Rides, ramblings and rants on a motorcycle.
- We are scientists, too!
3.16.2008,9:26 AM
I think I know where I am!
A common question I ponder aloud is: "Where am I?" Not that I am worried about being lost (except for once when the gas gauge was low), but mostly so that locations are retained in my head for future consideration. For instance, I spent hours locating the proposed Desert Rats' Camp Site using three maps (Google maps Terrain view, Google Earth and paper maps), photos I took around the site and memory. If I had a GPS then simply pressing a button "Mark" would have placed a waypoint on the exact location.
Months ago I had blogged about a Garmin mapping GPS, model 60CSx. Last November I borrowed one from a fellow rider and learned the basics of operation during a local hands-on class sponsored by REI. I liked it! Unfortunately, even the lowest price found on the Internet was unfordable for me so it was put on the 'Wish List'. I had priorities to spend money on.
I never really subscribed to the old cliche, "Good things come to those who wait". 'Waiting' often involves 'inaction', which usually results in nothing, sometimes offering convenient justification for people's avoidance of action (or being self-responsible) or for procrastination. So I don't really buy the idiom. However, it rang true in this case.
Two weeks ago I received an offer of first dibs on the very GPS unit (including mounting hardware) I had used in the course. Hardly used, and at less than half the cost of a new one, I could not afford to turn the offer down. So now I have a new (to me) module of my brain on my Whee.
The unit is loaded with City Navigator maps (NT, version 8), but I still have to purchase the database software to construct routes with waypoints and points-of-interest. That has now replaced the unit on my Wish List. Tires and a rear shock for the bike come first.
I am slowly learning all the functions of this little gem. Today I will use the GoTo and Navigation functions while riding to Bill's house where I will be tearing into the engine searching for the source of Tweety Bird.
Detailed reviews will be posted later as I gain more experience in using this little gem.
Months ago I had blogged about a Garmin mapping GPS, model 60CSx. Last November I borrowed one from a fellow rider and learned the basics of operation during a local hands-on class sponsored by REI. I liked it! Unfortunately, even the lowest price found on the Internet was unfordable for me so it was put on the 'Wish List'. I had priorities to spend money on.
I never really subscribed to the old cliche, "Good things come to those who wait". 'Waiting' often involves 'inaction', which usually results in nothing, sometimes offering convenient justification for people's avoidance of action (or being self-responsible) or for procrastination. So I don't really buy the idiom. However, it rang true in this case.
Two weeks ago I received an offer of first dibs on the very GPS unit (including mounting hardware) I had used in the course. Hardly used, and at less than half the cost of a new one, I could not afford to turn the offer down. So now I have a new (to me) module of my brain on my Whee.
The unit is loaded with City Navigator maps (NT, version 8), but I still have to purchase the database software to construct routes with waypoints and points-of-interest. That has now replaced the unit on my Wish List. Tires and a rear shock for the bike come first.
I am slowly learning all the functions of this little gem. Today I will use the GoTo and Navigation functions while riding to Bill's house where I will be tearing into the engine searching for the source of Tweety Bird.
Detailed reviews will be posted later as I gain more experience in using this little gem.
Labels: Review
11.01.2007,8:22 AM
Where am I??
Back in the old days of sophmore college classes, when I had designs on being a forester and out in the woods seven days a week, I took a semester of orienteering. I learned how to read topo maps, use a compass and azimuth, and other hand held devices. In those days global positioning devices were only in the hands of the military. Or very wealthy.
Now GPS's are common everywhere: cars, phones, bikes, boats, hiker's mitts. Many models to choose from and "where do we go?" A close friend and riding buddy often strikes out on paved roads, finds gravel roads to explore and ends up in the middle of "Where am I??" When it's time to return home he wakes up his GPS and hits the"Go Home" (but pay $200 or more) button.
My recent "Where the hell am I?" escapade on the Colorado River trip, and the "Where are we?" pondering on the back roads of Tennessee a few weeks ago have convinced me I need a GPS. We will absolutely need one when riding the Trans-America Trail.
