, I had time to think about what my next touring type bike would be. I specifically decided I wouldn't get another touring bike until after I did all 49 states on the Busa. Just a little thing I told myself. I polished off the full 49 states last May. So, time to think seriously about the next bike. The BMW came along at the right place and the right time, so I snagged it up from Troy. It is an amazing bike, and I fully expect to continue my touring on that bike and rack up a ton of miles on it too.

Each bike has a defined role and purpose. At least, that's what I tell myself to justify owning 4 motorcycles. :lol

when I bought the klr I decided not to sell the cbr. The cbr is still useful for around town and longer spirited rides, but the klr will act as my all around travel bike, in the 7 months I've had it, its gone as far south as north carolina, and north to upstate new york, and east to rhode island. The klr isn't as powerful as I had hoped, but it gets the job done. I'm probably going to sell both bikes in a few years and buy an 800 bmw, or the tennre when they start poping up used

I went from a TL1000R to a Road Star Warrior (sportbike to power cruiser for those not familiar with the models)

I wanted something a little more laid back...where I didn't feel like the bike was wasted at commuting speeds.
It worked for a while and the Warrior gave me a smile every time I rode it.
I later decided to trade it in on the Buell I have now, because I had wanted a Buell for a long time and the 'fire sale' was on. Figured it was then or never.

In hindsight, I should have probably just held out and gone for what I want now. :idk:

I love anything on two wheels. I've had 8 bikes in 5 years. I'm happy to be back on a true sportbike. But I look forward to finishing the bobber to put around town. Honestly, if I had the dough, I'd have one of each

What ever helps you sleep at night rex...

I've gone from a beaten up old Shadow to a CBR to the SV. I ride my current style of bike because the power band is more usable and with the mods to the bars it's more of an upright bike (more like the Standard it's supposed to be).

I plan on eventually changing platforms again to something like an F650GS (if I get rid of the SV) or a G650GS (if I keep the SV). I almost pulled the trigger on a Wee Strom but the price tag changed at the last minute. The reasons for the move are exactly what was stated here by Trip and the others who have dual sport bikes.

I grew bored and disillusioned with my GSX-R750...it was really only "fun" when doing stupid things....on the street anyway. I sold it and bought my Suzuki M109-R as a compromise....a power cruiser...tons of power but more cruise friendly ergonomics....I've happily ridden the mountains of Arkansas numerous times...it's comfortable there and back again....and handles well in the twisty mountain roads for a big bike.

I'm looking at a new Kawasaki Concourse for this Spring as my riding interests have evolved into longer more over the back road type trips....we'll see. I may try one of the longer trips on the M109-R before making the decision. :idk:

My next bike will most likely be a cruiser of some sort... Though, I would love to get a sport touring bike... Busa with some Heli's and hard bags, but I'll probably end up with more of a cruiser/tourer...

Quite a few people have mentioned wanting a Busa for sport-touring. Makes me wonder if there's actually a market for mine out there. LOL

There probably would be if it didn't have 70,000 miles on it. Well, not for what I'd want to sell it for. haha!

I rode my first dirbike back in 81. Rode that bike until I was 15.

I've ridden streetbikes (standards) since 1990

I switched to Sportbikes in 1999 after I met Brian.

He had a Ducati 916 and drew me into riding fast.

Very fast

I then stepped up to a TLR and modified the hell out of it.

From there a CBR1100XX to do some touring (Brian had a BMW K1200RS and I wanted to tour as well)

After that I got a busa, then an R1, then the motard and the GSXR 750

In the same time I got a BMW R1150RT

I LOVED street riding...especially FAST street riding.

That all changed on Sept 5 2009. I know you’ve heard this story…but it’s part (not all) of the reason I no longer ride street….so I’m telling it again.

I was rolling thru the mini deals gap with Brian on our motards. I had a lead on him and was cutin a great groove when I looked back and didn't see him.

I stopped and killed the engine to hear when he was coming. I head a limb crack in the woods and my heart dropped.

I cranked up and rolled up to the previous curve to see a black mark going off the road and over the side of the cliff.

I parked and ran over to see my best friend 50 ft down the side of the mountain laying on top of his bike...eyes open, visor broken.

I ran down and tried to wake him up. Gave him CPR and when I blew in his mouth blood spewed from his nose. I knew he was gone.

Later that afternoon my wife and I told his wife Julie of his death. I saw her crumble.

That didn't stop me from riding street. Actually I got faster. Took it more to the track but still loved street. That was until October 14 this past year. That's when I was riding the RT at a good clip in the mountains with some buddies when I rounded a corner and hit some sand and fine gravel from a flooding washout and tucked the front tire.

As I was going down time stopped......I saw the bike sliding across the street. The bike my wife and I rode quite often, as well as my kids. And while she nor the kids weren't WITH me that day, all I could see was her helplessly trapped on that back seat as the bike crossed into the oncoming lane on it's side.

What if she WAS with me that day?

What if a car was coming?

What if SHE was killed?

What if it were my son?

The thought of me killing my wife, or one of my kids on a ride shook me to an unimaginable level.

The thought of one of my friends having to deliver the news to MY wife that I delivered to Julie....I can't do that to my wife....or my friends

I rode the RT home that day 150 miles without a windscreen, mirrors, and with tattered fairings….but I was shook beyond believe.

I decided at that point I’d NEVER ride the open roads again. I sold the GSXR and the BMW and bought a dirtbike to ride offroad and to do motard trackdays….and I’m a much happier person.

I came back to riding after 25 years with the Victory. Having sold it in the first Part of December this is the first time in 8 years I don't have a cruiser. It's sale was prompted by the fact that I just didn't ride it any more. Any place I might have taken the Victory it was just easier to take the Goldwing. What I didn't know until I rode a Goldwing is that it is not a cruiser. Just a giant sport standard with luggage. It will in all likelihood be the last bike I sell
The Busa I bought in 05 (added the Turbo and some comfort mods the same year) To my amazement this bike quickly became my daily commuter, it corners well, has torque to spare and because of the mods has better than average brakes and suspension. (Oh and has no problem running away from anything out there because of the turbo) The 05 Ducati 999 was a fabulous bike, nimble powerful with a chassis that was telepathic just think about the the line and it was on it. That said it, it had Ergos that would make an S&M freak wince! It also pounded me senseless and after a couple hours on it I needed two days to recover. I traded it for the B King (easily the Ugliest Bike Suzuki has ever made) Th B King Ride sold me. Comfortable , High torque plenty of power, and ergos that would accommodate a circus fat man. I see a couple of suspension mods it its future. The B King has me staring down the path of a one liter naked of some sort. At the top of that wishlist is the Ducati Streetfighter. Who knows my youngest child graduates college in May, so by fall I may find something else to put in the garage

First of all, I've never been bored riding. And I ride the same roads on the same old bike every day. We had a severe drought last summer and I rode almost every day from July through Christmas and I was never bored. Cruiser? That would be boring.

Secondly, if I want to go offroad, I take my Jeep. The weather out here can change instantly. Well, actually it takes about 10 minutes, but my two best friends were killed by lightning and they were only minutes from their truck. And they were experienced hikers. I still have my 79 Bultaco 370 Frontera, but I haven't ridden it in about 18 years.

went from cruiser to sport long ago, i was too young to "cruise" now days i'm back to a cruiser from a sportbike. have to admit I agree with above. I always felt I was "Wasting" the sport bike if I wasn't flying down the road with my hair on fire.

it is nice to finally have a clean driving record. I have always been in the "if you can't afford the ticket don't have a sports bike/car" club. if you have it you should use it.

when I rack up too many points I would sell the sport and get a cruiser for awhile. this time I think I'll stay one the cruiser for a long time.

I did not know that you went down on the RT, glad you are okay dude....

Thanks.....yeah I hit gravel rounding a curve up on Mt Rogers near Damascus VA on a Shady run :wtfru:

I'll give you 2k for your busa

I started on a Ninja 500... it was great and I packed a bunch of miles on it. upgraded to the Ninja 9R. Loved that bike and I grew more with it. Grew in skills and in danger.

nearly every weekend I would go out into the twistys with friends... pushing it harder and harder. Doing insane speeds thru corners marked at 25-30mph. Then to top that, I got to really like high end speeds on highways. Doing 125+ thru traffic, splittin lanes, etc. Riding home from Toledo bike night to my house in Flint... a 2hour drive in an hour or less.

I would do all the above and then get home and it would start to bother me. Those few mins of fun could cause a lifetime of headache.

Tried to go slower but it didn't work. So I knew I would have to sell the sportbike and go to something else. Looked at bunch of things and loved choppers so that's the way I went.

Later switching over to my HDs for touring and still have the nightster for around town coolness. Each switch I did I have gotten happier. I think my Ultra has been the best yet. It has taken me to such great places, meet super people, and allows me to put on lots of miles. I love it.

What are you thinking of switching to Racedoll?

