Posted 8/22/2009 5:08 pm
I hear that although air cooling is simpler, riding an air-cooled scoot on a hot day can get abysmal. The heat given off by the engine is fierce.
I have never had this problem on a MC, but I've heard of it on ones equipped with a fairing and lowers. And even if it's liquid cooled, the radiator is in front of you so the hot air would get back to you to unless it was vented away.
Oh yeah, even sooner if you neglect it. A sealed pre lubed chain will last longer, but they need to be lubed , so the o-rings will stay flexible, not dry out and let dirt in. When you replace the chain you need to replace the sprockets too, so the total cost for a good chain and sprockets every 20K will set you back over $200 on a large mc.
Posted 8/23/2009 3:21 am
I looked at getting a Kawasaki KLR650 for commuting recently (340 days plus of sunshine every year where I live). The cost of chains, sprockets and oil changes (needing to be so much more regular than a car due to smaller engine capacity) and tires - it didn't add up. A small car works out cheaper. Admittedly nowhere near as fast or fun, but still cheaper, fuel costs notwithstanding.
And I agree about faired liquid cooled bikes - much hotter in summer. Even a Honda 900 Hornet I've been riding lately becomes unbearable in summer after the bike heats up, and that thing does not even have a fairing. So much heat comes back on you from the radiator...
I would not mind having a Ducati Monster. No where to ride it around here though. If I lived out in the country where I could ride it without worrying about getting killed, I'd buy a used one in a heartbeat.
Pardon the pun, but, Motorcycle on your choice of, um, motorcycle.
I've owned a Ducati 900 Monster before, it was a great bike, bit small for my 6'1" frame (33" inseam).
I have been saving my shekels and am aiming to trade my CB1000F on a used Ducati Hypermotard here soon. Aiming to pick it up in time to ride down to Philip Island for the MotoGP in October.
with more than 15K miles, unless it's a Goldwing or Big Harley.
