Hi kiddies. Just a short post as it's late on a dull Saturday night and I've decided to have a nightcap and listen to some tunes. It's funny how dark some of the music of our youth is. I guess it depends on who you are and "when" your youth was. A little Alice Cooper is wafting from the speakers. Some of you may be of the Pat Boone generation while others are more firmly in the Ramones/Iggy Pop/Sex Pistols/Tubes vein, like me. And, if you're younger than me well, F off then!
I found time today to take another look at the FJR 1300 and I plan to take it for a test ride this week. The issue here is, what's more important, Speed or Comfort? Better half commented on the fixed riding position with my feet tucked back on the pegs. This is contrary to my roomy floorboards and Kuryakyn billet pegs, which allow me to lie back and watch the road from an almost reclined position.
Two totally different bikes (VTX versus the FJR) with different attitudes. It comes down to speed, comfort, niceties like a fuel gauge, ABS brakes and a power adjustable windscreen. Hmm. I like the goodies. I like the technology built into the Yamaha and I know I would be ripping power wheelies with a pocket full of lead.
I'll admit that the VTX is perfect for 90% of the riding that I do, which is backroads. The biggest shortfall is on the highway. Maybe it comes down to finances; what I'm willing to invest in the VTX in the short term, to fix what I see as shortcomings as opposed to what it would cost to me get out of my bike and step up to a new ride.
Or maybe it comes down to identity. Do I really see myself as a cruiser guy? I don't know that I ever have. Jesus Christ! What do I do with all this black leather??????
I'll give you a ride report later in the week. I'm going to head out tomorrow with my favorite biker granny to see if we can find some sweet roads and a few laughs. Tires? Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
A low, slow wave,
Joe Rocket
