So I've been absent from this forum for about two years, having baptized myself into the world of motos. I took the MSF course, got licensed and picked up my first bike, a '78 CB550, total basket case for $450. I've been a very active member of a Honda Single Overhead Cam forum, learning tons, and falling in love with bikes.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/USCAAAA/IMG_0982-1.jpg)
I completely rebuilt the top end and put the puzzle back together again, learning volumes as I went along.
End Result :-D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/USCAAAA/IMG_1143.jpg)
I sold that bike for a healthy profit after riding it for about six months and picked up a '73 CB750 that I cafe'd the hell out of.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/USCAAAA/IMG_1923.jpg)
The thing was a beast, but not the most comfortable cruiser/commuter which was what i was using it for. I pounded the hell out of it for another half a year or so, then found the right buyer, made another tasty profit and moved on to the next project.
This one was a bargain barn find, 10k miles, totally original, and all it needed was some mechanical lovin' and it became my ride for the next few months. Such a great linear powerband, probably the most fun bike I've owned just because it ran just like the engineers intended.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/USCAAAA/IMG00092-20110327-1410.jpg)
Unfortunately, I had the pleasure/misfortune of jumping on my buddy's Triumph Street Triple, and getting bit by the horsepower bug, HARD. Don't get me wrong, working on and riding those beater single overhead cam bikes was the best education I could have gotten. Top heavy bikes with terrible brakes, flexy chassis, finicky carbs are perfect to tune the mechanical and riding skills. If I had jumped on a modern fuel injected bike without the experience I've gained, I'd probably have balled it up on the first turn.
All that being said, I can say with confidence that I'm ready to join the Monster gang and am looking hard for the right bike in my area. I've got a line on a few prospects, but ideally I'd like a S2R1000. I test rode an S4RS at a dealership and I know that I'll never need that much power. Raising the front end in second gear is exhilarating, but not necessary for my use. The suspension and brakes are phenomenal and worth the extra $$$, but superbike rider I am not.
Anyway, I can't wait to post my next update with photos of my new ride!
nice intro.
love the bikes
I'm getting all nostalgic... :'( [laugh]
Awesome!
I went from an S2R1000 to S4RS. Like you said, suspension and brakes are worth the price increase... but the power is OOOOOH MY GOD so good! If you don't ride like a complete ass, it's an even better/mellow ride than the 2V 1000DS bikes.
Anyways, congrats! I love old bikes but pushing the button and having your bike fire up every single time and run perfectly is priceless (especially when it's a Duc).
What area are you in?
Ahh, forgot to mention where I'm at. I'm in Encinitas, which is Coastal North County, San Diego, CA.
Yeah, there IS nothing like never having to jump on the kick started fifty times to get the old girl to turn over. Pretty excited for that prospect.
So Lindz, since I have your attention, and you've owned both bikes, aside from the unbelievable suspension and monster (no pun intended) brakes, what other advantages/disadvantages does the 4V have. I know the 4V chugs gas, and like I said, I think the 2V would be plenty powerful compared to my 75 hp CB750. I've found a pretty ridiculous deal ($7500) on a 2006 pearl white w/ red trellis (DAMN I love that color combo) S4RS with full termis and some other fun add ons w/ 11k miles, but I think I can get an S2R1000 for about $5500. Is it worth the $2k for the upgrade? I know that I could probably perform the valve service on the 2V, but have heard that the 4V service is difficult/expensive. Any input would be very much appreciated!!
Get that S4RS. Seriously, for that price there is no question!
With smooth freeway 80-85mph cruising (sometimes a little more or less) I get 50mpg on mine, easy. Of course hard 2nd/3rd gear riding will get you like 90 mi a tank but thts still about 30mpg...
Honestly there is no debate, I'd take my S4RS any day.
I guess just to cut down on wear and tear I'd ideally commute on something else (old monster?) but the whole time I'd be longing for my RS.
I live in LA and I also have a full Termi on my bike and I love it. Service on it will be a bit more involved than a 2V motor but honestly with your resume of 70s bikes you should have no problem. Even then, it's not a race bike... It's reliable and there are lots of people who can easily work on it. The Testastretta engine isn't an alien, just a 4V Italian L-Twin haha.
Damn, looks like the RS4s is going to fall through. The owner has a buddy that I guess is interested and I don't blame him for wanting to keep it close. The hunt continues!
So the seller is again considering my offer and hopefully he takes it!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/USCAAAA/MONSTERS4RS.jpg)
So I was able to negotiate a ridiculous deal for the S4RS and I couldn't be more stoked. It's definitely a ton of bike but at least I won't be wanting for more HP or Torque. Riding this bike, as with any bike has definitely proven to be an exercise in right wrist self control. Looking forward to logging many miles on her and being a beneficial contributor to the forum!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v433/USCAAAA/IMG_2336.jpg)
Congrats! Sweet bike, you're stoked. Enjoy it and good luck with that self-restraint thing.
Congrats. [thumbsup]
Much better than the flat black. [cheeky]