The weather broke

Last Thursday, the 12th was remarkable due to the fact that it was sunny, relatively warm and best of all, clear of ice on the roads around my house. The salt was another issue but the streets were dry and the only salt that would touch the bike was fine airborne particulate. I had to keep kicking myself in the ass though. I bought this bike to ride come hell or high water. To hell with washing and waxing. Salt be damned it was time to ride. I ended up on a 1/2 hr ride around the Hamlet. I was somewhat more legal than the last little spin 'round as I had just registered my bike and stickered the plate. The only non kosher issue was the insurance. That is on hold until March, so" you takes your chances". It was well worth it! I had a hoot and remembered the fun I had on the last KLR. Lots of torque down low and some snap through out the lower three gears. Best of all is the seating. It's a beast sitting on high: 35 inches to the seat. But rolling feels natural and gives a commanding view of the road ahead. And bumps, did I mention that?I hammered every frost heave, every pot hole I could find. The bike's long suspension just ate them up. Had that been the Triumph, my fillings (If I had any) would have rattled loose and my spine would have seized up. Not to mention I would have started worrying about salt eating away at the metal and the paint getting dirty. This KLR went back into the garage wet (ok I did wipe down the swing arm a bit) and thats that. I know Ill miss the Bonnie when it comes to cruising and parking in front of a patio with a nice English ale on hand. However looking a dirty filthy adventure bike (with getting the dirt on it in the first place a priority)  will have rewards of its own.

On another note, Ive started looking into bicycles for wifey and me. My plans to take the Mongoose (steel framed hybrid) into the realm of everyday bike has gone bust. It seems the frame is tweaked at the rear triangle. I have changed the derailleur (as thats what got hung up on the log and was shattered) but the gears range is only 5. So Looks like new bike down the road!!!!

 

It's building up to be a fine year