three hundred eighty three

MY DREAM MACHINE

well my latest

HONDA NC 750x DCT

In my opinion this motorcycle is just the right size for long distance touring. It has enough low range torque and horsepower for highway cruising. The long wheel base gives it stability but it's light weight and adventure bike suspension makes it nimble. The efficient four stroke engine gives great fuel economy. The ample storage makes this the perfect cross country touring package.

I do have plans to do the bicycle tour but the motorcycle option is in the mix. I think I will do both someday.

I don't want a BMW with heated seats and handgrips, a chrome covered Harley Davidson or a loaded Honda Gold Wing. I want this motorcycle, not too big, not too small, just the right size. Yes it is my dream motorcycle. 

MY DREAM TOURING RIG

Co-Motion makes the Americano. In my opinion it is the best touring bicycle available. They build them in Oregon but the complete bike alone costs five to eight thousand bucks, I'll stick with my $700 Surly. My complete Surly rig with custom wheels, panniers, all of my camping gear, clothing, lights, navigation gear and electronics is less then four thousand bucks. 

For only a few thousand bucks more the Rohloff and Pinion internal drive trains are both bomb proof state of art touring options that would make life a lot easier but I know how to fix my old fashioned static shifter. I have had long conversations with "Walter" on my long journeys. I know it's twenty years old but an old bike for an old guy makes more sense to me but mostly it's a sentimental attachment. 

MY DREAM OFF ROAD VEHICLE

I did buy one of my dream cars in 1989, a Jeep Wrangler. It was white, had a gray hardtop, limo tinted windows and air conditioning. I lived in Arizona at the time so it made the perfect desert machine. Unfortunately it was the most recalled piece of crap in Jeeps history. The gas milage was terrible and the fuel system was a nightmare, but it looked amazing.

MY FIRST NEW CAR

MY FIRST PICKUP TRUCK

I long ago got over my new car smell addiction. It only took seven new vehicles to get that out of my system. The scooters I have had were used so if I find a used motorcycle that has been maintained I'll be happy with it.

Winter is just around the corner so I have a few months to dream.