I seem to be collecting motorcycle stories.
Working overtime yesterday morning I wound up discussing with one of the officers about the new motor unit positions that where opening up. There are three position and nine applicants. I expected a bit more and expressed my shock. We then discussed what they ride (1300cc Harleys) and got onto bikes in general and my little ninja.
Then I collected yet another motorcycle accident story that looks as if it could have come from the Big Book of Things Not To Do On a Motorcycle.
One of the officers taught another one how to ride. The one who taught had been riding for most of his life and started the second on the dirt. They moved to larger bikes and after ‘learning’ to ride the new rider went and got a bike.
I’m not sure what he got. I’m pretty sure it was a 600 SS… the beginner type. And two weeks after getting it, before the first payment had been made, he wrecked at 40mph on a decreasing radius hairpin.
The second officer kept to the road, barely. He is still not sure how he made that turn. But he watched his buddy go down, sparks shoot through the air and then rider and bike launch high into the air and off the road.
The buddy survived without much damage. They did wear their gear. His brand new bike was totaled. They where not hitting the road at a spirited pace, or what they felt would be spirited. That officer does still ride, I asked his roommate about it this morning.
Still… it never occurred to me to have a friend teach me to ride. I went to driving school, it only made sense to go to motorcycle school. It is not a skill that one wishes to slack on.
The Pale Moonlight
I see improvement on the horizon.
I spent yesterday looking at the thermostat. It slowly crept up into the 40’s as the day progressed. I watched it like one might watch their favorite cake bake. It was mildly obsessive and very pathetic.
Around 4:30 we went out. I needed to pick up a few small items (the fiberglass mat to repair my fairing, some hair stuff) and perhaps eat. We debated the time and the sky, switched to our clear visors. We put on a pair of sweatpants under our jeans and two shirts on. We’re really trying to find riding pants that fit, it’s a frustrating search to find them to try them on.
We’re not yet ready for the interstate (this is ride 4) so we took the local roads. To get the secondary way into the city we where headed to we had to go down the back side of our mountain. It would be considered a twisty road, about 6 miles of it. It is a very popular local sport for bikers (motor and leg).
I am proud to say that I had not forgotten everything over the past several days without riding. The very first thing to happen about a mile from my house was a deer jumped out in front of me. Fortunately, I was not going that fast and was able to slow while it scampered across the road. Note to self, it had to be a buck because it was huge. Deer never seemed that big in my Wrangler.
I did well on the road itself, keeping a bit over the speed limit. I only had one ‘oh "poo poo"’ moment where I wanted to panic. A left hand decreasing radius turn. I looked into it and pushed in the direction and made it beautifully. I found relaxation after the moment of panic came much faster this time and my mind cleared quickly to handle the rest of the steep downhill turns. Something flashed in the back of my mind… am I getting the hang of this?
We hit route 50 and merged into traffic. The air was clear if overcast, the wind was low, and for the first time riding with traffic or a bit above it was pleasurable. The wind really buffets but its just the wind from 70mph. It’s a bit uncomfortable after 65 and at 70 I don’t really want to travel any faster from the smashing its giving me. I relaxed my arms and let my body take it, but I’m going to have to work on this.
Our first stop was the bike shop to get a heavier pair of gloves for the b/f. The turn came up a bit faster then I expected and I had to abort my plans to turn, slow, take the next turn, u-turn through the two stupid cars taking up the entire center of the median because they are impatient jerks, and head back. Not the most graceful thing but once again, its all about improvement.
This shop I saw also has a larger assortment of riding pants then the one I got my bike from. The people are not as helpful however. They are very nice, but I’ve gotten used to my shop where someone always comes over and asks if they can help and then helps if you tell them what you need. My shop also always has a selection of the starter bikes on the floor (Ninja 250, 500, GS500, etc) and they had one lone Ninja 600 and row after row of 600’s and 1000’s. A different atmosphere but not bad. I’m lucky to have two fully stocked sport bike shops within 20 miles each direction of the house. Beside it is the huge area Harley store. There is also a Ducati shop right beside the mechanic I use for the cars and a Triumph place on the other side of town.
