08-08-2013, 10:54 AM
In my old couple and young couple thread in my last post I related how I came to buy my Kaw 1000 after being disappointed after a test ride on a BMW.
In 2006 I again was disappointed on a test ride. I loved my FZ-1 and wanted a dedicated sport touring bike with fairing and hard bags. To me, a FJR was a logical choice. Off to my local Hon- Yam shop for a test ride. Wife and I took a good long ride, about 60 miles. On our way back to the shop, we stopped at a McDonalds for a cold drink and a discussion. I said to my wife " what do you think?" She enthusiastically replied she loved it and thought we should buy it. She was ready to write the check. What did I think ? She asked. Well, I hated it. The clutch was so stiff my left arm was cramping. The throttle was so stiff my right arm was cramping. It felt very top heavy, and I had no confidence leaned over in the corners. I decided not to buy it. Instead when I got back to the shop I told them to order me a Honda ST1300 without even test riding one. Turned out to be a good choice.
BMW R90s and 2006 Yamaha FJR 1300... Two bikes which I wanted which disappointed me badly.
So anyone else think they wanted a certain bike...until they rode one? Or worse, ought one and discovered after you got it home you made a mistake?
In 2006 I again was disappointed on a test ride. I loved my FZ-1 and wanted a dedicated sport touring bike with fairing and hard bags. To me, a FJR was a logical choice. Off to my local Hon- Yam shop for a test ride. Wife and I took a good long ride, about 60 miles. On our way back to the shop, we stopped at a McDonalds for a cold drink and a discussion. I said to my wife " what do you think?" She enthusiastically replied she loved it and thought we should buy it. She was ready to write the check. What did I think ? She asked. Well, I hated it. The clutch was so stiff my left arm was cramping. The throttle was so stiff my right arm was cramping. It felt very top heavy, and I had no confidence leaned over in the corners. I decided not to buy it. Instead when I got back to the shop I told them to order me a Honda ST1300 without even test riding one. Turned out to be a good choice.
BMW R90s and 2006 Yamaha FJR 1300... Two bikes which I wanted which disappointed me badly.
So anyone else think they wanted a certain bike...until they rode one? Or worse, ought one and discovered after you got it home you made a mistake?