JULY 2013 • BACKROADS
Page 10
THROT TLE BLIPS JEFF BAHR Take ThaT, nicheS! I took a count of my bikes recently and realized that I’m living too large – at least for my current economic situation. In all, my garage contains four motorcycles and one scooter (plus six bicycles - but let’s keep that on the down-low). This is at least two motorcycles too many. If I rode all of them there isn’t a force on good green earth that could make me part with even one of them. But the truth is two of these bikes are castoffs that I no longer ride and never got around to selling (a 2008 Kawasaki Versys 650 and a 2001 Suzuki Volusia 800), and the other machine, a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer, has lost its luster since it’s not equipped with certain features that have become important to me, most notably ABS. Plus, it’s too damned heavy! With this in mind I now plan to shuffle-up the motorcycle deck. If all goes well I’ll end up with my newest bike (a 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650) and a mystery middleweight cruiser yet to be purchased. I’ll also be keeping my stylish little Aprilia scooter because it’s cute as a button and some things shouldn’t be negotiable, damn it! Sounds simple, right? It’s not. The reason? As I said I’m looking for a middleweight cruiser with ABS. Specifically, I’m looking for a Japanese cruiser thusly equipped. I might as well be searching for the Holy Grail. A cursory internet search of the top four Japanese marquees yielded these findings: If I were in the market for a heavyweight cruiser or a smallish 750 there are a few that come so equipped. But in the 800-1000cc range there is nothing… Nada. Zilch. Zippo. This begs the logical question: Are machines in this class less likely to topple over during a panic stop? Or, are the manufacturers simply playing to each motorcycle niche by offering features that they believe will sell best within that class, while ignoring those that don’t think will move as well?
I’m guessing it’s a strong case of the latter. Think about it. When you choose a certain style of motorcycle you are essentially painting yourself into a corner, options-wise, often without knowing it. For instance, if you’re a cruiser guy or gal whose hands get cold easily, you’ll need to go to the aftermarket for heated grips. OEM manufacturers apparently believe that, since you like to play the tough individualist role on your cruiser, you’ll simply laugh at the cold. Hence, you wouldn’t be willing to pay extra for something as sissified as heated grips. Maybe you ride a 600cc sport bike and like to take jaunts to your Uncle Fred’s cabin way up in Winnipeg, Canada. If that’s the case, I sure hope your throttle hand isn’t prone to cramping on the freeways because the OEMs don’t offer cruise control on this level of machinery. They never have, to the best of my knowledge. Once again it’s likely a case of perception based on economics. The manufacturers believe that, in general, touring riders gravitate toward larger machines such as Gold Wings, open-class sport-touring bikes and portly baggers. So they offer a plethora of creature comforts for such machines – nifty doo-dads like cruise control, two-way radios, stereo receivers with Blue Tooth and other accessories. But woeful be the poor chump (me) who dislikes the feel of such big, heavy motorcycles. S.O.L is one way to put it. Look, I fully understand the manufacturers’ reluctance to raise the base price of a machine by including options that they don’t think will appeal to their target audience. But can we outlaying riders (AKA malcontents) order certain options a la carte? This business model has long existed in the automobile world and they seem to be doing okay. In this day and age - with myriad studies pointing to the life-saving effectiveness of ABS braking - I’m floored that most middleweight cruisers don’t come thusly equipped, or at the very least offer ABS as an option. If one of the Big Four offered an ABS-equipped cruiser in this size range, I’d be at that dealer quicker than you can activate your anti-lock brakes! As it is I’m stuck in cruiser limbo “Waiting for the world to change” as singer John Mayer artfully put it. Fingers crossed…
NOT
Come in today for your Summer fun and cleanup vehicles. ©2012 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: always wear a helmet, eye protection, and other protective clothing. Never carry passengers on any ATV not specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. All adult model Can Am ATVs are Category G ATVs (General Use Models) intended for recreational and/or utility use by an operator age 16 or older. For side-by-side vehicles (SxS): Read the BRP side-by-side Operator’s Guide and watch the Safety DVD before driving. For your safety: wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective gear. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Operator must be at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. ATVs and SxS are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Ride responsibly.
Can-Am Metuchen 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900
www.CanAmMetuchen.com
Can-Am Metuchen 911 Middlesex Ave, Metuchen, NJ (732) 491-2900
www.CanAmMetuchen.com