Thread: My Gap Year. Thoughts?

the bigger question for me is what kind of bike are you getting? ha! kidding the volunteer work sounds like a cool experience and if you are in a situation to take that year then i don't see how you would regret it.

but seriously what kind of motorcycle?

Originally Posted by chee16

the bigger question for me is what kind of bike are you getting? ha! kidding the volunteer work sounds like a cool experience and if you are in a situation to take that year then i don't see how you would regret it.

but seriously what kind of motorcycle?

I'm already on that year mate.

Kind of bike? I've been debating. Maybe the classic cruiser, maybe something more muscle bikey I was thinking of a V-Max for a while but their range is about 12 feet. Another personal favorite is a cafe racer style, something like the thruxton. It depends what would be available really, for the right money.

It does sound like a cool experience, and it would keep costs down. 10 weeks of paid accommodation and food paid for just over half that would considerably reduce my costs. Plus working in a small team doing seriously out doorsy stuff appeals to me.

what size bike are you comfortable with? i am not the biggest suzuki fan (though i have owned 3 now at different times ) but the SV650 and SV1000 are great bikes. not the flashiest ones out there (though getting a lower fairing kit makes them sexy) but they are comfortable enough to ride all day on but have the V-twin torque to fun, plus they handle really well considering. they were a very under-estimated couple of motorcycles and because of that you can get used ones for some decent prices.

call me a nut but if i was to buy any Triumph (*my opinion alert*) it would be the 675. i know it sounds a bit sportier then what you were thinking but i haven't read a review where the person doesn't basically say they want to buy the thing. looks pretty nice too. the cafe racer thing is pretty cool i must admit but when it comes down to performance you will lose a bit. an older V-max would be great but i can't stand shaft drive, especially with that much power, and they aren't as comfortable as some of the cruisers. if you want a Harley then this is the time to buy one used, the prices are plummeting from what i have seen. i like Harleys but for me to ride one i would have to do a lot to it as they aren't much stock.

if you have already made up your mind then simply disregard what i say, if not then take it for what it is.

sounds like you are having fun though, which is great!

Sorry, but I had a SV for about 6 weeks and I thought it was by far and away the worst bike I had ever had the displeasure to ride. It was absolutely awful and I was extremely happy to hand it back. They were cheap as chips and it shows!

The 675 is a great. I've ridden one and loved it, but even at my size it was cramped, I wouldn't want to do distance on it.

I believe the Thruxton puts out something like a meger 55hp, it would look the dogs danglies in the photos though

The big issue with the V-Max is the tank range, I think it's about 90 miles. Complete death traps, but it would be a cool bike to do it on I reckon.

If I was going to go the sports bike route I would have a RSV ever day of the week and twice on sunday. Big enough to do distance on comfortably, and enough go to keep you entertained! Or even the Falco would do.