Joy Dutta’s blog

I guess I am suffering from a nasty dose of Hesitantly Indecisive Disorder (H.I.D.), while trying to choose between two legendary touring motorcycles made by Honda. I am at least happy that bikes from other brands have been ruled out in a very early stage of this dreaded decision making process. I think I am suffering like Monk, my favorite obsessive compulsive character on the popular tv show.

It is difficult to trust my own thinking when I can swing back from an almost 99% surity to the other side within a few hours, affected by comments/ experiences/ reviews by a couple members of the online bike forums I frequent.

A goldwing has been my dream touring bike for a long time. When the new GL1800 was introduced in 2001, I loved the yellow color just like love at first sight, but affordability was non-existent at that time. I can afford an used one now, and not one but two such opportunities are in front of me at the moment. Life can be so ironic that my requirements of the next bike has changed enough to keep a wing in doubts.

I want the following in a good touring machine:
1. Large tank with range at least 300 mile
2. Electric windshield
3. ABS
4. Ability to pack lots of camping gear in a two-up long trip
5. Pillion comfort

Now my concours is the perfect bike despite lacking electric windshield and ABS. The only grudge is that the buzz at 80mph cruising speed is very tiring for me. I could do some major mods to make it more comfortable, but for a little more money I can get the ST1300, a far more refined motorcycle.

A goldwing is the king of touring motorcycles, the ultimate mile muncher designed for the open road. It is a couch on wheels. Finding an ABS model in the used market is a little tough, and in the later models, a lot of extras come with ABS at a lot of expense. Yeah, it is a bit overpriced, considering its pesky 200 mile range and lack of an electric windshield. Not that I will ride 200 miles non-stop, but longer range gives some peace of mind not having to plan the refuel stops as often. A Wing has integrated saddle bags and a non-removable trunk. While accessing them is very easy, packing for a long two up trip can be a little daunting, unless towing a trailer, like an uni-go.

An ST1300 ABS is easy to find used, and has everything I ask for, except the wing-like all-day comfort. But Priti is comfortable enough on my concours with a GIVI trunk, so I guess she will be fine on the ST1300 too. If I need to pack a lot, I can remove the trunk and mount a large duffel bag which can be a nice backrest for her. The ST can even tow a small trailer like the uni-go.

The fight between rational and emotional thinking is a tough one. I am sure if the 2002 pearl yellow goldwing I am lusting after shows up near me, I will just run and grab it.

Lets see how the next few days do to my sanity.

Been trying to figure out a few things. Past few weeks have not been good at all, mostly due to a few sinking investments in a bad U.S. market, a couple misunderstandings with my non-resident wife, and to top it all, unhappiness with my current motorcycle, the Concours.

The Concours is a wonderful bike, but just not probably the right one for me any more, as I gradually discovered. It has served me greatly for almost two years of ownership and 21,000 miles of pleasure, but I guess it is time I deserve a better machine for the kind of riding I do. It is a great bike for around town and short trips, but somehow those long stretches always find me craving to go back home. Yeah, it is tiring for me to fight the annoying vibrations at cruising speeds, typically 75-80mph. There are ways to reduce it and I have tried a few, but it does not change the fact it is a 20 year old technology with a few quirks. On the upside, I learnt a lot of wrenching and experienced a bit of zen of motorcycle maintenance, thanks to the “old technology”. But at the same time I am confident I can learn and maintain a newer machine as well. I have narrowed down my choice of the next bike to the one and only one: a Honda ST1300 ABS. The st-owners.com forum has convinced me that I can’t go much wrong with my choice. I have missed a few deals on the craigslist just because I don’t have enough cash right now. I know a man has to withstand periods like this, but this is starting to affect my day to day life as well. I am less energetic than before, and days seem to go on pretty much meaningless.

Indian values have always taught that money can’t buy happiness among a few other mouthful ideals. They sounded good and rational when I grew up, but situations like this seem to prove otherwise. Money sure can’t be everything, but I think it is 90% of what a man needs in life. Can’t buy happiness ? then one must be leading a dull and useless life. Not me. I need a few things to fuel my passions, which keeps me mentally healthy, happy and nice to people around me. Not to mention save up for the future too.

Sorry if I offend anyone, but right now I could say that the statement “money can’t buy happiness” is nothing but pure bullshit. Whatever may bring one happiness, money has to be there as an invisible hand. Be it gadgets, a good home, a nice vacation, or a long motorcycle trip. Nothing can change this. In the realm of logic, this is a counter-example to the statement above hence the statement is universally false.

Enough ranting. I need an ST1300 ABS. Badly. Asap.