Had a chat with Riaan last night. As usual, he rocked up at a most inconvenient time; I was just settling in and re-enjoying The Matrix for the fifth time...
The conversation took many turns, one of them; how to finish the film. As director, he feels we have to move away from the bikes now and give the film more depth. I dont like the sound of that!
We also spoke about the virtues of a quiet exhaust pipe. Yes, I never though the day would come. I am a believer that a decent pipe is one of the things that can transform the character of a bike (as my spin on a BMW K1200R testified - more on that later).
My VFR has changed my approach to biking in many ways; one of them being my appreciation for Hondas. I always thought of Honda as Japanese BMW's; for the older, more conservative generation. I'll stick with my Ninja thank you. But I started admiring Honda for its well-published built quality and reliability (maybe because my Suzuki's and Kawasaki's and Yamaha's spent more time with various mechanics than with me)!
And what better bike than the VFR if you have to go for a Honda. I am already beginning to think of my next Honda. I dont like the VTEC, but more importantly, I want more power. Since there is no 1000cc V-Four (the pan-euro for some reason doesnt count), the Blackbird will have to do. And if you check the Rider Power surveys in the UK, the Blackbird consistently rates in the top 5, while the ZX-12R and Hayabusa trails in the 20's.
My riding has become conservative. And no, I am not getting old; my riding priorities are changing, thats all!
And although the Blackbird is fast, it exudes class and understatement in the way the VFR does. Of course, it has comfortable touring ability, especially with a pillion, which is also a surprising change in my riding over the years.
Actually very few Blackbirds have aftermarket pipes, I started to notice. Tells you something about the kind of rider they attract - very useful if you buy used. As with the VFR, you know the rider is unlikely to have trashed the bike.
Which brings me back to the point of this blog.
I cant believe I enjoy a quiet pipe. I like being unobstrusive. I can fly past a traffic cop parked next to the road way past the speed limit and he never hears me coming.
Riaan also has a quiet (aftermarket) pipe on his GS850. And likes it. You sit back, relax and enjoy the sites. No revs to chase after; no need to feel the bike chases you to the horison.
I do feel I want a more fruity sound to bring out the V-four drone, but not louder.
"Loud pipes save lifes". That is true. The one negative of a loud pipe is that pedestrians walk right in front of you, not hearing you coming. They, of course, dont look before they cross a road!
Car drivers are hopeless. Not even a loud pipe gets their attention.
My spin on the K1200R is memorable, partly because of that race-pipe. It was a thrill beyond believe. Loud, angry and naughty, but I wouldnt want to have it spliting my ears everyday. It makes sense only every now and then. If your bike is your only transport that you use every day, this becomes an issue, I reckon.
A second bike as a weekend screamer maybe?
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