Help me make a decision

[Pittenger5]

Alright, I need some help, Ill try to keep this short.
Basically I'm debating getting a new bike. Something a little more practical for street riding. More comfortable, and especially something that you dont need to be doing triple digits for having fun (Especially since I was popped taking an "easy turn" last summer doing 95 in a 35.) Im thinking a tard as of right now.
Problem is, I love my current bike. Ever since I was like 10 years old I've wanted a green Kawasaki Ninja, its basically been my dream bike, so I dont know if I can bear to sell it right now. (Yes Im a total sap) Its all paid off, so thats not a problem, and I wouldnt mind keeping it for the occasional track days, maybe some races.
So I have three options
1. Sell it, buy a tard or something along those lines
2. Buy a tard, keep the 636 for the track but lose the money I could make selling it.
3. Keep the 636 and try to have fun without getting arrested.

What would you do?
And the important question, for those of you that DO have multiple street bikes, how do you justify it? (Thats the answer I REALLY want )

[mycirus]

Get a KLR 650 and keep your bike. Even on my 97 cheapo I had such a blast on it. I got the 08 now and it is so much fun to ride. It takes the corners nicely, can go off road and gets 50 mpg's. I have the RC51 too and love that but the new KLR is growing on me.

Bruce

[Manny]

DRZ 400SM... justify it? Cause its badass.

[wookie]

And the important question, for those of you that DO have multiple street bikes, how do you justify it? (Thats the answer I REALLY want )

I ride to work April through November. It saves 8 months parking at over $200 a month. I figure the savings on parking and gas offsets the depreciation and maintanance on a bike. So, I'm only paying for one street bike.

BTW - I started riding to work yesterday...cold rainy day.....because you told me yesterday was April 1st.

[Pittenger5]

BTW - I started riding to work yesterday...cold rainy day.....because you told me yesterday was April 1st.

Bah, I've ridden every month at least once so far this year, cept April, havent gotten out yet, but Im sure its coming

[DucDave]

WTF....you're not married. Who do you have to justify having more than one street bike to...????

But...if you can only have one street bike like me...the Multistrada fits the bill (sic) nicely! Take the bags off and you have a naked sportbike. Bags on for touring.

[Doc]

He still lives with his mommy and daddy...

[Pittenger5]

He still lives with his mommy and daddy...

And someday Id like to change that, THUS the having to justify 2 street bikes

[OreoGaborio]

And the important question, for those of you that DO have multiple street bikes, how do you justify it? (Thats the answer I REALLY want )

1 bike for street
1 bike for racing
1 bike for dirt

Gotta have the right tool for the job If I could afford it I'd have more & get bikes that are even more specialized.

[OreoGaborio]

He still lives with his mommy and daddy...

Is there a problem with that?

[DucDave]

And someday Id like to change that, THUS the having to justify 2 street bikes

Then you have answered your own question. You really can't. (Though Wookie makes a pretty good financial arguement!) The fact is you could put the money you would spend...purchase price, maintenance, insurance, fuel, tires, etc....to better use. As a young person the lessons learned regarding financial constraints and sacrifice are repaid in spades later in life.

So...keep the Kawi and try riding in a way that lets you keep your licence. Or trade it for something equally cool but with a different attitude. A motard would certainly qualify...as would a Strada.

I'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear but probably exactly what you expect from slow, old, fart like me!

[ku996r]

agree with DRZ 400SM. if I'm not this short I would also go for a DRZ as well. but instead I'll get a XT225.

you can probably get a decent DRZ for 2-3k. keep the 636 man.

[Pittenger5]

from slow, old, fart like me!

Just remember Dave, I've seen you on the track, old fart I wont argue with, but slow? I dont buy that for a second

[kermita]

So I have three options
1. Sell it, buy a tard or something along those lines
2. Buy a tard, keep the 636 for the track but lose the money I could make selling it.
3. Keep the 636 and try to have fun without getting arrested.

What would you do?
And the important question, for those of you that DO have multiple street bikes, how do you justify it? (Thats the answer I REALLY want )

My advice would be to go with #2. If you get to the point that you really need cash (buying a house etc), you can always sell the 636 then if necessary. You're young and I imagine have few major expenses or obligations right now. Go find yourself a reasonably priced tard and have a blast!

[kermita]

Just remember Dave, I've seen you on the track, old fart I wont argue with, but slow? I dont buy that for a second

Uh yeah....don't anyone fall for the "I'm an old, slow guy" bit that Dave throws out there. He does just fine out there on the little Ducati.

[wingerdor]

the 650 KLR was my first thought too. 650 V-strom would work also. Both very fun, comfortable for riding, fun for some mild off roading, Lots of them around so they aren't that expensive (sticking to the keep 2 bikes theme)
The other nice thing about them on the road is that they fit the old adage: It's a whole lot more fun riding a slow motorcycle fast. You can ride the hell out of either one of them and not get in near as much trouble as on the 636. Plus, there is a perception thing. I can get away with murder on my gold wing, where as, on my cbr I get stared at, even for just riding at the speed limit.

[DucDave]

Plus, there is a perception thing. I can get away with murder on my gold wing, where as, on my cbr I get stared at, even for just riding at the speed limit.

EXACTLY....my Strada is the finest 'stealth' sport bike you can get. Cops check their radar...look at me...check their radar again...then go back to yacking on the phone or whatever...!!!