Here's where we get to the issue, lately when I'm out on the road bike, after say a four hour ride of maybe 120 miles on mostly back roads etc and with a good hour lunch stop my upper back and shoulders are killing and I'm really ready to get home and get off the bike and this is making me not want to go out. I get out usually at least once a fortnight and when I do, the 4hrs 120 mile type ride is typical for me as my hooning days are long gone so its out exploring the quieter roads enjoying the views. If I'm out trail riding the problem doesn't usually occur as its a mix of sitting and standing and this seems to break up the body position.
Bike wise, I currently ride a Tiger 800 (second one) as they suit the style I like and seat height is workable but I'm now thinking they are a little soul less perhaps?? The engine is very smooth and you can basically ride it like a big scooter, anything over 30mph leave it in top gear and it pulls smoothly, I rarely ride over 6000 revs as its not needed (apart from the odd spirited exit from a junction or over take where the need to "nail it" re-appears).
So - the issue above is making me re-consider what I do, I think my long distance touring days are likely to be less and less these days and having a bike that's suited to touring mostly, set up for panniers, big screen etc is over kill. Going out just "for a blat" doesn't really happen these days. I've explored most of the local back roads in a 50 mile radius and I'm not much of a one for having a fave road. So how do I get my mojo back? I still love my trail riding but the time to do it and the lanes available are less and less. I'm even considering a convertible car to get the wind in the hair but be able to travel further, its that bad
Or do I change bike to something like say a Ducati Desert Sled (if I can lower it enough) as I love the style or something similar that has a bit more soul? and just ride the local roads I have (Cumbria, The Dales and Northumbria) Opinions appreciated as well as pisstaking!!
