I simply can't believe that my wait is over. It really is interesting - I now can walk into my garage, and that vacant spot has Wonky sitting in it.
Wonky was delivered without the bags. After 3 weeks of delay waiting for them, they delivered Wonky without the bags. Ted at SouthBay Motors in National City was not happy. But that's ok, I took delivery anyway. And I get to do a nice 200 RT ride next Friday to get them installed. (Always a silver lining, eh? )
Ted called me at 8:45 am Saturday, said it was on the truck. My wife Jeannette, 19 year old son Kyle and yours truly loaded into the minivan, and started the drive - with traffic it was almost 3 hours. (103 miles)
Arrived, found Ted, got the paperwork done, wrote a check. Wonky wasn't ready yet, so we left and grabbed a sandwich.
Upon our return, Wonky was parked out front, waiting for me - and under a very sunny and breezy California sky, that color is just amazing. Shadowed panels look almost black - and the blue under sunlight is deep - almost liquid. You should have seen the look on Jet's face - I could tell she was falling in love with it just based upon the color.
So - I get ran through the pre-delivery process, did a practice lift up onto the center stand, went through the controls, etc. At this point I realize that I'm unable to pronounce 2 of the 5 vowels while speaking - the bale of cotton in my mouth is getting in the way. as is the cup of peanut butter stuck to the top of my mouth. I'm not sure if I should go forward with this, or if I should just pee my pants and puddle on the macadam.
So the sales guy that's delivering it to me asks " Say - how long has it been since you've ridden a bike? " and my reply is "Well, I, ahh. did the MSF course last June - but prior to that it's been 30 years" - so he stares at me for a few seconds - and says " OK - why don't you get suited up and I'll roll your bike off our lot and into the street for you" (I think I scared him - I imagine he was thinking about me hopping on that beauty and slamming into the rows of new bikes lined up outside)
So - I put on my Hi-Viz Stitch -grabbed the brain bucket, and followed him, Wonky, my wife and son out to the street.
I climbed on board, somehow remembered "FINE" and Wonky started up - she said "Hi !!"
SouthBay is on a commercial cul-de-sac, and being Saturday, most of the offices were closed. This was a good thing.
I got sorted - clutch in - toe down - 1st gear indicated - fed gas - engaged clutch - and rolled away - upshifted into 2, headed for the turn-around, and smoothly rolled around the end of the street.
That minor 30 year break between bikes had never happened -
UNBELIEVEABLE !!
I pulled up next to the wife and son, and said "See you at home !!" and away I went !!
IMPRESSIONS:
Well- the last bike I owned was a 1974 Honda CB750K4 - and I was very young and very skinny-
1. Seat: Lower position was excellent for my inseam length (32"). I found it to be very comfortable - but will have to keep checking on this with longer rides. I was only on it for 2 hours.
2. Acceleration: What can I say ? UNBEEFFINGLIEVABLE! OMG!!! YEAH BABY !!
3. Brakes: Very touchy - I found that gentle pressure on the brake lever was all I needed. This may change as they break in- They do instill confidence.
4. Wind noise - lots of wind noise - I don't remember it being that loud 30 years ago !! Earplugs are a must from now on. It may be my helmet.
5. NO WIND PRESSURE !! I moved the windshield into the full up position- and I had no positive or negitive pressure against me. Neutral. Comfortable.
6. NO HEAT!! I looked for this - about 12 miles of my slabbing was spent at very slow speeds - 1st and 2nd gear - and I could not feel any heat from the engine. Temp guage increased by 1 bar. Fairing flaps were inboard position. Ambient temps between 65F and 85F.
7. FIT AND FINISH: Excellent !! I've now had time to look it over very closely - and F&F is beautiful.
Comments: I can't imagine what Wonky will be like following the break in period - when I have full rev's available. Something to think about.
Need to check which positon the handlebars are in - I'd like to move them back a bit. They apparently come pre-installed.
Hi-Viz Aerostitch - GET ONE! I was amazed at how cages stayed away from me - it was like I had this 'space bubble' around me - no one followed closely, I was very visable !!
Rather than burn up bandwidth, this link is to my SmugMug gallery -
Wonky Comes Home!
(Kyle took all the pics - Thanks Bud !! )
Take a gander, if you choose!
Well - I get the impression that my posting count will slow down - now I have something to do !!
And to you waiters still out there- MadMike2's comments hold true!! I was literally SCREAMING into my helmet just 7 miles into the ride !! YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE THIS MOTORCYCLE!!! Hang Tough - think nice thoughts - it will get here !!
