I currently own:
'01 BMW
R1150GS that I purchased so my wife and I can go some touring. Its
big, heavy and has all the sleek lines of an post-wreck AMC Pacer but I
think it will be perfect for trips. As seems to be the norm with GSes,
I'm already starting to add accessories and personalize the bike for
my needs. So far I've added Jesse bags and top box, Harley top box
backrest, GPS mount, BMW tankbag, BMW handguards, Throttlemeisters,
and various other little bits. Its been a mileage eater, equal parts
comfort and "almost" sportbike. A great bike.
'88 Suzuki GSXR-1100J
which is an ex-Team Suzuki endurance racer. In '91 I returned it to street
legal condition, though cosmetically it still bares the scars of it's racing
days. Despite it's shabby appearance, it's quite powerful
(120 hp says Dynojet)
and handles remarkably well. In fact, its even more powerful than that
now since its had a Wiseco 1109cc kit installed since that dyno run was
made. The engine is good but I've never gotten the 1988 spec front
suspension to work well. In both power and handling, it is handily
spanked by new sport bikes but it is still a hoot to ride and has loads
of "character".
'00 Suzuki DRZ400S When I sold my XR500 in 1999, I was going to
immediately replace it with a new dirt bike. Well, it took nearly four
years, but the fall of 2003 I finally bought a clean, used DRZ. I've
made a few modifications but don't ride it nearly enough.
'02 Suzuki SV650 This was my wife's bike but since
she bought the BMW (see below) it has become mine. I don't yet
know what to do with it but it is such a great bike I'm sure
it will find a purpose soon. In fact, I'm astounded at how nice a
bike the SV650 turned out to be. Plenty of power for canyon riding,
so light it feels like a GSXR made comfortable and then shrunk to 3/4
size. This SV is set up for touring/commuting with Givi bags, Givi
windscreen, bar risers, heated grips, throttle lock, lowered seat and
an electric vest connection.
'82 Honda FT500RR Ascot which has been heavily modified for racing.
It currently sports CBR600F1 forks and wheels, a Jemco pipe, and a 38mm
Lectron carb. Or at least it would if was all in one
piece.
(It's getting closer
... and even closer)
I doubt I'll be racing any time soon but its also a great track bike
forcing high corner speed to make up for the lack of power. Maybe one
day I'll do a little work and try to get maybe 40 hp but for now I'll
putter down the straights and try to make up time in the twisty
bits. I suspect that lap times will reflect my measily skills rather
than the bikes potential.
'06 BMW F650GS
This is my wife's new bike. She found the SV to have a
slightly too agressive seating position for long distance. We have
the new Beemer set up with a bigger windscreen and some saddle bags so
that it is a better touring bike. It already has ABS, heated grips and
a centerstand from the factory.
'96 Yamaha
XT225 My wife took the MSF dirt bike school and
enjoyed it so much that she wanted a dirt bike of her own. She
found a perfect condition XT and bought it for half the price of
a new one. Now we just have to get out and do some practice
rides to turn her into a dirt biker!
There is also a rapidly growing number of motorcycle resources avaiable on the WWW.
Return to Alan's Home Page
