The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (July 2 and 3, 2011)

Not my bike, this is a pre-North Carolina built (and they have been sold now to Polaris, so that factory will be closing) Indian with an S+S engine (came out with that before they starting making their own engine. Best of luck with this classic brand to Polaris (they also make Victory Motorcycles by the way).
Saw this during the test ride (the second one actually) following two days of motorcycle maintenance. Take care of your bike, and it will take care of you. Had a few "two year things" and some other items to do on the Vulcan (which is my ride) this weekend. On Saturday; I changed the oil. Though the mileage is not due, had some 2,000 miles on an old bit of oil in the engine, thought it a good idea to freshen it up with some new. I changed the rear gear oil in the shaft drive, again for the same reason as the oil change. Anti-freeze had been in the bike for two years, time for some new Honda anti-freeze, I like that because it is pre-mixed and is made for motorcycle engines. Took the bike after that for a short 20 mile ride around the area to make sure nothing bad happened, and nothing lit up; but all was perfect.
On Sunday morning, I put new brake pads on the front wheel of the Vulcan. Thankfully I had a manual, and a great Vulcan web site to help, ran into a few confusing issues, but it all worked out, and got those on. Good idea to test them out, had to pump them up a bit before they worked after I had pushed the Pistons in on the calipers (part of the installation). I also bled the brakes front and rear (rear brakes are still good with a bit over 50% left on them), and the clutch fluid as well. Then I took the bike for a short 35 mile ride, and again, it was all very good. No problems and this bike is ready for a few days of some serious and hopefully interesting rides.
I am going to make sure everything is still tight before the next ride, and will also be lubing the throttle cable tomorrow, as well as checking the tire pressures . That will keep it up to date. Good maintenance is important, and vital for that matter both for the protection of the investment in the bike, and also for your own personal safety.

Random Thoughts and VA News

Enjoying a rainy but restful Saturday in Richmond. Read this week about a new program in Virginia called "Rider Alert". Its based on a British/European program used by 250,000 on the other side of the ocean. A card, which contains contact information and medical information (such as blood type I would assume) is put in the helmet, and then on the helmet is a sticker with news that the card is in there. There is also a note that in the event of an accident, for only trained personal to remove the helmet from the riders head. There are plans to expand the program nationally; to me this is a very good idea. No one wants something to happen, but its a good idea to take efforts before it does. I know a lot of people put their contact number under "ICE" (In Case of Emergency") in their cell phones, many emergency providers look for that. I think that could be a good idea either on a motorcycle, or just in case.
Still looking for new model motorcycles out at dealers. I have seen (and have posted here) some interesting bikes over the last few weeks, but the two I have most wanted to see, (both from Honda) the CB1000R and the new Honda 250 I have yet to see. There is also an interesting model from Victory (which has ape hanger bars) and of course new models from Triumph and Ducati that I would be interested in seeing.
When in Richmond, I do not get to ride (I keep and ride my bike in North Carolina; just have an apartment here in Richmond, and it has to be one place or the other) but like to go to bike shows and events here in the area. Can be difficult to find either, but occasionally I come across something locally. When I do in the upcoming months I will be posting photos and news of it here.

Signts at Ride Now (April 9-10)

