daewoo wrote: Wasn't having a go at old blokes... old blokes tend to be a bit more practical in their decision making...
Young blokes, like John Gooding, want an R1 so they can do 300km/h in 5 seconds and wheelstand from BKK to Nong Khai... Old blokes. like me, want something that can get them from one clean public toilet to the next in the most comfort, with the most reliability, for the best value...
for those of us more mature than John Gooding...
Daewoo
Difficult to totally ignore Darryls, time warped comments, even though not really on topic as I too am happy to choose from the increasing range of bikes available in Thailand rather than constantly harp on about what is not available.
So from a definately OLD BLOKES perspective, I was lucky enough thanks to Brian to have the chance to ride some bikes for an extended period that were not owned by me, and found that first impressions after a quick sit on, or 20 minute test, can be reversed by a longer ride and the time to learn how to ride the bike effectively.
As I have become gradually an OLDER BLOKE, I seem to have avoided the 'growing old gracefully' theme in favour of 'growing old disgracefully', ... much more fun. Also due to decreasing physical strength as one 'gets on' I have tended toward smaller lighter bikes, hence FJR to FZ1 to R1. And BMW R1200GS to F800GS. Riding the heavier bikes on the road the weight is not usually noticeable, but manhandling them when not riding, even getting on and off the centre stand, becomes more of an issue for OLD BLOKES.
The aquisition of the R1, was actually a sound financial decision, I had tried to sell the FZ1, as same as Gary was having difficulty, (Gary now sold his bike yesterday, so congrats to him on his new bike, which I will let him announce). It will be easier to sell than the FZ1, but I am having too much fun on it now to think about selling. Must find a way of refuelling in flight because it is a shame having only a 220km wheelie range, not the full BKK to Nong Khai that Daewoo states. The R1 is actually a great bike, even for the 2,500km of travel in 5 days I did recently, 80% of it in quite slow company. 50% of it in the rain. 100% reliable, economical on fuel at normal cruising speed, wicked acceleration when required, and at least for me, comfortable. For my trips from CM to KK, I would choose it every time over any other bike I have owned, come rain or shine. For The MHS loop, Doi Ang Khan, Doi Mae Salong and all the great mountain trips around here, give me the BMW. For popping into CM, 5km from my house and using the pavement shortcuts or avoiding the CM moat traffic jams, I take the D-Tracker. I am very happy with the choice of bikes here and look forward to the next few years and checking out what becomes available.
Darryl, always look forward to your stimulating comments, good job OLD BLOKES skin gets thicker as the years pass by :lol-sign:
