Saturday, June 25, 2011

My first Love

My recent excursion to the world of sport touring ended in disappointment. The ergonomics didn't agree with me. The bike was an example of technical perfection, but like all Beemer models it lacked of soul.

Aimlessly I strayed around and had a look at Yamaha, Honda and Kawa cruisers, because they are dirt cheap. I even paid Harley Davidson a visit. All models I tested are equipped with belt-drive, and come with ABS, yes even the HD model (some whatchamacallit Rod).
 Me, with limited enthusiasm
not the Rod but some other Low-Fat-Bob-Glide

Having ridden naked or dual-sport bikes and scooters for the better part of my two-wheeled life, I cannot seem to find the cruising position comfortable, and I am convinced that any low speed maneuver would likely end in a disaster.

Once again was my hubby who brought me back on track. He asked: Well, high-tech aside, what is the style you love the most? What is the brand that always makes you smile?
Take a guess!

Just look at my face as I mount a Triumph Bonneville! A motorcycle that talks to me. It is pure, simple and a classic, and as special feature: it comes with a soul.
And my better half says: Imagine adding a windshield and heated grips to make bad weather bearable, a luggage rack for traveling, and some engine guards for the unlikely event of dropping the bike, and you are all set. And yes, it doesn't come with ABS, so you will make sure to ride it carefully.

OK, now I am going to book a test-ride, to figure it out.
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11 comments:

  1. Oh Sonja, the devil is whispering in your ear!!!

    When I bought mine, he made me say, "I want it, I want it right NOW".

    Roland is right, for all the looking at technical specs, it's what your heart says that makes you love a bike.

    Very much looking forward to the next post :-)

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  2. I love the look for the Triumph. A few weeks back there was one parked by my scooter and I was admiring it when the owner came up and he started chatting to me about his new bike. I loves it. I think I would consider one, pretty bike.

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  3. I really like the classic looks of the Triumph, but I'll stick to airheads for solo motorcycing...the devil you know, right? So, when are you buying it?

    As to Brigitta, she does have a soul, and a patient one, to put up with me and my mechanical skills.

    dom


    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

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  4. @Geoff: Always the wispering... and never content with what you have. I always loved the Bonneville, that's why one of my first bikes - the SR500 - was a close lookalike.
    @Dar: The good thing is, the Bonnie still comes with an affordable price tag.
    @Charlie6: The test ride might decide the purchase, the CFO already gave the green light. As for the soul, that's what you get with older bikes, and airheads are special characters.

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  5. Sonja

    the Bonny fits you perfectly!

    N

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  6. Like Nikos said, you look like the Bonnie was made for you (or vice versa). Always had a soft spot for those.
    As for cruisers I was like you enjoying the more traditional seating position and sportier style, but age and back issues caught up with me and now I find the cruiser positioning much more comfortable. Chacun à son goût.

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  7. That Bonneville is a beautiful bike. I'm jealous.

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  8. @Nikos: Yeah, that's what I am afraid of...
    @Canajun: Same here, I also have a soft spot for this bike. I guess I just lack cruiser riding experience, and cannot imagine doing quick turns on one of those...
    @Todd R. Tystad: Thanks for stopping by. It is certainly a looker.

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  9. Sonja.....you are women after my own heart. You hit the nail on the head, a bike has to have soul! that is why I love mine. Looking forward to hearing where you are going with this.

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  10. My first bike & love was my 69 Bonny. You look great on the Harley but it's all about our own choices and which ride is best suited for each individual rider! Go girl! Following your blog :)

    Pat

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  11. I agree with your husband, always go with what makes your heart sing... if you talk yourself into something, you will never completely love it. I think two bikes is a great idea... I am wishing for a second bike too!
    It's funny as I read this, I learned on a cruiser, so that laid back seating is what I know. I do sit up straight when I need to do anything at super low speeds. You would not end up in a disaster, you simply adjust so that you can control the bike at all times, it becomes second nature. :)
    Looking forward to your final choice!

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