Spent a couple of days at Ride Now in Concord, NC. Big dealership there; sells Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Victory motorcycles. It was both a place to meet up for a motorcycle ride (which I did with Phil on April 10), a place to get some needed work done, and a place to check out some new rides. For instance, check out these Yamaha cruisers. I like what Yamaha is doing with its Star line of cruisers, and seen here is a nice pair. There is a real active Star chapter which operates out of RideNow, a group of Star riders who ride together. There are groups like that for most brands of motorcycles, it is just not a Harley thing!
I really liked this R-1 which is by Yamaha. Great sport bike and the graphics were really neat looking, this bike would be great going down the road. Yamaha makes some fine bikes, I had an RD-350 many years ago. That bike was a real giant killer (the type, not my bike) in AMA Motorcycle racing, winning championships against must larger motorcycles in the day. In fact to this day Yamaha has a very impressive racing history. The R-1 makes a good street bike, and is also used in Yamaha's current racing program. Sport bikes are a whole different way to get from Point A to Point B; very fast and quick. This is not a bike for an in-experienced rider!
I ordered this helmet, on April 9. I have always been a big fan of aviation, and this helicopter type helmet caught my eye. Think it not only is neat to look at, but very practical. I like that shield which covers the eyes (and there is also a clear shield with it. Not everyone wears helmets (required in North Carolina, but not in South Carolina) but I like to wear them. Think this will be a fine helmet and should protect my rather fragile head should it impact the pavement in some future ride. Looking forward to many great miles with this companion; one of the best you can have on a motorcycle in my opinion. I don't mind that people choose; but I choose to wear a helmet.
I got a new tire; tires again are really important. While you only have one head, you only have two tires on a motorcycle. Having good ones on the bike makes good common sense; plus there is no spare on a motorcycle, and tires with good tread tend to be more resistant to punctures. Went with Dunlap for the rear, though I have also used Bridgestone. One of the good things about cruisers is that you tend to get a lot better mileage on the tires (distance wise) then with sport bike tires. Sport bikes tend to have stickier tires (to grip the track or road better) and of course that means faster wear. Be safe, keep an eye on your tires, and watch tire pressures.
Finally, one of the "newer" Honda motorcycles, the VFR1200. This bike is really a great bike, and the new 250 that is due to come out (and I am looking forward to seeing that and the new CB1000 which are due to hit dealers soon for 2011, but have not yet) will be along the styling of this bike (the 250 I am speaking of here). A very fine sort of "sport-touring bike" (with added bags) the VFR1200 has been getting a lot of good press. I had a VLX600 Honda for my previous bike and it was a really fine motorcycle. I enjoyed riding it a great deal, and sure had no problems with it. Other Hondas I have owned over the years were also trouble free. Of course (knock on wood) I have had great luck with my motorcycles. That is because they are very well made, and I also keep up with maintenance on them. In fact I also got brake pads for the Vulcan and will be putting them on soon. A lot of luck with motorcycle lifetimes is quality construction, but also you make your own luck with good maintenance and attention to detail when it comes to riding. Be careful out there, it is a dangerous but fun thing to ride a motorcycle, but you have to keep alert at all times on the roads.

It's a Gas...the rising costs of fuel and motorcycles

Funny, just a short while ago, a few previous posts back I talked about the future and electric vehicles and the problems with gasoline. Now the problem is paying for it, events in the Middle East have caused a big rise in fuel costs. Many people will be considering motorcycles as an alternative, and they can be a real good one. Many things to consider though before the big leap into two wheels, not that it can not be a good move but research is important. Motorcycles can get really good fuel mileage, but not all bikes are the same. Like with all things, some are better than others. There is also maintenance costs to consider; valve adjustments can be a real huge cost (especially on multi-valve four cylinder engines) and tires can be expensive as can chains and sprockets (if so equipped). Do your research before you leap.
As for great fuel saving motorcycles; two come to mind. One is seen directly below in the previous post; the Kawasaki Ninja 250. I believe (last I read) that bike is the top seller for Kawasaki in the motorcycle division. It is a twin with a long history (been basically unchanged for a lot of years) with a low initial price new, and with many used models on the market as well. Getting some competition this year from Honda which is coming out with a 250 single; I hope to see that soon. If gas gets in short supply, or prices zoom up the Ninja 250 will get in short supply (that happened a few years ago when gas hit $4). The bikes are highway rideable, smaller bikes than 250 get even better mileage, but they get real limited on highway travel. Suzuki makes a pair of street 250's that are well worth a look. To me 250cc is the smallest and most versatile motorcycles you can get, though for just commuting without highway travel smaller is possible if you can get there via side streets.
The DL-650 also seen (and other bikes in the 650-500 range) also are good on fuel. Not as good, and more money to buy, but would be a big improvement on the vast majority of cars. Generally bigger bikes will get less mileage as horsepower goes up.
There are also a number of scooters out there. Again size is a factor both for fuel mileage and what you can do with it. Laws also depend on size, at a certain point in many states a motorcycle license is required. Those laws vary, so you need to check that before you sign on the dotted line if that is a factor. One "scooter standout is the Suzuki Bergman (there is a 650 and 400cc version). Automatic, and also have some good storage space, these bikes also give good motorcycle performance.
Know I said it before, but I will repeat...most important thing is to do a lot of research. If you get a motorcycle and have not ridden, be sure to get some training. It saves on insurance, and also can save your life. Well worth the time and the small cost of such programs. Most motorcycle dealers can point you to places (many even can provide) training on riding. Good luck, and best wishes!

