Day off test rides:
I have the day off today and took my car in for an oil change and inspection at 9:30am. I called my buddy at the Ducati shop and told him I would stop by for some of the new Ducati posters at 10:30am. When I got to the shop we talked about how I should get a new bike (he is always a salesman). He said, hey, the weather is good (45 degrees) and the roads are dry. Take a test ride. He pointed in the direction of a few demo bikes. Triumph Thruxton, Street Triple, Kawasaki Versys, Kawasaki KLR, and Ducati Hypermotard. He went behind the desk and handed me a helmet. Okay, I’ll take a spin or two.
Well, I took three spins. First the Versys – cool, upright riding position, good brakes, soft suspension, decent power. It had hardbags for touring. Would be a nice bike for long rides. But, I wouldn’t own it now. Second was the Thruxton – very cool look, riding position okay, not for long rides, but better than my CB with clubmans. Power was pale next to my HotRod CB. Fun to ride, but I would not buy it now. Third was the Street Triple – oh, the sound! Yeah man, this is it. Light, very quick from low end to high, eats up corners, brakes well, but weaker than my former Speed Triple. Decent riding position for longer rides. Would need a lighter Arrow exhaust ($1000) – Ouch! I should have said no to riding it. But, I did say no to buying it for now. I told my buddy, when you find a used one with an aftermarket exhaust call me.
I walked out with my new posters (two Ducati and a Street Triple) and a desire to own the Street Triple. Damn those salesmen!
Sparty
