Tuesday, May 29, 2012

All is in flux, nothing stands still

A Beginning with an End: 
Back in 2009 when I picked up riding I made the mistake to try and coax my better half into motorcycle riding. My Honda Hawk looked like a pocket bike on him. Roland gives the term 'knee dragging' a brand new meaning.
Bigger is better, I thought and got a 2006 Honda Silverwing for him. Didn't he look smashing on the bike? But Roland wasn't happy with it. He called it a heavy monster, and when he dropped it once in a slow speed turn maneuver he parked it, and went away. That was it... or not?

A Beginning - Redux:
Two years after what we call 'the scooter fiasco' the spousal unit fell in love with this svelte Italian beauty, and took her home without further ado. I was not unhappy with his choice. As a matter of fact we got a worthy companion for Bella, the Vespa GTS250.

Evolution:
It was all him, combing ads, and contacting sellers. I didn't have any part in it, and I didn't bring a helmet for the test ride. If hubby wants an upgrade he will need to figure it out by himself this time. Just picture me waiting, arms folded, and not commenting (it was tough for me but I managed.)
The test ride on the 2006 Piaggio BV500 left him disappointed. The single cylinder vibrations were annoying and the scooter's condition was rather poor, especially given the asking price.
Then Roland eyed a 2009 Yamaha TMAX. The engine sound was quite throaty, and a short ride around the block convinced him that the scooter is well balanced and easy to handle. The bike is barely broken in, in very good shape, and fairly priced. The spousal unit came back with that mystical smile that only befalls riders once they discover a bike they could come to like.

There is also a Suzuki Burgman 400 out there that needs to be checked out.

To be continued... 

And before you ask: Bella is safe. There are no plans trading her in for a bigger bike. She is going to stay in the family.
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13 comments:

  1. Does spousal unit have enough leg room on a t-max?

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    1. Surprisingly the ergonomics work out for him. The handlebars could be a bit higher for a more upright position though.

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  2. He looks pretty good on the Yamaha but it is about the same size and weight as a motorcycle. The only differences is CVT, small wheels and step through design. What is the most attractive feature of a large displacement scooter?

    "Just picture me waiting, arms folded, and not commenting"
    I've seen that posture before, I think in a mirror...

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    1. Roland doesn't do motorcycles. He finds the principles of manual gear shifting on a bike archaic, and doesn't like it. And as a new rider he likes his focus on the road, not on the bike.

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  3. I sense a forthcoming need for more speed and parking space!

    dom


    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

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    1. We have a fairly big parking spot. With a bit of wiggling we can fit up to five two wheelers in it...

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  4. Sweet! Roland is wanting to upgrade. He is a tall drink of wanter so I can see how the Honda was too small for him.

    I like the looks of the Yamaha. I wonder if he'd like a Piaggio MP3. Chuck in Seattle really likes his. I haven't ever test ridden one but they look like fun.

    I hear the motorcycles with the auto transmissions are becoming more popular too. But me thinks they'd be a lot money moolah than a scooter.

    Can't wait to see the rest of his journey and what he ultimately chooses.

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    1. He had a quick spin on an MP3 last year, but back then he found it felt too big and bulky. Maybe we give it another try this year. We also looked at the Honda DN-01 which has the perfect ergonomics for him but this thing is very top heavy and maneuvers like a cruise ship. Also, there are almost no aftermarket farkles for luggage etc available.

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  5. Considering the circumstances, I'll do my best to keep my covetous eyes off of Bella!

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    1. Sorry, buddy. No chance.

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  6. I'm 6 foot even and I ride a 07 Burgman. It's got more than enough power to haul my 200+ butt. Funny thing is that I almost bought a T-max when I started looking for upgrades, it handles more like a sport motorbike I think The Burgman is more of a cruiser...and more comfy too.

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  7. Sonya,
    It is interesting to watch his process. I, too, am not in love with shifting, but it does limit ones choices for sure. The one thing that is constant is you've got to love your ride. It can't be the one you "should get". It's got to be the one that calls you. Good luck to Roland. It sounds like he has good ears.
    ~k

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  8. Woohoo!! The stable is growing! Such fun to shop and play. Hope spousal unit has fun and finds something he enjoys.

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