Well, today was the big day! Hubby's beautiful new baby was ready to be picked up. I got the privilege of the first ride (bringing it home) as his new exemption, while verbally approved, hasn't come through in the mail.
I was in for a very pleasant surprise. Not being a scooter girl I was not quite sure what to expect, but after a few minutes getting used to the feel I must say I was very taken with this new girl.
insane1 met us at Haldane's for the momentous occasion and it was nice to have him to ride home with - 2 lovely Burgmans (with Rik following in the car). I'm sure we both got a lot of looks with the 2 bikes - his in the fantastic pearl white colour, and Rik's in the stunning deep blue.
So for my thoughts:
Firstly the width took me by surprise. Being used to the Bandit seat, this feels like a fat-ass girl! (Not that I have any experience there.....) With my short legs the ground did feel a long way away. But shuffling forward on the seat gave me better reach, so tick that one off. The brakes feel quite different too. The engine braking is awesome but I quickly adjusted to rolling the throttle gently closed and enjoyed the smooth decelleration with just a touch of brakes at the end for the complete stop. Tried stretching out my legs "cruiser styles" and found that quite comfortable considering i'm used to sport bike position for legs. The faring and wind shield (adjustable) offered great protection and riding with helmet visor up was a much better deal than on the bandit! Plenty of power for acceleration and cruising.
We decided to do a family ride to Mercer (with me on Burger, Rik on my bandit and Ripper Roo92 on the ginny). I took the lead and put it through it's paces (not too hard though as it's only being broken in) - even so I left the other two well behind at one stage. After we reached Mercer I was so keen for Rik to have his first turn on it that we swapped bikes and we rode our own home. He was completely blown away by it and is already planning his first big ride for once it's out of the initial running in period! (Must say he looks mighty good on it too - admiring that rear view from the t.e.c. position in our riding formation)Ripper Roo92 is unfortunately only able to look wistfully on as he will not be legally allowed to ride either for some time yet. Just as well he is quite happy with the ginny!
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