Size matters

[Spectre]

I've been riding a friends Suzuki C90T for the last week and was initially pleased with the change of pace. The bike is almost like riding around in your recliner, what with the floor boards, big comfortable seat, and that wonderful windshield.

Unfortunately, I was never absolutely comfortable. First off, it's not my bike and I don't like riding other peoples stuff, but mainly it was because the "feel" of the bike was wrong for me. I wasn't able to maneuver like I wanted and I felt that I was wrestling with a dump truck at times. Passing was an eyeopener too, I had to rethink my whole approach.

Granted, 95% of the time I rode it about 55-60 and had a nice time, but I was surprised that on one of my longer rides that my lower back was a bit stiff. I attribute it to a different riding position.

Alright, I said all that to say this: Once I got back on my bike it was like that bike had shrank. Seriously, I had the impression I was on a 600... until I twisted the throttle.

Dang! And here I have been whining to my mechanic friend that my bike's power has fallen off!!!

 

[Justyntym]

I ride daily but occasionally, due to the weekend rail (like this last weekend) I go a couple of days with no riding...then I get back one and it's like

 Waaaaaa...all over again.

 

[TallTom]

I know EXACTLY this scenario. I rode a C50 around for a few hours recently and subsequently I have done some around town rides also. It is a completely different ride and purpose of machine. Dump truck is kinda good....lol. And a C50 is slower than a 90. I grinned at your comment about passing. I remember thinking, man this thing takes the W H O L E entrance ramp to get a head of steam up to get on the interstate at speed.

You plan a pass WWWWWAAAAAAYYYYY ahead of the event.

I remember seeing a pass opportunity and it was like OK back off for a couple hundred feet and give her all she has and slingshot that pass ahead cuz a mile down the road was a car coming.....lol. I think it rev limits at like 6K RPM and downshift to 4th (there are only 5 remember) at like 60 and at 70ish she starts begging for an upshift.

Then I get back on by Busa and the difference is OK there is a truck up ahead at 300 feet and closing in the oncoming. Self...do I need to downshift to pass these 15 cars in one pass or can she stay in 6th?

nah...just twist and go.

And I get on my V-4 cruiser (Honda VFR in cruiser trim), which is fast by most all the cruiser standards, and I think, my god she is sick what is wrong. That bike for me used to feel pretty capable and quick. She is the same bike she always was, but against the Busa, you just don't remember what that world was like.

 

[proud dad]

my cruiser

my busa

 

[NoFearSpear]

(TallTom @ Jul. 31 2007,08:05) I know EXACTLY this scenario.  I rode a C50 around for a few hours recently and subsequently I have done some around town rides also.  It is a completely different ride and purpose of machine.  Dump truck is kinda good....lol.  And a C50 is slower than a 90.  I grinned at your comment about passing.  I remember thinking, man this thing takes the W H O L E entrance ramp to get a head of steam up to get on the interstate at speed.  

You plan a pass  WWWWWAAAAAAYYYYY ahead of the event.  

I remember seeing a pass opportunity and it was like OK back off for a couple hundred feet and give her all she has and slingshot that pass ahead cuz a mile down the road was a car coming.....lol.  I think it rev limits at like 6K RPM and downshift to 4th (there are only 5 remember) at like 60 and at 70ish she starts begging for an upshift.

Then I get back on by Busa and the difference is OK there is a truck up ahead at 300 feet and closing in the oncoming.   Self...do I need to downshift to pass these 15 cars in one pass or can she stay in 6th?  

nah...just twist and go.

And I get on my V-4 cruiser (Honda VFR in cruiser trim), which is fast by most all the cruiser standards, and I think, my god she is sick what is wrong.  That bike for me used to feel pretty capable and quick.  She is the same bike she always was, but against the Busa, you just don't remember what that world was like.

Well put Tom,,lol.

 

[The Big Red One]

(NoFearSpear @ Jul. 31 2007,12:54)

(TallTom @ Jul. 31 2007,08:05) I know EXACTLY this scenario.  I rode a C50 around for a few hours recently and subsequently I have done some around town rides also.  It is a completely different ride and purpose of machine.  Dump truck is kinda good....lol.  And a C50 is slower than a 90.  I grinned at your comment about passing.  I remember thinking, man this thing takes the W H O L E entrance ramp to get a head of steam up to get on the interstate at speed.  

You plan a pass  WWWWWAAAAAAYYYYY ahead of the event.  

I remember seeing a pass opportunity and it was like OK back off for a couple hundred feet and give her all she has and slingshot that pass ahead cuz a mile down the road was a car coming.....lol.  I think it rev limits at like 6K RPM and downshift to 4th (there are only 5 remember) at like 60 and at 70ish she starts begging for an upshift.

Then I get back on by Busa and the difference is OK there is a truck up ahead at 300 feet and closing in the oncoming.   Self...do I need to downshift to pass these 15 cars in one pass or can she stay in 6th?  

nah...just twist and go.

And I get on my V-4 cruiser (Honda VFR in cruiser trim), which is fast by most all the cruiser standards, and I think, my god she is sick what is wrong.  That bike for me used to feel pretty capable and quick.  She is the same bike she always was, but against the Busa, you just don't remember what that world was like.

Well put Tom,,lol.  

Yep when you start feeling your busa's slowing down get on most any other bike for a day or 2....then jump back on the busa and you'll be amazed all over again. Human perceptions an amazing thing

The most amazing part of it is once you've tasted big power its almost impossible for most folks to step back down

 

[dadofthree]

My cruiser