FINALLY the wait is over. Started saving earlier this year after reading Long Way 'Round. Also, another board had a member riding across the U.S. and back with daily posts/updates. Those 2 fellas put the spark back into wanting to ride after a hiatus of about 5 years.
I was dead nervous when I hopped on, I won't lie. Last bike was an '89 Ninja ZX-10 (137hp, honest to goodness 170mph bike). No slouch for its' age. So knowing that power could be incorrectly applied in a split second, I hesitated. Took off after one final handshake, didn't stall it (was worried I would!). The nervousness immediately went away upon the first stop sign. Everything came FLOODING back as if I hadn't missed a day. It was beautiful.
I'm certainly rusty in areas but will no doubt sharpen within a few months. Certainly gotta stop searching for 6th gear! It could use it IMO, it's got the balls to pull it, and would be awesome for a highway gear. Mileage would shoot up I would think.
Enough babbling. Here she is. 2005 Bandit 1200. 26xx miles, Givi trunk, tinted windscreen. BONESTOCK otherwise (which I love, unmolested). $4800.
James