Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Breaking Free Of The Winter Doldrums

Introduction...

This episode of “Twisted Roads” was slated to run yesterday, which was the celebration of the President’s Day Holiday in the United States. The Presidents celebrated are the two renown for getting results. These are George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The fact that there are no other Presidents celebrated is an indication that these two have set the minimum standards for comparison, which have yet to be matched.

Washington is best remembered for his incredible perseverance, when the first US Congress demonstrated the kind of behavior that American voters could expect from future legislators. They hobbled Washington at every turn during his initial confrontation with the British in 1776, and accused him of being what they themselves were in most every regard – average men. George Washington was an average man only in that he had been measured by average means. It is a little known fact that he had very limited military experience prior to the American Revolution, and that he lost every battle in which he had ever been previously engaged.

With his back to the wall and at the end of his rope... With troops ill shod, ill clothed and ill fed... With jealous and petty officers sniping behind his back... With hundreds of sick soldiers leaving the ranks as their enlistments ran out... With everything against him... George Washington established the first high-water mark for revolutionary thinking and Yankee ingenuity by doing the impossible... He attacked a greatly superior force (Hessians, the pit bulls of 18th Century Europe) in the middle of a winter snowstorm, and with many men armed only with pikes (spears), he seized two British strongholds — Trenton and Princeton — sending a message to tyrants for the first time: “That you underestimate the American nation at your peril.” It is a message often forgotten.

Abraham Lincoln is credited with ending slavery in the United States and preserving the Union. However, there is evidence that he would have been willing to work something out to keep the nation intact. Lincoln is the epitome of the common man rising above his own circumstances, and the circumstances of a nation in duress. With an education best described as “home schooled,” Lincoln was the right man, in the right place, during the darkest hours of the United States. Surrounded by the first truly bipartisan cabinet (an idea far ahead of its time and one that didn’t work) and reliant on the best military minds in the north (which were utterly incapable of providing a victory), Lincoln found himself working within earshot of Confederate artillery (Battle of Bull Run).

Yet Lincoln was made of strong homespun. At one point, he directed the Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton to ask General Meade if he (Lincoln) could borrow the army for the weekend if the general wasn’t going to use it. But Lincoln’s greatest endeavor would have been displayed during Reconstruction. His reasoning was that rebel states never had the right to leave the Union, therefore they were still part of it. His intention, by quote was “To let them up easy.” His assassination at the hands of southern patriot John Wilkes Booth guaranteed a period of reconstruction during which southern states were treated like occupied enemy nations. But the Constitution was preserved and survived up until ten years ago, when it became toilet paper for two administrations.

So I took the day off yesterday to meet with a few gentlemen to discuss the potential for creating a motorcycle-related business. (That is a story for another time.)


The Episode...

Winter brings out the worst in me. The endless blanket of snow draped over this part of the U.S. makes me feel like “Cousin Yorgi,” on page 123 of any Russian novel, where suicide is introduced as comic relieve. Speaking of Russian epics in which winter’s misery is the backdrop of light character studies, my late father was one of the world’s great unrecognized philosophers. We were watching the film classic Dr. Zhivago one night — as Omar Shariff wrote poetry to Julie Christie in a Siberian cottage where the ice was three inches thick on a hot stove — and my dad noted the scene in which a handful of people were walking along a barren railroad track to nowhere. They were bent over as the wind, disguised as a permeable wall of snow, was blowing at 90 miles per hour.

“Where do those people think they are going,” asked my dad to no one in particular. “What would make them think that walking in the snow from a village that has absolutely nothing to another that has even less seem like a good idea?” My dad was a practical man who had been from Iceland to Egypt in the tail gunner’s balcony of a B-17, and who had experienced the temperatures of hell from both perspectives. He had gotten cold at 23,000 feet over Reykjavik (which he pronounced Rake-A- geevic) in December of 1943 and didn’t warm up until July of 1964.

I treasure many of the conversations I have had with my late dad, since those of my memory hold none of the rhetorical questions regarding my character flaws as did the originals. Nevertheless, I am delighted that my father and I never sat through an Ingmar Bergman production, where characters representing death and marriage occasionally played chess. My father was a unique man in that he thought life should be spent looking upward for inspiration, as opposed to poking through shit with a stick, seeking meaning.

