Toyuzu wrote:I RODE to work, worked, then RODE home.
Does this mean the snow is gone?
I also rode to work and back....in the rain.
Yes, for the moment. I rode today in the rain too, and had the opportunity to try out my new rain gear for the first time. It turns out they only make rain gear for people with very short legs. I am more than happy - extatic even, over their tank bag, it is currently in use on it's third motorcycle in 6 years. They need help in the riding attire department though. My Nelson Rigg Rain suit, size Large is made for a size "not at all large". I am only 5' 10", but the pants are about to split at the knees. For a rider to be comfortable, they would need to be at least 2 inches longer in the inseam.
[i]Only the dead have seen the end of war. (Plato)[/i]
rode a Buell Ulysses the other day. after the first turn or two, i found myself really enjoying the seating position. made me feel much more visible being that high up instead of staring at truck tires on my Victory Hammer. was able to look over and was same eye level as the gentleman in the F-150 next to me. granted, i could only put one foot down flat at a stop (or both feet tip-toes), but what a difference the higher seat height and upright sitting position made for in-town comfort. felt so in control of the bike at all times and amazingly, didn't feel like i was perched atop this strange machine at all, which i've actually felt like on some other motorcycles. you know how some bikes you just feel like you're sitting on top of it and the whole bike is underneath you and sort of alien feeling whereas other bikes you feel more like you're sitting in the bike--part of the bike--and it just responds to your every input like an extension of your body...how it just sort of fits you and you become part of the bike immediately? well, despite the ergonomics of the Ulysses as a dual-sport/adventure bike, it really didn't feel awkward at all. i actually rather enjoyed it, to be honest. and that Buell engine was plenty peppy for in town and didn't miss a beat getting up to 80mph on the freeway. and boy, that big rotor up front stops the bike like right now. those brakes do not mess around at all, hats off to Mr Buell for that one, truly amazing how powerful they were but also provided very good feedback to the rider. the back brake felt a bit soft and ambiguous, but it may have been bad fluid or any number of other reasons as we got it from a local car dealership that took it in on trade so it's getting a full mechanical inspection tomorrow. but yeah, once i got the bike rolling out into traffic and felt that v-twin start pulling me up through the powerband, i completely forgot how ugly i've always thought those type of bikes were. hot damn that'd be a fun bike to have for commuting, especially if you spent the extra money on the factory luggage version. crisp and nimble steering, torquey v-twin, commanding view of traffic and easily visible, vibrant color schemes to catch the cager's eyes.... i might just have to tell Carrie not to put that bike up for sale yet...see if i can unload the R1 for enough money to pick me up a Ulysses....
"Dude, women are like Vol-Tron. The more you can hook up the better it gets!" --RvB
Currently waiting on a new hip before I can get a new bike.
Didn't ride into work today. Worked. Didn't ride home. Pined for absent motorcycle.
Hud
“Man has no right to kill his brother. It is no excuse that he does so in uniform: he only adds the infamy of servitude to the crime of murder.”
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Thanks guys.
As for the Ulysses Jaskc... The head office/instructor guy at MMI has one. He's a trials rider and takes his Ulysses where most dirtbikes won't go, so they're definitely more than capable! I like they front brake system they have, but I've heard they wear out more quickly and fade quicker too. Granted unless you're seriously canyon carving or on the race track I'm not sure it would matter much to you. The XB-Rs that it's based off of also got the award for best cornering motorcycle because of low drama, high feedback, and it just goes where you want it to.
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
Called the bike shop to get the run down on the repair work.
Starter motor has been rebuilt and now works......Connie LIVES!!!!!
Work left to do:
Tune up and changing all the fluids
Coolant flush and cooling system check, including fan and thermostat
As suspected, one of my front rotors is warped and needs replacing
New front tyre
New front brake pads
Valve adjustment
Replacing broken right side reflector
New grips
Suspension tweaking
Could of done most of it myself if my apartment management allowed me to turn my parking spot into a workshop, but they sort of frown on that for some reason. Looking at around C$1300 when all done, still be worth it to in the long run.
called the criminals at ride now about my r1...again. they're very sorry, but even though my bike was scheduled to be rebuilt this week and put all back together and ridable again, the tech that was supposed to put my engine together got sick so they didn't get it done. they also didn't call me after promising my bike back to me this week, but that's neither here nor there. they've also had my bike 2 months for a spun bearing, but that's also neither here nor there. it also took them 3 weeks to complete a visual inspection of the engine and discover that it didn't look like anything was wrong and they'd have to open it up and take a look, but again--neither here nor there.
i like the fact that it's all covered under warranty, but it'd be nice if someone up there had at least two brain cells to rub together until an idea sprung to life. "bloody" idiots. if i'd known it would take this long i woulda trailered it an hour down to another certified shop that actually works on bikes rather than letting them sit around collecting retirement checks.
"Dude, women are like Vol-Tron. The more you can hook up the better it gets!" --RvB
Currently waiting on a new hip before I can get a new bike.
Get a pick up truck and pick up your pieces of bike and drive it to the other dealer....or at least tell them you will if they don't get your bike done in another week.
I am more than happy - extatic even, over their tank bag, it is currently in use on it's third motorcycle in 6 years. They need help in the riding attire department though. My Nelson Rigg Rain suit, size Large is made for a size "not at all large". 