No matter how techie and fancy those devices are they don't replace good basic orienteering skills: map and compass. Skills I have not used in decades and my then fancy $75 Silva compass is long gone. So it's time to refresh those skills and acquire new ones. I'm joining the techie generation: I'm buying a GPS (next year). I'm also replacing my long-gone Silva compass with a better one and less money.
I am registered for two GPS and compass classes in the local area. A fellow rider has offered to loan me his Garmin GPSMaps 60csx. This model is highly recommended by many on the Adventure Riders Forum (ADV) for reasons I will expound on later. This will permit me to learn to use a GPS and also try out this model. I'm thankful to Kurt for his loan.
A few riders on TWT have requested feedback on both the classes and the GPS. I've obliged and will post reports here for everyone.
Now GPS's are common everywhere: cars, phones, bikes, boats, hiker's mitts. Many models to choose from and "where do we go?" A close friend and riding buddy often strikes out on paved roads, finds gravel roads to explore and ends up in the middle of "Where am I??" When it's time to return home he wakes up his GPS and hits the"Go Home" (but pay $200 or more) button.
My recent "Where the hell am I?" escapade on the Colorado River trip, and the "Where are we?" pondering on the back roads of Tennessee a few weeks ago have convinced me I need a GPS. We will absolutely need one when riding the Trans-America Trail.
No matter how techie and fancy those devices are they don't replace good basic orienteering skills: map and compass. Skills I have not used in decades and my then fancy $75 Silva compass is long gone. So it's time to refresh those skills and acquire new ones. I'm joining the techie generation: I'm buying a GPS (next year). I'm also replacing my long-gone Silva compass with a better one and less money.I am registered for two GPS and compass classes in the local area. A fellow rider has offered to loan me his Garmin GPSMaps 60csx. This model is highly recommended by many on the Adventure Riders Forum (ADV) for reasons I will expound on later. This will permit me to learn to use a GPS and also try out this model. I'm thankful to Kurt for his loan.
A few riders on TWT have requested feedback on both the classes and the GPS. I've obliged and will post reports here for everyone.
Labels: Review
7.09.2007,8:41 AM
Biker Geekiness
Bikers, kick up your geekiness with a working replica of a bike engine. It is a USB port that sports (pun intended) a gear shift, starter (oh no; finger kick start!), and sound.
Check it out and watch the video.
SolidAlliance's 3-port USB Engine Hub
4.16.2007,10:09 PM
My horns saved my life today
No, loud pipes wouldn't have, nor would have my stock horn.
But four sharp repetitive blasts of my two air horns did.
They caught the attention of the young woman that was about to ram into the front side of me and my bike as I rode up 377 to 820. She braked half way into my lane.
It was a combination of my horns, vigilance and quick reflexes, checking my right mirror and veering right in a less than half a second, that saved me from a hard broadside collision and being a statistic again.
No, loud pipes don't save lives: attention, reflexes, reaction and loud horns do.
Adrenaline makes you sweat..........
Air horns rock.
But four sharp repetitive blasts of my two air horns did.
They caught the attention of the young woman that was about to ram into the front side of me and my bike as I rode up 377 to 820. She braked half way into my lane.
It was a combination of my horns, vigilance and quick reflexes, checking my right mirror and veering right in a less than half a second, that saved me from a hard broadside collision and being a statistic again.
No, loud pipes don't save lives: attention, reflexes, reaction and loud horns do.
Adrenaline makes you sweat..........
Air horns rock.
12.09.2006,7:22 PM
Wandering off to Ponder
I woke up and pondered about wandering to Ponder for fodder. So I dawdled until the temps rose into the 50's, put the new registration sticker on the plate and drove off.
I took the long way to Ponder: Hwy 199 to Hanger Cut Off Rd to Wells Burnet Rd near the Eagle Mountain Lake Marina, Ten Mile Rd. to Robertson Road, to Boat Club Rd (1022), to 718. Then 3343 in Newark to Rhome and N on 287, exited a mile or so onto 407, E to Justin, then N on 156.
