We're planning a trip to British Columbia, where we understand that the scenery is spectacular and the good roads abound.
Of course we want to rent a motorcycle while there so we can really see things.
There's just no comparison being caged up inside a steel box versus being out in the world, seeing, smelling, and hearing everything on a motorcycle.
Renting a motorcycle is also a terrific opportunity to try out a different bike than the one you're accustomed to riding.
Of course, I've ridden a great many different bikes over the years but my wife has only ever been on two, the two I own.
She's probably looking forward to this more than I am.
One basic fact of renting, naturally, is that you have a limited selection.
Whatever the company you're renting from has to offer, that's what you have to choose from.
In this case, there is a company in Vancouver that we've been in touch with and here are our options and my thoughts on how each does or does not meet our needs and desires.
Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and 650 -- If it were just me, this might be my bike of choice.
As many great roads as there are in the U.
S.
that are not paved, I have to believe that Canada has even more.
Nothing compares to a dual-sport bike in getting you around on the highways to where you want to go, and then accommodating you off the pavement.
The V-Strom 1000 may be a bit big for me -- I've only ever ridden the 650cc version -- but I'm sure I'd manage with either.
However, I'm not at all sure how the passenger accommodations are, and I'm pretty sure my wife would prefer something else.
Kawasaki KLR650 -- Another great dual-sport and the same pros and cons.
Yamaha FJR1300 -- Now we're looking at a terrific sport-touring bike that is guaranteed to have good passenger seating.
I've test-ridden an FJR and I know they're top of the line and offer all the goodies.
This could be a good choice.
Suzuki Bandit 1250 SEA -- I don't really know much about this bike.
From what I can tell, though, it's a sportbike, and while it looks like it has a comfortable, upright riding position, I don't think my particular passenger would go for it.
Pass.
Suzuki GS 500 -- Ditto the Bandit.
Suzuki Boulevard C90SE -- OK, here's the first real competitor to the FJR.
And while I personally favor the sport-tourers, my wife is more a cruiser fan, and this is a cruiser.
This is the bigger one in the family and while it would probably be the more comfy for the passenger it would be a new experience for me to handle something this size with her as precious cargo.
But I figure I'd get it handled just fine after a few miles.
The really nice thing about even the biggest motorcycles, at least in most cases, is that no matter how big they seem sitting still, once they get rolling they generally handle easily and beautifully.
Suzuki Boulevard C50SE -- The C50SE is more a mid-sized bike and for that reason I'd probably be more comfortable on it, at least at the start.
Still, being smaller, I wonder how much comfort my wife would have to give up.
So what's it going to be? We haven't decided yet, although we need to do so soon.
I'd probably put my bet on the big Suzuki.
Renting the bike is more for me than her.
I figure I owe her all the comfort she can get.