ride.
So, my day looks dark...if only I had a waterproof video camera....Hmmmm......
Friday, November 30, 2007
Yuck!
ride.
So, my day looks dark...if only I had a waterproof video camera....Hmmmm......
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Riding and Rain
"If want to cure your fear of rain, take a trip across the US, that will solve the issue!"
That's what I said to a friend tonight when he commented that he didn't like riding in rain.
Rain strikes fear into the hearts of many riders, you and old and also those will little to a lot of experience. The real key to conquering the fear really comes down to simply riding in the rain. Lucky for me I got caught in a downpour very early in my riding career and although I will admit that riding in sunshine is much better, I will not hesitate to jump on a bike (properly prepared of course) and head out into the rain. I've had full 11 hour days in the rain. Once you understand your gear, it is really quite refreshing.
So, the next time you are worried about rain, jump on your bike, take it easy and take a ride around the block. You'll find it is not that big a deal and before you know it, you will be a rain rider as well.
That's what I said to a friend tonight when he commented that he didn't like riding in rain.
Rain strikes fear into the hearts of many riders, you and old and also those will little to a lot of experience. The real key to conquering the fear really comes down to simply riding in the rain. Lucky for me I got caught in a downpour very early in my riding career and although I will admit that riding in sunshine is much better, I will not hesitate to jump on a bike (properly prepared of course) and head out into the rain. I've had full 11 hour days in the rain. Once you understand your gear, it is really quite refreshing.
So, the next time you are worried about rain, jump on your bike, take it easy and take a ride around the block. You'll find it is not that big a deal and before you know it, you will be a rain rider as well.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
New Parts Rock
There is nothing like a new part to get a motorcyclist's heart purring.
And if you take that part and customize it to match your bike, well all the better.
I can't stand to half-ass a job and I honestly like to making things like a factory would or better. I mean the cheap looking stuff is for others. I want strength and reliability.
Do it once and do it right!!
And if you take that part and customize it to match your bike, well all the better.
I can't stand to half-ass a job and I honestly like to making things like a factory would or better. I mean the cheap looking stuff is for others. I want strength and reliability.
Do it once and do it right!!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Repairs / Maintenace SUCKS!
I've had issues with my Honda and with my Buell. My Honda has spent a good 3 months in the shop at different times, basically sitting waiting for someone to decide something. My Buell about 3 weeks for the same thing.
Only once did I actually get something fixed that I did not have to do myself, but I thought I would post up why this happens.
I recently posted this response to a guy who is having an issue with a chaffed wire on his wiring harness. The quick and proper solution would be to replace the harness. Of course that would mean that someone would have to cover the cost and admit it was not perfect to start with....here is why.
The high level of seeming incompetence is in reality a mixture of indifference and our wonderful legal system.
Dealers want to sell bikes, do regular service and not deal with issues that require any thought. They think that any issues with design (even though they put bikes together) should be dealt with by the manufacturer. And if they didn't put the bike together or sell it to you, their attitude is one of a hurt child, who has to do their siblings chores while they are sick.
This attitude comes from years of consumers demanding cheaper prices, which has stripped a lot of profitability away from shops. That profitability used to pay for a couple extra techs, or allowed the salary of a really good one. That money is gone, and it paid for the time it takes to troubleshoot. Now, a bike that needs a few hours of looking at to isolate an issue has to wait, because without other work being done, the shop will not exist. That and what tech wants to work for free?
On the legal side we have the manufacturer.
They set up a repair guide and offer suggestions and a path for troubleshooting. If they vary from that, they must document it, and follow up to make sure it is not a widespread problem. IF it is a widespread problem, they must then issue a recall.
The bottom line is, if they replace your harness, they are admitting (or would appear to be admitting in a court of law) to a widespread problem and would be liable for that repair on ALL ST1300s, not just yours.
In the long run, your potential lawsuit for death or injury would cost less....(Sad, but true fact or the US legal system today.)
It is not about doing the morally correct thing, it is about doing the proper thing to remain a business that supports hundreds of thousands of employees.
Only once did I actually get something fixed that I did not have to do myself, but I thought I would post up why this happens.
I recently posted this response to a guy who is having an issue with a chaffed wire on his wiring harness. The quick and proper solution would be to replace the harness. Of course that would mean that someone would have to cover the cost and admit it was not perfect to start with....here is why.
The high level of seeming incompetence is in reality a mixture of indifference and our wonderful legal system.
Dealers want to sell bikes, do regular service and not deal with issues that require any thought. They think that any issues with design (even though they put bikes together) should be dealt with by the manufacturer. And if they didn't put the bike together or sell it to you, their attitude is one of a hurt child, who has to do their siblings chores while they are sick.
This attitude comes from years of consumers demanding cheaper prices, which has stripped a lot of profitability away from shops. That profitability used to pay for a couple extra techs, or allowed the salary of a really good one. That money is gone, and it paid for the time it takes to troubleshoot. Now, a bike that needs a few hours of looking at to isolate an issue has to wait, because without other work being done, the shop will not exist. That and what tech wants to work for free?
On the legal side we have the manufacturer.