It was a nice ride, some comfy and smiling curves, but the wind challenged us the last 10 miles and drove the chill into me.
No one in front of Ponder Steakhouse. Are they open?? Neon sign says 'OPEN". Backed Whee into a spot in front of the porch (easy; its a slight decline), pushed kickstand down, lifted my leg off and over the saddle (Michelin Man again I am), pulled out two magazines to read (Ride Texas and Motorcycle Escape), opened the door and walked into wonderfully warm smells of grilling meat, bread and coffee.
The folks there are wonderful hosts: small talk ("Haven't you been here before? I think I remember you," "Ain't it nice to walk into a warm place from the chill?," "Coffee??") My hostess kept my coffee mug topped off, smiled and brought me a fantastic side salad of Romaine lettuce rather than iceburg water-bloated fiber, fresh plump tomatoes, and a very very tasty cucumber vingarette dressing with they make themselves. And it *is* tasty! pureed cucumbers, olive oil, garlic (loves garlic, me do, yesss), and pepper with the right amount of balsamic vinegar.
I was in a burger mood but when I saw their Ranchman's BLT on the menu, I tried that. I have two favorite sandwiches from my childhood: hot ham sandwich smothered with tomato soup, and my ultimate decadent delight: Real bacon and lettuce sandwich. (after raising your own pigs, curing and smoking your own hams and bacon, its painful to eat store-bought ham/bacon). I was not disappointed except for the bread: the bacon was thick and it had meat on it rather than all fat, the tomatoes sliced thick and juicy and again, Romaine lettuce. I prefer wheat, rye or grain bread, but settled for the white that arrived on my plate.
I was the only patron there during my salad and the start of my sandwich. All the cooks and hostesses chatted and punned around me and it was a comfy late lunch.
Then, halfway into my sandwich, I hear the glutteral roar of motorcycles........ many of them. I see outside the front windows a stream of cruisers with their pipes announcing their arrival as they line up in front of the shop. The little waitress looks out the door and says "Oh no......." I chuckled.
Eleven riders start to dismount off eight cruisers and pulling into the rear like a late caboose is a lone Kawasaki sport bike with a pregnant rear tire. The rider jumps off and is the first one inside, unzipping his jacket at the same time.
"How many are there of you?"
Shrug; "I don't know. I'm not with them."
"ohhh....."
I watched and giggled.
In walked a parade of black leather on tall, short, lean, squat, and wide riders of both genders. They all look the same on the surface, but underneath they vary greatly.
They sat at a long table in the back and had coffee and pie. The lone bike rider sat at a table in front across from me, drinking his coffee, eating a sandwich and reading his book. Quiet, watching, smiling. I felt I was looking into a mirror.
I was still hungry from not eating all day and knew the ride home was going to be chilly. I ordered desert, a piece of....
.
.
.
pie.
Hot apple pie with ice cream on top. The only way I can eat pie. With ice cream. Hot with ice cream.
I read about riding North California and let my food digest. Got up, paid my bill, and geared up to go. While doing so, the group from the back filed out and paid their bills. Walking outisde to the bike, I pulled out my camera, walked to the far side of the street and took a few shots of all the bikes and the front of the store.
As I was walking back, the inevitable happened:
"What's that you're riding?"
"Is that a Beemer?"
"What is that thing?"
So I explain the world of Suzuki V-stroms and answered questions about it. When asked, I explained that I removed the Suzuki decals. They'd get all scratched up anyway.
Then the next questions:
"Where you from?"
"Who you riding with?"
"You rode alone??"
They are a new group of riders, gathering once/month to ride and eat somewhere. I was given their club's card "North Texas Cruisers". I told them about Two Wheeled Texans online forum and the various local and regional gatherings, the Tarrant Co. riders gather on Tuesday nights, rotating around places to eat and sometimes do group rides. They were interested and several said they would look it up on the Internet.
So there may be a few new members if they find us.
Maybe I should carry cards; this is the fourth time I've extolled the wonderful merits of this state-wide group.
