A Rider's Journal

Fiery Muffler

2005-10-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Just anybody can add a little spice on their motorcycle parts. One of the hot subjects these days are mufflers. You can make it sizzle and burn – and I mean it!

There’s something more that you can do with mufflers. In fact, it can further increase its appeal by adding a new blazing hot feature. Expert riders call it Spit fire Flame box injects. It can be done to one or to both exhausts. In order to acquire this hot bike feature, you also need to purchase the parts not included in the kit, parts list and numbers included with instructions. The hardest part of the process is hiding the injection setup. Injected instructions must be unfailingly followed. Or if you don’t have any idea on how to do it, better relay it to the experts. Then, Viola - fiery mufflers! It’s really arresting! Adore the sight, adore the fire…

Sex on a Motorcycle?!!

2005-10-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

I was having an idle Saturday afternoon when Pete, a fellow rider, called up asking me to accompany him somewhere. We agreed to bring our bikes. “Sure you’ll have a real good time”, he said. There was something in his voice that made me anticipate for it. He further said, “I’ll introduce you to Sarah”. That last statement put a smirk on my face. So, there we go.

At four o’clock, we are already tracking the route to Sarah’s place. On our way, Pete opened up an interesting subject. He asked me, “How do you like ‘Sex on a Motorcycle’? I told him beaming, “Here we go again with your fancies, huh! Pete answered back with a big grin, “If you haven’t tried it before, I’m sure you’ll get addicted soon”.

Unable to control my imagination, I thought of the ‘usual man’s desires’. I’m in that situation when Pete, signaled to stop. I saw him winked at the lady in front of us. She’s gorgeous, I told my self. “This is Sarah”, I hear Pete saying. At the back of my head, I’m thinking wild passion.

Sarah ushered us inside a cozy bar. My eyes were glued at Sarah. It was then that I she was the one who mixes drinks. Pete said, “Will you give us a ‘Motorcycle on a Motorcycle’? Sarah winked and started to mix. So this was what Pete has been tellin’ me all along. I was thinking of another thing. Too bad, Pete got the idea how excited I was.

That was my way of knowing that ‘Sex on a Motorcycle’ is liqueur. It is composed of 1 oz each of melon liqueur, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice, coconut rum and sweet & sour mix. You just shake it and pour over ice. Whew! What a frustrating way to know…

For sure, in the coming days, I will be hooked not only by ‘Sex on a Motorcycle’ but by the magnetic charm of Sarah…This will not be the end, I know.

Suspension Significance

2005-10-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

We can tend to overlook the importance of motorcycle parts if we are not aware of its functions. Suspension, for one, is a very valuable motorcycle part.

Suspension system is the reason why it is safer to ride bikes now than before. As riders, we must know the functions of suspensions to appreciate its value. It keeps the tires in contact with the road. Even when there are lots of bumps, potholes, and other road imperfections and flaws, still, suspension can manage to maintain the balance.

Suspension must perform at straight up high speeds as well as high angles during mid turns so as to provide traction and maintain the tires’ road contact. Basically, what controls the cornering speed limit of bikes are lean clearance and tire adhesion not the performance of suspensions. However, it will be safer and faster for you to make corners if you have an effective suspension system.

You can always adjust and experiment on your suspension system to give your bike aesthetic value.

Do not compromise your suspension system. It will just result to an uncomfortable and unsafe motorcycle ride. The stickier tires, the better the ride is. So use your head and experiment to look for the most suited and powerful suspensions available in the market!

Endurance Riding

2005-10-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

Endurance riding may be associated to the equestrians. According to the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), it is ‘an athletic event with the same horse and rider covering a measured course within a specified maximum time. These kinds of rides vary in distance between 50 to 100 miles a day. Some are also having a goal of more than 100 miles but this is completed over a stipulated number of days. Limited distance rides range from 25 to 35 miles. These rides have mandatory rests in order for the vets to check on the condition of the horses. These kinds of rides, though technically called ‘races’, are participated by riders whose aim is for the satisfaction of the 50 or 100 miles on a healthy horse. For them it is already a valuable prize.

Motorcycle riding is different in the sense that riders need not worry of the health condition of a living animal, instead, he just have to be cautious of the functioning condition of his motorcycle parts, liquids and accessories as well as his own protection.

In every riding goal, endurance must be constant. It’s what drives the adrenaline crazy. It’s what makes us crave for more adventure. It’s one thing that leads us to victory. Finally, it’s the thing that makes us ecstatic!

