In 2009 coming from a Yammie YZ 250 ( jip, I use to do enduro races) I bought my first road bike, KLR 650 which I rode like I stole it, irrespective how vrot the road was.
Then in 2010 the BMW GS 800, same story, full taps (this thing gave tank slaps galore).
Then a few other bikes, same story.
Then my first big bore, the ST 10, same story until myself and a mate on his brand-new Triumph Tiger 1200 got a tank slap right in front of me on the Vaalwater / Ellisras road, fully kitted he was waisted and never fully recovered - this was my turning point.
Hit a Warthog with my ST 10 which was written off and decided after I fell myself into 4 hospital beds and a long whistle from my Gynecologist that this is enough now. (Enjoyed the old fellow's biltong though)
Then a year or what later on my way to hospital to fix my hand I quickly stopped at BMW and bought my second new GS 800. (nice bike and the tank slaps was apparently sorted out)
By this time, I found that cruising between 120 and 130 is doing it for me, but I sold it and bought a BMW GS 1200, maybe it was an ego thing because bigger is supposingly better.
I do not enjoy this bike at all (only my opinion), much too powerful and heavy for my liking and reactions to enjoy my trips. (I do one trip around SA every year)
I found that I am looking for excuses not to ride the battleship and would have gone for the KLR if it was still brand new available like overseas.
Then came the new Honda CB 500 X, and I bought it because it is basic and the way I like it, much like my KLR just a lot more refined and much faster without burning the black stuff. (Farkeling in progress...)
Although the GS is still standing in the garage, I know that I will never ride it again as I am enjoying the 500 more and I feel comfortable on it, easily cruising 120 -130 as I used to do on my trips and more than enough power to safely overtake or to ride fast if the need arises.
Maybe this is coming with age and the acceptance thereof.
Then in 2010 the BMW GS 800, same story, full taps (this thing gave tank slaps galore).
Then a few other bikes, same story.
Then my first big bore, the ST 10, same story until myself and a mate on his brand-new Triumph Tiger 1200 got a tank slap right in front of me on the Vaalwater / Ellisras road, fully kitted he was waisted and never fully recovered - this was my turning point.
Hit a Warthog with my ST 10 which was written off and decided after I fell myself into 4 hospital beds and a long whistle from my Gynecologist that this is enough now. (Enjoyed the old fellow's biltong though)
Then a year or what later on my way to hospital to fix my hand I quickly stopped at BMW and bought my second new GS 800. (nice bike and the tank slaps was apparently sorted out)
By this time, I found that cruising between 120 and 130 is doing it for me, but I sold it and bought a BMW GS 1200, maybe it was an ego thing because bigger is supposingly better.
I do not enjoy this bike at all (only my opinion), much too powerful and heavy for my liking and reactions to enjoy my trips. (I do one trip around SA every year)
I found that I am looking for excuses not to ride the battleship and would have gone for the KLR if it was still brand new available like overseas.
Then came the new Honda CB 500 X, and I bought it because it is basic and the way I like it, much like my KLR just a lot more refined and much faster without burning the black stuff. (Farkeling in progress...)
Although the GS is still standing in the garage, I know that I will never ride it again as I am enjoying the 500 more and I feel comfortable on it, easily cruising 120 -130 as I used to do on my trips and more than enough power to safely overtake or to ride fast if the need arises.
Maybe this is coming with age and the acceptance thereof.