The ride home was cold, cold, windy and cold. The daylight was leaving quickly and the shadows were long. Our shadow rode right beside us. I couldn't help but see it all the way home out of the corner of my eye, and the song "Me and My Shadow" sang in my head the entire way home; I was giggling inside my helmet.
I have a heating pad on my feet now.
Bernard and Wiley, the new mascot, went for the ride. But they were cold and kept in the side cases. There was no luggage to strap them to Moby Dick-style, and I pulled off the tail bag for some fun flicking (bike rides better without it on the corners). They felt slighted, so I took their picture on the couch after we got home. Bernard still doesn't know what to think about his new companion.
The story of how Wiley the Coyote adopted us is in the last installment of 'Texas Canyons", to be uploaded in a day or two. I've been busy.
Remember: Every ride can be an adventure.
I took the long way to Ponder: Hwy 199 to Hanger Cut Off Rd to Wells Burnet Rd near the Eagle Mountain Lake Marina, Ten Mile Rd. to Robertson Road, to Boat Club Rd (1022), to 718. Then 3343 in Newark to Rhome and N on 287, exited a mile or so onto 407, E to Justin, then N on 156.
It was a nice ride, some comfy and smiling curves, but the wind challenged us the last 10 miles and drove the chill into me.
No one in front of Ponder Steakhouse. Are they open?? Neon sign says 'OPEN". Backed Whee into a spot in front of the porch (easy; its a slight decline), pushed kickstand down, lifted my leg off and over the saddle (Michelin Man again I am), pulled out two magazines to read (Ride Texas and Motorcycle Escape), opened the door and walked into wonderfully warm smells of grilling meat, bread and coffee.
The folks there are wonderful hosts: small talk ("Haven't you been here before? I think I remember you," "Ain't it nice to walk into a warm place from the chill?," "Coffee??") My hostess kept my coffee mug topped off, smiled and brought me a fantastic side salad of Romaine lettuce rather than iceburg water-bloated fiber, fresh plump tomatoes, and a very very tasty cucumber vingarette dressing with they make themselves. And it *is* tasty! pureed cucumbers, olive oil, garlic (loves garlic, me do, yesss), and pepper with the right amount of balsamic vinegar.
I was in a burger mood but when I saw their Ranchman's BLT on the menu, I tried that. I have two favorite sandwiches from my childhood: hot ham sandwich smothered with tomato soup, and my ultimate decadent delight: Real bacon and lettuce sandwich. (after raising your own pigs, curing and smoking your own hams and bacon, its painful to eat store-bought ham/bacon). I was not disappointed except for the bread: the bacon was thick and it had meat on it rather than all fat, the tomatoes sliced thick and juicy and again, Romaine lettuce. I prefer wheat, rye or grain bread, but settled for the white that arrived on my plate.
I was the only patron there during my salad and the start of my sandwich. All the cooks and hostesses chatted and punned around me and it was a comfy late lunch.
Then, halfway into my sandwich, I hear the glutteral roar of motorcycles........ many of them. I see outside the front windows a stream of cruisers with their pipes announcing their arrival as they line up in front of the shop. The little waitress looks out the door and says "Oh no......." I chuckled.
Eleven riders start to dismount off eight cruisers and pulling into the rear like a late caboose is a lone Kawasaki sport bike with a pregnant rear tire. The rider jumps off and is the first one inside, unzipping his jacket at the same time.
"How many are there of you?"
Shrug; "I don't know. I'm not with them."
"ohhh....."
I watched and giggled.
In walked a parade of black leather on tall, short, lean, squat, and wide riders of both genders. They all look the same on the surface, but underneath they vary greatly.
They sat at a long table in the back and had coffee and pie. The lone bike rider sat at a table in front across from me, drinking his coffee, eating a sandwich and reading his book. Quiet, watching, smiling. I felt I was looking into a mirror.
I was still hungry from not eating all day and knew the ride home was going to be chilly. I ordered desert, a piece of....
.
.
.
pie.
