I'd definitely go for the new bike, without a doubt. But scoring a donor lump for the 'ol gal would be a fun way to breathe new life into it.

Saw this on BARF.  Here's a brand new monster that won't break the bank:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05280723000P

Can't believe TCK hasn't said it yet, but...

Turbo 'Busa

But seriously: how can you beat a Monster? An S4R is a great bike, and you're welcome to try mine out when I get it back on the road. But it's very punchy, so definitely try before you buy.

Quote from: Spidey on September 01, 2008, 11:14:12 AM
Putting a bike together is a bad idea for 'belle's needs.  'belle needs a reliable commuter, not a project.  And while she's interested in wrenching, she doesn't spend a lot of time doing it or have a lot of time for it.  So while it's an interesting project and cool to talk about, it's not really a viable alternative.

What he said.  I don't pretend to be a mechanic, and although I might take on a few more ambitious maintenance items from time to time, a full rebuild is beyond my skills (and motivation.)

So has anyone here got any thoughts on the Aprilia Shiver? Someone mentioned it to me.  It's not giving me that warm n tingly feeling inside when I look at it.

Quote from: Michael Moore on August 31, 2008, 08:07:23 AM
I specifically restrained myself from saying, "get a Vespa" 

Well I just married Enzo...guess it's pretty apparent that I have fairly low standards.    

Quote from: slower than... on September 01, 2008, 02:35:54 PM
Saw this on BARF.  Here's a brand new monster that won't break the bank:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05280723000P

I would seriously go to the grocery store on that.   

Quote from: mostrobelle on September 01, 2008, 10:31:07 PM
What he said.  I don't pretend to be a mechanic, and although I might take on a few more ambitious maintenance items from time to time, a full rebuild is beyond my skills (and motivation.)

So has anyone here got any thoughts on the Aprilia Shiver? Someone mentioned it to me.  It's not giving me that warm n tingly feeling inside when I look at it.

Well the Aprilia Shiver makes me Shiver... Not in a good way though.

Hey lets both get Nightsters together  [moto]

Quote from: mostrobelle on September 01, 2008, 10:31:07 PM
So has anyone here got any thoughts on the Aprilia Shiver? Someone mentioned it to me.  It's not giving me that warm n tingly feeling inside when I look at it.

I don't particularly like it.  And I have no idea why folks have such a woody for it.

Quote from: mostrobelle on September 01, 2008, 10:31:07 PM
So has anyone here got any thoughts on the Aprilia Shiver? Someone mentioned it to me.  It's not giving me that warm n tingly feeling inside when I look at it.

At last I knew...my previous roommate was a mechanic at Scuderia... in it's present emissions configuration, the Shiver does not meet U.S. EPA regulations, so for the time being it's unavailable in the states.

Also, it's the first production year of Aprilia's new motor. Add to that the recent financial troubles that they have just come through.... I don't blame you for not having a warm 'n IZ_ about it.

Besides, it looks like an overgrown Kawi anyway.

Quote from: duckwrench13 on September 01, 2008, 11:01:57 AM

Yes, there will be some minor square peg in round hole issues, but nothing that can't be dealt with.  I'm helping one of the SFFD machinists restore his 851, so if we need things machined to make a motor swap work, he can do it.

That's awesome.  If he's willing, can you post about it?
Are you having trouble with any parts? I know in the thankfully rare circumstances I need them they're not always easy to get.

Quote from: ROBsS4R on September 01, 2008, 11:44:54 PM
Well the Aprilia Shiver makes me Shiver... Not in a good way though.

Hey lets both get Nightsters together  [moto]

Um, no.   

Quote from: duckwrench13 on September 02, 2008, 08:00:39 AM
At last I knew...my previous roommate was a mechanic at Scuderia... in it's present emissions configuration, the Shiver does not meet U.S. EPA regulations, so for the time being it's unavailable in the states.

Also, it's the first production year of Aprilia's new motor. Add to that the recent financial troubles that they have just come through.... I don't blame you for not having a warm 'n IZ_ about it.

Besides, it looks like an overgrown Kawi anyway.

Well, they are on the showroom floor at Moto-Meccanica. So I would say they are available. That said, BLEH.  I'd pass. Besides, it's a straight up and down riding style, I think she would hate it. Since she doesn't mind the racer-ish ergos, I'd lean toward the Paul Smart or the Mike Hailwood. But I sure do love my Monster and I would have a hard time right now switching to something else. If she were gonna go the route of keeping the old gal and gettin another new bike to use while gettin around to fixin it, I like the Truimph Thruxton with the Arrow 2-1 on it! 

There have been some wise words here about new bikes. When your time becomes more valuable than the roll off the lot depreciation, then you get a new bike. Besides Ducati's are pretty good at keeping there value.

This is the other thing:

Quote from: mostrobelle on September 01, 2008, 10:31:07 PM
...  It's not giving me that warm n tingly feeling inside when I look at it.

That is pretty huge I think. This is an intimate relationship. If you married for money, and would get a particular puppy because it was the practical one, get a Honda scooter.  But I don't think that's you.

Go sit on a lot of bikes. Sit on ones that you think you wouldn't consider and are way out of you $ $ range just to see what you like. Something will go "DING!"  and you'll know what you want.  We're just gabbing blindly here. Your butt is going to tell you more than we will ever.

You have our permission to get what ever you like.








then we'll give you hell for it. 

Quote from: Desmostro on September 02, 2008, 10:00:14 AM

then we'll give you hell for it. 

Very true that someone will give you crap no matter what  you get

I just my monster makes it another 25k before throwing in the towel, since I'm not ready to try and pay for a new bike.  (mine has only 34k on it now )

Get a Hypertard

Your commute is over some seriously crap roads
The higher up riding position is great for city riding
The power is more than there
Dry clutch
Great looking

My only concern is will the stubby little twigs you call legs reach the ground? 

Italian, requires maintaince, what more do you need? Yes i know....It can be lowered if needed.