[Water Warrior 2]

Don't know if I will buy a new bike in the future. There are lots of them out there but making a decision would destroy brain cells. So many to choose from is almost a stress maker. It would be a mid sized bike or a bit smaller though. My riding doesn't take me out of my area too often so a bike cruiser or touring machine would be pointless. My CTX700 can do long rides but I found out years ago that my body doesn't like extended rides. Besides, I tend to overpack and have far too much stuff that I will never need. The textile bags on the CTX just have a rain suit, water bottles, a patch kit and small compressor. I could pack enough for an overnighter very easily but I like 4 wheels if I go that far. Yeah, I'm a bit of a pussy and I do like my creature comforts and air conditioning on a long hot day.

You mentioned rain. It is still coming down in buckets here. That may be a drawback for some folks but coming from the prairies it is a treat. I don't have to shovel it or own a snow blower anymore. We are required to use winter tires here 6 months of the year on highways but that is just a precautionary thing. This winter I finally got to justify owning a 4x4 after 10 years. My inclement weather machine had to prove it's worth a while ago and it passed with flying colors. What really amazes me is how slippery coastal snow is compared to prairie snow. Even prairie ice on roads is better for traction.