Death Race 2009

I've had an itch, off and on for a few years, to get a motorcycle. I thought it would be fun for me and John to get a couple bikes and do weekend rides on occasion. I thought, a sport cruiser for me, and pure touring bike for him.

I got to looking at bikes online and the first one I noticed is the Yamaha Star V-Max. It looks exactly like the sort of bike I'd like.. and it turns out that the new 2009 V-Max is the most powerful production motorcycle in the world.

Go figure..

One reviewer wrote;

Obviously, this motorcycle is meant for experienced, mature adults. Although the well-sorted chassis of the new VMax will let experienced riders get away with wheel spin (even on corner exits), a cold rear tire can be an invitation to disaster. Even experienced riders need to be more careful than they usually would be on a different motorcycle. Make sure you have a cup of coffee (or a Red Bull) before you ride the VMax to work on a cold morning. You need to be wide awake.

Which brings us to the essential character of the 2009 VMax. There is nothing politically correct about this motorcycle, and that neighbor driving the Toyota Prius to work each morning will turn his nose up even higher the next time he sees you. But if you remember the "E" ticket rides at Disneyland, this bike is the "F" ticket. No matter your level of riding experience, the new VMax demands the ultimate in rider respect and responsibility. If you are up to the task, the VMax can deliver thrills (and seemingly gallons of adrenalin) in a way no other stock motorcycle can.

I think I'm a mature adult, but not necessarily experienced. I used to ride bikes quite a bit when I was much younger, but have not for many years.

It figures that the first bike I locked on was the worst match for me.. but I keep thinking.. so what if it has a 200 HP V4 engine? It's not like I have to wind it out.

Then I think.. I'd rather not have a bike that scares the piss out of me. This is simply a middle-aged affectation.




That's the Honda DN-01. It's an interesting bike.. with an automatic transmission. Weird, isn't it? Basically, it has 2 modes, kind of like a sports car.. fully automatic, and a button to change gears. It sort of takes some of the fun out of it, but it's also kind of cool in a way.

Only problem is that the reviews I've read call it a glorified scooter, and under-powered.

Hmmm.. I'll keep looking around, but somehow I don't think I'll find something reasonable that looks the way I'd like..