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Older Stuff:
Memorial Day - Aug. 15 I bought the tire through Chaparal Racing. It's a Dunlop K591. That's what was on the rear and the front, so I wanted to keep with that for now. I took the tire (actually my wife followed me in her Jeep with the tire) and bike to a local dealer and paid them about $50 bucks to remove the rear, mount the new tire and put everything back together again. I just didn't feel comfortable taking the rear tire off yet by myself. Also, no centerstand, which made the choice even easier! Of course when I picked up the bike that night it was storming and raining hard and I didn't have any rain gear. I had a colleague from work drop me off, so coming back the next day wasn't an option. I could just hear my wife saying "you bought the bike, now you ride it home." I really wasn't too concerned, until the lady in the service department stuck a big red sticker on the invoice that said "WARNING, NEW TIRES ARE EXTREMELY SLICK FOR THE FIRST 100 MILES." Great, I thought as dime-sized raindrops bounced off my still shiny-new helmet. I got soaked, but it was a good learning experience (did you know doing a head-check at 60 miles an hour is a great way to clear your visor of water?). The first weekend after I bought the bike I rode about 90 miles on a Saturday to a family event (my wife and kids followed in the Jeep), stayed overnight and came back the next day. It was a nice, easy ride on mostly country roads. After I stopped for a breather at the half-way point I was much more relaxed. The way back was no stopping and even more fun. During the trip I opened it up to about 75, just to see what it felt like. Man, it's easy to go fast. By the time I finished thinking about lowering my wrist, I was going as fast as I wanted to go. On that trip I also passed my first bikes coming the other way and discovered the joy of the "brotherhood wave" (sorry ladies, not trying to be sexist). It's hard to describe the prideful-like feeling that filled my chest the first time I exchanged waves with a rider coming the other way. Since then the feeling has lessened, but only a little. Now I'm actually disappointed if another rider doesn't wave, unless the traffic is really brutal, in which case I wouldn't wave either. At about 14,600 miles I decided to change the oil. This, I figured, was something I could do myself. I read all the oil debates I could find online and settled for what the previous owner recommended -- Mobil 1. I picked up the oil at Wal-Mart and the filter from the local auto parts store and went at it. I learned a few lessons, but got the job done with no subsequent leaks. I'm planning for oil changes about every 4,000 miles or so. Sooner if my regular oil checks start looking really dirty. I've mainly done the daily commute and a few weekend morning rides -- none more than two hours. I'm learning my way around the back roads and expanding my skills. I've also made a few trips back to the nearby MSF range for some practice sessions. I'd still like to get some more experience with higher-speed emergency stops and swerving, but there just aren't enough hours in the day sometimes.
August 15- August 18- I spent the next day at the beach with the family (they were there visiting relatives for the week) and headed out about 5:30 a.m. Friday morning to get back to work. As I headed up the beach toward the bridge to the mainland, I could see lightning well to the north. I hoped I'd miss the rain, but no such luck. About 30 miles from home I caught some light sprinkles and the roads were very wet. I slowed, and decided to stay on 168 (four-lane) all the way into Virginia, since it drains better than the country roads and there would be less chance of branches and leaves on the road. I got home about 7 a.m., and was cold! Sixty degrees, 60 miles per hour, rain and no riding jacket took their toll. The FirstGear jacket just moved up on the priority list. After a shower I watched the weather channel for the local doplar look -- rain coming in fast. I skipped breakfast, hopped on the bike and headed to work. Missed the rain, parked in the garage -- then rode home, again missing the rain. A good trip all around -- about 180 miles round trip. August 22- On the way in I passed about two dozen riders on sport bikes heading out for a ride. Mostly squids, though. T-shirts, shorts and sneakers -- good for a laugh, but at least they were out riding. The wife was busy playing on the computer when I left the second time and she told me to have fun while I was out, and gave me two errands to run. I took her at her word -- did the errands on the way back from the office and headed south to the country for some good curve time on the twisty roads. I'm getting more and more confidence in the turns, but still have to force myself to look where I want to go, not at the road condition in the turn. I've noticed when I really look far, I have a much easier time keeping my line. MSF is right again! All total, about 100 miles on the bike today. Lots of fun!
Folks, Just walked into the office after the best in-bound commute I've everhad on my '91 Nighthawk 750. I can't seem to wipe the smile off myface, so maybe sharing will help...I let the bike warm up for a few extra minutes this morning to get ridof the lag in the first few miles. Pulling out of the subdivision I could tell the day was starting right when I got an "I'm envious" nod from a guy picking up his newspaper. A few twisties later I'm at thefirst major intersection. Imagine my surprise when there is virtuallyno traffic. Light turns green, ease on through the left-hand turn andpop across the steel-grate drawbridge. I've got a choice ahead, take the straight road that turns into the Interstate feeder into downtown, or turn left, ease through the backroads and pick up the interstate without the extra merge hassle where two interstates intersect. No one's turning left, so I flick the signal button, ease on the brakeand drop it down to second. No traffic coming my way, but there'sgravel in the intersection... slow down some more, look, slight leanand easy role.The left is followed by an immediate right and as I get ready to popinto third and roll through the turn, I notice one of those big orangediamond temporary construction signs on the right -- Uh Oh, bad choice? Not too bad; a group of kids cleaning up the left side of the roadabout 1/4 mile ahead. No sweat, stay in third at about 40 mph, ease tothe center to avoid the Yayhoo on a bike heading my way in my lane, andpunch it once I'm past the kids and bike.I'm hitting 60 as I exit the next sweeping right turn, stillcomfortable in third. Shift to fourth and take it to 65, then to fifthand settle back down to 60. "Nice -- sunny -- 80 degrees -- smile. Ohyeah, work." A few miles later I have to turn left and then right to get on theinterstate. I wait at the light behind a lady in a four-door sedancage. We make the turn and she's going alright, but headed for theonramp also. At least it's not a full dump truck dropping dirt androcks like a few weeks ago.We head up the ramp kind of slowly, but it's got an extra-long mergelane so I'm not too worried. we get to the top and I head check overthe left shoulder -- no one in the near lane, fast-movers in the centerand far lanes. Turn back and I see red. SHIT, the #$!@%$^ lady hasher brakes on! Downshift to second while I squeeze the brakes andspeed drops to about 30. She eases into the lane -- another head checkand I'm right behind her, but not for long. "Smile."Head check again. Can I make it before that truck? Safety first, I'll wait. Up to third and we're at 45 on the damn interstate. Truck goes past, there's a small brake in traffic. Flick the signal. Head Check. Lean into the lane. Varoom -- Love that 5000 rmp power snap Up to 65, shift to fourth. The truck pulls right in front of the lady. There's a car closing on my rear (even at 65), two on the left and thelady on the right. Open rode in front... a little down pressure on thewrist and it's up to 75 and fifth gear. No one around... getting smaller in the mirrors, too. "Bigger Smile." A few miles of 75 mph crusing and I'm back in traffic and down to 60-65. I'm not driving agressively, but the timing just seems to workout perfect. Into the the right lane as we go from three to two lanes. Around some slower traffic. Slide left. Slide right again and I'm in the clear. Man, this is fun and that's some power I've got under the tank! The commute has never been sweeter!I take the exit for downtown, cruise a couple of blocks and into the parking deck -- No Line! Unbeliveable. Ease up the deck to the fourth floor and the reserved motorcylce spot. The cage that came in behind me keeps going up, up, up. "Shit-eating Grin."Off with the gear... into the office... and time for the morning coffee. What a great start to the day! Now, about that lunch hour:-) Received my used centerstand from Brian today (there's a photo of his yellow Nighthawk on my cycle links page). I went back over the postings on the CB 750 Egroup and tried a couple of different methods before finding what worked best for me. I ended up hooking up the spring first, putting in the bolt near the spring partway, putting in the other bolt and then tightening everything down. I think I may have mangled the spring side theads a bit 'cause it was much harder to tighten than when I dry fit everything (sans the spring), but since it's on well and I don't have any plans to remove it, I'm not too worried. The daily commute continues to be fun, but challenging. I have noticed the bright orange safety vest seems to improve visibility quite a bit. Since I started wearing it, I haven't been cut off yet. I still ride like I'm invisibile, but it's nice not to have so many heart-wrenching "oh shit" moments where I cover the clutch and brakes and hope for the best. With Hurricane Dennis churning off the North Carolina coast, I stopped by Adventure BMW in Chesapeake on the way home today and bought some rain gear. Trying to get the most bang for my buck, I picked up a Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket and am very pleased with the selection. I had looked at it a few weeks ago after reading some posts online and pretty much decided it would meet my daily riding, foul-weather riding and winter riding needs, all in one great package. The jacket is 3/4 length with a jillion pockets, air vents in the sleeves, chest and back, adjustable waist "belt" and removable fleece liner. It seems very warm, yet looks like it will be comfortable on all but the hottest days. It also features padding in the shoulders, elbows and back. In addition to the jacket, I'd like to get the heavy padded overpants. But since the lining doesn't come out, I'm saving those for the winter. Instead, I bought a pair of Firstgear rain pants. They appear to be made very well, with zippered legs that "flare" to pull on over boots. The whole get-up is black, but since I wear my orange reflective safety vest when I ride, I think visibility will be less of an issue. I took the Jeep to work Monday and Tuesday since I didn't have rain gear. I'll try the new stuff out in Dennis' worst and let you know how it works out.
Both the pants and the jacket are medium, which seem to fit nicely over my clothes, but not to baggy so that they catch the wind. I'm 5' 8" and about 140 pounds and the sizes seem just right. I highly recommend both the jacket and pants and am very impressed with the workmanship and quality. No riding today -- still raining cats and dogs. The SUN finally came out and I managed to sneak away Sunday afternoon (Sept. 5) for a two-hour 70 mile ride through the back country roads in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. I've been waiting for some nice weather to practice my cornering techniques and this was a great day. Wore the new jacket with all vents open and it worked well in the 80 degree, humid sunshine. I did have to watch out on the roads, though. There was lots of debris -- leaves, pine needles and branches leftover from the storm -- kept me on my toes and practicing those SIPDE skills! No serious leaning, but I'm learning -- I did work on downshifting to reduce speed leading up to a turn and was able to go several miles at a time with no braking. Loads of fun all around. September 6 -- Managed to get an hour or so in this morning. First went by TCC and worked on their MSF course for 20 minutes or so. It had been awhile since I practiced emergency braking, so the refresher was good. Also did some figure-8s, working on throttle control, looking through the turn and leaning. I feel more confident working the bike in the twisties -- still not grinding any pegs. After the practice session I went for a short ride, taking some roads I haven't ridden before, and put my cornering practice to use! Found a new way to get around the interstate that was loads more fun... gassed up and headed home to paint the bathroom -- got to keep the wife happy, you know. Perhaps I'll sneak in another ride later this evening. The wife and I went out on Saturday the 11th and picked up a helmet for her, anticipating a Sunday ride after a trip to my cousin's for baby sitting services. So, Sunday, we headed over and dropped of the kids and my cousin and his wife got out his Harley Road King and off we went. We headed out of rural Chesapeake to Pungo Ferry Road into Va. Beach and from there down Princess Anne to Knotts Island in North Carolina. It took about 15 miles before I was really used to having thewife on the back, especially when braking. We stopped on Knotts Island for a few sandwiches at the general store and headed to the ferry over the Currituck Sound and into Curritcuk County, NC. Ate lunch while waiting for the ferry (it runs every two hours) and basically enjoyed the sunny weather. It was very nice after so many weeks of hurricane rains (of course another is on the way). We rode over on the ferry -- joined by four Harley riders outfitted in black with beer belly's and tattoos, and an older couple on a Honda CBR 900. From Currituck we followed Highawy 168 back to VA, where we dropped back onto the country roads for the trip home. It was about 80 miles all together and with the ferry, took about four hours. I would have rather spent the downtime riding, but it was a nice break since my wife was getting used to the bike and we didn't want her to get too saddle sore. It must have worked, now she's talking about the two of us taking some weekend trips! I can't wait!
