I just was thinking about this today. I love my Versys and wouldn't trade it but is there a bike that you used to own that you miss and wouldn't mind getting another of. Just something to play around with every once in a while.

I was talking with a friend about it and I was saying how I miss my '01 Aprilia RSV Mille R. It was a fun bike but it had a lot of problems that I didn't know about before buying (the previous owner beat the hell out of it).

I'd love to find a 2000.5 RSVR.
http://www.dropbears.com/m/models/aprilia/images/rsvr2.jpg
It's been my dream bike since they came out. Anyone else out there have a similar story or is there a dream bike you've always wanted that you would like to add to the stable?

When I sold my FZ1, EVERYBODY that has one that I know (which is actually a handful of guys) said I'd regret it, shouldn't ever sell it, etc. I never missed the bike.

The bike I really miss is my wife's/son's TTR125LE that some Baltimore City scumbag stole from us before we moved. :(

I wish I still had my ZRX1200

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/ZRX180-004WEB.jpg

I've only ever owned 2 bikes, but I miss this little guy:

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d169/ozyran/klr250.jpg

My 2003 KLR 250.

GREAT commuting bike. Never had any problems with it. Pain if it stalled out in traffic though - it was a kick-start only.

I miss my ZRX too...

http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q396/hacktracker/motorcycles/zrx.jpg

I wish I still had my ZRX1200

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/ZRX180-004WEB.jpgThat's a sweet ride, why did you sell it?

Wow, I'm glad someone started this thread! I was just thinking about this very question last week. I owned a 1991 Honda Nighthawk CB750 in candy red that I sold a year ago. I miss that thing so much. It was all stock, and had NEVER been in the rain or laid down. The chrome pipes were so shiny that youo could use them to shave with! Alas.....I moved from Ohio to Texas and the bike didn't make the move with me. I got a very good price for it, but I regret selling it.

That's a sweet ride, why did you sell it?

To get this: ( and I miss it too!)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/2007S308Small.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/DealsGap0701WEB.jpg

I have owned a lot of bikes but these are my favorite. The Versys is great but these bikes will always be remembered.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/mountainrider/ry3D320.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/mountainrider/ry3D3201.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/mountainrider/ry3D3202.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/mountainrider/ry3D3204.jpg

Anyone else out there have a similar story or is there a dream bike you've always wanted that you would like to add to the stable?

Miss the sheer obnoxiousness of my Buell White Lightning...when it was running...got rid of it due to reliability issues. Its what got me hooked on twins.

The bike I regret not buying at employee discount when I had the chance..Yamaha RZ350. 25 year old used/beat up RZ's are selling for more than I would have paid new. Owning a Banshee 4 wheeler was as close as I got to this 2 stroke wonder.

Couple come to mind.
64 YDS3 Yamaha, 66 BSA Victor, 70 R60/5, 74 RT340S Rokon,
Since then decided to just add to the stable, hence the fleet in the basement.:)

Bikes I miss,My2000 Blue Ducati ST-2,great ST machine,sweeeet sound,great handeling.

I traded a guy a mustang for this bike back in the 80's and it was way ahead of it's time, self diagnostic efi, turbo and made alot of 750's look really slow
http://w1.bikepics.com/pics/2004/08/28/bikepics-202427-full.jpg

I guess I miss my ZX9...at least the power sometimes.

Beautiful 9, I had a 2002 ZX6R and absolutely loved that bike. It didn't hurt that I thought it was a great looking bike too.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/maddjack/ducky2.jpg

Whats with all the green bikes lol on somee bikes its okay but would never own a green bike.

Whats with all the green bikes lol on somee bikes its okay but would never own a green bike.

Then you are doomed to be slow...:D

Green is my favorite color. For some odd reason though, I've owned 3 Kawasaki's and none of them have been green. My '02 6R was yellow. My '05 was Titanium and my Versys is in a limited Red Color.

Love the Green on the Speed Triple. Only one I liked better was on the Moto Guzzi V11 Sport.
http://www.v11lemans.com/uploads/botm/botm_0706_2.jpg (best pic I can find)

Whats with all the green bikes lol on somee bikes its okay but would never own a green bike.Say What??? Green is the shizzle


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/maddjack/ERR08/ERR08068.jpg

Green is my favorite color. For some odd reason though, I've owned 3 Kawasaki's and none of them have been green. My '02 6R was yellow. My '05 was Titanium and my Versys is in a limited Red Color.

Love the Green on the Speed Triple. Only one I liked better was on the Moto Guzzi V11 Sport.
http://www.v11lemans.com/uploads/botm/botm_0706_2.jpg (best pic I can find)


Why in the world did you get rid of your Guzzi???

I love the way Guzzi's motors look, almost like there should be a big propeller sticking out of the front of it.

