With hubby away on a business trip I took the opportunity to continue my quest for a naked road bike. I always fancied the cafe racer style, so a Guzzi V7 Classic would be a natural choice. The bike does come with a shaft drive, and is still fairly lightweight. All in all quite the charmer.
All the right reasons point towards the BMW F800R, it has all the stuff I want, but reasoning and motorcycling never seem to go that well together (and
let's not getting into a discussion about how dangerous is it is
anyway... etc.). I like the bike, really... just not enough to make a purchase.
Now we're talking! The
downtown dealership offered me a test ride on a Street Triple R. He didn't have to ask me twice. I took it out for a spin, and I was in heaven (or close to it). I rode slow speed maneuvers and tight corners, experimented with the brakes (good stuff!), and took it on the highway.
The inner hooligan was wide awake and wanted more. Yep, still my favourite bike!
But on the fence with an actual purchase, I found myself looking for something different, the naked, streetfighter-wannabe-style two-wheeler, with a reasonable price tag for a change. A rebuilt 2004 SV650 in flat black, refurbished, new tires, new brakes, re-approved and better than new (or so the workshop manager said) came to my attention.
Honestly, the bike is far away from pretty, but it strikes a chord. Talk about nimble and lightweight, and the perfect seating position. I can even see myself stunting on this bike (and hope that my spousal unit never reads this...). Throw on some heated grips, a windshield and a power plug, and I get myself an awesome touring bike (proven by
Chris on his epic ride). And reasoning must have just left the building...
Speaking of touring, meanwhile my Sporty has been to the dealership for its 8,000 km regular maintenance. I arrived at 9am to drop it off and went for a frugal breakfast at Starbucks, knowing that the bike would be ready around noon.
There is always something going on at the dealership. This time it was a gathering of the local Harley Davidson chapter.
With lots of time at hand, I also checked out the the nearby Kawayamasuzu dealer, where I often shop for gear. However, although their offerings are plenty and well priced, I found nothing screaming at me to take it home. I got bored and walked back to the Harley store. Bad idea. Suddenly I had highway pegs in my hand, cash changed hands, and got the shop to mount them.
As usual the dealership lived up to their promises. At noon I saw the Sporty taken out for a quick road check.
Before handing it over to the satisfied client the bike gets a good clean-up, better than I could (or would) ever do it.
I got back Rover in showroom condition, and was very pleased with the overall customer service and attention, as well as with the fit of the new highway pegs.
With the confidence that my little cruiser is now in ship-shape for our summer trip, I hit the road to test out the pegs, and all I have to ask myself... why didn't I come to think of it sooner?
What a nice and simple feature for increased comfort.
Good stuff!
The voice of reason is back: The Sportster will make the trip to Oregon. There's no doubt about it.
YOur such a tease..
ReplyDeleteAh, stop it ;-)
DeleteDamn that voice of reason. I can see how highway pegs are much more economical than a new bike. I am glad they are comfy.
ReplyDeleteI think the Steet Triple would give you about the same range on a tank on gas as Rover, about 100 miles until the light comes on. Or so a friend let me know that is about what she sees on hers.
The Striple suits you, or maybe it is the big smile it envokes.
Indeed I am completely in love with that Striple, it has the best ergo's of all the bikes that I have been on. I wonder what Thriumph's 2013 model might be like. I wouldn't mind if they ditch the bug lights.
DeleteYou should have been at Rudesheim yesterday for the Magic Bike H-D fest.....Anyway the beer was good!
ReplyDeleteNothing wrong with H-D. The dealership experience is the best I've ever had with all the different brands I have been riding.
Delete20,000 machines - blinded by the chrome and deafened by 40,000 exhaust pipes!!! Being in the dealership would have been less intense.
DeleteMy local BMW dealer in UK shares a corner of the H-D one but I still have to pay for my own coffee.
See, the H-D dealers take care of their own (uhm) clients.
DeleteWow that's great service, I'd fall over if I ever got my baby back washed from a service.
ReplyDeleteI like your new pegs they do look comfy.
I'm sure when the right bike comes along it will be the right time and just come together, altho as Brandy said you look right at home on the Street Triple!!
Hi Brenda, thanks for stopping by. I am amazed what a difference those pegs make. Stupid me that I haven't thought about this sooner.
DeleteI will know when time has come to invest in a brand new bike. For now the Sporty does just fine.
You have to be more careful with test rides I guess ... ;-) Same is true for me. Not going to take out a Street Triple R, Street Triple was bad enough.
ReplyDeleteYeah I know, my bad. But what could I do? I had the gear in the car, and the bike was sitting there tempting me.
DeleteWow, look at your smile on that triumph!!
ReplyDeleteRover does look good with highway pegs. They comfortable? I keep thinking of a pair for GS.
The pegs seem to be one of the best little investments I have made lately. What a relaxing riding position.
Deletehmmm....I will have to give it some thought. $149 for a pair...
DeleteSmall price, big improvement. Trust me.
Deletesurely on a GS you can use the cylinders?
DeleteSonja - all I can do on reading this post is laugh. I can't quite see the Devil lurking behind you whilst you're sitting on the Street Triple, but I know he's there :-)
ReplyDeleteI know you know.
Delete