September 13 -- On the way home after our Sunday ride, I noticed increasing vibration coming through the left foot peg, along with a lot of noise in low gears. I put the bike on the centerstand when I got home and really checked out the chain and rotation. There was an odd clunking noise coming from the counter sprocket for about 1/2 of it's revolution. Uh oh. It was too late to do anything that night, other than lube the chain, but I did notice the chain seemed to have a binding link. I rode the bike, carefully, to work the next day and since the chain definately needed replacing, ordered a new one and sprockets from Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse. At home that night I pulled the counter sprocket cover and the counter sprocket and cleaned everything up. Didn't notice any problems or stripping with the CS shaft, but I cleaned everything up and definately determined it was the chain causing the problems. I took it for a test ride afterwards and the noise had diminished, but not gone away. Riding slowly w/no hard acceleration until the new parts come in! Riding has been mostly the daily commute lately, with lots of RAIN! I received my new chain and sprockets today and spent about three hours getting them on after work. The biggest problem was in removing the stock endless chain w/out a chain breaker. I ended up taking a sawzall to it (reciprocating saw) and making a mess of it and myself. However, good-old manly powertools won out over steel, and it came off. The new sprockets went on pretty much without a hitch, although I did have a scary momenty while tring to loosen the rear sprocket nuts -- using a breaker bar I actually started to lift the bike up and forward off the centerstand! Luckily I noticed before the bike went off the stand and got my wife to sit on the bike with the brakes locked. It was a dirty job, but I figure I saved a good amount of money and had quite a bit of personal satisfaction from the ordeal. Many thanks to Randy O for his helpful instructions! I also decided the dry rot on the front tire was really dry rot and the hairline cracks were getting larger. I ordered a new tire... not the size I wanted, the stock size is on back order. Hope it gets here soon! The new tire arrived and Saturday morning I took off the old tire and had a local shop mount the new one. I'll take it for a test on Sunday. Okay, size does matter! I tried out the new tire today and it's noticeably different. Dropping from a 110/80-18 to a 100/80-18 makes the bike really pull into slow speed turns. The whole bike felt quite a bit shakier for the first few miles. I rode the two miles down the road to TCC and spent about 30 minutes practicing the MSF drills in the parking lot before I felt comfortable taking the bike out on the twisties. I still took it easy -- the narrower tire is going to take some getting used to. However, it did seem to lean into the corners much easier, although there was noticeable pressure on the countersteering arm at all speeds. I'll give it a week before I decide for sure whether the new tire is better, worse or just different. I put about 40 miles on the tire. I've also tried a few different combinations to mount my gear for the upcoming Egroups ride in western VA, WVA and NC. Really looking forward to it and thinking about picking up a tank bag and windshield between now and then.
October 2 -- I got up early Friday morning feeling like it was Christmas morning and I was a kid again. After a quick breakfast and a once-over on the bike, I was ready to hit the road. The temps were in the low 50s, so I bundled up with long underwear, a facemask, ski gloves and a sweatshirt under my jacket. I headed west out of Chesapeake on Route 58. It was pretty chilly, but the sun was out, the sky was blue and it promised to be a great day. About 45 minutes into the trip I passed Franklin, where Hurricane Floyd had dumped so much water the entire downtown was flooded. I went by on the bypass, but it was weird, especially since the saw mill was closed and the air actually smelled fresh. I was able to cruise along at about 65, but the road was pretty bumpy and my bungeed-on gear kept inching me forward toward the gas tank. About every mile or two I'd have to brace my feet on the pegs and firmly push back with my legs and rear to get the gear back where it belonged. I stopped outside Lawrenceville for a bite to eat and bathroom break at the Golden Arches and returned to the road fairly refreshed. I stopped again in South Boston where I ate lunch, gassed up and called Larry Nice's house in Winston Salem, N.C. Larry was ready to roll, and Don MacArthur from Raleigh and Jim Heinz from Pinehurst had arrived not long before. We did a little distance/time planning and agreed to meet in Stuart, VA in an hour and half -- I was 90 miles away, so figured no problemO. Met up with the guys right on time. I knew I was in the right place when I saw two Nighthawks loaded with gear parked in the corner of a gas