Dropping the Nice Man's New Tuono, Pt. 1

Would you ever, and is it even conceivable, that you would lend out your new Tuono to another for a test ride? -And, flip that question around. Would you accept an offer to ride, and would it be proper to accept a ride on a bike you thought was totally amazing? Yea-a-a! If that bloke was dumb enough to offer, you say. It is clear to me that responsible leader's in our cycling community would be quick to point out that it would be highly irresponsible to do so, if not for the consequences to the bike, but for the safety of the new rider and the community.

That's totally right and nothing less is rationally acceptable. But, would you ever? If just the right person pulled up beside you at a rest stop on, say, a new Kawasaki 250 and fancied a test ride on your bike. Make it tough on yourself before you answer. What if the person who flipped up her/his shield was someone highly popular and attractive whom you'd admired in the media and who you'd never expect to meet, much less even interact with? --Or a world leader, a humanitarian, someone history would write about but who was turning to you for some support in making a decision about a new bike?

Let's hear what some of you have to say and I'll share my experience in a later thread. That story ends with a Tuono with only 1500 miles (2414 km) on the clock going down in the hands of someone other than the owner. That's the destination. The journey, which I hope is of interest or thought provoking, is how I got there. I'll just say up front, I'm going to come across as behaving really stupid on this. Worse, I'll show you how I made the term stupidity look like a highly inadequate descriptor. You may just have to dust off your OED in search of a more powerful term.

So, and I know this is red meat to you wise-crackers out there, can you imagine yourself lending your new bike out?

You're right, . I have ridden alone my whole life and until now didn't have a sensible touchstone like the members of this forum. Still, I've read enough about the statistics of riders on unfamiliar bikes in countless magazines, seen plenty in the papers and, of course, there are my two sons each of which has totaled his bike.

I'll just go ahead, then but I'm afraid it's just stupid, not juicy. ---and no pt. 2. I can see now that it would clutter up the choices in the homepage and one thread per topic is how it's to be handled.

So, I've lately been frequenting a biker bar. I've always avoided these like the plague until recently. This one is at the foot of some lovely mountains. Weekend evenings, they have cover bands. I've avoided these, too. Not much of a one for nostalgia. One evening I caught a wonderful group and stayed through all sets, having an unexpected blast. As I was leaving, the lead guitarist was loading his gear and stopped to admire my new bike. He stated he was thinking about purchasing that same model. Having some musical background, I was aware he was very proficient and creative. I offered a test ride if he wanted to come over to my house.

A couple of days later, he took me up on the offer. O.K., now comes the really inexcusable which I share in good faith for the possible one other in the universe who might behave as I did. I thought about copying is license and insurance card. I thought about my bike going out with someone I could only identify through a known band. Then, in an attempt to be particularly magnanimous since I felt I had been so blessed all my life, I waved those actions and sent him off with a suggested, scenic route and my relatively new Arai and jacket he could barely get on (he is a big bear of a guy).

He phoned back on the route expressing great satisfaction. I was so happy for him on this beautiful day. He stopped by his house and called again effervescing with happiness. He called again later to say he had to take his partner into the E.R. for a broken arm (not related to the bike). The time went by. Lots of time. It got to be dark and I had visions of a rip-off scam since there were two days to plan. I checked my instincts about people which, to date (60 years) have been remarkably solid about tricky blokes. I knew I was wrong, but felt sure this guy was o.k. in this area and I would just have to tough it out and put my behavior in line with my intent and heart.

A call came in about 10 pm from someone asking if I was the guy lending out the bike. This was a friend of the rider I sent out. He stated the rider was in the hospital and my bike was down. --said it was very serious! --said the bike was ridable with a little tape and wiring and he'd call in the a.m.

Next day went by and no call. Day after that I emailed the band leader for information.

Then I got a call from another friend who would bring the bike over that pm and did. He described the injuries to the rider on the phone: 6 broken ribs, a broken scapula, a concussion, damage to his leg and playing arm such that he was immediatelly starting physical therapy. I was mortified and ashamed. Next, like anyone, I imagined what the bike looked like and it felt sick. Then, I took responsibility and set myself to deal with it and move on.

I couldn't believe the bike when I saw it. Very little damage. With AF1 Racing and their excellent delivery, I had it almost back to spec in about 10 days. I'm just waiting on a right radiator bracket ordered from my dealer. At this point, there are just some small, permanent scratches where the rear break lever was bent in against the lower frame and just in front of the right can where it cones down to the pipe. These I will eat. I got off really easy.

So, I,ve counted my blessings before and after: My grandpa and dad fought in two world wars. Raised my children to manhood without tragedy. I have watched my friends and acquaintences die off since childhood, through my teens, through 'Nam, and through decades of accidents. Just about every time I've saddled my last bike and this new Tuono I am deeply appreciative and grateful: I remember how bikes were when I was young; how my hands and arms would tingle after even short rides; how the frames flexed and how few affordable choices there were. I read others comments from 3rd world countries lusting over trading up to a second or third hand 175 cc machine. I marvel how I've never dropped a bike on pavement nor suffered a broken bone, but certainly deserved it . . . and I wanted to share.

But it's crap, isn't it? I wasn't a good steward with what I had been given. Perhaps under that generosity was a pride by showing such distain for responsibility. That's it. Not pretty.

Thanks, Chunkylad, really!

P.S. --had the XL 600 as one of my bikes when I was at Fr. Bragg, NC in the '80's. I'd practice wheelies back in the rear areas of the base, and I loved the contrast of running off-road for a streatch and then, feeling so good when I hit smooth pavement and wound her out. -Climbed and jumped things I shouldn't 'cuz I didn't know any better and it produced big grins. Had to kick it just right to fire and run. --Used to see street bikes going the other way on the freeway and was jealous of their power and more reasonable seating position, esp. in the cold and damp: -Felt like the canvas component of a clipper, but it set me up for future Tuonos. Wish I had an XL or XR today . . .