Winter Riding

Took this photo on Sunday, February 6; was in the car here in Richmond, saw these (and many others) enjoying the warmer weather in the Richmond area. In fact, I am one of those who ride whenever I can this time of year. Once read that the best battery charger made is the engine of your motorcycle (generator or stator actually, but you get my point) and its good to get out and ride. Does require some special attention to the weather and conditions, and often a good amount of cold weather gear, but winter riding can be especially good. Got to say though it is much nicer when the temperature is comfortable for you; some can ride in very cold, some look for warmer temperatures in winter (say 50 and above). On colder days the rides tend to be slower (which can help cut down on wind chill) and shorter, but as I often say a short ride is better than no ride at all.
Hopefully will get some riding in this weekend, will have to check the roads. Noted that there is a (minor) snow fall due in North Carolina this week; while it is expected to be minor, the road crews are out salting the roads. Salt is not a friend to aluminum parts on a motorcycle, so a post ride wash (aka "Bike Bath") of your machine is a good idea. Also be of note, especially as I have noted in the Richmond area, but also in Carolina to a point, that potholes are common this time of year. That is important to watch for no matter if you ride a motorcycle, or for that matter a car, moped or bicycle. Ride safe in the winter, and for that matter year long.

Between the Handlebars: November 2010

Fall riding is some of the best out there; enjoyed a great pair of rides in early November (see previous post). Great to get out during the change of seasons, though warm clothing is a must. Luckily there is a good amount of quality gear out there. Also a good idea to watch out for wet leaves in the road (they can be slick), and especially watch for cagers....distractions such as cell phones are always a danger, but as fewer of us ride in the colder weather, we can be more "out of mind" than normal. So ride defensively! This is also a good time to check maintenance on your bike; give it a good pre and post ride check before every ride, and make sure its in top condition. Tire pressures are important, as they can change with the changing temperatures. As the saying goes; "Ride to Live, but Live to Ride"!
Speaking of rides, this time of year is great for big charity rides. Nothing like the sound of a big group of bikes riding together to do something good. Many groups (such as the Charlotte branch of the VRA) have already done some rides, which is especially appreciated this time of year with so much need out there. One really fun ride is the "8th Annual Arzie Rogers Toy Run" which will be held this year on November 21. It will leave from Cannon Stadium at 1pm, with registration starting at 10am. The cost is just a new unwrapped toy. For that you get to go on a great ride which is police escorted from beginning to end (and the police are a hoot, believe me!). The ride ends at Pat Rogers Harley-Davidson. I went last year, had a meal there, and a lot of giveaways. It is a really great time for a great cause.
At Full Throttle Magazine (I have a link on this page) there are a number of rides listed all over the state. At Thunder Road, the rides are fewer, but you might check with local motorcycle dealers for a ride near you. Bundle up, and have a great time!

