Re: ISC West

["Robert L Bass" <no-sales-spam@bassburglaralarms>]

>> I didn't know you ride.
>
> I've been riding for almost 40 years
>
>> I'd go to Phoenix but that's farther
>> than I ever want to ride a scooter.
>> We have friends in Chandler which
>> is outside Phoenix a few miles.
>>
>> I've been toying with the idea of
>> buying a big touring bike, maybe
>> next year...

Clarification.  Even if I get a touring
bike I doubt I'll ride to Phoenix.  Bob
Campbell's method would be more
to my liking.  Trailer the bike to the
destination area and then ride all
over the place.  My thought is to
get something more comfortable for
rides of 200 to maybe 500 miles.
The Burgman is immensely comfortable
and more thanb adequate for around
town riding, but it isn't quite right for
cutting across the state or riding
down to Ft. Lauderdale.  Of course,
it could just be that I'm not particularly
proficient yet.  We'll see how things
pan out over the next few months.

>> It'd be a lot of fun -- kind of depends on
>> how well a new online program I'm
>> working on pans out.
>>
>> I've seen a pretty nice BMW but the
>> Honda Goldwing looks good too. Any
>> thoughts?
>
> Honda Deauville would be a great next
> bike for you but its not imported.  Honda
> Pacific Coast would also be a good
> choice, but its been out of production
> for 10 years, but at $3-4K a good buy...

Price isn't so much an issue as how
it rides.  Also, top speed isn't very important
as long as it'll do highway speeds without
becoming too tiring (for machine or rider).

> Either would be a good next step from
> your Bergman but manageable.   If you
> want to go long distances, I suggest you
> step up from the Bergman into a mid
> size bike for a while.  There are
> differences that you should be comfortable
> with before you move on to a large touring
> bike.

That makes a lot of sense.

> As for serious touring bikes, BMW, Wings,
> and HD baggers are all very capable bikes
> in a similar price range...

We looked at a Goldwing several years ago
and at the time I think it was ~$28K plus
custom stuff.  I suppose they're in the mid
30's by now though I haven't really checked.

> Lots of aftermarket support as well.   Find
> one that is a close fit and go with it.  Plan
> on doing some customizing such as seats,
> and wind protection...

Yep.  The first thing I did with the Burgman
was replace the windscreen with a larger
one.  The OEM screen forced the wind
directly at the top of my helmet.  It was
l-o-u-d.  The new screen made it quieter and
not so rough returning home from parties on
chilly nights.

Bob Campbell built his own wind deflectors
for his bike.  They looked pro and he says
they work well.

> Another key concern would be if you are
> solo or two up...

Local rides are often 2-up.  Anything on the
highway and my sweetheart prefers to be
in a car.  If we decide to do any cross-
country stuff it'll definitely involve a trailer.

> My personal ride is a Concours, which is probably a bit tall for you...

IIRC, you're a good deal taller than me 5'10.

> My wife rides a PC800.  Were we riding
> two up it would be a 1800 Wing.
> For those interested in serious distance
> riding, I recommend: www.ironbutt.com
> (work safe)

Neat.  Added to favorites.  :^)

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
941-925-8650
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>