Triumphrat

rmak · 07-31-2007

Tonight I went for an evening ride. This was after re-reading and digesting a few recent topics about the ongoing concerns over the performance (or lack thereof) of the Bonneville. I wasn't alone. I crossed paths with quite a few other motorcycles; Harleys, sports bikes and touring machines.

What I noticed was that we all were just cruising along, going more or less the speed limit and enjoying the ride. I got to thinking how infrequently I see anyone doing butt-puckering speed riding on the highway, no matter what kind of bike. That got me to ask myself how frequently people actually use the horsepower they worry so much about. I know that most of us like to go fast sometimes. But, really, how many of us with families and responsibilities risk getting a ticket or getting hurt by frequently pushing our bikes to the limit? How many of us disregard the investment we've made in these machines to beat them to death?

I've got another bike rated over 100 hp. When I'm on that bike, it's no different. I ride the way I see most people ride. When I'm alone, does it really matter when I crank the throttle open how many seconds it takes to hit 60? Who am I comparing it to? When my buddies and I are doing our little impromtu racing, it really depends on who gets the jump on who before we have to slow down for the next stop sign. We laugh about it afterwards anyhow, no matter who wins. I've gone 100 mph on the Bonnie, maybe 130 on another bike. I don't remember getting a third as much more thrill at the higher speed.

My point is that horsepower rating is over-rated. It's primary real life purpose is for bragging rights. Most of us go fast enough to kill ourselves regardless of the power of bike. Most of us underutilize the power and speed of the bikes we own. So why fret over these arbitrary ratings? Just ride your ride.

dnyman · 07-31-2007

+1 to that!

Fraederichs · 07-31-2007

Beautifully stated.

pabonne · 07-31-2007

Dude, don't sweat it. The indecision gnawing at the core of your being is just a symptom of Modificitus/Tinkeritus. It's best to not resist and just grab a beer and go sit and stare at your Bonnie. Trust me.

slowgator · 07-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by pabonne

It's best to not resist and just grab a beer and go sit and stare at your Bonnie. Trust me.

Ill drink to that!

macstuf · 07-31-2007

I agree completely. My most enjoyable times on any bike I've owned or ridden was when I casually riding along around 35 to 45 MPH. Horsepower is a wonderful, exciting, thing and I feel great when I crank up a 150 HP slingshot. But I also know I'll NEVER come close to using all of that power. I'd rather ride slower and live to ride another day.

bikerdrumr · 07-31-2007

Very well put. However, it is truly amazing how EASILY we fall prey to: "Well, I'll just do this to the bike, and then I'll be happy. Although it would be cool if I did this to it. Wow, I can get that much HP out of that engine if I did that?"

I'm buying a Mustang in a couple of months...the amount of aftermarket websites, forums, and mags I've poured over is mind-numbing. Apparently, 300 HP is not enough. I DON'T EVEN HAVE THE FREAKIN' CAR YET, AND I COULD BORE ALL OF YOU WITH WHAT I KNOW ALREADY!!!

I've gotta go now so I can decide which Wiseco big bore kit, sus set-up, carb, and cafe racer body kit to get. And then for the Mustang, I HAVE to figure out which......on second thought, I'm going to get on the bike I have NOW!

NewOldSkool · 07-31-2007

At first, the thing that attracted me to motorcycles was speed. And at 24, most people expect that of me, but then i seen the Bonne... nuf said. It is a super fun bike and I was sold before i even seen one in person. I do have to admit that i still love cruising at 45, but every couple of minutes i do find myself hitting the gas alittle just to have a boost. I believe that if i had a different bike i would ride it "slightly" different. As if i was in a corvette i would drive it alittle harder then a mini-van.
Mondo

SHRuuM · 07-31-2007

I agree with all ya'll. Just remember the TRUE essence of riding any motorcycle, the one thing that most of us males want, but don't have, the true joy of .........FREEDOM!!

KingBear · 07-31-2007

It's the same in my business of firearms. People are constantly worrying about the inherent accuracy of a firearm, "Can that raffle shoot a half ainch at a hunnert yords...?" Sure it can, it's just a shame you can't shoot well enough to hit a double decker bus at a hundred feet! Rarely is a shooter held back by the capability of the firearm.

And so it is with our motorcycles. How many of us truly max out the capability of our stock bikes? A few I suppose, but certainly not me. If I ever do wring it out, I'd probably be better off moving to a much higher performance bike than try to take my Bonneville to an entirely different level. Probably cheaper, too.