The trips through town was almost uneventful. I was cut off at lights about 3 times, and once someone darted from the left lane, across my lane and into the turn lane at a light. Only they could have done the exact same thing behind us since there where no cars behind us. This is the same stupid behavior that happens to me in the car, but its even worse when you are on the bike. I’ve become more secure with changing lanes. I think I finally have my mirrors arranged well enough. I’m not having many problems with my turn signals. Funny enough, my low speed stuff is much more comfortable then my high speed. However, its all improving.
The first stop was at an automotive shop for some fiberglass mat for my cracked fairing. We wandered the store and then decided to do it the easy way and ask. Well, that might not have been as easy as we assumed. The guy said, “What?” and I said “Fiberglass Mat for body repairs?” and he goes “I haven’t heard of that. If we carry it its down in isle 11 with the repair stuff.”
Isle 11 contained liquid bonding stuff. Epoxy, glass crack repair, and rearview mirrors. We had already been to isle 11. I spied the ATV section and wandered over there. After all, I am sure people bang up their ATVs and need them fixed. And low and behold, beside the ATV stuff was the Body Repair section. They had sand paper, and paint, and gasp, Fiberglass mat. It was even labeled ‘fiberglass mat’ on the package and the receipt says ‘fiberglass mat’ on it.
We forgot our cargo nets at home. So we picked up some new ones in Wal-Mart. We looked for some balaclava but we couldn’t find any. After that we went to dinner at the Japanese Steakhouse where the manager was quite amazed to see we had chosen to ride in.
And when we left, it was dark. Early night time is a beautiful thing. The streetlights cast golden pools onto the road. The last bit of illumination in the sky outlines the trees and buildings. It is very pretty and as it all vanishes into the night it is very dark.
At that point I managed to loose my boyfriend. He ran out of gas. Much to our shock, he was at 137 miles from his last fill up. We figured we had a good bit more. I totally missed him flashing and trying to get my attention. I realized that he was probably not behind me but it was dark and I waited until I got to a lit area to stop and wait for him, which happened to be a gas station. I figured I’d give it a few minutes and then go back and find him. He appeared, a bit annoyed with me for going so far, but once again this rolls back into our comfort level with things.
The gas thing is probably due to break-in. I’ve now ticked over 200 miles and he is just over 300. I know my shifts are still throttle heavy, as is my starting from a stop. He was a bit ticked about it but I told him that it should improve as the engines break in and we improve as riders.
I did cut in front of one driver without using my signal on the way back home. It was an accident. My thumb slipped off the turn signal without activating it. I was in the middle of a multifaceted situation and I had to commit to my lane change. The car was a bit ticked, but then I had to get in front of him because he was riding in my blind spot and I was coming up on another vehicle as well as their being a vehicle behind us. I decided to make the lane change and it irritated him, oh well.
Our discussion on how the ride went was very good. His only comments are things that will always vary between the two of us. Points to merge into traffic from a stop and speed. But those are things that will improve with time. Right now I wait for the road to be clear before I merge into traffic. My chances of stalling are still high enough for me to drive completely within my comfort. The turn signal sitting on my desk and the package of fiberglass mat remind me of why I will always stay within my comfort and ride my own ride. I wish I hadn’t have had to learn it so hard and early.
I spent yesterday looking at the thermostat. It slowly crept up into the 40’s as the day progressed. I watched it like one might watch their favorite cake bake. It was mildly obsessive and very pathetic.
Around 4:30 we went out. I needed to pick up a few small items (the fiberglass mat to repair my fairing, some hair stuff) and perhaps eat. We debated the time and the sky, switched to our clear visors. We put on a pair of sweatpants under our jeans and two shirts on. We’re really trying to find riding pants that fit, it’s a frustrating search to find them to try them on.
We’re not yet ready for the interstate (this is ride 4) so we took the local roads. To get the secondary way into the city we where headed to we had to go down the back side of our mountain. It would be considered a twisty road, about 6 miles of it. It is a very popular local sport for bikers (motor and leg).
I am proud to say that I had not forgotten everything over the past several days without riding. The very first thing to happen about a mile from my house was a deer jumped out in front of me. Fortunately, I was not going that fast and was able to slow while it scampered across the road. Note to self, it had to be a buck because it was huge. Deer never seemed that big in my Wrangler.
