Stephen’s Ride Reviews

2007 Kawasaki Versys 650

I rolled almost 5,000kms on this little bike in 2007 and I still believe it is the best all-around motorcycle on the market. It is so versatile you can instantly switch from urban commuting, to a track day, then clip on the saddlebags and take a trip across the country. No other motorcycle I’ve ever ridden could handle all of these things as admirably as the Versys does. What did I like about it? Well let’s see: a punchy 650cc parallel twin that will humble much racier scoots, light and nimble handling, more than adequate wind protection, flawless EFI, great fuel mileage, roomy ergonomics, well-sprung suspension, and surprisingly urgent 4-piston brakes. My only wish would be better vibration dampening on the front fairing since it would get “buzzy” in the engine’s midrange. That criticism has been addressed on recent models and is no longer a concern. Bottom line: if you want a go-anywhere, do-anything motorcycle – you would be selling yourself short if you didn’t consider a Kawasaki Versys.

2008 Aprilia Shiver 750

I had the privilege of logging over 4,000kms on this bike in 2008 and I’m very glad I did! This was a brand-new model and engine for the Italian factory and they definitely did their homework. For under $10,000, it is impressive how Aprilia managed to stuffed so many cool little techno-gadgets into this bike. Features to note include: anti-theft micro-chipped keys, Brembo brakes, hydraulic clutch, real-time fuel mileage gauge, a liquid-cooled 95hp V-twin wrapped in a cool gold aluminum open trellis frame. But probably the best feature of all is a unique switchable power mode that enables the rider to choose between a detuned “rain”, a fuel-friendly “tour”, and a snarly “sport” mode. My only gripes are it could be lighter for a middleweight streetfighter (the fancy electronics comes at a compromise) and the seat is so uncomfortable for urban commuting that it may quite possibly be the spawn of the devil. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this a sexy Italian bike at a very reasonable price.

2008 Aprilia Tuono R

Oh my, how I love this motorcycle! This bike is the direct result of Aprilia’s intense racing research and it was immediately evident at any angle. That narrow 998cc V-twin stuffed into a slick polished aluminum frame made me smile every time I saw it. It doesn’t hurt that the handling and its critical braking and suspension components were entrusted to industry heavyweights Brembo and Ohlins. This bike will stand up, pull your arms off and then stuff you into the bars when you need to slow things back down. In a word - Awesome! No other motorcycle I’ve ever ridden has garnered as much attention as that Tuono. My only complaints to note were a stiff seat and dodgy EFI mapping at low RPM’s just off idle but who spends much time down there anyways?? ;).  If you want ridiculous Italian V-twin torque and race-proven handling, I suggest you try an Aprilia Tuono R. Period.

2009 Triumph America

My saddle-time on the America was fairly brief but it was worth it. An already bulletproof-reliable 865cc parallel twin was improved with an EFI system cleverly hidden inside an innocent carburetor fascia. I think the Triumph engineers succeeded in keeping the classic, old-school style with the modern convenience of EFI. Roomy ergonomics like forward footpeg controls, wide bars, and comfy saddle make this a treat to chew up the road on. I would honestly have liked to see more power on tap but I am more at home on sporty motorcycles so my personal perspective might be unrealistic. Over 100 years of Triumph history and classic styling makes the America a very attractive motorcycle indeed.

2009 Triumph Sprint ST ABS

My first-ever motorcycle trip through BC with my Dad was made even more enjoyable with the addition of the Triumph Sprint ST ABS. Fantastic midrange power from the snarly 1050cc triple allowed me to have fun and take in the sights without worrying about what gear I was in. Easily removable hard saddlebags made packing a breeze and it handled so crisply I constantly forgot they were even attached! And I can certainly confess the ABS function worked flawlessly when our travels turned increasingly soupy. Head-turning good looks and near-perfect sport-touring characteristics makes me think I may need to get out with Pops again sometime real soon…

Jolene's Ride Reviews

It all started with a Kawasaki Ninja 500 and my first ride.  Easy to ride, stable and so fun.  It had great power and really made me fall in love with riding and I fell in love with bike but then….Rick sold it.

