First bike - XF650!
Well I am totally stoked:
I picked up my first bike yesterday, a Suzuki XF650 aka the Freewind. It's a mid size dual purpose bike based on the DR650, which I went for with the help of lots of great advice courtesy of the Adventure/DP forum here.
The ride back from Kaiwaka was via Mangawhai, Wellsford, Glorit, Kaukapakapa, Dairly Flat and through the back of Albany to Birkenhead. After a few laps of a truck yard behind the dealer I set off for Mangawhai not feeling too nervous.
I had a hoot! By the time I'd done 20 minutes I was experimenting with clutchless upshifts between Mangawhai and Wellsford (where there were dozens of cruisers going the other way). I'll be using the clutch most of the time, but I can see the benefit of them. Qkchk didn't teach me those last weekend...Actually the first one was accidental as I just forgot the clutch and thought, well that was easy enough, let's try a few more!
Riding SH16 was just glorious, although some warmer weather would have helped with the comfort factor as my mesh gear was a bit too cool at times yesterday morning.
The dealer had fitted a new rear tyre and I was taking it easy, but I'm sure there is a lot more fun to be had on that bike once I get my skills and confidence up. With that in mind I may rock up for a few NASS sessions when I get the chance. I reckon this bike is a good example of a learner friendly 650 with much more available for more experienced riders.
I went off to the North Shore Events Centre today and practised my tight turns, hill starts, quick starts (including the world's worst wheelie, by accident) and emergency braking, working up from 40 to 80kmh. It was surprising how repeated practise of this can knock such huge chunks off the stopping distance. Then I just went for a ride for the fun of it
I love the noise and the way the big thumper puts the power out. Sure it can be a bit lumpy at times but a bit of extra clutch work has made a big difference there.
So I've been out 3 times and done about 300kms and I'm definitely improving. I'm switching from an 200cc Vespa with a CVT 'twist n go' box, and the biggest issue I've had is clutch control plus the occasional shift the wrong way on that first ride (oops - 2nd is not good on a thumper at 90kmh). Rear braking by right foot instead of left hand is coming along nicely.
I probably won't commute on the XF this week (I filter all the time and I need to perfect the quick standing start to get away from occasional annoyed cages), but I can see the Vespa taking a spot in the back yard after Easter.
Anyone want a black GT200?
Cheers
Neil
PS The old helmet visor has been removed from the top of the screen since this picture was taken. It looks much better now
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