I did well on the road itself, keeping a bit over the speed limit. I only had one ‘oh "poo poo"’ moment where I wanted to panic. A left hand decreasing radius turn. I looked into it and pushed in the direction and made it beautifully. I found relaxation after the moment of panic came much faster this time and my mind cleared quickly to handle the rest of the steep downhill turns. Something flashed in the back of my mind… am I getting the hang of this?
We hit route 50 and merged into traffic. The air was clear if overcast, the wind was low, and for the first time riding with traffic or a bit above it was pleasurable. The wind really buffets but its just the wind from 70mph. It’s a bit uncomfortable after 65 and at 70 I don’t really want to travel any faster from the smashing its giving me. I relaxed my arms and let my body take it, but I’m going to have to work on this.
Our first stop was the bike shop to get a heavier pair of gloves for the b/f. The turn came up a bit faster then I expected and I had to abort my plans to turn, slow, take the next turn, u-turn through the two stupid cars taking up the entire center of the median because they are impatient jerks, and head back. Not the most graceful thing but once again, its all about improvement.
This shop I saw also has a larger assortment of riding pants then the one I got my bike from. The people are not as helpful however. They are very nice, but I’ve gotten used to my shop where someone always comes over and asks if they can help and then helps if you tell them what you need. My shop also always has a selection of the starter bikes on the floor (Ninja 250, 500, GS500, etc) and they had one lone Ninja 600 and row after row of 600’s and 1000’s. A different atmosphere but not bad. I’m lucky to have two fully stocked sport bike shops within 20 miles each direction of the house. Beside it is the huge area Harley store. There is also a Ducati shop right beside the mechanic I use for the cars and a Triumph place on the other side of town.
The trips through town was almost uneventful. I was cut off at lights about 3 times, and once someone darted from the left lane, across my lane and into the turn lane at a light. Only they could have done the exact same thing behind us since there where no cars behind us. This is the same stupid behavior that happens to me in the car, but its even worse when you are on the bike. I’ve become more secure with changing lanes. I think I finally have my mirrors arranged well enough. I’m not having many problems with my turn signals. Funny enough, my low speed stuff is much more comfortable then my high speed. However, its all improving.
The first stop was at an automotive shop for some fiberglass mat for my cracked fairing. We wandered the store and then decided to do it the easy way and ask. Well, that might not have been as easy as we assumed. The guy said, “What?” and I said “Fiberglass Mat for body repairs?” and he goes “I haven’t heard of that. If we carry it its down in isle 11 with the repair stuff.”
Isle 11 contained liquid bonding stuff. Epoxy, glass crack repair, and rearview mirrors. We had already been to isle 11. I spied the ATV section and wandered over there. After all, I am sure people bang up their ATVs and need them fixed. And low and behold, beside the ATV stuff was the Body Repair section. They had sand paper, and paint, and gasp, Fiberglass mat. It was even labeled ‘fiberglass mat’ on the package and the receipt says ‘fiberglass mat’ on it.
We forgot our cargo nets at home. So we picked up some new ones in Wal-Mart. We looked for some balaclava but we couldn’t find any. After that we went to dinner at the Japanese Steakhouse where the manager was quite amazed to see we had chosen to ride in.
And when we left, it was dark. Early night time is a beautiful thing. The streetlights cast golden pools onto the road. The last bit of illumination in the sky outlines the trees and buildings. It is very pretty and as it all vanishes into the night it is very dark.
At that point I managed to loose my boyfriend. He ran out of gas. Much to our shock, he was at 137 miles from his last fill up. We figured we had a good bit more. I totally missed him flashing and trying to get my attention. I realized that he was probably not behind me but it was dark and I waited until I got to a lit area to stop and wait for him, which happened to be a gas station. I figured I’d give it a few minutes and then go back and find him. He appeared, a bit annoyed with me for going so far, but once again this rolls back into our comfort level with things.
The gas thing is probably due to break-in. I’ve now ticked over 200 miles and he is just over 300. I know my shifts are still throttle heavy, as is my starting from a stop. He was a bit ticked about it but I told him that it should improve as the engines break in and we improve as riders.
I did cut in front of one driver without using my signal on the way back home. It was an accident. My thumb slipped off the turn signal without activating it. I was in the middle of a multifaceted situation and I had to commit to my lane change. The car was a bit ticked, but then I had to get in front of him because he was riding in my blind spot and I was coming up on another vehicle as well as their being a vehicle behind us. I decided to make the lane change and it irritated him, oh well.