Between the Handlebars: October

Actually took the photo of this CVO Harley-Davidson, and the Sportster below at the Naval Air Station Air Show earlier this month. Had a great time at that event; was simply a hell of a thing. Some great flying (and featured the always amazing Blue Angels) and just a remarkable experience. Hell, it was fun being back on a Navy air base (I served in the USN some years ago) and it just felt good. Lots at a air show, including motorcycles; both those ridden in, and these on display there. Lots of interesting new bikes are coming out, and there will be some real nice (hopefully) new iron from various manufacturers gracing these pages. Tough times for sure still exist, but there will be some new eye candy coming out in the very competitive motorcycle market.
I though will be sticking around the Richmond area at least into early October, thanks to my employer (who despite that, I am thankful for). My "Virginia motorcycling" consists largely of remembering previous great rides on my Kawasaki Vulcan Classic (photo of that can be seen on my previous post). Some great rides are coming up, because fall is here at last; with the promise of cooler temperatures after a pretty brutal summer heat wise, and of course those fall colors. I usually make a ride to the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall, and I hope to make this year no exception. Still I am looking forward to the next ride on the bike, and it can't come soon enough! Still, do see some interesting things here in the Richmond area from time to time.
....Have been missing a great Carolina web site (Carolina Motorcycle Events) that did a remarkable job of posting motorcycle events in the Carolina (and even some in Virginia) area(s). The man who did it, sure did an outstanding job. What I am left with now is "Full Throttle (Carolina) and Thunder Roads (Virginia) magazines; and while they are better than nothing, finding that I often come across things just by luck. Stumbled across a few bike shows (both at Hooters; one in Chesterfield, and one at Short Pump) just by chance (being at the right place at the right time). Course, some great events can be found at and via various Motorcycle dealers, who post a number of events.
....That said do have some rides of note (some will get more mention). In Carolina on October 2 is the Cruising Carolina Charity Ride....info is sort of lacking, but tends to be a big ride. Info on that can be found on the Full Throttle site. Of SPECIAL note, is 11/21 Arzie Rogers Toy Run which will leave from the Fieldcrest Cannon Stadium in Kannapolis, NC (sometime around 10-11, get there early for registration/food). I have been on that ride a few times, it is a MASSIVE ride, police escorted (and seeing those howling police bikes running up to block intersections is remarkable) and is a really, really great ride. The ride is put on by (and ends at Speedway Harley-Davidson); its the most fun you can have for the price of a toy!
....Virginia news is a bit more lacking. Did see that Departure Bike Works will have an open house (38th, which I assume is the number of years they have been in business) on October 9. There will be music and food. Colonial Harley-Davidson (nice shop by the way, I have been there) will be having its "Teddy Bear Run" November 6, and will leave from Colonial at 1PM. Like the charity rides, they tend to be a lot of fun, have some nice "extras" (such as food, music) and its a neat way to do some good over the holidays, and have a great time too.
....When I was in the Navy (by the way photos from that air show can be seen on my Photo Page, there is a link to it on the site) we would check accident reports to learn from the problems of others. What bikers have is the newspaper, and read of an accident this month (fatal unfortunately) where a bike at a light was rear ended by a car. ALWAYS a good idea, especially at a stop (but lets be honest anytime is a good idea, and often) to check your mirrors. Always be ready for anything, have an escape route if needed. Ride like people are trying to kill you, cause to be honest, and though it is not their plan....they are!
....Hope you enjoyed this update; be watching for more news (and hopefully more tales from the road of my rides very soon) and photos in the near future!

Morrow Mountain Ride (August 30, 2010)

Phil (a former boss at the factory I transferred from, and a good friend) wanted to go for a ride. We had no destination in mind, but I took the lead and we headed out via some backroads I really like. After winding through those on a pretty close to perfect day (hot, but low humidity and not a cloud in the sky) we came out of the backroads with a choice. High Rock Lake or Morrow Mountain, and we took the right turn. The photo at left is our bikes at the top of Morrow Mountain. Normally a bike mecca and usually packed, it was clear of people on our arrival. One of my favorite places to ride. That is Phil standing by our bikes (mine in the front).
Like Morrow Mountain mainly because its a great ride there, with some beautiful roads. We got there riding through Baden, NC which is really a neat town. Sort of sad there in that the big Alcoa factory which has been closed for many years, is finally getting torn down. Those (I am told) were some great and well loved jobs. The view from the top is really nice and the state park around it has some swimming and picnic areas, camping and trails. It is important to watch for wildlife which can be encountered any time of the day; have come across deer in broad daylight in the past (none this trip though). This is a view from the top of one of the nearby lakes.
On the way back we stopped for some refreshment at Harmanco's which is just down the mountain in Albemarle, NC. I really like Albemarle (in fact posts not too far back document visits, though this was my first time in some time). Harmanco's offers good food and at reasonable prices. Enjoyed visiting with a biker in there, who had some good stories of his many years on the road on various bikes. Leaving there, we enjoyed a nice ride back up NC-73 to Concord where we split up and headed back to our houses. It was a remarkable ride. At the end of the day, I was grinning from ear to ear..a really fine few hours on the bike. With the Saturday ride and the Monday ride, covered a total of 160 very fun miles.
Did want to note, sad to read that a young man, aged 13 died on the track during one of the motorcycle races (not the MotoGP or the Moto2 race..though watched them both on Speed Channel over the weekend). My thoughts go out to his family during this sad time. This also serves as a reminder that if you are racing, or just out for a ride to always be careful and ride safe!

