Yamaha motorcycles, new vs old

[olebiker]

I had tears in my eyes. No wait it was a blackfly. I am Canadian

[thewiz]

sniff sniff ....

Pass the Kleenex, please

[The Lorax]

That XJR is awful pretty however, I just cannot get into a serious discussion of which I like better...old, new, it doesn't matter. If it's got 2 wheels baby, I am down with the sickness. I don't care who made it, or when. they're all good. I have previously espoused a similar thought on another thread on this same topic. My views haven't changed. I love motorcycles! big ones, small ones, thin ones, fat ones, fast ones, slow ones. call them whatever, doesn't matter to me, I love them all. I can't explain it, but anyone else who has felt it knows exactly what I'm talking about. undefinable, unexplainable, unconditional love for all beasts great and small....with 2 wheels. oh well, droned on long enough, have a nice day, and ride safe.

[olebiker]

Originally posted by The Lorax
That XJR is awful pretty however, I just cannot get into a serious discussion of which I like better...old, new, it doesn't matter. If it's got 2 wheels baby, I am down with the sickness. I don't care who made it, or when. they're all good. I have previously espoused a similar thought on another thread on this same topic. My views haven't changed. I love motorcycles! big ones, small ones, thin ones, fat ones, fast ones, slow ones. call them whatever, doesn't matter to me, I love them all. I can't explain it, but anyone else who has felt it knows exactly what I'm talking about. undefinable, unexplainable, unconditional love for all beasts great and small....with 2 wheels. oh well, droned on long enough, have a nice day, and ride safe.

"QFT"

[CarolynS]

I haven't even ridden it yet...

Dropped off the Witch yesterday. Ed said 3 weeks for it to be repaired-minimum...
I got all misty when they put her in the shop. I'm going to miss her while she's away, and like I told another member-I can't even visit her now. It was like my dog going to quarantine or something.
I rode around on my 79 last fall(we have 125 paved acres for me to play on, without license plates)and had a blast. Brought home the new acquisition 6 weeks ago, and decided to part the 79 to it, because the 80 is too nice. I have been working on them pretty much every day-taking things apart, making things pretty, and learning, ALOT.
I've been shopping for my upgrades online and at various stores this whole time. I haven't found a bike yet that has turned my head from the old 'character' that I haven't even heard run! The XJR is 'nice' but I wouldn't trade what I have.
HWMBO looked at me yesterday like I'd lost my mind...He doesn't get it. Well, he does own a HD-they're used to separation anxiety. I suppose they're numb to it after the first couple of times.

[olebiker]

Re: I haven't even ridden it yet...

Originally posted by CarolynS
Well, he does own a HD-they're used to separation anxiety. I suppose they're numb to it after the first couple of times.

I had to read that twice before I got it (easy now I am on my first coffee) Then I near pissed myself laughin.

[Jerry]

Well, a bit different take.

I've looked at the newer bikes, test rode some at various shows like Biketoberfest. My reation is that you don't get a lot for your money.

Don't get me wrong; I would love to have a BMW R1150RT (now upgraded to a 1200) but for near 20K? I've never paid that much for a cage.

Braking has gotten better, fuel economy is up, reliability is up in the new rides, but they have less soul.

I enjoy the wrenching on the XJ, for the most part, but time being what it is, more and more parts are becomming obsolete. I like long-distance riding, and don't always have the luxury of finding out what other parts *might* work in an emergency. I fear that within a few years the XJ will be relegated to being a local ride.

Until that happens, I will continue to stick with the XJ as it provides me with everything I need in a bike, (not always want, but that's another story) and I get a kick out of keeping it on the road.

[birch]

My brother just picked up a 97 FZR 600. I am not even going to lie to you guys. I can beat him till about 60, and then it is all tail light in front of me. It is much faster. However, I can ride it for about five minutes and my arms feel like they will fall right off.

Soon, I will post a picture of my 78 and his 97 side by side. I told him that it looks like dad and son togather. He told me that he was daddy! O'll well. He will never know what it feels like to literally count every fire at an idle. I love my bike more than he and many other people could possibly understand. I have spent countless hours getting every bug worked out. He bought his, and will sell it when it blows up. Mine will get an 1200 kit and a new upper end when and if she gets tired.