Our discussion on how the ride went was very good. His only comments are things that will always vary between the two of us. Points to merge into traffic from a stop and speed. But those are things that will improve with time. Right now I wait for the road to be clear before I merge into traffic. My chances of stalling are still high enough for me to drive completely within my comfort. The turn signal sitting on my desk and the package of fiberglass mat remind me of why I will always stay within my comfort and ride my own ride. I wish I hadn’t have had to learn it so hard and early.
------------------------
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
-
jstark47
- Site Supporter - Silver
- Posts: 3538
- Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 2:58 pm
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 16
- My Motorcycle: '12 Tiger 800, '03 Trophy 1200
- Location: Lumberton, NJ
Re: MSF Day Three
Little dual sports = Yamaha TW200's? Funny fat tires? I took my MSF on one. Much easier to handle than one of the little cruisers I think. I'd like to have one, too. The New Jersey Pine Barrens with miles of sand roads is just a little way aways from me.IcyHound wrote:The boyfriend and I made sure to nab our bikes from the previous day. The little duel sports where doing so well for us that we both are debating buying one in the future. They may be ugly but they are so capable.
Great blog, BTW! I'm still reading through it....
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
I almost got run over today. I was merging out of town onto the main road. I picked up my speed and merged like I meant business. A black vehicle, a Toyota 4 runner I think Why did I notice the vehicle type? My job has made me hyper aware of such details.
Anyway, Mr 4runner was in the left hand lane. I merged into the empty right. He decided he had passed onramp and it was safe to pull back into the right. The problem was that I was there. Fortunately I was in my power band and already on the throttle. I simply rolled on a bit more and squirted out of that possibly deadly gap as he yanked back into his own lane.
I went to Sam’s club. We picked up a Swiss Army backpack for Tim about two weeks ago and he loves it. It has a clip across the chest and its been riding really well for him. So I went to pick one up as well. I got a few looks as I strolled into the store. I grabbed the bag (one of two) and headed out. Tim had been worried that they would not accept his member card since I don’t share his name or look like him. I told him I’d have a fit first. The guy was looking more at my helmet and gear then the membership card. This stuff is useful.
As I was leaving one of the Sam’s club employees (she was vestless and I suspect management) ran over to me and asked me to wait. She goes, “Girl, you riding!” “Yes ma’am,” I say with a ridiculous grin. “That’s my dream.” She looks at me with this star struck gaze that I know isn’t about me, its about her personal dreams. “Damn, you probably look good in all of that!” “I sure hope so!” I say as I leave. Then as I was gearing up a couple that finished loading their car came over to kind of stare wistfully and ask me about gas mileage and such things.
I hit the gas station because I’d done almost 100 miles from my last tank. Until I am sure about my mileage I’m going to be filling up every 100 miles or so. I didn’t want to after work in the morning so now seemed like a good time. I pulled into the gas station and took off my gloves and helmet. The guy at the pump in front of me goes, “Why hello! Who would have thought there was a pretty lady under all of that?” I laughed (what else do you do in that type of situation? And said, “Its chilly when you’re riding at speed.” I think he stared at me while I was filling up but I didn’t pay attention or care much. He wished me a good and safe trip as he left.
I ordered the manufacture service manuals for the bikes as well. So I was quite productive and tonight I will be riding into work for the first time. Exciting.
The sucky part about having a gravel driveway is that after the stability of the road the gravel feels like utter "poo poo". However, this ride I did discover a oneness with the bike. It felt good and I feel good after riding it. I’m losing that sick lurch when it comes to corners and I’m starting to really lean my bike.
Anyway, Mr 4runner was in the left hand lane. I merged into the empty right. He decided he had passed onramp and it was safe to pull back into the right. The problem was that I was there. Fortunately I was in my power band and already on the throttle. I simply rolled on a bit more and squirted out of that possibly deadly gap as he yanked back into his own lane.