Exactly. You could wear your bi-plane goggles and scarf too. That bike is dripping with character.

Exactly. You could wear your bi-plane goggles and scarf too. That bike is dripping with character.

There was some character in Towson MD yesterday on a vintage OLD BMW wearing the full getup, old goggles, scarf, old boots and leather....wish I had my camera.

It's not my Guzzi unfortunately, just one I'd love to have. I almost bought one just like it but then we got the trade in on the 2001 RSVR Aprilia that I ended up buying instead.

My father has a 2003 V11 LeMans though and I get to ride that every once in a while.
Here's a pic of it next to my 2002 ZX6R and his '78 Suzuki GS1000 in the background:

Something special about a Guzzi.:thumb:

Something special about a Guzzi.:thumb:

Glad to see another Guzzi fan out there. My grandfather rode them up to the day he died (on his EV 11). He had a couple V1000 Converts (automatic) and a California cruiser.

My father bought the LeMans when we were working at the Ducati/Aprilia/Guzzi dealer and he got the fun of buying it at cost, opening the crate and assembling it himself. He always says that when he rides it the sound reminds him of when my grandfather would ride with him so it's like having him riding with him all the time. The sound is just beautiful when you are riding along side it.

I'm next in line to buy a Guzzi and I'd love to have one of the V11 sports in that green color. I'm debating whether I want to go that route or get a Guzzi cruiser. Then again the V7 Classic is a damn good looking machine. So many choices, I may have to sell a kidney and just go for all three.
http://www.btinternet.com/~haywards.cambs/haywards/motoguzziv7classic.jpg

That CX500 turbo really brought back some memories. When I was a kid my dad bought a Honda dealership in Lebanon Oregon. We had it from 1977 to about 1989, Honda had some great bikes during that time, best on the market in sales and product quality I think. The Sabres, CBX1000 I think it was, it was the first six cylinder motorcycle, I just remember that huge engine, the nighthawks, V65 Magna, the Interceptor, the turbo bike, too many to list, these days you walk into a dealer and it is crusier or a sport bike, thats it! That is what got me so excited about the Versys, because I did not want a crotch rocket or a 5 ton Harley clone. Seems back in the day the dealers had so many options when it came to street bikes.

Glad to see some other Guzzi fans , by other scoot is a 01 california jackal

Glad to see some other Guzzi fans , by other scoot is a 01 california jackal

That's a good lookin' Jackal. Most of the Guzzi guys I know said that the Jackal was about the best version of their cruisers as far as rideability and build. I've got a couple good friends with them and they've been trying to talk me into getting one and building it up.

I wish I still had my ZRX1200

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/ZRX180-004WEB.jpg

One of the most beautiful bikes ever made.

Now THAT'S a freakin bike! I had a ZRX 1100 with cams, exhaust, and some other stuff and often ask myself why did I sell it? My first true love for sure...I feel your pain.

Whats with all the green bikes lol on somee bikes its okay but would never own a green bike.

Love the green. Every bike should have green as a colour option.

To get this: ( and I miss it too!)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/2007S308Small.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/K4XA/DealsGap0701WEB.jpg

Just took a ride on a Speed3 this morning, full Arrow kit, factory ecu tweaks and a few other goodies...wow. One of the best engine-tranny-drivetrain combos I've ridden. Great brakes too. I also discovered I have to recheck the windscreen on the V...no buffeting but must be some turbulence-riding naked on the Speed3 was 10X quieter for my helmet (Shoei RF1000). I feel sorry that you don't have the Triumph anymore.

I dont quite understand your last statement about the wind screen. Youre going to recheck the wind screen on the V because its noisier than the triple that doesnt have a screen?

I dont quite understand your last statement about the wind screen. Youre going to recheck the wind screen on the V because its noisier than the triple that doesnt have a screen?

Yes. Sometimes on a naked bike it is quieter than a faired bike. Depends on setup of the fairing, windscreen, mirrors etc and on the height, arm length, riding position of the rider, not to mention crosswinds. The naked bike allows for an undisturbed flow of air to pass over the rider, whereas the fairing/windscreen may create turbulence in the air that passes over the rider. The undisturbed flow of air will create less wind noise than the air with turbulence. If a fairing/windscreen combo is set up well to match the rider it should offer good protection from the wind, providing a sheltered and quiet ride.

