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I noticed this phenomenon when last September, after riding my ZR exclusively for several months, I had the chance to ride a bike I used to own and on which I had previously covered many thousands of happy miles. I had sold it to a co-worker last spring and eventually bought it back (long story).
While riding the old steed, I discovered that I was able to flick it around and ride it much more confidently than I was ever able to before. The bike was unchanged from when I first owned it and had only gained maybe 600 miles on the clock, so the only thing that I can attribute my newfound abilities to is the bike I'd been riding during the interim. The thing that got me was I'd been a rider for a long, long time on lot's of different bikes. I suppose it's just taken me this long to find a bike that really fits me and my riding style.
Anyone have a similar experience?

My bike fits me like yours. I had been thinking of buying something new and perhaps more skill challenging but the more I thought about it the more I realized it would be a mistake. my bike suits me. It's big enough to handle well on the highway, comfortable enough for long trips and scary enough to keep me entertained when the going gets tedious. Decided to supe up the beast, new headers, Power commander, one tooth less on the front sprocket.... About 30 more rear wheel HP. MMmmmmm

Should be an interesting summer.

Kawasaki zx12r 2003.

cameron wrote: Kawasaki zx12r 2003.

Awesome machine, Cameron.

I doubt I'd be hunting more ponies - that thing is a guided missile! :!:

This was discussed in an article some years ago in one of the mainstream US magazines. The conclusion drawn was that it was connected to rider skill improvement due to many miles in the saddle gathering riding experience than anything else. This can happen to any of us, and that bike we used to think was a poor handler 10 years ago may now feel quite nice, because our skills are better, and we are better able to utilize the particular features of a given bike. Makes perfect sense to me.

The bike that helped me become a better rider was a 81 Honda 750 that I hi-sided on. Before I did that it was WFO everywhere I went on a bike, I really rode hard and fast. When I hi-sided I broke my collar bone, (lucky that was all) busted my helmet, (wouldnt ride around the block without one now as that one probably prevented my premature demise) and the only places I didn't have road rash was between my legs and under my arms. Took me 3 mounths sleeping in a recliner to heal up from that one and left me with a whole new respect for bikes. I still ride, sometimes as much as 10,000 miles a summer when I can get away from work that much. I just have a new safety consious attitude toward my hobby and I really believe I enjoy it more. Cheers, Max

madmax wrote: I just have a new safety consious attitude toward my hobby and I really believe I enjoy it more.

Right, Max. I learned a similar hard lesson - I agree, I enjoy it more now than ever.

What bike made me a better rider?

My 83 suzuki GS650. The head bearings were beyond shot which quickened my reflexes!

JJ

Thanks poppygene!

Like anything though, you get used to the power. I plan on slowing er down this year and actually see the area I live and outskirts.

More for the sound than need for sheer power, but if I am going to spend the money I might as well give er!

Hope to start riding soon!!!

1978 gs550 suzuki--bullet proof bike.then like a fool i went on the big horsepower hunt.traded it in on a vf750s sabre--went back 2 days later to buy it back and it had been sold.i am still looking for it 15 years later.

9000white wrote:1978 gs550 suzuki--bullet proof bike.then like a fool i went on the big horsepower hunt.traded it in on a vf750s sabre--went back 2 days later to buy it back and it had been sold.i am still looking for it 15 years later.

I love all those GS models, Bob. They're still hard to beat for do-anything street bikes.