Do you own/like orphans?

[ilikefood]

I have one VFR700

That was my 2nd bike - ‘86 VFR 700! I got it used and later gave it to a friend (who earlier gave me my first bike, a ‘85 CB650S).

 

[rsrider]

They were. Too bad the fuel line connectors under the tank were made of stale cheese. At least on my ‘99 Daytona.

Triumph replaced those, under warranty, with steel ones. Any problem that I've had with that bike was dealt with under warranty. The rectifier, the clutch cable routing, and the fuel line connectors, were all handled through a dealer or local shop, with Triumph paying for all parts and labor. And I've never had any other problem with it other than the clutch cover gasket failing, which was an easy fix for me.

 

[NoneMoreBlack]

We have two in our garage, his and hers. Best guess has the total imported to the US around 1000, one model year only.

Here's a nice write up.

 

[Eric B]

We have two in our garage, his and hers. Best guess has the total imported to the US around 1000, one model year only.

Here's a nice write up.

Good read. Fun bike. I still have one. Favorite bike.

 

[sasquatch]

My Aprilia Futura.
~5 year run
Expensive at $12,999 when new in 2001
The reason I bought it was "places its major emphasis on the “sport” half of its sport-touring mission"
Mille with a comfortable seat and hard bags.

 

[OaklandF4i]

What makes a bike an orphan?
I have a few bikes that are like Herpes....Honda Herpes the XR650L and CR250. No matter how hard you scrub that shit, it just keeps coming back the same as before.

My TLR200 trail, play, dual, trials bike........ It really isnt very good at anything but is a hoot and doesnt leave me with a recurring rash.

 

[Schnellbandit]

Someone asked what makes a bike an orphan?

IMO, a bike that the manufacturer no longer supports, if they ever did, spare parts are unobtanium and everyone else who admits to owning one lives on another continent or so they claim.

Kidding about the last part.

Two of my favoites was were a Yamaha XS500 twin and a Yamaha Vision, '83 model. The Kawasaki KZ750 twin was close.

 

[ilikefood]

Triumph replaced those, under warranty, with steel ones. Any problem that I've had with that bike was dealt with under warranty. The rectifier, the clutch cable routing, and the fuel line connectors, were all handled through a dealer or local shop, with Triumph paying for all parts and labor. And I've never had any other problem with it other than the clutch cover gasket failing, which was an easy fix for me.

In my case, I bought the bike used and a few years out of warranty. I really liked it though, and still have some regrets about selling it. It was a great looking bike, and reasonably comfortable once I replaced clip-ons with a handlebar.

 

[rsrider]

In my case, I bought the bike used and a few years out of warranty. I really liked it though, and still have some regrets about selling it. It was a great looking bike, and reasonably comfortable once I replaced clip-ons with a handlebar.

That was part of a recall, I'm pretty sure, because my bike was at least 5 years old by then, and were replaced by an independent shop at Triumphs expense. Your dealer dropped the ball, or the recall may have been after you sold your bike. But.......the Daytona was a sweet looking bike. I have a set of risers on my RS.

 

[TheRobSJ]

I just sold a whole bunch of orphans/red headed stepchildren/or whatever you call oddball bikes. The one that fit the bill the most was the Triumph Trophy SE. dealers have 2+ year old ones still new that they can’t get rid of. I took so much of a loss on getting rid of that one I don’t think I’ll ever come to grips with just how shitty that deal was.

 

[ob1ventura]

Does the Daytona 1200 count ?

 

[senpai71]

Triumph Sprint RS. Loved by their owners, completely ignored by everyone else. I think I saw 2 others in the whole time they sold them (1999-2004), and I haven't seen another in years. I bought mine new in 2001, and still have it. It shows it's age in the nicks and bruises it carries. It is somewhat porky, but the 955i triple is bullet proof, the brakes are up to the task (after replacing the og pads), the handling is pretty effortless, it's comfortable enough to ride all day, will take a pillion along with full set of luggage, and gives 45 mpg no matter how you ride it.

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/triumph/sprint-rs/1999/

I miss my 2001 Triumph Sprint ST. Slightly different bike, same motor. Just fantastic to ride. But the riding position eventually didn't work any more with my messed-up back....

The orphan issue was trying to get parts for an early-2000's British bike - when someone smashed my ignition trying to steal it, it took several weeks to get a new ignition cylinder, and I was told that it was unlikely I would ever be able to get another matching one, since, like everything else on the bike, they just don't have the parts any more.

 

[rsrider]

I miss my 2001 Triumph Sprint ST. Slightly different bike, same motor. Just fantastic to ride. But the riding position eventually didn't work any more with my messed-up back....

The orphan issue was trying to get parts for an early-2000's British bike - when someone smashed my ignition trying to steal it, it took several weeks to get a new ignition cylinder, and I was told that it was unlikely I would ever be able to get another matching one, since, like everything else on the bike, they just don't have the parts any more.

When a deer slammed into me I had to wait quite a bit for the front fender and rear set bracket. I just left the brake pedal bent and epoxy resin'd the front body plastic. They wanted fat $$$$ for that piece and the other two parts were already pricey. Luckily I had another MC to ride. I know that there are still some parts for the motor to be had, but the body work would be a problem, soooooooo hope I don't hit another deer yeah.

 

[originalsturge]

the other orphan/redheaded stepchild i like for some reason is the suzuki rf600/900 for some reason. guess its my mid 90s nostalgia that im into for some reason.

 

[rsrider]

the other orphan/redheaded stepchild i like for some reason is the suzuki rf600/900 for some reason. guess its my mid 90s nostalgia that im into for some reason.

It's those fins. Just admit you like the fins. No shame, even Ferrari had those things.

 

[originalsturge]

It's those fins. Just admit you like the fins. No shame, even Ferrari had those things.

i think that may be it. never liked them on cars but they did look good on those bikes. at least to me anyways.

 

[originalsturge]

It's those fins. Just admit you like the fins. No shame, even Ferrari had those things.

i think that may be it. never liked them on cars but they did look good on those bikes. at least to me anyways. but then i ride an rc8 so what do i know about "style"?

 

[Morphine]

I've been off riding for 3 or 4 years now. My bikes have been sitting in the garage. Only last week that I tried to started the GSXR. IT STARTED! I was in shocked. The Ninja 500 needs to some fixing with the leaking fuel line. But I'm ordering new battery to get the GSXR street worthy again. I just wanna get rid of the Ninja now to make room in the clustered garage.

Does anyone wanna take a Ninja 500 for spare parts?

 

[Moike]

The thing my '98 Guzzi V10 Centauro seems to do best is look weird and leak oil on the floor of my shop.