Suspension tuning

2005-09-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

How can we bounce in the air while riding on a bike in the highest possible speed yet land calmly and in control?

Aside from the harmony of motorcycle parts, one important thing that contributes harmony is suspension tuning.

In tuning the suspension, one has to bear in mind that the secret is simply to ‘spring’ both ends of the bike so that your weight is carried evenly even if it is bumpy.
How do we do this? Let’s get into details for an easy grasp…

1. Select a rear spring. Be sure that it will bottom out the hardest bump in your ordinary course. Soften then tighten. Examine the sag. Is it already in the general range of 35mm to 20mm with no compression damping?

2. Select front fork springs. After setting the rear spring, select the front fork springs that will allow the front and the rear end to have an even and equal travel even while bouncing on the footpegs with no compression damping.

Other things to consider:

1. Use adequate rear rebound to avoid wallowing in high speed sweepers.
2. Use adequate front rebound to keep the front end from topping out and drifting wide while in full throttle exiting low speed corners.
3. Use the right spring when you are in a non-braking mode riding. However, do not use the rigid front spring, if it is stronger than the necessary rear spring. You can use compression damping only if it is necessary in trimming.
4. Use proper rebound damping in controlling the bike’s spring.
5. In cases of hard braking, increase your oil level to make it a solid brake. If you are using the latest forks, 5mm change is good enough.

In a nutshell, always use the softest rear spring to work within the ‘sagging’ limit. To achieve this, the secret is using perfectly matched springs.

What’s In-Store for Bikers in the Near Future?

2005-09-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

An entry in thekneeslider.com is worth our rider’s undivided attention…

Bob Lutz, gave some predictions in connection to the topic A Vision of the Future of the Automobile Industry. Here is an excerpt of his talk during the Frankfurt Auto Show:

“This type of technology, unheard of 10 or 15 years ago, is real. And it’s coming. It’s just another step toward the fully automated driving experience. Which is anathema to those of us who are driver’s drivers… who are suckers for the thrill of controlling a speed machine.

This technology would improve people’s quality of life. Highway accidents and fatalities would be greatly reduced, and snarling traffic jams would be a thing of the past."

The vision is pretty good. The goal is simple. It is to get this new mode of propulsion which provides the same performance, range and cost as the present internal combustion engine. The innovation in the motorcycle world is expected to lessen the dependency on fuel to reduce its price. Second is to reduce the emissions of compounds like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and the likes.

The thing is all about controlling automobiles - slowing them down when necessary to prevent mishaps and using sensors and trasponders. We need these kinds of vehicles. However, the common denominator for all the drivers is safe and vigilant driving. No matter where development leads the drivers, the focal point will be how each driver treats their rides.

Death Equates Another Death!

2005-09-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Has the ancient rule a tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye already revived? Why did I say so?

Yesterday, CNN released a news item entitled Thai drunk driver’s death penalty. An excerpt of the news item reads:

A 23-year-old former college student, Nattapong Raksapong, was sentenced to death by a court in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday on several charges related to a 2004 drunk driving rampage in which four people were killed, four injured and five vehicles damaged.
"This is a historic verdict and should set a precedent in cases of drunken drivers who kill innocent people on the roads," said Surasit Silapangam of the Don't Drink and Drive Foundation.
He said that drunken driving was involved in some 80 percent of the more than 14,500 deaths and 1.08 million injuries on Thailand's roads last year.

While intoxicated, Nattapong first struck a motorcycle, sped away and then crashed into two other motorcycles while driving a six-wheel truck in the northeastern province of Mahasarakham. He tried to flee but crashed into a truck.

In connection to the said news, a blog entry entitled This is How You Treat Motorcyclist Murders caught my attention. It says: If only the rest of the world would pay attention to Thailand. Last year a truck driver, drunk, crashed into a motorcycle rider killing him on the spot. The truck driver fled, and on his way, killed two more motorcyclists!! He was finally arrested, and has been brought to court. He received the DEATH SENTENCE! That should wake up many of these people who drive cars and trucks, and never pay any attention to us motorbikers!

Dura lex sed lex (The law is harsh but it is the law). Call it harsh. Call it morbid but still justice was served to the victims of reckless driving and cold-blooded drivers. We need a lot of this kind of jurisprudence in order of our drivers to realize the importance of life.

Is the Hydrogen-Powered Motorcycle really that Revolutionary?

2005-09-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

The world is badly in need of solutions to help clean the air and the environment. In view of this, scientists and ordinary citizen are developing ideas and making them into reality to effectuate the same. One of the solutions sought to be presented is the use of Hydrogen-Powered Bikes.

