posted July 31, 2007 04:41 AM
Rediscovering M/C riding With the release of the C14 ( why won't anyone call it a Concours14?) a number of current riders are becoming enthusiastic about riding again.
A rebirth of riding if you may.
They are discovering that the motorcycle magazines have not been totally correct for the last 10 years or so. The rags have stressed performance, monkey humping the football, go fast as you can motorcycles.
BUT, owner/riders of hyper bikes are finding out they were missing something with their latest greatest go fast sumbiatch bike. What are they finding? Enjoyment is not all about performance first, its also about the ride.
I hate to say it but the Hardley masses have known about this element of riding for years, its the ride that counts.
What is more fun: Get on your m/c and leave home for Laguna by yourself and see just how fast you can get there, or meet up with your friends, ride to Laguna stopping and enjoying the scenery, friendship and discussion of the ride with the group?
Its a no brainer for me, and as another member here has stated more than once, slow down and smell the roses.
If you don't have the monetary resources to go out and buy a new Sport Tour style bike, shop the used market.
There are great used bikes out there, and they all will make the trip more enjoyable for those rides when the object isn't going as fast as you can.( you do have a track only bike for that don't you?).
____________
"It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses......HIT IT!"
Blues Bros.
posted July 31, 2007 08:24 AM
Ozzy, I am one of those people. I have always loved to ride a bike, but my choices have limited me to where I go. I truly love the pure sport bike, wheelies, power, blackies, ripping up corners, and the sheer speed. But that is only what they are good for, you barely have enough storage tor the registration, much less a clear shield, god forbid you want to say out after dark. And lets face it a sport bike is not much fun if it isn't at full tilt, much less droning down the freeway. Not to mention riding double really sucks, and the passenger has to be out of their mind to get on the back of one of my ZX10.
But there is a reason I haven't bought a "sport tourer" and that is none have been of any interest to me. Underpowered, ill-handling, shaft lift and squat, etc.
Bring in the C14 (I don't want to type in Concours 14 all the time) Motor based on the ZX14(who can't love that), a shaft that acts like a chain, good looks, high tech, and handling that rivals many sport bikes. Now we are talking.
Finally a bike that lets me enjoy motorcycling again, the open road, leisurely back roads, tearing up a back road, a passenger, droning, and just saying to friends, Lets go to ______ and have lunch.
The C14 brought it all back to me. And I couldn't be happier. Now if I can just get this damn thing to wheelie at this altitude.
Nicely written Ted. You almost have me at the dealer for one.................. ( I want an S model 1098 like swft is getting ) He really inspired me about not bowing down to a touring bike because of ( for me anyway ) age and being out of shape. I have really been hitting it the last week or so and I feel MUCH better. I have lost 10 lbs so far in just a short time. I am 6' 1" and 198 now. I like your reasons for loving the bike.........don't think I can afford both new bikes with the one's I aready have though. My wife is a life long motorcyclist and has never said anything to me about the excess 2 wheelers....................but she might if I try for both................. ____________
I'd Rather Be Roadracing.
posted July 31, 2007 06:13 PM
Edited By: TedG on 31 Jul 2007 20:57
Warbird, congrats on the weight loss. I see your dilemma and I wouldn't want you to not get what you want. I wasn't all that hot to get the C14, and had a day or two of remorse, but that went away the first time I rode it down a twisty road and had FUN. Then I really realized how much of motorcycling I had been missing. I am getting ready right now to take a short ride as it cools down in the evening. Oh don't worry, I will get it to wheelie.
____________
Ted
2000 Green ZX12 sold
The fast color!!
Green 2005 ZX10R
2009 Concours Black ABS
posted July 31, 2007 06:33 PM
Heh heh.................have fun Ted. I have several "sport bikes".....and I am really hearing what you and Ozzy are saying. Makes real sense to me................... ____________
I'd Rather Be Roadracing.
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posted July 31, 2007 04:41 AM
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