[Devil]

Ok. So I dropped my bike into Holeshot last night so they can change my tyres some time today. Not many dealer plates around for a bike to use so had to choose from the second hand stock. Carl suggested the Bandit, which I had never ridden before so I jumped at the chance.

I wheeled it out from where it was parked and immediately thought "damn, this sucker is a bit porky". Nevermind. This particular unit had 57,000km on it and was still in pretty good nick. Fired up easy, but you've gotta get it off the choke fairly quick or it'll shit itself. Once a little temperature was in the engine she was fine.

Geared up and jumped on. oooo squishy seat! oooo adjustable brake and clutch levers. Thoroughly good clunk into first gear (hrm, Suzuki trait?) and we're off... well the bike was off, I think I almost left my body behind. Seems these things have some low end torque.

Quick zip up to riverhead/coatesville to enjoy some open road. Seems once you get to 50km/h on these things you dont need any gear other than top (5th).
Overtaking a breeze. Suspension a little on the basic side, but fairly comfy. Easily remedied by an ohlins unit with corresponding springs in the front.

Decided to take the missus for a cruise. Took off at the first set of lights, I think the bikes opinion was "what pillion?". Cruising through the East Coast Bays I decided to see how flexible this engine really was. Coming from castor bay through to milford theres a couple of slowish uphill corners. I left the bike in top gear and slowed to 45km/h. Here we are, heading uphill, in top gear, with a pillion, with 1500rpm on the clock (redline at 11,000). Open the throttle and....holy shit, smooth acceleration with no hesitation whatsoever.

Mmmm I think it's time I tried some more of these large capacity torque machines!