Hot apple pie with ice cream on top. The only way I can eat pie. With ice cream. Hot with ice cream.
I read about riding North California and let my food digest. Got up, paid my bill, and geared up to go. While doing so, the group from the back filed out and paid their bills. Walking outisde to the bike, I pulled out my camera, walked to the far side of the street and took a few shots of all the bikes and the front of the store.
As I was walking back, the inevitable happened:
"What's that you're riding?"
"Is that a Beemer?"
"What is that thing?"
So I explain the world of Suzuki V-stroms and answered questions about it. When asked, I explained that I removed the Suzuki decals. They'd get all scratched up anyway.
Then the next questions:
"Where you from?"
"Who you riding with?"
"You rode alone??"
They are a new group of riders, gathering once/month to ride and eat somewhere. I was given their club's card "North Texas Cruisers". I told them about Two Wheeled Texans online forum and the various local and regional gatherings, the Tarrant Co. riders gather on Tuesday nights, rotating around places to eat and sometimes do group rides. They were interested and several said they would look it up on the Internet.
So there may be a few new members if they find us.
Maybe I should carry cards; this is the fourth time I've extolled the wonderful merits of this state-wide group.
The ride home was cold, cold, windy and cold. The daylight was leaving quickly and the shadows were long. Our shadow rode right beside us. I couldn't help but see it all the way home out of the corner of my eye, and the song "Me and My Shadow" sang in my head the entire way home; I was giggling inside my helmet.
I have a heating pad on my feet now.
Bernard and Wiley, the new mascot, went for the ride. But they were cold and kept in the side cases. There was no luggage to strap them to Moby Dick-style, and I pulled off the tail bag for some fun flicking (bike rides better without it on the corners). They felt slighted, so I took their picture on the couch after we got home. Bernard still doesn't know what to think about his new companion.
The story of how Wiley the Coyote adopted us is in the last installment of 'Texas Canyons", to be uploaded in a day or two. I've been busy.
Remember: Every ride can be an adventure.
Labels: Adventures, meanderings, Review
10.07.2006,10:09 AM
Journey Review: Luggage
As a youngster I dreamed about riding across the country on a horse, throwing saddlebags and bed roll over horse and saddle. Now, so many decades later, my dream has come to fruition albeit my bike is my horse. Similarly, I have saddlebags, or sidecases, and bags draped over the seat and back of the bike.
Sidecases
For sidecases, I chose semi-soft Yukon II panniers from Moto-sport.com. These panniers have an aluminum backing that protects and supports them on easy-to-install mounts. At 27 liters, they hold quite a bit. The zippered liners with handles are great for easy loading and unloading, but they are not waterproof; neither the outer bags or liners. After riding several hours in rain the first day, everything in the panniers were wet; I hung everything inside them in my motel room to dry that first night. I since enclosed the packed liners in two large plastic bags to keep them dry.
A reason I chose this system is beause aluminum panniers can be mounted to the same brackets. Most Al panniers are waterproof and available in various sizes.
Tankbag
The Wolfman Explorer series of tankbags suit the V-stroms well because of their contoured bottom that nicely fits the bike's gas tank. I'm glad I chose the Lite version; the other would be too large for me. I often ride with my chest supported by the tank bag, enabling a comfortable forward position in which most of my body is relaxed. It helps for those long-distance, many-hours rides. I discovered that the rain cover is not waterproof, much to my dismay since I had to purchase it separately. I will try a coat of Scotchguard on it to see if that resolves the water problem.
The mounting system is a bit awkward, especially the front straps which have to be unclipped when fueling the tank. They usually slip down into the cowl and I have to fish for them with gloved fingers in an already tight space. I commonly refer to them as "those damned straps". I would also like to have had more room in the front zippered pocket; it's quite small.
Case for Laptop
Electriconic devices are expensive and delicate, including laptops. I bought a hard case to carry the laptop on the trip and it served its funtion well. Storm cases are similar if not equal to the popular Pelican cases: impact- and water-proof. They are engineered to enclose and protect sensitive electronic equipment in many challenging environments (including bear proof). I chose a Storm case over a Pelican for two reasons: less expensive and more color options. I added strips of reflective tape to the three sides of the case facing outward.
