The Joys of Sport Bike Rental
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Sounds like it's time for a sport bike, or even a modern standard in your garage. I've often thought that if those who insist that cruisers are the way to go rode a sport ibke, they'd be converted. Not to get rid of their cruisers, but to branch out a little bit. Cruisers, standards, sport-tourers, dual sports and sport bikes can all live happily in a garage! It's a bit tougher to move the other way, as standards are probably the most comfortable bikes (for me), and obviously performance and handling fall on the sport bike side.
Anyone who starts on standards or sport bikes has the exact same funny experience when they first get on a cruiser and try the forward peg style! You pick up your feet and put them where the pegs belong and they fall right back to the ground.
But the thing is standards just feel right. With a standard the pegs are just in the right place, exactly where they should be when you pick your feet up off the ground.
But the thing is standards just feel right. With a standard the pegs are just in the right place, exactly where they should be when you pick your feet up off the ground.
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It's amazing they still even rent bikes. Not a money-making proposition...
When I was a teenager I worked as the parts gofer at Hollywod Rentals out on Sunset Blvd. We rented Lambrettas, Vespas and had three HD 125 two-stroke motorcycles (that looked like old DKWs).
The mechanic was this old ill-tempered Greek guy named George who would go absolutley ape when someone would wreck or blow up a scooter. All day he would stand by the door of the shop and size up the customers as they rented bikes: "Oh Christ, we're gonna need some parts for the 125 in a few hours" he'd mutter under his breath, when an off-duty sailor or sometone as equaly inept rented a bike.
I think that's the place I learned how to cuss and throw tools at the floor. You'd be in the shop and hear this loud "PING" and a 7/16th open end would go whizzing by like a missle, followed by Greek cursing. Real dangerous work environment.
Ah, memories...
When I was a teenager I worked as the parts gofer at Hollywod Rentals out on Sunset Blvd. We rented Lambrettas, Vespas and had three HD 125 two-stroke motorcycles (that looked like old DKWs).
The mechanic was this old ill-tempered Greek guy named George who would go absolutley ape when someone would wreck or blow up a scooter. All day he would stand by the door of the shop and size up the customers as they rented bikes: "Oh Christ, we're gonna need some parts for the 125 in a few hours" he'd mutter under his breath, when an off-duty sailor or sometone as equaly inept rented a bike.
I think that's the place I learned how to cuss and throw tools at the floor. You'd be in the shop and hear this loud "PING" and a 7/16th open end would go whizzing by like a missle, followed by Greek cursing. Real dangerous work environment.
Ah, memories...
>>All day he would stand by the door of the shop and size up the customers as they rented bikes: "Oh Christ, we're gonna need some parts for the 125 in a few hours"<<
LOL!!!
Makes me wonder if the profits don't come from the charges for repairing the rental bikes
LOL!!!
Makes me wonder if the profits don't come from the charges for repairing the rental bikes
Right on vermicious!
I think its great that despite the high price and bruised ego you endured that day, you still had such great things to say about the experience.
I had a similar (except for dropping the bike) low-hassle rental experience with PMC / Marin Cycleworks.
The bike they rented me was in pristine condition and the staff was very accomodating. I couldn't believe that it was this easy to rent such a marvelous sportbike, and to boot I was smack dab in prime riding country.
It's hard to fathom they make money on the rentals, however after taking out a new Kawasaki 636 for a day-long test ride, I can see how their rental business would convert many renters into buyers.
Full disclosure: I was not converted to a buyer, but was imensely impressed with the bike, the service, and the shop.
I think its great that despite the high price and bruised ego you endured that day, you still had such great things to say about the experience.
I had a similar (except for dropping the bike) low-hassle rental experience with PMC / Marin Cycleworks.
The bike they rented me was in pristine condition and the staff was very accomodating. I couldn't believe that it was this easy to rent such a marvelous sportbike, and to boot I was smack dab in prime riding country.
It's hard to fathom they make money on the rentals, however after taking out a new Kawasaki 636 for a day-long test ride, I can see how their rental business would convert many renters into buyers.
Full disclosure: I was not converted to a buyer, but was imensely impressed with the bike, the service, and the shop.
So, mscuddy, are you saying all Sailors are inept riders? You may want to temper your sweeping generalizations a bit. Many of the motorcycle riding Sailors I have known in my 17 years of Naval service are skilled and responsible riders. You may be suprised to learn all Military members are required to complete a MSF course before being allowed to register their bikes on a base. Also, here in Japan, we are required to complete the advanced MSF course before being allowed to ride off base. Skill development and safety are very important to Sailors like me.
The end of the GPTB
I love it.. Looks like Honda should set up sportbike test rides at Sturgis.. To me a 600 cc sportbike is the safest and best value in motorcycling...This story help vindicate my view... Now I can add that a 600 sportbike is also has the largest fun factor...
So long GPTBs trade in your Harleys while you can still get a good price..
I love it.. Looks like Honda should set up sportbike test rides at Sturgis.. To me a 600 cc sportbike is the safest and best value in motorcycling...This story help vindicate my view... Now I can add that a 600 sportbike is also has the largest fun factor...
So long GPTBs trade in your Harleys while you can still get a good price..
One difference is that a person who learned to ride on a 600 Supersport like me will not want a cruiser after taking a spin on one. I rode a Sportser and a Honda Shadow and I am so glad I have a sportbike.. Feet forward sucks. I rode a standard i.e. Buell (old one) and I agree there is something to said for the standard riding position...
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