Motorcycle Diary Travel Blog

New riders club Party In West Phoenix

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 23:40:15 -0700

Speedworld in Surprise AZ is small town drag strip. Good place to meet, watch the races and for 20 bucks take your bike down the track. Every Fri and Sat nights with occasional special events that bring funny cars, top fuelers and Speed Channel show Pinks.

Also, on Aug 26th there is a first annual rider group party. Good time and place to meet and greet. It's not a commercial just an annoucement for an event. All are welcome.

Nitrogen In Tires?

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:21:58 -0700

There was a recent article in the local paper concerning the use of nitrogen in tires. According to the article, nitrogen is being used in place of ordinary air in many race car tires. Drivers claim it to be less vulnerable to heat buildup.It is also claimed that since nitrogen molecules are larger than ambient air molecules that they are less inclined to leak from the tire. In areas that provide the switchover to nitrogen for the average driver, the article says that the cost is about $5 per tire and future fill-ups can be had at no charge.
Altho it is an interesting concept, I doubt that I will be making this change. However many competition motorcycle riders may have already done so in the never ending for that little edge on the other rider.
What comments or further info do any of you have on this subject? Post your comments here.

Music Devices vs. motorcycle riding

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 11:05:10 -0700

There seems to be a proliferation of music devices some of which are designed specifically for use on motorcycles. Some are outboard systems while others are designed to pipe the music directly into the helmet.
While I have a fairly moderate interest in music (primarily jazz), I do have some reservations about the use of this accessory while riding a bike.
With the understanding that motorcycle riding itself is inherently a dangerous sport, it's vital that the rider must be fully aware of his surroundings and constantly looking for potential traffic problems.This means not only directly ahead but to the rear and both sides, constantly moving one's eyes and never looking in any one direction for more that ten seconds.
Where does all this fit into the music while riding, you ask?
Most any auditory device produces sounds of music, ocean waves, bird calls, etc, all of which are sounds intended to instill calmness or a soothing, relaxed mental state. This is counter-productive to the requirement of the heightened alert status of any rider. In fact one of the big advantages of riding motorcycles is the need for total concentration which blocks out the thoughts of work, family situations, finances, etc.
Therefore, adding the distraction of music or other auditory diversions would seem to cancel out the above concentraction.
Some would argue that music on long uninterrupted freeway rides tend to relieve monotony...possibly, but isn't it also just another diversion from the need to be aware at all times? Especially given the faster speeds used on the freeway and the need for even faster reactions to counter the quicker approaches to danger.
What are your thoughts on this subject? Post your comments here.

Curves and Corners

Mon, 12 Jun 2006 21:37:52 -0700

I read somewhere that a large percentage of accidents involving only a single motorcycle is simply running off the road in curves or corners. With that in mind I'd like to just refresh riders memories with the proper way (or at least MY way ) to negotiate curves & corners, especially at speed; Whenever possible I try to begin any corner or curve from the outside of the curve. (Of course, if the rider is on the inside lane of a four lane divided highway he can only go to the outside of the lane he is in.) This allows me to see the maximum distance thru the curve for any obstructions such as disabled vehicles, animals, etc.On entering the corner or curve, I try to see thru the curve as far as possible to the point where I want to be at the end..not at the shoulder or the yellow line because doing so will cause me to go in that direction almost without exception!
I find that in my case, I must make a conscious effort NOT to look at where I'm going, but instead look at where I want to be after the curve or corner; in other words I try to look THRU the corner as far as possible. At speed I find this especially hard to focus on, which means more practice is demanded. This practice of looking THRU the corner works especially well in making U turns on a two lane street. Turning the head as far as possible at the beginning of the turn and not looking at the edge of the road is what I want to do. I try to pick a marker such as a sign or other object 100 yards down the road in the direction of my turn. peripheral vision will allow me to see anything closer while turning.
I also find that these practices work just as well when driving a car or truck and also lessens the number of corrections one must make thru the curve.
Altho we all probably know all this but we possibly tend to get a little rusty in its application.

