I originally posted this as a note on my FaceBook page, then decided it was blog-worthy as well. I realize that some of my peeps from all over the world are on various sites and read different things at different times... So, I figure why not blog it...
Enjoy.
Is this what it's come down to--choosing a bike?
When I cannot sleep and I have nothing but time to kill out here in the wild tan yonder, I often find myself daydreaming about getting another motorcycle. My first one was stolen, my second was awesome and I loved it dearly... my third was just a beater to help me get out some high-speed aggression and get to and from work. My last one, sadly, I never rode even once.
Now, I'm thinking about getting back on that wagon (despite the protests from my non-girlfriend-girlfriend of sorts). I think like pedaling a bike, a motorcycle is just a part of me. I've been able to ride them since I was a wee lad and I've loved every single minute of it. It's my high-speed two-wheeled happy place. Unlike my pedal powered mojo's, the moto's can get me farther faster.
So now I'm perplexed. My taste in bikes is as varied as my taste in all things. I'd love a bobber, but it's got to be just so. Same with a bagger; however, I am still absolutely in love with the Indian's (especially the new "Vintage" model). I think the biggest factor for me now is going to be price. Higher up front and it's going to stay how it is for a long, long, long while. Lower up front and I can afford to put my mark on it.
So I bring this selection to those of you bored enough (or in some slight instance, maybe, just maybe interested enough to indulge me):
Tourer vs bobber... dang it.
Bobbers:
The Brass Balls Model 1 has just about everything I'm looking for in a bike really... mostly black (very little chrome), round oil tank, fat gas tank, springer front, springer pan seat (hopefully with stitched edges instead of those ugly rivets--they just make it look cheap), killer old-school look. A few bits and bobs from Exile cycles to clean up the cabling and I think it's done. Well, maybe some ceramic coating and anodizing to turn that silver junk black as the night. The BB Digger is good enough for the most part. Very rough, rugged, and raw-- love it! The only thing I am really hating about most of the custom bikes out now is SPOKES. I hate cleaning them and don't want to go anywhere near them. The biggest problem with a cool custom bike is that it's hard to find the right wheels that won't throw off the look completely. The super-raked-out choppers and pro-street models all look good with mags and usually look kinda funny or plain with spokes. More to come on that one...
Brass Balls Digger
http://justjag.com/inventory/strokersdallas/all/cardetails.asp?C=STROKERSDALLAS&VIN=1D9HD26579E597005
Brass Balls Model 1
http://justjag.com/inventory/strokersdallas/all/cardetails.asp?C=STROKERSDALLAS&VIN=1D9HD26529E597025
This offering from Insane Custom Cycles is very elegant and clean (a la those bits and bobs from Mr. Russell Mitchell from Exile Cycles). There's a few things I'd change right away, but the price is so low it's hard not to consider this one heavily:
http://justjag.com/inventory/strokersdallas/all/cardetails.asp?C=STROKERSDALLAS&VIN=1Z9HW296X7G264004
Tourers:
Indian Chief Vintage
For some reason, the willow green and cream is absolutely beautiful to me: http://www.indianmotorcycle.com/TheMotorcycles1/ChiefVintage/ChiefVintageFeatures/tabid/159/Default.aspx
Also, with the Indian, I think that picture pretty much says it all. No need to change a thing. Just fill'er up and ride. Simple, elegant, timeless. Not to mention a brown seat and bags on that thing is dead sexy. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but this beholder knows a good thing when he sees it.
The HD page refuses to load for some reason, but basically I'm looking at the Street Glide and the Road King, but I'm wanting something with a solo seat and bags that's kinda streamlined. Nothing that will automatically enroll me in AARP and startup a subscription, but something slightly understated and timelessly cool.
Thanks for tuning in... Any comments at all, don't hesitate. Some of you who know me all-too-well will have something I'm sure. Heck, if you guys vote on it, I may have to weigh that poll very heavily in my final decision (nothing doing with price and common sense... let the people decide!)
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