pat loughery

Here’s the ultimate, reasonably practical, garageful of motorcycles, in case you need to know for a pop quiz or something:

(Note, the “I just hit the Powerball lottery and want to buy Pat something” list is more exotic and impractical; list available upon request).

1. BMW R1200GS – for hopping on and riding to Tierra del Fuego, or to the Arctic Circle. Yes, it needs work and accessories before that happens, but all these bikes need some TLC to make them mine. One day I’d like to ride to Nicaragua. If that happens, it’ll be on a KLR650 or R11?0GS unless by that point I can afford an R1200GS.

2. Honda Goldwing 1800. I like riding long distances. This is the best fit for my body. I’m pretty seriously thinking of selling my ST1300A and looking at used GL1800As. Yes, I realize that makes me an old man. Yes, I’m suffering some level of angst as a result. Yes, I suspect I’ll do it anyway.

This is my choice of bike for rallying and on which to eventually ride the Iron Butt Rally.

3. For style, an American chopper. Like one of these (top to bottom: Big Mike’s Choppers’ ; Denver’s Choppers custom; Harley Softail standard). Must be softail or rigid framed, spoke wheels and with ape hangers as high as my shoulders.

4. For weekend canyon carving on twisty two lane roads, the prettiest sportbike ever made, a Ducati 900 Superlight. This one lives in my garage now.

That’s my list. For today, anyway. Next time I am avoiding sermon prep for an hour I’ll put together the exotic list.