|
|
3-19-08
I took my first long ride, about 400 miles today with Russell and his father Dave. They rode up from Cuero.
We met in Wimberley, had lunch at my sister's restaurant, then cruised down Devil's Backbone to Blanco. From there we took
a couple back roads to Luckenbach. We found ourselves, 3 sport bikes, in a large gaggle of Harleys and metric cruisers. After
a break, we continued to Fredericksburg and onto Willow City to ride the Willow City Loop. The wild flowers have not blossomed
yet... either not enough rain, or too early in the season, but the scenery and landscape are still spectacular. After
making the loop we took a different route back to Wimberley. We parted ways and returned home. Very nice ride. I got a feel
for the bike's dynamics and long term comfort. I will consider a custom seat from Corbin and possibly a new windscreen.
A few days ago, I had a humiliating and embarrassing experience. I brought the VFR up to the hospital so
a friend could take a picture. As I slowly pulled up, carefully balancing while turning at very low speed, I heard a woman
yell. It distracted me just enough I dropped the bike. Ugh! Once it started falling, I couldn't stop it. Fortunately, I was
going virtually zero miles per hour. The bike landed on the right side. No major damage, just a few very small nicks in the
paint. Oh well... I can't keep anything perfect for long. In a way I'm happy it happened. Now I won't freak out when a bird
takes a crap on it, or a rock kicked up on the highway nicks the windscreen. It's mine now. The VFR is no longer a Garage
Queen and is now a Pavement Princess.
 3-9-09
New addition to the family. The VFR800 aka Viffer. 10 years old and this machine is amazing even by todays
standards. The 781cc DOHC V4 idles at 1200rpm, lugs and bogs under 3000rpm in any gear. 3500 - 6500rpm is this engines broad
usable low and midrange. Power is moderate and delivery is smooth. Above 6500rpm, the engine wakes up. Power swells to 11,000rpm
quickly. 1st and 2nd gears are low for quick take off. 5th and 6th are stretched a bit taller for power cruising and high
top speed. Acceleration from 80-110mph is sudden. This is the most comfortable bike I've ever taken over 130mph. The linked
braking system is very nice, quite grabby, and sensitive. Input from the brake lever is good. This bike has a Micron slip-on
exhaust. With light throttle, the note is low and mild. Add twist to the grip and the note changes to a deep bark. The steady
beat from the V4 drums up revs exponentially to redline.
An insight to pictures of motorcycles in grave yards... this had me thinking today. It's a quiet place,
that's why I like taking pictures here. I'm not disturbing any(living)body. But the reality of riding motorcycles is that
death is always nearby. Less protection and higher performance than any 4 wheeled vehicle. Riders are more often injured and
killed by drivers of the heavier 4 wheelers. Working in an Emergency Room, I see the results on a regular basis. I know the
risks. I can't avoid the thrill. I feel more alive walking in step with death. Don't be afraid, don't live
in fear. The anxiety and excitement of the next corner, it's a new experience at every turn. Such is life.
 |
|
|