22 Pikes Peak Multistrada riding review

[budman]

Indeed it was Jim.

Met up with Butch and Chill this AM. I found the same weird little triceps thing going down the freeway and discovered if I lean my chest forward a bit it goes away. I guess this bike is designed to ride in the attack position.

Really just more aggressive.

Going up the west side Butch led (his home turf) and my first time up there since some fucking virus kicked our ass. Felt good. 6k was enough to keep up and have fun. The bike goes where pointed and the suspension rocks.

We rode a nice pace and Hammie was smoothest I have ever seen it and the sight lines good. We stopped at the observatory for a chat and some pics. Butch had to bolt home so just Chill and I went on to the junction. We chilled going down and it was enjoyable. Chill has a big 1400 sports tourer and generally won’t wick it up like a a madman but is plenty fast to have fun.

The Junction was quiet and had some of the best weather ever .

After an awesome burger we headed back. Again chilling. One bike waived by and then a Porsche hauling the mail was waived by. I was tempted but held station.

Riding impression in the next post.

Some pics.

 

[Butch]

We live like Kings

 

[budman]

I had told myself “Another day” when the Porsche went by... what I did not know was the another day was just 5 or so miles over the top.

I knew I was going to wicked up (I mean test the performance) so I started to pick up the pace and have some fun. Soon enough I came up to the Porsche stuck behind a Mini Cooper.... “Sup Bud”. This guy was a good driver from what I had seen on the other side.

After a bit the MC moved over and the Porsche dude hammered it scooting by... MC dude evidently did not see me and came back on in front of me but the road was clear and I flashed by. Probably startled him.

Porsche dude (PD) wicked it up and took off.
Took me by surprise and he pulled a gap, but not far enough to get out of site. The bike felt good and so did I so I started to to give the Multi a go while trying to respect the 6k. For the most part I did and when I got more aggressive in the tight shit (foot out and elbows up) the bike showed it pedigree. Awesome. I slowly closed the gap having a blast and yes.... the bars are perfect for being aggressive. I had noted the pegs did not touch when leaned over a lot and that is confidence inspiring.

As we swooped left and right I closed on PD. When I got got to his bumper (took a while) he signaled me by.

Can’t wait to let the motor rip!! And feel really comfortable pushing the bike.

Bottom line is I have fallen in love already and the chicken strips are gone in back and I am working on the front. The little white X on the front is half gone.

At least when it goes into service the guys will know I did not buy this bike to pose at Bux .

So

Great brakes
Great suspension
Great ergo’s for serious canyon carving (probably for the track too)
Civilized around town.
I am one happy camper.

Chicken strip pics.

 

[Butch]

Good looking eh?

 

[Lonster]

I'm glad you got out and had a good time.
Happy Fathers Day Bud!

 

[budman]

Thanks Lonnie. Back at ya

Getting in the zone on Father’s Day feels so good.

 

[bikewanker]

That’s a good Father’s Day! Next report we’ll be expecting new pucks to be broken in.

 

[bikeama]

Now that is what I call a good Father's Day. I really like the looks of the new Duc.

 

[Stix]

Nice write up, nice ride and nice F’n bike. Did the old Berryessa GP today solo on the new Tuono 660. Been through a lot of bikes (liter bikes) and I’ve never had a bike this small pull that hard. I’m a fan. Glad you got out. The weather was glorious.

 

[budman]

Just chatted with an non moto friend talking about my Sunday.

“Your crazy.
Why do you do that?
Do you want to die?”

No... I want to live and enjoy it. Get in the zone where nothing else matters. Me and my bike.

The general public does not get it. Too much time on the couch?

So amazing that at 64 I can still feel it.

Still love it.

Do my best to mitigate risk but I love this stuff and that time was worth so much to me.

I expect to mature soon.

 

[Lonster]

As riders, a lot of us hear the same thing. It's like being a surfer. If you're NOT, then you just don't get it.
Riding motorcycles for a lot of people is LIFE. Emotional, physical, life and death awareness. And it cleanses the soul.

 

[budman]

And it cleanses the soul.

The mind and soul.

 

[bikewanker]

What is this mature thing you speak of?

 

[gixxerjeff]

What is this mature thing you speak of?

It's what happens to people that don't ride motorcycles.
Don't worry, you're safe.

 

[Gary856]

“Your crazy.
Why do you do that?
Do you want to die?”

No... I want to live and enjoy it. Get in the zone where nothing else matters. Me and my bike.

The general public does not get it. Too much time on the couch?

Do my best to mitigate risk but I love this stuff and that time was worth so much to me.

I see and straddle both sides. Budman, no doubt you're a very skilled rider, but I was hoping your pride wouldn't get the best of you after I read how you chased down that Porsche. Enjoy and ride safe for the long haul!

 

[Butch]

I see and straddle both sides. Budman, no doubt you're a very skilled rider, but I was hoping your pride wouldn't get the best of you after I read how you chased down that Porsche. Enjoy and ride safe for the long haul!

Porsche? Piece of cake. Unless they are crazy, and we don’t chase that shit.
I’d say we don’t exceed 8/10ths ever, and mostly ride at 6/10ths…

On the street, that is.

Oh, anther thought…. Crazy? Sometimes drivers are really good.
Really good.
It is a pleasure to chase them.

 

[FLH03RIDER]

Dear Mr. Budman,

Sweet, moto!

"So amazing that at 64 I can still feel it."
What's "age" got to do with it?

Now, for a truly unbiased assessment of the new Duc you need a second person evaluation to be performed. Let me know what your schedule is the next week or so and I'll come over and give 'er a Hammy / Mines shake down run and post up my observations. Albeit, evaluation ride will be a little under "newbee's" pace though!!!

 

[bikeama]

If FLH03RIDER's schedule does not work or you need a second opinion I can ride over and help out.

 

[budman]

So many volunteers.

More time on the bike today.
Perfect weather in Pescadero, hot as hell in Boulder Creek and back to perf in Palo Alto. Good day topped off with dinner at Sundance with the Mrs and our youngest. Will write up my observations tomorrow.

I am tired and catching up on Assen.

 

[NorCalBusa]

So many volunteers.

More time on the bike today.
Perfect weather in Pescadero, hot as hell in Boulder Creek and back to perf in Palo Alto. Good day topped off with dinner at Sundance with the Mrs and our youngest. Will write up my observations tomorrow.

I am tired and catching up on Assen.

Wow, haven't been to Sundance in 20+ years. Thanks for making me miss it all over again... Lots of good stories from that place and 42nd Street.