It's that time again....

Yes, signs of spring are prematurely creeping in with 50 degree days. Daylight seems to be increasing at a rate of finger nail growth, yet signs are approaching none the less.
Time to get those motorcycle chores done so the dreaded last minute doesn't put a damper on the inevitable great riding day.
It was time for a chain and sprocket set for the Tiger and a good cleaning of all the dangly bits. A couple thousand miles ago the tiger had the valves checked, air cleaner cleaned and an oil change. She's like new now with 26,000 miles on the clock. I went with a 19 tooth counter sprocket in hopes of getting the old girl to be a bit more comfortable on the long trips Spring and summer will present.

One year review of the LS2 FF385 FT2 fiber Helmet

About a year ago I was contacted by LS2 Helmets about using one of there helmets and to help get the word out about this product. Well ya! I have to say while agreeing  I knew I'd have reservations and doubt's about wearing a budget prices helmet. I was currently wearing a Arai Quantum 2 helmet and was more than happy with it's fit, finish and comfort.

My doubt's?
I thought, that the fit and finish would be sub par. Wrong. The fit and finish of this helmet is completely on par with the Arai, maybe even better.  Ok, so it looks good, now the fit.
I was amazed at the comfort and subtleness of the liner not to mention the cool factor of the cheek pads.

On to the gadgets or what I thought to be gadgets.
The internal sun shield is one thing I thought would be a novelty at best and if it did truly work, how long would it last before mechanisms start to fall apart? Would it be rattling in there? the answer, NO.
It works flawlessly and effectively. I don't think I could own a helmet with out this feature from now on. Gone are the days of changing shield's at dawn and dusk fumbling around wasting time and managing wind and rain. It's like magic. I was at a motorcycle function in California a few years back and at night I had to change the shield on my Arai. In the dark and along side of the road, the left side of the helmet shield hinge exploded sending pieces and parts every where. Damn, one piece went into a storm drain. Luckily I carry duct tape and all was...............working, but NOT WELL!

Air pump cheek pads?  I definitely thought that this was a gimmick. Wrong again.

Helmet fit in all weather conditions can change the fit of a helmet and become a compromise in comfort. Cheek pads are so important not only in comfort but safety. Having the cheek pads fit consistent is of great importance. I love the fact that on a cold day I can pump a little more pressure into the cheek pads and release some in the heat.  I'm a believer that, if you feel good, you do good.

Venting?  Well, the venting works better than my Arai and the nose shield does a good job of keeping my breath off the screen. If your a cold weather rider, you'll appreciate not having to direct your breath down and away from the shield or breathing shallow.

Noise?  Noise seems to be on par with the Arai which really isn't a quiet helmet. I thought it would be a little quieter but it's not bad.

Wear?  I am amazed that it still looks like I unboxed it. No lens scratches and this may be crazy but I have yet to clean the internal visor. The cheek pads do show a slight bit of wear but nothing compared to the Arai. The nice thing about the chin strap is that id doesn't get all frayed after wind has beat on it. 

Chin strap?  Oh Thank God this was invented!
Gone are the day's of fumbling with gloves and D-rings to secure my chin strap.
Push the adjustable latch together and go! pull the tether and release. Simple.  Simple is my best friend when riding as I don't have a multitude of things to do when I want to go.

So, am I happy with this helmet?

So very happy and look foreword to another year of perfect fit and functionality.

If your interested in a premium Helmet and a budget price......

http://ls2helmets.us/_live/

 

 

Motorcycle Minimalist or FuddyDuddy?

I have been asked countless times why I don't have bike to bike communications on my helmet? Why don't you listen to music while riding? Why don't you care for ABS?

I ride a motorcycle for various reasons but the biggest reason is fun.. Listening to music? The sound of an engine beneath me, air rushing past my helmet and all the mechanical sounds that the bike makes, is the music. Glorious music. I can't imagine talking to someone while riding, it would detract from all that a motorcycle takes me away from.

Some of my best thoughts, memories and Ideas come from the solitude that being on the bike gives. I often wonder how someone can be yacking on the phone or talking with there riding buddies on a road trip. For me, talking is for before and after. My wife and I communicate really well just by gestures and body movement.

ABS? I have a 2010 triumph Tiger 1050 with ABS and I'm really on the fence regarding this peculiar braking function. I know it's proven and safe in the right straight line stopping situation.........or is it? Shortly after buying the tiger, I was on a trip in southern Utah riding through the picturesque Bryce Canyon national park area when something caught my eye. I executed a quick mirror and head check followed by a quick exit on to the gravel next to the road. OH NO!, where did the brakes go???, I really need to stop as there is a parked car closing fast with no other exit.
Nothing but pulsations from the rear brake pedal and front brake lever.

I finally came to a stop just an inch or two from hitting the car and I exited the road at about 10 mph. I know without a doubt that had I not had abs I could have stopped well short of the car and at least been able to steer used a locked up rear tire. The look from the poor woman who was in front of her car painting was priceless.  I looked at her and said, ABS......Ain't Been Stoppin!

The Tiger is no raw sport bike but plenty capable of riding fast and precise. Well.........abs does limit it's ability to deliver. Sometimes I like to ride very aggressive and while diving fast and deep into the apex of a corner the last thing I want is for anything to upset the smooth flow of a great corner......but, on comes the abs!  What?, not now! really? This has happened more times than I can count. I'd probably be happier with out it thank you.

