What I got to ride this week (some largeish pictures)

[PsychoHippy]

OK, as a response to some recent comments from the newcomers that we older riders don't share our experiences, I think I shall regale you with details of my latest test ride.
On Monday, I took T.N.O to my favorite bike shop (DNA Racing near Swindon) to have a look at some nice bikes and some kit for him (yes I am going to get him on a bike ). When we got there, Paul (the chap that runs it), comes outside, grinning like an idiot and says - 'I was wondering when you'd turn up, I've got a demo TNT for you to have a go on'. Unfortunately I didn't have any of my kit with me, so had to decline - promising I'd be back the next day to take this new toy for a ride
So, Tuesday comes around, the sun is out and the roads are warm - a perfect day for a demo. Back at DNA and Paul tosses me the key - 'I've just taken it for a run, so the engine is warm - off you go and I'll see you soon'.
My first impression on starting it was very much 'God, it sounds gorgeous - a bit agricultural, but gorgeous all the same'. I blip the throttle a few times, and the engine really roars as it gets towards 5000rpm - the anticipation becomes unbearable and I jump on.
The first thing that hits me about this bike is the riding position - I'm used to the sports position of the Tornado, and was expecting something a little more upright. Boy was I surprised, this thing is like a supermoto! It's a real sit up and beg riding position, and you are surprisingly far forward.
I pull away, not quite sure what to expect of the 1130cc lump, but there was nothing to worry about - with the wide/high bars, the low speed handling is great and although the throttle is slightly snatchy at very low revs in 1st, it's not a problem.
So, 300yds down the road and the fun really starts. As I pull out of the 40mph limit, I give the throttle a good twist in third at 40 (around 2500rpm) - 'Holy Crap' was the first thing that came to mind as I eased off to keep the front wheel on the tarmac. I've ridden bikes with some power and/or torque (the ZZR1200 is no slouch), but this totally blew my mind. Giggling to myself like an idiot I start putting it through it's paces and I realise that this thing was built for one thing and one thing only, to be a hooligans bike! It wants to wheelie, and as the brakes are top notch Brembos, stoppies will be a doddle too!
Before I know it, I reach the roundabout at Malmsbury and have to turn it round and head back. Resisting the urge to put my foot out Super Moto style to go round the roundy, I put it over as far as I dare (it's not mine ) - knee down would be a piece of cake on this thing! A quick blast back to DMA I start to think about how comfortable it would be for a long ride - the thin gel filled seat is surprisingly comfortable, and a numb arse shouldn't be an issue for an hour or so, but the wind protection is nil - anything above 95 will get tireing quite quickly.
I pull up at DMA still grinning like an idiot - this bike has really reminded me that riding isn't all about going fast, it's about feeling like a big kid, and this bike makes me feel like an eight year old again!
Would I want one as my only bike? No, for the day to day commute it would not be too good - no protection in the winter, and the huge amount of torque might be a handfull in the cold/wet.
Would I want one as a second bike? Hell yes! It's mad, it's ugly and it's yellow (well this one is).
Would I swap my Tornado for one? Hmm, now that is a real tough one. I love the Tornado, it's the most impresive bike I've had the luck to ride/own - however the risk of loosing my liscence is high as it's very difficult to ride slowly anywhere. The naked styling of the TNT will keep speeds down over long distances, and it's certainly as much fun to ride, although the handling isn't as sharp.

Anyway, I've rambled on for long enough now, I've attached a few pics (sorry about the size, I can't be bothered to resize). I highly recommend to any of the 'older' riders to get a demo of one of these - give Paul a call on 01666 510456 and he'll arrange a demo for you with no pressure.
____________________
I spend all my money on bikes and beer, the rest I simply waste!

[Shaun]

I was reading about that bike a while back, the looks are very different to a lot of bikes, might have to pop down D&K tomorrow now see if they've got one in.

/me wonders whether I could blag a test ride.

[Nighteyes]

[Shaun]

No, they said I could take it out until he remembered about my 33bhp thing.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Sounds fun, and I know what you mean about fun bikes.

I take it that this means the work on the house has just gone back a few more years?

However there is the odd rumour that the TNT is aptly named due to their habit of blowing up.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[badlydamaged]

You lucky chap, that bike looks stunning I love that pipe work . Good to here youve been enjoying yourself this week .

Cheers, Jonathan
____________________
My bike: 1988 Kawasaki KH100 Status: Polluting Devon with two stroke smog and noise pollution!
"Its not your engine size that matters!, It's what you do with it that counts"
Add me to MSN if you want! badlydamaged@hotmail.com.

[PsychoHippy]

[Kickstart]

Mmm, are you sure? Maybe the Tornado could be painted pink to become someone elses fun bike .

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[badlydamaged]

[WildGoose]

damn Mr Hippy , tornado not living up to expectations?
____________________
So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[PsychoHippy]

[WildGoose]

im having a similar problem with sportsbikes, in my right hand, where the bone is broken and it has healed kind of bent, the bone sticks out just where my hand goes on the bar, after a while in slow moving traffic (less than 60) my right hand starts to kill, it really has the potential to ruin the riding experience
____________________
So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[Kickstart]