Hi everyone,
While mid-April weather around the Montreal (Canada) area is typically cool, we have been blessed with some very nice and warm days of late. So, in order to take advantage of this unseasonally warm temperature, I took the afternoon off and went riding. I just got back from a leisurely 200 mile ride and am so impressed with my VTR. Thanks to the insight and advice from many members here (and the superhawkforum.com site, and of course, Roger at Revolution Racing), my bike is the stuff of dreams. While the whole "v-twin thing" took some getting used to initially, I am now hooked on the casual loafing nature of the bike as it cruises along at 4000-5000 rpm. Not frantic, just soothing. I also love the way it lunges ahead when I turn the throttle. Again, no out of control wheelspin, just a controlled thrust that gets you around traffic and out of corners with surprising authority. The re-worked suspension, fork brace and steering damper make the bike feel so planted, it just flows in and out of corners. Handling is wonderfully neutral and confidence-inspiring. Braking too is precise and responsive (braided lines, HH pads, RC51 front MC).
It's a good thing I had a dark visor on during my ride so I was able to conceal the silly grin I was wearing for most of the ride. In truth, the worst part of the ride was returning home. I have been riding bikes now for 28 years and my passion for this wonderful sport/activity/mode of transportation is stronger now than it has ever been. Yep, I love my VTR. I can only hope and wish that each of you will feel as good about your bikes as I do about mine.
Safe riding everyone
Mikstr
