Currently, having far too much time alone (in the car) and thinking about everything including replacing the kitchen sink, my mind wondered onto the subject of my bikes.
As most of you know, I have a 748 duke and my beloved 07 ZX10r. However, I rode either bike no more than 10 times this year and to be brutally honest it depresses me. I've got two gorgeous machines that spend more time on paddocks stands than they do on tarmac. It seems like such a waste.
So I be toying with the idea of changing the 10 to something a little more "practical"....something like a zzr1400 or a Busa...and yes...even considered a Blackbird. Before you all start throwing abuse allow me to explain why.
Neither of my bikes (but from now on I'll concerntrate on the 10) are super comfy for long distances and practicality for me (who wears a suit for a living) means leathers and rucksack don't lend themselves to being a viable option to commute on. I used to commute to warwick a lot as my office was there, and I could pack a shirt and trousers in my bag and get changed in my office. however now, 99% of the time I spend going to meetings at NHS trusts and cannot look anything other than 100% professional and well turned out. Also, several hours in a arse up head down riding position isn't ideal and I find my back and hands are really sore after long periods in the saddle.
If I changed to a slightly less agressive bike, with a more upright position and the possibility of a topbox/panniers to take some kit I would be more inclined to use the bike more frequently. And, if I still want to out for a sunday hack with lads has enough of a sporting pedigree to still be fun on the twisty's? I would get more use out of the bike, ride it for a longer period of the year (with warm kit) and see better value for my money.
To add to that, next year I am hopefully doing some Endurance races with Dave plus a few trackdays so my need for adrenaline fuelled 3 figure road blast will be low.
Has anyone else had this conundrum?
Discuss?
