Multiple Musings

What do I want from a bike

As most of the regulars to this Forum will have gathered, I have an on-going search for the ‘best bike for me’ project… and I think I’ve found it at last.

Don’t get me wrong – I love my Monster – BUT…
http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=14055

Over the few years I have been biking, I’ve always had naked roadsters – with or without small headlight cowls as the only weather protection. I like the ‘honesty’ of the naked roadster; you can see, and get to, everything without having to remove plastic fairings which can (and do) hide a multitude of sins on some bikes. Hence I love the ‘retro naked’ look of the Monster. But I also love that about the Moto Guzzi Griso – which is an awesome looking beast, and the Buell Lightning(s).

Those who know me know that I enjoy riding ‘technical’ roads – twisty, turny with steep hills both up and down. Overall speed in a straight line is easy – given a modest sized motorbike we can all hit illegal speeds on motorways and dual carriageways; Boring. The trick to make good progress on twisty A and B roads, and to have fun at lower speeds. So, my bike has to have good handling and brakes, and a flexible engine. Ducati air cooled ‘L’ twins provide great controllable and useable power, with engine braking.

I also like to do reasonable distances on my bike, as I use it for holidays too. With soft luggage the Monster becomes a passable tourer – even better now I’ve fitted the rack – and with a comfy saddle the daily range is over 300 miles… I’m sure more are possible, but I’ve yet to try.

So the Monster is pretty much good enough for me… many other bikes could achieve similar capabilities, but then they wouldn’t qualify me to spend my time with you lot ! This club is great, and I have made some good friends though it so even if I become Monsterless, I don’t wanna leave!

But that doesn’t stop me trying other bikes…

I had a test ride on the Buell XB12Ss, which was fun, but ultimately lacked the engine braking I was expecting. Also had a somewhat compromised ride on a Griso – uncomfortable, and I wasn’t able to open up the engine properly.