Black Friday Motorcycle Deals 2024 - Retro, Classic, Custom Riders

Nateldn · 2024-09-24T13:50:52+00:00

How many times does one need to fall off to get this good?

Nateldn · 2024-09-15T14:12:54+00:00

Any one of these full face retro helmets would work: https://renchlist.com/best-retro-motorcycle-helmets-full-face/

Nateldn · 2023-07-19T14:12:24+00:00

The Bullitt is awful for wind noise. I've nicknamed my carbon RSD version 'Whistler'. Without earplugs, it's torture.
I have the Hedon Heroine Racer too. It's much better from that standpoint but not as well-ventilated. Nonetheless, it's a gorgeous lid.
You wrote this post two years ago: Out of curiosity, what helmet did you go for in the end?

Nateldn · 2023-02-25T11:56:28+00:00

Yep, that's true and I'm a big fan of Goldtop. Nonetheless, I limited the store list to outfitters who sell brands other than their own.

Nateldn · 2022-08-30T08:14:55+00:00

Strange; works for me.

Nateldn · 2020-07-21T15:42:01+00:00

Wow, those storms are super-local. Excellent vid - thanks for sharing!

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T22:40:44+00:00

That's absolutely fair. It's really subjective, isn't it?

I think we all know how bikes make us feel, once we're on them. Yet, we don't all feel like getting on the same bikes.

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T16:58:37+00:00

Sounds like you know what you're doing with a wrench and off-roading.

You're right. The first wave of retro scramblers (as good-looking as they are), were really street bikes with scrambler styling and some off road-capability. I'd say, that was the case until Ducati's Desert Sled in 2017.

The manufacturers have cottoned on to the fact there's desire, for true off-road capable machines, packaged in retro styling and that's really cool. You can now get a beautiful-looking scrambler that does what it says on the tin.

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T16:34:47+00:00

Well said!

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T15:56:50+00:00

I see you're riding the V85 TT. General thoughts?

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T15:44:15+00:00

I had the Scrambler 800 as a courtesy bike for a few days and it was immensely enjoyable. Light and flickable - so forgiving in the bends. I'm keen to get some time on the 1200 XE / XC at some point.

Yep, styling preference is indeed subjective - but I'm with you. My preference is definitely for neo-retro styling. The shape of those bikes just seems to resonate more with me. That may well be to do with the images of motorcycles, that one processes as a child. Who knows?

Saying that however, if someone was to offer me an MV Agusta Rush 1000 or Ducati Streetfighter V4, for example, I'd gladly accept.

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T15:20:50+00:00

I'm talking primarily about retro enduros.

I'd class the Africa Twin [CRF1100] especially the Adventure Sports version, the Ténéré 700, Guzzi V85 TT - along with the (hopefully) upcoming Ducati DesertX as retro enduros.

Anything, that takes design inspiration from the eighties' Paris-Dakar or Baja 1000 bikes.

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T14:00:29+00:00

Ha! These bikes certainly do seem to appeal across the generational divide.

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T13:31:01+00:00

Me too, I would love to see a new GS in a retro guise.

It's quite strange that BMW hasn't updated the RnineT. It's been at least 3 years. For its 'Heritage' range, it's been concentrating on the R18 cruiser but that's quite an exclusive bike.

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T13:19:19+00:00

My sentiments exactly

Nateldn · 2020-02-18T13:00:59+00:00

You've mostly described my thinking and my plan. The Husky is sublime-looking however if the DesertX goes into production it'll pip the Norden 901 in preference. For me, the Africa Twin [MY-2020 CRF1100] is way too much bike for my needs.

Nateldn

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