grego (03/10/83)
#N:tekcad:14600002:000:3117
tekcad!grego Mar 9 19:56:00 1983
Commentor's history: 10 yrs Motorcycle owner/rider
2 yrs AFM/AMA team manager/tuner
Previous bikes: honda 125
honda cb350
suzuki gs550
suzuki gs1000
yamaha tz250
Current bikes: suzuki gs550
honda VF750F INTERCEPTOR
Riding style: Basic knee dragger (but getting old)
Well now that you know where I'm comming from:
I couldn't agree more with the idea of respecting other's riding style
and preferences, residential areas, and my own limitations, HOWEVER
DON'T KNOCK IT IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED IT!!! There is nothing like comming
out of turn 6 (Sears Point) drifting both slicks on a TZ250 at 100mph,
touching the side of the track and banging up into 4th,5th,6th -- All
you see is the entry into turn 7 hairpin and your braking marker.
I experienced the same feeling on Bear Creek Rd (East of UCBerkeley)
on the GS1000 where I could hit full throttle in top gear and leave it
there through 7.5 miles of sweeping turns.
Did I use all the horsepower/acceleration? YES!!+++
Take a big bike down to the drags for match night and you'll see
what the qtr. mile stuff is all about.
When I moved up to Oregon/Tektronix I had to choose between the 1000
and the 550. I choose the 550 because it was more fun.
Why? - More ground clearance, cheaper insurance (MUCH), better
handling.
A point: Big, fast bikes are fun -- so are midsize bikes. They both
have their place. I like my 550 for canyons but I don't like driving
it long distance. The 1000 NEVER had to work hard so it was smoother
on the road. It also was heavier and more comfortable but couldn't
keep up with the 550 through the tight stuff. The long wheelbase
of the 1000 made it track big sweepers but made it slow to change
lines in tight corners.
As for Harlies -- Ride one. They're fun! they have a feel that is
only Harly. I can see why there are fanatics however I would never own
one as my only bike. My kidneys would never survive!
Best midsize bikes:
1. Ducati 600 Pantah
2. BMW R65
3. Kawasa GPz550
4. Suzuki 550 Katana
5. Moto Guzzi V50
the Honda VT500 looo3good but I haven't ridden one so I can't say.
*** WARNING ** FLAME-ON ******
If you're a whimp, be proud but don't go spouting off about things
that you don't understand. I've dragged the floorboards of a
Honda interstate and I laughed 'till my side hurt. So suck eggs!
Oregon road planners/builders have their heads (brains?) placed
where the light of intelligence doesn't shine. If there is a good
road out there PLEASE someone show me where it is!!!!!!!!
Is it just me or are Oregon drivers really as bad as I think??
If your local to Portland come by and show where to go riding. I need
guidence. If you know any sun dances I'll be more than willing to try!!
Best road sign: "curves ahead"
Worst road sign: "loose gravel"
Remember guys: Be nice to little old ladies, dogs, kids, and moped
(gasp) riders. We need to improve our image!
Grego Sanguinetti
tektronix!tekcad!grego
Beav. 4050
P.S. I've been struck by lightning in a plane too (truth)!!