I am not planning on switching to anything. The thought came up because Erik bought a dual sport last fall and seems to enjoy it more than the sport bike. He is very excited about riding again, which is good. I know several on here also switched and wanted to hear/read why. After all, this is a motorcycle forum :)

There are some good stories that go along with switching. Very interesting reading!

Am I the only sportbike rider who doesnt feel the need to go as fast as humanly possible to enjoy myself on the street?

All you guys say you need to push it to have fun on a sportbike or you feel like your wasting the bike's potential.

Maybe bc i dont have the great riding roads closer to me and NJ is flat as a 12 year old girl?

Everytim I go down south I fall in love with my bike all over again.

Dood, I love the 500 ninja, it's just a fun little bike. Not really the riding I wanted to do, but it's the perfect bi bike to learn on

It's possible to have fun without riding balls out all the time, and I do.
Hell, I've never done track days or felt confident enough to ride stupid fast on the street. It's having all that underutilized performance that makes it feel like a waste.
There are plenty of other bikes that can accelerate, corner, and attain straight-to-jail speeds while not being such cop magnets or enticing me to douchebaggery with all that naughty excess power and ground clearance. :evil:

Also, there's the peer pressure angle.
You don't get razzed for chicken strips on a GS, for not being able to wheelie a cruiser, or for not doing track days on a Bonnie. :shrug:

No. :wtfru:

1.5k

You're doing it wrong. :lol

sorry 0.5k

Went from a SV650s to a dual sport because I needed something smaller to really learn how to ride without being scared of dropping it for whatever reason. Found out that I really loved the dual sport because it was easy to handle and it was so much more comfortable since I have a bad back.

Went back to an SV650 because I wanted something bigger that was more road capable and I was ready to upgrade. I enjoy both bikes for different reasons. Since I have been so busy with school riding has fallen by the wayside. I am still more comfortable on the dual sport but I find the SV easier to ride (due to the handling) if that makes sense.

really? I find that the dual sport is much easier to ride with its wide handles bars. But scraping my center stand isn't exactly fun either

Maybe not so much easier to ride as better handling on the street at higher speeds. Its is a 200cc after all :D

yo! right here buddy ;)

Ten bucks, final offer.

Yeah, I'm with ya too. Only twisties are cloverleaves and out in lakes country MN.

Got the VFR because I was traveling and got tired of having the 250's engine scream down the highway and wanted more comfort. Kept the 250 for awhile but sold it for the cash.

Got the ER-6N to have something lighter the throw around in town.

Dude, all you did at the rally was ride as fast as possible.

Thank you... that's what I saw and was going to say as well.

Nope. I'm one of those too. I don't need to go fast on the street to enjoy it. I just don't want to go too slow (under speed limit) that I get bored and start falling asleep (which has happened many times, especially during poker runs).

I think it was more riding to impress people... even at the first rally...

funny thing did the opposite for me... just made me wanna be as far away as possible

Also didn't know you went down. Good you were able to ride it back home. I probably wouldn't be able to ride on the street anymore either with thoughts like that stuck in my head .

No, I'm pretty damn slow. I've noticed a trend though that, like most who have said they go slower, there are no good roads around here either.

Haven't "switched" but the wife and I would like to add two cruisers or whatever you call a Yamaha Star Raider or a Victory Vegas Jackpot or say a Harley Dyna Wide Glide or even the VRod. :idk:

I like hanging with both groups of riders and like both styles of riding but I do enjoy riding a sportbike more than the cruiser.

Dude I'm saddened, one of my goals for this riding season was for us to hook up for some riding since you had picked up the GSXR up off and around 421/Shady Valley etc....

I have little interest in sportbikes any more. Not my thing. But I dont have a desire for a bike payment again so I'll keep the Buell.

Either NESBA Patriot days, and still trying to determine the perfect Barber weekend :rockwoot:

Sounds perfect tached1000rr, since I recall you wanting to do a track day.

Thats what you think of me...Honestly I wasnt pushing myself nearly as much as I COULD have...Frankly I dont have the desire to.

We were riding at a pretty spirited pace on certain parts of the ride...I enjoyed it but I could've pushed it further than I really did.

And on blood mountain I was asked to go a bit faster when I was 2up...but again I wasnt pushing it hard or feeling like I NEEDED to go faster to enjoy myself.

I wasnt trying to impress anyone. Even though I already know your going to rebutle with "yes you were ginger this blah blah blah"

Seriously dude, you can't fucking lie to me or anyone at the rally. The first rally, it was just ridiculous. You rode above your head several times that I am aware of. None us at the rally are fucking idiots when it comes to riding. You have no control, no lines, extremely poor body position, and enough arrogance to think you know how to ride well.

