Well, when I bought mine I was down to three very different bikes. Originally I wanted a Harley. Mind you, all I had my whole life was a Suzuki TS100, A Honda CT360, and since 1980, My 79 Bonnie T140D. So I wanted a big boy bike. Then, seeing all my old friend farts with their huge cruisers, small penises and and American Flags flying behind them.....I just wasn't ready to ride a Barker Lounger. It seemed quite boring. So the Thrux 900, the brand new Beemer NINET, The Ducati Monster 1200S. The Triumph I was told, not enough power, too soft on the suspension and the brakes. The Beemer, although really cool, too much use of plastics, looked complicated. If I can't get a rag in there to clean, I don't want it. The Ducati...rode one. Loved it. Really still wonder if I made the right choice, but aesthetically....meh. The Norton 961........This is what I know. Ballsy ass sounding air cooled twin with just enough power, Brembo brakes, Ohlins, wicked paint and striping, comfortable. Where's the plastic....oh....the turn indicators. Damn....this beast is sexy. First boatload isn't here yet. Wow. That's special. Be one of the first 10 in the US to have one. Really should purchase the first of anything. Haven't you learned that yet? But its 2014....what could go wrong?
Ever time I start and ride that bike, I'm wondering what's going to go wrong. 80% of the time, nothing. That BWAAAAA when decelerating. Diving into a nice curve. A little bit of a rough rumble.....I love that. Right hand gets numb, but that part of what makes the rest of the bike so cool. I still may get a Road King, at least I can carry a few bottles of water, but the Norton will remain the favorite. Oh....And I would NEVER trust this bike on a 2600 mile run....regardless of the few of you that have.
