Toss Out Some Recommendations?

[JackoftheGreen]

I can believe that, according to their website the only registered MG dealer here in Utah is the same place that deals in exotic import cars. And the website for that dealership doesn't even have a button for their MG stock. That along with the seeming lack of any aftermarket support makes this a non-starter, though I'll keep my eyes open for one to come available somewhere. For now, though, I think it's still the RoadStar Custom that has my eye -- did I really just type that? Wow, go Yammi...

[totalmotorcycle]

Anyone know why they're so hard to find?

Moto Guzzi has never been a strong seller, it's always been more of a niche market bike and one with a limited dealer presence. I've long been a fan of the California, but every time I've been in a position to buy one the dealer network up here has collapsed.

So true with the dealer presence, there are some really good dealers still around though and those are the ones that sell Guzzi's because they love them rather than for profit. Luckily the bikes are so reliable and easy to work on anyone can work on it. The other side of the coin you can own and ride something that very few in your city/town own! The California is a great tourer, same with the (older) Stone. For used bikes I never even considered the dealer network myself as I've always worked on my own bike or found a mechanic that could.

Jack try: http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites for a Guzzi.

Mike

[Grey Thumper]

This might be totally out of left field and its likely not going to be your style of bike at all, but how about an early to mid-2000s BMW GS Adventure? Twin headlights, lots of legroom, and great for touring with an almost 8 gallon tank.

[totalmotorcycle]

Speaking of going out on a limb, BMW also made this twin headlight naked too:

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcyc ... K1300R.htm

oh and the rare BMW R1200C cruiser (yes, BMW did make a cruiser)

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... R1200C.htm

Mike

[Gummiente]

(yes, BMW did make a cruiser)

And the less said about it, the better. Fuuuuuugly!

[JackoftheGreen]

So after some more searching I think we might have a winner!



The 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan MeanStreak! Who knew?!

A ballsy cruiser with the right combination of classic lines and modern design, a 1500cc big twin that manages (according to our own fuel guide) a respectable 50+ mpg and 4.5 gallons of fuel onboard! I had no idea the MeanStreak ticked so many of my boxes, but on a whim I pulled it up. I figured it'd be pulling 40mpg and have a vestigial 3.5 gallon tank like all the rest, but nope, she's got it all. There's even digital fuel injection and dual rotors up front!

In 2004 they raised the displacement to 1600cc and lowered the gearing, which unfortunately brought the MeanStreak down into those low 40s for fuel economy, so I'm going to try to pick up a 2002 or 2003 next spring. And thanx to the posers, my local buy-and-sell forum has half a dozen or more of these under $5,000 with less than 20k miles. Some are even sporting less than 10k. It'd be hard to get a better deal for what I want.

Anyone have any experience with the MeanStreak? What should I look out for?

[Gummiente]

And thanx to the posers, my local buy-and-sell forum has half a dozen or more of these under $5,000 with less than 20k miles.

Posers? On Kawasakis? Say it ain't so.

Seriously, though, the Mean Streak - despite its goofy name - is a good platform with roots running deep in the Vulcan family. Solid motors, good frames and a better aftermarket support than similar metric cruisers. I think you'd be happy with one of these.

[BRUMBEAR]

That's a fine machine for putting miles on and getting a grin or two outa!!! I rode up to the adirondaks with a buddy who had one a few years back he looked as happy as a Lark the entire ride up!!!!

[JackoftheGreen]

and an SCG for the Misses

Dave, Carrie says she loves it. Again, not sure where the bed roll would go, but I'm not sure she cares...

[JackoftheGreen]

And Mike, that Montauk was a great suggestion, I'm not sure why but there's something about that bike that just appeals to me. I can't find one individual thing about it I really like, but taken as a whole I just get a little smile when I look at it.

Maybe it's just 'cause Gummy doesn't like it...

Just kiddin' Gummy. (-:

Amazingly enough, I managed to find one for sale on our local board here in Utah, I forget what they were asking but it had better than 30k miles on it.

And I'd still jump ship on the Mean Streak if one of those MG Cali Aluminums rolled through my neck of the woods with a For Sale sign on it. Don't think it's gonna happen though, and I can't find a single outlet to buy so much as a sissy bar for one. I'm sure EBay's the place to look, but that's so hit-and-miss, at least, that's been my experience.

Oh, and Dave, great suggestion on the BMW Adventure 1200 too. That's on our short list if we ever decide to go the duel-sport route, down in Moab less than 10% of the trails are classified OHV and all the rest you have to have tags to travel on, so an adventure bike is probably our only option.

Thanx again for all the suggestions everyone, I'm excited to go bike shopping in the spring! And we still haven't decided on a bike for Carrie. So, the search continues...