Comments on: Motorcycle Enlightenment

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 02:56:26 +0000

In reply to Vasco Correia Da Silva. I can appreciate the experience. It takes me a little more effort to stop for pictures.

By: Vasco Correia Da Silva

Vasco Correia Da Silva — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 18:03:52 +0000

I think I have a similar experience in what regards the balance between bikes and scooters. My Vespa GTS rides (or my Lambretta rides) seems to push me to stop for photos everytime. With my bike (Honda NC700 Integra) is the opposite. I did a near 2000 kms rally here in 5 days with the bike and I didn´t even care to take my Fujifilm. 5 or 6 photos on the phone, and that´s it! So strange.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:18:04 +0000

In reply to Dieter.

A motorcycle has been, and continues to be, a wonderful change of pace for me. I knew I would enjoy it since I’ve ridden so many motorcycles previously, but I have been surprised at how it fits into my riding life. The K75 is heavy compared to a 125cc machine, and it has a lot of storage space with two side cases, but it cannot rival the Vespa in terms of ease of use and utility. But I no longer compare them and instead enjoy what they each have to offer.

You’re right about the wheel stability and engine braking. Those change the feel on the road. We have so many hills and mountains here that it is definitely nice to be able to downshift and not ride the brakes so much.

By: Dieter

Dieter — Sat, 15 May 2021 10:40:27 +0000

I have recently joined the motorcycle club as well and must say I’m enjoying it way more than ever expected while the Sprint sits quietly in the corner for now. Agreed, getting off and taking pictures is not what it’s best for but riding it is so much fun – more torque, bigger wheel stability, engine braking makes it feel safer as well… it’s just a 125cc enduro/supermoto style bike so it’s still light and nimble enough to throw around on small roads. The main thing I’m missing is storage space which is entirely nonexistent on the thing!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:47:09 +0000

In reply to DOMINGO CHANG.

Go ahead and send the link. I assume you’ve been doing it on the R bike. From what I’ve read and the step-by-step videos I’ve seen on YouTube, the process is much more complicated on the K bikes. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to tinker with the bike at that level but who knows what tomorrow will bring. I never thought I would like tea, gardening, or listening to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. So maybe some future spline lube could be in my life. I have a big motorcycle lift after all…

By: DOMINGO CHANG

DOMINGO CHANG — Wed, 12 May 2021 23:36:46 +0000

For what it’s worth Steve, I’ve done the lubing of the splines maintenance test twice now and it was easier the second time, there’s just some stuff you need to get out of the way in order to access the splines, I am sure you could do it easily enough. I follow the tutorial online which I can send you a link to if you wish.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 12 May 2021 01:45:04 +0000

In reply to Shirley Hackman.

The question of repair or replace remains a challenge for me. The pressure to consider things disposable, or that I “deserve” something new is powerful. I suppose the $240 billion spent annually in the US on advertising has something to do with that.

COVID has made everything seem, or actually be weird in terms of travel and thinking about travel. I’m not sure what normal will come to look like but I think I’ll be fine whatever it is. I’m open to change and feel no need to tightly grip my version of normal. It’s a different sort of adventure now.

Closer and slower has become my mantra. And the scooter is much better suited for that. But the motorcycle is fun to ride so I’ll adjust!

By: Shirley Hackman

Shirley Hackman — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:39:55 +0000

Repair or replace? Each major repair I face this question. My 70’s have further dulled any lust for new or more – except as it refers to experiences. My little (2004) Beemer 650CS’ repairs during the last 3 years equal about 25% of buying new. That little Beemer is perfect for me. My 2002 XT 225 offers me gravel back road / road allowance exploring limited by my skills and confidence. Hiking in the woods allows me the essential meditative connection with my surroundings. Sometimes, even now, I find it on my little XT. Wandering, camping, finding a great little Mom and Pop to stay or dine in. I yearn for the freedom of being on tour on my Beemer. I try not to perseverate about being unable to travel now, nor around how that may evolve after Covid no longer dictates. Closer? Slower? Perhaps my next stage on this ride may be a scooter?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 11 May 2021 15:12:27 +0000

In reply to SteverinoB.

You’ve summed up the difference between motorcycle and scooter well. This line says it all for me:

“Less about the machine and more about where the machine is taking you…”

The Wander Ponder! Sounds like something I may steal for a post title!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Tue, 11 May 2021 15:07:50 +0000

In reply to paul ruby. I suppose we just need to accept what happens and move on.