With public transport not the safest option I found myself looking for a city commuter since I have to do a 20 km round trip twice a day. The only bike that caught my fancy was the Continental GT 650 but currently I do not have the budget for a new bike. About the same time fellow Bhpian
KarthikK announced that he was planning on selling his Karizma. Growing up, that bike never caught my fancy but by now it has its own fan following so I decided to buy that bike. Karthik knowing me really well told me to ride the bike first for a while and then decide if I really wanted it, instead of making an impulsive purchase and then regretting it. Thank goodness one of us has common sense! So I took him up on his offer. The guy does keep his vehicles well and the bike was in immaculate condition, but part of owning an old bike is trying to restore it to its former glory, so that didnt stop me from immediately replacing the engine oil with Motul 7100 and slapping Masseters on and a new air filter. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the bike with nary a squeak nor a rattle but something just didnt connect. I found that as much as I loved trying to bring the bike back to showroom condition I did not belong to the nostalgic club. It was a good character learning experience and I realized I liked to live in the present. So before handing the bike back to Karthik I took the bike to the nearby Hero service center for a check just to make sure nothing was amiss during my short ownership period. I still dont recollect how the conversation started but 3 mechanics and the floor supervisor pounced on me when they realised I was evaluating the bike and was going to hand it back to the owner. They demanded I call the owner then and there (maybe they knew something I didnt). One of the mechanics struck a deal and that was that. The bike was sold! I guess the fact that I couldn't out brake or out accelerate a dangerous situation was a deal breaker for me.
Am I an off roader now ?
This for me will always remain a relic from a bygone era
Though truth be told every time I rode the Karizma and came home, one look at this parked I had to take it for a spin. So I decided to use it as my daily commute. Overkill ? Heck yes! But every day is a joy.
The biggest issue I faced with this as a daily commute was when coming to a stop and putting my foot down. I never in my wildest dream thought I would end up on an ADV so my trusty Sidi's were not up for the task. They slip like crazy off the bike. Multiple times I would put my foot down only for my leg to slip and with a pillion thats a recipe for disaster. Though on the bike these boots are sublime. Footpeg slide forward to reach gear lever and slide back to footpeg can be done in one slick motion and you feel each and every click (clank- Its a Ducati) of the shifter or every mis-shift (again, its a Ducati). And not once have I been caught on the wrong foot on the pegs with these boots. Sadly they dont cut it when trying to manoeuvre the bike at idle, whether you are on or off the bike.
With international travel not an option for the foreseeable future, I visited Orion Riding gear. They have a lovely collection of all riding gear and I felt like a kid in a candy store. But once I wore these I knew no other option would do. Extremely comfortable and very protective! Did a small city run and then had to make a 500 km round trip for some personal work to Salem. So my observations post a little over 500kms with these.
Its like I have an extra brake. When I put my foot down I can control the bike without breaking a sweat. Same with off bike manoeuvres. Its solid to the extent where I am considering buying a knee brace because in case something has to give first thing to go would my anterior ligament (knee) and having torn and repaired one already, I am in no mood for another tear. You see how motorcycling gear and accessories are a huge financial drain into a bottomless pit?
Performance on the move is a different story though. No more sliding on the pegs. Its now, lift from foot peg - change gear- lift back on to foot peg
I have to now recalibrate my shifting durations and talking about gear lever feel - Whats that? I have to rely on the console to see if the gears have slotted in, hoping with kms I get the hang of this but there is no going back.
I had a huge scare when I rode with these for the first time. When I tried to up-shift and put my balls of my foot back on the pegs I felt something holding my leg down. That was a scary moment. The top of the boot catches on the crash guard.
There is nothing I can do apart from lift boot from peg - up shift - move leg to the left - lift boot and put back on peg. See how cumbersome this has become now! Will have to learn to ride with arches on the peg but I find that position uncomfortable.
And why am I telling you all this? In case someone is wondering what type of riding boot to buy I sincerely hope this gives them some idea. Because I had no clue!
Since we are on the topic of riding footwear , this has to be my all time favourite. Though it doesn't look like much it has heel, toe, ankle hard protection, multiple slide points, like dancing shoes on the footpegs and yes, you can run up and down stairs with these! Though sadly these cannot be used with a 200+ KG ADV. I have had the misfortune of the side stand landing squarely on the toe box of the SIDI's and managed to walk away with only a dull pain. These riding shoes aren't built for that so for now are relegated to NTORQ duties.
So the hunt for a fun city commuter continues, as I would hate to see 2 pairs of perfectly good riding boots rotting away!
Quote:
Originally Posted by krishnaprasadgg Summer is going to be pretty bad this year. It's already hitting 40degrees at my place... |
I cant help but laugh out loud when I recall this message. I would gladly accept 40+ temps than the madness we have been dealt with. Who knew!