Motorcycles: Pride

What is sometimes the most obvious aspect of pride comes through our posessions. Not a specifically bad thing: an artisan values their tool above much else, for instance. But when something is taken from the realm of mere functionality, it can become much more a status symbol. Houses, cars, and wives can take on ridiculous porportions just to make sure that someone is looking at the right time, and in the right way.

Much as I hate to do it, it's time for Clover to go. She's a blast to ride, and if I could afford to I'd keep her for weekends. (Yes, I'm talking about my bike - don't get fresh.) But the engine is a little too eager; there's a little too much vibration; and I just don't take the care of her like I should. So, out she goes.

Here's the trick: one of the things I valued most about owning a Speed Triple is the looks. Not just of the bike, but from the folks around it - it is one sexy damn bike, and the sound of that three cylinder engine is something beautiful. I know I can't replace her with an equal, as you lose money on every vehicle you buy, so what could I get that was at least as interesting...

Well, there's the practical side to consider, too. I commute about 80km a day, and a bunch of that is going to be in rain, so maybe a Vstrom 650? Great engine, fully faired for wind protection, huge gas tank, reasonable to insure - and sold out. There's tha Katana 750: no cutting-edge technology, but a reliable ride that's a capable sport-tourer (just add saddlebags). Then again, I live next to the Trans-Canada Trail, so how about a dual-purpose like the DRZ 400 or a KLR 650? But duallies have tiny little gas tanks, and I don't want to fill my bike every day, and they just don't look that good. No offence - they have to function first, be pretty second. This won't assauge my horrible vanity, though.

Ah, wait. Something distinctive, interesting, and hints of practicality?

Here's an idea...

Now to get a bike that matches.