They set up a repair guide and offer suggestions and a path for troubleshooting. If they vary from that, they must document it, and follow up to make sure it is not a widespread problem. IF it is a widespread problem, they must then issue a recall.
The bottom line is, if they replace your harness, they are admitting (or would appear to be admitting in a court of law) to a widespread problem and would be liable for that repair on ALL ST1300s, not just yours.
In the long run, your potential lawsuit for death or injury would cost less....(Sad, but true fact or the US legal system today.)
It is not about doing the morally correct thing, it is about doing the proper thing to remain a business that supports hundreds of thousands of employees.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Getting Chilly
Yes, the shadows are getting longer and the days shorter.
It is that time of year when the mercury doesn't move to the top of the tube here in the Valley of the Sun and for those of us who have been here long enough, we know the season is upon us.
Winter you say? No, not that mere meteorological reference to cold and dry, but the worst type of season for riders.
Snow Bird Season!
Yes, the idiots that have no clue how to drive, where they are going or even what to do in a parking lot when they get there. Not only do they not see motorcycles at all while on the road, they don't see them in parking lots as they back up into them.
What your plates folks and watch your back as well.
Now is the season to know your enemy and understand their actions. Obviously out of state plates are a danger sign, but watch for those Red AZ plates as well. A sure sign of a car that sits the summer and gets used in the Winter.
Idaho, Iowa and Ottawa are the big 3 dangers, know them well!!
Another to watch for is the rental cars, you can tell them as rental by the FLT in the expiration location on the tags.
While being aware of these slow moving obstacles the real danger is in other drivers and soccer moms looking to road rage their way around them. Watch yourself and plan an escape at all times.
Also, as I said before, watch your back, or more appropriately your mirrors. These cotton balls like to bump you because they get chatting with the other cotton balls in their land yachts, drift forward and bump into you.
Let's be careful out there folks, its open season!!
It is that time of year when the mercury doesn't move to the top of the tube here in the Valley of the Sun and for those of us who have been here long enough, we know the season is upon us.
Winter you say? No, not that mere meteorological reference to cold and dry, but the worst type of season for riders.
Snow Bird Season!
Yes, the idiots that have no clue how to drive, where they are going or even what to do in a parking lot when they get there. Not only do they not see motorcycles at all while on the road, they don't see them in parking lots as they back up into them.
What your plates folks and watch your back as well.
Now is the season to know your enemy and understand their actions. Obviously out of state plates are a danger sign, but watch for those Red AZ plates as well. A sure sign of a car that sits the summer and gets used in the Winter.
Idaho, Iowa and Ottawa are the big 3 dangers, know them well!!
Another to watch for is the rental cars, you can tell them as rental by the FLT in the expiration location on the tags.
While being aware of these slow moving obstacles the real danger is in other drivers and soccer moms looking to road rage their way around them. Watch yourself and plan an escape at all times.
Also, as I said before, watch your back, or more appropriately your mirrors. These cotton balls like to bump you because they get chatting with the other cotton balls in their land yachts, drift forward and bump into you.
Let's be careful out there folks, its open season!!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Black Friday Ride
Today was yet another great day for a ride. A little chilly at 59 degrees in the morning, but things eventually warmed up.
Who wants to waste a day like this on shopping? Instead a group of us headed out to Tortilla Flat to have some good grub and chat a bit.
Then back to the house to set up Christmas decorations, a yearly tradition.
Hmm, Christmas is coming soon!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Getting It Right
Today I continued working with Race Tech to get the Forks on the ST just right. I had been experiencing some pogoing and some instability in corners at speed. Lenny Albin the guru made some modifications after we fought with some of the Honda design shortcomings.
After a long day and rebuilding the forks about 5 times we think we are closer.
I did not get to do a full shake down ride as the day ran to night, but will give her a try tomorrow.
Can't wait!!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Superstores Announced
Superstore and Triumph Superstore are official. Look for stock in the
Phoenix location within the next 10 days.
www.ducatisuperstore.net or www.triumphsuperstore.net
Ducati & Triumph Superstore
5640 North 7th Street Phoenix AZ 85014
Phone: 602-864-1437 Fax: 602-274-4604
Look here for updates from the store.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Riding with Friends Rocks!!
Yes, it is true, riding by yourself can be fun, but add a great friend and you end up having even more of a blast.
Take my rides with this awesome woman, many know her as OneFuzzy (Stephanie,) she is not only a great rider but a blast to be around.
I mean how else would I get my very own Power Ranger Portrait!
Thanks Steph, can't wait for our next ride!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Tech Day Live
After the last photo I had to start getting my hands dirty. I put the camera down and help to balance Dace's throttle bodies and then we got to the task of putting the bike together.
All buttoned up somewhere around 7 p.m. Dace (the first to arrive) was the last to leave with Damion (DZSV) and Drazil. A full day of activity and lots of fun.
Everything is back to normal, so it is probably time to rest for a while.
See ya soon!!
The Beginning
Welcome to my Life!
Here I will chronicle my riding adventures in the best place ever for riding. With at least 360 ridable days a year the South West rocks!!
Check in daily for what I do and be sure to check out
www.swrides.com!
as well.
Look for me on the road and be sure to say hi!
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