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| Not mine, just placeholder of same make/color till I find a pic. |
It was a common site to see Suzette and I out and about town on the bike. We'd go for drives to check out the neighborhoods, cruise the beach, or head over to Petty's for some lunch. We'd ride to church in the summer, two deacons showing up with motorcycle helmets, much to the titter of the church ladies.
The bike had more than enough refinement that it would look good where ever it went. It looked like a much more expensive machine, sort of like the R1200 RT's little brother (which in effect it was). When riding this bike, people would stop, stare, and start a conversation.
Suzee learned how to ride on it. Yes, all though she did not pursue a license, she could ride. She said she preferred to ride on the back of mine. Snuggling.
This 650cc single cylinder Rotax engine had enough torque to haul us up and down the side roads. The frame and suspension was surprising comfortable. The bike had nice features, such as fuel injection, heated hand grips, and I'd even added the full side bags for those occasions we'd want to bring a lunch.
On those days I'd head out on my own, the bike was sporty enough to be a joy to ride - though no threat to a sport bike - it would cut through the hills with vigor. Despite the plastic cowl and all, I'd take it out and toss some dirt on the trails, weave between the trees, and handle the less challenging off road rides following the local BMW group.
Other, more accomplished, riders of this model bike have crossed continents.
This bike ran flawlessly for the couple of years I had it. I'd like to think that was because it was well loved. And that I'd learned the lesson with past bikes on how important maintenance was to a good ride.
I sold it when we moved to New York City. Living in midtown Manhattan - where everything can be reached via taxi or subway - made having a vehicle unnecessary. If we were going to ride a bike from the city it would have to be big enough to handle the highway, with both of us on it, for the trip back up to NH.
It's one of those bikes I'll always remember with a smile.