You really need to go to a track day in novice and LISTEN to the instructors. NOT A SINGLE PERSON AT THE RALLY WANTED YOU BEHIND THEM. You just plain ride unsafe for any of us to be around.

Maybe you can use this as a wake up call and invest in learning more control.

I plan on doing a trackday this year.

as Trip said... you rode above your head... yes, you may have ridden faster... doesn't mean safely.


honestly I can't speak for everyone. but the rally was more about having fun riding WITH ya'll not pushing it... shit Trip, Kyle, Drewpy, Derf... and quite a few others can fuck'n haul ass... I'd have no chance...

all I can say is from inside my helmet, you didn't appear safe, and I made sure I kept extra following distance and always knew where you were. :idk:

take it how you will... but the whole " your a ginger blah blah blah" is exactly why I never said anything... because knew you wouldn't take it seriously... I just hoped you'd scare yourself just enough that maturity would kick in and cause you to be safer (notice I didn't say slower)

Why would you think i wouldnt take it seriously? You guys have met me twice...and done nothing but belittle me for my hair color.

Frankly I dont give a fuck about that...(The hair color) but if you honestly felt that way then say something.

I dont have anything remotly close to the roads I've ridden in GA/TN/NC/SC where I live...PA is probably the best bet but I've not gone over to far into the state to ride.

I enjoyed myself at BOTH rally's and only Twice would I say i felt like I had an Oh shit moment and one of them I was following Trip who blew the corner just like Me.

If your gonna attack me...go for it...Better to know im not wanted around before I show up to another gathering

like I said take it how you will... if you really think we're just attacking you and not trying to keep you safe... awesome... I'll be sure to avoid riding at any rally you're riding at.

No i understand what your saying Brandon. It's just funny how it gets said after the fact.

I honestly would have no problem with someone saying hey...try this it might smooth your line out or hey do this etc etc.

And I was serious...I plan on doing a trackday with a buddy of mine. Maybe more if the funds allow it.

I "blundered" into motorcyling more than a decade ago after helping a friend rebuild his GPZ750 Turbo. It was one of those "the universe is trying to tell you something" sorts of deals that had me start out on a P-o-S EX500 (Sportbike). Riding it in craped-out condition, rebuilding it, then learning how to ride it "right" put me in a place/mindset/experience-base to move onto an Aprilia Falco (Bigger, MUCH faster Sport Touring bike). Wrong. Big mistake. :D

I never knew I had an adrenaline junkie evil twin. ;) Enough common sense, and a real "what do I really enjoy about riding" analysis led me to the proverbial Blue KoolAid (a.k.a. BMW). Its an odd thing to realize that your bike can be a reflection of your state of mind or happiness with life.

While a wonderful recreational bike, an R80 ('Standard'/naked motorcycle - also learning more and more about the mechanics of a motorcycle - it was a main engine bearings out complete rebuild project) was unfortunately not happy as a commuter bike in the Texas Summers. Through another one of those "universe is talking to you LOUDLY" things, I was lead to a K75S (Sport Touring Bike)- for me the "perfect" motorcycle: Enough sport to keep the 'junkie' entertained, yet tranquil and relaxed to just enjoy the ride and the day, and it won't overheat even on a 100+ degree day, sitting at idle (though your shins may be cooked to medium-well).

Some get off the street and onto the dirt. Some get off the dirt and onto the street. Some just migrate to a track. Some start out and stay on the street. Why do any of us ride what we do? You might as well analyze the logic as to why any of us have the friends/SO's/spouses we have as well. :p

like I said... didn't think it'd been taken seriously... and I didn't want to piss in anyones chereo's...

if you noticed I didn't ride in front of you... or really near you.

but sure ignore the point

Well we all know what happens when you assume.

Points been taken.

No worries

Putting in the memory bank for a future thread topic :lol:

Except the whole part of when I told you to cool it when riding behind me or take off and go around me.

And I made sure I didnt do it again.

Dont worry, I got your point from your posts.

And I do infact appreciate the feedback.

If you take it to heart that would be great. I am not trying to be mean with those posts before, that's why I have refrained from saying ginger or other stupid shit we normally do. I don't want to see you or any other rider on this board take a spill. You have the ability to ride well, just need to get some leathers and try it out on the track with some instruction. You will see your speeds increase dramatically with much less effort than you are putting into it now.

I do take it to heart. Like i said I enjoyed my time at both rallies.

