However, I finally had the opportunity to see this up close, with my own eyes.
Ladies and gentlemen...how often do you get to see a recumbent sport bike??
Such a unique design for those vertically challenged (as this owner was), offering an easy on/off and low center of gravity.
The second offering...is the brand new 2012 Night Rod Special...
Note to bobskoot...aaahhhhh...the little "R" bike just purred down the roads. Took her out yesterday for a leisurely 200 miles to give her some luvin'. She replied in kind. :)
Addendum: For Rogey, here is how one would sit in/on it:
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| Photography by James Brown, taken from the web |
That first bike is really weird, how do you sit? Or do you stand?.....only in America!
ReplyDeleteYeah...it is interesting looking. The guy has owned it for 9 years and really likes it. I added a photo of one on the road so you can see how one "wears" it. :)
DeleteLori:
ReplyDeletethose are interesting photos. I've never seen, nor heard of, one of these before.
You what ? used MY "R" ? did you ask first ?
glad you had a nice day riding about
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
You hadn't heard of the Alligator? I thought for sure that you and Geoff have heard of them. I wonder about the fit and feel, but not enough to actually sit and try it out. :)
DeleteYes. My "R" bike was quite willing, when asked, to go for a long spin.
The Alligator is very interesting. I'd never thought of such a thing, but am not surprised someone had. It looks less strange with a rider. Thanks for bringing this beast to my attention. It sounds like you're feeling better. I do so hope tis' true.
ReplyDelete~Keith
Hi Keith,
DeleteThe only thing...it isn't set up for a pillion! I only just realized that. The owner seemed to be very happy with it...having ridden it for 9 years. But it is interesting that it isn't well known, considering all of the new riders looking for something that fits "them".
Lori,
ReplyDeleteGood Lord! Whilst I don't like it, the construction looks well-executed and it would be a sad day when people didn't think outside the square.
Whilst I've never been a Harley fan, I actually like the look of the minimalist modern ones because they're the opposite of the full dresser image which I loathe. Given sufficient money, I'd have a Night version or even better, a modern XR in the garage any time.
Thanks for the great post!
Hi Geoff!
DeleteYou hadn't seen the Alligator? I would have bet money that you hadn't known about it. Like you, it isn't my cup of tea. But hey, it's only important that he likes it. Who knows, I could test ride it and possibly fall in love. Hehe
HD Full Dressers can have their appeal. Like the Alligator, it isn't my style, but Oilburner was actually considering one, weighing it against the RT. I'll have to check with him why he chose how he did, the dressers I am drawn to are the customized ones...custom paint, special effects. But I still don't think I would ride one. I wouldn't know how to lift the damn thing if I dropped it!!
However, the disadvantage of the Night Rod is definitely storage. The only bags I can see are leather and not lockable, limited in capacity. My friend that purchased it wants to do some distance riding, but also has to have the aesthetics right. So I am not sure how it will turn out. He traded his other Vrod for the Night Rod. And he generally rode without the saddlebags on it as well.
So out it in the garage as a show bike...keep the Street Triple for overnights. :)
I've seen the Alligator in magazines but never up close and personal. Cool you got to see one. The lines of the new Night Rod Special remind me of it a little. Must be the sweeping seat into the tail.
ReplyDeleteI think I like your friends new toy better. Sure hope you are feeling better and are all over the crud now.
Hi Trobairitz
DeleteHow cool that you have at least seen an Alligator before. I saw pictures of it from the group rides that I didn't attend, but I did a double take. I couldn't have imagined it was a stock bike, though.
The Night Rod is nice. But I have a few bones to pick with it, I don't understand why a "blacked out" bike has shiny, chrome screws and bolts all over?!?
Thanks for the thoughts, I'm still not great, hacking out a lung while coughing, I hope this ends soon!!
I like the looks of the Night Rod, it has just the right amount of chrome. I don't think I could get used to riding with my feet that far out in front of me though.
ReplyDeleteHi Erik!
Delete[laughingly] does that mean that you don't like polishing chrome?? My friend is going to be spending much less time polishing this bike as opposed to the regular Vrod he just traded in,
And I agree with the feet forward position. We have a new language in talking with our friend because he doesn't understand "standing up on your pegs" when crossing over obstacles. :)
Thanks for leaving a comment!
Ahhhhhhhhhh, my eyes! The shock of it all! That recumbent just ain't right!
ReplyDeleteYou have me laughing. That wasn't quite my first thought when I saw the first picture of the Alligator...but it was close. :)
DeleteThanks for reading and leaving a comment!
The recumbent motorcycle...can't imagine the rider has much ability to see "12 seconds ahead".....
ReplyDeletedom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
You are right! I hadn't even thought of that! Probably no worse than some of the large baggers. It still reminds me of a cruiser sitting sport bike. :)
DeleteLike the new Night Rod Special.
ReplyDeleteTT
http://bikersblogtt.blogspot.co.uk/
I sure isn't hard on the eyes, right? :) I'm just not sure of long distance or pillion comfort...
Delete