Simple question. You bought your first bike. Did all the research, narrowed down to some finalists, and you ultimately pulled the trigger, thinking you'd ride it until you leave this earth.

But then you got the bug again, made excuses for a "different riding experiences" so you ended up getting a 2nd bike to add to your now growing collection.

So what was that 2nd bike, and why? Initially bought a big bike and wanted something smaller? Soured on your first bike? Decided to upgrade?

Curious what people chose for a 2nd bike with one already in the garage.

As for for me, love my road glide ultra. But I ride it as a daily commuter in a big city and I really think I need something smaller and more nimble. Also wouldn't mind more "punch". So keeping the road glide for my longer trips, 2 up, and such. Currently contemplating FTR 1200, BMW rNine T and someone on the forums suggested I look at the Fat Bob.

So let's hear about your 2nd bike and the reasons. Just curious.

 

She said I gotta get a truck for winter....
Told her today its gonna be a bike with heated grips!

I really wanna get a supermoto to ride to work on the tracks.

Sorce

 

My first "bike" was a mini bike frame that I rescued from a scrap pile. The engine from a rototiller from a different scrap pile.
My second bike was a 125cc off-road bike that I made street legal (even though I wasn't old enough to drive).
3rd bike was a CB750 I bought off a friend's dad. He didn't ride it much and it had sat in his garage for several years.
I never did a bunch of research before buying any bike. I just observe the bikes I see around and when I see a good deal on what I want I buy it.

 

everyone should have two bikes in case the first one will not start.

 

First bike was a 1980's Honda CX500. Bought as a complete bike, but needed lots of work, as it hadnt been ridden in YEARS, and needed the cam chain tensioners redone (and y'all thought that was a newer Harley thing...). Second bike was a complete BASKETCASE Honda GL500 Silverwing (variant of the CX500) that I got for supercheap initially as spares. Turned out I decided to rebuild it as there is NOTHING to do in Northern Nevada. Sold the CX to a buddy (who never rode it......). Third bike was a basketcase 1985 Honda GL1200 Goldwing (with fuel injection) that I bought with the settlement check when I got ***-ended on the GL500 (that I also rebuilt and sold on.....). Suffice it to say I have a history of buying shitty Hondas, fixing them and flipping them.

 

My first “street” bike was a Kawasaki 175, my second was a Kawasaki 500 triple. Why? It was fast, and dangerous, and taught me all about a high speed wobble on the NW tollway��. It was 1976 after all��

 

First motorcycle I owned (not rode) was a 400 cc Honda Hawk. Great starter motorcycle. I even occasionally rode it on the interstate but back then all roads had a maximum 55 mph speed limit. Rode the hell out of it, including to Canada and Mexico. Many years later I wanted something with more power and more ride comfort, and the national 55 mph speed limit was going away. I found a 650 Kawasaki 4 cylinder with low miles. I put a frame mounted fairing on it and a touring seat, and could keep up with any traffic. It was a great motorcycle also.

 

My “second” bike was a Triumph Speedmaster. No windshield, no luggage, lightweight, no passenger. Perfect for a quick trip around town.
Then I got my “third” bike, a Triumph Thunderbird Sport. Very quick, very uncommon, IMO a classic.
But I don’t really consider any of them first, second or third bikes. I enjoy all of my bikes, and my favorite is the one that I’m riding at the moment.

 

My first bike was a Schwinn Stingray with a banana seat. My second bike was a ten-speed Huffy.

 

Okay, I think I understand your question.

I had 'one' road bike from 1976 until 2009 but that was actually 5 different machines. I kept one in the garage. In 2004 I bought a 1999 Ultra and commuted with it through the city in all types of weather. In 2009 I got tired of dropping it in the rain in oil slicks and other bad things like pot holes and such but loved the country rides on it. So I bought a BMW R1200GS. Hated the GS and sold it 2 years later and bought a BMW K1200GT. 8 years later I still have the GT although I do have a new Limited now.

So why the second bike? I 'wanted' more suspension and ABS.

I hope this helps.