It's been a While

I know, it's been a while, right? The summer came (and went) and I didn't post a damn thing on this blog. For that, I'm sorry. It was never my intention to ignore this blog these past six months, but I have and there's no one to blame but myself. The truth of the matter is, I didn't ride this summer. As not a single one of you already knows my bike (the unstoppable SV1000s) has had some electrical issues.

• First I thought it might be the battery, but after a quick check the battery was fine.
• Then, after being checked by the guys at TFOG, I was told the regulator/rectifier wasn't doing it's job and therefore the batter wasn't getting the charge it deserved. So, I bought a new one and installed it, charged the batter up and took off for a ride. I made it nearly a couple of hours before the bike started having trouble starting again, the lights dimmed and the turn signals stopped working at all. I headed home quickly.
• After that I had no choice but to think it's the stator. Although I don't seem to have the "grinding noise" that seems to be prevalent in the SV's stator when they go out, I have no other options about what the problem is on this bike.

However a stator costs money, much more money than a R/R and that kind of money is something I don't have on hand at the moment. Ironically, had the bike been running then the money I saved on not putting gas in my truck all summer long might have bought a new stator.

Harcore Tire Changing

I can't tell if the motorcycle is moving or not. It could be a really fast shutter or the bike could be standing still. For the sake of awesome, we're going to assume the bike is standing still.

That is some harcore tire changing, right there.



As you can clearly see, the bike is self-lubricating, too! Go-Go Gadget Chinese Army! (disclaimer: I don't know if that's the Chinese army, or not. If anyone does, please let me know)

Buddy Holly Moto License

Not sure if this is real or not, but Buddy Holly may have been a motorcycle rider.



Isn't that cool? Looks like I'm in the same company as giants.

Recall List

As seen on an email from a dealership:

If you see something on here that applies to you, call your local authorized dealer.

Recent Product Safety Recall List

=====================
Ducati 
Multistrada 1200 - Rear Brake System Update (with or without ABS Brakes)

Honda
2008-2010 ST13008/9/A - Rear Break Master Cylinder reservoir hose replacement

2010-2011 VT750C and C2 - Bank Angle Sensor

2010 VT1300CX/A (Emissions Hose)

2008 CBR1000R (Coolant Hose Clamp)

2001-2012 Goldwing GL1800/A (Secondary Master Cylinder Inspection/Replacement)

2012 TRX420 TE&TM (Right front upper control arm replacement)

Honda Power Equipment

Snowblower models H5724, H5928, H51132 (Fuel Tank joint replacement)

Kawasaki
2011 Ninja ZX10R - Main Harness Inspection (Models ZX100 JBF/L, KBF/L)

2009-2010 KLX250 Fuel Tank Inspection - (Models T9 F/L, W9F/L, TAF/L, WAF/L)

2009-2010 KLX250 (Fuel Tank Inspection)

2011 VULCAN (VN900DBF/FL) (Innertube Tire Inspection)

2010 Z1000 (Brake Hose Inspection)

2010 KLX 110 (Switch Housing Replacement)

2010-2012 Jet Ski - (Steering Cable Inspection)

Aprilia
2008-2009 Sportcity 250 & 300 - Fuel Pump Improvement Program

2010 RSV4 (Fuel Tank breather modification)

KTM
EFI modification for 2011 & 2012 KTMs - 250, 350, 450, 500

The technical Bulletin includes certain VIN Numbers in the above mentioned units. Please call service with your VIN Number and we will run a check to see if your unit qualifies.

2011 150XC, 150SX, 200XC-W, 250XC, 250XC-W, 250XCF-W, 250SX, 250SX-F, 300XC, 300XC-W, 350SX-F, 450XC-W, 450SX-F,530XC-W 450 EXC, 530 EXC AND 690 ENDURO R 2010 690 ENDURO R (Handlebar clamp replacement)

Suzuki

V-Strom DL650 AL2 - (Front Brake Light Switch)

Burgman AN400 AL2, AN650 AL2 - (Front and Rear Brake light switch replacement)

Polaris

2012 Ranger RZR XP900 (Valve Spring Replacement)

2011 Ranger Diesel Crew (Clutching update for transmission shift improvement)

Vespa

2010-2012 LX50 4T 4Valve (Ignition control unit replacement)

2009-2012 S50 4T 4Valve (Ignition control unit replacement)

2011-2012 Fly50 4T 4Valve (Ignition control unit replacement)

Riding

"...give me just enough room to settle in and get comfy while the engine lets me contemplate spacetime as relativity becomes something... experiential."

Emily Evans, Google+

Bikers In Need

While at a Bike Night the other night in Palm Bay, Florida, I was handed a flyer for a Bikers In Need ride and rally this Saturday (or, yesterday). Since I had my bike with me I decided to go ahead and show my support for bikes and bikers by showing up and donating the requisite canned food item and some money. Serendipitously, Dunkin Donuts across the street was providing two free doughnuts and a small coffee for free to riders who registered the ride in the BIN rally.

So, after registering, I walked over to DD and received my complimentary doughnuts (an old fashioned and a chocolate if you must know) and bought a frozen coffee flavored drink since I don't drink straight coffee. The doughnuts were good, but the coffee flavored drink hurt my stomach.

Anywho, I finally ran across the sportbike riders I met the other night at the Bike Night and rode with them throughout the day at a garish 35mph on an interstate. Now, in all fairness we had a sheriff escort and they sort of set the pace. 

I, of course, took the camera. There were some really good images and some not-so good pictures.

For the Full Album

Riding on Angels

I really wish I could claim this post was a review of the Pirelli Angel tires, but it's not. Unfortunately, I bought some Pilot Road 2s this past spring and aren't through all the tread yet (even though I put a whopping 7,400+ miles on the PR2s) and I'm too poor to just go buy new tires all the time.

However, I was talking to a fellow motorcycle rider today about the Angels and happened to mention how much I wanted a pair since I was such a huge fan of the Stradas. For all the marketing reasons I want the Angels, but when all is said and done, I really just want to be able to tell people I ride on the backs of Angels. 

When I said that, another friend (who doesn't ride) looked at me and said, "Dude, you're the weirdest guy I know."

I'm okay with that. :D