Most TJ-Like Motorcycle?
- Thread starter SSTJ
- Start date
Suzuki GS for me. I love the motorcycle, the community... The aftermarket is huge, they're bone-simple to work on. They can be a tourer, a naked peg dragger, a cafe - basically whatever you want. And they go forever.
Tried to upload some pics of the ones I had but the effing forum isn't letting me
Tried to upload some pics of the ones I had but the effing forum isn't letting me
Yeah, I'll go with the Harley for sure, but I'd specify the evolution era (1984ish to 1999 I think) They kinda run like tractors with all of the torque in the low end. They really are easy to work on. The carb is sitting right on the side to pop off in two seconds, everything is very basic and simple, and they have an excellent reputation for reliability. Also, there are tons of people customizing and wrenching on these themselves...and hey, they are almost the same era as the TJ with a little overlap.
Yes, I have one of these and have for 20 years. I've owned and ridden many other bikes as well, from metric cruisers to sport bikes to choppers, but I think this particular genre of Harley is an excellent match for the jeep TJ.
Yes, I have one of these and have for 20 years. I've owned and ridden many other bikes as well, from metric cruisers to sport bikes to choppers, but I think this particular genre of Harley is an excellent match for the jeep TJ.
I think you're making the point that they are similar, after all: jeep = just empty every pocket!
...and I'd say both of these sayings are rooted in reality!
I've only ever had newer Harley's and still find them fairly simple to wrench on. I've replaced cams and lifters. Exhaust headers and mufflers. Front forks & brake pads.
Installed my own reverse on my current bike after my amputation. And my list could go on.
I've flashed my ECM on 4 different bikes and had good power out of them.
My current HD is a CVO with a 117" ci V-Twin dual cooled engine. I was trying to keep my warranty so I went with the EPA legal HD tuner so my power is way down.
I like what I'm seeing of these so far. Can you educate me a little further? I wonder if you'd say the same thing about the GSX, or if there's any particular year-range of the GS series that you'd recommend for these same reasons.
They’re all awesome. Started out in the late 70’s as Suzuki’s 1st go at a 4 stroke bike, ended in the mid 80’s shortly before the GSX.
I was never a fan of all plastic sport bikes. Don’t know why, they never did anything for me. When I met my wife she had a GSXr 750, I thought it was lame. But at the same time she couldn’t stand my brown GS850 shaft drive with bags. Different strokes. I love them.
https://www.bikebound.com/tag/suzuki-gs/
All this reminds me of a conversation I had years back with a co-worker. I was telling him about a guy I'd worked with years before that who was a major Harley guy. Talked about "Pan Heads" and "Shovel Heads" all day long. My co-worker said "Are you sure you don't own a Harley? You seem to know all the terminology." I replied, "No, I know what an 'oil leak' is too, but that doesn't mean I drive a British car!" - said co-worker owned an X-type Jag, a Bentley of some sort, and an MGB - only the MGB ran...
I don't go into the Harley dealership any more than I go into a Jeep dealership. Which is to say, never. But you bring up a good point, HD stands for hundred dollars, just as Jeep stands for just empty every pocket. Both will eat up your expendable funds if you let them.
I love all things on two wheels. Loved my Harley the most, I made it mine. I tried with my other bikes and got a bit close with my Yamaha, but my love for Harley is just a thing. Old, new and I’d also LOVE a new Pan America. Damn they nailed that bike!
Tldelaney
TJ Enthusiast
Drz400S or SM
Slow reliable, jack of all trades, can build it to be versatile on the road or off. Easy to work on and can be beat to **** and still run. Alot more fun than those street queens too, soz guys
Slow reliable, jack of all trades, can build it to be versatile on the road or off. Easy to work on and can be beat to **** and still run. Alot more fun than those street queens too, soz guys
I didn't specify in my original post, but the one I had was an SM.
I even took it offroad with my street tires.
I do also agree with the HD recommendation though, if the OP is looking for street use. I had a ton of fun with my Sportster.
Yeah, then on to the GXS-r era. Great bikes, don't get me wrong - just not my thing. Same with cars. I like stuff I don't have to take plastic off of, I don't care if it does improve performance because that's not what I'm going for. I always liked the simple naked look.
IMZ(Irbit Motor Works). Making mechanics out of riders since 1941. And I say this with some pride.
If you don't like to wrench, don't buy one. Carbed models are butt simple. I rebuilt the final drive in 2017 and other than a couple of speedos (replace those with a GPS speedo asap) haven't had an issue since. Other than that, basic maintenance. My CX 500 is more of a pain to work on. I'll get rid of my Jeep before I get rid of my Ural.
In all honesty, the worst job on Ural, IMO, is replacing the battery.
I dont even own one, just lusted after them for YEARS! Just seems such an awesome motorcycle.
Which CX-500 do you have? I had an '80 CX-500D back in the day with a Vetter fairing.