The fragile, frozen solitude of last Saturday was shattered by a ringing phone. Dick Bregstein — my riding partner and frequent target of this blog — suggested we throw off the shackles of the season and head over to the local BMW dealer for the product launch of the S1000RR, and for the free breakfast that went along with it. He got no argument from me, and within an hour, we were headed to Hermy’s Tire and Cycle, a temple to two-wheeled perfection selling BMWs and Triumphs.

(Above) Herman Baver, General Manager of Hermy's Tire and Cycle, stated there has been a lot more rider interest in the model launch of BMWs S1000RR, and more inquiries as to when the bile would make its appearance in Pennsylvania. Photo by "Slick" Dick Bregstein.

The expression “local BMW dealer” is a quaint throwback to the days when the boys in the bund saw fit to plant dealerships in every other town, like the blacksmith shops of yore. “Local” now means “closest,” which is a purely relative interpretation. For example, my closest dealer is Hermy’s, in Hamburg, Pa. And Hamburg, Pa. is closer than Hamburg, Germany. See?

(Above) No trip to Hermy's would be complete without a smile from Suzy "Cookie" from behind the front display counter. Photo by "Iron" Dick Bregstein.

It felt kind of odd covering the 60 miles between East Goshen and Hamburg in my old Suburban, as this was the first time Dick and I were attending an event here in a cage. The back roads from Pottstown to Hamburg offer fine motorcycle terrain, but we found plenty of spots were the curves were still crowned with ice and packed snow.

“Now, Dick,” I said, wagging my finger in his direction. “We should walk through Hermy’s first, looking at the new bikes before making a beeline to the free breakfast. Try and linger around the new S1000RR for a bit, asking a question or two to be polite, and then we’ll freight up at the buffet table.”

Bregstein agreed, but this seldom signifies understanding.

The banked snow of Route 61 in Hamburg put a slight damper on the anticipated crowd, especially as the new S1000RR was to have been available for test rides. Still, a respectable mob showed up just to touch the new bike. Dick edged through the crowd like a fullback, approached Herman Baver (the General Manager), and said, “What a great turnout. The new bike looks terrific. Where’s breakfast?”

(Above) Walking through Hermy's is the closest one will ever come to mechanical heaven. The place is wall-to-wall BMWs, with a few Triumphs thrown in for basic comparison. This is one of the few places on earth where I am understood, and someone doesn't walk around behind me, making sure I do not sweat on the bikes. Photo by "I-Can-Pick-Up-A-Pail-Of-Rocks-With My" Dick Bregstein.

The first-rate breakfast buffet was laid out in the main maintenance bay. There were trays of eggs, pancakes, fried potatoes, ham, bacon, sausages, breakfast pastry, coffee, and juice. Bregstein’s technique was flawless. He grabbed eight pancakes, separated them into four pairs, and loaded each pair down with six slices of ham. He then jammed each “sandwich” into a different pocket in his jacket. “I’ll have lunch for the rest of the week,” he hissed, shoving a child aside to grab a container of orange juice.

(Above) The magnificent BMW K1200LT... The Touring Bike For Kings. Photo by "Leather" Dick Bregstein.

Dick glanced around the room to see if he was being observed. Then with his back to the security camera, he systematically constructed a seven-layer breakfast plate that must have weighed three pounds. Bregstein blended into a corner in which to savage the leaning tower of breakfast in much the same way a muskelunge will go through a line of ducklings.

“Good heavens, Dick,” I exclaimed. “They never really count this stuff, you know.”

His response was a low growl.

The new bike was on display like a predator in the zoo, surrounded by onlookers masked by unabashed awe and motorcycle lust. Surprisingly diminutive, the S1000RR conveys power, style, and innovation at first glance. One would think the riding position awkward for a tall man. Yet several tall riders (including the Mac Pac’s Matt Piechota) mounted it in the showroom, claiming the position was quite comfortable.

