Thinking of a new bike

[Fiffe]

Hello, new member... am thinking of buying a TL1000R and was curious as to people's opinions... if anyone has one, I would be interested in what you think...

[Louis]

What's your motorcycling experience?

[Fiffe]

I have some experience, but not on a sport-bike... I know it's got more juice than what I'm used to, but I'm a relatively conservative rider and have been around the block long enough to be invincible, so I have enough confidence to go up to a 1000, plus it's a V-twin... I've just heard plenty of great things about this one...

[Fiffe]

oops... I meant to say that I've been around long enough to know I'm NOT invincible on a bike... typo!

[Clint]

Would you care to tell us how you came to that decision? And you didn't mention what you've ridden. Come on, spill it.

[Fiffe]

OK, to make a long story short, I don't have a bike right now (which would explain why I'm looking at buying one and asking for other people's opinions), and I came to that conclusion by dumping a 500GSE while in the midst of doing something insanely stupid that I felt was perfectly capable of doing (i.e. - jumping railroad tracks... I know, not real bright). The bike wedged itself under the front of an Oldsmobile, and I got a free trip to the ER. That was a while ago. I've ridden a few times since, and grown up plenty. Since then I've developed a much higher regard to what could precipitate from too much confidence and not enough respect, if you know what I mean...

So that's the story...

[Uncle Bob]

So you've learned one trick not to try again.

Taken MSF ?

How long have you been riding ( actual riding time , having ridden once three years ago doesn't count as three years experience, about how many miles have you managed to ride while keeping the bike upright).

This info will greatly help us help you.

[neu_sp8str]

Hey Fiffe,

Before we can get you started all we need is your 411 . so that we can better help you in your judegement ......!!!

Ride Safe... have Fun...

Merc...

[Fiffe]

To make a long story long, then... I rode for about 2yrs on my 500 like that - young, crazy, and blind to the fact I could seriously hurt myself... That was in 1998 that I bit it. I didn't even get back up on a bike until recently when my roommate bought an SV650, which is fun but unGodly ugly, and I've ridden a few cruisers since then, too - I was actually dea-set on getting one, thinking I'd be safer, but then realized the balance & stance of my body when riding a cruiser feels odd to me. I've looked at the Buell Firebolt quite a bit, and I just recently found the TL1000R that I've been curious about. Both are slightly larger bikes (I'm a slightly larger guy, though... about 6'2", 200lbs), and I like the V-twin performance over the higher-revving sports. I know I'm not going to be as Dukes of Hazzard ever again, so I'm not worried about being mindless of what I'm doing, I'm just looking for a good bike, that's all.

I wouldn't consider myself a pro by any means, but if I can keep an 1100 V-star up, I don't think I'd have any problems with the TL. But that's just me thinking...

[Uncle Bob]

OK then, you can get whatever you feel comfortable on and I'll still sleep nights.

Although you don't mention any training. Would suggest you take MSF, great way to get back into things and learn the proper ways of doing things ( even if you did take it a few years ago I doubt you were in a state of mind to fully appreciate what was being taught ).

Msf is good for all riders doubt there are many experienced riders that wouldn't learn a little or have something pointed out to them that they aren't even aware of.

[Clint]

Cool, now we know who we're dealing with. It does make a difference.

And don't you feel better after confession? "Bless me Uncle Bob, for I have committed squidliness..." and so on.

[neu_sp8str]

The truth shall set you FREE...!!!

[Fiffe]

I feel so loved

So, anybody have any suggestions?

[sime]

the TL-R seems like a bit of an ungainly bike to me, but then again, there's heaps of people riding them, way more than the TL-S

for a big guy they probably suit very well. what about Honda's VTR1000F, called Firestorm here, "something-HAwk" in the 'states i think...

BTW, have ridden the TL-S, very nice engine, but one thing with the big twins - the speed comes on so effortlessly you'll be amazed if you take one thru the gears and look down at the speedo

[Uncle Bob]

Yes a nice twin can be enjoyable and less finicky as to what gear your in. You can concentrate on the ride more and relax a bit.

[vstrombc]

welcome fiffe,

If you like the zuke 1000 v-twin motor, but you want to tour a bit, don't forget about the v-strom. same motor as the TLS & TLR - just retuned for more bottom end and midrange. not as much top end power but plenty of fun for real world riding. Excellent, comfortable riding position, wide bars - kind of like a giant supermotard - and you can take it off road.
Happy shopping

Looks like there's little to add here, excellent advice guys. IMHO if I were looking for a superbike racer-type ride, my first nod would go to the TL1000R. Very cool.