What to buy Last bike

[WRW9751]

Said the same thing a year ago, I'm 61 retired from the railroad. I bought a Tenere, pretty happy with it! That said, Since, I've bought two others. I had a opportunity spend 10 days in the Rockies in Oct. Wonderful! can't wait to go again! Found out two things one the Tenere is to big for Black Bear and Imogene (at least loaded). So I bought a KTM 500 xc-w. Planning as we speak. I also fell for a KTM 690 Duke. Wanted a fun bike that was more handling than speed. Something an Ol'Boy could throw in a trailer. I'm one for doing a lot of my own maintenance, need something that doesn't require a bunch of special tools. Know there is always a better mouse trap out there but, I'm set for now!

[DirtyOldMan]

I'm your age and have no idea what kinda bike to suggest but you simply must quit with the "last bike" nonsense.

[Usk Coastie]

You can always go for a classic naked wing, i.e. a Valkyrie. They're heavy but something about that flat 6 cyl engine sitting out under the tank with NO plastic just screams road trip!

[rdwalker]

Originally Posted by concours

Um, have you been given a terminal diagnosis? ...

That's exactly what I was thinking. Could you explain yourself to the 70+ - years-old guys in the other thread of this forum?

[steve3b3]

Originally Posted by DirtyOldMan

I'm your age and have no idea what kinda bike to suggest but you simply must quit with the "last bike" nonsense.

+1!
you've gotta be shitting me!
58 and talking about a "last bike"?
Unless you've got an unavoidable appointment with a bridge abutment or something, I'd think in the 20 year-in-the-future range when talking about a "last bike"
I know I am...

Steve (60, f.y.i...)

[Lep]

As others have said, I can't make a connection between being 58 and "last bike" unless there are reasons the OP hasn't disclosed.

I'm 70 next month and may treat myself to a new, but not intentionally my last, bike. However my current Weestrom is running nicely so I may just continue to enjoy it for a while longer.

Lep

[Avocet]

I'm 62 and have bought 5 new bikes since I was 58. I'm not ready for that last bike yet, but I must say that I have thought about what I would do if that time ever arrives. Right now my choice would be an R1200R. Very light and easy to manage, easy to use for local riding, but plenty capable if you want to cross the USA. Perhaps my choice will change by the time I have to actually make it, but that's what I would do right now.

I think maybe the OP may be one of those guys who likes to keep a bike for a long time, as compared to me, who gets the itch for a new one every year. If that's the case, he will want a bike capable of lasting many years, and one for which parts will be available years from now. In that case I still would go for an R1200R. I think BMW has worked the kinks out of them by now and they retain availability of parts for many years.

[yamalama]

How about a big (real) chopper?
Dennis Hopper style.
With e-start.

[basketcase]

Just sitting out here thinking "I'll be 58 this year ... not ready to think last bike yet, but I do know what I like and don't like."

Don't want another cruiser. No interest in a scooter.

Don't want another BMW in any description. No interest in anything in the Kaw or Triumph lineup. And nothing in the Harley line creates a draw for me when I walk through their showrooms.

I tend to "get my money's worth" out of my bikes, so I'll keep the DR and do one more Gold Wing by transitioning from the 1500 to an 1800. When health or whatever puts me off the dresser I'll hang onto the DR until I have to hang it up altogether.

I'm shooting for that to happen around age 75...

None of that really helps answer your question, so let me pose one - "what type of riding do you anticipate doing as you close out?"

Really, it's the same question we ask when getting into riding. And that answer will shape what you buy.

The more things change, the more they remain the same...

[Rollin']

I'm only 59, my dad rode until he was 81.
I don't know if I'll be able to ride that long but I'm going to try.

To answer your question I have been very happy with my Victory's.

[hapbob]

Ok Ok I'm only 58 but I was thinking I have owned every bike (about) and still looking for somthing else to buy? I still ride my scooter a 250 Helix which is concidered as riding? I can see me on a trike or Like I mentioned possibly a hack. as my last bike in the future. I guess as I look at whats out there nothing says I really need that bike! My favorite bike over past years was the 1200 GS...but I didn't ride it like it should be ridden and $15K sitting around the garage was hard to justify. And my BMW dealer was 2.5 hrs away. So i appreciate your inputs and will look into a couple suggestions. I guess the real question is what am I going to do with this bike...I still say putz around short trips and When I decide take off for Alaska! So thats my story. Going to International Motorcycle show this Saturday...what will I see there that will say "I got to have that bike"...hope to find out.
Hap

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by hapbob

Ok Ok I'm only 58 but I was thinking I have owned every bike (about) and still looking for somthing else to buy? I still ride my scooter a 250 Helix which is concidered as riding? I can see me on a trike or Like I mentioned possibly a hack. as my last bike in the future. I guess as I look at whats out there nothing says I really need that bike! My favorite bike over past years was the 1200 GS...but I didn't ride it like it should be ridden and $15K sitting around the garage was hard to justify. And my BMW dealer was 2.5 hrs away. So i appreciate your inputs and will look into a couple suggestions. I guess the real question is what am I going to do with this bike...I still say putz around short trips and When I decide take off for Alaska! So thats my story. Going to International Motorcycle show this Saturday...what will I see there that will say "I got to have that bike"...hope to find out.
Hap

Why not something mid-size? There are decent 650s out there that work out just fine for solo riding. My Versys will cruise easily at 80 all day if I want it to, and gas mileage is in the high 40s.

I'll also be at the show helping with the Norton club's display.

[davevv]

I'm 66 and have owned lots of bikes over the years. All three of my current bikes were purchased in 2012. I also sold two in 2012 and another just two days ago. It's common for me to buy or sell 2-3 bikes a year and I ride almost every day. I have never even considered that one of them might be my last. I buy and enjoy what interests me and will fill a need I have at the time. Since I don't ever intend to quit riding, why would I worry about buying a last motorcycle? Yes, I realize that if I live long enough I'll probably have to stop at some point, but why worry about that until I get there?

By the way, it costs very little to enjoy a lot of different bikes if you buy them right in the first place. I rarely lose money on one and generally make a little bit on each. It's not hard to find really good buys on used machines. If you want a specific bike, it might take awhile to find one at the right price (over a year for my XL1200R), but I always have something else to ride in the meantime. There's more than one way to "get your money's worth" out of a bike. You don't have to buy new and keep it for 20 years. I choose to ride them a year or two at no cost other than maintenance and then pass them on to the next owner.

[jrflanne]

I just traded in a Caponord and Futura for a Griso. It's 100% stock right now but it is a great looking bike. There is something "organic" about a Guzzi.They are not on every street corner and are entertaining, even at stop lights. I also have a scooter for riding around town and a hotted up Tuono for when the mood strikes me.

[hapbob]

I think I do Like the sound of mid size Like new Honda nC700 or 500X or the BMW 700...No wee...been there done that. Any body drive the Honda with automatic 700DCT the u-tube on it looks cool.
Hap