(Above) Mac Pac member Matt Piechota tries on the new S1000RR for size, and likes it. Tom Murray, of the crack Hermy's Sales Team (left) smiles knowingly and quietly asks for a sales pad to set the hook. Photo by "Compass Needle" Dick Bregstein.

The machine on display was fully equipped with ABS, traction control, and a series of other options. The standard feature that garnered the most attention from this crowd, however, was the engine. Rated at 182 horsepower at the back wheel, the S1000RR is one of the sleekest, fastest, and most powerful bikes in the BMW stable. It also has an incredible horsepower to weight ratio, at 450 pounds wet.

“Hey, Jack... Wanna hear her run,” asked Tom Murray, of the Sales Department.

“Why yes, Tom,” I replied. “If it’s no trouble.”

“It’s never any trouble for you.”

Tom wheeled the raptor over to the double glass doors, opened them and sighed over the starter button. The bike snarled to life a nano-second later like a panther on a short leash. The engine idled for a few minutes after which he gave the throttle an aggressive twist. It was like pulling the cadmium rods out of a reactor. The bike went to high RPM in a split second, with a sound that set every heart in the room on a war-drum beat.


(To view a video of this machine idling at Hermy's, and my closing comment, please click here.)


“I am seriously thinking of getting one of these,” said Matt Piechota.

I asked Bregstein if he would take pictures for my blog. He was only too glad to oblige me, claiming he had a camera in his pocket. He did. But it was in the last pocket he checked, and Dick found it only after pulling ham and pancake sandwiches out of every zippered opening, like a sideshow magician.

While up at Hermy’s, we met Matt Piechota, Rick and Linda Sorensen (Mac Pac Riders), Mike and Desiree (Delaware Valley Riders), and Bill Mara, (who I met at the Airheads Conference in Pottstown last week.) I was commenting on the kind nature of Hermy’s to get behind a product launch like this, when Linda Sorensen mentioned that they drove over 90 miles to support this dealership. Bill Mara came considerably further, from Warren, New Jersey.

Hermy’s Tire and Cycle has a long and distinguished background supporting BMW riding clubs. The only way they could possibly become more hospitable would be if the put a bar in there too. Then again, I would never go home.

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dick Bregstein and Matt Piechota to this report.

There will be a second Twisted Roads Posted For Tomorrow...

The bog episode originally scheduled to run today — Dispatches From The Front — will run here tomorrow, as a bonus episode for all of my readers who have waited so patiently for it.

Announcements:

Two new “Destinations” have been added to the blog list on the right. These are:
1) Scootin’ Old Skool by Orin
2) Everyday Riding by Chris Luhman

Scootin’ Old School primarily focuses on the two-wheel world of classic scooters. Written by Orin, this blog provides in-depth riding perspectives from the viewpoint of a veteran scooterazzo, with extra attention to both new and vintage machines, techniques, and destinations that have appeal to both the scooter crowd and bikers in general.

Everyday Riding are the enduring chronicles of Chris Luhman, who goes through life nailed to the cross of a Ural sidecar rig. Luhman is undaunted by snow, sleet, locusts, and Bolshevik revolutions as he confronts all from the handlebars of his Russian rig. His blog covers subjects ranging from technical interludes to destinations, and from making videos from the cockpit to the occasional analysis of the riding psyche.

I read them often.

©Copyright Jack Riepe 2010
AKA The LIndbergh Baby (Mac Pac)
AKA Vindak8r (Motorcycle Views)
AKA The Chamberlain -- PS (With a shrug)

42 comments:

Electra Glide In Blue said...

Jack,
I just dropped in to look at the pictures and watch the video.

I take it the buffet was all you could eat?

Woody said...

Thanks for the great report Jack. Be sure to send Chris and Hermy links to it. That way, they'll know to hide the food when the Spotted Dick appears.

Respectfully Submitted this 16th day of February, 2010
Wayne Woodruff
CEO
Helen Keller School of Photography

Cantwell said...

Jack,
Once again, I have taken a journey with you, smelled the exhaust and tasted the pancakes. Thank you.

Michael

redlegsrides said...

I dunno Jack, the sound of that 1000RR reminded me of the Ural. : )

OK, maybe not...what's with the weird looking headlights though?