Hydrogen-Powered bikes known as ENV or Emissions Neutral Vehicle produces no polluting emissions thus called an environment friendly bike. The bike can reach 50 mph in 12 seconds. Ona single gas tank, it can reach 100 miles. Its core is completely detachable from the bike. According to the USA Today "The fuel cell itself can be pulled out and carried around like a small suitcase. The company says it foresees one day being able to use the same fuel cell for different applications, such as a boat. With fewer moving parts than in a conventional motorcycle, the hydrogen-powered motorcycle gains simplicity and quiet. The rider hears little more than the sound of tires spinning over the road or trail".

The problem now lies on its ‘very quiet’ nature. Some of the riders feel that it lacks the groove and loudness of the conventional bikes. Another serious bother is that same silence might be dangerous. Other motorists may not hear it coming so collision can happen. Same thing applies to pedestrians.

An article in Gear Live entitled Scientists Develop a Motorcycle That’s Too Quiet comments on ENV. It said: You just can’t seem to please everyone. Make bikes too loud, and pedestriassssssns complain about the noise. Make them fuel-cell powered and super-quiet and people say they’re an accident hazard. The new prototype bike, developed by British manufacturers Intelligent Energy, are said to make about as much noise as a PC. In an even greater act of blasphemy, they are going to add a switch on the bike to allow artificially generated noise so that people will know when it’s approaching. No, it’s not April first yet.

Still, the aftermath is yet to come. Let’s not jump into conclusion.

Safety Clothing Works

2005-09-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Protect the right places. That is one of the rules of thumb of riders. My husband always reminds me to be safe - before, after and while riding a motorcycle. You gotta have durable bike, best motorcycle parts, and safety clothing accessories to shelter you against danger. He further said that sometimes second chance is unlikely to happen so you gotta be sure at the very onset.

Every rider is prone to fall, fracture, injury, limp even fatal crash. I remember, one lazy afternoon I roam around the neighborhood alone (my husband’s not yet home by then), as I approached a curve, I lost my balance and fell to my left causing me abrasions and a limp. From then on I always carry a first aid kit. Aside from that I became more focused and cautious. I told myself to gear-up and wear my protection. Helmet is to head, gloves is to hands, goggles is to eyes, boots is to feet, pants is to lower extremities and jacket for the upper extremities. This is undeniably a simple solution but this offers a life-saving protection.

Danger may be just behind the corner so shield yourself to avoid it!

Parking Concerns

2005-09-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

Where and how should you park your bike?

A lot of riders are still oblivion of their responsibility in parking their bikes so as to avoid parking mishaps or damage. In parking, no rule is absolute but, the following can be a good choice:

1. If you see a no parking sign, a ‘Brixton confetti’ (broken car window), or U-Lock - look for other parking area and park elsewhere.

2. Always use the sidestand and an apt stand under the end of it when on road trips.

3. Allocate reasonable space between your bike and the flow of traffic.

4. Leave a suitable space for other road users. Also, avoid squeezing in.

5. Do not leave the bike parked with its engine still running. If you are et the upper part of a steep road, leave it in gear to avoid the possibility of rolling. 45 degrees to the road is necessary when parking on a hill. Again, use a reliable sidestand.

6. If you are given ample choices where to park, choose the part where the road is widest and farthest form any junction or corner. It is not a good idea to park under the light post, tree, or just nook. Choose the one behind a vehicle that may not have difficulty turning. Another is where your bike can easily be seen to avoid bumps in the parking area.

Burn the Shivering Coldness!

2005-09-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

Freezing coldness when riding tortures both my body and mind. I can’t think well…I’m losing my focus…I’m losing my senses and am shivering to the bones. The inevitable can be preventable (especially vehicular mishaps), if only I am devoid of this freezing tinge.

Now I’ve learned my lesson. Why suffer the torture when you can do more without it? The solution is to dress properly. Let me start from the gloves. You can have layers to provide heat and comfort but be sure that wind circulation is still possible. If your fingers have gone freezing numb, try a pair of latex gloves as the inner layer.

Next stop – boots. Leather and wicking socks keep feet warmer. Aside from the fact that a nice pair of boots keeps your feet from getting cold and wet, it also adds up elegance to your overall appearance.

Heated clothing like vests, jackets, pants and applied layering can recharge your heat factory to keep up with the outside temperature. Bacclava mask can also be used to protect the neck from the raging coldness of wind.

Now, shivering coldness cannot put me down!

Attack of Killer Katrina

2005-09-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

How cruel can nature get? How cruel can mankind do in return?

Hurricane Katrina took away thousands of lives, injured numerous people, submerged plenty of houses, starved many people, flooded several territories and destroyed countless properties. These were the destruction and chaos brought about by the killer hurricane.

Aside from the devastation another saddening fact is that a lot of people did take advantage of another person’s weakness and dependence. Nevertheless, instead of helping what they did was rob the properties before them. Looting was very rampant. In fact, it is evident in the vicinity itself at the same time outside the parameters of the affected areas. It is also widespread in the Net. In fact there was even a report about these fraudsters.

Katrina-related, not motorcycle-related written by Shirl Kennedy in her blog Uncaged Librarian has set an example in helping our brethren who fell victims of Katrina. Said article reads: ”What is needed most? Money money money. Sincerely hope you'll make a donation to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. (We are especially sensitive to this sort of thing here in the Tampa Bay area because we realize it could have been us.) Watch out for scams. Donate only to legitimate organizations. FEMA's website offers vetted links. I decided to send my $$$ to Disaster Psychiatry Outreach. I can't help but think that mental health services will be needed in the wake of this disaster for many years to come, and this is something that often gets short shrift in American society. Mental health services ain't a luxury item, folks. Suffering is not just physical. I met three families yesterday at The Day Job who had lost everything. The look in the eyes...is what gets you”.

What’s with the Wiley X Glasses?

2005-08-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

It seems that Wiley’s have just released a new line of great riding glasses!

An article written by Travis in the motorcycle-blog.com entitled Wiley X Glasses has given a new alternative in connection to motorcycle eyewear. Travis wrote: “I rode over 800 miles wearing these with either the tinted or clear lenses in and they perform far and above my normal, everyday pair of sunglasses. The gasket seals tightly and keeps desert dust, bugs and sweat out of my eyes. And, as a contact lens wearer, I couldn’t believe how well the gasket kept my eyes from drying out. The lenses were never loose and the clear set were damage free after repelling several bugs and bits of gravel. My only complaint is with the nylon temples. When wearing a tight fitting full face helmet, the temples tend to bend while sliding them on past the helmet’s padding. It’s not a comfort issue, but I do have to work them in there, rather than just slide them on as I would with a less flexible pair”.

Travis further added, “So, if you’re in the market for a pair of dedicated riding glasses I would definitely recommend a pair of these. You have over 10 different models designed specifically for riding in metal and nylon, with and without interchangeable lenses to choose from, all offering valuable shatterproof lenses and the gasket sealing system for prices ranging from $60-150”.

Among the new models are the following: XL-1, XL-3, and XL-4. XL-1 is designed for riding activities. The foam gasket creates a seal between the frame and your face. The lenses are made from pure shatterproof Selenite™ polycarbonate and go beyond ANSI Z87.1 safety and ANSI Z80.3 optical standards. The metal and seal of XL-3 is magnetic. It simply clicks on the back for riding. On the other hand, both the XL-3 and XL-4 have a removable, locking gasket.

Now riders can add these models to their wide choices. TAKE YOUR PICK.

Do I really need a new motorcycle?

2005-08-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Do I really need a new motorcycle? – This question has been hanging at the back of my mind for four months now. How did I manage? Well, I realized that there are important things that need to be prioritized like the payment of my credit that's gaining interest and is intensely affecting my credit report.

Last week, I've already settled my credits and there was still money left. I told myself, now is the time to buy myself a new bike. So I looked for motorcycles online. I looked for the right motorcycle in the websites of Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki. I found a lot but I trim my choices to two - the Kawasaki GSX1300R Hayabusa and Honda 600F. After that, I made up my mind that I wanted a sports bike so I finally settled on the Hayabusa.

I desire it and it fits me. That’s what I feel every time I maneuver my high-performance bike. Every time I look at the shapely contour that comforts the rider, every time I examine its satisfying oem motorcycle parts, and every time I rock the bumpy terrains with all its might, I’m glad I made the right choice.

My next agendum – well, time to collect apparel and accessories. And also, replacement parts from a good OEM motorcycle parts dealer just to be on the safe side...

My bike’s color combination is blue and white so I’m planning to buy motorcycle parts, apparel and accessories within my color scheme to complete my rugged ensemble.

But this time, I’ll enjoy first what I have at the moment…I’m gonna enjoy the sun, the routes and my bike!