How many Bird owners?

[Pow-Lo]

Had an 04 stealth black one from almost new (that didn’t have a scratch on, Ian) sold it when my arthritis got too painful & thought my biking days were over, moved house & new route to work had lots of tempting twisties so bought a Yammy 125, problem was it was killing my wrists ringing it’s neck to get the speed for the twisties, bit the bullet & bought another Blackbird, problem is now my knees are knackered & lower back pain.
I can see a time when I will have to let go & my biking days will be over, hopefully that time will be a long way off.

If you’re having trouble with your lower back and knees, try an Adventure bike. Ok, I’m biased towards the Beemers but there’s plenty of other options. Tiger and KTM as well as the Japanese offerings. If you think they’re slow, a well ridden GS will hammer a moderately ridden crotch rocket in the twisties.

Thing with the GS is that you can spec with lowered suspension if you’re a short-arse. If you’re of normal stature, there’s a thingy under the seat to lower it a tad or raise it a tad to suit your personal comfort.

I know you’re not a fan of BMs but if you want upright with serious performance, then cast an eye over the S 1000 XR. Same engine as the S 1000 RR but obviously calmed down a bit. Wear dark glasses though cos it’s fallen out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Hell of a machine though.

Just a side thought too; a significant proportion of people who have lower back pain have it because of tight hip-flexors. They’re attached to the lower three vertebrae and will cause nasty pain in the lower back if they’re too tight. They can be that way for a multitude of reasons, such as posture, sitting all day, lack of exercise, exercising without properly stretching afterwards, whatever. Most doctors don’t think of this so just treat a ‘bad back’.

 

[Pow-Lo]

Trike is the worst of both worlds. You can't filter in traffic and you get wet when it rains. Creation of the devil.

But at least you get to have flies in your teeth. I’d consider a trike, for sure, even if only for shits and giggles.

 

[Vinterceptor]

I still own a Blackbird and average 160 miles every week on it with weekend riding. I also have a Fazer thou but don't do as many miles on that as I much prefer the birdy.
I was going to treat myself to a brand new bike for my 60th but after traipsing round and round the show rooms I can not for the life of me find a single bike that leaps out at me. You can guarantee that every time after this parade inspection as I walk back to the Birdy I think... 'why am I even looking for another bike' it must be a fashion thing perhaps? to look cool in front of all the other cool 60-70 year old kids lol 'ffs get a grip'

 

[eddyace595]

Wouldnt be seen dead on an Advenure Bike...Never been interested
in trailey styled stuff especially something the size of a bison.

 

[ScottyUK]

LOL
There's a lot in between. You don't have to go all the way to a GS Adventure!

 

[Squag1]

But at least you get to have flies in your teeth. I’d consider a trike, for sure, even if only for shits and giggles.

He has no teeth either

 

[DEG5Y]

Still got mine, decided to treat it during the winter by getting the engine bits and fork lowers powder coated.
Had problems removing the mudguard so the job paused and as I now have the XT I've been using that!
Had a few 'life' problems so its not been as important as it normally would have.

 

[bmwdumptruck]

Just after upgrading my original 2000W bird, that I owned for 9 years, to an 06, I bought an 03Pan European. It was meant to be an experiment, but 6 1/2 years on ive just bought another low mileage one to upgrade that one. I don’t see me changing this one for a good few years as the wifes much happier on the back. After a couple of years of barely using the 06 bird I sold it, and shortly afterwards bought a project 02 bird for hidays n holidays. Trouble is with 7-8 bikes, four cars, a van, camper and trailer, as well as the house and the rental to maintain i just haven’t had time to get it finished and on the road. So ive not actually ridden a Bird for nearly 3 years

 

[andyBeaker]

Just after upgrading my original 2000W bird, that I owned for 9 years, to an 06, I bought an 03Pan European. It was meant to be an experiment, but 6 1/2 years on ive just bought another low mileage one to upgrade that one. I don’t see me changing this one for a good few years as the wifes much happier on the back. After a couple of years of barely using the 06 bird I sold it, and shortly afterwards bought a project 02 bird for hidays n holidays. Trouble is with 7-8 bikes, four cars, a van, camper and trailer, as well as the house and the rental to maintain i just haven’t had time to get it finished and on the road. So ive not actually ridden a Bird for nearly 3 years

I’ll take the camper of your hands if it helps

 

[Murt]

The Bird went in June. Broke my heart after 16 years ownership, but I couldn't ride for more than half an hour without being in agony.
I've had my shoulder operation now, and hoping to get the physio done next month. The offset sling went on Tuesday, so now only a normal sling in the way.
I'll leave it until bikes get a bit cheaper in the winter, and I'm hoping to get a Yamaha MT09 Tracer. Lighter, upright, and I fit them nicely.

Murt

 

[killerhaggis]

Reluctantly had to sell my 07 back in Feb, Lack of use and a few health issues cemented its demise..... But now on the lookout for another bike

 

[fairb]

Bought my Bird new in 2005. Now has 68K on the clock but hasn't done so much over the last couple of years due to persistent stator, R/R and battery issues. Earlier this year fitted an R/R which bypasses the loom to attach straight to the battery and so far so good (fingers crossed). (Also a new stator, both from RMStator of Canada.) It's been a shame about the electrics as the bike was really reliable up until then. It still runs as good as ever when it goes. Also ride one of the last Varaderos made (I don't care what people think as it will do anything a GS will for 1/2 the price) and my recently resurrected CB1000F which I've had since 1999. Won't get rid of the Bird as it's worth more to me than anyone else.

 

[Cougar377]

I must admit....if it's commuting or short run stuff (<50 miles) then I'm more likely to push the Fazer 600 out than the Bird.
Think I might be morphing into AB Mk2.

 

[killerhaggis]

Since the bird went I have had a KLV1000 which was ok, now have a 1250 s bandit and so far is a hoot to ride, nowhere near as quick as the bird but fun none the less, it is also comfier

 

[Pow-Lo]

Wouldnt be seen dead on an Advenure Bike...Never been interested
in trailey styled stuff especially something the size of a bison.

I thought that until I was given a KTM 1200 thingy as a courtesy bike a few years back when my 1050 Tiger was in the shop (yet again). It sounded much better than my (very sanitised) Triumph and I liked the upright riding position anyway. Love my GS A but she's a big bastard and quite heavy. The size and weight has nearly caught me out a few times but that's hardly surprising since I'm the most incompetent rider on earth.

 

[Beardybiker]

I had a bird years ago but chopped it in for an sv1000s as it had a persistent oil leak.
I regretted getting rid of it and now have a 98 carbed bird that I'm really pleased with

 

[Cougar377]

I had a bird years ago but chopped it in for an sv1000s as it had a persistent oil leak.
I regretted getting rid of it and now have a 98 carbed bird that I'm really pleased with

Don't think I'd PX anything more than a shopping trolley for an SV1000 with a persistent oil leak.

 

[Beardybiker]

Noo the bird had the oil leak on left side - they replaced the sump but still no good- honda main dealer where i bought it ddnt fix it so chopped it in for
SV thou which is a fun torquee light bike but like i said no top end rush

 

[Steve Smith]

Bought my first XX as a new 1999 left-over model in 2000. It was stolen a few months later. State Police next state below me called and said they had it in their impound yard and to come and get it. That happened TWO and a half YEARS after it was stolen!! Sold it when I bought my second new left-over XX , a 2003 model. Customized it and was forced to sell it when money got tight and the house needed a new roof. That was back in 2009.
Just bought another XX, a 2001 model with only thirteen thousand miles on it from a guy about 11 hours drive away from me. Came with enough 'goodies' and low mileage to justify the somewhat high price.
Plan to do a full custom treatment on it similar to my 'Purple Plazma' 2003 over the cold months and (hopefully) have it finished by this April or May.
I also have two nice 2016 bikes bought new this year to ride this season, a red Suzuki 1250 Bandit S, and and a Grey/black Kawasaki Ninja 1000.
I'm very excited to have another XX. At 63 this will most likely be my last serious bike build.
Steve

 

[Cougar377]

Bought my first XX as a new 1999 left-over model in 2000. It was stolen a few months later. State Police next state below me called and said they had it in their impound yard and to come and get it. That happened TWO and a half YEARS after it was stolen!! Sold it when I bought my second new left-over XX , a 2003 model. Customized it and was forced to sell it when money got tight and the house needed a new roof. That was back in 2009.
Just bought another XX, a 2001 model with only thirteen thousand miles on it from a guy about 11 hours drive away from me. Came with enough 'goodies' and low mileage to justify the somewhat high price.
Plan to do a full custom treatment on it similar to my 'Purple Plazma' 2003 over the cold months and (hopefully) have it finished by this April or May.
I also have two nice 2016 bikes bought new this year to ride this season, a red Suzuki 1250 Bandit S, and and a Grey/black Kawasaki Ninja 1000.
I'm very excited to have another XX. At 63 this will most likely be my last serious bike build.
Steve

63...? Most of the forum members are dribbling old gits in their 80's and 90's.....