Moto: Something tried and true or something new???

[SirSkankin DBA]

Have not been on here in awhile, but found myself in a conundrum and knew this was the best place to turn. - i realize that part of this exercise is to get my thoughts out of my head, but also, would appreciate some suggestions (Warning, long wordy post as I tend to overthink and over-detail)

I have decided that even though I love my current moto, 2016 d. scrambler full throttle, it was just not meant to be. There are two glaring issues for me that as much as I try to rationalize them or try to minimize them, they keep staring me in the face and turn me off to riding it.

1- even though I had some comfort added to the seat, if I am not sitting juuuuuust right, I will end up paying for it in about 30 to 45 minutes. I think my frame/posture is just a smidge too long for the bike. So, I can either cram myself right up against the tank, and pay for it in groin numbness, or sit naturally and get the tailbone ache

2- distance per tank. Originally when I bought it, how far a tank would take was not a big issue because it was mostly going to be commute (which ended up wfh so it didn't matter) or short jaunts for fun... but now, it has just become a nuisance because it feels like I am filling up every time I want to ride (or close to it in all actuality)which also hinders me from wanting to plan longer trips with others because I would have to stop every 90ish miles.

So, in realizing that I cannot escape these and enjoy the positives of the bike, I decided to sell it (not posted yet as I need to get pictures, but soon) which leads me to my conundrum - something tried and true or something new.

My favorite bike that I ever owned was a '03 Superhawk in blue. I had to sell it to get caught up on bills from an unemployment spell. Ever since then, I hoped to get one again and I, recently, happened to find the same year and color...the only issue is since it is in a far away state, and we are in SIP, I can't just fly out there and take it for a test ride etc etc... I, actually, don't mind buying it and having it shipped here, but the big question is....what if it is not all that I remember it to be?
Then I started thinking...what about parts...since it is older, most places aren't making stuff for them anymore and may have to take chances on ebay in hopes to get parts that are taken care of and not damaged... (I like to tinker so though this is not a big issue, it just takes some of the fun away)
Then the other thought crept into my head as I was looking through the bikes for sale on here and on craigslist....maybe I should get something more recent/newer. The newer stand out right now is at CB1000r....love everything about the bike that I have been able to research...but again, what if it just isn't the fit I think it is or all that it seems cracked up to be? At least, it is beautiful only goes so far. hahahah

I realize that all of this is compounded by the limitations of not being able to test ride them, navigating the social distancing, finding someone that has the 1kr in stock, etc etc.. but I was also just curious as to what this communities approach would be in this type of situation?

Thanks in advance for humoring me and for making it this far. Feel free to leave me your 2 cents.

 

[Butch]

New.

Edit... get a dirt bike. Cheap, challenging, a new world. Only your seat can tell you what thrills you. Er, the seat o yer pants.

 

[budman]

Since you have not been here in a while I will wait awhile to respond

I think you have to give your memory the emphasis.
If you remember it was awesome it probably was.

And.... you will enjoy it.

:2cents

Good luck and welcome back.

 

[W800]

I like my 2019 Kawasaki W800. It's not particularly fast (49 HP), light (500 pounds), or good handling (rides about like a 1960's brit bike). But it's really fun. I have had a bunch of different bikes. This one is my favorite. But each one has been my favorite.

 

[cfives]

I would suggest looking for something new, to you, because you can't move forward if you're looking to the past.

 

[Gary856]

My approach is always something new (i.e., different) which keeps riding fresh and helps me figure out what I really like. Every bike offers a unique experience, and it's easy enough to change if you don't like it after a while.

 

[davidji]

Seat issue should be fixable with an aftermarket seat, maybe a taller one where you can slide back further?

How much range do you need? 90 miles seems insanely short for that bike. 4 US gallon x 40MPG? Yeah you never get all the fuel out of the tank, but you can overfill those, what 1/2 gallon after shut off? And go a bit after the fuel light comes on. If you don't do those things now, maybe you could add a lot to your 90 mile range. Pump in an extra 1/2 gallon when needed, and go 30 miles or so after you see the fuel light.

Did you remap or tune it in some way that costs you fuel economy?

As far as replacing it, your bike, your call, but I'd rather go forward and try something new than go back and buy something I had before.

 

[ST Guy]

Anyone who gets rid of a bike because of the seat or bars will likely not be that happy with their next bike.

Change the seat, then the bars.

 

[SirSkankin DBA]

Sorry for such a long reply. Didn't think I would get this many comments in such a short time and thank you for all the input. Definitely some points and good point to think on.

New.

Edit... get a dirt bike. Cheap, challenging, a new world. Only your seat can tell you what thrills you. Er, the seat o yer pants.

I have considered in the past getting a dirt bike, but mostly looking at street right now.

Since you have not been here in a while I will wait awhile to respond

I think you have to give your memory the emphasis.
If you remember it was awesome it probably was.

And.... you will enjoy it.

:2cents

Good luck and welcome back.

Thank you! Budman! Really appreciate it and good point.

I would suggest looking for something new, to you, because you can't move forward if you're looking to the past.

All too true and thanks for the great reminder.

My approach is always something new (i.e., different) which keeps riding fresh and helps me figure out what I really like. Every bike offers a unique experience, and it's easy enough to change if you don't like it after a while.

Great perspective. Never thought of it as keeping the riding fresh. Really good point

Seat issue should be fixable with an aftermarket seat, maybe a taller one where you can slide back further?

How much range do you need? 90 miles seems insanely short for that bike. 4 US gallon x 40MPG? Yeah you never get all the fuel out of the tank, but you can overfill those, what 1/2 gallon after shut off? And go a bit after the fuel light comes on. If you don't do those things now, maybe you could add a lot to your 90 mile range. Pump in an extra 1/2 gallon when needed, and go 30 miles or so after you see the fuel light.

Did you remap or tune it in some way that costs you fuel economy?

As far as replacing it, your bike, your call, but I'd rather go forward and try something new than go back and buy something I had before.

So, will try to get all the answers in here. sorry if I miss anything.
No tuning or remap. everything is basically stock. No engine or exhaust modification. it has a 3.5 gallon, and 90 is when the light goes on, roughly. Even with pushing it past the light on, I have only taken it to, I think it was, 110 miles and that just beat the scrambler's "countdown" timer (if I remember correctly, it is only about 20 miles once the light is on, but I haven't tried in awhile so don't completely remember. Also, when I fill it, it is usually to the absolute top into the well of where the gas cap goes.
I have tried an aftermarket seat, but not all of them. The Scramblers were notorious for the poor seats that Ducati put out. But to your point, I have been considering an aftermarket seat (sargent or seat concepts) but hesitant to spend the money when the gas mileage is still lingering.
I do greatly appreciate further and in depth suggestions and help. And thank you for the take on the going forward

Anyone who gets rid of a bike because of the seat or bars will likely not be that happy with their next bike.

Change the seat, then the bars.

I appreciate your take, but this has been the only bike I have ever owned that I had seat issues with, and scramblers have notoriously bad seats. I do get your point, but there is more to it than just the seat. The short distance gas mileage is also a bother. The bars are fine though.

 

[ScottRNelson]

And we all come on here suggesting whatever it is that we ride... :laughing

Have you considered a KTM 790 Adventure? I can easily go 225 miles on a tank regardless of how I'm riding and have done 280 a couple of times. It averages 57 mpg the way I ride it - often up and down mountains. You can move around quite a bit on the seat. I raised the bars on mine, but it came with over an inch of forward and back adjustment just by rearranging a couple of bolts.

I wondered about adventure bikes until I took a test ride on a 990 Adventure back in 2008. Then I knew I had to have one. I'm on my third one now.

 

[motomania2007]

Before you sell the bike, take it to someone that knows ergonomics and suspension and sets the bike up for you and can tell you how to sit on the bike better.

This is not very expensive.

In fact you can do some of it yourself.

Dave Miss has several youtube videos on the topic that are pretty good.

As to the mileage, probably not much you can do about that other than change the bike.

The ergonomics exercise is well worth it because no bike is set up for you. They all need to be set for you and little things matter a lot:
Foot placement on the footpegs
Weighting your feet
Where your butt is on the seat
Tank grips or not
Width of the handlebars
Setback or forward of the bars
Sweep angle
Handlebar height
Drop angle
Lever setup

Each might be small adjustment but the end result is a lot more comfortable.

The ergo lesson learned will serve you well in selecting your next bike as well.

 

[InsuranceGuy]

Before you sell the bike, take it to someone that knows ergonomics and suspension and sets the bike up for you and can tell you how to sit on the bike better.

This is not very expensive.

In fact you can do some of it yourself.

Dave Miss has several youtube videos on the topic that are pretty good.

As to the mileage, probably not much you can do about that other than change the bike.

The ergonomics exercise is well worth it because no bike is set up for you. They all need to be set for you and little things matter a lot:
Foot placement on the footpegs
Weighting your feet
Where your butt is on the seat
Tank grips or not
Width of the handlebars
Setback or forward of the bars
Sweep angle
Handlebar height
Drop angle
Lever setup

Each might be small adjustment but the end result is a lot more comfortable.

The ergo lesson learned will serve you well in selecting your next bike as well.

I think its Dave Moss

 

[budman]

It is Dave Moss.

I think Dave Miss might get you shooting videos. :laughing

 

[SirSkankin DBA]

And we all come on here suggesting whatever it is that we ride... :laughing

Have you considered a KTM 790 Adventure? I can easily go 225 miles on a tank regardless of how I'm riding and have done 280 a couple of times. It averages 57 mpg the way I ride it - often up and down mountains. You can move around quite a bit on the seat. I raised the bars on mine, but it came with over an inch of forward and back adjustment just by rearranging a couple of bolts.