I am shopping for leathers actually and hoping to do a track do in April/May. I've heard good things about them.

FWIW the Ginger shit has actually just become normal for me and I've accepted that it wont ever go away. Hell I still have my sticker on my front fender.

Sixxxer - To all outside appearances, you ride like you have something to prove, and from all I've seen the last 2 rallies, you are a hazard to your fellow riders, whether you realize it or not. Maybe we could put it nicer, but there it is.

I gotta agree with the guys on all counts. I did mention that I was less than impressed with your riding past me at light speed and within touching distance and if you ever buzzed me like that again I'd knock you off your bike. But you apparently dont recall that. :skep:

Good for you on the track time, it'll help you build skills and be a better and more conscientious rider. Trip is spot on, speed comes with time, better technique and listening to folks who know what it's all about. Refine and perfect your particular technique (as everyones is different) and you'll be a different rider.

In regards to the OP, I haven't switched yet myself, but I'm dying to. I want to keep the GSXR for the track, but I really have zero interest in street riding anymore. Case in point, I pulled a bike outta the garage for the 1st time in 6 months just last week. It was awesome to be on 2 wheels again, but I want to branch out. I want to be able to take ANY road, not just the well paved ones. I like to see what I am riding past, I want to take time to enjoy it.

I went from trying to prove I could ride, to trying to keep up with the guys, to mostly being able to keep up with the guys, to being the slowest in the group because I like seeing the scenery and dont mind being slow. I dont ride near my threshold on the street at all, I have fears of dogs, rails, dirt, gravel, and pretty much any other unknowns I cant control on the street.

(Including my fellow riders! I am sure a few of my fellow females can attest, for some reason, when a girl enters the group, some boys balls grow to massive size and they have to show me how BADASS they are. For some reason when they miss the curve trying to be so awesome, it's just not that impressive. I guess they just want the chance to use my first aid kit for the barbwire wounds they incur in the process. That MUST be it. :lol: )

I still plan on making a cross country trip with some folks when I can get the bike, time and money for it. And not at a high rate of speed either. Preferably slow enough to enjoy the trip. :lol:

We're just hoping you'll give us mouth to mouth ;)

i switched mt riding style from 2 wheels to 4... does that count :?:

na, just means you're gay :lol:

I switch from riding a like a responsible person to riding like an asshole from time to time.

:lol:

"don't ride like an asshole" is the official forum motto

I switched from an 02 VTX1800 to an 06 FZ1 last year...because I want to ride like an asshole!! :lol:

Not really, but I did want a bike that was more capable in the twisties and still comfortable enough to ride all day. After riding a few years and improving the suspension on the VTX to get all I could out of it, I found that when I got in a groove I could ride that bike at about 98% of what it could do in the curves. I was replacing the pegs once a year and some days I was grinding hard points on roads I knew really well and knew I had that 2% left. But it didn't take long for my sense of preservation to overcome the adrenaline and decide I needed a bike that I could ride at a "spirited" clip with plenty of "bike" leftover for that "oh shit" moment that was bound to come sometime. In all honesty, I've hardly pushed the FZ1 (3k miles since I got it) faster than I rode the VTX on my favorite roads around here and I can tell I'm hardly making the bike work. I'm sure as I get used to the bike (and get a rear shock for my fat ass) I'll pick the pace up some but I really don't like to ride stupid fast on the street. I hope I don't get to where I try to reach the capabilities of this bike on the street because I don't think I have the reflexes to keep up with it now. I do want to rock a trackday first chance I get though and really play with the FZ, I know I'll have a blast!

man, even the punisher could ride that bike at 98% of what its got. The FZ1 looks good on you, much more suited to your abilities. I've been looking at the FZ8, and really love it, I wish I had more money, or I would consider it myself, again if I actually had money. I would love to find a mid sized above 600 and bellow 1000cc faired upright standard, something more comforatble than my 10 year old CBR.

After having an SV650, two R1's, and an Intruder as I have grown up in the past few years I'm riding a lot more sensable. I just sold my 04 R1 last thursday, and the next day I bought a new Yamaha V Star 950 Touring Edition. I pick it up tomorrow morning.

I made the switch because I don't want to ride with a lot of people that don't wear their gear...I gave up on those guys a few years ago and have been riding solo with my brother-in law....well he went down last year and broke his collar bone which put me riding totally solo for the rest of the year. I started to find a lot more people to ride with in the cruiser world, and my wife enjoyed going on some of these rides.

My wife and I are going to take a vacation out to Sturgis this year so we really need to go for comfort.