TRAVERSE Issue 18 - June 2020 | Seite 81

roads. Both me and the bike felt very happy about that!” Understandable when you consider just how low this thing sits. Alex has done very little work to the bike and what he has done a for protection or comfort; crash bars, radiator guard, heated grips. “Yes, mostly giving it a bit more protection in falls,” shrugs Alex. “Also, wider sidestand and a radiator guard. Otherwise its stock.” We laugh as Alex describes the pros and cons of having such a low bike; feet on the ground, bashed underside. A trade off that sees one trump the other. “Ground clearance is very low,” Alex indicates with a narrowing gap between his fingers. “Meaning on bumpy roads or speed bumps it hits them with the bottom of exhaust pipes. Those are flat now!” Indeed, they are, yet listening to the exhaust it all sounds standard; flattened pipes hasn’t altered the note. Reshaped, they must be alright. The low clearance does have benefits as Alex is quick to point out that the bike is easy to ride. “Yes. It’s comfortable, it’s reasonably light and easy to manoeuvre,” he stares at the bike, no doubt reminiscing of the travels to date. “It’s fairly low meaning I can easily put both feet on the ground for stability,” he laughs. Alex purchased the bike he plainly calls Fazer, in 2015 E 41