Triumphrat

bigred900 · 09-14-2009, 03:26 PM

Just a little anecdote for you all.

Today I went to pick up a bike for a friend who is about to take his test. I got the train to the vendors place of work and took possession of a black 2006 Suzuki Marauder 125cc! I then proceeded to ride the 65 miles home along sweeping A roads from Worthing into SW London.

And I tell you I had an absolute BLAST!! The bike topped out at 65mph downhill, accelerated like it was tied to a tree and jangled my bones on every road irregularity.

BUT.. it was all about the ride. Not the speed or acceleration. Not about cubic capacity or horsepower or sticky rubber. Simply about being on two wheels, tuning in with the mechanics of the bike and feeling when the engine is ready to gear (no tach).

It made me remember why I got onto a bike in the first place.

I love my Tiger, and I was glad to get on it to pop to the shops this evening, but it took that little 125 to remind me why I love it.

I would highly recommend getting back to basics once in a while. And I hope my friend appreciates his new ride like I did.

Wayne

Tiger-G · 09-14-2009, 04:41 PM

Wayne,

I have to ride 125's when I'm instructing and it makes me feel so vulnerable ! You can't accelerate out of trouble, the brakes are shocking and other drivers don't see you. But I understand that "back to basics" feeling.

I only feel safe once I'm back on my Tiger

iansoady · 09-15-2009, 06:48 AM

I feel much the same when I get on the Velo - over 50 years old but still raises a grin as soon as I meet the first bend. Very involving ride.

Pickaxe · 09-15-2009, 07:35 AM

I had my first bike in 1974, a purple Yamaha FS1E 49cc moped.

It still remains one of my fondest memories and started the addiction.

tigg-ted · 09-15-2009, 08:07 AM

Know what you mean, it was a BSA Bantam for me and the local farm tracks. And years before I would be legal. After the harvest was best big fields of stubble for Speedway. At that time no one bothered, health and safety

was yet to be invented, and all the Kids joined in

(everyone seemed to have access to a bike). And Plod was to busy with real work!

Happy Days, wouldn't mind that now!

bigred900 · 09-15-2009, 02:09 PM

Then i propose a toast, lets raise a glass to remembering why we love to be on our bikes.

Cheers all

:

Tiger-G · 09-15-2009, 04:36 PM

Here, Here

:

Pickaxe's post takes me back to my first bike. After getting hooked on a Honda 50 stepthrough on the school field aged 15, I bought myself a Yamaha DT50 when I reached 16.

No CBT's or training in those days, it was just a case of go out yourself and learn. I thought it was a rocket in second gear !!

Looking back now at those first 6 months, no road sense, no riding skills, no perception of danger, etc. How did we make it through the first couple of years ??

Freedom and independance - Happy days

And now my 8 year old boy has his own Yamaha PW80 and can ride it like a demon - no fear !!

winger · 09-15-2009, 05:20 PM

Interesting post,i bought an XT660X the end of last year,anything over 70 your hanging on for grim death,but is it fun to ride,it's absolutely bonkers.

Jonny955 · 09-16-2009, 06:15 AM

I know what you mean - I have a nice MZ SM125 Supermoto which has a superb DOHC engine and very good brakes (massive disk on front and wide tyres). It feels a bit more grown-up than your average learner sled.

It's just about the same fun on a windy road and it's a real joy trying to hold on to every last drop of speed. Despite having road rubber it's way better off-road than my Tiger but that's all about weight.

Hmmm...I'll keep both, for now.

Jon