First Ride of the Year

[CaptainChris_imp]

I took my first decent ride this weekend. The rain has finally washed away enough of the salt and sand on our roads, even though massive potholes remain in many places. I was on the road at 8am sharp, and took Hwy 54 > 39/51 > 8 heading from Wisconsin Rapids to Rhinelander to visit family. Speeds averaged 75-80mph and my Dart Flyscreen did a very admirable job keeping the brunt of the wind off of my chest, however 75 miles into the trip I realized my fuel gauge was down to it's last bar. Stopped and put 2.4 gallons. I guess a full complement of side and top cases at those speeds really does a number on this bike's fuel mileage. On the return journey, I took my time and kept to the back roads and county highways. You can tell that 60mph is this bike's happy place. The wind dies down to a gentle buffeting from the roar you get on the freeway, and the engine gets smooth as glass. Fuel mileage was also way better, although I won't know the specific figure until I fill it up next. I had my eyes on this bike since it first came out in the US. It seemed the logical choice for me. It has the same ergonomics and simple UJM design that I loved from my TU250x, all the power of my R1150RT, and maintenance that I can do on my own. I picked the bike up and have made it my own with plenty of modifications and 4000 some miles. It wasn't clicking though. It has just been an ok bike so far. At some point on the ride home, I was the only vehicle anywhere in sight, powering through some gentle curves with the sun shining through the clouds, and the bike and I clicked. I got a big smile on my face and maybe a little dampness in the eyes. I put my hand on the tank and said a quiet little thanks to it in my head. I think we understand each other now and I plan on this being my ride for a very long time.