First Ride of the Season

Today the temperature is supposed to be in the low sixties so I just had to pull the bike out and ride to work. With my early schedule I knew it'd still be cold but it's always worth it. The first 10-15 minutes of the ride was a bit chilly, but after my legs were numb it wasn't too bad..heheh.

I feel kinda bad because I have to warm up the bike before I leave. Let's just say the bike isn't exactly quiet - and the noise carries all throughout the subdivision. I feel bad about possibly waking people up, but not bad enough to not take the bike. With the crazy gas prices I'll take the bike as often as I can...sorry neighbors!

Ahh - felt really good to get on the bike and be able to get around slow traffic. I sure did miss the instant power delivery...can't get enough of it! I find myself passing more people than I normally would. Why? Because I can.

The outside temperature should be around 60 when I go home, so the ride home will be even more enjoyable.

Side note: I think I found the latest form of spam - random people leaving comments on blogs that point to their websites. WTF - get a life you damn turds!

Just killing time until riding season...

I've always liked the look of polished parts on motorcycles. I've seen bikes that have everything polished - frame, wheels, calipers, footpeg mounts - you name it. Getting that done costs some huge cash and I just can't justify the expense when it does nothing for performance.

I figure I might as well put my bench grinder to good use and see how hard this polishing really is. I realize now that it isn't too hard to polish something - it just takes time. Just like sanding wood, you work your way through several steps until you reach the desired smoothness.

I picked up a few compounds and a couple of different buffs for my grinder went to work on the clutch and brake levers on the bike. The one on the top is how they started. The one on the bottom is what it looks like after about 20 minutes of work. Not too shabby, but I think it could be better (the photo doesn't do it justice really).

It's Alive!

Well kids - I'm officially ready for Spring. Mother Nature has been teasing us for the past week and it's ticking me off! It snowed a couple of inches a few days ago and today it was 50 degrees.

Thinking I might have a problem with my trusty steed I decided to try and fire up the bike after it has been sitting for a good 4-5 months without a charger or winter-prep. Turned the key and got full lights...score! Turned the fuel switch to prime, pressed the starter button and after about 5 seconds it fired right up! Ahh...I knew it wouldn't let me down! It hasn't yet and considering I'm on the original battery since the bike was new I'd say I'm pretty lucky.

Now the garage stinks of motorcycle exhaust.....ahh yes. Wife wasn't too thrilled, but at least I didn't do this: