In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

[rageman]

Great site you have here! Wonderful wealth of knowledge with a friendly atmosphere. So, here's my situation; I am looking to buy a bike again after a 10 or so year hiatus and have my heart set on a TLR.

I searched a bit, but did not see a buyer's guide - is there one available? Or if someone could point me to a thread or two...

I plan to use the bike on weekends and for light commuting (I usually am "on site" with clients two days a week). Generally, whenever I am headed somewhere without the kids...

So - here are a few questions:
1. Gear - any opinions on what and where to buy? I was planning a helmet/jacket/gloves and maybe boots. Is leather still preferred? Textiles? What about armor alternatives? Spine protectors?

2. Storage - I'll need a decent bag for carrying my laptop and usually some papers. I was thinking a backpack would be sufficient; anyone have recommendations that can accommodate a 17in laptop? Soft bags?

I've been looking at CL and other local classifieds; they're out there but I don't think anyone ACTUALLY wants to sell - lol. A little difficult hearing back from people. If anyone knows of a good TLR for sale in the Mpls/St Paul area, let me know. Looking to spend < $4k (I'm sure that kills some of you). TIA for any advice.

[Brat]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

id go leather. leather has saved me at 60mph plus on the interstate. my jacket has shoulder, elbow, and back padding.

as for the laptop get one of those hardshell backpacks. theyre designed to fit a certain size laptop already and might have storage specifically for the laptop.

[LiononaLeash]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

"1. Gear - any opinions on what and where to buy? I was planning a helmet/jacket/gloves and maybe boots. Is leather still preferred? Textiles? What about armor alternatives? Spine protectors?"



-Get leather, it's about 4X better than textile for abrasion protection. Cover yourself in it, not just a jacket. I have a two piece suit, where I can wear just the jacket if I wanted to. Given where you live, most riding will involve trying to keep warm, not keeping cool. Avoid perforated leathers and vents on gloves.


-Gauntlet style gloves

-motorcycle specific boots

-Helmet with DOT and or snell rating(you don't need to spend $500 on a fancy one. you can get a decent one usually between 120 and 220).

-spine protector: Icon field vest is cheap and protects REALLY well(guess how I know?)

top 3 places I like to shop:

motorcycle-superstore.com
sportbiketrackgear.com
newenough.com

[rageman]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

Great info - thanks much!

Here's the TLR I want at the moment:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...873842627.html
Hopefully I'll get a chance to look at it in the next few days.

Just a link if someone is looking for a REALLY low mileage bike (1914mi! note his description has "tl 100r" so perhaps he hasn't gotten many calls...)
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...801977413.html
No affiliation, blah, blah...

[stiletto]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

I beg to differ:

After a decade of not riding, Leather might be a little bit too extreme, although in the area you are in, unlike in FL, TX or Southern CA, it might be o.k. during the less warm months of the riding season.

There are very competent textile and mesh gear items that will provide more than adequate protection (with critical point padding) today than in the previous 10 years.

Get a good NEW helmet and gauntlet gloves (over the wrists). Over the ankle booties and long pants.

Speaking about long pants, I have noticed that riding in shorts, this bike burns way more.

I think the backpack that Brat was referring to is the AXIO.

Good thing about backpacks is that you get off the bike and it is automatically with you. However, because the TLR is a "race" bike the riding position makes you feel top-heavy when using a backpack. More so if it is loaded.

A tank bag lets you "rest" your weight on it on the long drone highway trips. It also does not become an obstacle when getting busy.

Plenty TLRs for sale round here, and one of my favorite bikes, although an S, a little on the dear side and many miles on the clock, it is a wow wow wow machine: http://www.tlplanet.com/forums/showt...light=TLS+sale

Best wishes, welcome, and good luck.

[BADROC]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

personally textile is great and in expensive, try ICON they're good quality and inexpensive and as for the TL-R with 1914 miles on it sounds to good to be true ! But good luck stay up and ride safe . . .

[rageman]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

I'm more inclined to buy a bike that already has mods done to it; I'm not too afraid of wrenching a bit. My wallet, however, is afraid of me owning stock vehicles.

The AXIO backpack looks like just what I would want - it won't be too loaded; just laptop and charger plus a few papers. Thank you for the link. I think I will look for leather gear - although it does get hot in MN in summer (despite what you might hear :-P)

[smonkbmw]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

get the most expensive helmet you can afford. there is a difference in cheap $150 ones vs a shoei or arai. its called COMFORT. and also being able to wear for a longer amount of time. shoei rf1100 and depending on what shape head you have there are something like 5 different shell shapes of arais.

leather isnt a bad idea for a jacket. the majority of the higher quality items have decent venting in them to keep you cooler.

dainese makes one of the highest quality spine guards on the market. the icon field vest is a good piece but misses some critical parts of the body, plus the dainese fits well under a snug fitting leather jacket.

textile armored pants are good, leather is better. but for commuting the new kevlar reinforced jeans on the market are a good deal and comfy not to mention a lil more stylish if you like to ride then stop in a restaurant etc.

there are a few boots out there that are more "street casual" than others. i prefer the full race style boot as it offers more protection and they usually are still comfy.

my riding gear set up is:
-icon accelerant jacket (id wear dainese, but they dont make a size to make my big self)
-shoei rf1000 (are discontinued, but some are still out there online)
-dainese exile gloves
-icon superduty pants and i have a pair of the jeans
-alpinestars smx5 boots.

[LiononaLeash]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

If you want a nice TLR, be patient and be willing to travel a bit. They are out there to be had. Sometimes you find them right away, but sometimes it takes months to find the right one.

[rageman]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

Yeah; it can be tough the find the right combination of bike/price/timing. I want the bike+price, so I'll have to be flexible on the timing.

Thanks all for the advice on gear. I'll just have to head into the shop and try stuff on; see what fits best on me and for my uses. I am convinced to pick up pants and boots as well.

[6r_tlr]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

If you want a nice TLR, be patient and be willing to travel a bit. They are out there to be had. Sometimes you find them right away, but sometimes it takes months to find the right one.

And then sometimes the right one falls right into your lap

[LiononaLeash]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

lol..... 6r you're shameless!

[rageman]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

lol..... 6r you're shameless!

I saw that thread - gl with getting it back 6r; it looks great.

[6r_tlr]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

lol..... 6r you're shameless!

i Know

I saw that thread - gl with getting it back 6r; it looks great.

That's not the one that fell in my lap....that was this one

[cyclecamper]

Re: In the market for a TLR after a long time away -

I endorse the Ventura luggage system. Even better with a hoop that mounts to a modified rear seat.