Road Test Report:
First, for those who haven't heard my confession:
I'm not a complete noob to the Darkside - my Hondapotamus is on it's second Short Bus Tire.
That Barge is so heavy ("how heavy is she?") that her best friend's name is Gravity! When you want to fall into a turn, the ghost of Sir Isaac Newton yells "timber!" And everybody runs for cover.
Slap a car tire on the Wingabago and it just takes a bit more counter steering pressure than usual to tip her.
Lucille is a dancer. Not a dancer like Melissa McCarthy, a dancer like Joey Heatherton. Compared to Her Immenseness, she's so light on her feet that you acquire a light touch in guiding her. You can trim her sails with your feet; finesse a lane change with your thighs.
Okay? So I backed down the driveway for the Maiden Darkside Voyage, duck walked her past the apron & gutter pan and prepared to lean her left and turn down the street.
I was not sufficiently prepared.
My usual 'hint' at a left lean fell upon deaf ears.
Lucille, baby, I know that you were disappointed that I took Rose to New Mexico last week. But we're here... now. Let's PLAY!
I tried moving from a 'hint' to a 'nudge'. Nothing.
I am so used to just a bit of counter steer and some throttle... boy am I glad that I waited on the throttle!
Finally I actually TURNED THE WHEEL and we turned - with as much lean angle as a tricycle.
What do you mean you have a headache? Not in the mood?! You feel bloated?
So we headed for the freeway. Did a few lane changes, which required considerably more handlebar input that I've become accustomed to on the FJR.
Got off and found a frontage road with no vehicles, and proceeded to play slalom with the little Braille thingies.
After about a mile of that, we got back on the freeway, headed for 'long way home' over the hill and through some curves.
By the time we turned into the driveway, we'd come to an understanding: it I'm going to take away her tap-dancing shoes and make her wear combat boots, we are not going to be ready for Dancing With The Stars without a WHOLE LOT more practice.
Maybe hit Ortega Highway tomorrow morning while everyone is in church?
