Faster than a speeding bullet…sort of (B.A.R. rating 5 out 5)
Well OK, not actually faster than a speeding bullet–but you will never feel more like Superman than when you’re flying down the highway or putting a knee down through a tight corner on your new motorcycle. For those of you not familiar with the 2-wheeled world, the modern sport bike (or “donor cycle” as Firefighters and EMT’s like to call ‘em) is little more than 2 wheels, a motor, and collection of plastic bodywork. My vehicle of choice is a black and silver 2003 Honda CBR600F4i. 100 horsepower, 43 foot pounds of torque, 0-60 MPH in under 4 seconds. The Honda F4i is a perfect mix of speed, agility, and user friendly handling ability. It is more than enough for a beginner, and will still keep the veteran rider entertained. Dodging cars, potholes, and wayward wildlife is difficult enough in a car, upping the ante by removing two wheels and the protective steel and glass cage requires a definite lack of brains and a sphincter of steel. Cars move the body, motorcycles move the soul. Insider Info You need a good helmet, and I like HJC AC-11. For $300, you can't beat the comfort or price. It's SNELL and DOT rated, has a fully removable liner (nice feature so you can wash the stink out after a particularly butt-puckering/sweat inducing ride), and easily interchangeable face shields. I also recommend different coat and pant combos for winter and summer riding. The Fieldsheer Titanium Air is a great mesh jacket (matching pants available) for summer riding, and the Joe Rocket Reactor jacket keeps out the cold and wet in the winter. Alpinestars makes comfortable riding boots that double as poor quality dress shoes for the days you ride to work . www.newenough.com has great prices and excellent customer service.Not So Cool Hot summer days and cold evenings do not make for fun times on a Honda motorcycle. The riding position will wear you our after a few hours, and the hot engine between your legs starts to cook delicate parts pretty quickly without the occasional break. In cold weather the small forward profile offers little protection from the elements. Wet weather is no fun and stop and go traffic will test your nerves as well as your endurance.The Fine Print Not able to walk and chew gum? Still have training wheels and handlebar streamers on your bicycle? Then a motorcycle probably isn't for you. Stick to safer pursuits, like collecting teddy bears or belly button lint. If you think you are interested, do yourself a favor and sign up for the three day Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) class. Peep www.mfs-usa.org for more info.Still interested? check out: powersports.honda.com MSRP $8200, but you can usually walk out the door with a new model for about $7500. Factor in locks and protective gear, and you're looking at another $600-$1200 depending on your style and name brand requirements. Insurance runs anywhere from $200-$3000 per year depending on your driving record, age, state, and so on.... |
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January 3rd, 2005 at 11:40 pm
Todd! Super thanks for the review! Whatever you do, don’t die! We want more.
January 10th, 2005 at 6:56 pm
did camara’s shirt fall off while riding the bike? why does this always happen to him?! poor camara!