Traction control?, Power modes?, Slipper clutch?, (well, maybe a slipper clutch) Do I need all that? Again, It's just more techno gadgetry that I don't think I need. I would much prefer to be technical on my own merits rather than to rely on all this magic.

The only real magical device I use is a GPS, and of course the mother of all devices, the Smart Phone.

Maybe I'm a Geezer or a Motorcycle minimalist. What ever I am, I'm happy.

Wash the Bike!

Anyone that knows me knows that I am some what of a nut when it comes to making sure my trusty ride is washed and ready to roll at any time. It's an investment, not only monetarily but an investment in safely and reliability. (Oh yes, there's Vanity)
I've noticed in my many years of riding that inevitably riders that have problems or breakdown's have dirty bikes and invest little time taking care of the basics.

I always start the riding season with a thorough wash and while washing comes inspection of every part of the bike. A good washing should put your hands on all components. The first wash of the season includes a removal of the exhaust canister to wash the funk that the rear tire flings on it. It also affords a pathway to all the things you can't reach while the can is installed. Removal of the seat, some fairing  and battery are included. Sometimes I pull the wheels and clean them while inspecting wheel seals and bearings. It's also a good time to wash the calipers, rotors and yes, Clean the pads and pistons with brake clean.

I also maintain the looks and reliability through out the season washing the bike after every long ride.
It's rewarding and if done regularly can minimize problems on a trip and ensure a resale or trade-in value.

Back in my Buell days, wash and inspection saved me countless times ensuring a great Buell ownership.  I've even found small issues on my 2010 Triumph Tiger while washing saving me problems and expense down the road.


You don't have to be a mechanic to wash and inspect.

Most Powerfull Mini Ratchet in the World

Once in a while a product that is innovative and useful comes along and this little tool kit is no exception. This kit is a little larger than a small cell phone but when opened contains a marvel of usefulness.
http://www.newmantools.com/wfmc.htm

I never, "Never" leave without it being a part of my riding experience. It doesn't take up much room and when accompanied with a Stockton socket set, there isn't really anything you need. (maybe with the exception of duct tape, tie wire, a plug kit and Slime compressor.)

I would recommend anyone with a motorcycle to carry this useful tool kit.

One other huge plus, "Made in America"

 

 

 

Mototation? Dealing with Winter Depression

Mototation? Is this actually a word?, not really but I'm not really a writer, there for I'm not responsible for any misuse or made up words that you the reader may encounter.
Mototation is my word for Motorcycle meditation. It's a way of making it through countless months of very little motorcycling. Winter time is tough enough around the Pacific northwest and mototating means quiet memories, motorcycle maintenance , upgrades and planning for future rides.  If it weren't something to do motorcycle related............ it would be, just plain Depressing!

I have friends that live in area's that are more hospitable to motorcyclist and I'm envious. In years past my wife and I traveled thousands of miles in the off season to ride with them. Why not now? That's a question I've been asking myself lately. It seems that the economic collapse has hit everyone and I wasn't immune either. It isn't as easy as it used to be to leave on a whim. We'll have to make some adjustments to let that happen more.

I spend a generous amount of time online researching products, reading blogs, exploring ride destinations and planning trips to combat the cruel reality that winter presents. Am I the only one? Surely this must be a world wide phenomenon with the exception of the sun soaked S.O.B.'s that tear up the tarmac year round a thousand miles to the south.

Main stream Motorags don't seem to be as interesting any more and it seems the three of them all have the same articles in them. Motorcycle Consumer News always seems to delivers with descent tech and instruction articles  along with Roadrunner magazine. Any of the European magazines peak my interest because of there pull no punches writing style. They tend to be more sport related and I'm entering into the grandpa realm.

There is a comment section at the bottom of every blog entry. feel free to comment.

Blanket policies?

This is really off topic but feel compelled tell the world, I'm Pissed off! I have the worst distaste for  corporate bullshit, Management and Blanket management.
I, on too many occasions get carded for the purchase of alcohol whether it be in a store (but not at grocery stores) or at a larger chain, Applebee's, etc.
Debbie and I went to World market earlier today shopping for a few odds and ends. I picked up a couple of interesting tall bottles of imported craft brew beers. Just as we get to the checkout were asked if we have our membership. We say yes and try to enter the info on the keypad. No Go. Figures.  I just want to pay for my things and leave. I tell the young lady, never mind well just pay the extra and we just want to be done.

 She say's ok then asks me for my drivers license or form of ID. Oh, for my debit card? No the alcohol.  Really? Looking at me there could be no question that there is no question.  How about checking to see if my Debit card info matches my license or ID.

I tell the Girl to please tell her manager that I the Customer feel sorry for you as your manager doesn't have enough trust in you to make an intelligent decision. She say's it our policy Sir.  Yet again, a Business owner or corporate manager  uses a Blanket Policy to run in what I refer to as a Lazy Business plan. Heaven forbid employee's may have to think or harder yet, make a decision,

Covering ones ass has gone way to far. Sue happy people and money hungry lawyers have intimidated the masses. Don't let fear run your business. Show some ass and be a Boss.  Empower employee's to be thinkers and to be the best they can be. I also think that blanket policies inhibit growth in a company as it doesn't promote free thinking.

If I get carded on purchases from now on, I'm going to leave and spend my money at a competitor.


Rant over.....carryon.....