The inside contains three layers of foam. The inner layer is a cubed foam; you can pull out cubes to create cushioned compartments to fit the contents. The MacBook Pro, in a thin protective sleeve and plastic bag, fit inside perfectly. The test was when the fully loaded bike slipped on icy pea gravel on an incline and fell over on its side. Nothing, including the case and contents, were damaged in any way. In fact, nothing even budged from their place on the bike.
I lashed the case to the bike's luggage rack with tie-downs, bungee cords and a cargo net. Perhaps overdone, but I had peace of mind that nothing was going to move or fly off on this journey. Despite that it took forever to load the bike.........
I'll be investigating a better system to mount the case on the back to facilitate quick-release and mounting. A keyed mount would be ideal.
Packing gear
Considering the length of this trip, the limited carrying capacity, and the unpredictable and varied weather conditions, choosing and packing gear -riding, clothes, and camping- was a challenge. Off-bike clothes were kept to a minimum: jeans, two T-shirts, tank top, shorts, and sandals. A zip-up light fleece jacket with standing collar, a thin windproof nylon/spandex jacket, same cut as the fleeced, were the only outerwear (under gear and off bike). The summer clothes were mailed back when I reached Taos; it was unlikely I would need them and therefore unnecessary baggage.
Aside from three pairs of socks, one pair heavy wicking and warm, the only other clothes were a set of cold weather UnderArmors. These are expensive, but they proved well worth the expense. They are extremely light and thin, warm, and wick away moisture from the skin very successfully. I slept in them the night on Mesa Verde when freezing rain, wind and snow bombarded me in the tent. They were warm and thin underneath my insulated riding gear and excellent for layering. The only days I did not wear them were 'off-the-bike' days and the last day on the road when temperatures were in the 90's. They wash up easily in the sink and dry quickly when hung.
All clothing went into Coleman Space Saver bags, much like Seal-a-Meal bags where the air can be compressed out the bottom by a one-way exhaust. These bags significantly reduced the volume of my clothes into two tightly rolled bags that fit very well into the side cases.
Nearly all the camping gear, including battery-powered portable air pump, went into two dry bags lashed onto the pillion seat. The only items in a side case were the mummy bag (in a compression bag) and the Big Anges inflatable pad. I was also able to store the insulating liners for my riding jacket and pants in the dry bags. My mesh gear, both jacket and pants, were in a horizontally compressed nylon bag also in a dry bag.
One of the dry bags and two sets of webbed straps with D-ring extensions were ordered from Helen2wheels. The cord-close dry bag accommodated all the tent components, including ground cloth, the portable air pump and one of the outer gear liners. The straps were a godsend. I will be ordering more of those and an extra set of the D-ring extenders; in bright yellow!
The dry bag contained the long compression bag of mesh gear, a folded Therma-rest pad, the Big Agnes sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and anything else that needed a 'home'. As you can see from the photo, the bright orange increases visibility; I also added a length of reflective tape on the black bottom of the bag.
Both bags were strapped to the bike in front of the Storm case with the webbed straps and one heavy duty bungee cord. A cargo net on top completed the attachment. When I stopped overnight without camping, I left these two bags strapped on to the bike and removed the laptop case and sidecase liners with contents. When camping, everything came off the top of the bike, but most of the contents of the sidecases stayed in.
Labels: Review
10.05.2006,5:19 AM
Journey Review: Your Bike is Your Friend
An essential part of any journey, often a journey unto itself, is the preparation. Most previous posts describing preparing the bike are titled ‘The Continuing Education of Whee,’ in reference to feeling like an expectant mother and ‘Bringing Home Baby’ before the bike arrived home. Well, it did feel like a new baby to the family.
Thus upgrades or modifications to the bike have been analogous to a youngster going to school and learning about life…….as a bike.