Jack Riepe said...

Dear EGIB (Jeff):

The buffet was and Dick did. I restricted myself to a small bowl of gruel and a crust. Later on during the day, I sucked on a handful of snow as that was free too.

Thank you for reading my blog and dropping by to shoot the shit.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Woody (The Other Wayne):

Your kind note of encouragement has made me blush. I had forgotten that Bregstein is also known as "Spotted" Dick in certain quarters. I had lunch with Dick on Monday. He used that opportunity to introduce me to a couple of ramking business men as "Jack Riepe, the scourge of the BMW Marque.

Can you imagine?

Thank you for reading my blog and for chiming with a really good recommedation.

Fondst regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Cantwell (Michael):

You are welcome to accompany me on any of my journeys, including the virtual ones where the gesture costs me nothing. Kindly look in again tomorrow, as you will be mentioned in the dispatches.

This most recent breakfast at Hermy's was especially good. He'll likely do another in the late spring, structured around lunch though. I've had pierogies up there that were to die for.

Thank you for reading my bog and for leaving a comment.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Charlie6 (Dom):

As you are aware, Japanese motorcycles are designed to have a kind of face that makes them more visible to other motorists. This BMW has one too... Some feel the face of the S1000RR looks to be winking, while others suggest the motorcycle's expression personifies getting kicked in the balls.

I heard one famous BMW wrench say the headlights were each designed by a different engineering firm, who were prohibited from communicating with each other before the prototype was built.

Speaking of getting kicked in the balls, this machine sounds nothing like Ural.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Unknown said...

Jack "r:":

I never realized that Dick had such a Huge Appetite.

That S1000RR looks like a sporty machine, but with a price to match

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

RichardM said...

Thank you for the post and the video. I'll probably never get around to actually looking at the bike. For some reason, I am still partial to those bikes without a proper cooling system, low horsepower, no FI, no ABS, etc...

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Nice post, Jack. That new BMW is sure to get a lot of folk in trouble. Fun. But trouble nonetheless. Thanks for the history lesson too. Looking forward to your new enterprise--whatever that may be.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Bob Skoot:

Are you having fun, dodging the Olympics?

Though priced at the opening rate of $14,000 plus dollars, the BMW S1000RR represents a new chapter in the development of German motorcycles. The machine is more than just blazingly fast... It has an intuitive suspension and an ultra-refined braking system (coupled with other options) which makes this machine a long-term investment in street screaming and track days.

It is highly competitive performance-wise with other liter bikes, and was built to appeal to a yonger market more inclined to ride on the track. Track days are becomig increasing popular with riding clubs. (Ours holds two each year, complete with track riding lessons.) This is the machine built to fill an emerging performance/social market.

All BMWs are pricey. Then again most of them are still on the road. Sometimes, you get what you pay for.

Going out with Bregstein is always a challenge. The man is thoroughly unpredtictable. Our first ride has been scheduled for March 20th. We'll see how much snow we have left by then.

I can't believe it is already spring where you are.

Fondest regards,
Jack • Reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Rich Machida:

You would have loved the Airheads conference I attended two weeks ago. I felt like an astronaut standing in a crowd of Mississippi steamboat pilots.
I expected Jules Vern to step to the front of the room and lecture on the importance of clearing the gauge piping of condensation before measuring steam pressure.

Then again, you will never have a ride grind to a halt because your bike needs a new oxygen sensor.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Sojourner:

I always get a little thrill whenever you indicate you've been looking at my tripe by leaving a comment. I do not see myself getting involved in a big alternative venture as a principal, but offered my services as publicist. I do not think they will be needed for a long time. The current economy has not been kind to the motorcycle industry. With jobs at a premium, discretionary spending is still likely to remain a flat line.

But one does what one can. How are you doing?

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Robbie/Lucy:

Thank you for your kind note. What aspect of my blog do you like the best? What kind of bike do you ride?

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Gary5410 said...

I had hoped to see some of Reipe's Riders at Hermy's, but I arrived too late ....around 1:00......that 1000 RR is sweet and I think you would look good on one!
Gary

Without nary a clue, Ihor said...