station. Went inside and walked up to the middle-aged guys with smiles and there they were. After a bite to eat we were ready to head up Route 8 toward Blacksburg. As we loaded up, about 15 Harley's came by with lots of pipe noise. Man, I would have hated to be in the rear of that group! Route 8 was my first experience with true twisties and it was great. We stayed loose, w/ me in the back getting to know the riding styles. It wasn't very pretty, but we were having fun. Jim kept his cowboy boots propped up on highway pegs, Don had the packhorse look and Larry looked like he stepped out of a magazine photo shoot in black leather and no sign of bungee cords! We stopped in Floyd for a visit to the Floyd General Store, home of the best Bluegrass music in five counties. The older gentleman running the place showed us a photo from his wallet of a 1930s era Harley or Indian, with him on it in the snow. We tried to talk him into going with us, but he declined and drove off later in a RX7 -- go figure. After a little creative interpretation of the directions, Don eventually led us to Hoyt's home in the moutains/ campground. Not the KOA, but it worked for us. Hoyt motored into town for some welcome beers and we set up camp. After dinner at a local Italian place it was back to camp for some stories around the fire. The next morning we were up early and after a greasy breakfast at Hardees, and a scenic tour of several housing developments while Hoyt tracked down the babysitters house, it was off to the races. Hoyt led the five-bike parade out route 460 and up Route 42 toward Roanoke. OKAY, I'M BACK... Route 42 starts off through the trees along a beautiful valley before it climbs up into some winding hills. We were all going along at a pretty good clip -- 75 or so, enjoying the sunshine and getting used to the back road. There were quite a few spots where we could really open it up coming out of turns and we made the most of it! There was one really nice stretch, probably about a mile or so over some light rises and gentle, sweeping turns as we worked across a valley. Near the end of the run there was a semi-blind turn to the left, with trees in the inside corner on an embankment, so you couldn't see what was coming. I had settled into the tail position, getting used to the turns and the guys. About the time Larry was starting to lean over into the turn, I saw a big, yellow truck grill coming around the turn, half in Larry's lane. He flicked the bike up and disappeared as the truck continued coming around the corner. I started getting worried when I saw the truck start to shudder and slide further into our lane, tires smoking and dirt and rust flying. Don was between me and the truck and his brake lights came on as he slowed as much as he could before taking the extreme outside of the corner. I managed to slow even more as the truck finally started straightening up and eased through the rust and dirt in the road, fully expecting to find Larry and his bike spread out all over the road. But all was well and I could see Don shaking his head as he poured on the gas to catch up with the others. A few miles later and we were ready for an adreneline break, right as we started working our way down some twisties coming out of the hills. After a short break while Larry pulled his leathers from where they had been sucked between his cheeks, we headed on down the hill. Before heading off, I uttered a fateful comment, "The downhills are a bit trickier." A few mile later and we stopped at the intersection of 311 and 42 so Larry could visit the men's room. Then it was back up into the hills. This was the most challenging riding I had every done in my life. Tight, banked turns -- one right after another. There was gravel in the turns and on a few I felt my tires hop a bit, but I was too busy concentrating on looking through the turns, keepin my lean angle and watching out for oncoming traffic. When the guys decided to pass some slower cars on the double-yellow, I stayed behind, content to motor along at my own speed. A few miles later I passed Larry on the side of the road where he was waiting for me. I thought that was a nice touch. The slower cars pulled off and in less than a minute we were back up with the rest of the guys, powering up the mountain into West Va. heading toward the intersection with Route 3. On the downhill side I was taking it easy, not pushing too hard, when I entered what turned out to be a hairpin left turn with a patch of gravel right in my line. I'm not sure exactly what happened, but here's what I think happened: I was leaned over pretty good, looking through the turn when the bike started slipping out from under me on the gravel. I stood the bike up and put some serious pressure on the brakes as I watched the side of the road rush up to meet me. My last thoughts as I left the road were that I would simply ride it out in the leaves and ease back on the road none the worse for the wear. The next thing I remember, I was