Hi from Florida

Hey Folks,

Found this forum about a week ago while doing research for a new bike.

I've been riding off and on for about 50 yrs. 1st on dirt bikes (Does anyone remember Greeves MX bikes with leading link front end?) then a variety from a brothers '60 something Diana MK3 (Yes!), built to the hilt '72 Norton cafe and various Honda, Bridgestone etc. from 125 to 450cc.

Presently ride an '02 CBR 1100 XX, that's a Super Blackbird for folks in other parts of the world. I absolutely love my XX and it's hard to even think of parting with it! Alas, my needs and interests in riding are different than 11 years ago, I live in FL now instead of MA (It's SO flat and straight down here!) and I can only afford one bike.

Looking at a ride to Alaska with many detours along the way next year. I've been to AK 8 times already if I don't count to and from Vietnam unfortunately never by bike. My son lives in Eagle River, AK now so I have a good reason besides the ride!

As you can see I may tend to be a bit wordy and I really can't help being a smart ***... Runs in my family...

Looking forward to learning/sharing with you all. Almost forgot, I'm surprised I haven't seen a Pikes Peak Multi on the road here in Venice, FL as I check out every bike except cruisers when ever I'm out!

Bye for now,
XXGeezer

HiroTokyo said:

Hi, welcome to the forum!

As you consider touring bike, Multistrada and HS would be the best choice.
I recommend you for a test ride.
It might be dangarous that you would fall in love with Ducati instantly.

Regards,

HiroTokyo

Click to expand...

Thank you very much HiroTokyo.

I've actually been in love with Ducatis since the 1960s. My 1st ever road ride was on my brothers Diana MK3!

Most of my career I worked as a machinist/mechanical engineering technician/model maker in the high tech field in MA.
I would go to a meeting place (Moto-Market in Acton, MA), take one of their coffee shop chairs and sit beside the different Ducs just to look at the beautiful workmanship on the parts and assembly.

The recent post by R6chase about his Iron Butt has given me a lot of hope that the HS will work for me!

I am 6' tall with a 30" inseam and long upper body (Shirts/jackets have to be tall or they don't reach my waist!) so I'm hoping I fit on the HS.

Also a little concerned about the 17" front wheel in the dirt. I fully understand the HS is not a dirt bike and I have done more than a few miles of gravel on my XX with no issues at all but now I'm looking at Deadhorse and possibly Inuvik as part of my trip.

Like I said, I can be wordy!
XXGeezer

Thanks for the input and the link to the video folks.
Much appreciated.