Next was my Kawasaki Ninja 650; I was so excited!  Doug and I mixed up the most wicked pink….ok so Doug mixed it and I picked it.  The Ninja 650 was very comfortable, more peppy than the Ninja 500 and the full fairing added more wind protection, I truly fell in love with it….then….Rick sold it!

Since there was so much riding season left I decided to try a Triumph Bonneville on for size.  I have been told I am a “fair-weather rider” since I don’t really like riding in anything but warm, sunny weather.  Truth be told, I am just scared of being blown around by wind and on the Bonneville, wind is non-existant….I would quickly get used to the larger cc motorcycles; this bike was so smooth, comfortable and enjoyable to ride.  I loved the Bonneville but as the pattern goes….Rick sold it!  Sheesh!

I never thought in a million years I could ride a bike with forward pegs but Dave made the mistake of letting me ride his Triumph Speedmaster demo.  Ok, WOW.  This bike has the handling of a sport bike and I will even admit, I felt a bit like a bad girl on it.  SO fun for the 3 rides I got to take it on before, you guessed it…Rick sold it.

I had been in love with the Triumph Speed Triple for as long as I can remember but I was always so intimidated by the height of it.  At just over a 32” seat height, I would be on the very tips of my toes to touch the ground.  Continual inquires to Chris Ellis for a baby sister to the Speed Triple prompted him to help me get set up with a Triumph Speed 4.  Once again, into the paint booth with Doug, she got painted an absolutely brilliant white with an iridescent pink clear coat!  Whoa, she was a beauty.

Once spring day I finally decided it was safe to bring her into the shop for a ride to work.  This day just happen to be a Saturday when the demo rides went out.  Our beautiful 2007 Roulette Green Speed Triple was taken out on the ride and was sitting in the front parking lot waiting to be brought around to the back after the ride.  I thought…what the heck, it’s just from the front to the back, I would see if it would be okay if I took it back…that was the beginning!

That night, the Speed 4 slept over at the store and the Triumph Speed Triple took me home.  I was so nervous as I came up to the right hand merge from 118^thave to 170^th street but the traffic was flowing so now I had to stop!  As I rolled for what seemed like forever as I tried to figure out how I would touch the ground, the balance of the bike was amazing and effortless.  When I finally stopped, one foot down the bike was perfectly balanced and it felt as if it said to me…see you don’t need to be able to touch flat footed, one foot will do.  I took off and felt the incredible torque.  I was addicted!

Rick sold the Speed 4 and I adopted my first Speed Triple.  This motorcycle is confidence inspiring, beyond fun to ride and has more power than I will ever know what to do.  I have ridden in some pretty crazy winds, serious rain storms and I haven’t had a single doubt that that motorcycle will get me where I am going safely!  That and the sound of a triple is in my opinion one of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard.  Later that year, it went up for sale and I was able to try the Kawasaki Z1000.  I am definitely not technical when it comes to bikes but the Z1000 was very similar feeling to the Speed Triple, I found it very easy to ride with what felt like a lower center.  I took one of my longest solo trips on the Z1000 and highly recommend it!

Since then, I have ridden a Aprilia Shiver which feels a lot like a dirt bike, handles like a dream, really cool sound and super easy to maneuver. A Triumph Street Triple which is so much like the Speed Triple but lighter, it feels like you can just throw it into the corners.  And lastly a Kawasaki ZX-6; all of my riding experience has been on models that have a fairly upright seating position and this having a very sport angle was extremely different.  After Anita stopped laughing at my 3 lane wide turn we were able to go for a ride to the babes on bike night. Even though I could never see myself on that style of bike, it was really fun.  It is amazing how each style of bike really instills a different confidence in riding ability.  The ZX-6 (once I got the hang of it) was smooth, powerful and agile.

Regardless of your ability or style, there is a perfect bike for you.  We look forward to helping you find it.

