Yes, I have. Conceptually, it is an interesting idea, however, from my
viewpoint it is a bit unrealistic.
I ride my motorcycle because I enjoy it. I consider my GTS an expensive
toy that I treat myself to on a regular basis (about 10,000 kms per summer)
- therapeutic stress relief, if you will.
As for using it to ride to work (where I wear a suit most days), I prefer
take my bicycle (change and shower) or the bus, in that order. Living in
Ottawa, Canada, where I can only ride my motorcycle for 8-9 months of the
year (with a rainsuit close at hand), there is little benefit to wading
into rush hour traffic with my GTS. Assuming that I follow the laws of the
land (which I do most of the time...) I cannot get there any faster (since
lane splitting is not allowed) or much cheaper than a car. In reality, the
per km cost operating expense is at least that of my Honda Civic. When it
comes to economy, the bus is far less expensive. When it comes to
entertainment value and an opportunity to work out, my bicycle is my
favorite summer option for my 20 km (12mi) commute.
Now, weekend backroad blitzing is another story! :-) I am sure there are
GTS listers out there that actually have an enjoyable, picturesque,
low-traffic-density daily jaunt. Go ahead and tell us about it!
Final thought - As an ex-racer (club level) and regular viewer of
Speedvision's coverage of motorcycle racing, I certainly appreciated Phil's
(?) excellent commentary on the IOM's TT cancellation (hopefully temporary)
this year.
Brian
