The VTR is in for a service today, and last time I got a VT250 Spada as a loan bike. Had a great bit of fun on that, I did.
Today I showed up and he filled up the tank on the 250 for me... the EL250 cruiser that is! I rolled my eyes when I realised and thought "here we go"... jumped on and toddled off to work.
Things I've learned:
* that seating position really is as ridiculous as it looks
* I almost crashed in the carpark as I couldn't find the pegs
* I almost crashed the first time I came to a stop as the ground was 1½ feet closer than it should have been
* my lower back hurts
* the seat is soft but still somehow my arse and thighs are sore
* cruiser riders don't nod because they're embarassed about how they look and don't want to draw attention
* diplomatically, it's not as terrible as I'd think for around-town duties
* unless you want to go around a corner, roundabout or curve - in which case sparks fly
* it scrapes a little less if you get riiiiight off the seat
* people look at you funny when you're off the seat of a cruiser... in peak hour
* fairings really do make a difference
* 250's are dangerously slow
And that's just from the ride to work. If it's not raining I'll take it for a blat at lunch and post some more, then another strap on the way back to pick up the bike tonight.