The First...

The Christmas break was simply fantastic. 3 weeks at home with my wonderful wife and step daughter flew by. Now, I am back at work for a week, due to fly home once again, in 2 days time. Unfortunately, due to Rockhampton flooding, QANTAS has canned the 2:20pm flight, meaning we don't get home until 6:50pm at the earliest... However I won't hold my breath. Not one single flight at that time has ever been on time.

My bike has been completed now, and it's time to start contemplating a new one. The R1 won't be traded, as it's such a fantastic handling, looking and performing bike. It leaves pretty much everyone breathless who's thrown a leg over it. However I have discovered the joys of fun at near legal speeds, something the R1 doesn't do too well. We have the KR1-S running beautifully now, and it stops like a little champion, however it's still a sports bike. Cramped riding positions, savage top end, and very little bottom end.

So, after much thought, a few side roads, and some switchbacks, my current candidates are as follows:

1. Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP

2. Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 Factory

3. KTM 990 SM R

4. Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200

Each has their benefits and drawbacks. So I'll deal with each in a separate post.

On another front, I am really hoping the potential opportunity that's appeared pans out. It will mean more time away in a single chunk, but a lot more time at home, throughout the course of the year. It'll accelerate Jill's dream, and will be one hell of an adventure!

Until then I am where I am currently, and in no way disappointed in that :-D.