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Posted by High Plains Thumper on April 23, 2006, 9:31 am
Cybercraig wrote:
> High Plains Thumper Wrote:
>> "Sergio Penta" wrote:
>>> Paladin wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Safer" is relative. A 250 is not safer on the freeway
>>>> than a larger and heavier bike -- the larger bike has a
>>>> larger performance margin and the greater weight gives
>>>> it greater stability against wind gusts.
>>>
>>> My understanding is that studies have shown that smaller
>>> bikes are involved in accidents more frequently but that
>>> the accidents which big bikes are involved in are, in
>>> general more serious. I suspect the bigger bikes' far
>>> greater torque is a main reason for this. Whattya think?
>>
>> IMHO: Larger bike has more potential for bone crushing
>> injuries if it falls on part of you. Larger bikes travel
>> cross-country more at higher speeds, accidents at higher
>> speeds have a greater potential for fatality.
>>
>> I would base the size of bike on what my riding needs are,
>> not on accident statistics. I like my 1987 Suzuki LS650
>> Savage, because being at 352 lbs (160 kg) dry, it is light
>> enough to be nimble and easy riding in traffic. However,
>> as a 652 cc single cylinder, it has enough power and
>> torque for traveling at highway speeds. It is more bike
>> than a 250, but still manageable, which makes it a good
>> beginner cycle also.
>
> It's just about impossible to get enough luggage on a small
> bike for a two week trip. I like to travel in the 85-95mph
> range a lot too. My Concours will do this and still put me
> around 40mpg. Then there's the adequate power for the
> mountains question? How about the rain protection? Small
> bikes just don't travel well.
If you read what I wrote, I stated, "I would base the size of
bike on what my riding needs are, not on accident
statistics."
Not everyone needs a big bike. Not everyone needs a medium
bike. If I want to head out somewhere, I can throw a 40 lb.
duffle bag over the pillion along with my saddle bags and hard
trunk I already have mounted. I don't expect to be away more
than for a week. It's got enough torque for mountain passes.
I've ridden in rain. All that plastic is not going to do any
good in inner city traffic during a torrential rain storm
(BTDT). Maier mini-sport windshield is enough to keep the
wind off the chest. Most of my riding is away from the
interstates.
In the future I plan to upgrade, may be even the Connie. I am
impressed with its features and cost, even though not all
agree. It may be a used one. For now, the Savage meets my
needs more than adequately.
--
HPT
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