Goldilocks and the three bikes

[Hudson]

It was that time of the month again - get each of the rarely ridden bikes out, get the engines warmed up and the oil flowing, and head down the hill to the ethanol-free gas station to fill the tanks.

First up was the MV Augusta F4 312R. She's all pretty again after being put back together. Ten minutes later and I'm already starting to hurt. Neck is strained, wrists are starting to hurt, back is stretched. This bike is meant for tiny little Italian dudes with size 7 feet. Thankfully, the engine note works like a morphine drip, killing the pain for a bit but then it returns. 30 min and I am done, happy to return her to her to the garage. This bike needs a track.

Second up, the Triumph Bonneville. Compared to the F4, the riding position feels like it was engineered by LaZBoy. My neck and shoulders thank me loudly, and my feet are actually parallel to the road again. But while the engine note has it owns charms, the engine has a 110hp deficit compared to the F4. Yes, nearly 1/3rd the HP. Good thing I stayed off the freeway and took the backwoods. The Bonneville is fun to ride on a light twisty side road, but not as much fun on the highway. Don't see how guys like to tour on these. But I'll have no trouble keeping my license intact, and it's kinda fun to slow down and enjoy the view.

Last up, the MV Augusta Brutale. Not quite splitting the difference between the last two - the beast is only down 30hp to the F4, but has 90hp on the Bonneville. The sound is magnificent, and the riding position is just right. Fits like a glove and no neck pains. Happy on the side roads (at a far faster clip than the Bonneville), yet so much fun to blast up to speed on the free on-ramps too. Yes I am getting a pretty strong blast of wind... look down at the speedo...oohh better drop down about 20mph...yes...the Brutale is just right.

 

[Niehart]

Last up, the MV Augusta Brutale. Not quite splitting the difference between the last two - the beast is only down 30hp to the F4, but has 90hp on the Bonneville. The sound is magnificent, and the riding position is just right. Fits like a glove and no neck pains. Happy on the side roads (at a far faster clip than the Bonneville), yet so much fun to blast up to speed on the free on-ramps too. Yes I am getting a pretty strong blast of wind... look down at the speedo...oohh better drop down about 20mph...yes...the Brutale is just right.

 

[Panman]

And I suppose the FJR is like that old pair shoes you forget about?

 

[escapefjrtist]

And I suppose the FJR is like that old pair shoes you forget about?

The FJR is soooo yesterday Panman! Hudson has a mistress for every day of the week...

--G

 

[Hudson]

Nah, Panman and EA, the FJR is still a faithful steed. Or like Panman said, the pair of shoes that is completely broken in, the ones you wear when you don't need to dress up and just want to be comfy all day long. Such a competent and comfortable touring bike, and I have zero desire to replace it. Not to mention the prices on 08's are so low, it makes no sense to trade up just to get a few new features. Though the new ones sure look nice.

Related, Sportsguy is now looking at similar sportish-naked bikes. While his S10 is excellent for all around riding, he's looking for something more Mulholland and Angeles Crest friendly. So far he's hot on the Yamaha triples (FJ09, FZ09) and the Suzuki GSX1000F (140+hp for around $8k for a holdover '15). Still unsure if he's keeping or selling the KTM.

 

[Panman]

I don't have throw around money but if I did the FJ 09 would be one that I would look at.

 

[Hudson]

Too much like the S10 for my tastes, I'd probably check out the FZ. Or find a gently used Tuono.

 

[Cav47]

And I suppose the FJR is like that old pair shoes you forget about?

The FJR is soooo yesterday Panman! Hudson has a mistress for every day of the week...
--G

Yeah, life must be rough, 3 bikes

plus the FJR

to "HAVE" to go fill up.

Prob some flat, boring, straight roads with lots of traffic to drudge through on the way to the gas station.

****, I bet the mental anguish is almost unbearable.

Prob also took up half of your Saturday . Wait, aren't you retired?? Isn't everyday Saturday for you guys!!!

HUDSON, You and Petey are my heros!! Just kidding about all that ^^^^^^

 

[Niehart]

CAV47, where did you get the idea that he only had three or four? He and JimmyJimmy are hoarders I tell ya ...

Don't have pictures of Hudson's but here are Jimmy's.

 

[escapefjrtist]

<snip> Related, Sportsguy is now looking at similar sportish-naked bikes. While his S10 is excellent for all around riding, he's looking for something more Mulholland and Angeles Crest friendly. So far he's hot on the Yamaha triples (FJ09, FZ09) and the Suzuki GSX1000F (140+hp for around $8k for a holdover '15). Still unsure if he's keeping or selling the KTM.

