Bruce...

JamesShort · **Posted:** Wed Aug 28, 2013 8:25 am

Les Davis wrote:

JamesShort wrote:

You mad bro

Yes, I'm furious. totally.

My afternoon consisted of riding my newly exhausted raspy and loud 600 cc missle, um I mean motorcycle around the "neighborhood" taking the long way home after a doctors appointment I had. This was my route:

Three bridges over the intercoastal waterway with stunning views, girls in bikinis walking about. I'm not sure I even know what "mad" is any more. You S2000 guys think your 9000 rpm redlines are cool, try 12,000... inches away from your ummmm... private parts. :shock:

That's it Les, you made fun of my Civics and now my 8500 rpm redline (AP2).....I will NEVER invite you to the party room ever again!

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Jordan Normark wrote:

Sounds like Les is describing the bike in his sig, Suzuki Bandit. I remember when a friend of a friend bought a 1200 new 10 years ago. He described the feeling of lift on his body while doing 140mph down I-40 as a really strong man trying to rip him off the bike :shock:

Mine is but a 600 and I can assure you I will never be going 140 mph on it or any other motorcycle on a public road at any time unless my life depended on it somehow. Actually the 600 tops out at 130 so it couldn't even hit 140. However I've done a few full throttle 0-60 mph runs and the sensations are really hard to describe, it accelerates fast, really, really fast, capable of a 1/4 miles time of 12.4 seconds, but I've driven a few cars capable of that sort of acceleration and this *feels* ssssoooo much faster even if it isn't. I suppose its just the fact that you are so exposed and literally just hanging on to some handlebars attached to the engine that is inches away, you are really and truly "at one" with the machine and it is an exhilaration that is like crack cocaine, you want to do it again and again. Honestly my time is spent these days doing other stuff and eagerly anticipating the next time I can climb on the thing and ride. I considered a 1200 as they basically cost just a couple hundred bucks more, but figured since this is my first bike I should go with the 600. I will likely upgrade to the 1200 at some point in the not too distant future as it wouldn't cost me much to do so. I wouldn't upgrade for the sake of more power or acceleration though, honestly the 600 provides plenty of that, its the low end torque. The 1200 actually only gives you 20 extra horsepower from 80-100 though 20 is still a lot on a 450 lb machine, but it doubles the torque from 35 to 70 ft-lbs. The 600 is a crazy screamer that loves to rev, but feels very unhappy lugging around in traffic below 5000 rpm and turns very high rpm at highway speed even in 6th gear. I'm thinking the 1200 would be a much happier motor when putzing around town/beach and more relaxed highway cruiser and still offer plenty of scream with an 11,000 rpm redline not to mention it is capable of very low 11 high 10 1/4 mile acceleration. :shock:

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

JamesShort wrote:

Les Davis wrote:

JamesShort wrote:

You mad bro

Yes, I'm furious. totally.

My afternoon consisted of riding my newly exhausted raspy and loud 600 cc missle, um I mean motorcycle around the "neighborhood" taking the long way home after a doctors appointment I had. This was my route:

Three bridges over the intercoastal waterway with stunning views, girls in bikinis walking about. I'm not sure I even know what "mad" is any more. You S2000 guys think your 9000 rpm redlines are cool, try 12,000... inches away from your ummmm... private parts. :shock:

That's it Les, you made fun of my Civics and now my 8500 rpm redline (AP2).....I will NEVER invite you to the party room ever again!

clinehall · **Posted:** Wed Aug 28, 2013 1:36 pm

Les Davis wrote:

Jordan Normark wrote:

Sounds like Les is describing the bike in his sig, Suzuki Bandit. I remember when a friend of a friend bought a 1200 new 10 years ago. He described the feeling of lift on his body while doing 140mph down I-40 as a really strong man trying to rip him off the bike :shock:

Mine is but a 600 and I can assure you I will never be going 140 mph on it or any other motorcycle on a public road at any time unless my life depended on it somehow. Actually the 600 tops out at 130 so it couldn't even hit 140. However I've done a few full throttle 0-60 mph runs and the sensations are really hard to describe, it accelerates fast, really, really fast, capable of a 1/4 miles time of 12.4 seconds, but I've driven a few cars capable of that sort of acceleration and this *feels* ssssoooo much faster even if it isn't. I suppose its just the fact that you are so exposed and literally just hanging on to some handlebars attached to the engine that is inches away, you are really and truly "at one" with the machine and it is an exhilaration that is like crack cocaine, you want to do it again and again. Honestly my time is spent these days doing other stuff and eagerly anticipating the next time I can climb on the thing and ride. I considered a 1200 as they basically cost just a couple hundred bucks more, but figured since this is my first bike I should go with the 600. I will likely upgrade to the 1200 at some point in the not too distant future as it wouldn't cost me much to do so. I wouldn't upgrade for the sake of more power or acceleration though, honestly the 600 provides plenty of that, its the low end torque. The 1200 actually only gives you 20 extra horsepower from 80-100 though 20 is still a lot on a 450 lb machine, but it doubles the torque from 35 to 70 ft-lbs. The 600 is a crazy screamer that loves to rev, but feels very unhappy lugging around in traffic below 5000 rpm and turns very high rpm at highway speed even in 6th gear. I'm thinking the 1200 would be a much happier motor when putzing around town/beach and more relaxed highway cruiser and still offer plenty of scream with an 11,000 rpm redline not to mention it is capable of very low 11 high 10 1/4 mile acceleration. :shock:

Since I got into bikes I have no desire for a fast street car. If I am going to risk life, limb, drivers license and wallet driving fast on public roads it will be on a bike. The torque is, well I hate to say how exciting it is. If you haven't experienced you wouldn't understand! If I only could have one hobby it would be riding.

RobLupella · **Posted:** Wed Aug 28, 2013 2:12 pm

clinehall wrote:

Les Davis wrote:

Jordan Normark wrote:

Sounds like Les is describing the bike in his sig, Suzuki Bandit. I remember when a friend of a friend bought a 1200 new 10 years ago. He described the feeling of lift on his body while doing 140mph down I-40 as a really strong man trying to rip him off the bike :shock:

Mine is but a 600 and I can assure you I will never be going 140 mph on it or any other motorcycle on a public road at any time unless my life depended on it somehow. Actually the 600 tops out at 130 so it couldn't even hit 140. However I've done a few full throttle 0-60 mph runs and the sensations are really hard to describe, it accelerates fast, really, really fast, capable of a 1/4 miles time of 12.4 seconds, but I've driven a few cars capable of that sort of acceleration and this *feels* ssssoooo much faster even if it isn't. I suppose its just the fact that you are so exposed and literally just hanging on to some handlebars attached to the engine that is inches away, you are really and truly "at one" with the machine and it is an exhilaration that is like crack cocaine, you want to do it again and again. Honestly my time is spent these days doing other stuff and eagerly anticipating the next time I can climb on the thing and ride. I considered a 1200 as they basically cost just a couple hundred bucks more, but figured since this is my first bike I should go with the 600. I will likely upgrade to the 1200 at some point in the not too distant future as it wouldn't cost me much to do so. I wouldn't upgrade for the sake of more power or acceleration though, honestly the 600 provides plenty of that, its the low end torque. The 1200 actually only gives you 20 extra horsepower from 80-100 though 20 is still a lot on a 450 lb machine, but it doubles the torque from 35 to 70 ft-lbs. The 600 is a crazy screamer that loves to rev, but feels very unhappy lugging around in traffic below 5000 rpm and turns very high rpm at highway speed even in 6th gear. I'm thinking the 1200 would be a much happier motor when putzing around town/beach and more relaxed highway cruiser and still offer plenty of scream with an 11,000 rpm redline not to mention it is capable of very low 11 high 10 1/4 mile acceleration. :shock:

Since I got into bikes I have no desire for a fast street car. If I am going to risk life, limb, drivers license and wallet driving fast on public roads it will be on a bike. The torque is, well I hate to say how exciting it is. If you haven't experienced you wouldn't understand! If I only could have one hobby it would be riding.

Torque = Fun

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

clinehall wrote:

Since I got into bikes I have no desire for a fast street car. If I am going to risk life, limb, drivers license and wallet driving fast on public roads it will be on a bike. The torque is, well I hate to say how exciting it is. If you haven't experienced you wouldn't understand! If I only could have one hobby it would be riding.

I'm not ready to give up on fast cars just yet, but I can certainly understand the sentiment. I get in something like the Miata now and run it through a couple gears and it feels so anti-climatic. I'd think your 1200 BMW would likely be a similar ride to the 1200 Bandit, I can imagine that torque would be VERY nice. I wish I could just spend all day every day just roaming about on the bike, unfortunately work and chores get in the way, but I could see myself just wandering aimlessly about endlessly. All I can say is for those who haven't tried it, I've resisted the temptation for 20 years and I kinda wish I hadn't though I suppose being older and "wiser" might save my life, hopefully. Like Cline says "If you haven't experienced it you wouldn't understand!", that is the truth, it is more fun than I ever imagined it would be.

clinehall · **Posted:** Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:56 am

Les Davis wrote:

clinehall wrote:

Since I got into bikes I have no desire for a fast street car. If I am going to risk life, limb, drivers license and wallet driving fast on public roads it will be on a bike. The torque is, well I hate to say how exciting it is. If you haven't experienced you wouldn't understand! If I only could have one hobby it would be riding.

