[trykemike]

I took a ride up to my trailer this past weekend. July 5/6. I live in Toronto . It is a 185 km ride to the trailer with the 1 st 50 km mostly a mix of urban and rural riding. I left at 7:20 am the temp was warm 70 F and traffic was light. At 1 point I acknowledged a rider on a suzuki bandit . we rode together for 10 km. at 1 stretch while cruising @ 80 km we quickly slowed down because the COPs had a radar check just before the speed limit increased from 60 k/hr to 80 k/hr so ????. After finally leaving the city behind the ride was very pleasant. No wind terrific scenery
no traffic. during the ride I soon got into the groove and found my self riding along at a lazy 80-90 k/hr. I passed through small villages and by golf courses and several farms. The aroma ranged from fresh and aromatic to putrid ( rotting manure on the fields and a dead skunk once ). The road was meandering and climed several long steep hills but the bike just ate them up running in 5 th gear @ 90-100 k/ph no down shifting required. There were several wide sweeping curves with mild up/down hills mixed in. A look in the mirrors revealed the occassional truck which would appear then vanish only to be replaced by another scarce vehicle. I had to pass a couple of tractors which were pulling hay wagons. No problem down shift to 4th goose to 90 then up to 5th to 100 k/hr then ease back. At 1 point I had a long flat stretch so I cranked the bike to 125 k/hr just below 8000 rpm still smooth. The ride took 2.5 hrs avg speeds between 80-100 k/hr . My gas milage was 31 k/litre approx 90 m/can gal. In my opinion the bike does everything I expected and need. My custom gel cushion and hand grips solved the discomfort issues. I'm 5 ft 6in 160 lbs. The bike fits me like a glove. My friends liked the looks and were dumbfounded when I cruised into the park because they being sceptics did not think I could do it. I always had small bikes so I know what to expect and what not to do. I am planing another run later this summer or early fall. here are som pics. Look at the big snapping turtle that greeted me upon my arrival at the park.