| Author | Message | ||
     Rr_eater |
Well, all this talk about "better bikes", I could no longer just lurk, must........speak.......out...... I just lost my girl (Y2K M2) in a low speed accident on the southbound 110 freeway in Santa Monica CA. Some A$$H0L&S should not be allowed to drive. Hell, he never even looked over his shoulder, MUCH LESS STOPPED, to see if I was alright, after going from the #1 lane to the #5 LANE!!!! Just took the front of the bike away from me, and that was that. 15 MPH impact with the back of his truck, at an angle though, one complete somesault, and I was on my feet staring at oncoming traffic. Not even a single witness stopped to see if I was ok, which I was, but still. 4365 dollars in damage, IF the frame was ok, 5800 if not, and she was a total. Hell, the adjuster did not even want to see it!! In any case............1 Shoei X-11, one JR Reactor, 1 pair of HG pants(sort of), gloves and boots did there jobs, but gave their lives for my safety!! Real gear is worth it, no question. If I had not been wearing a high quality helmet that day, I would still have my jaw wired and screwed shut, I guarentee it!! Body Armor rules, leather beats cotton ANY day!! Think about it guys who don't, you should!! In any case........ I am the new and PROUD owner of a brand new 04 XB12S less then 8 days after that accident. When I picked it up from OCHD in SOCAL, I was skeptical, as they said they had had it since APR of 03 (that possible?), it was their show bike, not test rider, 31 miles sort of confirmed that. It was scratched here and there, hell even has a ding in the pipe like it was dropped in the lot (store credit for that), and you know, I drove 275 miles JUST TO SEE IT!! It has character, a presence, it is hard to describe. I knew when my wife and I saw it, she would go home with me, you can feel it. She will and has gotten far superior treatment from me then she ever would have there. I rode her home a week ago today, riding her like a raped ape, she told me to!! She purred and buzzed, and throbbed, like an animal let lose!! I got, no kidding, at least 250 "thumbs" from Irvine Ca to Fresno Ca, a total buzz to experience. some say I look like a Circus Bear riding a tricycle, but you know, sometimes you can just feel the connection. Buells are not about tons of power or 200 mph blasts, or power bands that kisk you in the ••• for only 2-3000 rpm. They are about soul, purpose of design, intentions wittled from steel and alloy, banded together to form a living, breathing machine with feelings and purpose. Some will say we are crazy to feel this way, others might agree. It does boil down to "to each his own", but when you finally feel it, you will know it. Its not just about grin-factor, or application, but about your decision in your life. I did not want to be without a Buell under me, some may say IT was just an impulse purchase, those are the ones who dont understand things. Every dog my F-I-L has owned, was trained by the dog before it. He knew when the time was near, and the new learn from the old in a better sence that being trained outright. Every dog has had the same manerisms, same attitude (Pugs after all) as the one before. I too wanted my new baby to know the old, even in her battered state. They spent the next 48 hours alone in the garage together, the old making peace with the new and vice versa. Am I weird, maybe, but some things you just feel. Those of you who come here to "research" you options, must first come to grips with your intentions. What do you want them for, where will they live, how often will you actually "ride" them, how will you treat them, those and many more things should play into your intentions. If your choice is based on "friends" opinions, then so be it. I agree with the Erik's mindset, and there is NOTHING like rolling on the gas in the turn to pass all on one wheel exiting the apex, and knowing you can hold the line all the way out. Make your decisions based on what you will, we did. Bruce P.S. Sorry family, I will NEVER ride to Southern California again without a serious reason. I'm sorry....... | ||
| Joojoo |
Hey Bruce, Glad your healthy and riding another Buell. My 12S is also amazing....I love her. As well, riding gear rules. Broken bodies dont. I agree with your love for good riding armour. Welcome back to the 2 wheel pump man!!!! At least you got your accident out the way.....Mine still has to come. Jack (Message edited by joojoo on August 29, 2004) | ||
| SouthernMarine |
Thanks for sharing Bruce, you hit the nail on the head. | ||
| Unibear12r |
Well spoken! If you are ever around Bakersfield again give me a ring. You going to Octoberfast? Info in stormfronts. unibear12r = big bear with unicycle up @$$.  | ||
| Rr_eater |
Thanks Bear, and yes I am sure I will bet to the B-field area again soon. Octoberfast huh, have to look into that! Love riding out of the central valley, so many ways to go!! And thanks again guys for letting me rant/vent Bruce |
