Dirt_Dad
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The thread title is a bit of an exaggeration, but this would not have been purchased if I didn't buy the WR last year. This thread probably could have been more accurately titled: I blame all you SOBs that posted photos from the Colorado Tenere gathering last year.
Leaving the dealership.
Arrived home.
You'll note the similarity of snow and ice in both locations (and everywhere in between). It's the one thing that is sure to keep me off the bikes and using a trailer. ::007::
So here's the story...
So many of you guys that attended the Colorado gathering last year posted spectacular photos of the rides you did at the event. My wife and I were both wowed by the incredible terrain in the shots. We both got really pumped up about heading out there at some point to see all that you guys saw.
Knowing that pictures don't always tell the full story of terrain, and having several people say the pictures didn't do justice to the steepness of some of the trails, I had a bit of a concern.
In the past she has been a pretty darn good dirt rider (this is her). But the Tenere is so huge for her she understandably gets intimidated. In fact, this particular mountain road has become know as "Swearing Hill." That's because of the choice words I heard coming over my bluetooth headset when I suggested she stop at one of the switchbacks on this road. Let's just say she disagreed with my suggestion. So there is a definite confidence issue with the huge bike.
After thinking about it, the obvious answer was to find her a used small bike so she could rebuild and regain her dirt confidence. Of course my wife wanted a "pretty" bike, so she immediately ruled out the used DR200 Romney Cycles had on the floor. Knowing her well enough and what it would take to find a "pretty" bike, I showed her the XT250. Yep, that's good enough (side note, she had an XT225 a few year ago and gave it up...that's another story all by itself). So I asked Romney to tell me when they get a used XT250. That was last summer.
Two weeks ago I was talking to Larry (GM of Romney) at the motorcycle show in Washington, DC. He mentioned he's about to get in an XT. I told him I'd check with my wife...later that night I sent him a text saying I'll take it.
So she's excited...really excited. Loves that the bike is already lowered. I hadn't planned on lowering it, but it came that way. It only has 1,600 miles on it. Should be a great little bike for getting her dirt legs back.
Now if the snow and ice would only melt. Who knows, maybe we'll fire up the engine for the first time in the next week or two.
Oh for the record, of the 32 bikes (motorcycle, ATVs and spyder) I've owned, this the the 6th XT that has made its home with us.
XT600 (me)
XT350 (her)
XT225 (her)
XT1200 (me...then her)
XT1200 (me...damn it)
XT250 (her)
By far the most represented model line in my/our bike history. Considering this is my 11th Yamaha overall, I guess it's safe to say I have a favorite brand.
Leaving the dealership.
Arrived home.
You'll note the similarity of snow and ice in both locations (and everywhere in between). It's the one thing that is sure to keep me off the bikes and using a trailer. ::007::
So here's the story...
So many of you guys that attended the Colorado gathering last year posted spectacular photos of the rides you did at the event. My wife and I were both wowed by the incredible terrain in the shots. We both got really pumped up about heading out there at some point to see all that you guys saw.
Knowing that pictures don't always tell the full story of terrain, and having several people say the pictures didn't do justice to the steepness of some of the trails, I had a bit of a concern.
In the past she has been a pretty darn good dirt rider (this is her). But the Tenere is so huge for her she understandably gets intimidated. In fact, this particular mountain road has become know as "Swearing Hill." That's because of the choice words I heard coming over my bluetooth headset when I suggested she stop at one of the switchbacks on this road. Let's just say she disagreed with my suggestion. So there is a definite confidence issue with the huge bike.
After thinking about it, the obvious answer was to find her a used small bike so she could rebuild and regain her dirt confidence. Of course my wife wanted a "pretty" bike, so she immediately ruled out the used DR200 Romney Cycles had on the floor. Knowing her well enough and what it would take to find a "pretty" bike, I showed her the XT250. Yep, that's good enough (side note, she had an XT225 a few year ago and gave it up...that's another story all by itself). So I asked Romney to tell me when they get a used XT250. That was last summer.
Two weeks ago I was talking to Larry (GM of Romney) at the motorcycle show in Washington, DC. He mentioned he's about to get in an XT. I told him I'd check with my wife...later that night I sent him a text saying I'll take it.
So she's excited...really excited. Loves that the bike is already lowered. I hadn't planned on lowering it, but it came that way. It only has 1,600 miles on it. Should be a great little bike for getting her dirt legs back.
Now if the snow and ice would only melt. Who knows, maybe we'll fire up the engine for the first time in the next week or two.
Oh for the record, of the 32 bikes (motorcycle, ATVs and spyder) I've owned, this the the 6th XT that has made its home with us.
XT600 (me)
XT350 (her)
XT225 (her)
XT1200 (me...then her)
XT1200 (me...damn it)
XT250 (her)
By far the most represented model line in my/our bike history. Considering this is my 11th Yamaha overall, I guess it's safe to say I have a favorite brand.
Enjoy!