Random Motorcycle Thoughts (July 30, 2010)

Took this photo of my Vulcan during the motorcycle ride on July 26, 2010 upon my return from Louisville, Ky after the funeral of my father. I greatly enjoy motorcycling, but with that enjoyment comes responsibility both to yourself and to your family. Noted today two deaths in Charlotte (via the Charlotte Observer) in motorcycle/car accidents. Guys (and gals) its important to keep your mind on the ride, and your eyes moving...remember its a very fun, but also dangerous sport. Watch especially for cars turning left..a major cause of accidents are cars turning into your path. Be ready for anything on the road for so many drivers are on cell phones, in discussions, having a meal...anything but paying attention to driving. This advice applies not only on motorcycles, but also in your car or on a bicycle.
Speaking of responsibility; in the last few weeks had the drive shaft serviced, and also did oil and filter changes, checked the bike over, added a bit more anti-freeze, serviced the air filter (its a K+N) checked other fluids, lubed cables, checked brakes and tires (especially tire pressures, always keep an eye on those). Take care of your motorcycle to help it to last, and especially so it takes care of you. Good also before a ride to give it a "pre-flight check": walk around and give it a good look over. Always good to find problems before they find you!
Late Summer riding will soon (though a way off) lead to beautiful (and thankfully cooler) fall riding. That is the best time of year in my book to enjoy motorcycling. This time of year is also the time when new motorcycles hit the road; and there are already some new models coming out from the major manufacturers. Harley-Davidson and Victory have some new models. Number of new bikes seem to be down this year, but there are some interesting models which will be hitting the showrooms very soon and in the near future. Be looking for some of those coming on the page here in the next few weeks. I like to check out the new bikes.
However, thanks to the care of my 2005 Vulcan and the quality built into it I plan to spend a few more years on this very fine motorcycle. In early July I passed 20,000 miles on the bike and have enjoyed every one. Looking forward to the next 20,000...and taking the steps to make that happen. Ride Safe!

The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (July 9, 2010)

Post work ride on a hot Friday in Concord. Spent the morning doing some important work on the bike. Take care of your motorcycle and it will take care of you. A regular maintenance program is important. Just a few weeks ago I had the shaft drive lubricated; today I changed the oil and filter, spark plugs, checked the rear gear oil, added some antifreeze, lubricated the cables, checked over the bolts, and cleaned the K+N air filter (great thing a K+N...clean it, add some filter oil, and you are good to go). Not only does work like that make the bike safer and add years to its life, but also can prevent costly breakdowns.
Following the work, washed and waxed the bike, and then took it out for a short ride. I took this photo off of Spring Street in Concord, NC while out. Once again, a very hot and humid day, but a good day for a ride, and enjoyed it a great deal.

Rain in NC, Daytona, and a legend retires

Back to NC this weekend, though the temperature is rising, looks like a wet weekend there. Not a huge deal, have to get a battery for the Vulcan which I will be doing the next week. Will be on vacation that week; and am planning some serious riding during that time. This week will be looking at doing some preventative maintenance on the bike; a good time to lube cables, and take a look at brake fluid in the bike (good to change that every two years). I have the oil and filter change in 500 miles, and also like to check the air filter (K+N) as well as tire pressures which I do often. Take care of your motorcycle and it will take care of you!
Read some about Daytona Bike week. Seems that the crowds were down, but everyone (and I knew a few who rode down there this year) had a good time. Jake Zemke won the Superbike race on the National Guard/Michael Jordan GSX-R1000 (yeah the same basketball legend who is now owner of the NBA Charlotte Baskeball team is a superbike motorcycle team owner).
I also read this week that Angelle Sampey is retiring from NHRA Motorcycle drag racing. She is a real legend, and since one of her many wins in 2001 the woman with the most wins in racing (beating Shirley Muldowney for that title that year) . She won 3 NHRA World Championships and 18 events. Even more remarkable than her 41 victories in 13 years was her 364 round wins in 506 matchups. Best of luck to her, and thanks for a great career.
For all of us, riding season is ramping up; time to get the bikes in shape, and to get into a defensive mode; cause your best defense to get a safe 2010 year in is to keep alert, keep your bike in top shape, and be careful out there!

