I like visiting three kinds of establishments — camera shops, stores that sell fountain pens and elegant paper, and motorcycle dealerships. Showing up at Kissell Motorsports brand new facility on Friday afternoon I felt like a kid in a candy store.
I had my eye on a yellow BMW R1200 GS. A big version of the F800 GS I have been writing about. (NOTE: I’ll post part 3, the final installment sometime this week. I have some scooter stuff to share first.) Sitting astride the bike I can’t help but feel a little intimidated by the big boxer engine that seems to swallow you up.
No surprise that the Ducati collection has a few items of desire. And I can’t ever seem to pass the Vespa without imagining myself on a new scooter. Craig Kissell suggests a look at one of the new Triumph motorcycles.
A Triumph rings the classic motorcycle bells in my head. That’s probably why Craig points me to something outside my fantasy and comfort zone.
After a little discussion I exchange my Vespa GTS 250ie for the Triumph Sprint GT1050. Just for the weekend I’ll try my hand at being the hard charging sport touring man…
If I had a place like Kissell’s with those brands under one roof I’d be all over it often as well. It’s nice when you show photos from there.
I was intimidated too when I would go to the BMW dealer and sit on a R1200RT. It seemed like a monster. That notion changes pretty quickly the more you ride a 1200.
Looking forward to part 3 of the BMW post but really looking forward to the one on the Sprint!
“Hard charging sport touring”, who knows, you may like it but even though I’ve never met you, it seems a bit out of character. You do seem to really enjoy the dual-sport models…
Looking forward to all of your reviews.
Richard
Mike Simmons: A scary bike transforms into the trusty steed with time and experience. Sometimes right away, and sometimes it takes longer.
I hope to transform the R1200 GS soon!
And I am working on the pictures for part 3 right now…
RichardM: The sport touring bike was definitely out of character. Returned it today and jumped on my Vespa to ride home and I think the shift from Triumph Sprint to Vespa GTS was the most dramatic ever. Wow, what a difference.
Thanks for the kind words and support of my motorcycle writings. It’s nice to know someone gets some use from them.
PS: I’m jealous you got to take some ZeroG rides!
I give you 5 months before you’re riding a different machine permanently. 🙂
Dear SITS (Steve):
Nice blog today with great pictures.
Man, if I had two good hips and two good knees, I’d be leaving no stone unturned to get my hands on the BMW 6-cylinder. But alas, I have to make do on a magical K75 that is utterly flawless, despite its age.
Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Steve:
when you are young, you are invincible. as you grow older you are more aware of limitations and foolishness. I had powerful machines and never used them to capacity, thus like you I have no need for power as long as it is adequate for the job.
I too looked at the large GS’s in the showroom, but found them too high and heavy. I even thought the Hondas were too heavy.
I too wished we had a Kissell’s here.
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
You know, I’m really starting to envy your ride and evaluate arrangement! On top of the photography thing.
Speaking of photos, have you ever tried using a polarizing filter inside a place like the dealership to reduce glare?
Brian: Don’t bet on it. My Vespa continues to deliver reliable, exciting rides!
Mr. Riepe: Thanks for your kind words about the post. And you reminded me that there is nothing wrong with dreaming.
Besides, technology will catch up with you and those hips and knees. Of course you will have to replace the technology again when you are 110 or so…
bobskoot: I’m probably fortunate I didn’t ride through my twenties, thirties and forties. My judgment might have been skewed by my sense of invulnerability…
irondad: I’m lucky to have the opportunity to offer my two cents on the motorcycles. And it’s fun too!
I have polarizing filters but seldom use them except in studio situations and then sparingly. While they remove glare and enrich colors often the result seems flat and artificial to me. And working in digital I can introduce a lot of the deepening of skies and saturated color in seconds without those light hogging filters.