April 30, 2008
Riding Impressions: 1990 Ducati 750 Sport
Until Saturday, I had only ridden the Sport around town i.e. to work and back and of course to PJ's. Saturday, I was able to take it for a spin up in the twisties and along some of New Mexico's scenic backroads.
First of all, I love the power the bike makes. It does not scream away like the 851, but pulls away cleanly and nicely. The acceleration is doubtless improved by the substantially larger-than-stock headers and aftermarket cans mated with 36mm Mikuni flat-slide carbs. It is easier to use more of what the bike has to offer than on the 851, while the latter bike in comparison is a shot of adrenaline.
The notchy-shifting problem I noticed before the fluids were changed and the clutch adjusted and measured is gone, though it is still challenging to find neutral unless the bike is rolling along. I do wish the bike had a six speed gearbox; an extra gear up top would allow for higher cruising speeds, though I suspect I will rev the engine more freely once I am used to it.
I have been taking the handling slow for the most part, since I am probably overworried about hitting the brakes mid-turn. I noticed no real problems, though I confess I was trained in the old school method of getting all one's braking done before entering the turn. In all the twisties I went through the motorcycle handled flawlessly.
Every review I have read of the 750 Sport complains that the idiot lights are invisible during daylight hours and that the reserve light is more or less continuously on. I echo those criticisms, though I am used to the faults since the 851 is guilty of the same defects.
Overall, this bike is definitely a keeper until such time that I can afford an F1. Given the recent sale prices on eBay, it may take a protracted recession for that time to arrive. In the meantime, I have a nice second bike to ride while the 851 is ridden by a guest or is in the shop being serviced.
Posted by Underblog at 7:25 AM | TrackBack
April 29, 2008
Thrives On Neglect
When I went to drain the oil on the Trail 90 on Friday, about two tablespoons trickled out. This is not the first time this has happened, though each time I check the oil level it seems fine. Anyway, it is a testament to Honda engineering that the bike can keep getting me to work and back on just a few cc's of motor oil.
Posted by Underblog at 7:48 AM | TrackBack
April 28, 2008
How Motorcyclists Get a Bad Name
On the way home from PJ's Saturday, I pulled up behind a Honda Interceptor piloted by a middle-aged man wearing shorts. As Walter Alter used to say, "If you ride a motorcycle while wearing shorts, God will laugh at you." In addition this chap was wearing sneakers with no socks. Needless to say he was not wearing a helmet.
My impression of an underclothed motorcyclist turned from bad to worse when he proceeded to accelerate past everything in sight and commence weaving from lane to lane, slamming on the brakes when he arrived at a stoplight. I guess one is never too old for idiocy.