Hello from Toronto

[Syscrush]

Hey folks. I've been lurking and reading here now and then for a few months. I've wanted a CBX to one degree or another since I first learned what one was more than 25 years ago, and after 12+ years of riding I think it might finally be time to pull the trigger on one.

Bikes I've had include:
Katana 600
SV650
CBR125R (it's a bit of a long story)
KTM Duke 690
CB550 (inherited project bike that I never finished)

Also, my wife has a Monster 620 that I ride from time to time. I loved each of those bikes in its own way, and want something a bit farther outside the norm this time. With all of my research, daydreaming, and brainstorming about my next bike, I keep coming back to the CBX. There are 4 broad ways I enjoy a motorcycle:

1. Riding in the city.
2. Going on trips.
3. Riding on the track.
4. Liking how cool it is.

For years now, I've done very little of #1 (bicycle is much faster for getting around the city), and for #3 I'd rather rent someone else's hardware (although I've never wrecked on the track, I like the rule of thumb that says you shouldn't put anything on the track that you wouldn't be willing to kick over in the parking lot).

So that leaves going on trips, and liking how cool it is. For me, going on trips means mounting hard bags (topcase and panniers), and being comfortable on the bike. With my knees how they are now, that basically means something with relaxed peg position and handlebars instead of clip-ons.

Liking how cool something is is more ephemeral and subjective.

Whatever I get, I insist on high quality suspension. My SV w/ R6 front end and Cogent shock, then the Duke 690 kinda ruined me in this regard. If I go for the CBX, it'll be customized with a modern USD front end that's been sprund and valved for the bike, something of similar quality in the back, and some form of stealthy quick-release luggage rack.

I'm here to do more research, ask some questions, and then if I do go the CBX route, to document my build and my experiences.

Thanks very much,
Phil in Toronto.