A very odd looking machine that, though odd enhances awareness on the part of motorists I suppose. Too bad test rides were limited by the snowy conditions. A photo of you mounted on the thing in full gear would have been an ad guaranteed to boost sales into the single digits. Fear not, you'll be on the road in 60 days or less.

BMW-Dick said...

Dear Jack:
I really enjoyed your comments on George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. From that point forward truth meter indicated that your writing and thinking deteriorated significantly. Capt. Morgan for breakfast was a bad decision on your part. Nevertheless, your description of the R1000SS and the hospitality of Hermys were "spot on."
I always enjoy visiting Hermys because they treat us like members of the family. Hermy even asked me to take out the garbage - bada bing bada boom!

Unknown said...

You left out Chris Luhman's most important out, Jack--He's in Minnesota!--Where they know how to do real winters, not this piddly late fall stuff we have down here.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Gary:

We had just left at 1pm. I am so sorry we missed you. Hermy's is like going to the clubhouse on the weekends... You're always running into someone up there.

I really needed that biker's morning out. This snow has me really depressed.The only good news, as far as I'm concerned, is that local snow removal funds are exhausted and that theres has to be major cutbacks in the use of gravel for the rest of the winter.

Thank you for reading my blog and for commenting.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep •Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Ihor:

The basic configuration of the S1000RR conforms to the current syle of sport bikes (read "Japanese"). This machine is an attempt by the Fatherland to compete head-to-head in a market where the sun both rises and sets in the east.

The S1000RR is winning one race after another on the professional circuit and is designed to be highly competitive as far as weight, expense, and horsepwer goes. BMW has introduced it in a stalled market, in which three Japanese manufacturers have either stopped building or importing new models.

This means the boys in the bund will have the advantage of being the only really new kid on the block. The machine is really designed to get a younger, more upwardly mobile crowd into the dealership. And therein lies the bad news... I don't know many 18-year-olds with $14,000 in their pockets.

And as a first or even a second bike, this one has the potential to fulfill Daewin's wildest dreams.

'm flattered that you find this crap interesting, as you are not a "rider," though I swear there is a scooter in your future.

Remember, I am celebrating my bIrthday on March 20th this year, at 12:30, at the White Castle, on Route 37, by the intersection of Hooper Ave. You may have to make a speech.

Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear BMW Dick (Bregstein):

We did have a good time on Saturday morning. And that breakfast certainly was free. We get to do breakfast again on Sunday with the Mac Pac, but it is going to mean climbing out the men's room window if we are to get a similar discount.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Rogers:

It was not my plan to skip out on the Delaware group's breakfast last Saturday, but I did not read the fine print. I actually thought it was Sunday, and missed the function.

What are you doing on March 20th, 2010? I would like to invite you to a posh luncheon, celebrating my birthday. Check-in will be at the Starbucks in Exton (if they have not gone out of business yet) at 10am. Lunch will be served 95 miles later in New Jersey. Some other guys from Delaware are likely to be there, and then will head home over the Memorial Bridge from the NJTP.

Please tell me yiou can make it.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Conchscooter said...

I rented the R1200S with 175 hp when i was in Italy last year and the year before and thought it was ridiculously over powered. It was fun though provided you carried spare underwear.
I thought you would like to know our website blocker at work has now deemed yhour blog to be not worth accessing. Nice huh, banned by KWPD.

Surmising future circumstances, Ihor said...

If the 20th does not include weather catastrophes or other insurmountable issues, you can count on my attendance. And I do ride my bicycle on occasion, more often should I retire to the ADKs. I have no plans to tempt fate and ride a two wheeler faster than I can pedal. One crash leading to surgery has already tempered my need for speed. I prefer to walk or hike in forested solitude given the choice.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Conch:

There is no such thing as a motorcycle with too much power...

I am shocked and dismayed to discover the Key West Police Department has awarded the "Twisted Roads" Blog site pest status. No doubt they'll be on the alert for me when I get there. Well tell them the only way they'll get their hands on me is through a wall of lead.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Ihor Who Will Regret Admitting He Fell Off His Bicycle On This Forum:

Your accident was undoubtedly caused by having to pedal and make a decision at the same time. This is less likely to happen if the machine is pedaling itself.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads

sgsidekick said...