I went to Sam’s club. We picked up a Swiss Army backpack for Tim about two weeks ago and he loves it. It has a clip across the chest and its been riding really well for him. So I went to pick one up as well. I got a few looks as I strolled into the store. I grabbed the bag (one of two) and headed out. Tim had been worried that they would not accept his member card since I don’t share his name or look like him. I told him I’d have a fit first. The guy was looking more at my helmet and gear then the membership card. This stuff is useful.
As I was leaving one of the Sam’s club employees (she was vestless and I suspect management) ran over to me and asked me to wait. She goes, “Girl, you riding!” “Yes ma’am,” I say with a ridiculous grin. “That’s my dream.” She looks at me with this star struck gaze that I know isn’t about me, its about her personal dreams. “Damn, you probably look good in all of that!” “I sure hope so!” I say as I leave. Then as I was gearing up a couple that finished loading their car came over to kind of stare wistfully and ask me about gas mileage and such things.
I hit the gas station because I’d done almost 100 miles from my last tank. Until I am sure about my mileage I’m going to be filling up every 100 miles or so. I didn’t want to after work in the morning so now seemed like a good time. I pulled into the gas station and took off my gloves and helmet. The guy at the pump in front of me goes, “Why hello! Who would have thought there was a pretty lady under all of that?” I laughed (what else do you do in that type of situation? And said, “Its chilly when you’re riding at speed.” I think he stared at me while I was filling up but I didn’t pay attention or care much. He wished me a good and safe trip as he left.
I ordered the manufacture service manuals for the bikes as well. So I was quite productive and tonight I will be riding into work for the first time. Exciting.
The sucky part about having a gravel driveway is that after the stability of the road the gravel feels like utter "poo poo". However, this ride I did discover a oneness with the bike. It felt good and I feel good after riding it. I’m losing that sick lurch when it comes to corners and I’m starting to really lean my bike.
------------------------
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Re: MSF Day Three
There where two identical 200cc suzuki somethings and mine was a green kawasaki 200 something. They didn't have any markings other then the maker names.jstark47 wrote: Little dual sports = Yamaha TW200's? Funny fat tires? I took my MSF on one. Much easier to handle than one of the little cruisers I think. I'd like to have one, too. The New Jersey Pine Barrens with miles of sand roads is just a little way aways from me.
------------------------
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
We got balaclavas. It had made all the world of difference with these chilly rides. I’m still leery of rain, and I will buy rain gear once I have more experience. Right now its also raining at 40 degrees, that is unappealing.
However, I’ve now been able to ride to work 3 days this week. Its supposed to rain all day Friday, but already finically I’m not pouring the gas into my car. My car gets about 15-18mph (Jeep Wrangler, never would have gotten it if gas prices where like this, I’d have a station wagon. I need a vehicle to transport my dogs or I’d have gotten another Eclipse.) So even thou the bikes are not yet getting their true gas mileage, they are getting much better then the cars. Roughly 38-45mph right now on the bikes and I know I over rev and such things constantly. My job is 20 miles each way. All of our numbers state that with maintenance and gas and insurance the bikes will still save us a lot of money in gas from commuting.
Plus its FUN.
It was FUN yesterday, for the first time. I put in my ear plugs, bundled myself up in two layers of pants, a shirt and a sweatshirt, my arm chaps (leather arm covers, they make a big difference) my jacket with its liner, my fleece cold weather balaclava, wind proof gloves, race boots and socks and headed out.
I was warm. Everything was different with the ear plugs in. It does just cancel out the wind noise. I hadn’t noticed the wind noise until I put them in. I found myself riding faster then I have been. Comfortably faster. I laid my bike into the curves on my road without thinking about it. It was incredible. The gusts of wind didn’t bother me much and I kept up with traffic with ease.
And I was comfortable! This cold weather has been unpleasant. It was above freezing for once and I was bundled enough that I was nice and comfortable as I rode through the darkness.
I’m ecstatic.
However, I’ve now been able to ride to work 3 days this week. Its supposed to rain all day Friday, but already finically I’m not pouring the gas into my car. My car gets about 15-18mph (Jeep Wrangler, never would have gotten it if gas prices where like this, I’d have a station wagon. I need a vehicle to transport my dogs or I’d have gotten another Eclipse.) So even thou the bikes are not yet getting their true gas mileage, they are getting much better then the cars. Roughly 38-45mph right now on the bikes and I know I over rev and such things constantly. My job is 20 miles each way. All of our numbers state that with maintenance and gas and insurance the bikes will still save us a lot of money in gas from commuting.