the tingles

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 14:52:09 -0700

I imagine every rider has experienced the "tingles" in their hands at one time or another. Especially when riding in fairly long uninterrupted stretches. Removing the left hand from the bar in order to flex the fingers is certainly not a problem, but what about the throttle hand?
I'd like to suggest that you consider the Throttle Boss from Kuryakin. This little item is mounted on the end of Kurykin's ISO grip ( a major improvement in itself over OEM grips) by means of six small Phillips screws and consists of a small lever which extends about 1/2 inch from the grip. The lever itself can be mounted in whatever position in the throttle opening is most comfortable to one's hand. When riding the rider may place his/her palm on this little lever and thus relieve the fingers from the grip in order to flex the fingers. Also, the Throttle Boss may be used in the palm with the fingers on the grip, but with much less tension, thus lessening the tingling. I have had my Throttle Boss for a couple of years now & wouldn't be without it. I use it almost every time I ride, even in traffic. If you ever ride the highway at speed (70-80 mph) with crosswinds gusting to 25-30 mph you know about death grip on the bars.I just got home fron such a 25 mile ride and the Throttle Boss was a God send enabling me to prevent the "tingles". The only drawback is that the Throttle Boss fits only Kurykin ISO grips. Makes it a good excuse to get some new grips. I would imagine Mike at motoleather.com could take care of you in this regard. Click on either logo at the top of this page.

Lest We Forget

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 13:52:23 -0700

It was sixty-two years ago that the biggest assault in history took place on the beaches, in the air, and on the sea . It was the landing in Normandy which was the beginning of the end of Hitler's reign.
While in no way diminishing the losses we have suffered in Iraq, we sustained more losses IN ONE DAY in the D- Day invasion than we have currently suffered during the entire Iraq campaign! If memory serves, it was over 6000.
If you have a flag be sure to fly it today in honor of those young boys who never came home .
Proud former member of the "ALL AMERICAN DIVISION", The 82nd Airborne,

Hot_shoe_cv

I posted this on the forum also, but it certainly bears repeating. Today's newpaper barely made a comment on D Day and then only as a passing remark to another story...sad.

HYDRATION

Sat, 27 May 2006 23:41:47 -0700

As a recently retired dirt rider of many years, I learned the importance of keeping hydrated when riding the desert of Arizona. Actually, hydration is critical in any section of any country. Over the years, I have tried a few methods of accomplishing this, such as canteens strapped to my waist, plastic bottles velcroed to the crossbar, etc. Finally after none of them seemed to really solved the problem conveniently, I discovered the ultimate answer years ago which was a Camelbak hydration system which consisted of a plastic reservoir with a tube & mouthpiece reaching over the shoulder & extending to the mouth. These units come in a variety of sizes and brands to accomodate various situations Some brands even allow ice cubes to be inserted into the reservoir along with the water or electolyte liquid.
Now, after phasing out the dirt scene and phasing in the street scene, I find that even though the exertion level has decreased, the dehydration problem still remains, especially here in AZ with the temps returning to 90-100 degrees during the day. I recently purshased another new hydration system to take care of that problem.I haven't actually worn it yet but I am sure I'll get a few looks when I do as I can't recall ever seeing one of thes units worn on the street by a biker. I can't stress enough the importance of keeping hydrated when riding. Failing to do so can cause the rider to make irrational choices or mistakes. An old saying we used to preach in search & rescue is," If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, you waited way too long."

How do any of you solve the hydration problem on longer rides?
Post a comment here to tell us about your solution.

FJR

Sat, 27 May 2006 18:44:14 -0700

I was just looking(drooling) at the FJR on Yamaha's web site. Admitedly, I know very little about sport bikes but this one looks like it has just about all the bells & whistles anyone could ask for, even including a saddle adjustment to lower or raise the seating position.