You may wonder about my anthropomorphism of my bike. Sure, it is a machine, but it is one that I have become a part of, and it has become a part of me. In essence, it is an extension of myself; a mechanical one. For some unknown visceral and probably illogical reason, this bike is a ‘he’.
And his name is ‘Whee’.
Now, the name is not to be confused with the colloquial use of ‘Wee-strom’ in reference to the V-strom DL650s. It’s name was conceived after my first ride on it; a planned 1-2 mile around-the-big-block first-trial trip that ended at 78 miles. It was love at first ride and several loud “Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!!”s emitted from my helmet where my face sported a maniacal grin the entire ride.
So now you may understand, if in a rather quizzical way, how Whee came to be and why he is continuously being ‘educated’. Almost anyone who genuinely rides a bike, versus parking it in the garage and bringing it out for a weekend-day 2-mile ride, can empathize with continual modifications, gadgets, changes, additions, and customizing that seem to be never-ending. It’s a process, not just a dress you put on for one night then hang up in your closet to gather dust.
Although I originally intended to minmize modifications to the bike, something was always added to the list. Now I just accept this as a matter of fact, like buying bigger shoes for your kids every school season. A few previous posts relate some of the most important customizations and I won’t belabor them by repeating all here. However, I will mention those that were highly relevant on this past journey.
Seat
Not one seat fits everyone. All humans share the same general anatomical shape of the posterior that we sit on, but nevertheless they come in all variations of shapes, sizes, and softness, or hardness. Since riders spend nearly all their rides with this anatomical area in intimate contact with the bike, the seat is very important.
The stock seat on Whee was not terribly uncomfortable, but I knew from the first few rides that comfort level would plummet after an hour. I intended to have the seat modified anyway, scooping out some of the foam and reshaping it to seat me lower and reach the ground with my feet. The sheepskin pad from the cruiser was put on the seat to increase comfort and moderate temperature. And it is very successful no matter what the temperature: hot or cold.
I also tend to scoot back in the seat when on long straight rides which don’t require frequent braking or shifting. Then I put the balls of my feet on the pegs which puts my entire body in a good position to relax and even flick the bike in corners.
When preparing to stop, I scoot forward so my thighs are straddling the nose of the seat; both feet are nearly flat on the ground in this position. So the rear of my seat was extended into the passenger seat section and the nose was narrowed and lowered, although it could be narrowed a bit more.
Horn
I can’t praise the addition of Stebel horns enough. No longer does Whee sound like a sick bluebird when pressing the horn button. Now he sounds like a flock of geese on steroids.
Handguards
These are worth their weight in gold! I chose Probend guards on the recommendation of a KLR rider; they allow for ample room of hands and levers and have interchangable shields. They deflect the wind and rain, helping to keep the hands warm. They also offer protection of the control levers and handgrips when the bike falls. Since Whee appears to have bouts of narcolepsy and takes 'naps' on his side, this has been a plus.
Future prospects:
Highway Pegs: During the long hours of riding on the road, visions of highway pegs danced in my head. Another option to the two riding positions I normally assume would help reduce fatigue and muscle cramping, especially in my hip flexors. Clamp-on pegs may be my only option for this add-on.
Electronic gadgets: Several of these are on my list: voltimeter, outlet for hand or vest warmers, and cruise control would be super! First order modification is installing a power distribution system before any other electronics are added.
GPS: I don't necessarily mind being lost, but it seems that getting lost at the wrong time was the rule. All four times were when I was pressured to ride to a destination quickly due to inclement weather conditions or encroaching darkness. Being lost at night is not fun.
These useful gadgets can also supply useful travel information such as riding speed, average speed, altitude, total mileage, average daily mileage, and so much more. It's like a miniature cockpit in a box on your handlebar.
Windshield: Again, not one windshield fits all, based on riders' heights and postition. I would like to extend the height of the stock shield with a laminar lip, or one that deflects the wind from my head better.
For now, these are the modifications I have listed thus far. Of course, that list is subject to change at any time.
Thus upgrades or modifications to the bike have been analogous to a youngster going to school and learning about life…….as a bike.