October Rides in Concord (October 3-12)

Got back to North Carolina for a week off, arriving on a Saturday morning (October 3) and did get in a short ride around the area. Was a nice sunny day, and cool...for the first time in a long time wore a jacket and gloves. Nice to get out after a longer than usual period. I got in another ride a few days later but ended up dodging rain showers, and that was less than an hour. That is where I took this photo though of the bike and the store I came across at left. Short rides, but good ones (better short rides than no rides at all). A busy week, with a five day visit to Louisville, Ky to see family and friends, purchased a new car (2009 Nissan Versa), and went to the Panthers/Washington football game.
Was wild being back in Louisville. Kentucky and Indiana have no helmet laws, and saw a mix of people; some with helmets on, some without. South Carolina (except for Myrtle Beach, which has passed a helmet law to stop the bike rallies, currently being fought in the courts)does not either. I don't have a problem with people not wearing them, though I don't ride without one. Have a few friends who have taken serious injuries without a helmet on.
Watched Sons of Anarchy while on vacation, really like that show. It has taken some interesting twists and turns of late, also one of the most popular shows on cable. Speaking of motorcycle gangs, the Pagan Motorcycle Club has been in the news in Richmond, one of its members got killed in a police raid in the Richmond area, they had a big funeral in town (all that while I was gone).
Two new bikes have caught my eye, and will be looking at them when they hit the dealers. The first is the long awaited Honda 1200 Interceptor with the V-4 engine. It has a lot of interesting features. I also like the new Kawasaki Z-1000 which has had a major redesign. Interesting that the bike manufacturers even during this recession (or perhaps better put in spite of the recession) are putting out some very interesting motorcycles.
I am hoping in my next visit home to get a good mountain ride in, from being in the mountains (between Charlotte and Louisville is Tennessee) saw the leaves even at the highest elevations are just starting to turn. That though will soon change. Makes for some great rides in the fall of the year on the remarkable Blue Ridge Parkway, and I hope to be there soon!

Norton is back, and new bikes from Victory

While exploring the internet the other day, came across a bit of news I had to check out. Seems that in England, the Norton brand has been revived. Right now its one bike (aka Indian) but a second is in the works. Has a very classic look, a bit over a 900cc engine and you can see it at http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com. Right now its a limited (around 200 bikes) production run, and not yet available in the US, but interested in that. Saw a real nice Norton Commando at Velocity Motorcycles in Richmond, VA (previous post talks about that) and that is how I came to check on Norton. Back in the day, they were fast motorcycles.
Victory has put out its new 2010 motorcycles. Surprisingly during this recession they have a number of new models. Brought out two new touring models, also a new addition to the (lower cost) "8 Ball" lineup; a Hammer and the Vision have been added (others are versions of the Vegas, and a Kingpin version added earlier to the original 8-Ball) .
Its been a tough year for the motorcycle shops (at least for new bike sales). When I go into RideNow, its like getting swooped on by vultures (probably the same if not worse at new car dealierships, though have not been into any of those).
I did note that Louisville (mty former home town and the first stop in the "factory job world tour" I am currently on) is going after a DUI driver who killed a motorcyclist in a crash. The charge is MURDER, which is a positive in my book. Too often drivers get off with that "I did not see the motorcycle". However, as riders its important that we take charge of our own safety, and watch out for the other guy, and expect the unexpeced. Watch out for drivers on Cell Phones (they are in another world often, and are probably more dangerous than drunk drivers according to studies), and especially watch for cars turning left into your lane. Statistically, that is the most danger to riders on motorcycles...and it happens often.
Hope your rides are great, always ride safe!