Oh my Gawd. I would have loved to have seen Dick and the pancakes in real life!

You getting a new bike, Jack? The tone ofo your writing sounds almost wishful.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear SgSidekick (Tena):

My industry is so bad that there is no thiought of me getting a new motorcycle until something breaks. Then again, if I had a few bucks I'd be delighted to have a used BMW K1200GT, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful motorcycles BVMW ever made.

Thank you for reading my blog, and for commenting.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Fondest regards

Chris said...

Dear Jack,

Thanks for recommending my blog! I do have three other bikes besides the Ural, but they are busy cowering in the corner of the garage afraid of the salt.

-Chris Luhman
Everyday Riding

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Chris (Luhman):

My pleasure. What are your other three rides?

Jack • reep • Toad

Fully recuperated, Ihor said...

Dear John, my crash was caused by a poor road surface and I wasn't pedaling at the time. I sympathize with your preference for riding a 5 to 7 hundred pound motorized machine as opposed to a 25 pound thin framed bicycle. The BMW doesn't inflict a wedgie when you mount it and fosters a sense of accomplishment when you arrive at a diner and dismount. Further imagery is unnecessary for your readers who have witnessed that and other accessorized gymnastics.
I regret that public transportation isn't more available to give me more opportunity to read rather than drive Jersey's highways. I can honestly attest that all the road trips we have shared have been the greatest fun, even the one you trailer-ed Fire Balls.

Chris said...

Dear Jack,

2001 Suzuki SV650
2008 Yamaha WR250R
2005 Kymco Super 9
2009 Ural Patrol

http://www.everydayriding.org/p/my-bikes.html

You're welcome to make it five by buying me the S1000RR :)

Unknown said...

Mr Jack "r":

Might I hasten to add that if you are so freely giving away s1000RR machines then put me on the list. I only have 3 bikes. The addition of the S1000rr would put me on the same level as Chris. Plus then I would have a machine worthy for your next visit to Vancouver.

bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin

Chris said...

Bob, sounds fair to me!

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Ihor:

Your comments are what I get when mixing the contents of a tackle box with a Valentine. I'm sure you were wearing a helmet when you crashed, bur certainly nothing in the way of ballistic gear. Did yfast were you going when your ass hit the pavement? Did you get any road rash?

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Chris (Luhman):

Looking over the list of your bikes, it is apparent to me that you have put your faith in the east, for the exception of Bolshevik sidecar rig.

Just drink the Kool Ade and repeat after me: "Deutschland Uber Alles..."

Fonest regards,
Jsack • reep • Toad

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Bob Skoot:

You would never be happy on a BMW. The total sense of individuality that comes from riding a unicorn drives some men to madness. You would find yourself humming selections from the Nibelung at the next Ukulele gathering. When a person on the street aske for directions, you'd find yourself responding, "What kind of an idiot ventures into a strange city without familiarizing themselves with the streets and roads?'

And finally, you would discover that your bike ran rough or not at all with those pink crocs in the side bags. But think how cool it would be to have a helmet with horns on it.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad

redlegsrides said...

Jack, Jack, Jack....think of Urals as the Russian homage to the Teutonic beauty and efficiency of the boxer engine that true defenders of the faith and keepers of the light ride....unlike you flying brick guys! : )

classicvelocity said...

I was fortunate to spend a few minutes with BMW Racer Nate Kern talking about this bike at the NY Motorcycle Show. He described the S1000RR as a badass machine that was far better than many racebikes he had ridden. He also told Ricky Gadsen (who had come over from the Kawasaki booth to take a look) that it was a competitive drag bike right out of the crate. As I've said before, I have no good reason to own such a machine, but I want one anyway.

Wayne (aka classicvelocity)

Chris said...

Dear Jack,

I'd love to get a nice German bike. Perhaps you could help convince the people I work for that the economy is great, and we should all get raises instead of laying people off every month. :) :)

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

How am I doing? Let's just say that I've not contributed to any workplace horros. Let's leave it at that. I'm hanging in...