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A Trueism
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When ever I ride hundreds from miles from home the only bikes I see, besides
the occasional 'Wing, are BMW's and Harley's.
Knat like sportbikes are almost non-existant.
I've often wondered why. But I really know why.
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You never see BMWs in significant numbers in Texas until you get as far
east as Ft. Worth and as far south as Austin. Perhaps its because there
aren't may dealerships outside the metro areas, but Beemers are a
rarity where I live.
Go hunderds of miles into the desert on a weekend road trip, though,and
you're likely to see something like this in the small towns:
Looks like a gaggle of sportbikes to me.
Tim Kreitz
2003 ZX7R
2000 ZX6R
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Hmmm, only 22 states under my Triumph's wheels in the past two years.
Guess I'm just a wanna be.... ;)
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Ahh, but in relative terms, Triumphs are almost non existent to start
with. ;-)
Especially the Trophy 1200.
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How come I haven't run into you?
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Maybe because he swerved faster than the others?
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You mean all the Japanese bikes in the world are concentrated within a
few miles of your home? Or you mean you don't see smaller bikes on
the road?
Why should you be surprised that most riders who tour do it on touring
bikes? Do they ride long distances on these bikes because they're so
comfortable and fun? Or do they want to ride long distances in the
first place so they buy a bike that's good for that? 8^)
(I do have to say I'm surprised BMWs are so popular, especiallly the
newer ones. I don't think they're THAT much better than the best
Japan has to offer at about half to 2/3 of the price.)
I read a travelog years ago by a guy who crossed the US on a 50cc
bike! Took him several weeks. I think his top speed was around 30. He
said it was a lot like riding a bicycle, because you had to plod along
slowly and save full power for short stretches when you really needed
it. Very interesting article!
But it was not unusual at all in the 60s and early 70s for people to
go wandering on 350s and even 250s. Something I haven't seen in a
long time is a 350 with a windshield and bags! 8^)
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Not so in California.
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So in California. Ride up 395 or 58 sometime. Or even the 5, 15 or 40.
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I thought something like that, too. I have lived in California for 26.5
years, but in small-ish NorCal towns (most recently near the very-far-north
town of Weed) rather than large cities or SoCal. Big bikes are FAR more
numerous than sportbikes up here.
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But I do ride those roads and to say they are "almost non-existant" and then
to say that is "A truism" is inaccurate.
I ride a sport-tourer (ST1300) and there are a whole bunch of them and other
ST makes and models, along with various sportbikes. If you are talking about
individuals that ride 100's of miles away from home, and re-reading your
post I think you are, then yes, that makes more sense.
The way I read your post originally though, it looks like you're saying that
_you_ can ride hundreds of miles from home and that the only bikes you see,
for the most part anyway, are BMW's, Harley's, and the occasional 'Wing.
I can ride 10 miles from home and go out 33 and see mostly sportbikes and
sport-tourers. The Rock Store and the roads around it are only 25 miles
away. At least half the bikes at any one time, any time of day are sporty's.
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