There are no bad motorcycles. Just read any motorcycle magazine, and you
will see, they like them all. And will even nitpick to find anything they don’t
like. Somewhere in their road test is the truth, and having experienced the
truth, find it can be quite opinionated. Years ago Honda was given some bad
reviews, but true, by an almost 100 year old publication. They were so
incensed, they pulled all their advertising, almost sinking the title, such is
their power. Now Big Red gets nice reviews, and I find their parent company
showing much middle of the road opinions many times, dumbed down road tests if
you will. Stopping at the local multi-line dealer while Theresa and a friend
were enjoying open air motoring in her Mustang convertible, I stopped by, and as
greeted by not one, but three EBR motorcycles. Eric Buell is back, and these
are as far from what Harley used to put in the back corner as they can be. They
look great, and I had been wanting to see one, so when offered a ride, I
couldn’t hesitate. And a 2014 EBR SX1190, an early production bike, #008, was
mine to ride. At first the V-twin rumbled and shook, but after a ride here is
my opinion. It is fast, but not as fast as I thought. And for $17,000, not
very refined. But for a first effort, I was impressed. I ran it from 0-110,
did some quick stops, a few wheelies, the front end came up rather quickly, and
ran it through the canyon and curves. And when I took it back, Mike, the Sales
Manager wanted my input. He respects what and how I ride, and I had the chance
not offered to just anyone. He used to sell Triumphs, and the Speed Triple is
still his favorite. My only complaint were the clutch was too heavy, and the
instrument panel read out of gears went into a blank when the clutch was pulled
in, leaving me guessing, and one time confusing the traction control number
right next to it for third gear, fortunately it was 4th, or 5th. But other than
that, an enjoyable ride, until I got back on my current press bike, a 2015
Triumph Daytona R. And the difference was evident, even to me. But wanting to
know more about the EBR, I retreated to my office and a Cycle World, where they
had test ridden one, and compared it to a Ducati, now Duc-Audi, since its new
ownership. And I was surprised, and wondered if I had ridden the same bike. It
said it had 185hp, 20 more than anything I had ever ridden, yet weighing the
same as the Daytona, and giving up 60 horsepower, wasn’t as fast. The brakes
were not as good, and although it handled well, I couldn’t see the $3500
difference, give me the Daytona, and the $3500, and I’ll see you in a month of
riding. But yet this article was favorable to it, we all like Eric Buell, and
found it very comparable to the Ducati. We have yet to hear from Ducati in
their advertising rebuttal. Different bikes for different riders, but where was
that 60 horsepower, and where was $3500 extra in value? Maybe I just don’t ride
enough anymore, 3000 miles in the last 3 weeks, but 60 horsepower, it is the
difference between a Bonneville and a Daytona, and no one would ever confuse the
two....confuse? Remember there are no bad motorcycles, and I rather ride a slow
motorcycle faster than a fast one slower. But I rather still ride no matter
what.
Consider this man’s resume, and see if you would be interested in him. He
was known as one of the most important, and learned religious men of his time.
He was a Pharisee, a member of he Sanhedrin, spoke many languages, and had other
skills. He was a gifted orator, well versed in many subjects, and was a Jewish
Roman citizen. Able to dialogue with Roman official, while others feared them.
A tenacious debater, there was no question where he stood on any subject, and
was legalistic to the letter of the law. He was later to become one of the most
celebrated authors in world history, and an historic figure himself. His name
was Saul of Tarsus, and loyal to the Jewish law to a fault. And an enemy of the
cross, at least at first. Just reading about him now, he seems like someone you
would like to listen to, or follow his principals. But yet we see him at the
stoning of Stephen, holding coats, while others stoned him to death. He was out
spoken about the gospel, and would alter become a champion of it. Yet this man,
like many religious types today, needed to meet the real savior, and Jesus
changed his life. On the road to Damascus, he was confronted with Jesus, “Saul,
why are you persecuting me?” Was he acting in ignorance or faith? He knew what
he had heard about this Jesus, maybe even read about him. He knew Isaiah 53,
but failed to see Jesus as the prophetic one. It was until his meeting face to
face, that it became real, that it became personal. No more opinions, or
gossip, he came face to face with Jesus, and that made all the difference. One
encounter with the truth, and all that he knew and read became real. Jesus
revealed the mysteries of the gospel to Saul, meaning little, and now he became
Paul. And I thought of him after reading the article. If I hadn’t ridden the
bike, I never would have known the differences from the road test. A good
lesson for all, make it personal with Jesus. Some opinions are just that, but
when it comes to truth, go right to the truth-Jesus. Make it real, make it
personal. Don’t listen to someone else who had a bad time n church, or thinks
he knows the Bible without reading it. See for yourself, then decide. Is Jesus
who he says he is, or is he just a great man? Is he God, the only way to
heaven, or are you depending on your good efforts to make it. In your spec
sheet is your power listed, only to come up 60 horsepower short in everyday
life? Do the shiny ads appeal to you, or are you destined to spend too much,
not get enough, and come so close to salvation yet miss it altogether?
Does Jesus pull his advertising just because of bad reviews? If he did,
the church would be out of business long ago, but Jesus is alive, and the NY
Times is close to bankruptcy. But he still offers you that personal test ride
to see for yourself, are you willing to take it? Or go on believing lies and
opinions? Is your walk with him based on what someone else says, an ad, or do
you know him personally? If Paul, the highest Pharisee knew it all, but
couldn’t get it without meeting him, how do think you will? Do you think you
stand a chance? Have you put your money down and walked away bewildered, or are
you still looking? Jesus is still knocking, calling to you in love. Are you
listening?
Do you believe everything you read, or buy based on the power of the dyno?
Or are you interested in real life results? Jesus is real, find out for
yourself. It takes no special connection, even the poorest gets in, it is the
rich who stumble. Unlike no bad motorcycles, there are bad gods, and too many
fall prey to their false promises, then give up. It took Paul being blinded on
the road, what is it going to take for you? Unlike hand grenades, close don’t
count with Jesus, there is no maybe, Paul found that out. Read the book, get to
know the man, and follow him today. The truth is out there, and found in the
best selling book ever, no advertising needed. Read about Paul and others who
were so close in knowledge, yet blinded by religion. Meet Jesus and be set
free...we all have a testimony to share, what will yours be? Dare to approach
Jesus with the same passion you ride with....wheelies optional.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com