Late night beer and motorcycle musings

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv)
08/31/2017 at 01:59 • Filed to: None

It’s nearly 2 am here and I hope everyone’s night has been as fine as mine. I’m enjoying an Ontario craft beer called Farmer’s Daughter. It’s a perfect mixture of sweet and bitter and I’ll be buying more of it. I’ve also been riding my girlfriend’s CBR250R tonight because my Ninja is sadly no longer with us and, for the first time, I really enjoyed it.

It’s been over 3 weeks since my ZX-6R was stolen and, unlike the beer, I’m still really bitter about it. It’s a bit silly to get so worked up over a machine but I truly hope I never meet the thieves face-to-face as it won’t end well for anyone. I’ve had some great moments with that bike and those memories will live on.

However life keeps going and I will soon be receiving compensation from my insurance company. It’s time for a new bike, and since it’s the end of the season it’s a good time to be a buyer. I’ve been eyeing the Daytona 675 and 675R, which I’m sure would make Peter Black jealous.

But tonight I had a bit of a breakthrough: I liked the little 250cc Honda. I still think it’s down on power - not just relative to my supersport - but it’s light and maneuverable. My example has 18k km on the clock and doesn’t feel very ‘fresh’ so it got me thinking... a good condition, lightweight, fun-to-ride-fast-slow-motorcycle might be in the cards. The notion of replacing a 120 HP rocket with something that has 1/3 the power still sounds crazy to me... but so is riding a 120 HP bike on the street. I did want to get out onto the track this year with my Kawi but that won’t happen.

So now I’m looking at Yamaha R3's and KTM RC390's I can test ride. Back to it!

DISCUSSION (15)

Svend > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 02:13

It’s been a pretty good day, well yesterday was, it’s now 7:15am and I’m still supping beer at my computer watching a crappy film.

atfsgeoff > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 02:19

Any plans on being proactive about preventing your new bike from being stolen? Where did you park your old one?

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > atfsgeoff
08/31/2017 at 02:26

Hell yes! It was parked in the underground garage of my condo and had a disc brake lock on it. There aren’t enough cameras down there and I will definitely push the building to install more. I am looking into GPS tracking options but the best thing is to secure it around a pillar with a beefy lock.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Svend
08/31/2017 at 02:28

I wish I could do the same, but I got work tomorrow and I need to hit the hay. Beside the farmer’s daughter.

Svend > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 02:31

I’ve two more nights off work.

Take care fella.

atfsgeoff > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 02:51

My recommendation would be an Abus 37rk/80 padlock along with their 14KS 14mm hardened security chain. About $105-$110 for the padlock and another $110-$120 for 6 feet of chain. Cheap insurance.

nermal > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 10:01

If you’re looking for test rides, you’ll find that they’re easier to get at a BMW or Ducati dealer than at any of the Japanese brands. So, add the new BMW 310 to your list, as well as the Ducati Scrambler.

If you plan on getting to the track, you can take a 300 but will get blown away by those riding 600s and 1000s. It’s good enough to try it out and get addicted though, then start saving for a dedicated track bike.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > nermal
08/31/2017 at 10:37

I’ll be visiting the dealership I bought my Ninja from as they would be more inclined to let me onto a bike being a potential repeat customer and all that. They sell Kawi/Yamaha/Suzuki bikes.

One thing I liked about the supersport was the riding position. Screw being upright, I felt more comfortable being tucked in and didn’t have issues going on long rides. After today’s ride to work where I went through a few twisties and ramps I think a 300-class would be a super fun track bike! At least to start, as you mentioned.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > atfsgeoff
08/31/2017 at 10:39

I looked online but couldn’t find a chain that long! That’s what I need as the pillars in my garage are quick thick.

Decay buys too many beaters > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 10:41

What kind of riding do you do? If it’s mostly urban and REALLY tight stuff, give a Grom a try. I ride mine more than anything else in the table these days.

atfsgeoff > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 10:59

Chain: http://lockitt.com/Lockitt/product/SPCH14/CHAB14MS6.html

Lock: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004GE9H8W/

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > atfsgeoff
08/31/2017 at 11:34

Beauty, thank you!

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Decay buys too many beaters
08/31/2017 at 11:51

I do a good bit of city riding but every couple of weekends I like to bomb through rural/country roads 2 hrs north of the city. I don’t think the Grom will get me there quickly enough and am looking to have just a single bike garage. What else do you have?

Decay buys too many beaters > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
08/31/2017 at 12:44

I have a problem.

Kinja'd!!!

2007 Honda Ruckus

2015 Honda Grom

2005 Genuine Stella

2002 DR-Z400 supermoto

2003 SV650

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Decay buys too many beaters
08/31/2017 at 12:57

You do have a problem. You need to go see... The Doctor.

Kinja'd!!!