Another bike

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

Well, I went and looked at and rode a 2007 Yamaha V-Star from a large dealer in the Ft. Worth area of TX. The bike was in great shape with only 20k miles. It was massive, and very heavy, 800lbs, and the shift lever was very high, rendering the heel shifter unusable, but that could be addressed, I'm sure. The price seemed very reasonable, until the finance guy showed me the numbers. They had a $600 charge on there for an all-over, all-inclusive service they claim to have done. They were a little flexible on it, but not much, and with taxes and other fees, the price was significantly higher than the ask. I'm starting to think maybe I'll see how the wife likes riding pillion on the CB. There's a topbox she can lean against, I can make the pegs larger, maybe add some more padding into the seat or get her an Airhawk. Hmmm...

[Nachodaddy]

Low-mileage VStars are going for a song around here on Craigslist. Don't think I'd bother buying a pair of socks from that dealer.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Yamaha V-Stars are quite common, particularly in the used section of many motorcycle display floors. Not a bad bike. You just need to want it.

[3rd Gear Steve]

Well, I went and looked at and rode a 2007 Yamaha V-Star from a large dealer in the Ft. Worth area of TX. The bike was in great shape with only 20k miles. It was massive, and very heavy, 800lbs, and the shift lever was very high, rendering the heel shifter unusable, but that could be addressed, I'm sure. The price seemed very reasonable, until the finance guy showed me the numbers. They had a $600 charge on there for an all-over, all-inclusive service they claim to have done. They were a little flexible on it, but not much, and with taxes and other fees, the price was significantly higher than the ask. I'm starting to think maybe I'll see how the wife likes riding pillion on the CB. There's a topbox she can lean against, I can make the pegs larger, maybe add some more padding into the seat or get her an Airhawk. Hmmm...

For what it’s worth, after adding a top box and getting the K&H “mid double” seat, my fiancée has been much happier to ride. We still haven’t gone on any rides more than an hour long, though, so it’s not very good evidence of touring enjoyability.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Well, I went and looked at and rode a 2007 Yamaha V-Star from a large dealer in the Ft. Worth area of TX. The bike was in great shape with only 20k miles. It was massive, and very heavy, 800lbs, and the shift lever was very high, rendering the heel shifter unusable, but that could be addressed, I'm sure. The price seemed very reasonable, until the finance guy showed me the numbers. They had a $600 charge on there for an all-over, all-inclusive service they claim to have done. They were a little flexible on it, but not much, and with taxes and other fees, the price was significantly higher than the ask. I'm starting to think maybe I'll see how the wife likes riding pillion on the CB. There's a topbox she can lean against, I can make the pegs larger, maybe add some more padding into the seat or get her an Airhawk. Hmmm...

For what it’s worth, after adding a top box and getting the K&H “mid double” seat, my fiancée has been much happier to ride. We still haven’t gone on any rides more than an hour long, though, so it’s not very good evidence of touring enjoyability.

Top box support definitely helps to allow the passenger to nod off during the droning parts of a ride.

While they are unconscious, they won't feel the pain of the saddle.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

An unconscious passenger doesn't demand to stop for bathroom breaks, that's for sure. If I could strap her in with bike tie-down straps, we might be able to do some serious mileage. Ha-ha, just kiddin'. It's starting to get too hot to ride in the afternoon. I took an early-for-me ride this morning, nothing major, but it was good to feel the CB doing it's thing.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

I was all set to go buy an '07 Yamaha V-Star 1300, but having coffee this morning, clicked on the tube, weather says it's going to be HOT HOT HOT and HOT for the rest of the summer. I already have a bike I don't ride much cause it's too HOT, so why buy another bike that will just sit there and suck up money? I may rethink this in October.

[Nachodaddy]

I was all set to go buy an '07 Yamaha V-Star 1300, but having coffee this morning, clicked on the tube, weather says it's going to be HOT HOT HOT and HOT for the rest of the summer. I already have a bike I don't ride much cause it's too HOT, so why buy another bike that will just sit there and suck up money? I may rethink this in October.

Man, this is so weird. I have been in exactly the same place for the last two or three months. Yesterday Phoenix set a new record for the highest low temperature at 94F. Today was just as hot. I have not ridden my CB for at least a month, but every day I go through the ads looking at Japanese V-twins, watching videos about them and lusting for one. And they are selling for $3000 in beautiful condition with very low mileage - like under 10,000 miles! I like the Hondas best, but I prefer the belt drive of the Kawasakis and Harley. Harley has by far the best dealer/maintenance network. Who ever heard of a Harley shop saying they didn't work on anything over ten years old? On top of which, I will soon have my right arm in a sling for six weeks and be going through physical therapy to get the function of my right arm back to something vaguely resembling normal. I may not even be able to ride again, but here I am lusting away for a V-twin!
I like the V-twin because almost all of them are offered with the option for good wind protection and a very comfortable riding position. Now, I know a lot of sport riders do not like that riding position, but this isn't about them.
I love my CB, but not enough to ride in this heat and I know that if I bought another bike right now, I would NOT ride it. But here I sit, looking at those videos.
Good luck, Charlie Bravo.

[Charlie Bravo_imp]

Thanks for the well-wishes, Nacho-D. I was/am looking for a V-Twin cruiser 'cause Mrs. CB was making noises about riding with me, for the first time in 40+ years. She's a great gal and I love her, but she's not as limber, nor as svelte, as she used to be, and I couldn't see her being happy on that plank of a Honda seat. She needed a wide, soft seat, on a low-slung machine, with a sissy bar, but it has to be in somewhat moderate temps, not 100+ degrees! October will be here soon, I hope.
Peace out, bro.

[Wagonpeddler_imp]

I share that. Really a fair weather rider too. Came upon this W800 in my local CL. Love the look. I know if I go see it, I'll grab it. Sadly, no more room in the garage!