I had a fun test drive on a little bike yesterday afternoon. I have a coworker who has just gotten into motorcycling. He took the MSF course a few weeks ago and during the class, they had him riding around on the new Suzy TU250x. It's a fuel injected 250cc bike. He (my coworker) had looked around for an old UJM to cafe out but he kept coming back to that Suzy because he remembered feeling good on the bike. He's a tall fella - probably 6'02" or more, but slender. Anywho, he found a 2011 with 75 miles on it and he pulled the trigger. Got a good deal. But he didn't feel comfortable riding the bike the 40 miles back to his place as the MSF course didn't actually give him any real riding time on the street. I respect him for knowing his limits. So, I jumped on the opportunity to ride it home for him. After work yesterday, in 105 degree heat, I donned FULL riding gear and rode this little bike back to his house on back roads. I mapped out a really good route and had a lot of fun on the ride. I had it up to about 75mph (indicated) at one point, and the next minute I was rolling past a cop sitting on the side of the road clocking people. Luckily I had already "scrubbed off speed" (HA!!!!), and the cop paid little attention to me, but I kept glancing back in my mirror just to be sure. What a badge of honor it would have been to get a ticket for speeding on a 250cc. We got to his place and I was soaking wet with sweat. But it really was a blast and well worth the oppressive heat.
I love riding new (to me) bikes. And the little SUZY is a great starter bike. A VERY wise decision on his part. It has enough power to keep you going at highway speeds - though I probably wouldn't do much interstate travel on the bike. The fuel injection makes it essentially maintenance free. And to top it all off, I personally think the bike looks great. It has really grown on me.
The very best part was his two boys literally squealing with joy when they saw that motorbike. Even his wife was excited to see the bike. Very cool stuff.
