Penguin's new bike

[Silver Penguin]

The Penguin is back! Anyone missed me? I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, prompted by having a hysterectomy then needing bifocal glasses, and the general aches and pains that go along with getting older. I spent a while on the pity pot but made a decision to climb off it and go out and have some fun.

Andy recently traded his K bike for a BMW GS1200. Neither the FJR nor my Ninja are suitable for off road riding. Long story short, I traded the Ninja for the bike you see below. It has an amazingly low 29" seat height which allows me a solid toe down on each side. The bike carries all the weight down low which makes it feel rock solid and stable. The rider sits 'into' the bike then when standing up, the big red pretend fuel tank makes for a real secure feeling.

Two fearless girlfriends challenged me to get the new bike dirty yesterday. I took them up on the challenge and had a blast. We started on a trail that was kinda-sorta paved, then graduated to a rocky fire road, with several fords. In between we did some real off roading. That was where I dropped the bike, by not giving it enough gas on a hill, stalling out then falling over. Oops! Got it right the second time around.

The first day of riding the GS on the street just delighted me. This is MY sized bike. It just fits me so well and inspires confidence. Could this be the one bike that does-it-all for me? Do I really need an FJR too? because the big bike really is far too big for me.

I took the FJR out for a spin, just to see how I felt after riding it. Do I really need an FJR? Hell yes. Who could give up that kind of power? A 650 single zip along like that. Within seconds of getting onto the FJR, I remembered that I have to watch the speedo carefully, to stay out of trouble.

Going out to the desert this weekend, with the baby bike. For real off-road stuff, the TTR125 is the bike for me. Geez! I can almost reach the ground on it AND I can pick it up all by myself!

Jill

 

[FJRONAMISSION]

Good for you!!!!........ go for it......

the bike looks like a lot of fun.....

B.

 

[Old Michael]

Anyone missed me?

YES! And great hearing that you're conquering EARLY middle-age.

Lovely motorcycle Jill.

Perhaps we'll see you and Andy somewhere this summer?

 

[Niehart]

Congrats! Like my grand kids would say "Thats just too cool for school!"

 

[juniorfjr]

Glad to see you're back.

 

[dcarver]

How very cool for you, SP! Now bring that puppy up north and let's ride!

 

[Tyler]

That's AWEsome, Jill!!! Congrats on the new addition to the stable... a person can never have too many bikes! B)

 

[Silver Penguin]

How very cool for you, SP! Now bring that puppy up north and let's ride!

Heard you've got some pretty cool fire roads up there. I remember looking at some lovely photos that Andrew took on his off-road adventures.

Now, if we could get a basket on the back of Andy's bike, big enough for a 50lb (and growing) puppy.....

 

[FJRBluesman]

Very cool Jill! Glad you're out and about.

 

[Patriot]

good for you and your family; warms my heart; enjoy some great rides

 

[exskibum]

Hey -- NICE bike! Congratulations on the new bike and on returning to health.

Now . . . to correct Tyler's sexist remark: No one can ever have too many bikes! :blink:

 

[Tyler]

Now . . . to correct Tyler's sexist remark: No one can ever have too many bikes! :blink:

Corrected.

 

[UberKul]

Congrats on that nice new bike. My bet is the big 'ol FJR will slowly acquire dust as the BMW becomes the go-to bike. Riding with GS's has shown me just how crazy-capable they are in the twisties.

If nothing else, keep the FJR just to drain the blood from your head every now then.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Congrats on that nice new bike. My bet is the big 'ol FJR will slowly acquire dust as the BMW becomes the go-to bike. Riding with GS's has shown me just how crazy-capable they are in the twisties.If nothing else, keep the FJR just to drain the blood from your head every now then.

The little bike sure is a lotta fun, and so 'me-sized'. But switching to the FJR.... WOW! It's like having all that power for the first time, all over again. Intoxicating.

 

[scubabiker]

How very cool for you, SP! Now bring that puppy up north and let's ride!

Heard you've got some pretty cool fire roads up there. I remember looking at some lovely photos that Andrew took on his off-road adventures.

Now, if we could get a basket on the back of Andy's bike, big enough for a 50lb (and growing) puppy.....

I once saw a guy who put carpet on his tank and the dog would dig his claws in and go along for the ride. Don't think he was 50lbs. though. Ya got a smaller bike, maybe ya need a matching smaller dog. Just remember, in the dirt, momentum is your friend.

 

[Ari Rankum]

That's a lotta bike. Looks like fun. *TEAR* it up!!

Peace,

Me

 

[dcarver]

How very cool for you, SP! Now bring that puppy up north and let's ride!

Heard you've got some pretty cool fire roads up there. I remember looking at some lovely photos that Andrew took on his off-road adventures.

Now, if we could get a basket on the back of Andy's bike, big enough for a 50lb (and growing) puppy.....

I once saw a guy who put carpet on his tank and the dog would dig his claws in and go along for the ride. Don't think he was 50lbs. though. Ya got a smaller bike, maybe ya need a matching smaller dog. Just remember, in the dirt, momentum is your friend.

Cookie!

 

[Tyler]

I once saw a guy who put carpet on his tank and the dog would dig his claws in and go along for the ride. Don't think he was 50lbs. though. Ya got a smaller bike, maybe ya need a matching smaller dog. Just remember, in the dirt, momentum is your friend.

Sidecar!

 

[Barabus]

I bet you don't miss the stops signs and cagers on the back roads. Good for you. I think I will get onto the "pity pot". HaHa.