Although some what of a special order proposition insofar as requiring a cash deposit with the order, it is limited as far as color choice is concerned... meaning you can have any color you want so long as it's blue

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspecs/180/0/specs.aspx

Discuss this post right now in our forum.

Originally posted by Cal in forum

Suzuki Katana Discontinued

Tue, 23 May 2006 12:36:43 -0700

Looks like Suzuki is ending the Katana line of motorcycles. Currently there is an incentive on the site for the first 1,200 who purchase a Katana 600 or 750 between May 1 and July 31.

Details are here http://www.suzukicycles.com/katana/

Good motorcycles bad turn signal location

Mon, 22 May 2006 10:23:57 -0700

One of the main reasons customers contact us at Moto Leather is for saddlebags. We have a great reputation for selling the right bags for any motorcycle. If you are lucky and in the majority of motorcycle riders you can put almost any aftermarket part you want on your motorcycle. There are a few cruiser syle motorcycle models that can be very difficult to fit for. This is especially true with bolt-on saddlebags and brackets on particular models.

For example Honda makes several Honda Shadow models where the turn signal is too far down the fender strut. This makes fitting more popular sizes and styles of saddlebags impossible without turn signal relocation. A lot of people do not want to deal with turn signal relocation. A lot of times turn signal relocation kits are not even available for a motorcycle. In this case an aftermarket solution is needed to put new light around the license plate on the back fender or a Kuryakyn Panacea light with turn signals built into the brake light.

Please note: Harley and others are guilty of this as well not just Honda.

Wouldn't it just be easier if the turn signal was off the fender strut so no matter what accessory you were trying to install be it saddlebags or even a new sissybar it would just fit?

Tell us your incompatibility story we want to know...

Ride Like a Pro

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 12:23:50 -0700

A suggestion for any new rider ( even old ones), especially those who ride cruisers or touring bikes: log onto Jerry Paladino's website, www.ridelikeapro.com and order a DVD of his riding demos & excercises. Jerry is a recently retired Florida sheriff motor officer who will show the new rider how to handle his heavy cruiser like a little toy. He and his wife's demo is especially valuable in learning how to ride at very slow parking lot speeds by proper use of the friction zone & rear brake.
Jerry's wife has also made a DVD especially for the women riders.
In addition to his DVD's, Jerry also conducts MSF rider safety classes thruout the Southeastern U.S.
His experience and method of teaching is worth every penny of the cost of the DVD.

Why ride with a motorcycle windshield?

Thu, 16 Mar 2006 22:33:02 -0700

Windshields offer protection from the wind, rain, cold, and debris. Those are the obvious benefits. Windshields also offer you many physical benefits as well. Because the wind is not pushing against your body you will be a lot more comfortable during rides. Windshields help reduce strain and fatigue to your back, arms, and chest by avoiding the wind blast usually experienced. This can add up to a lot more riding time instead of needing to stop and rest or stretch as often!

Harley-Davidson outlines plans for corporate museum

Sat, 11 Mar 2006 08:28:36 -0700

MILWAUKEE - Motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson Inc. said Friday it will begin work in the first half of this year on its $75 million corporate museum and will open it in 2008.
Museum director Stacey Watson said the 130,000-square-foot museum on 20 acres near downtown will include three buildings. One will house the museum, another an annex and corporate archives and the third will include retail space, a restaurant and meeting rooms.

Read rest of the story.

Honda VTX Custom?

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 22:25:52 -0700

Have you seen this? You can now custom build your own Honda VTX. Life is good indeed. Hopefully this will be a new trend spreading across more models and different manufacturers in the industry. Choice is always good. Check it out over at www.vtx.honda.com

Indianapolis International V-Twin Expo

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 10:27:44 -0700

We just returned from the Indianapolis V-Twin Expo. This show is for motorcycle dealers only and is not open to the public. It is the largest motorcycle industry show in the country. If you have never been imagine almost every metric, ATV, Power Sport, and Harley vendor in one place! It is huge. It takes up the entire RCA Super Dome and both floors of the convention center.