[37038]

Many good suggestions here for big dualies/GS type bikes. I'd add the BMW F650 Dakar, just as tall but not quite as much weight or power for someone re-entering the sport. Not cheap, but a quality machine. If you go for a wee-strom, check out the ABS model, a bargain for a few hondo $ extra.



If you want to go nekkid, maybe a tiger with the fairing removed and speed triple lights/instruments? You could make a pretty funky streetfighter/mongo motard out of a tiger. The new KTM motard is another option if you have the dough.



I agree that after a 15 year layover, some time in a lower power bracket may be wise.

 

[35244]

Hopefully....assumin' I can find something to do other that the dental floss gig that is not related to mining, timber or tourism.

 

[35244]

Re: ZAPPA

"She was buns up kneelin' and I wuz wheelin' and dealin'...."!!

 

[35244]

I was supposed to say "yes - and be a Dental Floss Tycoon" or was that Mental Toss Flycoon?



Thats what I get for actually taking a business call whilst having fun...

 

[acecycleins]

Re: ZAPPA

"the oil of Aphroditie and the dust of the grand whazoo (sp), you might not believe this brother but it will cure your asthma, too"

 

[acecycleins]

"dynamo's is on the edge of the bed with her lips just a twitchin' and her face gone red"

 

[58876]

The wind protection is OK actually. I usually ride scooted all the way back on the seat which gives me more leg-room as well as the incidental benefit of tucking my head a little lower. The stock wind-screen on the s version is not bad. I also used to ride a nighthawk 750 and the wind difference is day and night; the sv is way way better.

 

[lanaiboy]

I'd go Suzuki C90. Very comfortable ride in a nice stretched out position. Of course if you like riding in the fetal position I don't know what to recomend.

 

[kjbatt]

WOW! A donkey with a dunce hat, sucking his thumb, and holding a baby blanket. I subscribed to MO last night, made this post, went to bed, went to work, came home and found 68 comments! I appreciate the input, I get the sarcasm, and I take the words of caution seriously. I only road for a few years before my layoff. I am definitely concerned that the FZ 1 is too much for me. My local Yamaha salesman is probably just hoping for the bigger sale but he insists that I would quickly grow tired of an FZ 6 and that I could handle the FZ 1.



I will take a look at the bikes that you all have recommended - well, except for the girlie, the C90, and the Rebel 250...and I will probably take the advice of buying used and moderate now and then getting something else later.



Thanks again to all for the advice.

 

[KLRer]

I second the Triumph Tiger recommendation for the second or 3rd time. I'd at least check it out. 15 years isnt that long, really, and you're wise to take the MSF, so you should be fine on a bike with more power than might be advisable for the average novice. You sound like you've been around long enough to restrain yourself until your as capable as your bike is. Some of us never get there.



Also, check out some of the 600 cc class supermotos and of course the venerable KLR 650. A lot will depend on how thick your wallet is.

 

[55028]

Yup, go used, go moderate. In about 5 k miles you'll know exactly what your next bike will be.

 

[fumanchu]

if it helps any, i think that's just a goat, not a donkey with a dunce hat.

 

[KLRer]

I'm sort of assuming you rode a Nighthawk 750, but even if it was a 250, you should be able to grow into an experienced-rider bike. Let caution be your byword.

 

[12er]

After ten years out I got back in on a 00 KLR 650 brand spankin new. Put 12k on the clock and then upgraded to my K12RS. Good way to go.

 

[The_AirHawk]

I sincerely doubt you'll "grow tired" of the FZ6 anytime soon. I have yet to with mine in 35,000+ miles (exact number escapes me at the moment). I'm 5'10" and 190lbs, 32" inseam.



He's just (as you surmised) trying to "up the sales".



(and I was just joking about the Sportster 883 and Rebel 250 - I wouldn't foist either of those upon anyone, not even my Wife. But I think acecycleins was serious about the Zuma.......)

 

[seruzawa]

Re: ZAPPA

Tv dinner by the pool

I'm so glad I finished school

He's a bummer

He's a bummer

He's a bummer all the summer

Be a loyal plastic robot for a world that doesn't care.

 

[thecesky]

I am 6'4" and 240 lbs, and I comfortably ride a Duc Monster. This is due to a very reasonably priced set of adjustable foot pegs. I got them here

http://www.whaccessories.com/FootPegLoweringKit.htm

They are awesome, hands down the best after market item I have ever bought. They are high quality and hardly affect cornering ability of the bike. I actually like the race pegs you can mount on them more then the stock pegs. Check these out, they rock.

 

[BrowningBAR]

Re: ZAPPA

Ever listen to Captain Beefheart?

 

[The_AirHawk]

OH YEAH, I forgot to add to the comment - "If the FZ6 fits you, you won't grow tired of it."



If you sit on it or (Dealer willing) test ride it and don't like the Ergos - don't get it. The bike won't stretch over time like a pair of boots........

 

[balpo]

If you have a >34 inch inseam - try Buell Ulysses. Great bike, but not for those with short legs.