Less is...better?

I am start thinking,(and this is something that I just do once a year),that we spend much time complaining about the power of  our new bikes, and although a 170 HP bike is a good "starting point" I think that "trees does not let us see the wood" ,( I do not know if this said works in english, but sure you undertand it).We are all the time talking about this 5 o 7 HP more of that bike, or that she weights 4 or 6 Kgs more and I think the most important thing is the fun factor. I have seen riders passed me (I ride a GSXR1000K4)in a Suzuki GS500 twin with no effort at all, and I have passed riders with modern bikes with my heavy weight VF1000R, but thats mean nothing, unless you are at the track. The very important thing is to have enough to enjoy and get that big smile under our helmet.Sometimes less does not really mean less....Sometimes.

Alf

PS: I hope nobody stop talking to me ever
 more after this post.  

OUTRAGEOUS !

Im never talking to Alf again.

Max  

Gee, Max, how do I make you not talk to ME anymore? I mean, I insulted Bea Arthur and everything.

Once again Alf, you're right. The more people get spec sheets out of their head and actually concentrate on riding the right bike for them (not for me or you or Angie or Cat,especially not for Max or Mini)the more fun they'll have. And there is a lot more satisfaction in spanking a kid on a Gixxer Thou when I'm on my Monster or ZREX than a Superbike.

But I still want a 1098.  

Alf, I am with you on this but than I ride an old outdated machine. My Connie has plenty of power to get me into or out of trouble. When I hit the starter I don't even think about HP I just go and for me there is enough power to enjoy. That said the new Concours 14 is on my radar screen. I can't wait for the first write ups and ride impressions. I also know what Sloth means about the 1098. The *** on that thing is something to behold. I can only imagine what it must be like to ride.  

Hi cmoore.
I have just seen the 1098 in the showroom and she is, at least for me, the most beautyfull Ducati since MHReplica. I really would like own one, but I can´t afford it.
It is my fate.
Alf.  

Alf,

I, too, have recently laid eyes on the 1098 in the flesh --- theris not a bad line on the bike. Unfortunately, I've yet to ride it -- too much snow on the ground (Drat!!!). I've not been so chuffed since the 916, and even though I'm more of a naked bike kinda guy, there will be one in my garage.  

Yo, Alf,

You've got it right about the irrelevance between motorcycles once one is on the road.  Enjoyment and personal satisfaction is where it's at.  I've ridden dozens of cycles in my 25 years of two wheel motating and the choice few that I'd love to have in a dream garage are not necessarily of the largest displacement.  A silver '82 Yamaha Seca 650, a red '86 Yamaha Fazer 700, a red-white-and-blue '86 Honda VFR 750.  Just examples.

I currently have a YZF1000 (Thunder Ace in Europe) and I love it to death.  It has monster low-end and midrange torque.  This is how I like to ride, where the engine has grunt.  It has some choice aftermarket pieces on it including an Akropovic (which made a huge difference to power and torque). It's unique here in the States.  Yamaha brought it here for only one year, '97.  For a fact, I don't see myself heading the other way as another rider on the same kind of bike scoots past.  Many riders don't even know what I've got or what year it is.  The few times I've decided to chase after a newer liter bike they've not been able to shake me.

But most of my riding is done at what is called The Pace.  Sometimes quick, smooth, a little tire edge action.  I love it and it's good enough for me.  I don't suffer from moto lust - coveting others.  Sure, when it's affordable I might spring for a ZX10/14 or some newer liter bike.  Maybe even a 1098 now that the maintenance schedule is closer to real world affordability.

I can see my trees pretty well.  Enjoy your neck of the woods.    

PS - keep reading and writing... it's like riding - you get smoother at it.