Modern Motorcycle most like a real 80's UJM ?

[850 Combat]

A niece who is a HS senior has no interest in getting a driver's license, and she is in metro LA! Motorcycling is heading toward being a niche market.

Yes, but driving in metro LA sucks dog balls. Still, your point is taken. Many young people today don't care about cars and bikes, or anything that makes you look away from your phone. I have a 25 year old nephew who just bought a Prius. My 25 year old daughter just got her first full time job after 8 years of college. She bought a GTI with the 220 horse motor and the 6 speed manual. She acknowledges that the twin clutch automatic is quicker, but she says that the stick is more engaging.

Mostly, she likes it because her friends don't know how to drive a car with three pedals down there.

[themess]

Manual transmissions are almost gone. Cars with manuals used to be more reliable, lighter, less expensive, more responsive and use less fuel. As designs and materials have improved, and computer controls have integrated shifting with other engine controls, all of those advantages now favor automatics for most drivers in most circumstances. About 3/4 of my lifetime miles have been driven with manuals. Most likely, my current manual will be my last one. Eventually, motorcycles will get them, too.

[GS1150Pilot]

Manual transmissions are almost gone. Cars with manuals used to be more reliable, lighter, less expensive, more responsive and use less fuel. As designs and materials have improved, and computer controls have integrated shifting with other engine controls, all of those advantages now favor automatics for most drivers in most circumstances. About 3/4 of my lifetime miles have been driven with manuals. Most likely, my current manual will be my last one. Eventually, motorcycles will get them, too.

Except reliability. Aside from replacing clutches as a maintenance item, manuals remain more reliable than automatics.

[themess]

I wouldn't know. My last car with an automatic was a 93 Sable. No problems with it. I just bought a 96 Astro, and its transmission needs to be rebuilt, but I suspect abuse.

So, I'll take your word for it.

[earlfor]

Manual transmissions are almost gone. Cars with manuals used to be more reliable, lighter, less expensive, more responsive and use less fuel. As designs and materials have improved, and computer controls have integrated shifting with other engine controls, all of those advantages now favor automatics for most drivers in most circumstances. About 3/4 of my lifetime miles have been driven with manuals. Most likely, my current manual will be my last one. Eventually, motorcycles will get them, too.

I guess I'm the odd one out here. heh Until 2012 when I sold my truck and bought the Safari van from the wife when she wanted something new , I never owned a automatic vehicle. Most of my life, I only had Brit sports cars. I don't think bikes are going anywhere. I see a lot more on the road now than I did in my early riding years.

[limeex2]

Here ya go. http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2018/03...rs-review.html. Suzuki. Get on the band wagon

[glib]

Suzuki. Get on the band wagon

They could keep the Bandit 1250 powerplant and build a completely new bike, styled after the 1100ED, around it. Starting with cool wheels and exhaust and suspension and tank and frame--and let that 1250 breathe! The exhaust on the 1250 is so ugly it's like a Ferrari pulling a trailer.

[greg78gs750]

amen. I would add to the list a diet, my next bike is not going to weigh as much as a gs, or even a bandit.....I'm getting too old for it....

[bobgroger]

amen. I would add to the list a diet, my next bike is not going to weigh as much as a gs, or even a bandit.....I'm getting too old for it....

In my case, a diet for the rider as well. 40-ish pounds would make a big difference and not just for riding....

[themess]

Weight was one of the reasons I bought a Wee Strom. It is simply lighter, and I'm not as strong. I haven't had particular reasons to do the exercise needed to mostly maintain upper body strength.

[Jedz123]

In my case, a diet for the rider as well. 40-ish pounds would make a big difference and not just for riding....

39lbs and counting! I lost allot of weight over the winter and all my bikes seem faster this season! Hahah

[greg78gs750]

not exactly a ujm, BUT, I was doing some looking on cl last night, quite a few good looking and reasonably priced FZ1's out there, with a curb weight of around 450 ish.....

[themess]

I tend to gain weight, and have been paying attention to it all my life. For a while after grad school, I reached 220. Now I'm near 170, shooting for 155 - 160. My basic method is healthier eating habits. People who lose quickly usually get it back, because eating habits didn't change, and there's social pressure to eat in the old ways.

Avoid processed foods, especially anything with added sugar. Fructose metabolizes using the same paths as ethanol. It doesn't trigger a full feeling. It takes a loooong time to develop new eating habits, and train the taste buds to like new things. But, with a good diet, hunger is reduced and energy levels stay more consistent.

[Jedz123]

So after riding in Florida I got on some great machines... I spent allot of time on my buddies 2017 Triumph T120. OMG I'm in love. He was super generous in letting me ride it... So Comfy, so smooth and the power is AWESOME! Worlds ahead of the Sportster XR1200 I currently have (and refuse to ride). Stock it blows the doors off the XR1200. We did some roll ons and the T120 is by far the quicker bike. It is built perfectly... Feels like a true standard motorcycle... The power plant is one of the best 2 cylinder power plants I've ridden on. I intend to try the Scrambler 1100 out to see how that feels however the Triumph is superior in build quality and general look and feel...

I showed my Fiance this last night:

http://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemdetails.cshtml?itemid=41770

She said, "Why did you even buy the Harley? that bike is gorgeous! When are you buying it? Because I love it!!!"... Thanks Hunny.

Anyway the Triumph T120 is one of the best bikes I've ridden in a long time...

[Admiral Beez]

So after riding in Florida I got on some great machines... I spent allot of time on my buddies 2017 Triumph T120. OMG I'm in love. He was super generous in letting me ride it... So Comfy, so smooth and the power is AWESOME! Worlds ahead of the Sportster XR1200 I currently have (and refuse to ride). Stock it blows the doors off the XR1200. We did some roll ons and the T120 is by far the quicker bike. It is built perfectly... Feels like a true standard motorcycle... The power plant is one of the best 2 cylinder power plants I've ridden on. I intend to try the Scrambler 1100 out to see how that feels however the Triumph is superior in build quality and general look and feel...

I showed my Fiance this last night:

http://www.nationalpowersports.net/itemdetails.cshtml?itemid=41770

She said, "Why did you even buy the Harley? that bike is gorgeous! When are you buying it? Because I love it!!!"... Thanks Hunny.

Anyway the Triumph T120 is one of the best bikes I've ridden in a long time...

After a decade of polishing chrome and aluminium on my 1969 Triumph T100, I LOVE the black engine and pipes. Much easier to keep looking good.