Cage-free existance?

[dallas2r]

I've been kicking around the idea of ditching the cage lifestyle altogether and selling my car. My biggest concern has been the issue of transporting my bicycle but I think I've found a solution for the Duc.

http://www.cafemotos.com/johnnyrack/racks.html

You guys that are running cageless (Patrick, Rich & Rich that I know of) ... I'd appreciate any words of wisdom to help me make an informed decision.

gracias,
Guillermo

[BarneePhife]

Very cool.  But it looks like you will need to buy a BMW or Kawasaki. 

I bet with a few cases of beer RichD could fabricate something for your S2R. 

[factorPlayer]

I did it in Austin for about 6 months last year - and that was through the winter.  It can be done but you have to do a lot more planning and anticipate the weather.  Plus, it's a lot easier on a multistrada...

[dallas2r]

Very cool.  But it looks like you will need to buy a BMW or Kawasaki. 

I bet with a few cases of beer RichD could fabricate something for your S2R. 

Actually, I contacted the guy who's making these. He owns an m750 that he has a mount for that he thinks will work on the S2R. If I order it and it doesn't work, he offered me a full refund including shipping.

I do have a black lab that would love to be in a sidecar. I'd call it the Sammy Sidecar 9000. 

[dallas2r]

I did it in Austin for about 6 months last year - and that was through the winter.  It can be done but you have to do a lot more planning and anticipate the weather.  Plus, it's a lot easier on a multistrada...

... but what about a black 1098s? (my next bike)   

What did you do in bad weather?

[Duc L'Smart]

COMING IN JUNE!

DUCATI M620, 750 & 900

[rsoffar]

i sold my car at the start of this summer.
i dont mind only having the bike for my transportation (unless its out of service haha)
sometimes i wish i had some sidebags for grocery shopping and the such but its livable for me.

it also made my decision easier knowing i am moving to nyc in the fall and wont need a car.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

do it!   

[RichD]

Do it!

I don't think it is that hard.
Like mentioned above, it takes a little more forethought... and weather is something you adjust to and plan for.
These days with doppler radar maps it isn't that hard.
In the winter my heated gear keeps me warmer than most peeps in their cars.

I rode my 1098 for almost a year straight... but it is nice to have a spare bike (or two) for when maintenance is required.

It's not for everyone, but if you're thinking about it maybe it's for you...?

[cdc]

... but what about a black 1098s? (my next bike)   

What did you do in bad weather?

!098s (and other superbikes for that matter) are great for riding in winter since the underseat exhaust make good bum and thigh warmers.  Unfortunately, you can't turn it off in summer.  

The fairing should also help with wind protection.  Winter gloves or a handguard(?) might help.  Be careful with those cold tires.  

cdc

[♣ McKraut ♣]

I rode my 1098 for almost a year straight... but it is nice to have a spare bike (or two) for when maintenance is required.

+1 on a spare bike for when you're wrenching on the pimp ride

[calscrazy]

i only cage when it's below 40, rainin, snowin, or the wind is up around 30 mph. but for me it's a huge money saver because it's 58 miles round trip to work. even the maintenance cost on the bike (tires, service, etc.) is cheaper than driving the truck at $140 a week in gas alone. not inc maintenance.

[Duc L'Smart]

If you need to get rid of your car, I know a guy who can talk to a guy...

[RichD]

i only cage when it's below 40...

I bought Gerbings heated pants liners, jacket liner, heated gloves, and a thermostat controller for the rig.
February 2007 I rode through the NewMexico mountains at altitude Heading for the west coast.
I could tell it was dangerous cold outside.  The air slipping around my balaclava was COLD cold.
In the suit (which was my Gerbings, wool/polyproplene longjohns, wool socks (non electric), my perforated leather jacket and leather pants) I was TOASTY.

It was 17°F outside.  15° below freezing. 

1098S cruising at high speed, ten hours a day, due west...

And I KNEW at that point I had the gear to be warm in any Texas winter commute to work.

[♣ McKraut ♣]

ditch the car, man, and pick up GRID!!!  it's awesome...and that's all the car-driving you need!  and it's WAY more fun once you get a little drunk!