VFR brothers...I've been gone to long!

Every time I check in here, I see the message above the board that says I haven't contributed in some time, and I felt GUILTY

Here's my story, and I'm sticking to it...

The biggest news I have to share is mcy related, however not with my VFR. On August third I totalled my 1999 Black Honda Valkrie Intersate...now get this...without going down!!! I hit a deer at about 65-70 mph, and went right through the poor animal. I didn't see her until she was right in my headlghts, and went on the throttle and just hung on. The bike swerved back and forth for about an1/8 mile or so, but we never got completely out of control. I waited for it to calm down so I could brake and steer to the shoulder, and full of guts, blood and various other less than appealing decorations,(read:deer poop!) we got the side stand down safely. I was kinda shook up, but I remained cool through the whole ordeal.

The front end damage was extensive, and being 8 years old with 105,000 miles, she was doomed. I will say this though, if you have to hit a deer at those speeds, an 850lb Barge is the way to go...

I came home from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan via rental car...time ponder my very existence...and what bike to replace my beloved Barge with. I was pretty damn sure that I wanted the Triumph 1055 Tiger, and in fact took a solid test ride (my second, actually) on a dealer demo. Man..that bike can do it all. It has a fantastic mill...great handling, a comfy postion, and with bags and a trunk...I could knock out some serious miles. I also pondered getting some good bags for the viffer and just using it for all my rides, but I dismissed that idea quickly. I want it for different reasons. Instead I went out and replaced the skins (some Bridgestones, I can't remember which ones) with some Dunlop Qualifiers. Holy MOLY!!!! I've never owned a bike with some serious sporting rubbber, and this is nirvana on two wheels. I don't expect they'll last all that long, but it'll be a major mojo inducer till they wear out.

Upon my arrival at my dealer, wheels in hand to get the new skins mounted for my viffer, I walk out the service door with the mgr to go round up the tires in the warehouse, when I get outside, I see a pristine Blue and Silver Valkryie Intersate that they just took in trade, and serviced for resale. It hadn't made it upstairs to the showroom yet. In my mind...I heard this: "Go ahead sucker. TRY to walk away!!!" Although the Valkryie has been discountinued, it made a name for itself as cult bike with a hardcore following to which I've belonged since it first appeared in 96 as a 1997 model. I am now with number three. I had a 99 standard...the 99 'State..and now this 2000. I did take a day to haggle the price and threaten to walk, but my dealer succumed to a reasonable offer.

I'm back in the Barge saddle again, and already put down 5000 miles on her. The viffer was sitting for awhile, but we're back at it again too. When I need to be satiated quicky...it beats the Barge by leaps and bounds. I'm looking at getting the Sargent seat soon, and did get a small tank bag for the essentials, Nelson-Rigg Mini Magnetic. Coulda gone with something bigger, but I guess I needed a lesson in carrying less sheeeat than I think I need anyway.

I hope everyone has had a great summer, and that the fall season brings much verve to you all.

Signing off for now,

brutus

 

Glad you got right back on the horse (or deer as the case may be)!:llama:

 

A meaty tale to share, I'll rack it. A story like that takes guts to tell on the forum. So you laid down some skin after hoofing it over to the dealer?

btw...How's the jerky taste? :wink:

 

Yea Nozzle, you got it right. Come to think about it, and...it not an easy story to relate to, unless one happens to be another rider.

BTW...the jerky was sweeeeeet!!!

brutus

 

Mellow...I can't shake the "affliction" for sure. But I came damn close to the Tiger purchase. If I hadn't seen that Interstate then, I'm not sure if I wouldn't be back at the Triumph Rat forums. I had a 2001 Sprint ST before the vifffer. The new Trumpets have had my eye for the last few years, and that Tiger is a sweet mount. Has nearly the same ergos as the Valk, and has a very stable and compentent suspension. However...no radio...no CB...and the wind protection is nowhere near the Valk.

Long story short...I needed the old man's luxo-barge !!!