Michael's Ride Reviews

360 Triumph Thunderbird Emersion - click here to read review

Aprilia RSV4 - Click here to read the review

2005 Sprint ST1050

My first real experience with a Triumph was with this Caspian blue beauty.  I bought it one week after my 30th birthday without even test riding it.  The Sprint has gone through minor changes since 2005 but is more or less the same bike today.  The ST can't really bee classed but is considered a sport touring motorcycle.  That being said the ST doesn't really belong with the Honda ST1300s, the BMW 1300s, Yamaha FJR1300 or the Kawasaki Concours.  These bikes are all much heavier and less sporty then the Sprint.  The closest competitor was the VFR800.  Both bikes are smaller sport tourers with the emphasis on SPORT. I always thought of it as a gentlemen's sport bike.  You sit up nicely on the ST with very little pressure on the wrists but are still in a sport seating position.  There is ample leg room for the 6 foot tall riders yet you still have rear sets instead of basic pegs.  At 125hp and 77ft/lbs of torque the bike is no slouch.  The single sided swing arm is absolutley beautiful and should be considered practical art.  The Sprint shares this swingarm with the Speed Triple.

I love to work on my bikes.  The Sprint was no exception.  The underseat exhaust on the Sprint is something to behold.  The triple theme is evident from the front to the back.  Triple motor, triple headlights, triple gauges and triple exhaust tips.  I decided to add a racing exhaust system onto the bike to get the full power from the 1050 motor.  I put three small cans and a 3 into 1 y-pipe from IXIL Racing in Spain.  Oh my oh my oh my...... it sounded great before but after the exhaust work the bike sounded like a F1 race car.  The sound resonates with something deep within you and awakes that desire to ride.

And ride I did.  From city commuter to track day bike to long distance touring machine the Sprint handled whatever riding I could throw at it and handled it well.  My first touring test for the ST was on a 4 day trip which I covered 3500kms to the annual Triumph Riders Association in Nelson BC.  I did the ride to Nelson in one day which was 985kms.  The bike handled it wonderfully.  The ST will get 360-380kms to a tank of fuel even with the race exhaust and race tune.  I am willing to bet with a light wrist it could top 400kms.  I averaged 5.4L/100kms.  Not bad for a fully loaded bike. Once in the West Kootenays the ST really came into its own.  This bike is meant to carve up the curves.  I spent the next 3 days riding every paved road I could.  The run from Kaslo to New Denver was absoltuley glorious and the ST ate the road up.  The handling on the ST is light despite its weight, quick and with well maintained brakes it stops on a dime.  It is important on the ST to do regular brake fluid flushes to keep the lever firm.  I hadn't had that much fun on a motorcycle in years.  The Sprint was the perfect match to the roads of British Columbia and for the long trip itself.

If you are looking for an all round machine that offers style, comfort, sporty riding capabilities and beautiful looks then the ST is something you should look at.

2007 Bonneville Black

What can I say about the Bonneville....  This is a bike is a dream machine.  I have dreamt about owning a modern classic for years.  I have a real love for vintage motorcycles and have plans for some true vintage machines but Triumph did something brilliant, they made a bike that has vintage class with modern reliability.  My 2007 is a carburetted machine but as of 2009 they are all fuel injected.  The bikes are simple without being boring and complex enough to hold their own against any modern machine in their class.

Everytime I start this bike I get a huge smile on my face.  The 865cc engine with it's 360 degree firing order (different than the America, Speedmaster and Scrambler 865cc twin with their 270 degree firing order) and dual carbs is a modern interpetation of the 650cc Bonneville of the 60's.  The look and sound is reminder of that past without being of that past. The engine is leak free and requires not much more than regular oil changes and following the Triumph maintenance schedule.  The rear shocks are adjustable for varying weights while the fronts are not adjustable.  The tank holds about 14L of fuel and gets about 220kms before going to reserve.

