That was fun. Been out along some minor roads. Met a Tesla in Lilliesleaf - it's a long, winding, single-street village with cars parked everywhere so you have to trickle through quite slowly. Wasn't bothered when this car decided - although I suspect it was really the driver who decided - to pull out in front of me. Hoped the car would turn off and head for the main road, but unfortunately it headed the same way I was going. Annoying?
Well yes, it became slightly annoying. This was the classic thing of fast car/slow driver. Messed about so slowly along the village street, and the bends outside the village. Then the road straightens up as it climbs a hill ½ mile further on. Selected third gear and prepared to overtake the car up hill, but . . . whizzzzz! The Tesla wasn't there any more.
More bends at the top of the hill. Tesla's bake lights came on and stayed on, goes so slowly I caught up again. Met another car coming the other way and the Tesla stopped to let it past. So again, I prepared to go past, and . . . whizzzzz!
Yup, I swear the Tesla was holding me up. But impossible to even think about making the pass. As soon as the road was straight enough to see if there was anybody coming the other way, the thing was off like a rocket, like maybe 80 mph, maybe much more. That's just a guess. Certainly much higher speeds than anybody uses on those wee country lanes. I was happy to let it just go, but hold on, what the hell is this guy/gal up to? Ferchrissakes, you don't need to stop to let a car go past the other way!
Don't try racing one of those things.
Anyway, aside from the Tesla, I had a fun ride. Back in March last year, post #807, assessed the XS's handling as promises to be at least good enough. But now, prepared to go up another notch and give the handling good. I'm not an expert assessing motorbike handling, but what I don't want is vagueness or a feeling the bike doesn't want to go just where I want it. Don't want to feel I'm turning the bend into a thruppeny-bit - an old British coin with fourteen sides - you know, having to keep adjusting the line all the way through.
With TX750 swing-arm, YSS shocks, Avon tyres and the head bearings adjusted, the Yamaha just seems to behave itself going through a set of bends. Lets me just rest hands lightly on the bars, watch to see where the road goes, and we get there without any fuss or drama. Doesn't seem to fight against turning, doesn't seem to tip in either.
I'm liking it.