Motorcycle and Scooter appreciation

Have you thought about a GPZ500 ;)

Ok serious comment, find something you like.

Have fun and don't listen to us as we will recommend what we believe is the best for us. Not you.

Keep us updated on what you go for.

@NickH Haha. I admit, the cheap gas, cheap insurance, lack of theft, year around sunshine, twisty mountain roads, seaside and endless desert for off-roading have been a real drag for my motorcycling since I moved here. :)

I can’t get a mile from my house without doing a hill, and multiple hairpins…… and Swindon is flat.

When the roaming English drunkard made the rolling English road...

Plus you have the magic roundabout.

Move to Florida and the fun stops...

If lived somewhere flat in the US I'd have to take up wingsuit flying.

Actually I'd love to do wingsuit flying, skydiving, etc

I know it's not a twin, but also have a look at the Yamaha XSR900. It's basically a less practical mt900

I have an air cooled Scrambler, and really like the overall feeling of it, even if it's slow and old fashioned. Mate has a Stripple and I like that too all be it very different. I haven't riden one, but from your brief the bobber sounds worth a ride.

magic roundabout

No matter what anyone says, the correct technique is to accelerate in the direction of your exit and close your eyes.

I fucking hate Swindon. Got lost there one day...a very hot day on a very hot Hayabusa, full leathers. I lost count of the number of times I did that fucking roundabout.

One of the funniest things about this whole forum is how y'all (and I love you all, don't misunderstand me) seem to forget how big the USA is. Blue Ridge Parkway is 900 miles from me.

I live near an area called the driftless region. Near Wisconsin, northern Indiana, Eastern Iowa.

Anyway enough about me. Let's talk about my hobbies now ;)

Yep.

I lived there for a while and have family in old walcot.

Exactly. 2.5hrs drive to the local Ducati dealer is basically just up the road. :)

Fair.

Yes, I do know the parkway is nowhere near you. You made the classic American error of not reading my post properly!

Pfft every American mistake is unique

Whereabouts in the Driftless region? Looks like really great topography on Google Maps...S1000RR country.

I just looked on google maps too - definitely looks like some good riding, lovely looking countryside. Good luck with the test rides, everything you've mentioned will be good.

Except the bobber!

Buell?

Might as well get a GS. They're probably a rare sight. Nothing but Harleys everywhere. You could wear leather chaps on a GS, to fit in. And get a really big wallet on a chain.

The driftless region is all very well, but London is hard to beat https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/motorbike-machete-hammer-chase-london-b2064640.html

If I were still in a city I'd probably get some some dual sport and rip it around.

Al la place beyond the pines

N+1 for motorbikes?

I'd like to try an RNineT on some open roads. The modern boxer engines are very smooth and powerful. Of course it's shaft drive and that would put a lot of riders off. Not having to worry about chains really suits me but it doesn't make the bike any lighter.

Sorry to be dim, but I don't understand why a shaft drive would put people off.

I was drawn to shaft drive for the less regular maintenance faff vs a chain. But if we’re talking shafts there’s more than BMW, take a look at a Moto Guzzi for v twin shafts. If you are looking at the bobber, take a gander at the v9 but as you’re state side you might find a good condition California on the used market for all day saddle comfort.