Well - I'm gonna go ride. WOO HOOOO !!
Wonky was delivered without the bags. After 3 weeks of delay waiting for them, they delivered Wonky without the bags. Ted at SouthBay Motors in National City was not happy. But that's ok, I took delivery anyway. And I get to do a nice 200 RT ride next Friday to get them installed. (Always a silver lining, eh? )
Ted called me at 8:45 am Saturday, said it was on the truck. My wife Jeannette, 19 year old son Kyle and yours truly loaded into the minivan, and started the drive - with traffic it was almost 3 hours. (103 miles)
Arrived, found Ted, got the paperwork done, wrote a check. Wonky wasn't ready yet, so we left and grabbed a sandwich.
Upon our return, Wonky was parked out front, waiting for me - and under a very sunny and breezy California sky, that color is just amazing. Shadowed panels look almost black - and the blue under sunlight is deep - almost liquid. You should have seen the look on Jet's face - I could tell she was falling in love with it just based upon the color.
So - I get ran through the pre-delivery process, did a practice lift up onto the center stand, went through the controls, etc. At this point I realize that I'm unable to pronounce 2 of the 5 vowels while speaking - the bale of cotton in my mouth is getting in the way. as is the cup of peanut butter stuck to the top of my mouth. I'm not sure if I should go forward with this, or if I should just pee my pants and puddle on the macadam.
So the sales guy that's delivering it to me asks " Say - how long has it been since you've ridden a bike? " and my reply is "Well, I, ahh. did the MSF course last June - but prior to that it's been 30 years" - so he stares at me for a few seconds - and says " OK - why don't you get suited up and I'll roll your bike off our lot and into the street for you" (I think I scared him - I imagine he was thinking about me hopping on that beauty and slamming into the rows of new bikes lined up outside)
So - I put on my Hi-Viz Stitch -grabbed the brain bucket, and followed him, Wonky, my wife and son out to the street.
I climbed on board, somehow remembered "FINE" and Wonky started up - she said "Hi !!"
SouthBay is on a commercial cul-de-sac, and being Saturday, most of the offices were closed. This was a good thing.
I got sorted - clutch in - toe down - 1st gear indicated - fed gas - engaged clutch - and rolled away - upshifted into 2, headed for the turn-around, and smoothly rolled around the end of the street.
That minor 30 year break between bikes had never happened -
UNBELIEVEABLE !!
I pulled up next to the wife and son, and said "See you at home !!" and away I went !!
IMPRESSIONS:
Well- the last bike I owned was a 1974 Honda CB750K4 - and I was very young and very skinny-
1. Seat: Lower position was excellent for my inseam length (32"). I found it to be very comfortable - but will have to keep checking on this with longer rides. I was only on it for 2 hours.
2. Acceleration: What can I say ? UNBEEFFINGLIEVABLE! OMG!!! YEAH BABY !!
3. Brakes: Very touchy - I found that gentle pressure on the brake lever was all I needed. This may change as they break in- They do instill confidence.
4. Wind noise - lots of wind noise - I don't remember it being that loud 30 years ago !! Earplugs are a must from now on. It may be my helmet.
5. NO WIND PRESSURE !! I moved the windshield into the full up position- and I had no positive or negitive pressure against me. Neutral. Comfortable.
6. NO HEAT!! I looked for this - about 12 miles of my slabbing was spent at very slow speeds - 1st and 2nd gear - and I could not feel any heat from the engine. Temp guage increased by 1 bar. Fairing flaps were inboard position. Ambient temps between 65F and 85F.
7. FIT AND FINISH: Excellent !! I've now had time to look it over very closely - and F&F is beautiful.
Comments: I can't imagine what Wonky will be like following the break in period - when I have full rev's available. Something to think about.
Need to check which positon the handlebars are in - I'd like to move them back a bit. They apparently come pre-installed.Hi-Viz Aerostitch - GET ONE! I was amazed at how cages stayed away from me - it was like I had this 'space bubble' around me - no one followed closely, I was very visable !!
Rather than burn up bandwidth, this link is to my SmugMug gallery -
Wonky Comes Home!
(Kyle took all the pics - Thanks Bud !! )
Take a gander, if you choose!
Well - I get the impression that my posting count will slow down - now I have something to do !!
And to you waiters still out there- MadMike2's comments hold true!! I was literally SCREAMING into my helmet just 7 miles into the ride !! YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE THIS MOTORCYCLE!!! Hang Tough - think nice thoughts - it will get here !!
Well - I'm gonna go ride. WOO HOOOO !!
Last edited by a moderator:
