update the consumption matrix

Well, it’s been a relatively busy week, both at work and just stuff in general. Gaby and I did chat and we’re in agreement with the car being sold. I need to clean it and list it.

I’ve also taken some test rides of the replacement vehicle, a enduro-type motorcycle. I’ve tried the BMW R1200 GS, R1200GS Adventure, and the Buell Ulysses. I tried to get a test ride on the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 650 but the dealership wasn’t really willing to do it unless I was close to buying. Really, you expect folks to shell out $8k-$10k on a bike without riding it… shit. 

Anyhow, the Buell is a bit loud and shaky (unless you rev it up), but the seating is comfortable, and the handling is marginal. I really don’t like the kickstand and footpeg placements on any of the years (I test rode an ‘06 and sat on the ‘07 which is exactly like the ‘08). The price is sorta okay, but once again, the two they had were last and last-last years models. They’d have to cut a heavy deal for me to pick one up.

The V-Strom is nice, while not the prettiest bike. It’s big, but unlike the Buell and BMW, I have no problem with the crotch to floor distance when standing. These guys at Cycles USA didn’t allow for a test drive. Liek the Buell, it has adjustable suspension, but it requires getting off the bike and changing it. I’m also not jiggy with the chain drive, as Buell had the belt and the BMW is shaft driven.

So, even barring the price tag, I’m going to probably go with the BMW. It’s big and chunky, but it’s a looker. I won’t, as well, be getting any speeding tickets, as it’s a slow bike. It’s an awesomely precise bike despite it’s size, easily doing doughnuts at low speed without feeling I’m going to tip while up on the pegs. I have to get the car sold, but the model isn’t hitting the dealer until October. I will hope that’s enough time to unload the car and have the money available. 

I’m also still trying to convince Gaby that her trip with her mom and aunt would best be done with them in a rental car (or her car — but it’s almost 10k miles of driving as it currently stands) and me on the bike… I’m also hating to say, it’s really the only way I’m willing to do the trip… the car (and I’ve done the x-country trip a number of times) is boooooring. So, we’ll see… but wish me luck.

Tags: adventure, BMW, Buell, commuting, motorcycle, Suzuki, V-Strom, vacation