First real ride on my Buffalo
Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 4:02 am
Last weekend, I took my big girl out for her first real ride. This was the first time I've done any distance on one of these since around 1974 
Although I've owned the Waterbus (as we call them in NZ) for several months, I've really just been tinkering and pulling things apart. So, my initial impressions:
I love the big size, I'm 6' 1" and found the height and width to be perfect. The bulk of it feels so reassuring and real. The bike handled well (after I changed the hideously high bars the PO had on her) and just seemd to purr along. The exhaust note is pleasant with just a hint of sportiness. I was impressed with the easy way she just lopes along (with no sense of distress to the motor) and yet will jump forward smartly with a twist of the throttle. The seat is sooo comfy and the bike gives the feel that she could be ridden for hours on end.
In comparison to my T500 and Mach III, this baby has a lot to offer. She seems a good all round machine that sorta exudes a potential for reliability. The T500 feels and looks so small beside the Buffalo and there is an understandable gap in performance. The Mach III is obviously designed for much different things and is such a different bike - it has a rawness that I have always loved whereas the GT seems a tad more sophisticated. With the Kwaka and big Suzuki, it feels like I've got most of my riding moods covered now!
So, only one good run under my belt with the Waterbus but I am truly a convert
Still a lot to do to her to bring her back to former glory but that should be fun. She is a beautiful looking bike and I'm glad to have finally tracked down a "J" model and think I will be keeping her for quite some time.
Mike
Although I've owned the Waterbus (as we call them in NZ) for several months, I've really just been tinkering and pulling things apart. So, my initial impressions:I love the big size, I'm 6' 1" and found the height and width to be perfect. The bulk of it feels so reassuring and real. The bike handled well (after I changed the hideously high bars the PO had on her) and just seemd to purr along. The exhaust note is pleasant with just a hint of sportiness. I was impressed with the easy way she just lopes along (with no sense of distress to the motor) and yet will jump forward smartly with a twist of the throttle. The seat is sooo comfy and the bike gives the feel that she could be ridden for hours on end.
In comparison to my T500 and Mach III, this baby has a lot to offer. She seems a good all round machine that sorta exudes a potential for reliability. The T500 feels and looks so small beside the Buffalo and there is an understandable gap in performance. The Mach III is obviously designed for much different things and is such a different bike - it has a rawness that I have always loved whereas the GT seems a tad more sophisticated. With the Kwaka and big Suzuki, it feels like I've got most of my riding moods covered now!
So, only one good run under my belt with the Waterbus but I am truly a convert
Still a lot to do to her to bring her back to former glory but that should be fun. She is a beautiful looking bike and I'm glad to have finally tracked down a "J" model and think I will be keeping her for quite some time.Mike