I wondered about adventure bikes until I took a test ride on a 990 Adventure back in 2008. Then I knew I had to have one. I'm on my third one now.

Variety is the spice of life and it is always helpful to see what other people love because it might turn curiosity into motivation. So, definitely thank you for sharing. I do appreciate it.

Before you sell the bike, take it to someone that knows ergonomics and suspension and sets the bike up for you and can tell you how to sit on the bike better.

This is not very expensive.

In fact you can do some of it yourself.

Dave Miss has several youtube videos on the topic that are pretty good.

As to the mileage, probably not much you can do about that other than change the bike.

The ergonomics exercise is well worth it because no bike is set up for you. They all need to be set for you and little things matter a lot:
Foot placement on the footpegs
Weighting your feet
Where your butt is on the seat
Tank grips or not
Width of the handlebars
Setback or forward of the bars
Sweep angle
Handlebar height
Drop angle
Lever setup

Each might be small adjustment but the end result is a lot more comfortable.

The ergo lesson learned will serve you well in selecting your next bike as well.

Awesome suggestion. I definitely will look into it. I think part of the issue which ergos will help me sort it, is if I am sitting incorrectly or is just truly a fit issue. Unfortunately, the butt in seat portion seems very cut and dry, but definitely going to look into the ergos. Thanks for the suggestion!

I think its Dave Moss

Thanks for the correction and nice patch. My dad was 1st SFG.

It is Dave Moss.

I think Dave Miss might get you shooting videos. :laughing

OH! could possibly use those too. :laughing and thanks for confirming

 

[Rob750]

I had a superhawk. For me, the seat and fuel range were not that great. I wouldn’t do it again if either is a concern.

 

[GAJ]

Sorry for such a long reply. Didn't think I would get this many comments in such a short time and thank you for all the input. Definitely some points and good point to think on.

So you loved the torque of the Superhawk and want comfortable ergos and some grunt.

https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/live-2018-kawasaki-z900rs-long-term-review.html

 

[SirSkankin DBA]

I had a superhawk. For me, the seat and fuel range were not that great. I wouldn’t do it again if either is a concern.

Oh interesting...out of curiosity, what year was it?
and agreed. I think that is why I am struggling with the Scrambler so much. I can see relief from the seat, but then gas range is still an issue....Interesting how tastes and wants change over time.

So you loved the torque of the Superhawk and want comfortable ergos and some grunt.

https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/live-2018-kawasaki-z900rs-long-term-review.html

Will definitely check the link out. Also, yeah, I definitely think you are on to something. Also, the superhawk had "familiar" ergos (found it very similar to the cbr f4) so was an "easy" bike for me to get into and have fun with the grunt and torque. One more layer to ponder.

 

[matty]

You may want to see if you can get your hands on a Superhawk for a day, maybe through that peer rental thing (rider's share?), speaking from my own experience, I've repurchased bikes that I had owned only to discover that they didn't really live up to my rosey memories of them.

 

[W800]

Have not been on here in awhile, but found myself in a conundrum and knew this was the best place to turn. - i realize that part of this exercise is to get my thoughts out of my head, but also, would appreciate some suggestions (Warning, long wordy post as I tend to overthink and over-detail).

Hmmm. . . .

I just realized something that hasn't been addressed in previous posts. Or if it was, I could not see it. . .

What would you use the bike for?

The reason I ask is that I have had 13 different bikes over the years, more or less. But each one had a thing that it really liked to do.

For example, my first dirt bike really liked dirt. My first cruiser really liked long freeway rides. My first small sport bike liked real tight twisties. My first big sportbike liked sweepers, etc. . .

My current bike likes back country roads, and also commuting (since it's very narrow).

Also - and I know this is weird > but I think when you are ready, the bike will appear. You will be drawn to it emotionally. I really don't think that the bikes I have truly loved have been products of conscious decision. Rather, there's been emotional connections.

EXAMPLE: my current bike reminds me of my first street bike from 40 years ago. Same overall look, same little fairing, etc. . . That emotional connection makes it more fun to me.

Just random thoughts.

 

[Rob750]

Oh interesting...out of curiosity, what year was it?
and agreed. I think that is why I am struggling with the Scrambler so much. I can see relief from the seat, but then gas range is still an issue....Interesting how tastes and wants change over time.



Will definitely check the link out. Also, yeah, I definitely think you are on to something. Also, the superhawk had "familiar" ergos (found it very similar to the cbr f4) so was an "easy" bike for me to get into and have fun with the grunt and torque. One more layer to ponder.

It was a ‘98. I rode it until about ‘03. It was a great bike, but wouldn’t something newer with better forks and shock be more fun?