How Ever in the World...

did I ride to the back of beyond and more on the Ninja??

Last Saturday was one of those jewels you get in the South...sunny and 67 degrees. I hadn't been out since a nice Sunday in December, so I decided to take both bikes out for a spin, just to blow the cobwebs off the engines.

First try on the Ninja, he didn't want to start. I didn't want to wear the battery down, so after about 10 seconds with the starter not getting the carbs to cooperate, I let it go and did some yard work while the bike slowly warmed in the sun. An hour later, I tried the starter button again, and he sprang right to life! I let him run a few minutes and went inside to get geared up.

When I first sat on the bike, it felt so familiar! So right! I wondered if I really needed to keep the big Honda after all. I rolled him off the back patio and positioned him at the top of the driveway to head off, and the first thing I noticed as I gave him some throttle was how far UP I had to draw each leg in order to get my foot on the peg. Really?? Suddenly, I realized how scrunchy Mr. Crunchy is.

By comparison (even though comparisons are odious), the throttle on the Ninja is mired in molasses versus the VFR. And the molasses sticks, too...I had cruise control even when I didn't want it. I've known the throttle is sticky (probably needs a new spring), but I guess I just got used to it. Throw in a hiatus of Ninja riding since August, and suddenly I'm aware of the stick.

The brakes? Again, it's comparison, but I think Fred Flintstone's got a faster braking time than the Ninja. Could it be I'm spoiled by the VFR's dual front discs linked to the rear, which will stop you yesterday with two fingers? Maybe. I rode to the distant gas station that sells product without ethanol, and my main thought going back home was, "Not much longer and you can park this thing!" Shoo, when I got home, I felt like I'd be wrestling with the bike, and was glad to get off.

Once home, I went right back out of the house, and rolled the VFR out of the shop and into the sunshine. He started right up, and immediately I noticed again how well balanced the bike is for me, even if it's taller and weighs 100 pounds more than the Ninja. Throttle anyone? There's plenty for all. What's this sensation of space I have between the seat and footpeg? Whoa, now those are some brakes! The Ninja got a 20 mile circuit to the gas station and back. Big Red got a 65 mile trip to the base of the mountains and up some country roads.

I forgot how physical riding is, and by the time I got home, I was very aware of how out of shape I am. At the end of my 2 hours of riding, I covered the bikes up, went inside and took a 3 hour nap :)

Mr. Crunchy will be making an appearance on Craigslist any day now...