Plus its FUN.
It was FUN yesterday, for the first time. I put in my ear plugs, bundled myself up in two layers of pants, a shirt and a sweatshirt, my arm chaps (leather arm covers, they make a big difference) my jacket with its liner, my fleece cold weather balaclava, wind proof gloves, race boots and socks and headed out.
I was warm. Everything was different with the ear plugs in. It does just cancel out the wind noise. I hadn’t noticed the wind noise until I put them in. I found myself riding faster then I have been. Comfortably faster. I laid my bike into the curves on my road without thinking about it. It was incredible. The gusts of wind didn’t bother me much and I kept up with traffic with ease.
And I was comfortable! This cold weather has been unpleasant. It was above freezing for once and I was bundled enough that I was nice and comfortable as I rode through the darkness.
I’m ecstatic.
------------------------
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
-
Scoutmedic
- Site Supporter - Gold
- Posts: 1627
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2005 9:05 am
- Real Name: Barry
- Sex: Male
- Years Riding: 7
- My Motorcycle: 2003 Honda Gold Wing
- Location: Corry, Pennsylvania
Just wait until it gets warmer. You'll like it even more. I absolutly LOVE riding at night when it's warm. I work 16 and 24 hour shifts. The 16 when I get done at 11pm is awesome. Usually very little traffic on the secondary roads I travel. Just me, the road and the great outdoors. 
Man your blog is getting me jealous. Still can't really ride here. Snowing at night and the roads are icey in places from late afternoon until late morning.
Stay Safe!
Man your blog is getting me jealous. Still can't really ride here. Snowing at night and the roads are icey in places from late afternoon until late morning.
Stay Safe!
Bike Repair - Fairing Repair
I slunk out into the shed and decided to take off my front cowl and repair my cracked fairing and add some more decals. It took me about 15 or 20 minutes to get the entire fairing off. I had to find each bolt. The headlight was the longest part. I had to pull out the wench set thingies, the one where you twist it back and forth and it clicks when it moves back but doesn't move the bolt. Is that a wrench? A socket? I don't know, but I don't have a problem using it. The angel was awkward however. I drive my boyfriend crazy with my descriptive terms with tools, but he has no problem letting me do the bulk of the install stuff in the house. I may not have a clue what they are called but I can use them and use them well. After I installed all of the shelves in the front room and he went back over them with the level and found them all even and level he left me to my own devices.
Disconnected the power linkage took me a second. I felt rather dumb when I saw I'd been pressing the tab the wrong way. I found out my mirrors and my light help hold the front cowl in place. It is really really solid. I took out 14 bolts to get it free. Once free it is very light and we escaped into the house away from the wind and cold.
My first duty was the epoxy and fiberglass. I cut the fiberglass into strips, mixed the epoxy and then had to go and close the screen door which the wind ripped open and it was banging and Nox was barking at it and annoying the hell out of me because his barking starts the afghans barking it was annoying. Problem is the Epoxy cures really fast. So I came back, mixed it again, and started to apply it. About two minutes later it started to cure. "fudge". I had more then enough on and I was coating the fiberglass mat down, but damn it. I'll probably get another tube of it just in case. But its nice and strong and my fairing is now backed by epoxy and fiberglass. Yay! I can't get the crack to flex. The crack itself was a V shape.
Then I started drawing decal designs to put over the crack The crack is about 8 inches long on the top and 5 on the bottom. It runs along a natural edge in the plastic which made it a bit tricky. In the pictures the two pieces on top of it are covering it.
But I am the determinant type. And with my soapy water and a lot of time I eventually smoothed it over the uneven edges and its all nice and stuck on now. The second problem was that my new turn signal does not have the back bracket. Damn. I ordered that and cursed myself. If you wreck your bike, pick up the pieces. The better idea would be to not wreck your bike in the first place. If I had picked up my shattered signal I'd still have my backing pieces and I'd not have had to buy new ones. Sigh.
I then added some decals to the front to give it a bit of character (and I love the reflectiveness) and volah! It is not perfect. I cut and place them by hand, but I think I'm doing a good job. I can take them off if I dislike them.
I was pleased with my productivity. However the bracket backs of the turn signal probably won't be here till the end of the week. I decided to also order heated grips and the b/f told me to just ride his bike until the pieces come in. He is out of town till Sunday. Then we can fix everything, install the grips and put the bike back together next weekend. I upped the shipping on the grips so that they get here in time.
I'll take some better pictures when the bike is all back together. The decals are all illuminated because the camera flash was on inside. They are a darker blue when not reflecting the light. I got the DIY sheets from street glow. I'm going to put two little patches around the rear tail light as well once it is a bit warmer. Anything to catch the cagers eye. I also plan to put some on the rear side panels.
You can see where the edge was ground away by my wreck and the bit of rash on the panel. Most of the damage was the crack and the turn signal I stupidly left in the road. Of course we where a bit upset and focused on other things but still... everything is a learning experience.
In the end I am pleased with myself. I did a lot of reading and then went at it. I want to take care of my own bike. I'm going to get the boyfriend to help me with the grips but thats because I've never done wiring of any type before.
Disconnected the power linkage took me a second. I felt rather dumb when I saw I'd been pressing the tab the wrong way. I found out my mirrors and my light help hold the front cowl in place. It is really really solid. I took out 14 bolts to get it free. Once free it is very light and we escaped into the house away from the wind and cold.
My first duty was the epoxy and fiberglass. I cut the fiberglass into strips, mixed the epoxy and then had to go and close the screen door which the wind ripped open and it was banging and Nox was barking at it and annoying the hell out of me because his barking starts the afghans barking it was annoying. Problem is the Epoxy cures really fast. So I came back, mixed it again, and started to apply it. About two minutes later it started to cure. "fudge". I had more then enough on and I was coating the fiberglass mat down, but damn it. I'll probably get another tube of it just in case. But its nice and strong and my fairing is now backed by epoxy and fiberglass. Yay! I can't get the crack to flex. The crack itself was a V shape.
Then I started drawing decal designs to put over the crack The crack is about 8 inches long on the top and 5 on the bottom. It runs along a natural edge in the plastic which made it a bit tricky. In the pictures the two pieces on top of it are covering it.
But I am the determinant type. And with my soapy water and a lot of time I eventually smoothed it over the uneven edges and its all nice and stuck on now. The second problem was that my new turn signal does not have the back bracket. Damn. I ordered that and cursed myself. If you wreck your bike, pick up the pieces. The better idea would be to not wreck your bike in the first place. If I had picked up my shattered signal I'd still have my backing pieces and I'd not have had to buy new ones. Sigh.
I then added some decals to the front to give it a bit of character (and I love the reflectiveness) and volah! It is not perfect. I cut and place them by hand, but I think I'm doing a good job. I can take them off if I dislike them.
I was pleased with my productivity. However the bracket backs of the turn signal probably won't be here till the end of the week. I decided to also order heated grips and the b/f told me to just ride his bike until the pieces come in. He is out of town till Sunday. Then we can fix everything, install the grips and put the bike back together next weekend. I upped the shipping on the grips so that they get here in time.
I'll take some better pictures when the bike is all back together. The decals are all illuminated because the camera flash was on inside. They are a darker blue when not reflecting the light. I got the DIY sheets from street glow. I'm going to put two little patches around the rear tail light as well once it is a bit warmer. Anything to catch the cagers eye. I also plan to put some on the rear side panels.
You can see where the edge was ground away by my wreck and the bit of rash on the panel. Most of the damage was the crack and the turn signal I stupidly left in the road. Of course we where a bit upset and focused on other things but still... everything is a learning experience.
In the end I am pleased with myself. I did a lot of reading and then went at it. I want to take care of my own bike. I'm going to get the boyfriend to help me with the grips but thats because I've never done wiring of any type before.
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Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Kawasaki Fangirl
I ride Mantis - Yamaha FZ6
Re: Bike Repair - Fairing Repair
RatchetIcyHound wrote:I had to pull out the wench set thingies, the one where you twist it back and forth and it clicks when it moves back but doesn't move the bolt. Is that a wrench? A socket?
Great reading IcyHound!
Nice job on the repairs and decals.
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Apollofrost
- Legendary 750
- Posts: 859
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 3:54 pm
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- Location: Bay Area