Comments on: Highway Riding and the BMW F800 GS (Part 3)

By: Touring Motocycle Tires

Touring Motocycle Tires — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:17:42 +0000

You actually remember those rides in the afternoon with your parents. I think every kid did what you did! In the backseat staring at the road behind. Innocently trusting that the parents cannot make a driving mistake. It was wonderful! Nature is beautiful and amazingly beautiful from a bikes view!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:28:31 +0000

irondad: I have to admit that I am a different person on a motorcycle. Mostly because I am experimenting with the bike and what it can do. But I'm sure in my case there is an element of seduction related to the available power. I go faster because I can.

Maybe.

On the Vespa, and even in my truck, I am a slow, sluggish, leisurely man. You will seldom ever find me rushing.

If I owned one of these BMWs and was riding all the time I like to think I would tame it into torpid submission...

By: irondad

irondad — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:22:11 +0000

I had to say I was confused about the identify of the blogger when I saw some of these statements:

( from the post )

The threat of rain and traffic moving near 80mph are of no concern. This machine can fly.

On this day I want to stay on the highway and go.

but the motorcycle call is stronger and I allow the BMW to rocket me out of town.

Power – you bet. Plenty for any legal or illegal speeds on the highway. Returning home on I99 I stayed with the pack of traffic for about ten miles traveling at near 80mph and the motorcycle was smooth, handled windblast fine and had plenty of throttle to leap ahead if needed.

( dan's comment )

But then I saw these words and realized I could once more relax and find comfort in the familiar!

( from the post )

But that kind of travel is not for me and I was glad to leave the freeway and drift home at more leisurely speeds that allow me more time to react to any sudden chaos.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:57:29 +0000

Harv: I appreciate your comments and I hope I can continue to have some experiences on two wheels, or with the camera, or dog, or something worth sharing.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:56:19 +0000

bobskoot: Craig Kissell would probably let me borrow the bike again but there are so many others to try!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:55:23 +0000

Otter: So many choices. The new Triumph Tiger muddies the waters a bit for this kind of machine.

Thank god I am happy with the Vespa.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:54:20 +0000

DoubleOhTwo: I think that works most of the time but more than once I have regretted getting the bigger, more powerful thing. Tripods for instance. I'm glad I got rid of my 16 pound Zone VI wooden pod...

I think I would be happy with either of the BMW dual sport machines. And with no experience at all with the 1200 GS I sort of think I wouldn't be thrilled with that.

At least until I actually ride it...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:51:55 +0000

SonjaM: Seeing that I am content with the Vespa to travel pretty much anywhere a 650 BMW seems like it should satisfy me for the rest of my life right?

I struggle at times though to not upgrade--with cameras, computers, tv sets, cell phones, boots, wallets, gloves, notebooks, chocolate, pretty much anything. I guess I am a recovering consumer.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:49:58 +0000

Joe: I am planning to bring a tree home on the scooter again this year unless I have some motorcycle when the urge strikes. Last year a knee jerk decision had me buy a tree while I was out with the truck.

Bad for blogging...

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:48:45 +0000

Mike: Thanks for the kind words about the pictures and stories. I appreciate the support.

I have a lot of great memories of time spent with my parents in cars. Driving was always an adventure for me and continues today for both two and four wheeled transport.