on my back looking up at the trees in some serious pain. Later there was Larry and a Harley rider, a cop and an ambulance ride with what seemed like a really cute EMT, but I was so loopy she could have been 400 pounds and I couldn't have cared less. After several hours in the hospital getting x-rays, modern medicine kicked me out and it was off to the local motel, courtesy of the manager and Larry and Jim's thoughtfulness. A few hours later Don joined us, fresh from his own visit to the ER. It seems he had crashed in the very next corner. I ended up with severe muscle ache. Don has a nice separated shoulder. The next day Don's wife drove up from Raleigh and drove us back to N.C., where my wife picked me up and took me on home. Special thanks to Larry Ice and Jim Heinz for taking care of the wounded -- even packing up our gear back at the campground. Oct. 15 -- I drove out to Gap Mills, W.Va. today and picked up both bikes in a trailer pulled behind my wife's Jeep. It was a 13 hour round trip by myself. Not fun, but I got the job done. The bikes are now both at Honda of Norfolk awaiting repairs and the magic of insurance. Oct. 27 -- After a month of getting rides to work from my wife, I few into Norfolk from a business trip and on a whim called the local Honda dealer from the airport. As luck would have it, Dave Hunter had just totaled up my bill. I got a colleague to drop me by the shop (it's near the airport) and called my wife and got her to bring me my riding gear and extra helmet. I traded her my luggage for the gear and an hour after leaving the airport I was mounting the bike and heading for the Interstate. Not feeling too confident with my first ride since the accident, I skipped the onramp and road through town. It was very wierd. I felt like I was going out with an old girlfriend after a rough breakup. But it didn't take long before I stopped worrying and started enjoying the ride. Oct. 29 -- I installed my new Plexifairing 3 from National Cycle. It took about an hour and a few days later I had to adjust it again, but I looks like it will offer great winter protection. Nov. 6&7 -- Saturday was beautiful and I got outside early and washed the bike for the first time since getting it back from the shop. I checked the oil, cleaned and lubed the chain and got ready for a nice ride, when the family duties caught up with me. It wasn't until Sunday afternoon that I was able to get out for my first pleasure ride since the accident. Up to now I'd only been doing the daily commute. I spent about an hour hitting my favorite back roads, riding some roads twice as I regained my confidence in the corners. I'm still a bit skittish in really sharp turns, but I'm working through it as best I can. Unless you've been there yourself, I don't think you'd understand, and it's kind of hard to explain. But I still love the bike and wouldn't trade it for anything. November 16 -- It was 35
degrees, clear and crisp when I fired up the 'hawk this November 26 -- My wife and I went for an after-thanksgiving ride on Friday, our second ride together, and the first since the accident. We managed to pawn the kids off on my parents after Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday and sent them home to Deltaville, about an hour and a half from our house. However, we hadn't planned on them going home with the grandparents and the kids only had what they were wearing. Our bright idea was to send the kids with my parents, then get up in the morning and make a round trip on the bike with the kids' stuff in the saddlebags. We headed out about 9:30 with about 35 minutes of steady interstate travel. No real problems, other than lots of traffic. Took Route 17 North through Newport News, before hitting the back roads heading toward Matthews. That was the most enjoyable part -- away from traffic lights and the cages. The wind was picking up, but it was still fun. There's nothing like having your loved one behind you on the bike, squeezing softly every now and then to let you know she's there! By the time we reached the house we'd logged 90 miles and were ready for a break! After an hour or so visiting, we headed back on some different back roads, looping through Matthews to stop for lunch at Daffodils. Not great, but good food. We were soon back on the road, as the clouds and rain rolled in. We only got a few sprinkles and stopped for gas at the same time, so it wasn't too bad (we were wearing rain gear anyway, just in case). Overall it was a great day. A good experience for the both of us and my wife said she really enjoyed herself. I learned the bike handles quite a bit differently when riding two-up. Especially coming off the line a stop lights where it really laggs. Also, the suspension leaves quite a bit to be desired, even after adjusting the rear. However, since 95% of my riding is just me, the bike is still perfect, and can easily handle the ocassional two-up riding. [Home][Wood Stuff][Motorcycle Stuff][Photography][What's New] |
