Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I just wanted to add, in a separate thread, my own ego problem. I think I am above average in my overall abilities. I don't, however, know this for sure. I can only judge based on my reference points on the road, the people I ride with, and my improvements I can document. Truthfully, there are times when I'd like to have 100 horses at the rear wheel (easier wheelies, for one thing...keeping up with Chris out in the country for another), but I don't honestly think I need 162 of them. Then again, in traffic, my lowly 65 horses can get downright impressive as nearby cars rush past in the wrong direction on the right (or left, sometimes). In those situations, I wonder if it's even the same bike. Yes, it takes over 4 seconds (i think it does, anyway) to reach 60 mph, but what do I do with 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear once I get there? I know, it's obvious, but I think you get my drift. My ego check tells me, I "need" a late 80's project sportbike with about 90 horses, and I'd be set for life. Reality...I'm probably going to ride the 1979 kz650sr until it falls apart.

Sounded more like a reality check to me...

That's not a bad thing, just why would you NEED that 100 or an extra 100 horses back there??

The only person you have to prove anything to is yourself, and from your post, it's apparent that you're already aware of your skills level, so why push it right???

I've been in situations where horsepower was the only thing that saved me. Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to use it everytime you throw a leg over the bike. I'm sure there is a tendency to "stretch it's legs" from time to time, but moderation is the key. Just make sure that if you are going to add HP don't neglect the braking ability. The faster you can go means the faster you are going to have to stop.

Agreed. I, too, have be in traffic situations where the only safe escape route required very rapid acceleration into the only closing hole, based on closing traffic from behind, and supposed impending flatness. Still, my bike has never let me down in that area, and I think the rider must compensate for power, based on the room needed for that type of maneuver. That's why drivers think we all ride so poorly when they see bikes jump into places a car won't make it into. For me, the extra 62 horses (over my ideal 100) would just be irrisistable, and i might write a check my 48 year-old reflexes can't cash. The absence of a suitable track and extra cash, really frustrates me, already.

You sound like your about where I'm at. My brain thinks I'm 25 too. I have specific bikes in mind that i'm going to get (right tool for the right job), but for carving roads i'm going to stick with a ninja 250. When you get close to the 1/2 century mark I think it's the smart thing for me to do. I'll save the power for my cruisers where i'll tend to use it at my convenience.

You know, i've been thinking about getting a dirt bike and some gear. I think I could get the adrenaline rush out of my system with some sliding around in the dirt, and a little jump or two in the east yard.

When I was much younger I thought that the only throttle position there was , was a fully twisted wick . Now I am completely content to putt along at the posted speed limit . I reckon I have become a complete cruiser . And that's ok by me . For however long I have left to live I intend to ride to live and live to ride .
Kind regards, Wizzard

I think most people who like to ride spiritedly have an ego about it. It is probably a key element in the whole thing. And Wiz is probably right about age mellowing it out some. I'm nowhere near as hairy as I was when I was younger. But nowhere near ready for a cruiser yet....

Wizzard wrote: I reckon I have become a complete cruiser . And that's ok by me .

That's not a bad looking cruiser, either.

Ron,

The dirtbike thing is probably the safest way to go, but where's the fun in safety? You need an FJ 1200. Just ask BuzZz.

I am a complete cruiser, until no one is looking, then the inner 18 year old rears his ugly (but fully covered in hair) head.