"you're a dadburn fool..."

[nostatic]

Sometimes you gotta get back on the horse that kicked you off...



Aprilia Shiver 750. V-twin goodness in an all-around bike. A few random thoughts...

The dealership was in Irvine. About 3 miles east of where my accident was. Of course that meant that for the ride home I'd get the pleasure of traveling that same stretch of freeway on 2-wheels for the first time. I'm happy to report no wildlife was harmed during the exercise.

The last couple of nights have been fairly toss-and-turn, as I've debated the pros and cons of getting another bike. Part of me though that I'd just freak out and not be able to do it. The other part...well, wasn't sure what would happen. But it was just something that I felt like I had to do. If I just didn't have it in me, I'd be able to sell the bike quickly (it is a new model and in very short supply) and just take my loss and take up knitting or something.

From about Irving until HB or so, I was pretty nervous. Kept it at around 65 or so in the number 3 lane. Thankfully it was a medium traffic day, about 90 degrees out, and very few people seemed to be in a hurry. I just kept up with traffic and got back into feeling 360 degrees around me.

The riding position is pretty upright, good leg room, and the mirrors are quite good. Bike is stable at speed but easy to flick one way or the other (Aprilia is known for their great chassis). The sound of the v-twin is intoxicating. This is water-cooled, but the stock exhaust emit a very nice note - much better than stock Duc pipes.

By the time I passed the 605 freeway, I was feeling ok, and was thinking that the first part of the ride actually went by fast. By the time I passed the 110 I was seeing and feeling the bike and the environment. As I approaches west LA I was lane splitting at bit (at a very sane pace though).

I hope to prove the naysayers wrong, but what happens, happens. By the time I got home, the last thing I wanted to do was shut off the bike and go in the apartment. I just wanted to ride some more. But daddy duty calls, and the boy will be back here in awhile.

If you don't ride, you don't really know what I'm talking about. My friends were mixed on the idea, but a few who know me best essentially said, "no question - you have to get another bike." Of course if there were extenuating circumstances I could live without it. We can live without a lot of things we like. But if for no other reason, if you have a chance to stare down your fears and leave them behind, you have to seriously consider doing it.

[Hugh R]

To quote someone "this is bad...really bad"

If I didn't live in a place like El Aye, I'd probably get something like that too. Congratulations. It sure is pretty.

[911Rob]

Right ON!!!!!
Congrats Todd...... ride safe.

[the]

When does the NS Death Pool start!?!

Just kidding. Nice ride! Lots of nifty looking detailing on that machine.

(Oh, and if the Death Pool does start, I've got dibs on June '09).

[nostatic]

nice to know you guys still love me

[Steve Carlton]

Cool looking bike. Do they offer luggage or a windscreen?

Got gear?

[Rick Lee]

Congrats! Let me know when you're riding to AZ. I'm coming to LA week after next, but I have to wear a suit for business, so I'm bringing the 993.

[nostatic]

One of these will show up on Tuesday:



And I have one of these windscreens on order, but unknkown date of delivery state-side:



Still have my full gear. I should get new gloves and another warm weather jacket. My perforated leather one is still fine after the crash (the ex g/f was wearing it) but my textile one shredded (but did its job). Will only wear my Sidi boots while riding (no more textile ones), and won't get on the bike unless I have every bit of gear on. Feels good to be wearing it again though...

[Porsche-O-Phile]

j/k - that's awesome. Hope you enjoy it and get lots of good and coyote-free riding out of it.

[dhoward]

Nice ride.

[JavaBrewer]

Did you test out a triple? Please say you did. After a year spent on each the choice, for me, is clear. 3 > 2.

I'm currently bike less but hope to correct that in the next year. I'd love to hook up with you and other PP riders on a social ride that starts at a Peets. Ride safe Todd.

[LeeH]

How about posting a photo of your healed knee? I still cringe at the thought of the pics you posted.

[TerryH]

Great looking bike. Be safe!

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by dmoolenaar

Did you test out a triple? Please say you did. After a year spent on each the choice, for me, is clear. 3 > 2.

I'm currently bike less but hope to correct that in the next year. I'd love to hook up with you and other PP riders on a social ride that starts at a Peets. Ride safe Todd.

The Street Triple is too small for me...not enough legroom. Didn't try the Speed Triple as I'm not looking for that much hp and it was a bit tight as well.

healed knee. The residual scab is from softball a few weeks ago. Interesting that it takes awhile for a scab to go away when it is all on top of scar tissue

[nostatic]

Another interesting thing about the bike - it is ride-by-wire. The latest fuel map has 3 modes: sport, touring and rain. You can swap between them, changing the response of the bike. The ecu looks at a bunch of parameters and controls the fuel injection accordingly. It is a little odd a first, but I was shocked when shifting and not getting the usual v-twin "kick" when letting out the clutch. It was just a smooth flow.

Not sure how I feel about that in general (being a bit of a retro grouch), but they are using it on the race bikes now, and it is clearly how the industry is heading so they can deal with more stringent emissions and noise laws.

[Don Plumley]

Beautiful bike. Ride Safe.

[Chuck Moreland]

Next you'll be posting pics of your new racecar

Nice bike. Ride safe.

[speeder]

Those Aprilias have great motors, that looks like a fun bike. I'm in the hunt right now and really want to MC around Europe this summer. You'll be fine on it, you just really have to believe that. IMO, of course.

I generally never feel unsafe on a MC, I feel very much like I am in control of how safe the ride is going to be. It's easy to put space between yourself and other vehicles on an open, fast-moving road and on congested streets there are very specific techniques for riding. I use the cars, and especially large trucks as rolling steel walls between me and danger when I'm doing heavy traffic. We need to ride soon, it's one of life's sublime experiences.

One key to happiness and safety for me is to always have the option of taking the car instead. If I even have the slightest hesitancy as to whether I feel like riding the bike on any trip, (no matter how short), I don't take it. With my last bike, (sold about a month ago), I always felt like riding the bike, though. 40 deg. out at night? Take the bike. I have a good jacket and helmet that kept me warm.

Be safe and have fun!

[tabs]

I have cried enough in my life, I just don't want to have to cry anymore!

[Buckterrier]

Great looking bike. I had a major accident in 83' head-on with a 66' Dodge, (the Dodge won). Double compound fracture of the left tibia & fibula. Then a few years ago my brother was killed on his bike in upstate NY, (we won't even get into the helmet debate, ((unless you'd like )). I wanted to ride again. My wife just asked I take a M/C safety course, which I did. Thought I knew how to ride until then. Took many long trips & have great memories. Once I moved to Ct. and with all the traveling I sold the FXWG. No regrets. They say there are to kinds of M/C riders... those that have had an accident & those that will.
You've had yours. Ride safe and enjoy.