You may wonder about my anthropomorphism of my bike. Sure, it is a machine, but it is one that I have become a part of, and it has become a part of me. In essence, it is an extension of myself; a mechanical one. For some unknown visceral and probably illogical reason, this bike is a ‘he’.
And his name is ‘Whee’.
Now, the name is not to be confused with the colloquial use of ‘Wee-strom’ in reference to the V-strom DL650s. It’s name was conceived after my first ride on it; a planned 1-2 mile around-the-big-block first-trial trip that ended at 78 miles. It was love at first ride and several loud “Wheeeeeeeee!!!!!!”s emitted from my helmet where my face sported a maniacal grin the entire ride.
So now you may understand, if in a rather quizzical way, how Whee came to be and why he is continuously being ‘educated’. Almost anyone who genuinely rides a bike, versus parking it in the garage and bringing it out for a weekend-day 2-mile ride, can empathize with continual modifications, gadgets, changes, additions, and customizing that seem to be never-ending. It’s a process, not just a dress you put on for one night then hang up in your closet to gather dust.
Although I originally intended to minmize modifications to the bike, something was always added to the list. Now I just accept this as a matter of fact, like buying bigger shoes for your kids every school season. A few previous posts relate some of the most important customizations and I won’t belabor them by repeating all here. However, I will mention those that were highly relevant on this past journey.
Seat
Not one seat fits everyone. All humans share the same general anatomical shape of the posterior that we sit on, but nevertheless they come in all variations of shapes, sizes, and softness, or hardness. Since riders spend nearly all their rides with this anatomical area in intimate contact with the bike, the seat is very important.
The stock seat on Whee was not terribly uncomfortable, but I knew from the first few rides that comfort level would plummet after an hour. I intended to have the seat modified anyway, scooping out some of the foam and reshaping it to seat me lower and reach the ground with my feet. The sheepskin pad from the cruiser was put on the seat to increase comfort and moderate temperature. And it is very successful no matter what the temperature: hot or cold.
I also tend to scoot back in the seat when on long straight rides which don’t require frequent braking or shifting. Then I put the balls of my feet on the pegs which puts my entire body in a good position to relax and even flick the bike in corners.
When preparing to stop, I scoot forward so my thighs are straddling the nose of the seat; both feet are nearly flat on the ground in this position. So the rear of my seat was extended into the passenger seat section and the nose was narrowed and lowered, although it could be narrowed a bit more.
Horn
I can’t praise the addition of Stebel horns enough. No longer does Whee sound like a sick bluebird when pressing the horn button. Now he sounds like a flock of geese on steroids.
Handguards
These are worth their weight in gold! I chose Probend guards on the recommendation of a KLR rider; they allow for ample room of hands and levers and have interchangable shields. They deflect the wind and rain, helping to keep the hands warm. They also offer protection of the control levers and handgrips when the bike falls. Since Whee appears to have bouts of narcolepsy and takes 'naps' on his side, this has been a plus.
Future prospects:
Highway Pegs: During the long hours of riding on the road, visions of highway pegs danced in my head. Another option to the two riding positions I normally assume would help reduce fatigue and muscle cramping, especially in my hip flexors. Clamp-on pegs may be my only option for this add-on.
Electronic gadgets: Several of these are on my list: voltimeter, outlet for hand or vest warmers, and cruise control would be super! First order modification is installing a power distribution system before any other electronics are added.
GPS: I don't necessarily mind being lost, but it seems that getting lost at the wrong time was the rule. All four times were when I was pressured to ride to a destination quickly due to inclement weather conditions or encroaching darkness. Being lost at night is not fun.
These useful gadgets can also supply useful travel information such as riding speed, average speed, altitude, total mileage, average daily mileage, and so much more. It's like a miniature cockpit in a box on your handlebar.
Windshield: Again, not one windshield fits all, based on riders' heights and postition. I would like to extend the height of the stock shield with a laminar lip, or one that deflects the wind from my head better.
For now, these are the modifications I have listed thus far. Of course, that list is subject to change at any time.