Mud in Your Eye

My latest ride is a test unit from Husqvarna. The TE310 is a really cool dirt bike that is one of the new-age dual sports which puts awesome dirt performance before street considerations. In general I’m completely happy with this arrangement, being I’m the Off-Road Editor and all. However, I rediscovered one of the nasty little Euro quirks that I haven’t had to deal with in awhile – the spring-loaded kickstand. Husky employs a weird stand anyway, but the fact that it automatically retracts when pressure is taken off just makes it worse. Apparently I didn’t get it all the way down as it sat idling in my driveway. I headed back through the garage to shut the door and let it warm up and just as I reached the house I heard the dreaded crunch of a footpeg on concrete and the snap of a brittle plastic mirror. The master cylinder perch was jacked, grip torn and brake sensor disconnected - I haven’t even taken it off-road yet.

I guess it’s my own damn fault, but I’m going to curse those Husky engineers anyway. I can’t wait to get caught in the shin with it! I’ve been trying to convince myself to commute back and forth to work in all weather conditions to help cut costs, fully evaluate wet-weather gear and generally prove to myself that I’m tough enough to ride year-round. Little crap like the stuff that made me late this morning are going to quickly weaken my already wavering resolve.