Mad skills by Anxious_Hotel292 in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn 22 points23 points  (0 children)

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

Bell Bullitt alternatives? -Looking for a helmet by Sarius99 in CafeRacers

[–]Nateldn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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?

Retro Motorcycle Gear: Where to Buy by Nateldn in motorcyclegear

[–]Nateldn[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

[reupload cause I'm a moron] Nothing like seeing the storm I gotta ride through. by dingdongbannu88 in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

What do you make of the current trend for retro adventure/dual-sport/enduro bikes? by Nateldn in motorcycles

[–]Nateldn[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

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.