GOLDILOCKS AND THE
THREE (FOUR) BEARS
Words: Todd Sutherland
DORSODURO
Hardly a baby BEAR (British American European
Racing Series) with a 1200cc v-twin, the Dorsoduro
is more like a teenager that has sprouted into a
rugby forward’s athletic body. It’s a big boy with a
surprising amount of muscle. That upright riding
position is a blessing in the real world of less than
touring jaunts – comfortable and great for visibility.
At a track, when you want to get pedalling, you
do feel a bit like a blind pimple on a hunchback
These four BEARS
machines were just begging
Todd to thrash them on the track.
He did. Then collapse in a sweaty,
breathless heap. As did the editor...
though. I wanted to meld in and become
part of the bike but the upright nature of the
riding position means I was being thoroughly
squeezed and pulled away from it. I know... it’s
not a track bike. Anyway, sustained high speed
is tough. But everyday rarking is a breeze.
The front suspension was on the soft side of
things, and it rebounded a bit quick on turn
in and the gear lever was mounted too low.
Both are adjustable, but I was off this ‘motard’
(ish) machine and on to the next one.