exskibum
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A friend has a new BMW K1200S, and we both decided last week to get outta Tahoe for the 4th (it's hellishly crowded) and took off north on 89 toward Shasta Saturday morning. Tahoe's west shore at 7:00 am -- Truckee -- Quincy -- Chester -- Lassen Nat'l Park -- Mount Shasta -- Yreka, where we spent the night, and I was entertained by 3 Hardley assclowns with straight pipes in the motel parking lot. :haha: Sunday morning it was Hwy 96 to Willow Creek to Arcata to Fortuna, where we spent Sunday night across the parking lot from the Eel River Brewing Co. We did an interesting side trip loop off 96 into Bigfoot territory on Saturday that threatened to turn into a motocross, but only covered the bikes in dust. And Monday was east on Hwy 36 through Red Bluff to Chester and back down 89 to Truckee, then over 267 to Kings Beach up to Spooner Summit where we split up. I had to go to Carson City, Gardnerville and then back up 88 to 89 and north over Luther pass to So. Lake Tahoe before I could go home. About 1060 miles on my odometer total.
It may be just the rider, but I could leave the BMW in the twisties with my stock FJR (with loaded bags) almost any time I wanted. And when we're both passing something slow (like a Hardley), get that BMW outta my way!!! When I'm in that sweet pulling spot on the powerband around 100 mph and still have a whole handful of pulling power left, I felt like I'd run over the Beemer several times if I hadn't backed off. I don't know what he was doing with his throttle hand, but I like to get around things quickly. I kinda think that I could make that Beemer (with only a canvas bag tied on the pillion) give my FJR a lot more competition, but what's sure is that it won't run away and hide from the FJR. (I know I can't ride the FJR as fast as I can the XX, and I do think the XX might run away from the FJR with the same rider in certain conditions.) Still, that BMW is one fine and pretty bike -- lots of really nice touches, but you sure pay for them. This one is the Blue and white custom paint (extra chg., of course), so it was getting plenty of compliments when we were stopped, about the same as my UJM.
Seems that we were more or less on the same route (or a big part of it) that Pashnit Tours was taking over the weekend. Tim came racing by us twice on his Busa on 96 to take shots of us going by on a couple sweepers. Gotta hand it to that guy for being quick with the bike and camera to be set up like that so quickly. He has it down.
Special thanks to Highlander for suggesting 96. As a result of your high recommendation, I insisted that be a part of our route, and we were both awed by it -- what a GAS!!! Miles and miles and miles of incredible sweepers and gorgeous scenery. I've gotta do that again.
I'd highly recommend the Super 8 Motels in Yreka and Fortuna for good clean rooms, continental breakfasts, reasonable prices and <100 yard walks to good food and beer. And the one in Yreka has that swimming pool, too!!!
The conclusion of this weekend is that I'm more in love with the Feejer than ever -- absolutely the best of both worlds. It truly is a touring bike and a sport bike all in one. I couldn't be happier!! Well, except that the two essential farkles will be a throttle lock ASAP and a custom seat. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
:clap: :assasin: :clap:
edit: Hmmmm, maybe I shoulda posted this in the Calif. section of ride reports?
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