Well last month's DR was my last issue, not because of the article - I just haven't renewed my subscription ... it expired about two years ago :p
Anyway, my take on the whole biker build off, was that the article was not unbiased and it was pretty unfair to the TT DRZ - and I don't think the DRZ's noise was the 'real' issue. Not being able to ride it because of the broken stator - was what it was all about - having a broken bike you really want to ride is enough to 'P' anyone off. Having a $20k bike that is broken is even more frustrating.
My other take on the build off, and the issue of bias - DR.com were show up to be the - dare I say - weakest (small board participation) of the bunch - no disrespect to JL ! - They put a nice little bike together with limited input, and were probably totally taken aback by what the other boards put together, they were overpowered by the biker boards. It may have been an altogether humbling experience.
I think it was mind blowing, especially to the DR.com crew that boards like DRN and TT could come up with bikes even they would have a hard time putting together (never mind imagining) - they were shown the immense power of the Internet, and I think it knocked their socks off - DRN with a $15k bike and TT with their $19k DRZ - it blew them away - it blew me away. What is also seriously impressive is that this was done by so called - non-professionals - is just BIG - it really shows that the real world is so much bigger and maybe even more talented than the itty bitty cocoon of pro racers and their fairly limited circle they live in.
OK, it wasn't a competition, and was intended to showcase the Internet and bike forums - which it did ! - I'm pretty impressed by all who participated, all the entries - it really showcased just how loyal members of these forums are, their grit, determination and even competitiveness - thank God our foo foo school system has not altogether erased this from our character. The internet really has done us weekend bikers a favor - it has been good to us. It really brings us together - yeah we may lay down the smack now and again, but when we get together to ride - all that pettiness is forgotten - we get together and ride, have fun, be friends.
Dang, where is DW06 when you need it !!
Maybe Okie and Jimmy Lewis should be taling turkey about DW and relegate this stuff to the back pages. :ride: