Bikes, cars, bikes, gas mileage I want you 2 cents worth

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<DIV>It's all good, to me<IMG height=19 src="http//sc.groups.msn.com/themes/R9c/pby/img/emoticons/emthup.gif" width=19>  I love 2-wheelin', but can take it or leave it as well.  I guess to me, it's the travelling that I love, more than how I travel (I've even taken Amtrak).  I have a '97 plymouth voyager that gets maybe 20-24 mpg on the highway (but I prefer backroads, even in the cage).  For running local errands, I'll take the voyager most of the time.  I can get 40mpg out of my Valkyrie STD, and about the same on the GL1100 it seems (has side car).  I don't consider the bikes as utility vehicles<IMG height=19 src="http//sc.groups.msn.com/themes/R9c/pby/img/emoticons/emteeth.gif" width=19></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'm single, so the choice is all mine, and just depends on my mood.  On trips, I often enjoy loading up the voyager with grub and drinks (don't like to stop for food) and fill the front passenger seat up with my favorite CD's (don't like music on the bike).  I like to camp too, but not always, just depends on if I want to rough it or  take the comfortable route.  I enjoy loading up the bike with camping gear too and really roughing it.  Again, depends mostly on my mood.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I enjoy the bike for what it is, and don't consider the safety factor that much.  I've travelled by cage and bike, and really it's not possible for me to say which I prefer.  But yea, might say I'm a fair weather rider.  I  ride for the enjoyment, and I don't enjoy riding in the rain, or if it's too hot (live in Florida) or too cold.  I don't HAVE to ride, and the cage works fine for me.  As far as the mileage thing, I do consider the cost into a trip, but not so much on a local basis.  I have a car tire on the back of the Valkyrie, so that saves alot.  Would like to get one for the Wing if I can find one that fits.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>That's my 2 cent worth<IMG height=19 src="http//sc.groups.msn.com/themes/R9c/pby/img/emoticons/emsmiled.gif" width=19></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>GLpaul</DIV>

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<DIV>It's a piece of cake, Vic! <IMG height=19 src="http//sc.groups.msn.com/themes/R9c/pby/img/emoticons/emwink.gif" width=19> Not really a problem on such a heavy bike like the Valkyrie.  We use either a 205/55, 60, or 65 series.  Mostly notice it in parking lots and slow moving maneuvers.  Above 30 mph it handles fine, even in the twisties.  It is a controversial move tho.  Gets alot of debates on our VRCC board where I believe we started the current trend about 5 yrs ago.   I'm on my 2nd one, got 41k on the first one.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>But the trend has spread to other big bikes, 1800 Wings, Rocket 3, VTX....some of these riders have made the switch to the "darkside" (as it's called).  There's even a club/board devoted strictly to the subject.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It does handle different, and a few who have tried it have not liked it, but the overwhelming majority say they will "never go back".  After a week or so, or a couple hundred miles you are used to it and just go on.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Paul</DIV>