Devil
6th December 2005, 13:36
Note: What you're about to read is coming from someone that has bugger all experience with proper sports bikes.
Part 1:
Well, that gorgeous Triumph of mine is err leaking oil as Triumphs are wont to do... (rocker cover gasket needs replacing)...So I asked very nicely for a loan bike for the day while my bike is sorted. Gee whizz all the loaners had gone, so how about the demo GSX-R750 20th Anniversary edition? Complete with Suzuki paintjob. It seems they aimed for retro and managed to hit rancid instead (Blue seats? What were they thinking???). How could I refuse.
First observations after hopping on: My dick is bigger than this whole bike. It makes an '05 R1 feel like an aircraft carrier as far as length goes (im talking about the gixxer :P)! Seems to have a pretty low seat height, not too uncomfortable either, definately sat on worse.
On starting the bike there was quite a lovely bark from the exhaust/engine, which settled quickly to an almost inaudible whirr. Very quiet at idle! Into gear (CLUNK! - seems this demo model has had a hard life, with the clutch been almost at the end of its adjustment), and putter off into the traffic. The first thing I noticed here was the bottom end...or the complete lack of under 5000rpm. It didnt make it awkward, but for someone like me it'd be a pain in the ass probably considering how I like to burble around town. It shall be forgiven, it seems it's not made for burbling! Cruising through the traffic waiting for it to warm up, it feels very friendly to ride at low revs, with higher gearing than i'm used to. Finally, we're up to temperature! Prepare for warp factor 7 and we hit traffic. Bugger. After cruising to work barely making it out of second gear, I parked the bike, resigned to the fact i'd have to take it out later. Poor me.
Lunchtime comes and I find an excuse to head over to the missus'sess'ss work. Onto the motorway, give it a squirt in second gear to redline on the onramp...ooo! this thing boogies! Lovely induction roar. I far prefer a good engine noise to a good exhaust noise on a 4cyl. I'd give the suzi a 4/5 for this, but I'd still take the triumph ;). Had fun on the motorway briefly, but unfortunately back into traffic, ad nauseum. Get back to the office with a grin and park up, knowing i'll have to take it back at the end of the day when the service department calls!
Part 1:
Well, that gorgeous Triumph of mine is err leaking oil as Triumphs are wont to do... (rocker cover gasket needs replacing)...So I asked very nicely for a loan bike for the day while my bike is sorted. Gee whizz all the loaners had gone, so how about the demo GSX-R750 20th Anniversary edition? Complete with Suzuki paintjob. It seems they aimed for retro and managed to hit rancid instead (Blue seats? What were they thinking???). How could I refuse.
First observations after hopping on: My dick is bigger than this whole bike. It makes an '05 R1 feel like an aircraft carrier as far as length goes (im talking about the gixxer :P)! Seems to have a pretty low seat height, not too uncomfortable either, definately sat on worse.
On starting the bike there was quite a lovely bark from the exhaust/engine, which settled quickly to an almost inaudible whirr. Very quiet at idle! Into gear (CLUNK! - seems this demo model has had a hard life, with the clutch been almost at the end of its adjustment), and putter off into the traffic. The first thing I noticed here was the bottom end...or the complete lack of under 5000rpm. It didnt make it awkward, but for someone like me it'd be a pain in the ass probably considering how I like to burble around town. It shall be forgiven, it seems it's not made for burbling! Cruising through the traffic waiting for it to warm up, it feels very friendly to ride at low revs, with higher gearing than i'm used to. Finally, we're up to temperature! Prepare for warp factor 7 and we hit traffic. Bugger. After cruising to work barely making it out of second gear, I parked the bike, resigned to the fact i'd have to take it out later. Poor me.
Lunchtime comes and I find an excuse to head over to the missus'sess'ss work. Onto the motorway, give it a squirt in second gear to redline on the onramp...ooo! this thing boogies! Lovely induction roar. I far prefer a good engine noise to a good exhaust noise on a 4cyl. I'd give the suzi a 4/5 for this, but I'd still take the triumph ;). Had fun on the motorway briefly, but unfortunately back into traffic, ad nauseum. Get back to the office with a grin and park up, knowing i'll have to take it back at the end of the day when the service department calls!