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I recently received an oil analysis report from Blackstone Labs with the second oil change on my 599. I used Mobil 1 "full synthetic" gold cap - 15W30, not energy-conservering.

It's interesting to note the Mobil 1 15W-30 has more "moly" (molybdenum), at a concentration of 79 parts per million (PPM) than: Castrol GTX 20W-50 (27 PPM), Castrol GTX 5W-30 (47 PPM), and Valvoline 5W-30 (50 PPM). Only Pennzoil 5W-30 has more, at 161 PPM.

So it's actually easier on your motorcycle's wet clutch to use the "energy conserving" Castrol GTX oils and Valvoline than Mobile 1's gold cap offerings.

Food for thought.

I figured there was a first time for everything:



Why, hello!



A quick run to Schuck's, the only place open today in town, and I'm back in business:

Unfortunately, you do need to break the carbs down into component parts. Looks like the internal passages will be all gummed up. I bought a sonic cleaner off ebay. Its the only way to get all the goop out. I have restored 3 sets of carbs so far with amasing results, got rif of everything that was wrong, from mid range flat spots to inability to start.........

My GF and I are taking the Idaho STAR riding course this weekend. We just got back from the classroom session, tomorrow we're on the range on the bikes.

Our instructors are an older couple that have been riding for more than twice as long as I've been on the planet.

Tomorrow should be a fun day of abusing the poor little 250s on the course.

My GF went from never riding a motorcycle before to passing the Idaho STAR riding exam in just a Friday, Saturday and Sunday! I was a bit worried since she had a bit of trouble to start, including dropping her bike in the fourth exercise, but she learned extraordinarily quickly and passed.

I had a good time, too. Nothing real challenging for me and I didn't learn anything new. Except, perhaps, I haven't picked up any bad habits. The instructors pulled me aside and requested I try out to be an Idaho STAR instructor. The only way to do that is to be recommended, so I'm giving it some honest thought. There is a shortage of instructors in the area, like every other area, so I think it'd be a great way to give back to the riding community. I'll sleep on it and get in touch with the people in Boise, ID, who handle it all. It should be a great way to spend more time doing what I love and giving back to the riding community.

I was out the door a good 10 minutes early on Monday, stoked I had plenty of time to make coffee. Bike doesn't start, battery was totally dead. I suppose it was from getting no lovin' over the weekend and maybe it was jealous over the attention the Nighthawk received. I threw it on my battery tender after work (where I was five minutes late).

I call around and find someone who has a new battery in stock. I zipped down there today on my recovered battery to pick it up and a dark smoke visor for my helmet. Just in time for less daylight!

After I got off work and finished running errands, I saw all the parts for my Katana have arrived. Now I have no excuse and suppose I should try to get the thing running again. Begin the pain and suffering!

But first, tonight is for relaxing with a stiff drink and a cigar.

Since my friend has bailed on a "big" trip for the past 12 months, I'm doing it myself. Off to Yellowstone National Park next week. Taking off a few days to be sure to spend the weekend with my GF and I'll be set. Stealth camping to lower the cost and we'll have lots and lots of fun.

I decided to do this at work today (Th), so I'll have to hammer out some more detail as I go. I'm hoping to catch up with family and friends in Salmon, ID on the return leg, but we'll see how things go. I want to hit up Yellowstone, Tetons and Craters of the Moon on this trip, but I'll play it by ear.

Early Saturday morning escapades. Be sure to start with a clean working area:



Err, that's better:



Almost there:



We may have ignition tonight, but hopefully by the end of the weeknd at the latest.

Wow, looks clean enough to eat off of

Current plans for my trip next week:

First day (Th):
Pullman, WA to Pncher Creek, Alberta (or somewhere up there). I might change that to Banff instead of Glacier.

Second day (Fri):
Head east to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, then circle down to Billings, MT. Maybe just into Wyoming.

Third day (Sat):
Head into Yellowstone, meeting up with a friend from Denver. Hike around a bit.

Fourth day (Sun): Head back west through Craters of the Moon National Monument and haul butt up north to get back into town just in time to pass out for work the next day.