Thruxton R: Owner/Rider opinions, please.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Ulvetanna, VLJ, why all the talk ... a poofteenth lighter, a whisker more HP, a bees knacker steeper steering angle, will it slow me down enough, blah blah. Just go ride one of them, see how it makes you feel then make a decision and tell us about.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the forum isn't for seeking info, it most definitely is, but it seems like the discussion is almost always about the specifications of every motorcycle on the planet and which one to buy next. The conversation goes round in circles at record 'lap times'. Do you really need us to help you make a decision about which bike will stir your soul, i don't think so.

Yep, you're right, I don't have to read or contribute to the threads, but somewhere in all this I look forward to the stories from members who actually have a relationship with a bike, any bike, in 3D and not from a spec sheet.

Perhaps I'm the odd one out ... maybe it's time for me to take a break.

You are very much mistaken, friend.

How in the world could I not have a relationship with my motorcycles if I have ridden 900,000 miles in the last 35 years? I must say this, while others were busy with family and career, I was riding. I rode about 30,000-40,000 miles per year for a long time. I raced. I instructed at track days. I devoted my LIFE to motorcycle riding. And I still do. I had the TIME to ride and own all those bikes and I got to know them. I got to know people, too, and places. I rode through Alaska, Canada, the Northwest, the Southwest, and the Midwest. And a lot of it was in brutal weather and terrible conditions. I was also involved in an accident that almost paralyzed me and had to be flown out of the desert many years ago. Thank God I recovered from that.

Anyone who thinks I don't ride and look at at spec sheet is completely wrong.

I would also like to say that judging other riders based on a few posts is hardly fair, and I don't you would like to be judged that way.

At any rate, I got the info I needed from someone who was eminently helpful, and I appreciate that.