Quote:
Originally Posted by
CaptMoto
Each to his own, I play with the traffic, its my life, I know my limits and though it looks dangerous this is nothing compared to the roads I have learn to ride and drive on back home in Italy. Which is why this type of riding comes natural to me. If I come off and it's game over, it will be my own doing. Yet, I am now counting 30 years now since I first rode legally on tarmac and have never had so much of a spill or accident. It can't all be luck can it?
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The above quote from another thread is a perfect candidate for a poster to be exhibited on every biker's bedroom wall.
The sentiments expressed are perfectly in tune with my own. Prior to getting the XT660R, in the 1990s I had a Divvi 900 which served me for thousands of miles both in the UK and Europe. I was able, when necessary, to intimidate buses, coaches, container lorries and their like by using the 'road presence' skills acquired from police training and honed on the road.
The same road presence was there with my Fazer 1000 but not when I rode other sports bikes GSXR 750, 1100, Blades, Dukes etc. I know that it is the 'Mike the Bike' seated position and straight back that makes the difference. This position is the one naturally adopted by the XT660 rider which explains why for an experienced, skilful and confident rider the rest of the traffic on the road is there to be dominated.
One caution - bicycle riders are extremely vulnerable and should NOT be intimidated.
Two caution - pedestrians are often so insulated in their own world that they do stupid things (this product may contain nuts).
What do you think?