In search of a name
Today I brought my baby home. She was quieter and gave a smoother ride than I expected. I really enjoy the riding position. I was sitting so high that I could see over the cars in front of me on the freeway. She cornered better than I expected too. The frost heave and potholes on the highway were a breeze. She sailed easily over cracks and holes, even at 130 km/h. On Helen, this type of road surface is downright scary. Somewhere on the 427 I started to truly believe that this bike could take me around the world.
The Gerbing's electric vest and gloves performed well at -9 deg. C. even at highway speeds. My only cold-related problem was the wind around my neck. Maybe I should have worn a balaclava.
What surprised me in a bad way was how awful the front brakes were. Compared to Helen, stopping the KLR felt like stopping a semi. How could the front brake be so ineffective? It was mushy and unresponsive. The bike is not that heavy. Hopefully the braided brake lines and the new rotor that I plan on installing will make a difference.
Naming my new child is proving difficult. I've been pondering "La Poderosa" (The Mighty) after Che Guevara's bike, but it seems a bit unoriginal. I think I want something Spanish sounding because her maiden voyage will be through Latin America. Any ideas?
How about petirrojo (nee Patti) - Robin in Spanish
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