Triumphrat

R100Pilot

Over on the Speed Triple forum, I talk about taking a 1098 for a spin at a local bike night last night. The guy who owns it is The Redhead's coworker. What I didn't mention is that I wasn't the only one who got to give it a spin. There were a couple of very fine looking young women there. One showed up on a CBR600 and another on a ZX6. Like everyone else, they were drawn to the duck and got to talkin' with the owner.

Next thing you know, he offers to let 'em ride it. I'm thinkin' this is nuts, but hey, they're both tall, about 5'10 and 6', lithe and lean, one blonde, one brunette, if that's how he operates, who's to deny him? Both of 'em took it out and returned it safely. Good thing, because while they had helmets and gloves on, both were in li'l midriff-baring tank tops, and while I certainly can't endorse such a gross violation of the ATGATT principle, I wasn't complaining either.

Here's the thing, though... hot chicks or not, he just met 'em. He doesn't know 'em from Adam (or in this case, Eve I guess) and doesn't know how well they ride. He doesn't know me either, but he knows The Redhead and had heard plenty about me. But to hand over the keys to a $20K Ducati to total strangers?

Seems a bit... odd. I guess he's got good insurance.

Now, I don't mind letting someone I know ride one of my bikes. But I've never let anyone ride one unless I've seen them ride their own first. I learned this lesson the hard way many, many years ago when a good friend of mine was up for a visit. He'd ridden scooters and wanted to try the GPz550. I decided to let him try it in a local parking lot and wouldn't ya know it, he finds a way to total the bike and get himself an ambulance ride too. Since then, I've never let anyone ride one of my beasties wtihout having seen with my own eyes that they could handle it.

Not that I'm complaining. It ain't every day you get a chance to ride a 1098.

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"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me."
— HST

doodledog

God no, I would not let anyone ride my bike not even family or riders I have known for years, its not nothing personal, just S**T happens and I wont let it to my bike, you know if I drop her bad, if the wife dropped her, possible divorce.

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I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any
time'. I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance

http://stickerchick.com/images/AD455-th.jpg

Whisperinsmith

I'm with you on this one. No way. No touchy my bike! (Ehhmm, how good looking did you say they were?)

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Life. Fill 'er up. It's all we got.

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Bennington, VT May 31, June 01 2008

doodledog

Of course on the back!!!

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I went to a restaurant that serves 'breakfast at any
time'. I ordered French Toast during the Renaissance

http://stickerchick.com/images/AD455-th.jpg

LoVel

I have to agree with the no ways on this one. I don't care what they look like. I don't even let anyone but my daughter sit on it and of course she can do what ever she wants. She's still too young to ride.

[ This message was edited by: LoVel on 2007-05-17 14:30 ]

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I'm an individual, just like everyone else.

Previously owned 2006 Sprint, 2007 VFR.

Wombat

Other than the mechanic at the dealer and myself, there has only ever been one other person that has ever ridden my TBS.
Admittedly this person (Steve Hari) was a complete stranger to me, but he is a good mate of a good mate of mine and he is a professional motorcycle racer and holds the Australian record for racing pre-war bikes.
He races a 1924 Indian 8 valve.
I figured that he knew how to handle a bike.


[ This message was edited by: Wombat on 2007-05-17 14:55 ]

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Bob

Click to see My Photo Album

Age is of no importance, unless you are a cheese.

Nochicanes

sure, but only if they have an Enzo and I get the keys and a full tank...

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I'm old enough to know the score
Young enough to want more, more, more

omaz

I know of two fellows whom I'd trust but neither of them has asked and I haven't offered.

bakwheeltango

yeah same. I was fine with it when I owned a kawasaki....

but now...
its like letting someone sleep with your girlfriend.

not happening.

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jimballard

Makes me think of an ad in the local "Want Advertiser" magazine a few years ago for a, then, almost new bike..."For sale: 2004 (?) whatever, 325 miles; let younger brother take it for a ride...you can buy what's left for $500 (or thereabouts)!!

As mom always said: "Never a borrower or lender be": Jim

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Jim Ballard

The older I get, the faster I was....until lately!! (Speed IS the fountain of youth)!