After a hiatus of many married years (23), I'm back to seriously riding beginning in 2007 with my purchase of a 2008 Kawi KLR650. A great and CHEAP (admitted cheap bastard) entry vehicle. Blessed with year-round riding weather in Phoenix, AZ, I've become addicted to the HOV lane and commute pretty much every day as well as a lot of weekend rides.
Since then, I also purchased a beautiful 2009 Triumph Street Triple-R in Oregon and rode it home to Phoenix, AZ over two days. The Triumph was almost the antithesis of the KLR... amazing front wheel lifting power, 0-60 in the low three's and passing traffic was a blip of the wrist vs. a well planned maneuver. Don't get me wrong.. being a cheap bastard, the KLR is ME! But my GF loves to ride and the smallish perch of the Street Triple and no storage had me setting my sights on the Concours as my next acquisition. I can't wait for some of the longer trips without being at 5k rpms the entire way on the KLR and being able to take more than a toothbrush and underwear. The Concours seems to be exactly what I'm looking for.
Now, I wouldn't recommend this approach of obtaining a different bike to anyone... I have to be the luckiest rider.... but I was rear ended on my Triumph as traffic came to a standstill on the highway just two weeks ago. Long story short, nothing broken but a lot of bruising and the Triumph is totaled. Between the property damage settlement and small settlement for pain/suffering, I am close to my goal of $10k for a Connie. I've been lurking for the past few days and haven't seen anything to discourage me from this wonderful bike. I also have another riding buddy with one that has nothing but good to say about it.
Assuming the Mayans calendar stopping was just because they just became "bored", hopefully in a month or so (assuming insurance checks arrive) I'll be able to find a connie to suit me and my budget.