Yes. Sometimes on a naked bike it is quieter than a faired bike. Depends on setup of the fairing, windscreen, mirrors etc and on the height, arm length, riding position of the rider, not to mention crosswinds. The naked bike allows for an undisturbed flow of air to pass over the rider, whereas the fairing/windscreen may create turbulence in the air that passes over the rider. The undisturbed flow of air will create less wind noise than the air with turbulence. If a fairing/windscreen combo is set up well to match the rider it should offer good protection from the wind, providing a sheltered and quiet ride.
I agree that sometimes it IS quieter on a naked,I notice this when switching between my Versys and my current speed triple,a helmet in clean air always makes less noise,I always adjust windshields (smaller ones) to take pressure off my chest but have any turbulance above my head,FYI the flyscreens on Speed triple work VERY well,ride one withouta screen, then one with,the difference is almost unbeliveable

I recently raised the screen on my V about 2 inches higher than the highest setting and it helped quite a bit. But you both taught me something about the issue I never knew or considered.:interesting: BTW If that was my Triple I would have NEVER sold it.

you both taught me something about the issue I never knew or considered.:interesting: BTW If that was my Triple I would have NEVER sold it.

To get a demo, stand up on your V at 50 or 60 mph...very quite. I want as little in front of me as I can get. Clean air is quite air. And, I wish I could have kept the Triple, but I was hit by a car on the white one I had (before the green one in the picture) and after a couple of surgeries on my right knee, I can't keep it bent like that any more.

Bummer. You couldve kept it in the living room and just looked at it:D. Doesnt having no screen at all tire you out with your body catching all that wind?

Yes. Sometimes on a naked bike it is quieter than a faired bike. Depends on setup of the fairing, windscreen, mirrors etc and on the height, arm length, riding position of the rider, not to mention crosswinds. The naked bike allows for an undisturbed flow of air to pass over the rider, whereas the fairing/windscreen may create turbulence in the air that passes over the rider. The undisturbed flow of air will create less wind noise than the air with turbulence. If a fairing/windscreen combo is set up well to match the rider it should offer good protection from the wind, providing a sheltered and quiet ride.
+1, I put higher bars on my SV and the noise was infuriating at right about the frequencies you worry about losing your hearing. Swapped the Double Bubble back for the original screen, putting my head in clean air, and it's much quieter.

To get a demo, stand up on your V at 50 or 60 mph...very quite. I want as little in front of me as I can get. Clean air is quite air. And, I wish I could have kept the Triple, but I was hit by a car on the white one I had (before the green one in the picture) and after a couple of surgeries on my right knee, I can't keep it bent like that any more.

That's exactly what I've discovered ie. if I stand on the pegs at 50mph I find nice clean air, and quiet air. I'm 6'2" 205lbs. My other option is to lay down on the tank and hide behind the screen...and that's just not why I bought the V. Looks like I've got some more fiddling to do. I really do not want to put a 2' piece of plexiglass up front to try and block the wind, so I may end up having to strip the V down and get rid of all the cheap plastic on her nose.
Who knows, maybe a twin headlight and Speed3 flyscreen would look good on her. Though then I would have to relocate the coolant reservoir...and buy the side cowls from an ER6-N...with the integrated signals...boy, add it up and I may as well buy a Street3 or Speed3. Problem is, I love the ride on the V, perfect for the backroad twisties I love to ride. Decisions, decisions... :)

OK Kawifan you are a genius! Tonight I tried an experiment based on the info you and Hooligan gave. I first lowered my screen to the lowest possible setting, only using one mount bolt it was so low. The top of the screen came just to the top of the brackets. Rode at 70 + and it was much better. But when I stood up, it was still much quieter up there. Then I pulled over, took the screen completely off , got back on the freeway and... silence. Just calm quiet buffet free air. Even at higher speeds of 90+!
The main turbulence now hits about mid chest with no noise or movement at helmet level. When I stood up there was no difference.

So this is the answer for me personally.
I am fabricating a little mini screen to mount on top of the gauges just for looks. Thank you guys for the awesome tip! :thumb:

Sorry, didnt mean to hijack the thread.

I miss my old Honda CB1300
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p185/Alan666_photo/DSCN1150.jpg
Loved my ZX6R - but my licence doesn't !
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p185/Alan666_photo/DSCN1319.jpg

I owned this one until just a few months ago. Best sounding bike I ever had. I miss it but tags and insurance will make you do crazy things. And with 5 bikes in the garage it was a act of congress to go out and get a screw driver.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh136/golfmuch/NovDecFamily002.jpg

When I was fourteen I wanted a minibike. My father, not knowing ANYTHING about bikes brought home a 1975 Honda CL365 streetbike that he won in a poker game. Man, I loved that thing! It was big and heavy and only 83 miles on it when I got it. My feet barely touched the ground. I rode it all through high school and sold it before I graduated college. I've regretted that ever since. It wasn't anything special - just my first bike. I can't find photos of it anywhere. When I look online, all I can find are CL360's. The 365 was rare I guess. Not that big a difference in engine but still it drives me crazy that I can't seem to find anymore of them.