Four Deaths....and the thoughts of Morons

While home in North Carolina over the past eleven days, noted that four motorcyclists died in traffic accidents. Many were due to bad judgment (speeding, stunting) some were bike/car crashes; all tragic. When riding one has to be very careful, especially in North and South Carolina where speeding, tailgating, drivers glued to cell phones, running red lights....all that and more. Many are from other states and countries; so when you ride keep your eyes moving and watch out for the other guy (this is also good advice in cars or whatever you drive).
What griped my ass though was the comments made by some in the Charlotte Observer. Everything from "hope he was an organ donor" to "he deserved it". It also is fair to note that there were also a number of automobile crashes which also resulted in deaths (including some in the so called super safe SUV's....how is that possible). Course it seems that those newspaper post article posting sites really bring out the jerks. I liked one of the comments after one post; "none of you would be friends of mine in real life, certainly none here") talking about the tones of the comments. To be fair not just the motorcycle posts, most of the posts made seem to be of a "Rush Limbaugh" tone. You know the type, basically sarcastic hate filled posts with a tinge of racism.
To my friends and co riders, be careful. Watch out for the cages and keep your attention on the road. Save the stunting for the parking lots, and speeding for the track. Ride safe, and ride long (and I have been riding now for 37 years without an accident, so I speak from experience.

The Value of Used Motorcycles

Let's face it; the economy is in the toilet, jobs are tough to get and to keep, and its not getting better soon. A new bike may well be out of the question, but many people ride used motorcycles, and they can be the very best values out there. While often not as shiny as the latest and greatest out there, or quite as fast, they can still get you there quickly (if that is your goal) or with a great deal of reliability and fun. Many people don't put a lot of miles on a bike per year, and often they get used and then parked for long periods.
I have gotten some of my best motorcycles used. There are a lot of good points to a used bike. Of course at the top is the lower price.....you don't have to eat the depreciation. It can also be (if you are at all mechanically inclined) a good chance to learn to do much of the work yourself (with shop labor costs getting into the $70-75 an hour range I suggest that).
So what are good points in buying used? First, look the bike over well. Look for obvious signs of damage; dents, different colored parts, scrapes, etc. Look at oil color (has it been changed), cable wear and also the condition of brake pads and tires. Start the bike, and look for smoke from the tailpipe, leaks (also from the radiator if water cooled), and hopefully take a ride on the bike if you can. If possible, have a mechanic take a look at the bike; you will probably have a relationship with a bike shop and this is a good chance to start building one. A look by an expert eye is not a bad thing.
Remember that motorcycle parts can be amazingly expensive. However you can also save money on them via on-line auctions, e-bay and some of the on-line retailers of parts. Go used on parts whenever you can; the idea is to save money here. Do go with quality though.
One vital item is the factory service manual. This helps a great deal on a bike; if you are going to do the work, this is the book to have! Also check your brand on 0n-line sites, and also there are some motorcycle specific books to your "new" bike out there as well at on-line booksellers. Get the right tools and equipment to work on the bike; metric tools for Japanese bikes, standard for your Harley and Victory motorcycles.
As far as repairs to your used bike...even if just a year or two old I would suggest changing oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid, and lubing cables. If the bike is pretty high in mileage, and it has not been done (and does not have hydraulic lifters), a valve adjustment is a good idea.
Above all, if the tires are old, or worn DO NOT ride the bike with bad tires. Nothing in my opinion is more critical on a motorcycle, your safety depends on tires. If in doubt on their condition, replace them.
There are some great bikes out there. They might be a little bit older, but many brands do not change much from year to year. Some motorcycles have been in production for decades with only minor changes. Those can be some of the best values out there, with a wealth of information on them, used parts and also lots of riders and maintenance information. Watch out for long out of production bikes, expensive brands for parts (BMW, Ducati, and some other Italian bikes can be expensive when having work done, or getting parts), or long not produced bikes (such as older two cycle models) though in the latter case there are a lot of aftermarket suppliers that can get you running again.
With a little bit of money, and some elbow grease, it is possible to get a good reliable motorcycle at a fraction of the cost of new.

Riding in the Rain

Got an e-mail from a friend this week, telling me about a motorcycle crash in Louisville. It happened when the rider rode into a storm (happened to be in Louisville, Kentucky, my old home town) and crashed on the wet roads. He suffered severe injuries, the bike took heavy damage, and he is still (and will be for some time) in the hospital, and in recovery.
I have been riding for many years, and let me tell you...rain happens. I also have some good advice.
1). When you come upon rain, if you have rain gear, pull over and put it on. If you expect rain (clouds or the forecast calls for it) be dressed for it.
2) If it is raining, slow down, and then slow down some more. Speed is not your friend on wet roads.
3) Especially early, try to stay off of, and keep from crossing, the oil trail that runs down the center of each lane of (virtually) every road. Especially early on this mixture of motor oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze is deadly slick.
4) More than anything else, if the rain is especially severe, and you are at all uncomfortable, find a place to pull off and wait it out. Find a place with food, a mall, or if all else fails even a highway overpass and wait the storm out. Better to get to where you want to go later than you planned, than not to get there at all.
Rain is nothing to take lightly. I often change my motorcycle plans due to forecasts, or have called a planned ride early due to gathering clouds. Be especially careful around thunderstorms as they have special and deadly dangers including electricity, hail and high winds. Ride with safety foremost in your mind always!

