Random Rides

[78_KZ750_Cafe]

I don't know about anyone else, but when I'm out burning dinosaurs for no good reason, occasionally I'll stumble across a cruise in and park, shoot the breeze with everyone and usually get invited to go along on a cruise.

About a month ago I stumbled on the Motor City Triumph riders and the Ferndale Vespa Gang (hehehe), whole bunch of vintage bobbers and choppers, a couple of cafe bikes, and giant Triumph Rocket III and a bunch of other vintage steel. We rode up woodward (main cruising drag for the whole metro) and aside from the Rocket, I was probably the fastest bike there, altho i did get stuck behind a couple of vespa's which was amusing. they're topped out, i'm in 3rd.

Match that against yesterday. I saw a bunch of rocket guys hangin out, probably 7, and one of them had a lowered, litre suzuki with an extended swingarm that caught my eye. so I parked and shot the breeze, asked some questions and was invited to ride along. i was at least at a 100 lb/20 hp disadvantage to the weakest bike. so i knew i wouldn't keep up, we cruised around the city a while and then they hopped on the freeway. hey!? where'd they go? criminy, those things are fast. unnatural fast. i gracefully bowed out at the next onramp so they wouldn't have to hang back at 80 so i could keep up without blowing something up.

I never really had a thing for those bikes, still don't have a need for the speed - too fast. I always thought they were kind of uninspired in the looks department. "the sportbike" in general is pretty generic in the styling, but I discovered that the shape of the tail sections are really beautiful if there's an undertail. it looks like a piece of art. like the evolutionary process stripped the beauty out of most of the rest of the bike, but the tail, which used to be the ugliest part, is now the most pleasant and distinctive part. Who else think its funny that i have commentary on the only parts of these bikes that I could see?

Anyway, anyone else have stories of random rides like these? Just out of nowhere, but fun nonethless.

[daemon]

i ocassionaly have fun running with the litre boy's in my neighborhood.

seldom do i get stuck in the rear for the ride,usually they are asking me "where we going" these bike's are quick and they have a certain beauty to them.
mine being the odd ball (kaw z1000,naked street)i alway's have one of the new guy's say "what is that"
in the straight's they can lose you fast or they are alway's playing the squid.
take them to the twistie's and only one or two will stick with me.
sense of pride i guess,not gloating!!
keep your sense's when around these type of rider's.they have a tendency of
futzing up a good ride trying to get attention.

[78_KZ750_Cafe]

yeah, there was one jackass pulling stoppies, i was definately keeping my distance. they were all very good at riding, but not necessarily good riders in my opinion.

that z1000 is hot. I also like the new ninja 650R, the inline spring/damper in the rear is beautiful, as well as the underbody exhaust. very trick. the triumphs are pretty eye catching too, the bonnie's are always cool. they've also got a new one out called the scrambler that looks like the old kawi high pipe models. how funny is that, a vintage british manufacturer copying a vintage jap bike. Man, bikes are cool, I want em all.

[78_KZ750_Cafe]

Scrambler, the chain is on the wrong side! crazy Brits:

[2WheelFun]

I have enjoyed riding with a few locals who ride sport bikes and was pleasantly surprised to see them do the speed limit. They would open it up now and then but for the most part they were level headed. When we stopped for a break I asked 2 of them what was the fastest they had ridden. One was riding a Busa and the other was riding a 600 and they both said 180 mph and 160 mph respectively. They were both alone on a long stretch of highway with no other cars around when they opened them up to see how fast they dared go on them. Both guys are good riders and have never gone that fast since. One said his leather jacket sleeve was starting to whip on his arm (he's skinny) so he backed off. Both said the bikes were smooth at those speeds.

[Thmastr]

U guys are lucky so far I have researched clubs and stuff around here to go riding but no luck. I gess Ill have to ride around some more (bought bike on tuesday night). I dont know anyone who rides... im all alone!!!! lol. I would definately like to ride with other ppl though. NOw that im thinking about it i dont know how i would feel about sharing a lane if it came down to that lol (not like my ex 500 is big or anything) Atleast not compared to those huge cruisers and touring bikes! those things muts weight a ton!

[1400pilot]

where do you live?? we have members on here from all over, just let us know where you are located and watch the forum for posts.

if you are close to Montana or Arkansas, both places are having forum reunions this summer, check out the rides and events section, you would be welcome in both places.