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The Relativity Of Speed
Blog Date - 18 February 2017
Einstein was right you know, it's all relative. Eh? Oh this isn't a complex lecture about time dilation and the speed of light. Don't panic I only have a rudimentary grasp of clever relativity, certainly not enough to write about it. I'll stick with motorcycles.
My 500 has been off the road for a couple of weeks while I slowly and carefully checked the tappets. Now it is back together and to my surprise it even works! In the meantime I have been using the 125. I forget how heavy the 500 is relative to the 125 as I heave its lard ass out into the back street. I forget how much effort is required to pull it up off the side stand. I forget how noisy it is.
Tappets. It looks so easy looking at this image.
I'm rather shocked at how fast it is too. Corners seem to arrive sooner than I expect and speeds are selected by turning the throttle as opposed to waiting at full throttle until the speedo climbs to the desired velocity. I can do things like overtake and keep up with GETS (Germanic Executive Transportation Systems - aka BMW Audi Mercedes). The downside of all this new found performance is town work requires a much more delicate use of the throttle. Give me a 125 in town any day.
But - wait a minute. The Honda CB500X is definitely not a super fast high performance motorcycle. While most professional reviewers do seem to like the bike none of them would claim it is fast. It has but a mere 47bhp, barely enough to get it moving forward let alone get past the ton. What gives? Relativity of course. If you've just stepped off a 1200cc behemoth the 500 is going to feel pathetic, gutless and puny. Whereas I've just stepped off a 60,000 mile was once 11bhp 125. I've quadrupled my power output. Remember when you were a youth? After riding bicycles stepping onto a 50cc rev-n-go felt like moving from a bus onto a space rocket.
Remember when these were the fastest things EVER!?
So here's my thinking. Like a drug abuser chasing that ultimate high they experienced on their first hit motorcyclists buy ever faster and more powerful machinery. May I suggest getting a 125 and leaving the monster in the garage for a couple of weeks? A few thousand miles of no overtaking, long waits to achieve any speed over 40mph and questioning whether or not you can actually get up this hill will put you right. When you step back onto your "big" bike you will fully appreciate all its qualities.
If after this you still feel the contrast is not enough for your thrill seeking excitement then use a bicycle instead of a 125.
Give your ordinary motorcycle the feel of a hypermotorcycle by riding a slow one first.
Have you got a refreshing new angle on motorcycling? Perhaps a snippet of information that could reinvigorate a tired bike or a tired rider? Maybe something funny? Click here, we'd love to publish it on this website.
Reader's Comments
Bob said :-
I cycle to work every day.
The Vigor feels mighty powerful after pedaling along!
If I ever do get blase about the Vigor, I go out for a long ride on the KE100.
Relativity is the key as you say.
19/02/2017 20:00:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
How far is your commute Bob? Mine's about 25 via miles the shortest route and I'm not fit enough or keen enough to attempt that.
20/02/2017 08:35:53 UTC
Bob said :-
It's only 5 miles each way, but a damn big hill climb over and down again between home and work so it keeps me fit!
20/02/2017 12:13:19 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
5 miles sounds like an ideal distance for cycling, that big hill might put me off some days though. It is an excellent way to keep fit as well as saving money on fuel, servicing, repairs and parts.
20/02/2017 12:49:34 UTC
Pete Road2Manchester. said :-
I don't have a motorbike at the moment.Choices between size and value are limited for a 19 stone 6ft 3 old bloke. That 125 would get lost in by just crack and anything resembling a sports bike would do my back in. I do have a mountain bike though and that has been in the shed unused for about a year. The combined issues of moving home, having time between work and decorating and being a fat lazy git means the travel and time thang get in the way. I will however look into a new old bike before the summer. Something I'm keeping with by bulk and requirement for something a bit different and quirky. Something unusual and powerful enough to get up hills on request. I did think of getting 2 Honda C90's .... one for each foot. But they don't come in size 13's.Typical !!@@
21/02/2017 08:40:19 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Pete - May I recommend 2 X Honda MSX125s (Groms). I don't think they sell them in size 13 but there is an aftermarket kit that should make them fit onto your existing shoes or boots. Remember those strap on skates when you were a kid?
21/02/2017 16:34:15 UTC
Pete said :-
You need a trail bike. Varadero 125 is a popular "small" bike choice for taller gent.
22/02/2017 12:08:03 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Must say Pete I've seen the Varadero 125 next to the Varadero 1000 and there's not much in it!
22/02/2017 12:56:11 UTC
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