tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89164634200380509282024-03-05T06:21:43.343-08:00Two Wheeled Cafe"Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost"
J.R.R. TolkienZed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-64431808716834008372014-05-03T15:34:00.004-07:002014-05-03T15:34:59.659-07:00Yeah, I can do that in my Garage.I recently had to do some work on my truck. The pitman arm bolt sheered off. After I repaired that I took it in for an alignment and was told that I needed new tie rods and that it would only cost $540 to repair. Hating to pay extra for the same parts bothers me so I looked on Summit Racing and the parts were $145, so I bought them and did the repairs in my driveway.<br />
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First things first, I had to jack up the truck to take the wheels off. While jacking up a vehicle is generally not a big issue, add a 6 inch lift to a Chevrolet 2500HD and it gets a little more interesting. I assure you that this was OSHA approved, notice the jack stand to stop the 9,000 lb vehicle from crushing anything or anyone who may have been underneath it.<br />
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After jacking up the wheels I had to remove the old tie rods. They come in two parts the inner tie rod and the outer tie rod, but rather than waste time I removed them both at the same time.<br />
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To remove the outer tie rod end simply remove the nut off the bolt that goes through the steering knuckle and give it a whack with a hammer, or use a tie rod puller. As I had purchased a pitman arm puller, which is essentially the same as a tie rod end puller, i used that. As you can see the old one was in bad shape.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inner tie rod end screws into hole in the middle of the picture.</td></tr>
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To remove the inner tie rod you need a 35mm wrench or a 12' redneck speed wrench (cresent wrench). I ran into a small issue that I could not put enouch torque on the wrench to loosen it, and my cheater bar was too long to fit. After looking around I saw my come-along and hooked one end to the wrench and other other to the frame of the truck and it quickly loosened the inner tie rod end.<br />
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My least favorite instruction is one that states "reverse the process" This is usually the instruction that comes after detailed instructions on how to disassemble some part of your vehicle. After three pages of instructions to take it apart, the instructions to put it back together, are less than a full sentence and simply state "Reverse the Process". Trust me it is never that easy. Nevertheless, I got them both done in the morning.<br />
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Finished Product. A couple of hours and I saved $400.00 and a little of my sanity, if there is any left.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shiny new parts.</td></tr>
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Now for an alignment and all done. I used to be afraid to work on my own vehicles, the fear of screwing it up held me back. But after reading the shop manual and the official ASE certified instructions were to hit the part with a hammer, I realized I would have to really do something wrong to screw it up. <br />
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Now all I need is a project vehicle in the garage, that should make Mrs. Zed1000 really happy.<br />
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Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-79759353262866172692014-04-27T12:48:00.002-07:002014-04-27T12:48:47.562-07:00St. George Street Bikes I recently attended a car and motorcycle show put on by a local motorcycle club. For its first year they had a great turn out. Here are a few photos of the bikes:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a number of very nice Ducatis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorite newer bikes, a Yamaha FZ800</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlPmUldy2T6behf7vHw11Bz4Lqxr5Nv9BRGpMePxXW_j56E7VWOvshG2O3WKQNprGrM59GUyGetweVTprl6mbJ7N4kAf0b0Y4exdQV8mbWkMkF_KRI-xk3HzYXDJ8dn0bVwLbydCNkxY/s1600/IMG_20140405_141245_966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" closure_lm_493516="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlPmUldy2T6behf7vHw11Bz4Lqxr5Nv9BRGpMePxXW_j56E7VWOvshG2O3WKQNprGrM59GUyGetweVTprl6mbJ7N4kAf0b0Y4exdQV8mbWkMkF_KRI-xk3HzYXDJ8dn0bVwLbydCNkxY/s1600/IMG_20140405_141245_966.jpg" height="640" uta="true" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites was this Triumph, but as I have said before, I may be slightly biased.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was interesting to see one of these in real life, having only seen one as driven by Richard Hammond on TopGear.</td></tr>
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Thanks for all of those who attended, there were also som very nice vehicles. </div>
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Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-45686965521368765772012-12-05T12:31:00.000-08:002012-12-05T12:31:07.851-08:00France in America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not to long ago I became aware of a gentleman from England riding his Harley across America. He chronicled his adventure through a blog. In fact, it was largley due to his blog that I began mine. That being said, he has now written a book of his journey titled "France in America" as his name is Gary France. Above is one of his videos from Beartooth Pass, and his collection of photographs from his journey feel as if they capture the soul of the many different locations throughout the United States.<br />
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If you are interested in his travels in the US and other countries his website is <a href="http://www.garysfrance.com/">www.garysfrance.com</a>. I strongly suggest you visit his website when you have sufficient time as I guarantee he will pull you in with the wonderful photographs, videos, and Gary's observations and insights into motorcycle travel.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-14765391185058835642012-04-27T07:05:00.000-07:002012-04-27T07:05:02.326-07:00A New Even More Expensive AddictionI was introduced over the weekend to a new kind of drug. I did some work for a friend of mine, and in exchange he offered to let me use his Sand Car for the weekend. As there are some sand dunes near my house I accepted his hospitality. <br />
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The Sand Rail in question is a Suspension Unlimited Sand Pro 2. Unfortunately due to the economy Suspension Unlimited is no longer in business however, the Sand Pro 2 is a wonderful machine to drive. Its heart is a 480 horsepower LS-1 Corvette engine, it has over 20 inches of suspension travel at all four corners, seats five, and is probably the most fun off road vehicle I have ever driven. <br />
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I recently recieved a GoPro HD camera (happy birthday to me), and took it with us on our trip to the sand dunes. Below is a short video from our trip. The sand dunes near my house are small and as a result there was no place to really open it up but we had a good time. The video is also decieving as the suspension is amazing, it was smooth enough that my wife even went for a ride with me.<br />
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As you can see from the video, especially the front facing angle the suspension is fantastic, the front wheels are moving up and down but the camera stays almost still, and after watching the video, I thought it looked boring compared to how fast I thought I was going. In fact my son was able to fall asleep in the back seat.<br />
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I was told by my mother that it is a good thing I am married and have two children, or all I would care about is going fast. This is true. I have long believed that if it was not for my wife, who for some unknown reason agreed to marry me and stay with me, I would live in a single wide with a five car garage. Since driving the sand car, I have schemed and planned how I could get one, as new ones are in the 60 to 70 thousand dollar range and used ones are 30 to 40. However, you can purchase just a frame and build it yourself, which I thought would be a wonderful opportunity to spend time with my children, or at least that is the reason I gave to my wife. Wish me luck.</div>
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I have also taken some video on my bike and plan to post that video and other motorcyle videos throughout the summer. Especially of our planned trip to Yellowstone in July.</div>
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<br /></div>Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-28258558123608876012011-12-29T15:22:00.000-08:002011-12-29T15:22:13.098-08:00You Find Out Who Your Friends AreChristmas is a wonderful time because you get the chance to see family friends who live far from home. At the same time you also spend time with a lot of people you may not otherwise choose to see. So I came up with a convienent and easy test to determine how you should prioritize your time. Before spending time with anyone this holiday season ask yourself this simple question.<br />
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If they asked would I let them ride my motorcycle?<br />
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Now the Z1000 is by no means an exotic or expensive ride, but its mine and I like it (I like it alot).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are only about 5 people in the world that if they came to me and asked, "Hey can I take your bike for a ride?" that I would say yes. So next time you are asked to attend a holiday event ask yourself, would I let them ride my bike, and if the answer is no, call up those people you would and go for a ride. It is not a coincidence that the people I would let borrow my bike are also the people I ride with and they would not hesitate to let me borrow their bikes. I am just saying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(There is one caveat to this rule, if your wife tells you, "I don't care about your stupid motorcycle rule, get your ass in the car we are going to my Grandmother's Christmas Party", you had better go. Just remember as Red Green of the great Red Green Show says "I'm pulling for you, we are all in this together."). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year's Everyone.</div>Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-67325007118927125742011-12-20T16:45:00.000-08:002011-12-20T16:45:53.534-08:00Christmas Highs and LowsI have always been a fan of Christmas. This may be due, in large part, to my dilusional tendencies. At Christmas time I forget the real world and believe that the entire world is like a Norman Rockwell painting.<br />
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<div align="left">This is reflected in my choice of Christmas music as well. Roger Whittaker sings the only Christmas music which escapes from my Ipod these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/98svAdYXdE8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, Christmas is a tricky time at my house. The joy of seeing my daughter, (who is lovingly referred to as "Babes") who is five, getting excited at the sight of presents under the tree, and seeing my son (known as "D") at his first real Christmas, he is only one this year, is contrast with the saddness of those loved ones who are no longer with us. This was brought to a head the other day when I waived to a fellow rider. Yes, I am lucky enough to live in a climate which allows year round riding, and I waive to other riders, especially those willing to ride in the (colder) winter months, regardless of make or model of bike. This is the bike I saw.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Honda%20CBR600F%2095%20%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276px" oda="true" src="http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery/Honda%20CBR600F%2095%20%202.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My younger brother owned a CBR 600F3 like the one above, and he loved to ride. He passed away five years ago, no not at Christmas time, but I seem to miss him more at Christmas than any other time. He was only three years younger than I am and we were always close. We spent many Christmas nights dreaming of toys and of course trying to decide which motorcycle we would ask Santa to bring us. Yes this tradition continues, I still ask Santa for a Motorcycle every year. Perhaps this year I will ask for a custom Cafe Racer based on a CB750. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So while I will read the Christmas Story from the book of Luke in the Bible to my family on Christmas Eve, and wake my daughter up at 4:00 am the next morning exclaiming "Santa has been and left us presents." A part of me longs for the days when I lay down next to the Christmas Tree with my brother, watching as a slide show of photgraphs, taken by my father, of past Christmas' is projected on the wall.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To all the other riders, keep it shiny side up, enjoy time with friends and families during the holidays, and to steal a phrase from Clement Clarke Moore "Happy Christmas to all and to all a good-night." </div>Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-65280958810979580952011-10-14T14:41:00.000-07:002011-10-14T14:41:36.600-07:00Chicken Strips and Hard BitsThe two of you familiar with this blog, will remember my good friend and riding buddy Supe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE_lkqeQc139LqyrXR8wUS8FC2ArQ9QqOm7MgBlv7UXsysuV7-P4Qf5d_xdhPAGTsLiFM2o9W-9YQYzStEzUy3RR-aZ13oziBOZ-7WuHISFm0zlus8JoOctHxmGbcRyLL22ftSnM9RRs/s1600/100_5210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHE_lkqeQc139LqyrXR8wUS8FC2ArQ9QqOm7MgBlv7UXsysuV7-P4Qf5d_xdhPAGTsLiFM2o9W-9YQYzStEzUy3RR-aZ13oziBOZ-7WuHISFm0zlus8JoOctHxmGbcRyLL22ftSnM9RRs/s400/100_5210.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Here is Supe with his beloved Suzi, a Bandit 1200. Supe recently relocated due to a change in employment, it was a change for the better, to a location that has a nice winding canyon road within a short distance. A few days ago a received a very excited phone call from Supe, at which time he explained that during one of his recent afternoon runs he had scraped his foot peg through a turn. Now this is not the first time I have had the opportunity to join in another rider's enthusiasm for doing something that others would consider just down right stupid. During a trip with my brother he also scraped "hard bits" (read foot peg) while riding the Cherohala Skyway.<br />
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This recent conversation reminded me of many conversations I have had with other riders regarding chicken strips, and hard bits. Some riders believe that attempting to eliminate the chicken strips or scrape hard bits to be an act of stupidity and to demonstrate a lack of maturity. On the other hand there are even some tires which have markings to document your lean angle (Metzler M5 Sportec). I have tried to determine why some riders I admire, are so against riders comparing chicken strips, but I think I have resolved this problem.<br />
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First it is important to remember that it is impossible with some bikes, including ones I have owned in the past, to completely eliminate chicken strips, therefore, comparing the chicken strips on the Z1000 to those on the Raider would be completely idiotic and mean nothing. Therefore, I believe the action which should be looked upon with disdain is to go out with your riding buddies for the sole purpose of comparing chicken strips. This could well be a sign that you are in fact a squid. That being said, one could and should be excited about pushing yourself and your bike farther than before. On occasion I investigate the status of the chicken strips on the Z1000 (happy to say there are none on the Pirelli Angel ST currently mounted), but I do this not to compare them against others, but to assess my own progression and abilities. I am always seeking to improve my riding skills, better head and body position, better lines and throttle control, and the natural result of any improvement is more aggressive lean angles, therefore, the chicken strips, or lack thereof is a visual confirmation of my increased ability and confidence. If you ride just to prove that you can eliminate your chicken strips, or scrape your hard bits you are an idiot, if you ride for the love of riding, and and you use the elimination of chicken strips and ability to scrape the hard bits as one of many indicators to demonstrate you improved riding ability, you should be excited to have evidence of your improvement.<br />
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Therefore, to Supe I say congratulations to safely exploring Suzi's limits, and commend you on a job well done.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-15022403189817096952011-10-14T14:04:00.000-07:002011-10-14T14:04:35.149-07:00Moto VloggingI am generally not a fan of most Vlog sites, even motorcycle Vlog sites. This is because it is difficult to have something interesting to say everytime you ride, especially if you ride everyday like I do. That being said, I am a big fan of travel blogs and vlogs. Therefore, in an effort to share with others and give credit where credit is due, I came accross two gentlemen out of Canada who take a trip every summer, and create some of the best motorcycle videos out there. They refer to their summer trip as the "Big Trip" and have created videos for 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The editing is extremely well done, and the video and photography is excellent. I must also confess that thanks to these videos I discovered the Canadian band "The Trews" which is fast becoming one of my favorites.<br />
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This is the video for the Big Trip 2011 Day 1, I hope you enjoy. <br />
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P.S. Do not begin watching in the morning at work, if you do you might as well go home as your work day will be an utter waste.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kj0yNWjGvfU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The other videos can be found on YouTube, simply search Big Trip 2011, and if you would like to watch the previous years, search "Big Trip and include 2008, 2009, or 2010"<br />
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I hope you enjoy.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-42595332273995396882011-08-01T09:51:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:51:09.448-07:00A Brief HistoryAnother blog that I follow closely, once took the position that any motorcycle blogger should be required to list the motorcycles they have owned and ridden, so people get an understanding of their history. I thought this was a good idea so here goes.<br />
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The first motorcycle I ever road belong to my grandfather. He was the foreman of a large ranch. The actual owner lived in California and would fly in from time to time, but in my childhood brain, the entire ranch was my Grandpa's and therefore mine by association. My brothers, sister and I would often spend time their as children. Anyway, the motorcycle I first learned to ride on was a Honda Trail 50.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://aardvarkprops.com/images/1969%20Honda%20mini%20Trail%2050%20red%20and%20white%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="http://aardvarkprops.com/images/1969%20Honda%20mini%20Trail%2050%20red%20and%20white%201.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I conquered many a dirt road and trails as a wee lad on this trustee machine. Perhaps this was the origins of my love for the two wheels. It was at about this time that four wheelers become popular and as I got bigger I began riding more four wheelers than bikes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next when I was 15, I had a crush on a girl from the next town over, about 15 miles away by legal roads, and about 20 miles by the back roads. It was at this time, that my entire world turned upside down, I discovered that girls did not in fact have cooties, but could be quite enjoyable. Alas, with no drivers license how could I indulge my desires? At this time a friend of mine, most well known for breaking both of his arms, at the same time, while playing basketball, introduced me to the benefits of an enduro. He owned a Yamaha Trailway, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2537273916_3502174a19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2537273916_3502174a19.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">which we would often ride to the neighboring town, to visit my girlfriend and her friends. The benefit was that we could entirely avoid the highways and freeway with the dirt road alternatives, and as long as we obeyed traffic laws, we did not get stopped by the local small town police force, even though the bike was not registered.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, a driver's license. While in high school I generally drove a car, do in large part to the fact that Supe seldom had the use of a car, and had to compete with his older brother, and our other friend, LP had no car, I usually had more than one person to drive around, I did however, ride at times, my brother's Suzuki GS425</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cyclechaos.com/images/thumb/e/e6/1979-Suzuki-GS425-Red-4000-2.jpg/640px-1979-Suzuki-GS425-Red-4000-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283px" src="http://www.cyclechaos.com/images/thumb/e/e6/1979-Suzuki-GS425-Red-4000-2.jpg/640px-1979-Suzuki-GS425-Red-4000-2.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this is not an actual picture, as the one my brother owned had a WindJammer Vetter fairing, which probably explains my hatred of fairings and love of all naked bikes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kz900.com/kz/vetter/fairing/ss/SSl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" src="http://kz900.com/kz/vetter/fairing/ss/SSl.jpg" t$="true" width="355px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was really the beginning of street motorcycles for me. I used to ride it all over town, in fact it is the bike I first took my riding test on, and failed, due in most part to the fact that the clutch would have been just as effective if you had replaced the lever with a toggle switch, there was no ability to feather the clutch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is important to note at this time that my brother was instrumental in my motorcycle life, this bike as well as the next actually belonged to him, but he was kind hearted enough to feed my addiction.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a few years, I once again took advantage of my brother's kindness and borrowed for an extended time his Suzuki SV650.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.paradisecycles.com/Images/Image48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281px" src="http://www.paradisecycles.com/Images/Image48.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I have always enjoyed motorcycles, it was not until riding this bike that I truly understood, and fell in love with riding. While not the most powerful bike in the world, which becomes clear once you get to freeway speeds, for sheer riding enjoyment this bike was top notch. The short wheel base combined with good geometry and the V-twin motor, always made me smile. Not you average, I am slightly amused smile, but the face bending, shit eating, time of my life smile. That is why I classify this bike as the most "fun" bike I have had the opportunity to throw a leg over. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You could not get two different bike than the SV650 and my next bike a Yamaha Raider. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.raiderperformance.com/brentraven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245px" src="http://www.raiderperformance.com/brentraven1.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This bike was very different than any I had ridden before, long wheel base, high degree rake angle, but it was truly enjoyable to ride. Good suspension, amazing motor, which as my brother once stated. "There is no tach, so I was wondering what gear I should be in, but then I realized with this torque it does not really matter." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, what I currently own, the fabulous Kawasaki Z1000.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW8my_S7cdOUikXrt1aDe3JWq_wn28nNUlFdwNzljuuchW2tvWmjxb67XpNmCShynWT1v8G2uLFOCoFSQ6jSLSMPoA5Deg8oKuZomE8roxzPmK5bzBuNraa4e3OoWUuIiLfBYKcCu9Tw/s1600/100_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW8my_S7cdOUikXrt1aDe3JWq_wn28nNUlFdwNzljuuchW2tvWmjxb67XpNmCShynWT1v8G2uLFOCoFSQ6jSLSMPoA5Deg8oKuZomE8roxzPmK5bzBuNraa4e3OoWUuIiLfBYKcCu9Tw/s400/100_4601.JPG" t$="true" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This bike is getting close to perfection for me, the essences of motorcycles. I can ride all day, with a decent seating position, and do not hesitate to take the fun roads at speeds sufficient to take care of those pesky chicken strips. Motorcycles are and should be as unique as their riders, this bike will not be perfect for everyone, not comfortable enough for some, too small, too big, too green, but all of the bikes we have ridden in our life, help to clarify our wants and needs, and we eventually come to an understanding of what bike is best for each of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until such time as I have the means to have multiple motorcycles the Cafe Racer, Super Standard, Naked Sportbike, will be the kind of bike taking up space in my garage. You know other than size, there is not a whole lot different from the early Honda Trail 50, and the Z1000.</div>Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-34539966450628378452011-07-29T10:51:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:51:50.557-07:00Fairwell to YellowstoneAs many of you know, I had planned a week long motorcycle trip to Yellowstone,with my riding buddy Supe, as well as his two brothers. We had it all planned, we would leave on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 and I would get home on Monday, July, 18, 2011. While we would take advantage of the many "fun" roads, our families would travel in the mini vans and SUVs by interstate and meet us in Yellowstone. The highlight of the trip, other than a week off work with good friends, food, family, roads, and scenery, was that I would be riding Beartooth Pass for the first time.<br />
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Then I got the call.<br />
Supe explained that he had purchased an engagement ring and was getting married, <a href="http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/bahamas/images/s/bahamas-wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" src="http://www.destination360.com/caribbean/bahamas/images/s/bahamas-wedding.jpg" t$="true" width="400px" /></a><br />
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and because he had accepted a new job which required him to move he would be getting married before the move, which was in August. Due to the expense, and that all plans and preparations, and Supe had to meet the In-Laws in less than a month, the trip was a no go, although I believe we have agreed that it was simply postponed rather than cancelled. <br />
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My first thought was, "I am getting screwed and I am not the one getting married." While Supe shall never live down his failure to respect the sacred nature of the motorcycle camping trip, we wish him and his new wife (she does not have a nick name yet) joy and happiness in their new life together. Congratulations. <br />
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P.S. A weekend tirp to Arches National Park in the Fall may ease some of my pain. If I cannot have Beartooth Pass, Highway 12 will have to suffice.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-88630180556562616422011-05-18T17:20:00.000-07:002011-05-18T17:20:44.711-07:00A Sunday Morning RideThis past weekend my friend, you all know him as Supe, was visiting family who live in the same area as I do. Not wanting to miss an opportunity we decided to go for an early morning ride on Sunday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFQIltBv827HqiqC4UEbWGABfYJJEhdMfQH0Cc6QXiULq0N15aE1ir9B7Olp9eClF0MiPggS8dUF9kZr_qIP06krJ3XSVREzps3jRbzM4qeUwIiWOjkgjutqfIp-LG7-HSD_43xeyGbk/s1600/100_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFQIltBv827HqiqC4UEbWGABfYJJEhdMfQH0Cc6QXiULq0N15aE1ir9B7Olp9eClF0MiPggS8dUF9kZr_qIP06krJ3XSVREzps3jRbzM4qeUwIiWOjkgjutqfIp-LG7-HSD_43xeyGbk/s640/100_5292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Supe arrives at the arranged gas station, with the love of his life Suzi, and his girlfriend. Suzi is Supe's Bandit 1200. As all motorcycle rides start with a trip to the local gas station, we met at the Sinclair station, as it is the only gas station within 5 miles of my home. Another is being built accross the street but is not yet completed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6s_FhSyIzbf9upKLZCb3UHgf2FWEGxfcjXQSMSj8EQGA723Ly6k8HwA6SvfLnyX7yBawSPpHEmv1CEO_d3jGFc-NyWYll5EmD1hjoMm8ZFdJYeg9C7yTkTAcv3VKRlCAZPJzuPsfDvw/s1600/100_5288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6s_FhSyIzbf9upKLZCb3UHgf2FWEGxfcjXQSMSj8EQGA723Ly6k8HwA6SvfLnyX7yBawSPpHEmv1CEO_d3jGFc-NyWYll5EmD1hjoMm8ZFdJYeg9C7yTkTAcv3VKRlCAZPJzuPsfDvw/s640/100_5288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After filling up we headed up the road to Zion National Park. This is the most popular ride when we have limited time. Which can be translated into when my wife did not know I was going for a ride. <br />
I have a confession to make. I am attempting to determine the best way to format this blog. I have decided that I like a format consisting of photographs with captions explaining the photos, however, I would also like to take some videos and post them. I do not want to say that I will become a Vlogger, as the videos will likely be limited to action shots which have been edited and overlayed with music, like a sound track. However, I may decide to post videos of the longer rides in a more travel log style, with riding footage with a sound track followed by a monologue of one of the participants talking about the ride or the day. We shall see. Anyway this is my first real attempt to capture pictures while riding, so forgive the poor quality of my pictures, I am no artist.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopxrgmQrX0dQhyak9uudxOu6IsieEN9hnk06ANBVeHSaACmjU7q3tCafGz-VsZoePtb6uniO-iInoEOf_5BEED2WKMaO3DNxrawAOrrxEL21I-OzzRTZU29WukmSe7_Rnizu3xrhAp-o/s1600/100_5295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopxrgmQrX0dQhyak9uudxOu6IsieEN9hnk06ANBVeHSaACmjU7q3tCafGz-VsZoePtb6uniO-iInoEOf_5BEED2WKMaO3DNxrawAOrrxEL21I-OzzRTZU29WukmSe7_Rnizu3xrhAp-o/s640/100_5295.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Supe and friends riding toward Zion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmOP6tBYCxXxOCC2RFqO6f-XPFN6WNe2896GSt7-qCnijKMDZGJMSpE1fiK5tufh5jGb1EYFF0p4a_GZwkwpmNpW-BjZjNFUvxhlsvgdfbfhOKZnyY3FmIF3wVDKM2ad7ib31bvBiiXY/s1600/100_5298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmOP6tBYCxXxOCC2RFqO6f-XPFN6WNe2896GSt7-qCnijKMDZGJMSpE1fiK5tufh5jGb1EYFF0p4a_GZwkwpmNpW-BjZjNFUvxhlsvgdfbfhOKZnyY3FmIF3wVDKM2ad7ib31bvBiiXY/s640/100_5298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwPtwroicI9GzoALG7pXS4_MwFckCA3xeJQfIGippOOmdSRNJu1s52cfsTSPkvY8xFPSYvt2ok_hu66rlqriLKcctGaRqWXImIgtjl4rnbHpnFXsF_zTs31mCiTcU70KDeFF2EpQu09c/s1600/100_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwPtwroicI9GzoALG7pXS4_MwFckCA3xeJQfIGippOOmdSRNJu1s52cfsTSPkvY8xFPSYvt2ok_hu66rlqriLKcctGaRqWXImIgtjl4rnbHpnFXsF_zTs31mCiTcU70KDeFF2EpQu09c/s640/100_5299.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Riding through a sleepy town which feels a little like a step back in time.<br />
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Riding into Zion.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2-dEJkqcYTW2N9dv3Cv2oj5ZXvbuKUueVCoRkejfZXu-X6l9kut0Kk-3n9y8blcv33hrMas-51phdhtxzS6ijVu4MvwboL_5aZWQ0ipYviIdjDxcsVgbLI8jGBvJrZrlM0kjqcVBdgU/s1600/100_5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2-dEJkqcYTW2N9dv3Cv2oj5ZXvbuKUueVCoRkejfZXu-X6l9kut0Kk-3n9y8blcv33hrMas-51phdhtxzS6ijVu4MvwboL_5aZWQ0ipYviIdjDxcsVgbLI8jGBvJrZrlM0kjqcVBdgU/s640/100_5318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz6Hyz498qcRsPb2ewHQmrIr9tCXYZlUBiC_vqUR6ocvAuHptFTyJolXw4mJkA36j3tgEfeGK9InfuVJaqNcCQ0VzxGXjXemUwgn4GPXeb48XGLQPkSrErthBpGQPpw8L0njeOlM3iSE/s1600/100_5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz6Hyz498qcRsPb2ewHQmrIr9tCXYZlUBiC_vqUR6ocvAuHptFTyJolXw4mJkA36j3tgEfeGK9InfuVJaqNcCQ0VzxGXjXemUwgn4GPXeb48XGLQPkSrErthBpGQPpw8L0njeOlM3iSE/s640/100_5319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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If you look closely at the above pictures you will get a sense of the winding road through Zion, there are numerous turns and twists, as well as the odd decreasing radius turn. I only wish they had the signs like on the Blueridge Parkway. "Do you know what a decreasing radius turn is? Don't find out the hard way."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFlnOOmrE4KTh-KrA6mSzDP01uDacNPel7MokKtrIcZ4zd3XLm1vCuXHnOb9HeNF8iwb9qOm4UDlkdG2dgXgyaDsUTYg71VoK_iTXk9QScKbcum9WXkPCuloQkTefCRfSKnlgs8o33lI/s1600/100_5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFlnOOmrE4KTh-KrA6mSzDP01uDacNPel7MokKtrIcZ4zd3XLm1vCuXHnOb9HeNF8iwb9qOm4UDlkdG2dgXgyaDsUTYg71VoK_iTXk9QScKbcum9WXkPCuloQkTefCRfSKnlgs8o33lI/s640/100_5307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So if the road is the reason we love Zion, this is the reason we hate the summer time, RV's. There is nothing worse than riding such a wonderful road, which they have recently repaved so it is track smooth, at 10 miles an hour behind a rent me RV. As Canyon Chasers say "Save our canyons from RVs."<br />
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While I have apologized for my lack of photography skills, I attempted to capture some video with my point and shoot. I must explain that this camera is really old, as my wife would not appreciate me holding her new camera off the side of my motorcycle while riding through Zion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwAz53X6fKBQZIBNkdCRrqaxTLnRNR2WOo3w0C9HjYH87ATq9iEq7ZsM6ujaxdad2sy1H9YoM_q8NL60PHDfg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Here is my attempt at video, hopefully I can get a GoPro or other mounted camera system soon.<br />
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Once we got to the otherside of Zion (locally known as "The Park") we bought a motorcycle trip meal <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4fUJ7lyyxESvT_tIaxY7HS7INbW_8nywyr_WzsKkbpoWkQ0n4-vsl8wMWpGc9hehvoDF495qMUpLKH5tmHL39AzWh-4lVCYyesDHHr19mD_jeq4kYBFvx81kKS85riWxZgKtlUCg6Tw/s1600/100_5335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4fUJ7lyyxESvT_tIaxY7HS7INbW_8nywyr_WzsKkbpoWkQ0n4-vsl8wMWpGc9hehvoDF495qMUpLKH5tmHL39AzWh-4lVCYyesDHHr19mD_jeq4kYBFvx81kKS85riWxZgKtlUCg6Tw/s640/100_5335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>and then turned back around to head home.<br />
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On the way back down, while we were waiting for motorhomes to go through the tunnel<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPmuOzPQKWITsigenecssjVRnmKc1OtCdJGFTdMaPGHJ6umXgBrQ60jPkhmUNP6hpjHPyQ9eMR9-M8C8yNs60fyME__tyJmu9_7TIZ8ON-peCnmd6UUr7v2n001dJF9p8KO5C7etkW5c/s1600/100_5322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPmuOzPQKWITsigenecssjVRnmKc1OtCdJGFTdMaPGHJ6umXgBrQ60jPkhmUNP6hpjHPyQ9eMR9-M8C8yNs60fyME__tyJmu9_7TIZ8ON-peCnmd6UUr7v2n001dJF9p8KO5C7etkW5c/s640/100_5322.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> we ran into a group of riders from France. As you can see the motorhomes are too tall and have to drive down the middle of the tunnel, making everyone else wait at one end or the other. While I believe that anyone can exercise their right to buy and drive a motorhome around, I also believe they should exercise their right to pull the hell over whenever a motorcycle is behind them. The riders from France had apperantly rented motorcycles, 13 of them, in LA and were riding around the Southwest, Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the like. It was great to talk to them, however, they were riding Harleys, which are not ideal for highspeed passes through decreasing radius turns, and were taking pictures. It goes without saying that they were holding us up. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vrdLs8i03Q_j2d3rOnYmhzR806pjW6czXhdSqzbnoGVswcpLRNdt_ltnNxuKAX9YB6obEUcq0jPE93HnLjnpRM216rSLPrubfizDTESBzJnR_STAbwv7p5ttxSr4LcdKt3pml48iLRY/s1600/100_5337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vrdLs8i03Q_j2d3rOnYmhzR806pjW6czXhdSqzbnoGVswcpLRNdt_ltnNxuKAX9YB6obEUcq0jPE93HnLjnpRM216rSLPrubfizDTESBzJnR_STAbwv7p5ttxSr4LcdKt3pml48iLRY/s640/100_5337.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you look closely you can see them in front of the black Mustang (one of their chase vehicles)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPAQKJMimt3rNpRlp_5bW9l35hvX1XwEL5kmk1SaeallbnU-i154-oOqhp80D9UA-PLzfm4yWCQuun8sbFcLxXDFoxx6wzAOu3iYCGWbo2xKowbXW0qQlO9mpCpBOYZ5eiBIS0Vc_k7M/s1600/100_5340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPAQKJMimt3rNpRlp_5bW9l35hvX1XwEL5kmk1SaeallbnU-i154-oOqhp80D9UA-PLzfm4yWCQuun8sbFcLxXDFoxx6wzAOu3iYCGWbo2xKowbXW0qQlO9mpCpBOYZ5eiBIS0Vc_k7M/s640/100_5340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>and off to the left between the trees. While I do not fault motorcycle riders for riding their own pace, there are many a people faster than me, it was slightly disheartening that they did not pull over to let us pass. I would have thought that other riders would have experienced the frustration of following slower vehicles, and either pulled over or simply moved to the far right of the lane and waived us through. Regardless, we only got about four turns where we were not hindered by much slower traffic. Lesson learned stay out of Zion on a sunny late spring morning.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-15500747766083179502011-05-03T10:24:00.000-07:002011-05-03T10:24:40.119-07:00Welcome Class of 2011As explained in the previous post, I am not a fan of the 2011 Speed Triple redesign, and that got we wondering what new Cafe Racers, Streetfighters, and Standards are avialable in this new year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRLFLDXd9O7ZiXOR_yVFhQj4oIAKeQDEO6h81GDEU5UwEnYq-DqfU2-tXUjJPZx01ejflzue0dfjwXlr3q3HM2s5s2m-6YxiEqVymOeIgn6N6AADG83VM4gNBHhLSUirlRAs2vadY8iU/s1600/2011+Aprilia+Shiver+750+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRLFLDXd9O7ZiXOR_yVFhQj4oIAKeQDEO6h81GDEU5UwEnYq-DqfU2-tXUjJPZx01ejflzue0dfjwXlr3q3HM2s5s2m-6YxiEqVymOeIgn6N6AADG83VM4gNBHhLSUirlRAs2vadY8iU/s320/2011+Aprilia+Shiver+750+3.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Aprillia Shiver 750, not to shabby.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDPnPS2qsD7VdC2D6fOWkB9P5YhDRgXq4LOxSidfUw6dNv5v2JuR6z1ID_Ex-JQpF-hzt1Y3YjYRoHKuR3kNw10Pq3Ur06quJbX1sl0O0GMc4AhF9kpajeCR-kWnTKiZR65gsrsIFOQ0/s1600/2011+Ducati+Diavel+Carbon+Sportbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDPnPS2qsD7VdC2D6fOWkB9P5YhDRgXq4LOxSidfUw6dNv5v2JuR6z1ID_Ex-JQpF-hzt1Y3YjYRoHKuR3kNw10Pq3Ur06quJbX1sl0O0GMc4AhF9kpajeCR-kWnTKiZR65gsrsIFOQ0/s320/2011+Ducati+Diavel+Carbon+Sportbike.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>The new Ducati Diavel Carbon. I do not know what it is but it looks a little off. Maybe it is that the rake angle looks to high for the bike, or the sitting position, it looks like a chopper street fighter, I still prefer the Monster.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/harley-davidson-to-launch-xr1200x-in-the-us-in-2011-21113_1-500x333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" j8="true" src="http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/uploads/harley-davidson-to-launch-xr1200x-in-the-us-in-2011-21113_1-500x333.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Although this is not an entirely new bike it has had some upgrades, the Harley XR1200X, which is about the only Harley I find appealing. The new version has the benefit of Showa shocks and I believe upgraded brakes. I had the opportunity to ride last year's model, and while I really like the idea, it felt as if the engine was a let down, and that handling could have been better. Although they tout the wide handle bars, riding the XR after the trusty Z1000, I felt the bars where actually quite skinny. (Confession, my stock bars have been replaced with ProTaper bars, which are wider).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/fz8-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" j8="true" src="http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/fz8-1.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div>Thank you Yamaha, for realizing on the FZ8 that the half fairing previously available on the FZ1, was extremely ugly. History is full of bike manufacturers taking a perfectly good fully naked bike and ruining it with a half fairing, yes Suzuki I am talking to you, Bandit 600S,1200S, (Suzi is a Bandit 1200 no fairing), SV650S, SV1000S. Now Yamaha have done the opposite taken a ugly half faired bike and made something wonderful. I would go to the local shop to have a go, but all they have in stock are sport bikes and cruisers. Road trip to a larger city anyone.<br />
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All in all 2011 looks like a good year.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-9110946145706172972011-02-10T15:40:00.000-08:002011-02-10T15:40:46.287-08:00Continental Conti-Motion TiresContinental Tires, is one of the largest tire companies in the world, and although quite well known in the US for car tires, they are less known for their bike tires. However, I have heard that they are one of the top motorcycle tire sellers in Europe (what ever that means). <br />
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Continental makes a variety of tires, if you would like a good review of the Road Attack tires read the review on the Canyon Chasers website. <a href="http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/road-attack.php">http://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/road-attack.php</a><br />
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Last year, my friend (Supe) and I were going to travel to the World Superbike Race at Miller Motorsports Park over Memorial Day weekend, taking all of the back roads of course. The the day before we were to leave, I had taken my bike into the local Kawasaki dealer because it was making a funny noise. It turned out to be a noise caused by a faulty valve on the emissions system required in California, the system was unnecessary, as I do not live in California, and therefore dealt with appropriately. However, I was also in need of a new rear tire and with funds running low I opted for the lowest price tire the shop had available, the Conti-Motion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tiresunlimited.com/images/conti_motorcycle/Conti%20Motion.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="http://www.tiresunlimited.com/images/conti_motorcycle/Conti%20Motion.gif" /></a></div><br />
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So I purchased the tire, which was promptly mounted and away I went. Over the next few days I put over 1,500 miles on the bike, traveling on everything from mind numbing freeways to tight and twisty mountain passes. At a cost of only $90 dollars I was extremely impressed with the tire. Grip was good both while up right and through the turns, it also preformed well in wet weather. The morning of the last day was met with rain, it cleared up by the afternoon. The tire was confidence inspiring and felt planted, even when the turns and the speeds were sufficient to eliminate my chicken strips.<br />
Tread life was decent. The Z1000 is neither light nor heavy at 496 lbs/dry, and I would consider my riding style middle of the road, not too aggressive, however, I do enjoy a spirited ride through the turns. That being said, I had to replace the tire after about 6,500 miles. All in all it was a great tire, and I will consider purchasing it again. It is confidence inspiring, lasts as long as more expensive tires, and is generally one of the lowest cost sport-touring tires (definitely more to the sport side of the spectrum) available.<br />
I currently ride Pirelli Angel STs, and will review them once I have put sufficient miles on to provide a proper opinion.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-60590568952863409902011-02-07T09:39:00.000-08:002011-02-07T09:39:49.437-08:00Spring RideI am blessed to live in a location that allows for year round riding, and while I commute to work on "Dad's Green Motorcycle." Thanks Babes for clarifying the color.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiIjROSKvVr4PcQvLIme1HgekrkrvX7kpWrvR7M2_atAu9nIW53Rz3GJahaOyjCJ1Ha8iybtt-gjCTZGTsEJ8w7pYEE2HDiX4XNi35im4kN-d3PA3nbvUhWeryBANNpbwwbwYNK9ohh4/s1600/100_5211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbiIjROSKvVr4PcQvLIme1HgekrkrvX7kpWrvR7M2_atAu9nIW53Rz3GJahaOyjCJ1Ha8iybtt-gjCTZGTsEJ8w7pYEE2HDiX4XNi35im4kN-d3PA3nbvUhWeryBANNpbwwbwYNK9ohh4/s640/100_5211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
During the winter months I seldom get the opportunity to partake in the best of all motorcycle rides, a joy ride with a good friend. I should also explain that one of my best friends "Supe" lives in a more nothern (read snow covered) climate, and only has a carport rather than a garage, so for the winter months I keep his Suzuki Bandit 1200 ("Suzi" not sure on the spelling) warm and safe within my garage. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYjK_YYL_PO0zAbriqUCtfMDbEAxKArwCvvPJTswU7udzgZyuDXO5EPbkbqmOfNtjjSugvQA1ljmrZo4GZKXzTp_pWOwxFoAKxjumh9078cRGdsTyhMD96lME6qJ2V37omZQi3rhqutw/s1600/100_5210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYjK_YYL_PO0zAbriqUCtfMDbEAxKArwCvvPJTswU7udzgZyuDXO5EPbkbqmOfNtjjSugvQA1ljmrZo4GZKXzTp_pWOwxFoAKxjumh9078cRGdsTyhMD96lME6qJ2V37omZQi3rhqutw/s640/100_5210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>However, this Saturday, Supe was visiting me and we decided to take a couple of hours for a pleasure ride to Zion National Park. As you can see above we started with the obligatory gas stop. Unitl I started this blog, the only pictures I ever took on motorcycle rides were of my bike with different gas stations as a back drop. This blog is in part an attempt to force me to better document these wonderful times. So after a fill up of gas and a check of air pressure, we started our ride.<br />
We started up SR-9 which consists of mostly long sweepers as it is the main road to Zion National Park and must accomodate that most dreaded of road going vehicles the RV, or as Jeremy, Richard, and James would call them Caravans. This being the first ride of the forthcoming spring, it was my intention to take it easy, however, as I drove up the road, I felt good, the road surface was excellent, and there was surpisingly little traffic. So as I entered one long sweeper after another my forward velocity began to increase, feeling comfortable I did not glance at the Speedo, as I was concentrating on correct body and head position, however, after one especially good turn I saw my exit speed and quickly realized the extent of my youthful exuberance. <br />
Soon we arrived at the entrance to Zion. Now recently the park rangers in Zion have been especially diligent in their duties regarding American the Beautiful Annual Passes (read not allowing other to borrow them, by asking for ID). In the past the purchase of an annual pass allowed two motorcycles per pass, so at the entrance I argued vigoruously my prior review of the rules and the ranger despite his belief the rule was different obliged our entrance with one pass despite that only one of us had signed the pass. Because I had dealt with this issue in the past I felt confident in my reading of the rules, however, upon return home the National Park website had been updated to reflect that for two motorcycles to enter the two people had to sign the pass. So to the Ranger at the entrance on Saturday, if you read this, I apologize for my anger regarding entrance. <br />
Despite my new understanding of the current rule. I believe the rule should allow two motorcycles regardless of the need for both to have signed the pass. I can take my friend in the park in a car without the need for him to sign the pass, I am always careful to park both bikes in one parking stall so as not to take up more space than a care, and lets be honest at the speed I travel the familiar roads of Zion National Park, we are not holding up any traffic. Back to the story, we rode up to a turn around spot and stopped for a few pictures. To all the other tourists who kindly let us pass, I thank you. To the one motorhome going 10 under the speed limit, who passed multiple pull offs without letting us pass, I hope you have a wonderful trip, but also hope you will allow those faster than you to pass, it is truly appreciated.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciLdL-atp8KkRGlSYmxdmGMGHCEiOKz_tjvFkyWtaS_oIcmBwXTGvd9mmn8D4nQAmPTc_i2iBRIN36JFLM8wf3iCJi3CtdVsS9orxPZxLt4XbuTIa4lpNm0JD8FZxil2QPXyuE4U7Z-M/s1600/100_5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciLdL-atp8KkRGlSYmxdmGMGHCEiOKz_tjvFkyWtaS_oIcmBwXTGvd9mmn8D4nQAmPTc_i2iBRIN36JFLM8wf3iCJi3CtdVsS9orxPZxLt4XbuTIa4lpNm0JD8FZxil2QPXyuE4U7Z-M/s640/100_5218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQZGBqa4DsDyKTieAueF26C9xFvLvUuoVSo0dPvdx4QVwf5k9OAoONMWFXlsXkK7_ggXsF4otQqsMN6Ekd366mDzdEJbW-WlGfP0GkO_Os7kaIZuzt3n8RSwrAwu-I1PTHH-2DqmLyJY/s1600/100_5215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQZGBqa4DsDyKTieAueF26C9xFvLvUuoVSo0dPvdx4QVwf5k9OAoONMWFXlsXkK7_ggXsF4otQqsMN6Ekd366mDzdEJbW-WlGfP0GkO_Os7kaIZuzt3n8RSwrAwu-I1PTHH-2DqmLyJY/s400/100_5215.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>(Sorry, for some reason when I rotated the pictures the quality was reduced. I will have to address this issue. I also made some video but need to edit it before posting.)<br />
As you can see, it was great to get out on a pleasure ride, the weather was good, 60 degrees and sunny, requiring nothing more than my jacket. I hope to have many more rides with friends this year. Supe thanks for coming and making my weekend, it was the best part of my weekend. Yes event better than watching the Super Bowl which is saying a lot for this football fan.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-60092203071144134052011-01-17T09:38:00.000-08:002011-01-17T09:38:19.420-08:00Thanksgiving at OBXMany places have begun making stickers for your car, bikes, panniers, and helmets, with three letters, so you can discretely brag about your travels. One of the first places to begin selling such stickers was the Outerbanks, North Carolina (OBX).<br />
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In 2008 my older brother, who currently lives in Northern Virginia, and used to live in North Carolina, invited my family to spend Thanksgiving in the Outerbanks with his family. It was one of the best vacations I have had with my family. So for Thanksgiving 2010 my wife and I decided to pack up the family spend a week with my brother, his family, my mom, and my in-laws on the beach. <br />
The Outerbanks are a string of barrier islands located along the North Carolina Coast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.outerbanksrental.us/images/outer_banks_nc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://www.outerbanksrental.us/images/outer_banks_nc.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>Confession time. My lovely wife of 10 years is not a fan of motorcycles. She has grudingly allowed me to ride throughout my life, and has allowed me to purchase my current ride, and while I would love to ride North Carolina highway 12, which runs the length of the Outerbanks, if I rode she would not come, and if I went without her, she would likely kill me in my sleep, therefore, while this blog is motorcycle oriented I made this trip in a car, which car I will not admit as it would require that I forfeit my man card. <br />
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On December 17, 2010 we flew into Dulles International Airport, which despite the many upgrades, was clearly built in the 1950's.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNhlzjpy60ThVPqXCtjh5-1kyW30mqWxKUc5eII9_gUeCOh_1yBOOldiLdqB9HblMxFsLD6jPo7YpvfulEDftkp9JZ09MdmFzzxuOL5Kyu_oBqXoPDVaLHmMkrwn8u-_bcoSMiYDcLofk/s1600/DIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNhlzjpy60ThVPqXCtjh5-1kyW30mqWxKUc5eII9_gUeCOh_1yBOOldiLdqB9HblMxFsLD6jPo7YpvfulEDftkp9JZ09MdmFzzxuOL5Kyu_oBqXoPDVaLHmMkrwn8u-_bcoSMiYDcLofk/s320/DIA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After spending a couple days at my Brother's house we drove from Washington DC to North Carolina. Once we arrived we found the house we rented for the week. <br />
This was the view from the deck at this point I knew it really was going to be a rough week. Warm weather clear skies, and a wonderful view of the beach, what a rough life I am forced to live. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKujIUl3AWQFbojS2ohWl5gnxIoe8-cRz-TcxPamv3UYEsqg0lAh51W852SwNJlyMXOT0kUkGozkFRu-Kkeg8vpTfJ1n49g42kJ0-SiY-2eA0jsWhIipdwnSDBJtcINoOHZ2nsubnogb8/s1600/100_4805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKujIUl3AWQFbojS2ohWl5gnxIoe8-cRz-TcxPamv3UYEsqg0lAh51W852SwNJlyMXOT0kUkGozkFRu-Kkeg8vpTfJ1n49g42kJ0-SiY-2eA0jsWhIipdwnSDBJtcINoOHZ2nsubnogb8/s640/100_4805.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyYuWPR8GGTDVb5Y7xBthUCCmhnhg7A2sKfD9nVdT6QqFNAw7gh6Ed-AwoSRenXq009_8_PKjFNQo4I_oJm31tWhwdAIeEzkKLsbuRJRw58s81PS1BKqC3h2rTLOTRHVvMDh9_fN_Nk4/s1600/100_4806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyYuWPR8GGTDVb5Y7xBthUCCmhnhg7A2sKfD9nVdT6QqFNAw7gh6Ed-AwoSRenXq009_8_PKjFNQo4I_oJm31tWhwdAIeEzkKLsbuRJRw58s81PS1BKqC3h2rTLOTRHVvMDh9_fN_Nk4/s640/100_4806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The Outerbanks are also famous for having a number of lighthouses, the most famous of which is Cape Hatteras.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0tLWUhVez2P1yx27V1UMfhlYL2sTohIM_T32r_LKZJ643x_rTuI1nNHI5hba1yYJ2gPrw44T-lSfXz67IOOhMlvHF3Ebc-H8pvQo-mw0qRf7Mwlu_x2nYWKHd5GzLQlXlxwiNJt-rKA/s1600/100_4852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0tLWUhVez2P1yx27V1UMfhlYL2sTohIM_T32r_LKZJ643x_rTuI1nNHI5hba1yYJ2gPrw44T-lSfXz67IOOhMlvHF3Ebc-H8pvQo-mw0qRf7Mwlu_x2nYWKHd5GzLQlXlxwiNJt-rKA/s640/100_4852.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVyxiBTaf2inZvYat8jEm6X5jAANCeK8Sfq1nQ_BciT1IyVr9QruKauLpfdjS30Dlo6Z9NgPhe8xJ2CwqAZnOlVY6Ru6Ah0gkepOqruQI0vU1qcPTY5hBQpIZRporCoYDyqdKcJDgobA/s1600/100_4853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVyxiBTaf2inZvYat8jEm6X5jAANCeK8Sfq1nQ_BciT1IyVr9QruKauLpfdjS30Dlo6Z9NgPhe8xJ2CwqAZnOlVY6Ru6Ah0gkepOqruQI0vU1qcPTY5hBQpIZRporCoYDyqdKcJDgobA/s640/100_4853.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
While this is the most well known it is not open during the off-season, therefore, we went to Currituck lighthouse that remains open year round.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgIoiQTJp7QRD_c8OvT5f_Mc0XDgnH2X0XWbn6yH9Z4M6Q0ySWaDYUS6_8eAhppUijDF0_xtmm4VOv-Rvjl3TsRZKP5_o9VauSTVLv54GkUU1fDVxjsmEwJ5dT87tedvX0fvtZ6U4VPE/s1600/100_4886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgIoiQTJp7QRD_c8OvT5f_Mc0XDgnH2X0XWbn6yH9Z4M6Q0ySWaDYUS6_8eAhppUijDF0_xtmm4VOv-Rvjl3TsRZKP5_o9VauSTVLv54GkUU1fDVxjsmEwJ5dT87tedvX0fvtZ6U4VPE/s640/100_4886.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>After you climb to the top, you can walk around the outside of the lighthouse you get a better view of were you are.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZDSuSlQLLPF_AJha2VHBjCPmHNWcX9uJGKs-Y1Cg4kLZdhMugz4JRFQDgD-4zT5GXG8awCH5pG0ON0r_Ii1eSNSao7pwN2aYGEXvIsis2oplA5CKW6SGuU0VqGlIOl8G-ifV64NGsSM/s1600/100_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZDSuSlQLLPF_AJha2VHBjCPmHNWcX9uJGKs-Y1Cg4kLZdhMugz4JRFQDgD-4zT5GXG8awCH5pG0ON0r_Ii1eSNSao7pwN2aYGEXvIsis2oplA5CKW6SGuU0VqGlIOl8G-ifV64NGsSM/s640/100_4871.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>On the left is the Atlantice Ocean, and on the right is the sound which seperates mainland North Carolina from the Outerbanks. <br />
There are two other lighthouses on the Outerbanks, Bodie Island, which was closed for renovations, and Ocracoke. To get to Ocracoke you drive to the end of Hatteras Island, and ride a ferry. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZurY2SsT1Yww07slfUFViXn9Z5TPW4SvKAVlssNbokala6TevEZ9HPXOZqGPXm1n6nAwtP6a_RMfQNj6Bet9aTsZElcKF9xjmHuQ6_Wfq-RDVf3wCjFkomAmyt8EZk5ZNoWEWu4rkCk/s1600/100_4912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZurY2SsT1Yww07slfUFViXn9Z5TPW4SvKAVlssNbokala6TevEZ9HPXOZqGPXm1n6nAwtP6a_RMfQNj6Bet9aTsZElcKF9xjmHuQ6_Wfq-RDVf3wCjFkomAmyt8EZk5ZNoWEWu4rkCk/s640/100_4912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIkLWs6l6_9W93Bay2LgngtySoDqckQRnpEzPrslQjeuDOobcE2RHsJubYCU3IB4A5Yc-wvtcO3b2lQer_p9URvOE8ZWw84DmB1D9MnnRU3DJoXZXjJ-spq3QsckqHfXRkj8krpMl8oM/s1600/100_4918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIkLWs6l6_9W93Bay2LgngtySoDqckQRnpEzPrslQjeuDOobcE2RHsJubYCU3IB4A5Yc-wvtcO3b2lQer_p9URvOE8ZWw84DmB1D9MnnRU3DJoXZXjJ-spq3QsckqHfXRkj8krpMl8oM/s640/100_4918.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviSfeA8aoPlf8yiX5sY_858Rhp2JQ8St0iRuAl6nN4XCsO3gRB3_M0t6F-aZe00IVPmSu2Ldifohj3pAZTVYdC5I6V_1kCIDXnO5N65eX5-Ga-6odln39SeXGNufm2VtMiHLthTfwcV0/s1600/100_4922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviSfeA8aoPlf8yiX5sY_858Rhp2JQ8St0iRuAl6nN4XCsO3gRB3_M0t6F-aZe00IVPmSu2Ldifohj3pAZTVYdC5I6V_1kCIDXnO5N65eX5-Ga-6odln39SeXGNufm2VtMiHLthTfwcV0/s640/100_4922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>After about a 45 minute ferry ride, you arrive at Ocracoke Island, which is famous for being the hiding place for Edward Teach, aka Black Beard.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcdET0DK0KicnN_W5H5wyOv99gyehyPcabpbLxSlZ7d5kxgEy0K3U9bA8L0q2h2xZ58sJukBL8uYdZUoRNRGD76ed1mB8M1TCq6Fq52qIjFBZyeee0CKEdDpwJI_HibF_Z0RSxvE3nt0/s1600/100_4935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcdET0DK0KicnN_W5H5wyOv99gyehyPcabpbLxSlZ7d5kxgEy0K3U9bA8L0q2h2xZ58sJukBL8uYdZUoRNRGD76ed1mB8M1TCq6Fq52qIjFBZyeee0CKEdDpwJI_HibF_Z0RSxvE3nt0/s640/100_4935.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The lighthouse on Ocracoke is smaller and is a constant 360 degree light rather than a rotating light.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5IONnXf0ZsgTXfAZoQVxJ-lezxNY1cUAPSGtiy61HJ0-fqOW8V2j3qEJS21WdfWsSb7tFMYvl2pbRfVpxxRn9-CqB54cvnM74f-Gjjg6WP_ZLS8N3gWTxP-nKKxL02HWXS6XqPMIiG8/s1600/100_4940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5IONnXf0ZsgTXfAZoQVxJ-lezxNY1cUAPSGtiy61HJ0-fqOW8V2j3qEJS21WdfWsSb7tFMYvl2pbRfVpxxRn9-CqB54cvnM74f-Gjjg6WP_ZLS8N3gWTxP-nKKxL02HWXS6XqPMIiG8/s640/100_4940.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The most important thing of the entire week was that we were their to celebrate Thanksgiving. We all worked together to create a wonderful meal. It also did not hurt that it was about 70 degrees, sunny, and right on the beach.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Nz5X27GSdEIfaAhG6eWV_xtPEPpCmQsjcYb_zQaFrx9RZmgGemv8a855DVgLkxmJStGhsva_QvJFtjtwsp0d2_zeYSbtdTHDO3IaZpxF8DykyZMsvM2ofxQB7Knmw1SA2s-dhwLPOGM/s1600/100_4892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Nz5X27GSdEIfaAhG6eWV_xtPEPpCmQsjcYb_zQaFrx9RZmgGemv8a855DVgLkxmJStGhsva_QvJFtjtwsp0d2_zeYSbtdTHDO3IaZpxF8DykyZMsvM2ofxQB7Knmw1SA2s-dhwLPOGM/s640/100_4892.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>As it was Thanksgiving here are my thanks. Thank you to everyone who came and spent time with us. To our great friends from South Carolina who drove up to spend some time with us, we miss you and hope to see more of all of you. Thanks to my Mom for getting the great home on the beach, and to my Brother for introducing me to the Outerbanks, although it may be the most expensive addition I have, yes even more expensive than motorcycling, to my wonderful in-laws, I consider myself one of the luckiest men on the planet to have married into such a great family. Finally, and most importantly, thanks to my wonderful wife and two lovely children, thank you for all that you do for me, I am truly blessed. Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-13191423582019529512011-01-04T16:52:00.000-08:002011-01-04T16:52:48.824-08:00IF IT AINT BROKEI am a huge fan of Triumph Motorcycles. It may be because of my family connection to England, my Mom is from England, or it may be that I like the exclusivity factor, or it could be the universal reception you get when riding a Triumph. I recently rode up the Blue Ridge Parkway with my brother. I was riding a BMW which generally takes all of the attention, however, my Brother's Triumph Thunderbird Sport stole all of the attention and comments.<br />
Fellow Traveler "What kind of bike is that?"<br />
Me "A BMW R. . . "<br />
Traveler "No that one."<br />
Brother "ATriumph" (trying not to laugh uncontrollably).<br />
Here is a picture of what he refers to as a pure "Cafe Racer"<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://merciarising.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/antiquetables1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://merciarising.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/antiquetables1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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In addition to liking Triumphs, I like the Streetfighter look, therefore it should be no suprise that the Speed Triple gets me excited. I am not alone in this, since its creation in 1994 the Speed Triple has been Triumph's best seller, and since its introduction in 1996 the most recognizable feature has been the round bug eye lights, followed by the complete absence of any fairing of any sort. It is so popular and well liked that the bug eye lights is now an optional extra on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Imitation really is the highest form of flattery. The picture below might as well be considered porn in my world, and well as one of my friends, you know who you are.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffvOVLiztB5_wjbV7XZI1I1TPpYbFenXQ1JceDyg8jrQbXqUH9jpTca3XsYeu5gLSOS39LwX5X4ntbz2IN4-geAWrEQ5VuTl77e0RutcQ5y-ZOsNcQGgSSKFnx-v_eu9_i04SiwoVcV8/s1600/2008-Triumph-SpeedTriplea-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffvOVLiztB5_wjbV7XZI1I1TPpYbFenXQ1JceDyg8jrQbXqUH9jpTca3XsYeu5gLSOS39LwX5X4ntbz2IN4-geAWrEQ5VuTl77e0RutcQ5y-ZOsNcQGgSSKFnx-v_eu9_i04SiwoVcV8/s320/2008-Triumph-SpeedTriplea-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Now however, Triumph has decided to alter the appearance of the Speed Triple.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cycleworld.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q4/2011_triumph_motorcycles_unveiled_at_intermot_2010_-_first_look/gallery/photo_1/3543803-1-eng-US/001_2011_triumph_speed_triple_cd_gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" n4="true" src="http://www.cycleworld.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/motorcycle_news/first_looks_articles/10q4/2011_triumph_motorcycles_unveiled_at_intermot_2010_-_first_look/gallery/photo_1/3543803-1-eng-US/001_2011_triumph_speed_triple_cd_gallery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Gone are the trademark bugeye lights, which have been replaced by some oddly shaped molded plastic which connects the lights to the instrument pod, and there is now a small piece of something, dare I say fairing like material (plastic) below the frame rails. <br />
Do not get me wrong I enjoy progress, as I have already been called out by suggesting that bikes like the Speed Triple are Cafe Racers, because they lack the vintage styling. I like that companies are forever trying to better their bikes. The Speed Triple's upgrade to Brembo brakes was greated with open arms, I am always interested in increases to horsepower as well, although it is not likely that I would know the difference between 125 and 129 horsepower, but buying a motorcycle is not rational, it is not driven by technical numbers and specifications, it is all about desire, and I for one will not be buying a 2011. Give me back my round bug eye lights and completely bare engine. <br />
This same thing happened when Suzuki changed from the SV650 to the Gladius, although the new Gladius was technically superior, the bike lost its soul as a machine.<br />
It is bad enough that you can no longer see the mechanical elements of most cars, plastics cover everything, especially engines, and manufactuers seem to make odd shapes just because they can, but for the quintessential Street Fighter and Cafe Racer of our time to fall victim to the forward march of plastic coverings is heartbreaking. <br />
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So if you have a 2009 or 2010 Speed Triple hang on to it for a year or so, because I am going to need one.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-88606378194378535802011-01-04T08:37:00.000-08:002011-01-04T08:37:29.263-08:00Scorpion EXO-400 Rebel HelmetMy plan is to post something of interest, and as gear is an important issue for all riders, I will post reviews of products I have currently or have used in the past. While I may not be ATGATT, I never ride without helmet, gloves, and generally a proper motorcycle jacket. While I have ridden long distances without proper gear in the past, when I look back I feel lucky to have made it out with only minor cuts and road rash. <br />
The helmet I currently own is a Scorpion EXO-400 Rebel <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wzgKPhzaOU84RuVlu3J9V1mIneN_UEezAOwPa4sBdenqss78bfuBOyX7nmpsI8gJR2z6pqNlOHfH9XIRNSIhRRh0CCwkmURpDd1-4_v5nk2vGdxvlVeDr_PA4dju6YBVF_97ClRk8zE/s1600/100_5164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wzgKPhzaOU84RuVlu3J9V1mIneN_UEezAOwPa4sBdenqss78bfuBOyX7nmpsI8gJR2z6pqNlOHfH9XIRNSIhRRh0CCwkmURpDd1-4_v5nk2vGdxvlVeDr_PA4dju6YBVF_97ClRk8zE/s320/100_5164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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The helmet is DOT and SNELL approved, the lining is comfortable and removable for washing. I prefer flat colors and graphics and although I wanted a solid color, this was the only design available for the price. On to a plug for which I am not getting paid. I bought the helmet from <a href="http://www.motorcyclesuperstore.com/">http://www.motorcyclesuperstore.com/</a> it was delivered in 2 days free shipping, and is currently still available for $64.99, retails at local stores for $139.00. I have found motorcyclesuperstore to have the best prices, as well as great service including their return policy. (Motorcyclesuperstore if you are listening a new pair of riding pants would be nice). The fit is a bit small, consider buying one helmet size larger than other helmets. It has many vents, three on the forehead, one chin, and two exhaust vents. I also has a breath deflector, and the best feature is the everclear shield which does not fog up. I promise. I have tried to fog up the faceshield on cold mornings and it will stay clear. <br />
Because of the tight fit it is sometimes dificult to keep earphones in place, either for your phone or your ipod, and finally my only real complaint is that the button to move the chin vent came off and was lost.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdms0JJgAS6znh3PPFPitpvCpnCEQRLrYr-byN59VfsVMqjx8R0BCiz6MSR2ZiZdCoD8F5S0Lm2tVB41k6XB-Wgo5lH7KjdHyL57FLBcf8F6E4_QnxTJZ3MyFENqfg6ajswmwPZpx1_c/s1600/100_5166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdms0JJgAS6znh3PPFPitpvCpnCEQRLrYr-byN59VfsVMqjx8R0BCiz6MSR2ZiZdCoD8F5S0Lm2tVB41k6XB-Wgo5lH7KjdHyL57FLBcf8F6E4_QnxTJZ3MyFENqfg6ajswmwPZpx1_c/s320/100_5166.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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As you can see there should be a small black slider switch to open and close the chin vent. This has only become an issue lately as my home climate is hot in the summer and mild winters, however, lately we have gone through a real cold spell. Overall it is a good helmet, not the best in the world, but for the price it cannot be beat.<br />
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Future product reviews include, Pirelli Angel ST tires, Conti-Motion tires, Scoprion Jacket, crash tested by a friend, Motocentric Tank Bag, and others.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8916463420038050928.post-59932605634307739542011-01-03T14:56:00.000-08:002011-01-03T14:56:50.970-08:00Cafe StyleA Cafe is defined as "<span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">restaurant,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">usually</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">small</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" onclick="this.style.backgroundColor='#b5d5ff';return hotWord(this);" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor='transparent'" onmouseover="this.style.cursor='default'" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">unpretentious." Thank you Dictionary.com. </span> </span><br />
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A <b>café racer</b>, originally pronounced "caff" (as in Kaff) racer, is a type of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle" title="Motorcycle"><span style="color: #0645ad;">motorcycle</span></a> as well as a type of motorcyclist. Both meanings have their roots in the 1960s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom" title="United Kingdom"><span style="color: #0645ad;">British</span></a> counterculture group the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocker_(subculture)" title="Rocker (subculture)"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Rockers</span></a>, or the Ton-up boys, although they were also common in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy" title="Italy"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Italy</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany" title="Germany"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Germany</span></a>, and other European countries. In Italy, the term refers to the specific motorcycles that were and are used for short, sharp speed trips from one coffee bar to another. Thank you Wikipedia.<br />
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Although I like any type of motorcycle, and have ridden everything from Choppers to Race Replicas, I must admit that my favorite style can be classified as a Cafe Racer, also known as Naked Sport Bikes, Super Standards, or Standard. This style of bike has made a comeback of sorts recently as demonstrated by the "Cafe Racer" television program. I could make practical arguments, about how these bikes retain the sporty nature of the more track oriented bikes, while providing some more comfort for all day riding, but his would be just rationalization. The fact of the matter is, I like how they look. Here are some examples:<br />
What I currently own, a 2004 Kawasaki Z100<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXXEopbGolXbRwG7cCybnwTaewb2BcjBy3B6xU2CHWR2t_5zNgq_xH1x-aiWBwb8s-q8DgC2MB5oAvDtInCUlXz_ptGA4aE76MeBt8olR8huZkv27yVWs2YpOCJnFMXt-XDZZlg8ho3Q/s1600/100_4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXXEopbGolXbRwG7cCybnwTaewb2BcjBy3B6xU2CHWR2t_5zNgq_xH1x-aiWBwb8s-q8DgC2MB5oAvDtInCUlXz_ptGA4aE76MeBt8olR8huZkv27yVWs2YpOCJnFMXt-XDZZlg8ho3Q/s320/100_4601.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The best known, Triumph Speed Triple (What I want to own).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffvOVLiztB5_wjbV7XZI1I1TPpYbFenXQ1JceDyg8jrQbXqUH9jpTca3XsYeu5gLSOS39LwX5X4ntbz2IN4-geAWrEQ5VuTl77e0RutcQ5y-ZOsNcQGgSSKFnx-v_eu9_i04SiwoVcV8/s1600/2008-Triumph-SpeedTriplea-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffvOVLiztB5_wjbV7XZI1I1TPpYbFenXQ1JceDyg8jrQbXqUH9jpTca3XsYeu5gLSOS39LwX5X4ntbz2IN4-geAWrEQ5VuTl77e0RutcQ5y-ZOsNcQGgSSKFnx-v_eu9_i04SiwoVcV8/s320/2008-Triumph-SpeedTriplea-small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Some have even begun changing newer sport bikes into Cafe style bikes, this is a custom bike made from a Suzuki GSF600 (I believe).<br />
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Other well know bikes in this category are the Ducati Monster, Honda 919 or Comet if you live in Europe, Suzuki Bandit (Not the S version), Suzuki SV650 and SV1000.<br />
Just thought I would explain the name. I hope to continue to post about motorcycles, favorite roads, favorite places, product reviews, as well as motorcycle trips, I plan on going to Yellowstone this summer, as well as a cross country tour in 2012, and all other things motorcycle.Zed1000http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259689261766765477noreply@blogger.com5