Which Bike?

Bike talk in our house is NEVER ending, from necessary upgrades to gear, new bikes to road trips; Richard and I are always talking about bikes. What I’ve learned from that… talk about bikes. If there is ever a break in conversation or a indisputable silence (ex. post argument) it can quickly be forgotten with a mention of motorcycles (It pays to know your audience).

Alpinestar man LOVES bikes.

All kinds of bikes, for all kinds of reasons. Bikes are his passion... which bike should we target next, which bike fits well with what we have, but also offers a different riding style, which bike is a realistic ‘investment’ (no vehicle is ever a real ‘investment’) and which bikes is a lottery bike i.e. if we win the lottery what are our dream bikes.

Richard’s list is significantly more developed than mine.

I asked him to co-author this post.

Richard: I think my next bike will be a motard. I want to learn the limits of the bike. How hard to brake, how to "back it in" to a turn and how to slide coming out of the turn (while keeping control); all things that will make me a better rider, with better bike control.



The lottery bike is a Husqvarna SMR510 but realistically, without the lottery, I will probably end up with a Suzuki DRZ400SM. Its more affordable and parts are cheaper and easier to find.



The Lottery Bike: Husqvarna SMR510



The realistic bike: Suzuki DRZ400SM

 Melanie: His dedication to Suzuki knows no bounds. I am a lot of the voice behind ‘realistically’.

Richard: I would also like a dedicated track bike. I would like it to be an in line four, probably a 600, either a Suzuki GSXR or a Kawasaki ZX6R. I would buy a used bike and convert it to a track bike. Remove lights, signals, stock body work mirrors and then add race bodywork, pazzo levers and spiegler brake lines. I would also have to get a trailer to get the bike to the track since it won't be street legal.

Track Bike Option 1: Suzuki GSXR

Track Bike Option 2: Kawasaki ZX6R

Melanie: Not mentioned is the SUV and trailer needed with this bike to haul it from track to track. There I go being ‘realistic’ again.

Richard: There is also part of me that wants a dual sport. I am thinking something like a Suzuki Vstrom 1000. The 1000 would be nice for a little more power on the highway but it would also be a little heavier when off road. The Vstrom has the same motor as the SV so it is very familiar to us. If I decide to go the dual sport route I will look more into other bikes but could very well end up with a Vstrom.

Dual Sport: Suzuki Vstrom 1000

Melanie: I am ALL for this, because it means I can hop on the back without much effect. I love being on the back of his bike more than the front of mine. Oddly enough it is because I trust him more then I trust myself.

Richard: I also like vintage style bikes. My dad has a 2001 Triumph Bonneville and I am trying to convince him that we should make a project bike out of it. He still has an SV650 he can ride while we work on it. We'll see.

Dad and Bonnie on the Cabot Trail (Summer 2010)

Richard: And having said all of this. I AM KEEPING both my SV's!!

Melanie: And we need a 4 car garage and maybe even one (or two) inside.

'cause there isn't one there already.

Melanie: As for my list… Its less in depth and less detailed, but I would like a dirt bike or maybe a motard so Richard and I can play in the dirt together… which bike is up to him and based on what is listed on Kijiji and my lottery bike is an Aprilia, an orange one.

Richard: Oh that’s cute, an 'orange one' I think you mean an 2009 Aprilia Shiver 750.

The Pretty Orange One

Melanie: Thanks! I just think it’s pretty and the name screams quality. There is also something unique about them and I like that.

Richard: Of course you do. Aprilia makes a Super Motard for your ‘dirt bike’ request. A motard is more functional; check out the Aprilia SXV 5.5

I think this is my NEW favorite.

Melanie: Ooo… pretty.

Richard: Yes, pretty.

And that is typically how our motorcycle conversations go, everyone leaves happy.

What is your lottery bike?