GONE RIDING!
I will be spending quite a bit of time on the road over the next couple of days so posting will be light. Have a great Labor Day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_AAiKy4roo
Just Wondering!
“Why is there never enough time to do it right the first time, but always enough time to do it over?”
Learning to Shift Gears
A few days ago I read a comment from a new BMW owner discussing a problem he was having shifting; sometimes missing second gear. Several comments followed in an attempt to help the guy out, but I found one piece of advice particularly interesting to my situation.
The commentator stated that the BMW tranny shifts better when the motor is allowed to rev at it’s highest rpm’s, then shifted. He stated that there was a unique difference between American riders and their counterparts in Europe when it comes to shifting their motorbikes. Seems the Europeans practice a late shifting technique allowing the rpm’s to increase to their maximum, then quickly pull the clutch lever in approximately 3/4 of an inch only. While the Americans tend to shift more leisurely, and at lower rpm’s, making way for a less smooth, and under powered transition.
Made sense to me! So I have been practicing this more aggressive shifting method and find it very much to my liking. I have been waiting until the last possible moment, then shifting quickly, and with a minimum of clutch movement. I am shocked by the results! The RT is shifting much smoother and the power is greater. Now that I am getting the hang of this European shifting, perhaps I should try my hand with tea and crumpets. Any thoughts?
Best Photos of the 2008 Olympics
TotallyCrap.com shared these photos of the 2008 Olympics and I found them to be amazing!
It’s Easier Than Ever To Get On A BMW.
For years, serious riders have always chosen to step up to a BMW Motorcycle. However, if these riders are on the shorter side, sometimes they wind up “stepping up” to a BMW bike in more ways than one. But that’s no longer an issue for anyone who’s lusting after an R 1200 GS, R 1200 R, R 1200 RT or F 800 ST because each of those bikes is now available with a Lower Suspension option, which includes a Low Seat option. Available for just $175, this package lowers the seat height on the R 1200 GS to 31.1 inches, 29.5 inches on the R 1200 R and R 1200 RT, and 29.9 inches on the F 800 ST. Now riding any of these bikes is easier and more comfortable than ever.
from BMW website
A Few of My Favorite Things
New Orlean Saints, hot dogs, BMW, Savannah, Coke, Rocky Patel, Craftsman, Alaskan Malamute, King of Queens, rider, Snickers, Tour Master, Yankees, Shelby Foote, GMC, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Black, Killians, mashed potatoes, 7 iron, The Ohio State Buckeyes!!!!!!
Rotten Banana’s and Hard Bags
Most days I take my lunch to work. Most days I forget the containers at work. Then my wife complains that the “Cool Whip” bowls are missing and I am shamed into bringing them home. So after arriving to work on Tuesday morning, I crammed all of the empty bowls, forks, spoons, and a couple plastic bags, into the hard bags of the RT. I found them in there tonight! Now my riding jacket smells of ravioli, and rotten banana’s. Oops!
What’s the worst thing you have left in your bags?
The Indian Chief
Seriously, who among us hasn’t enjoyed the rich styling and design of the Indian Chief? Growing up it was one of my favorite bikes to look at, always a feast for the eyes. Here’s my question; with the recent release of photos and specifications for the new Indian Chief, will anyone really pay $30,000-$36,000 for one?
The Long Way Around
“The shortest most direct path to my destination is hardly ever the most rewarding passage.”
olaf wolfe
Motorcycle Seats
Today’s motorcycle seats certainly have come a long way. Updates in technology have made them stylish, durable, and comfortable. Still, after logging many miles in the saddle the best of these seats become uncomfortable, which is why thousands of cyclist turn to “add on’s” for extra softness. The most popular types are: gel pads, beaded seats, and sheepskin.
A quick Internet search of these options pulls up thousands of manufacturers declaring their product is the very best when it comes to dispersing the pressure points, and ventilating the riders rear. Prices for these products range from $20.00 to $200. I personally use the Sheep skin pad, it is soft, and keeps the seat cool on hot days, but it also retains a great deal of moisture from the early morning dew, or when that surprising thunderstorm occurs.
The beaded seat by Bead Rider is extremely popular on many of the BMW forums, as well as the one made by Sampson. I have never used a beaded seat so really can’t comment intelligently. When looking for a seat pad keep these things in mind;
1. Durability.
2. Easy on and off. (some are easier to put on, and take off, than others)
3. Price. (expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better)
I would also advise you to ask around, see what others riders in your area are using, and how it is working out for them. What type of add on cushion do you use? Wondering minds want to know!
Bikers Take Over Springfield, Ohio
The throaty rumble of approximately two thousand Harley Davidson’s, echoed throughout downtown Springfield today. Mid-Ohio Harley Davidson, and several other sponsors, threw quite a biker party for the residents of Clark County and beyond, complete with bands, beer, food. and a classic car show.
A couple thousand bikers attended today’s event, on what was an absolutely perfect summer day. My son, Jonathan and I, had a great time drooling over some of the classic cars, listening to the bands, and chatting with many old acquaintances. Now this is what summer is all about!
