The technical specification also says there is a gear-driven
counter-balancer, which shatters my scribbled observation after riding the Goose
that it "could do with a balancer". Maybe the test bike, seemingly thrashed by
the entire Japanese press corp, wasn't on top form. Maybe I'm going soft.
Whatever, there was one hell of a lot of shakin' goin' on at all engine speeds
above tickover. Although annoying on long journeys, the vibes do serve a
purpose; they take your mind off— and discourage prolonged use of -the lack of
top-end power.
Maximum straightline speed in top (sixth) is not much over the ton, and you
have to rev the sack off it to get there with any degree of haste,
It might just be rose-tinted memories, but I'm sure my revoltingly abused and
since departed Honda XBR500, which had a similar claimed maximum power output,
was smoother, faster and an altogether more pleasant unit to use. Having said
all that, the Goose's motor should at least be reliable if its trail cousin is
any indicator.
It all sounds rather disappointing so far, but forget the name and the
engine's shortcomings; it's the Goose's rolling chassis that makes this bike
special. A steel tube spa-ceframe bolts directly onto the engine and cast-alloy
swing-arm pivot, which in turn acts as a rear engine mount and shock anchor
point. The rear shock has seven preload positions and nothing else, while the
Showa upside-down front fork is non-adjustable.
Doesn't sound so spectacular, but when it's draped in the colour-coded
bodywork complete with Gooseneck Corner-shaped side panels, 17in five-spoke
alloy wheels, and a host of interesting details, such as the eccentric chain
adjustors and white-faced clocks, it looks luv-verly. When it was launched at
last year's Tokyo Show there was more than a few people requiring oral bilge
pumps to stop themselves from drowning in their own saliva at the prospect of
riding one.
Making all the usual allowances for the shortage of power, it's hard to see
how they could be disappointed. The riding position is far less radical than it
looks, with pegs, bars and seat giving a superb balance of comfort and control
for a 5ft llin rider. The suspension at both ends is almost racer-like taut with
only minimal sag, and once underway it mops up only the smallest of bumps.
But I've been saving the best bit till last: the handling. When you first sit
on the Goose it feels light, firm and wieldy. It retains all these attributes to
the very limits of the engine. Fast or slow, on the power or (rather weedy)
brakes it retains its composure beautifully. I didn't get a long enough ride to
overwork the suspension, but the rear shock feels like it would lose its damping
long before the front suspenders. The steering is quick but steady with plenty
of feedback which allows you to frazzle the edges of the tyres without relying
on blind faith.
If you've got points burning holes in your licence, like thrashing bikes and
don't like slowing down for corners, the Goose is your kind of bike. I can't
think of a better bike on which to go mad on Sundays.
