I might add another scooter to my stable, your thoughts.

grey.hound

New member
Man, there hasn't been much riding time! With my teenagers involved in multiple band competitions (drumcore and concert each) my free time is spent watching them. Plus it's been really rainy. Looking forward to spring break.

BTW, my son will be in Dayton for WGI drum core championships mid April.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
 

SteveADV

Active member
.....BTW, my son will be in Dayton for WGI drum core championships mid April.

Well, that is pretty cool. I chased around a bunch of my kids when they were in school, too. It seems like kind of a hassle while it's going on, but I missed it when it came to an end. Still friends with a bunch of the other "bleacher parents". Good luck to your son.
 

grey.hound

New member
I've been able to put some miles on it the past few days and am really enjoying it. I have taken some of my standard foothill rides and it has a very planted feel, more stable than the Aprilia and more flickable than the BMW. Real smooth in suburban traffic, handles really well and very light despite it's 400lb weight. Very quiet compared to the BMW. I rode the CSport to the dentist the other day and if sounded angry compared to the BV. All in all, I really am happy with it. Plus, it really makes me appreciate the BMW, especially when I open the throttle. I've got some small mods to show on the BMW too when I get some pics taken.

Quick mod that lasted less than 24 hours. Bar end mirrors (left over from my Aprilia) and windscreen removal. I didn't like the look, and of course the windshield makes such a difference at higher speeds.


 

SteveADV

Active member
I am now leaning toward a Cannonball qualifier. Too many choices. But the big motivation for me is the difference in the bikes and, admittedly, I am drawn to the more vintage look of Vespa as my around town "park in front of Starbucks" alternative. I think a Vespa would be perfect when parked with this group.
image.jpg
 

CTB63

New member
I rode the BV for a year before buying the C600 Sport. Grey.Hound is correct, it is not stable at all in high speeds (65+), and in fast tight corners. It doesn't even come close to C600 handling. It's a good fit for around town, but would not take it touring or long haul trips...
 

grey.hound

New member
I rode the BV for a year before buying the C600 Sport. Grey.Hound is correct, it is not stable at all in high speeds (65+), and in fast tight corners. It doesn't even come close to C600 handling. It's a good fit for around town, but would not take it touring or long haul trips...
I've read your reports on MV. I am considering a Malossi or Akra exhaust.
 

grey.hound

New member
I am now leaning toward a Cannonball qualifier. Too many choices. But the big motivation for me is the difference in the bikes and, admittedly, I am drawn to the more vintage look of Vespa as my around town "park in front of Starbucks" alternative. I think a Vespa would be perfect when parked with this group.
View attachment 1511
I really really wanted to get the Vespa 300 GTS Super Sport. It just didn't feel stable. I gave it a longer test ride hoping it woild change my mind but no luck. I had my mind set when I went to buy that the Vespa was next. Rode both and no comparison. The color scheme was awesome, titanium gray with red trim. Awesome!
 

grey.hound

New member
Continuing this discussion just because. After 4 months of ownership I am really impressed with this thing. I've changed the windscreen to a tinted, smaller Malossi but still haven't added an exhaust. This bike has really made me think/rethink things. If...if I could add a 3rd bike I think I know what it would be. A Ducati Scrambler sixty-two. The BV350 is so effortless to ride, weather it's twisty, windy roads, open road, city traffic etc. it's ridiculous.

Here's the deal/specs on the BV350:
390lbs dry, so, over 400lbs with the OEM heavy duty top case installed. 33HP, 24lb/ft torque. 61.5" wheelbase which adds to stability at high speeds.

Imagine this engine/combo on a "better" bike, as in designed for handling and with better suspension type thing. Well, Ducati released their 803cc scrambler, and I'm sure it's a great but that's not me. The Ducati Sixty-two is a detuned bike with just a few lesser components but here are the specs:

http://scramblerducati.com/en/bike/sixty2
41HP, but at 8700 rpm (screamer), 25.5 lb/ft torque. But only a 57.5" wheelbase, so a little more nimble. Plus the weight is 20lbs less. So, a 399cc bike, 41hp, and 370lbs dry. On these foothill roads I always ride, I bet this thing would be amazing! Of course, it also costs $8000 so it's pricy. But it is good looking IMO. Plus I could be a hipster.

BV350 for commuting
C600 for travel
Ducati Sixty-two for play

Did anyone win powerball last night?
 

exavid

Member
Nice looking bike. I've been yearning a bit for another K1100LT trying not to look for one. A guy really should have a couple bikes.
Does the BV350 have a stationary mounted engine or is it part of the swing arm?
 

Snowdog

New member
I liked the "Roamer" too, but, it doesn't have an auto transmission and the good weather protection, or several other features I like.
 

grey.hound

New member
I have no riding experience with the Ducati Scrambler but did sit on one. It felt a little small to me, but is no doubt a super fun bike. My light weight dream bike is this one that was recommended to me by a pro...

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/suzu/suzuki_drz400SM 15.htm

Yes, the suzuki would be a blast. The scrambler is pretty small, but remember, my first ever bike was an Aprilia 250 scooter and I rode that thing for hours at a time. Again, like the the 400SM, the idea is take it to the hills ride for a few hours and have fun. No bags, no topcase, just ride.

I keep waiting for Aprilia to hop into the small displacement market. They have a full sized 750 motard. It was tall, completely impractical and probably more bike than I would ever need.
http://www.apriliausa.com/motorcycles/dorsoduro-750-abs.html
 

SteveADV

Active member
A little over 400lbs and 92 hp. Wow! And somehow those guys manage to make even a motard look good.
 

grey.hound

New member
Since this thread has steered towards Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, both owned by Piaggio. Apparently Piaggio stopped production of many Moto Guzzi bikes. Guzzi's will just be retro and cruiser style bikes. That leaves Aprilia for "modern" bikes including race replica, Adv, and touring, etc. Ramble ramble ramble

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
 

Snowdog

New member
Having just gotten back from a 2600 mile tour, I will say I never wished for a naked bike while touring. Faired bikes are my preference.
 

grey.hound

New member
Having just gotten back from a 2600 mile tour, I will say I never wished for a naked bike while touring. Faired bikes are my preference.

I hear you man. I took the windscreen off my BV350 shortly after buying it and went for a ride, I put about 35 miles total; just wasn't fun. If this last trip was on a naked bike, it would have been the last time my wife got on. The wind was bad and we only put 400 miles.
 
Top
AdBlock Detected

We get it, advertisements are annoying!

Sure, ad-blocking software does a great job at blocking ads, but it also blocks useful features of our website. For the best site experience please disable your AdBlocker.

I've Disabled AdBlock
No Thanks