Didn't figure he would last too long down there Hudson. Lots of great roads a stone's throw away with the fun of 'splitting 'sharing to get there!

--G

 

[allrider]

The Brutale was the hottest looking girl at Backfire Moto last week.

 

[Uncle Hud]

CAV47, where did you get the idea that he only had three or four? He and JimmyJimmy are hoarders I tell ya ...
Don't have pictures of Hudson's but here are Jimmy's.

Three beautiful old school BMW opposing-piston engines in that photo. That's enough moto-**** to last me for a week ....

 

[Cav47]

CAV47, where did you get the idea that he only had three or four? He and JimmyJimmy are hoarders I tell ya ...
Don't have pictures of Hudson's but here are Jimmy's.

Three beautiful old school BMW opposing-piston engines in that photo. That's enough moto-**** to last me for a week ....

But you are over 50, that amount of **** could kill you at that age. ............................................I agree, they are sexy machines!.

 

[Hudson]

MV F4 312R FJR 1300 MV Brutale 1090RR KTM 1190R Bonneville Honda CFR 80 Yamaha TTR Pit Husky TE310 Matchless G80CS

The line between a hoarder and a picker is a matter of perspective.

 

[sportsguy]

Picker assumes you plan to EVER move something OUT of the stable!

Got the WA state title for the KTM today, so I'll hit AAA and get the CA version sorted this week, then I can sell it as desired. No rush, but I'll say this...

If you think the FJ-09 is too close to a Tenere, you need to test ride one. Other than the riding position, there is almost ZERO that feels the same between them. That triple is an epic engine! SO much fun! And the bike just likes to dive into turns. I had similar concerns about it being too close to my Tenere...but they are worlds apart...

The REAL issue is...

Would I ride the Tenere again after bringing home that little triple terror?! The -09 is a fully capable tourer, so one could easily spend a week at a crack flogging it cross country. Of course, she ain't going offroad too well, but then again, the Tenere is a big beast in the dirt, so it comes with its own challenges. It's all still choices...sigh...nothing is perfect...

The Suzuki is, honestly, a real stand out. The magazines are strapping them to dynos and seeing 154 - 157 HP AT THE REAR WHEEL, and Suzuki has admitted that maybe the 144 HP rating is a bit understated...LOL

Still...the damn Brutales here are looking so tempting. 2013 Brutale 1090s...under $10k. The Brutale 800 triple? Under 9 grand. Yes, used, but they are so lightly used I'm happy to bring one hoe under the right circumstances.

But whatever. Right now I'm just enjoying riding the Vespa around the valleys here and filtering to the front at stop lights. No exaggeration, but on my commute, riding the bikes can shave almost 15 minutes off time, door to door. That said, filtering on the Barge (Tenere with panniers) is nerve wracking! With the KTM, well, it's just a belligerent pup at the best of times, so its best to ride that only when you're in hooligan mode.

 

[Powerman]

I hear any **** from my wife, I'm showing these pictures.

 

[Hudson]

Sportsguy, I did a 300 mile trip Sunday with Achiu, me riding the Brutale through Yakima canyon and Chinook pass up to Rainer and back home.

I was good till about Rainer. Then my *** and legs started to burn from the firm seat. Thankfully, relief was close by.

The Brutale was magnificent, and far less annoying on the highways than I expected (what with no windscreen). But the last 100 miles were not the most pleasant.

That FJ-09 is likely far more comfy, and has more extended seat options to cure any shortcomings.

 

[sportsguy]

Unlike your crazy self, I'm unlikely to go ride an MV for 300 miles!

...and so happy to hear that your bottom is fine now. Super that you shared the details about your glutius maximus...

Isn't there someone who vets the people who join this place? ...

 

[dcarver]

CAV47, where did you get the idea that he only had three or four? He and JimmyJimmy are hoarders I tell ya ...
Don't have pictures of Hudson's but here are Jimmy's.

Is this the Jimmy two Burgers I rode with? If so, holy ******* batshit, Batman!

MV F4 312R FJR 1300 MV Brutale 1090RR KTM 1190R Bonneville Honda CFR 80 Yamaha TTR Pit Husky TE310 Matchless G80CS

The line between a hoarder and a picker is a matter of perspective.

LOL, I have a similar pix of my stable circa 1991. If nothing else, the pix reminds me to never sell. I wish I had everyone of them back.

My stable is much less exotic - but I'll toss you this gauntlet.. I want to have 1,000,000 millions miles on bikes currently in my stable. I'm on track to make that if I can keep riding until I'm 74. When I retire in 696 days, who's counting, I can drop the age way down..

JSNS and https://www.fjrforum.com/forum//public/style_emoticons/default/****.gif

Hugs n' Kisses