A Thousand Splendid Miles

The bike: 2008 Harley Davidson XL883 Sportster, a.k.a. Rover
The mods: Fork mounted front indicators
The upgrades: Sundowner seat, quick-release sissy bar with back rest, detachable windshield
What else: Engine guards added at day of purchase

The verdict:
I wanted a reasonably priced newer two+ cylinder motorcycle, with more power, easy to handle, no chain-drive for a change, and I wanted a bike with a classic look. No doubt about it, I got it all in one package with the Harley Davidson Sportster.

As the smallest member of the HD family the Sporty looks like a small bike, but isn’t. I have never owned a bike bigger than 650cc, so a two cylinder 883cc engine feels like plenty of power to me!

The Sporty falls in the category very affordable, I basically swapped the 2008 model against my 2004 F650GS. Compared to other used bikes of three years or older it seems to keep its value pretty well.

The bike has a nice clean finish, and provides the classic look I was looking for in a two-wheeler. I find it nimble, and easy to maneuver, and well balanced at low speed. The 500 lbs give it a lot of stability in cross winds, and add to the rider’s confidence. It is a good feeling that one cannot be thrown that easily into the next ditch (a fear I always had with the F650GS).

The Sportster is an ideal bike for the vertically challenged of either gender.

The clutch is light and easy for small hands to handle, the gear shifting is precise, and the brakes work like a charm although there is no ABS.

My first encounter with the dealership had been an extraordinary positive experience, and needless to say that you can get a load of farkles for said two-wheeler.

Of course there are a aspects that are a bit of an annoyance:
The peanut tank is part of the signature design, however it will only give you a 150 to 180 km (max. 115 mpg) range.

I like the single seat but the stock seat is way too thin, and not made for longer travel comfort. On rough roads the stock shocks are a bit tough, and the bike has next to zero off road capabilities (but really... I don't want to go there anyway.)

Having said that, would I buy one again? Yes, but rather the Super Low with the bigger tank and the higher bars.

Will I stick with the brand? I have to admit that I am hooked right now… Should Triumph ever improve their dealer network and provide 24/7 roadside assistance in North America ask me again, I might falter.

Do I miss my Beemer? Not really. I got a much newer bike that serves all my needs for the same price. Two cylinders are better than one. And honestly, the F650GS is a functional bike, but doesn't do elegant or classic. What I miss are the heated grips, and being able to go 300km on a tank.

Maybe these days I am becoming a cruiser at heart, and not the long-way-round adventure rider, I thought I was. For now I am truly happy with my choice, and might farkle up Rover a bit before I move on to the next level.

On my wish list: Bigger tank, comfy single seat, luggage rack and luggage, better rear shocks, and pull-back handlebars.

Dog Days of Summer

(Thanks Charlie6 for the inspiring new title)

Now that summer with temperatures way beyond 30C (86F) has finally arrived I find myself declining offers to ride every so often because I simply feel uncomfortable traveling in full gear, and I don't want to risk my skin and bones by riding in less.

A group meet-up would usually gather somewhat between 9 and 10AM on Sundays, and the trip might take between three and five hours, so one will naturally be exposed to the hottest time of the day. Not my favourite, hence I didn't get to ride much except for the daily commute and the occasional evening getaway.

 Scootin' with hubby

My preferred summer time riding happens in the early hours. What seems to be a repeat agonizing procedure during workweek has never been an issue on a Sunday: I get up at dawn, and hit the road by sunrise.

By the time I reach my preferred byways the sun has already eaten away most of the fog. The roads are mine! The air is still crisp and fresh, unspoiled by the pollution likely to be caused by later cage traffic.

Not the slightest breeze moves the air, the waters are mirror-like, undisturbed by any rippling. I have been on these roads many times but the ever changing landscape and skies fascinate me anew.

Not long ago these peaks were still sporting their snow caps, but the last remainders have vanished during last few weeks of hot weather.

Somebody's home, and former business, when times were different. Some will see only decay, and today its only potential might be in tearing it down, because it might be beyond repairs.

There is not much available on the net but I found out that the store was built in the Roaring Twenties of the last century to provide groceries and general merchandise to its new residents likely to be working for Imperial Oil on the north shore of Burrard Inlet. It was also used as a local gathering place and community landmark back in the days.

The verandah is no longer usable for any kind of gathering, today it is a danger to the public, and the former view to the inlet is obstructed by overgrowth forest. As I am carefully moving around the steps and floorboards waver and creak, as if they were to give way any second now.

Vandalism had done their share on this piece of history, and the railing was partly kicked apart. I hope that it is not too late and not been given up already, and that it will see a new visionary owner one day that could bring this building back to life.

Back home at 10AM, just in time for breakfast with the spousal unit.

Kinonacht in Suter Brook

Definitiv nicht Kansas!