C'mon, lotto...

Changed my mind again. These are the bikes I'd probably get if I win the Powerball tonight. One for touring and one for tooling...

2010 Star Stratoliner Deluxe

What can I say? This just looks right to me (even if I did previously state that the Stratoliner is probably a little big for me). Maybe Star (Yamaha) will see fit to come out with a V Star 950 Deluxe--or at least make a comparable fairing and set of hard bags available for the smaller twin.

Went and looked at some bikes today. The Star Stratoliner is enormous! I Think the V Star 950 is much more appropriately sized for my needs. It's also $6,000 cheaper. About the only thing I can think of needing is a $500 Mustang saddle for my wife's comfort--something the Stratoliner would probably need too. I think bike manufacturers intentionally short change the pillion on their touring bikes to stimulate the aftermarket...

Star Stratoliner

If I'm ever going to get back on the open road again my wife will be riding behind me, but the only kind of bike she's interested in riding on is a big, comfortable bagger. Right now my first choice would be Yamaha's Star Stratoliner. The windshield, saddlebags and backrest are a bargain compared to going aftermarket on a less expensive Roadliner. Hopefully Star will bring back the the Stratoliner Midnight (not available in the US for 2009). I think it looks like an old, art deco-era steam engine. Another $500 for a more comfortable Mustang seat and we'd be ready to hit the road.

883 Iron

Harley-Davidson recently introduced the 883 Iron to their "Dark Custom" line of bikes. It's basically a smaller displacement version of the Nightster with a $2000 lower price tag. Pretty good deal if you don't need the extra cc's. Don't know if the styling touches are worth $900 more than a black 883 Low...

Suzuki GSX650F

This would look good parked next to my wife's Sunburst Orange Pearl Dodge Caliber. The supersport style belies that it's actually a good, all-around bike with a standard riding position. Don't know if this is the route I'd want to go if I want to get a different motorcycle, but it's definitely an option...

Now ain't that cute...

Suzuki is bringing their TU250 to our shores. It's an air-cooled 250cc single that looks perfect for MSF courses, commuting and running errands in the city or a first, "real" motorcycle for any sensible person. The standard style reminds me of the bikes I fell in love with during the 60's and 70's.