The best part about this bike is how easy it is to ride.  The Bonnie completely captures the pure essence of what riding used to be.  The seating position is completely neutral and comfortable up to the 100kph speed.  The bike is capable of far greater speeds but the upright seating position becomes work to maintain over the 100kph.  Sliding your feet to the back pegs or a lower handlebar cures any of that.  I switched to a low cafe bar which allowed me to ride comfortably at highway speeds.  A windshield would help this as well if you want to keep the stock bars.  The Bonnie owns the city.  This bike is very nimble and easy to throw around despite its weight. It's hard to express how easy it is to move this bike around and how confident it makes me feel when I ride it.

The only warning about the Bonneville, when you take it out be prepared to be stopped by someone with a story or who wants to talk to you about the bike.  The bike is an attention getter.  Getting fuel can turn into an hour long adventure.....whether its because someone has stopped you to tell you a tale about a great British bike they used to ride or because a full tank a fuel is a great reason to go for a ride!

2002 Speed Triple:  Coming soon

2008 Triumph Tiger:  Coming soon

2009 Speed Triple:  Coming soon

Rick's Ride Reviews

2009 Arctic Cat 550EFI TRV LE 4x4 – I have had my 550EFI Cat since March 2009.  I had a 60” blade kit installed right away as I need to use it to remove snow, and clean my horse corals.  This is my first EFI from Arctic Cat and can tell you it was well worth the wait.  The 550 fires up right away and runs extremely smooth.  Power deliver is booth crisp and clean.  This machines runs the same in 30 degree summer weather or -30 degree winter weather.  The pushing power on this machine is unbelievable.  I can drop the blade in the centre of my 500’ plus driveway and push snow right to the end with no concern.  Pulling capacity and rack capacities are also industry leading.  Pulling a trailer full of hay bales hardly breaks a sweat on the 550.  Ride quality is excellent as you can adjust all 4 corners to your body weight and riding style.  Disc brakes front and rear make sure you can get stopped and don’t bump your buddy in front of you.  The independent suspension does a great job of sucking up the bumps allowing you longer saddle times.  When 4WD is required it is a push of a button.  If the going gets real tuff push the Differential Lock and the this machine will claw it’s self through the nastiest of the nasty.  Being a TRV (Two Rider Vehicle) this unit is equipped with a 8” longer wheelbase, deluxe passenger seating with deluxe backrest, grab handles and foot boards.  Being a LE model you also get driver and passenger hand warmers (worth their weight in gold if you winter ride!) deluxe 5 spoke aluminum rims, metallic black paint,  and a 3000lb Warn Winch.  This machine is a serious work horse, a sporty trail ride, and a great looking ATV.  You should get one!

2010 Arctic Cat Crossfire 800 LE – OK this machine kick a_ _ !  I will admit I have not ridden much in the past few years …..but this thing rocks!  The all new 162 HP engine pulls like a freight train running seriously behind schedule.   The throttle response is like riding a dirt bike.  Even a quick quarter throttle burp will buck you off the sled if you’re not paying attention.  I know I’m a bit rusty, but I felt my muscles from my finger tips to the bottom of my pecs for two days after riding this torque monster.   This is such a user friendly machine…..it goes where ever you point and shoot!   Suspension quality is so good I found myself riding faster than I should have been.  This is a very confident inspiring sled.  The telescoping handle bars are the best idea since sliced bread.  A quick push on the handle bar and the bars provide 10” of up and down travel.   Having no use of my legs,  several of today’s machines are hard for me to handle riding sitting down.  The Crossfire was surprisingly user friendly.  I had no issues at all riding this machine over our Christmas break.  A few of my friends tried the Crossfire and it was beautiful to watch them ride as they could use the power this 800 EFI provides.  Jumping approach roads was effortless.  They tell me it fly’s just as well as it handles.   In the right hands this machine would be un-stoppable!  I really, really found the Crossfire a adrenaline rush to ride!  Such a rush that I have ridden every weekend since, purchased a sled for my daughter, and will be purchasing one for me as well!  If you ride it…you will buy it!