It is nearly 5 a.m. when I flipped on the TV for some news. Instead, the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian" is just beginning. What a treat!
The ST had 18 miles on it Thursday when I drove off the lot. It now proudly displays 118 miles! The goal is getting the 600 miles break in period and check up out of the way before any super long trips.
Observation: Although the ST is a heavier bike, it feel weightless compared to the SV, which is a relatively light bike. One reason the SV feels female to me has to do with it being a bit top heavy. The ST, which is narrow, slight and sleek lacks the weighty feel in the tank area. I straddled the ST with both feet planted and moved it from side to side as far as I could to see how it felt to support its weight. The point at which this feels uncomfortable occurs sooner with the SV. Ignorance, in this case, is bliss, because I never felt this to been an issue with the SV. It handles superbly, effortlessly and I have no complaints. It's all relative, isn't it?
Now, I know that the ST while factually heavier feels lighter and I think it has something to do not only with it not being top heavy but more importantly, that the fuel tank is located behind the rider, which does something to lowering the center of gravity (I think). On the SV, the weight of all the fuel is up front, so every time I turn or lean or paddle walk the bike, I'm feeling that weight. This isn't a complaint, just a difference I've noticed.
No engine kills Friday. No surging as I reach for the turn signal cancellation button. And, after reading the manual, I discovered that the turn signals cancel automatically. That, I like! Felt confident on all leans but still taking it easy due to the new tires. It's fun varying the speed and the rpm limitations don't detract one iota from the fun.
One of my favorite scenes in "The World's Fastest Indian," is when the motorcycle gang, previously unkind to Burt, shows up on the day of his departure to American and they escort him to the airport. The gang leader gives Burt "beer money" and says, "Show 'em Kiwis can fly to, eh?"
The movie is replete with pearls from the wise old Burt. His young admiring neighbor asks Burt, "Aren't you scared you'll kill yourself if you crash?"
Burt responds, "No...you live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime."
It's the weekend. Go riding. Stay safe--lots of distracted drivers out there...
