First of, let me explain what I expect from my rides, and what I do with them. I like to ride, especially long distances. Had my Drifter out today, just for the hell of it. I had my W-650 out last Wednesday, to check out my new bar configuration, but once it gets decent around here, I'll be putting on at least 10,000 miles on the pair of them...If it's like last year, it'll be about 3,000 on the W and 7-8,000 on the Drifter... I ride EVERY DAY... the car only gets used when I can't carry what I need on the bike. I expect the bikes to be comfortable, reliable and since each one is so different, to fulfill, at least in my estimation, the purpose for which it was created. I really hate these categories that machines are labeled with. Cruiser, dual sport, adventure, tourer, sport tourer, who cares? It's a motorcycle...you make it do what you want it to do, not what some designer thinks it should be. When I was young, right after the invention of the wheel, there were heavy weight, light weight and middle weight motorcycles. You bought what you wanted, or could afford, and made it into your own vision of what it was supposed to be. There was always one thing that tied the 3 types together, that was the basic quality of utility in each one. I like my Drifter for several reasons, not the least of which is the way I have it set up as an old school touring bike, like Knuckles and Pans I had when I was young. My W is turning into a full blown Cafe' racer, again, like I owned once upon a time, except it keeps running, unlike my BSA...There is one thing that ties them together, in my mind...they are good for an all day trip...try that on one of those hideous Orange County Choppers.....by the way, the choppers and bobbers of my youth were rideable for long distances, too... not just bar hoppers and poseurs...or trailer queens. OK, your turn ???
Miles and lots of them ;D That being said, you only get out of them what you put into them. While mine aren't polished show bikes, I do take care of them because I want each of them to be ready for a road trip at a moments notice. Since I've gotten my Drifter it sees the majority of the miles, about 12,000 a year. My wife and I will load her down and just head out for no reason. Other times we'll plan out a 2 week road trip to see our kids and grandson. My '06 sportster sees about 5-7000 miles a year, even in bobber form she's good for 4-500 miles a day. My '76 sportster gets about 3000 a year. She may be old and tempermental, but she fires, runs like a scalded dog, and is just plain fun to ride! Hell, if I had the money I'd have one of everything ;D If it's got 2 wheels, I'll usually like it, reguardless of brand.
One bike will NEVER be perfect for everything. For years I tried to get along with only one bike... mostly because that's all I could afford. There were always trade-offs.
The Drifter worked fine (for me) as a touring bike, but I don't tour without my co-pilot. She couldn't get comfortable no matter what I did to the Drifter. And, I didn't like to mount permanent saddlebags on the Drifter. So we looked at dedicated touring bikes... ended up with the Goldwing. It is a great touring bike, and even though it looks big, its nimble, fast and feels half the weight of the Drifter... so I end up riding it more than I figured I would. But sometimes you just need that v-twin and the look and feel of the Drifter.
I always figured you need at LEAST 3 bikes... 1)Touring bike - for long range, double up, lots of gadgets 2) Cruiser - for medium/short trips, single or sometimes double, not so many gadgets to spoil the look and 3)Bobber/Small - short trips, around town, no windshield, no gadgets, single rider, looker.
Of course, I just had a look at the Vaquero... I really like that bike... so maybe I need a #4... which is ok... I said at LEAST 3 bikes! Of course my wife reminds me about the 3 bike rule, so I've got my work cut out for me.
I agree with both of you, three bikes; Cruiser, touring, Dirt. I enjoy the ride my Drifter gives me. The new and old combined. I'll put about 12-15000 on mine this year. I only have one bike now unlike all of you. Right now my choices go like this. Want to be alone, i ride my drifter. A one or two day get away, we take the Corvette. For a week or more We strap the bike on a trailer and tow behind the motorhome, unless we are heading for the sand dunes. Then we tow the jeep. They all give me the feel and excitement I'm looking for. I can round it up in a few words "Men and our toys." He with the most toys lived a happier life.
Ride with Pride
Bob