“Keep The Rubber Side Down”

It has been a long while since I have ridden a cruiser, but needing to run an errand last night, and my son’s Yamaha V-Star 1100, available, I decided “what the heck”!  So I borrowed the key and off I went.  Here’s a few differences between the two bikes…

1.  The Cruiser sets much lower.  I dragged the foot pegs in my first corner.  Sorry Jonathan!

2.  The Cruiser’s handlebars are much wider.   Felt like I was about to hug a barrel, or the old girlfriend from High School.

3.  The Cruiser is much louder!  Jonathan has Vance and Hines exhaust, while most of the time people ask me if the RT is even running?

4.  The Cruiser turns me into a sail.  With the windshield removed for summer riding, I forgot what it was like to be hit with gale force winds.

5.  The Cruiser gets a totally different reaction from onlookers.  The young chicks dig it, but Hey, I do get some shout-outs when passing the nursing home while on the BMW.  I will take what I can get!

It was actually a great deal of fun and caused me to miss the old cruiser.  Maybe I need to start shopping for a second bike! (Hope the bride doesn’t read this!)   Anyone have trouble getting used to another bike?

Tags: BMW, Vance and Hines, Yamaha Motorcycles

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

Tags: , BMW, F800, R1200

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? 

Tags: Indian Motorcycles

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!

Tags: Bead Rider, BMW, Sampson Motorcycle seats

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!

Tags: , harley davidson, Springfield

In the course of any given week, I have several friends, and acquaintances, stop in to the Dealership to see how things are going, and talk about motorcycles.  A few days ago, a friend of mine, “Mo”, came in and I couldn’t resist pulling out the camera.  I love this Suzuki, and Mo promised I could take her for a ride.  You can bet I will take him up on that offer!

Tags: , Susuki GSX R 1000

Since the golden age of film, motorcycles and movies, have fit together like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  Here’s three ways movies have shaped the public perception, and molded an entire motorcycle culture.

1.  They Entertain Us.

 The 1914 silent film; Mabel at the Wheel, shows Charlie Chaplin dropping “Mabel” from the back of his motorbike, directly into a puddle of mud.  Good for more than a few laughs in it’s day!  More recently, I saw many a burly Harley dudes, rolling in laughter, as they watched;  Wild Hogs, with their kids.  A few BMW guys as well.

2.  They Influence Us.

Much of the public perception of bikers, was indelibly etched in their minds by films such as,  No Limits (1935), or The Wild One, a 1953  film, featuring “Johnny,” the good guy biker, portrayed by Marlon Brando. As he fought against the injustices of a rival biker gang.  Perhaps none did more to cement an image in the minds of a nation, than the classic picture, Easy Rider.

3.  They Inspire Us.

Who among us didn’t feel the urge to escape the familiar, by jumping on a old Norton, to explore the unknown, with only the clothes on our back, and a bed roll.  After watching Gael Garcia Bernal’s, portrayal of Ernesto Che Guevara’s, in the film; Motorcycle Diaries?  As well as, the film,  The World’s Fastest Indian, the amazing story of Burt Munro’s historic efforts to set a land speed record at the world famous, Bonneville Salt Flats, in Utah.  Yes, these films serve as reminders that dreams are still possible to achieve!

I hope you enjoy these motorcycle movies as much as I do!  One of my favorite quotes from a motorcycle film is… “You live more in five minutes on a bike like this, going full out, than some people live in their entire lifetime.” 

Can you tell me who said it, and the movie it is from?

Tags: , , Burt Munro, Indian Motorcycles, Motorcyle Movies

Hope you have had the time to eat up a little asphalt this week. If not, perhaps over the weekend.  I just reviewed the mileage on my bike,  and it is already time for another oil change.  It seems a if I just changed it, but here we go again. I am pushing almost 9,000 miles for the summer so far, not bad considering how much extra time I have been putting in at work.

I am taking a this weekend off and plan to give the bike a thorough check up…

-go over screws and bolts

-tire wear and pressure

-change the oil

-check bulbs and connections

-clean and re-tighten battery terminals

-inspect brakes

With the rising costs of service at the Dealerships, as well a the length of time they keep the motorcycle. I have opted to perform more of the routine maintenance myself.  In the past I simply sent it out, due the fact I lack patience with that type of work, but hey, as Bob Dillon says;  ”these times; they are a changin!”

Do you do your own maintenence?  Let me know!

Tags: , Bob Dillon

4:45 a.m.  My wake up call for this Sunday morning.  Some hot coffee, a quick shower, and I am heading out the door.  In 2 hours KTRSD will be track side at the largest celebration of vintage motorcycles on the continent; AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days!   A dark, and chilly morning, greets me as I walk to the garage and fire up the bike.  I will be heading North to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Race Track, one of the most challenging courses in the country with it’s 2.4 mile, 15 turn ribbon of asphalt.

By the time I arrive at the track, the paddock area is already buzzing with activity, as the teams are preparing their vintage contraptions to race, on what will be a very hot Sunday in July. 

I spent much of the morning trying to get my bearings, and familiarizing myself with the day’s schedule;  13 races, swap meet, demo rides, and a seminar lead by Clement Salvadori.  All of this plus a bike show, fill the agenda, some editing was certainly in order.

As the day progressed, the racing schedule backed up, due to the fact there was a significant oil spill on the course, and the track crew was having a difficult time cleaning it up.  (I didn’t even realize there was a Harley in that last race!)  Kidding! Here’s a few tid-bits from the day…

1.  Clement Salvadori is a better writer than a speaker.

2.  $6.00 for a soda and wienie.

3.  Fuel $10 per gallon in London.

4.  Triumph was king today.

5.  Vintage bikes are cool, but very unreliable.

6.  Over 60,000 in attendance on Sunday.

By mid-afternoon the sun was baking the track and the participants, sunscreen and water, were the priorities of the day.   Here’s a sample…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bP-nSAcabA

I am hot, sweaty, thirsty, and ready to tear up some road!  Thanks Mid-Ohio, it was a blast!

Tags: , AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Track, Triumph

One of the things I most enjoyed about elementary school, were the field trips!  With sack lunches in hand, we would climb on the school bus, slowly heading off to visit exciting place such as COSI, The Ohio Historical Village, Slate Run Farm, and several others favorites.  On Saturday, I experienced that same childhood feeling all over again as my wife and I, mounted the R1100, for a tour of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.

Although the museum is only one and a half hours away from my home, I had never been there, so I was anticipating touring one of the current exhibits entitled, “MotoStars: Celebrities+Motorcycles”.   This exhibit displays motorcycles of the rich and famous such as…  Neil Peart, legendary drummer for the rock band Rush, Steve McQueen, Keith Urban, Peter Fonda, and the jackass, Tom Cruise.

A lovely ride under sunny skies, soon brought us to the well manicured, and park like setting of the museum.  I was very impressed with the facilities and the staff.  Here’s a few photos of the exhibit.

Peter Fonda (Captain America) 

Keith Urban (2007 Vengeance 777)

Steve MCQueen (1929 Scott Super Squirrel)

We had an enjoyable visit  and if you ever get a chance to stop by the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, I think you will truly be delighted!

Tags: , AMA, Captain America, Keith Urban, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

Tags: BMW, Triumph