Bikes and Cars
Before I get started, Pashnit's
California Motorcycle Roads
has changed my life!
As of August '04 I now own a 2004 Suzuki V-Strom 1000.
As I settle into my fourth decade, I'm finding that comfort and safety on a
bike is almost as important as power, character, and hooligan
potential. The Strom was envisioned as a cross between my two
well-loved previous bikes, the KLR and the Monster. What I'm
finding is that it is indeed that, plus a little HP on the side.
It is simply the most capable bike I've ever ridden. The engine
is just plain awesome and overrides any other issues. The
suspension and seating is quite comfy, but the bike rips around
the twisties. The brakes are more than adequate and easy to
modulate. I can throw a bunch of stuff in the rear case for
everyday use and I can toss on soft bags for longer trips. The
dopey alien-looking headlights are unbelievable--better
than many cars. And now that the crash bars are on, I can (and
will) take it on a fire road or two. Both the Monster and KLR are
thought of as all-around bikes, but they don't come close to the
Strom. It is faster than the Monster in almost all conditions--it
makes bumpy roads more than just fun. And I thought it would be
much bulkier around town than the KLR, but honestly, I don't
notice much difference. There is a 650 Strom too, but I couldn't
be happier that I went for the kilo. OK, so it's no Ducati, and
it's a little funny looking, but it still has that stonky L-twin
character I love, you can't get crash bars for the Multistrada,
and the Strom is not without a little rowdy character of its own.
My '01 Ducati Monster 750 is already very much missed.
It was my first brand new motorcycle and my first
"real" (i.e. non-econo-) bike. I think I would miss the
Ducati
Monster List and its wacked out members
almost as much as the bike. Fortunately they will still allow me
to participate without it. Most Ducatisti are carbon fiber nuts,
but I liked the look of brushed metal against the dark (or
silvery green) paint. The bike had a somewhat colorful history,
including being oversprayed by building painters, which led to
the green Monster effect. I loved it so much I rode it for three years
before realizing it's far too small for me. I very much wish more
of Ducati's bikes were sized for people over 5'8". Somewhere
in my future is a Multistrada, unless Ducati supersizes the
Monster.
The 4-wheeled beast in the stable is a 1998 Subaru
Forester L with automatic. I'd considered replacing the 2WD
Ranger ever since I bought it, but after all my years of spewing
anti-SUV vitriol, I certainly couldn't buy one. The Forester is a
worthy descendant of some very odd predecessors, and a great
compromise between quick townabout and blizzard survival machine.
It has 90k miles as of 8/04, and the boot is a bit clawed up in
places, but I love it and expect it to be a faithful companion
for quite awhile. The factory rack does a reasonable impression
of a proper surf rack thanks to $6 straps from Home Depot. Here
it is, sporting authentic Tahoe grime, on a turnout off Highway 1
along Big Sur. It's extremely surefooted in snow thanks to its advanced AWD system. (See this
page for another excellent discussion
of AWD systems.) Mods are few, but I've installed a factory
cruise control with the invaluable assistance of undoubtedly the
world's most honest auto salesman, Steve Emerson of Connell Auto
Center in Oakland.
Previous
vehicles include a 2000 Ranger (I hauled a lot of rocks when I
owned a house) and a 1979 Yamaha XS650SF. The Excess 650 Special
is a classic Japanese bike (the original naked retro imitation
Triumph) which ran stylishly and nearly flawlessly for six years.
(That's the sound you heard, if you have sound.) Note the kick
starter. It had an electric start, but this was always dodgy and
really improved once I replaced the stock coils. XSs are long
lived bikes. After 20 years and 30k miles the paint and trim were
nearly like new and the chrome was pretty good too. Not bad for
just over a grand. Ever the econobiker, I loved the look, the
feel and the sound, but the brakes are better on the Ducati and
it's a little quicker too. I was surprised to see many Excess 350
Singles in Europe. They make a charming sound and do not qualify
as smog-free vehicles.
I do miss the 1985 Jag XJ6 I drove
between 1996 and 2000. The Series 3 is one of the most beautiful
sedans ever produced. It looked particularly fine with surfboards
on the roof. Note the properly sized outside headlights (yes, I
did the 7" conversion, with parts from a breaker in
Australia). Fine examples can be had for a song, if you're
interested. They're relatively reliable for the price, but you're
advised to look after the little things yourself. The new ones
(post-Ford) lack soul but undoubtedly run better. The link below
has lots of tips on things to watch for.
Some of you might remember the '63
Dodge Dart convertible, which was a source of amusement in Silver
Lake and during architecture school. Ragtop, Slant-6,
3-on-the-tree...it was a rolling exotica show. Styling devices
share much with the Jag (or vice versa). Here it's seen on my old
street, Neutra Lane in Silver Lake, below two vintage Neutra
houses (scarcely older than the car!), and leaving Newport Beach
on the way to Mexico (too long ago to contemplate). Note the
state-of-the-art cigarette lighter powered sound system. I
shopped all over LA for a blaster with a 12V input!
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