So you want to ride a motorcycle? (Part 3)

So, lets say you have had that motorcycle class I have been pushing in previous posts, and you are ready to ride, and own, your first motorcycle. As I noted in #2 of this series, there is some danger in getting the baddest bike on the market right off the bat. Many people (myself included) started riding on smaller bikes. I first rode a Kawasaki 100, went to a Yamaha 350, then (in the Navy) to a Suzuki 400, up to a Honda 550, then a Honda 600, and only in the last couple of years to a Kawasaki 1500. Is the bigger bike more fun than the others cause its bigger? No, its certainly comfortable, but not all that different than the others; and even less fun in some respects. Smaller bikes are quick handling, and fun on the really curvy roads. There are pluses and minuses.
That said there are a lot of good motorcycles out there. Be sure to check out some of the "commuter" bikes (for instance Kawasaki has the Vulcan 500 and the Versys), Honda has a lot of great models (some of the smaller Shadows and of course the 250 which if you take a motorcycle class you may train on!), Suzuki has a lot of good smaller bikes including the very highly regarded SV-650. The motorcycle magazines rave about that bike as being good for both beginners and experienced motorcyclists. What they like about it is a good balance of power and weight, also ease of maintenance with good handling. I don't think I have ever read a bad review of that bike. Even Ducati has a good starter bike, the Monster line has a highly regarded little brother. Sport bikes also come in smaller sizes, a good benefit of those is that they can also be cheaper to insure than their faster (and much more powerful) brothers.
I guess what I am trying to say is that bigger is not only not often better, but frankly can be a really bad idea for the beginning motorcyclist. What is important is that the bike fits your needs. If you plan to do a lot of highway riding you need a bike that can handle highway speeds, but that covers a lot of motorcycles; many of the 500's and 600's will run all day at highway speed. The lighter weight and lower horsepower of the smaller bikes can save you a lot of money (often as well consider that bigger bikes often require super unleaded gas), as well as be "more user friendly" to the new rider due to the lower weight, and somewhat slower 0-60 times over their bigger brothers.
Remember the best part of riding is getting back to tell stories of the ride; not the quickest trip to the hospital. Ride to live, live to ride as the slogan goes.

So you want to ride a motorcycle? (Part 2)

Some sad news today; my wife has a friend who lost her son to a motorcycle crash on Sunday. Apparently he got the bike on Saturday, and Sunday morning lost control of the bike on a curve, and hit a telephone pole, killing him instantly.
This goes back to what I was talking about in an earlier post. The very first thing one should get is training on operating a motorcycle safely. As I noted the classes can well save your life, they also can save on your insurance costs.
I have been talking to a new "want to be" rider at work who is planning to buy his first bike: the new 2009 Star V-Max. As I have told him, that is probably not the best selection for a beginning (or long away from riding) motorcyclist. For that matter, it may be a bad choice for the somewhat experienced rider. Not because its a bad bike, but rather because it has performance that will come faster than you might believe.
The trick with riding a motorcycle is not to blast down roads at triple digit speeds; the trick to me is a to enjoy the ride, visit new places, and most importantly come home to tell about them. Evading cops, getting tickets (and higher insurance), or even worse....medical bills from crashes tends to suck all the fun out of riding.
Plus, there are so many good motorcycles that give (1) great fuel mileage (2) lower maintenance costs and (3) react with a lot less quickness that make riding a lot more fun. Getting way over your head is a great way to lose it.
So, get the training first. Get the best protective gear you can afford, and use it. Slow down and enjoy the sensation and the scenery instead of blasting though it. If you want to go fast, get to a race track. Many of them have "track days" for motorcycles, and even there you can get training on how to ride at higher speeds if that is your wish.
Getting hurt sure tends to suck the fun out of a good day riding!