Ok, I'm seriously considering adding another ride to the stable. Have had 3 motorcycles for the last 10 years but sold one last summer with the intention of replacing it once I narrowed the list down a bit. Ended up on the proverbial Unicorn hunt. I love the sports tourer concept but ......
Background : I'm 68, retired, in average health. Still ride whenever I feel like it. Live in the outer suburbs to a midsize southern town where it turns rural and also have a cabin along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Current motorcycles are a Triumph with a sidecar that I use for everything - groceries, Home Depot runs, ice cream cones with the dog, multi day traveling, riding the country roads around here for the fun of it. At the cabin I have a Honda CB500x, a road oriented dual sport that I thoroughly enjoy and is perfect for the riding I do in that region. Can't say enough good about the bike.We spend an honest 40% of our time in the mountains. I'm not getting any younger physically. I do not ride interstates and avoid urban areas - I have the time and patience to travel the back way. In the mountains there is zero traffic and I usually pleasure cruise slowly.
For the riding I enjoy I don't need or want a bigger motorcycle. I'm torn between a decent electric bicycle (belt drive, internal hub) and a scooter like the Honda Hunter Cub / CT125. Prices are similar enough to be equal in my mind, cargo carrying capacity close enough to equal. With an extra battery the bicycle would probably go four or five hours which is as long as I'm likely to be out anyway. Either can be transported and even charged with my Honda Pickup when the wife and I travel and I could ride some while she indulges in her photography passion.
Ebike pros: a little bit of exercise never hurts, insurance costs moderated, availability of dedicated bike trails and paths in some areas, ATGATT reduced (not eliminated), light trail use possible
CT125 : can keep up with traffic, I have a lifetime of motorcycle experience and equipment. Wouldn't have to eventually buy my wife a ebike also. My brain is hardwiried motorcycle.
I'd love some opinions please.
Background : I'm 68, retired, in average health. Still ride whenever I feel like it. Live in the outer suburbs to a midsize southern town where it turns rural and also have a cabin along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Current motorcycles are a Triumph with a sidecar that I use for everything - groceries, Home Depot runs, ice cream cones with the dog, multi day traveling, riding the country roads around here for the fun of it. At the cabin I have a Honda CB500x, a road oriented dual sport that I thoroughly enjoy and is perfect for the riding I do in that region. Can't say enough good about the bike.We spend an honest 40% of our time in the mountains. I'm not getting any younger physically. I do not ride interstates and avoid urban areas - I have the time and patience to travel the back way. In the mountains there is zero traffic and I usually pleasure cruise slowly.
For the riding I enjoy I don't need or want a bigger motorcycle. I'm torn between a decent electric bicycle (belt drive, internal hub) and a scooter like the Honda Hunter Cub / CT125. Prices are similar enough to be equal in my mind, cargo carrying capacity close enough to equal. With an extra battery the bicycle would probably go four or five hours which is as long as I'm likely to be out anyway. Either can be transported and even charged with my Honda Pickup when the wife and I travel and I could ride some while she indulges in her photography passion.
Ebike pros: a little bit of exercise never hurts, insurance costs moderated, availability of dedicated bike trails and paths in some areas, ATGATT reduced (not eliminated), light trail use possible
CT125 : can keep up with traffic, I have a lifetime of motorcycle experience and equipment. Wouldn't have to eventually buy my wife a ebike also. My brain is hardwiried motorcycle.
I'd love some opinions please.