Got the itch for a new bike. Talk me out of it.

[rockmurf]

Ok guys, same old thing. Want the perfect (another) bike and maybe in the position to buy one. I am looking at the new vmax and b king. The logic (if there is such a thing in this situation) is the vmax would be a superbike with only a few in the US. The b king is probably equal to it performance wise and a whole lot cheaper. The pricing on the vmax is absolutely ridiculous. As you can see I ride an 06 fjr and 04 fz6 and love them both and don't need another bike (can't let the wife see this) but you guys understand. With the economy the way it is we are making it but if I buy the bike and something else happens I will be in the *******. So aside from the msrp on the vmax, the ugliness of the b king, and the economy talk me out of this. ps I am 57 yoa. Aren't I allowed to be stupid. Thanks for your understanding and hopefully kind words. Ride safe.

 

[MotorToad]

Don't buy one of those bikes, they're ugly as sin!

Save a few (dozen) grand and buy a ZRX-1200. Or a dirt bike. Or a motard.

 

[87Doodle]

Don't buy one of those bikes, they're ugly as sin!
Save a few (dozen) grand and buy a ZRX-1200. Or a dirt bike. Or a motard.

Realign your compulsions...lol

 

[v65]

If you have enough to think about the v-max, get a cheap track bike, associated gear, and have some real fun.

 

[exskibum]

As someone 1 year younger than you, with similar compulsions and one too many bikes, I'll note a couple things.

First, you've come to the WRONG place to be talked out of this sort of thing. But you knew that.

Second, if it were me with what you have in the stable, I'd buy a dual sport or adventure bike. Third, you're talking about adding a bike (either of those) that will be a lot more expensive to insure than what you already have. (I know -- my XX costs me more per year, with less estimated mileage, than the FJR and KLR together.)

And lastly, note that as you get more bikes, something gets ridden less. With me, it's the XX (yep, the sexiest, fastest, most blinged out and most expensive to insure) that gets the least miles as I ride the other two most every time I go down to the garage anymore.

In this economy, maybe that will have the same effect on your decision as it is having on my probable decision to sell the XX next spring (after taking off and selling most of the aftermarket parts this winter).

 

[HotRodZilla]

If you want to shy away from the B-King ugliness ( I actually like them) and don't wanna go with the high V-Max MSRP, buy one of these: KTM SuperDuke-R. Ok, you don't have to really buy one of these...Buy whatever you want. BUT if I had a few extra thousand just lying around begging to be spent, this is what I would spend it on. I would save the extra for bail!

 

[Knifemaker]

Well, don't take this the wrong way...but a big raised middle finger in your direction ... from all of us who, could just barely afford to buy one bike, the FJR....which is all the bike anyone really needs. (or so we have to keep telling ourselves)

KM

maybe not well off, but I still have an FJR....

 

[dkbellga]

I agree with exskibum....keep what you have and add an adventure tourer to the mix. There are some awesome, inexpensive choices. I had a Suzuki DL650 VStrom prior to the 07 FJR, and it was a great bike. It could do most anything easily and comfortably. Dirt roads can be enticing and the Strommers will take you there, no problem. If you're more into mud and rocks though, stick with something lighter like the KLR.

 

[fjrboomer]

rockmurf I suggest you go back and read your own post. First unless you have suitcases full of money (which may be the case with what is in your stable) then it is the ecomomy! Second, if you are having to hide this thread from you wife then I can only imagine what your life would be like if you bring either of those bikes home. Especially if you are keeping all your current rides. If after reviewing these to factors and you still have to have another ride then go for it. Just do not buy your wife a gun and certainly do not show her how to shoot it. Life is short and there are a lot more rodes to ride.

 

[Sagebrush]

I saw a few new v-max's last weekend in Daytona. I want one, don't need one, just want one.

I won't pay $18K though... the price will come down. The wow factor will wear off some day and the price will fall. I hope they sell enough of them to create a following like the original max. I wanted a FJR in 06, I made it to 08 when I found a good deal on my 07 FJR. I'm glad I waited and saved the $$$.

 

[Steve01]

How about a FZ 1000, I have this one on loan fitted with a micron exhaust while my baby FJR is in for a service (it scares the crap out of me)..................

 

[JRO]

Not having ridden or owned either the B-King or the new V-Max, I don't know enough about them to offer advice.

However, if you're looking for advice on whether to spend the money, when you're worried you could end up "in the *******"; then, I can comment.

Don't.

Wait and see what happens. At this point, anything could happen. Extra money is worth more than an expensive bike you don't really need. You're 57; you can wait a little while longer. Save more money for a bigger down. See if you're retirement tanks. Perhaps some unforseen fortune will come your way. Perhaps some unfortune will come your way.

My wife incurred a debt, recently. She spent my extra fortune, on the logic that I've got quite a load more coming. But what if I don't? Honestly, I'd rather have the money, than the debt. Women will do things like that (hell, I've been known to do things like that). You'll feel better, if you act wiser. When you have more confidence that things won't go bad, you won't be asking for advice on whether to take the plunge, or not. That will be the time to do whatever you want.

Of course, if you're posessed with the need to get another bike, there may be no way out. Go ahead and do it. Glandular-based decisions are usually the poorest, and the most laced with regret... Go ahead - dive in. 30 pieces of silver, and a deal's a deal... Don't wait. Make the sale!... Here; use my hammer. Drive the nail.

 

[rockmurf]

Guys I want to thank you. (most of you, Knifemaker, I don't know). I probably won't do anything because I too believe that things are to volatile right now. The vmax is overpriced. It is on ebay for 16500 plus tax tags. The b king isn't selling despite really good writeups and a fair price. Last but not least between the fjr and fz6 I have a bike for all occasions, (I don't do off road). It was nice tossing this out there and reading some of the responses. I did think of the fz1 but was told it runs hot temp for the rider and I won't go through that again. I will probably wait a couple years till the end of the yes warranty and see what technology brings us. Thanks again. Everett

 

[Niehart]

rockmurf, one bike is all ya need. But 2 or 3 are a lot more fun.

 

[Fred W]

You can get a whole lotta bike for a whole lot less than what you're considering spending

 

[bluejag]

ditch the FZ6 and like Steve says get the FZ1000... in the same color she'll never know :yahoo:

 

[TILAM]

There's and old saying "The prefect number of bikes one more than you presently own" There will always be one more out there you want. But hey we can't all be like Jay Leno.

 

[oldryder]

Give a ZRX-1200 a look. They can be had pretty cheap. I like mine a lot. It's got a better motor than the FJR and is a lot of fun to ride.

I've also been thinking about the new Max but I can't help remembering when Honda came out with their "Rune" and lowered the price several thousand dollars before it had been on the market for a full year. I don't think that'll happen to the Max but we'll have to wait and see. Not a great time to rollout anything thats purely discretionary.

The reviews I've read on the Max make me think it'd be a fun touring mount if it had an adequate gas tank and somewhat better mileage. However, you add a small tank and crappy mileage and any ideas of touring go out the window.

I like the reviews on the B-King but can't get used to that bloated tank.

 

[spalkin]

Show me the money!.................Deeenied! <_<