Well, about a year ago I just about quit riding altogether. I didn't know if I wanted to ride ANYTHING EVER again. But, I do have to break in some rental Harley's each spring and working for a large Multi-Line, Multi-Store Motorcycle Dealership I end up riding damn near everything that catches my eye at one point or another, (Bikini Models Excluded... Damnit).
So anyway, I decided about 4 months ago that what I really probably needed to do was find a bike that was COMFORTABLE... It's not that I don't love riding, I am just tired of being uncomfortable. I had to admit to myself that after 4 years I simply was Never Comfortable on the Busa. I hadn't ever really considered this an issue until I rode a couple of big comfy Harley's and it hit me. I knew why I wasn't riding and it really did come down to the old Seat, bar, peg relationship. I've tried Heli-Bars, Tobin, Corbin, and in the end I still end up uncomfortable after a little while and unless I am neck deep in twisties I just want to get off.
So easy enough right? Oh NO NO NO, Dear reader how little you know about me. I get emotionally attached, the Busa is an amazing bike, and as benchmarks go, the Busa is a real mother. Also, I want something different, I'm tired of riding Japanese Bikes that I see on every corner so I have been trying to find something unusual. Not to mention I want a smaller, more fun, More Comfortable, More nimble and lightweight, entertaining, Good Looking or interesting, Less Crazy, put the Giggling back into the ride, and capable of the Occasional two up weekend trip.
Not So Easy...
Let me break down the list for you, I've ridden for either a few minutes or a couple of days the following:
2007 Aprilia Tuono
2005 BMW R1150 Rockster
2007 BMW F800ST
2007 BMW R1200R
2007 Buell Ulysses
2007 H-D Softail custom
2008 H-D FatBob
2005 Honda ST1300
2006 Honda Interceptor
2007 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
2007 Triumph Tiger 1050
2007 Triumph Speed Triple
I've sat on just about everything else...
2007 BMW GS1200
2006 BMW K1200R
2007 BMW GS650
2007 Kawasaki Concours
2007 Moto-Guzzi Breva (Still looking for a Griso)
2007 Suzuki M109R
So far the Standouts have been the V-Strom 1000, the Moto Guzzi Griso, and the BMW R1150 Rockster and R1200R.
But the smart Money says buy a Brand that we carry, I'll get the machine for $500 over cost and everything else parts, accessories, gear at Cost...
But that means Harley, Triumph, or one of the big Four Japanese brands...
I rode the ST1300 and it's cool, it's a tank, but it's a comfy tank...
The V-Strom is cool, TLR Motor, Comfy, Lots of accessories, simple and inexpensive...
Part of me really wants the VFR with some bar risers... Who Knows.
But I am loving the looks of the Griso...
Any thoughts, Input, ideas?
So anyway, I decided about 4 months ago that what I really probably needed to do was find a bike that was COMFORTABLE... It's not that I don't love riding, I am just tired of being uncomfortable. I had to admit to myself that after 4 years I simply was Never Comfortable on the Busa. I hadn't ever really considered this an issue until I rode a couple of big comfy Harley's and it hit me. I knew why I wasn't riding and it really did come down to the old Seat, bar, peg relationship. I've tried Heli-Bars, Tobin, Corbin, and in the end I still end up uncomfortable after a little while and unless I am neck deep in twisties I just want to get off.
So easy enough right? Oh NO NO NO, Dear reader how little you know about me. I get emotionally attached, the Busa is an amazing bike, and as benchmarks go, the Busa is a real mother. Also, I want something different, I'm tired of riding Japanese Bikes that I see on every corner so I have been trying to find something unusual. Not to mention I want a smaller, more fun, More Comfortable, More nimble and lightweight, entertaining, Good Looking or interesting, Less Crazy, put the Giggling back into the ride, and capable of the Occasional two up weekend trip.
Not So Easy...
Let me break down the list for you, I've ridden for either a few minutes or a couple of days the following:
2007 Aprilia Tuono
2005 BMW R1150 Rockster
2007 BMW F800ST
2007 BMW R1200R
2007 Buell Ulysses
2007 H-D Softail custom
2008 H-D FatBob
2005 Honda ST1300
2006 Honda Interceptor
2007 Suzuki V-Strom 1000
2007 Triumph Tiger 1050
2007 Triumph Speed Triple
I've sat on just about everything else...
2007 BMW GS1200
2006 BMW K1200R
2007 BMW GS650
2007 Kawasaki Concours
2007 Moto-Guzzi Breva (Still looking for a Griso)
2007 Suzuki M109R
So far the Standouts have been the V-Strom 1000, the Moto Guzzi Griso, and the BMW R1150 Rockster and R1200R.
But the smart Money says buy a Brand that we carry, I'll get the machine for $500 over cost and everything else parts, accessories, gear at Cost...
But that means Harley, Triumph, or one of the big Four Japanese brands...
The V-Strom is cool, TLR Motor, Comfy, Lots of accessories, simple and inexpensive...
Part of me really wants the VFR with some bar risers... Who Knows.
But I am loving the looks of the Griso...
Any thoughts, Input, ideas?