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What’s a good bike to get in retirement?

ST Guy said:
SV650
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I can't say enough good things about the SV650. I've rode them on track days and felt they were the best bike for a new rider to learn on. Suzuki really got it right with that bike. Affordable, reliable, great aftermarket support, and not something that doesn't have so much power it gets you into a bad situation but can't get you out of. They are possible the perfect track bike for non-racers.
 
And perfect for old riders.

But a sporty convertible would be best for carrying a passenger.
 
And my John Cooper Works Mini was great for track days. I had fun lapping all the Shelby Cobras.
 
Man, for me, carrying a passenger is at the bottom of my priority list. I ride for me, not my passenger. I prefer they just follow me in a car and let me ride my ride. If I have a passenger, my entire riding style changes because I'm conscience of their safety.
 
I did the same. It’s a different ride when you have a passenger.
 
Arminius said:
I've spent a lot of time riding one of those. I have to say I really liked the bike and found the DCT to be much better than I expected. My only complaint was that the power fell off a cliff at anything past 70 mph.
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Arminius- The 750 or were you riding the 700 version? I'm thinking of an NC-700 or 750 as my last bike. It will have to be capable of long stretches of slab. I don't need power above 70mph, but it has to get up an I-80 mountain pass toting my fat arse and gear, as well as drone all day in speeds in excess of 85 mph in Wyoming.
 
BillSmith said:
Arminius- The 750 or were you riding the 700 version? I'm thinking of an NC-700 or 750 as my last bike. It will have to be capable of long stretches of slab. I don't need power above 70mph, but it has to get up an I-80 mountain pass toting my fat arse and gear, as well as drone all day in speeds in excess of 85 mph in Wyoming.
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It was the NC-700. On flat ground I could only get it up to 93 mph.
 
gixxerjeff said:
I fucken LOVE my SV650
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I bought my SV 650 S - 2004 Model $5200.00 Cash Out The Door in Santa Rosa
This bike now has 42K miles with little maintenance other then chain sprockets tires and oil.
Super Fun Never Selling This Bike.
I would think this my best bike overall.

The 2004 SV650 isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s the universal translator of two‑wheeled happiness. Light, reliable, cheap to run, and blessed with that bulletproof 90‑degree V‑twin, it’s the bike that somehow manages to be sensible and a troublemaker at the same time.

PaulR
 

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Get a track bike. More fun than street and a relatively safe riding zone
 
PaulR said:
2026 Kawasaki Ninja H2 (Most Powerful Street‑Legal Kawasaki)

Retirement Bike? Nah… Victory Lap Machine.

So I’ve been thinking about what retirement should look like, and after watching half this forum argue that “a proper retirement bike” is basically a rolling La‑Z‑Boy with wheels, I figured I’d offer a counterpoint.

Behold: my future retirement rig — the Kawasaki Ninja H2 with optional touring luggage.

• Electronics: Keeps me from accidentally achieving low‑Earth orbit.

• Ergonomics: Still sporty enough to remind me I’m alive, but not so extreme that I need a chiropractor on retainer.



Retirement means you finally have time to ride something that does scare you — but in a fun, controlled, ‘I’ve made peace with my decisions’ kind of way.

But also undeniably stylish in a “this man has nothing left to prove” sort of way.

Bottom line

This isn’t an old man’s bike.

This is a retirement celebration device.

A rolling trophy.

A supercharged reminder that the finish line isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of the fun part.

If anyone needs me, I’ll be in the garage practicing my “I’m retired, I can do whatever I want” speech.


PaulR
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Just have to say I like how you think. Getting just a little scared puts a big Smile on your face. :teeth

:thumbup :ride :afm199 :later
 
budman said:
Indeed. That is what I am thinking for my retirement USA ride tour.

View attachment 592529

I just need to buy a bigger garage.
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The shiftcam boxer motors are sweet, with 3 'he's.
My R1250RS kind of amazes me, every time I get out. It's the ultimate geezer sporting bike you can tour on. Happy to cruise the slab, weave through the sweepers or chop it up on some potholed backroad.
 
i have a '24 r1250gsa and it is a very good bike.

i am 6'4" and with the seat position in the high/high setting i was getting wind buffeting on my helmet if i put the windscreen up all the way. so i rode with it all the way down, giving my visor fresh air, but also got face blasted with bugs, cold, etc. just installed a wunderlich windscreen which has solved the problem, i can now ride 50mph or under with my visor open, and no buffeting.

i was thinking last night, would i enjoy a k1600gtl? probably. would it be better for my daily? probably not, besides possible better wind protection. better for long distance tours? definitely. what about a r1300rt? that could be better, if it comes with speakers and more wind protection. less suspension travel and not equipped for off road. well let's see in a couple years how much i've gone dirty with it and make a decision then.
 
I'm thinking a Tiger 1200 GT. The triple runs like an I-4 but with torque at the bottom. Big & comfy with all the lux items, but utterly hoonable. Leans for days. Huge aftermarket. I never saw myself on an ADV because they don't LOOK like a sprotbile, but damned if they don't act like something I wanna ride. I'm 6'5" 230 early 60s.
 
moto-rama said:
R1300RT BMW...

And they are bootiful.
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Yes, they are. Start saving yer "duckets", 'cause that prize door opens at about $32K+. With the audio pro that's another $445.00 and the automated shift assistant (no clutch lever) that $935.00! Then there's the tax, license fees so that will add about 10.25% to 10.50% depending where you live.

Hey it's your "Retirement". Enjoy!!!
budman said:
Indeed. That is what I am thinking for my retirement USA ride tour.

View attachment 592529

I just need to buy a bigger garage.
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