08-03-2018, 05:22 AM
Back when I sold my old V-Strom after getting my CB, the guy buying it was a typical story. He'd ridden as a young man, gotten married, and hadn't been on a bike in decades. Now he wanted to get back into riding and absolutely wanted an ADV bike. He was shorter than I was and older, and could barely reach the ground even though I'd lowered my bike an inch from stock. Still, he paid cash and the deal was done, except he had no one to follow him home. So I reluctantly agreed to follow him and then bring him back to get his truck.
The entire 30 minute trip was cringe inducing. Every stop was a guess as to whether he'd get his foot down before dropping the bike. Every take off was a wobbly affair as his control of clutch, gear, gas and steering was questionable at best. Turns were unstable, and even straight line driving was iffy. I was sure he was going drop it right in front of me.
Somehow he made it home, got off smiling and laughing like he had the greatest time. Completely unaware.
The entire 30 minute trip was cringe inducing. Every stop was a guess as to whether he'd get his foot down before dropping the bike. Every take off was a wobbly affair as his control of clutch, gear, gas and steering was questionable at best. Turns were unstable, and even straight line driving was iffy. I was sure he was going drop it right in front of me.
Somehow he made it home, got off smiling and laughing like he had the greatest time. Completely unaware.