I'm not ready to give up on fast cars just yet, but I can certainly understand the sentiment. I get in something like the Miata now and run it through a couple gears and it feels so anti-climatic. I'd think your 1200 BMW would likely be a similar ride to the 1200 Bandit, I can imagine that torque would be VERY nice. I wish I could just spend all day every day just roaming about on the bike, unfortunately work and chores get in the way, but I could see myself just wandering aimlessly about endlessly. All I can say is for those who haven't tried it, I've resisted the temptation for 20 years and I kinda wish I hadn't though I suppose being older and "wiser" might save my life, hopefully. Like Cline says "If you haven't experienced it you wouldn't understand!", that is the truth, it is more fun than I ever imagined it would be.

What makes me made, is I used to live in the mountains. If I lived there now I would ride all the time!

Turner Oppy · **Posted:** Fri Aug 30, 2013 12:05 am

I've got a 1200 Bandit, from '02. The thing is a monster. I've hit 150mph (indicated) several times, and the bike seemed to have plenty more on tap (I didn't have the testicular fortitude though). Not bragging about my speed or stupidity, I freely admit the foolishness.

The description of having a strong man try to pull you off the bike is pretty apt. The guy I bought my bike from said it dyno'd at 120hp to the wheel (he did some carb work, and full exhaust). The bike will cruise around town with ease or cruise on the highway, or tear my arms off if I get on the throttle.

For the record, my best friend had a Bandit 600, and the difference in power was astounding. I should say torque, not power. The baby bandit was a hoot at WOT, but the big bandit is straight scary, and just puts a huge grin on my face.

All that being said, I barely ride anymore. I got my first bike in '01, and I would rather auto-x my miata. I think it is a time issue. I'm new to auto-x, but have been riding for 12 years.

Les enjoy the bike, you'll have plenty of good riding weather in FL, and keep the shiny side up.

Alec Moody · **Joined:** Fri Feb 15, 2013 9:02 am **Posts:** 299

Jordan Normark wrote:

The 240z is one of the select few cars I have had that I would buy again. It had more "character" in it's knock off SU carbs, their choke lever and sweet singing inline 6 than any other car I have owned...except of course the Miata

Per Bruce's bequeath:

Mid 60's lotus elan hard top (convertible looks weird with the top down and window frames on) and a spyder frame would be nice.
67 427 vette
94 ZR-1
c6 Zo-6
2000 sport package Miata
81 928s with LS-1
Spec Miata + plus spares
Late 60's early 70's Vista Cruiser to tow said Spec Miata

Someone else who likes the 928

I would get an 81 928s euro car. A little less weight (no door bars) and the 300hp motor compared to 220 on the US car. You can get a very good condition sub 10k miles 928 for under 10 grand. Best road trip car ever (aside from the terrible fuel economy).

Brett_Murphy · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 355

Ah, good old Uncle Bruce.

The first thing I'd do is sell the project and toy cars I currently own and spend that money on some driving lessons. I am HPDEs, track schools, rally schools, that kind of thing. Buying a really sweet car and not being able to drive the thing the way it should be driven would be a travesty that would have a driver like Uncle Bruce spinning in his grave.

Then, I would buy (or build) these:

A fully built and documented stage rally car based on a well known and robust platform. What kind? Who cares. A Subaru would be great, but so would a Ford Fiesta. Figure $20k or more so on this. Maybe less if I go with a Focus or Golf. A cheaper chassis with the right safety gear is probably the smart way to do this so when I ball it up (because it will happen) I haven't wrecked something really expensive.

A track prepped car. Probably a Spec E30 or a Miata. Again, something well known and robust, but in this case, also not terribly fast. I want to learn how to drive before I get a car that is better than I am.

I'd take some of the money and do some work on my current daily driver. I'd probably drop a full STI drivetrain in there, just for giggles.

Then I'd buy a some kind of Overland style rig to drive across the continent with the family.This would probably eat up a good chunk of the rest of the budget. Multi-fuel, solar power, propane (or diesel) stove, etc. Another option here is a capable off-road 4x4 with an off-road trailer for less serious camping adventures. Probably something based on a diesel 4x4 pickup.

RodneyWright · **Posted:** Thu Sep 05, 2013 4:55 pm

I've seen some pretty high dollar over-landers on Discovery and other channels. You can spend some SERIOUS money on those rigs....

Brett_Murphy · **Joined:** Thu Jan 12, 2012 2:02 pm **Posts:** 355

You could easily blow the entire budget on one using a second hand truck as the base of the rig. I wasn't thinking of anything that crazy.

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