Today was "Children's Day" here in Thailand, and since we motorcycle enthusiasts are eternal kids, we found the best way to spend this day: testing over 30 bikes by 7 different manufacturers.
All this happened at the Motor Sport Park Suvarnabuhmi on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Present were:
Kawasaki
Triumph
Yamaha
Harley Davidson
Ducati
Royal Enfield
Husqvarna
I won't get into too much detail about every single bike I test rode. Suffice to say, I was well impressed with all the Triumph line-up, especially the Street Triple and the Thruxton R. Lovely lovely bikes. Also high up in my memories is the Kawa Z900RS with its easy handling and oh so gorgeous looks.
The new Ducati SuperSport is also a very worthy bike, but desperately needs a new set of mufflers. There's something terribly wrong with a quiet Ducati. The Scrambler in cafe racer outfit however was a bit of a letdown. I expected more to be honest.
Royal Enfield...I didn't expect much from the start but I have to admit I had a lot of fun trashing the Bullet around the track and I have to say, it had the best sound of the lot!
The Yamaha XSR had a nice engine and good handling, but didn't impress me much.
Now, most of you know how I feel about Harley Davidsons. I've been quite critical of their machines in the past, but I will now come clear with you guys...
I never tried one before today!
Well, what can I say...whatever bad things I ever said about HD....was COMPLETELY SPOT ON!!
First I tested the new 750 Street Rod. Oh Lord...heavy, stiff like a tree trunk, bad brakes, a lame engine, you don't even get the characteristic HD sound, which is probably the most redeeming feature on a Harley (some say it's obnoxious, but there you go). Next was the Sportster, which was only slightly better.
Honestly, I don't get it. Yes, Royal Enfields are rubbish too, but at least they don't pretend to be a gift from God to make you feel like a chosen one.
Another first in my motorcycling career was going off-road with a proper motocross bike, kindly donated by Husqvarna. I prefer not to talk about my performance....
Anyway, thanks to the organizers of the track and the dealers who were so generous and trusting to let us ride their bikes. Thank you for letting us play with your toys!
All this happened at the Motor Sport Park Suvarnabuhmi on the outskirts of Bangkok.
Present were:
Kawasaki
Triumph
Yamaha
Harley Davidson
Ducati
Royal Enfield
Husqvarna
I won't get into too much detail about every single bike I test rode. Suffice to say, I was well impressed with all the Triumph line-up, especially the Street Triple and the Thruxton R. Lovely lovely bikes. Also high up in my memories is the Kawa Z900RS with its easy handling and oh so gorgeous looks.
Royal Enfield...I didn't expect much from the start but I have to admit I had a lot of fun trashing the Bullet around the track and I have to say, it had the best sound of the lot!
The Yamaha XSR had a nice engine and good handling, but didn't impress me much.
Now, most of you know how I feel about Harley Davidsons. I've been quite critical of their machines in the past, but I will now come clear with you guys...
I never tried one before today!
Well, what can I say...whatever bad things I ever said about HD....was COMPLETELY SPOT ON!!
First I tested the new 750 Street Rod. Oh Lord...heavy, stiff like a tree trunk, bad brakes, a lame engine, you don't even get the characteristic HD sound, which is probably the most redeeming feature on a Harley (some say it's obnoxious, but there you go). Next was the Sportster, which was only slightly better.
Honestly, I don't get it. Yes, Royal Enfields are rubbish too, but at least they don't pretend to be a gift from God to make you feel like a chosen one.
Another first in my motorcycling career was going off-road with a proper motocross bike, kindly donated by Husqvarna. I prefer not to talk about my performance....
Anyway, thanks to the organizers of the track and the dealers who were so generous and trusting to let us ride their bikes. Thank you for letting us play with your toys!
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