Ya know I would say that I don't miss any bike but that would be a lie. There is ONE bike, ONE bike that I would love to have back or at least have one like it. That bike would be my fathers BMW K75 I remember the good times I had a s a kid ridding on the back of it, going to grandmas house to visit, falling asleep on the back of it, just enjoying the fun of being on two wheels with my dad. I would give almost anything to have that bike back it was in perfect condition until someone "who will remain nameless smashed the gas tank" So after getting it fixed it was sold that was a sad day for me. Like I said I would love to have that bike back.

I loved my 1986 K75c. What a smooth ride. I'm with ya on that one. Sold to a guy returning from Irag. I can't feel too bad.

69 BSA Lightning 650, really fun machine to ride back in the early 70's and it made you have to become a mechanic just to keep it running smooth. Gave it up to a guy that did a complete restoration as he used to work in the Triumph factory it came from.78 Kawasaki 650SR, used to go out hunting 1000's with that little powerhouse. Finally, my 89 Ninja ZX-7 that I stopped riding due to knee surgeries. On the whole, the V is the most fun I've had riding since I started in 69!

Kawasaki Two Storke Triples, with drum brakes. Now that was excitement.

I miss Bruce, the R 1150R that I traded in for an RT. He was a versatile beast, just not a perfect touring bike.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/doomscribe/Motorcycles/BruceandBambi.jpg

But I really miss the first bike I bought for myself, a 1982 Honda Nighthawk 450 like this one:
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l134/doomscribe/Motorcycles/Old%20Hondas/Nighthawk450.jpg
I had the '82 bike in maroon/red, and it got killed. I bought an '86 in blue, but traded it in for something bigger. Neat little bike, though.

I sold my 01 KLR650 at the end of last season for money to put toward a new bike (mistake) there's really no reason to ever sell a KLR :D

I miss all the ZRX's you guys had. I never had one. It's on the list.

I sold my 01 KLR650 at the end of last season for money to put toward a new bike (mistake) there's really no reason to ever sell a KLR :D


I love my KLR. Next month I am giving it away to my son. He is in the navy out in San Diego now. He has been in for 8 years and is planing on staying in. He will move to Charleston next month and will stop by for ten days or so. This will be his first bike. He made me a promise to do the motorcycle safety course and he completed that last weekend. He is married and has a 9 month old son. This will help him out financially. I will miss it.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh136/golfmuch/DSC07603.jpg

Sounds like you have a great kid you can be proud of. My guess is he's very proud of you as well........ Nothing like passing things you cheerish to those you cheerish.

I miss my 88 NT650GT Hawk. Rejetted & timed, left side exhaust, Race-tech front and 900RR rear. Clip-ons and a Corbin seat. It made me do evil things and get away with it. Sold it to my brother and I can ride it when he isn't. Just not the same.

My '09 Cool Lime Green Versys is bike number 17 for me. Still have the 5 listed in my signature. I think the one I miss the most out of the 17 is my Suzuki TL1000S. It was not the fastest top speed sport bike ever made but talk about character!! I still remember one of the magazine reviews, not a direct quote but 'the bike has loads of torque down low but above 7,000 RPM have your seatbacks forward and the tray locked in the upright position because things are about to to get wild.' And the sound, I had a Yosh full race system on it; pure music.

Miss this one, my first...The carbs were a bitch to sync but when they were it was a kickass scoot :D

I've owned about 20 bikes and there are 2 I miss the most.
1. My 1971 HT-1 Yamaha, a 90cc Enduro that was my first bike. Bought it new for about $450. My parents wouldn't let me buy it until I had saved all the money to buy it AND pay for one years of insurance too. You always remember your first love!
2. My 1980 BMW R100RT. I bought it used in April of 1983. I was only 29 years old at the time and my buddies all ribbed me about buying an "old mans bike"! I liked it because it came with a factory fairing and bags. I put over 160,000 miles on it in the 19 years I owned it. I rode that bike from Key West, FL to Fairbanks, AK and lots and lots of places in between and it never made me walk! I traded it in on a 2002 GS Adventure BMW. It was in pretty rough shape by that time. In 2004 I went to the BMW Natl. Rally in Spokane, WA and was walking around and there it was! A guy from Kentucky had ridden it all the way from there. He had just bought it from someone and was having many mechanical difficulties with it. He wanted to know if I wanted to buy it back! HA! From many experiences in my life I have learned "You never can go home again", cherish the memories. So I declined...

http://www.toyandtrain.com/bigwheel.jpg

I hear ya, brother...

that 80's KZ650 was great for long rides, my iron head stroked sportster was quite a piece of work with a kawi 1300 front end and gs750 swingarm and wheels, lots of memories there...and the kawi 500 triple was a rocket with a memorable, in a bad way, frame...

I remember the Kawa 500 triple, Almost married a telephone pole on it. Throttle had 2 positions, warp speed and warp speed 2...Stupid scary that bike was.