Motorcycling.

Chako · **on:** August 29, 2010, 12:57:41 AM

I am in heaven. The last few time I took out my bike, things fit. The motorcycle is like an extension of myself. I am figuring out the Triumph more and more, and I am starting to tell its little nuances, the little ticks, the purrs, and the roars. I am starting to get it and it is opening my eyes. I no longer stall it in first. For the longest time, I struggled with the first gear. I would hit a red, and stall it on leaving. Because I was hit or miss for a month or so, I stayed away from city driving. Not that I minded, in fact, going all the time into my little west end playground was perfect for me to build my confidence and to get to know my motorcycle. The last few rides have been the best. I have taken it all over the city now and I am enjoying it as much as leisurely cruising at highway speeds.

I bought a jean jacket today that is much cooler then the heavy motorcycle jacket I have been wearing. The mesh jacket I ordered off of eBay and I was expecting at the start of August never came. I finally got my money back. It appears the seller just up and left. I hope he is alright. I have searched on eBay and they want 75 dollars in shipping fees to Canada. I have looked elsewhere and couldn't find a jacket that would fit me that I liked. I gave up and decided to just buy a jean jacket. Took it out today and what a difference. I enjoyed today's ride far better than all the others combined. It is amazing what a bit of comfort will do. I might look into getting a jean jacket with Kevlar if they make something like that. It would offer a bit more protection I am thinking.

Still waiting for my saddle bags to come in. I ordered hard ones that are made out of PVC and look like leather on the exterior. Specially made for the Triumph, they are hard mounted and lock. Can't wait to get them as carrying things with the motorcycle hasn't happened yet...a big inconvenience.

Tomorrow, it all goes well, I will be going out with my friend on a ride. We might take our bikes out of the city and do some highway driving. Might be a good time to finally try out the new minicam.

So just figured I would give you all an update. My only regret is that I waited so long to get a motorcycle.

Sean · **Reply #1 on:** August 29, 2010, 01:31:03 AM

Have you seen or checked out Joe Rockets line of jackets with the reinforced pads? Good protection
there.

Chako · **Reply #2 on:** August 29, 2010, 02:15:05 AM

Yes I have, and I am not keen on their styling or fit.

MultiMat · **Reply #3 on:** August 29, 2010, 05:52:31 AM

I REALLY MISS riding motorbikes

.

Glade motorbiking seems to be agreeing with you Chako

. It is a grand way to see the world

Smitty44 · **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2010, 06:25:28 AM

Glad to hear that the bike is starting to fit,just one word of advice,always be a little bit afraid,never get to comfortable,but enjoy the ride!!!

Chako · **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2010, 12:41:20 AM

Today, I had a wonderful ride. My friend wanted to take me out and I decided to just follow him as he didn't want to tell me our destination. Well, he took me out onto the highway for the first time to a place called Goulais River to see one of his cousins. Well that was the first time I went up to 100 Km/h. It was interesting if a bit frightening. We even went down 1 mile hill, a steep hill that is 1 mile long. I can say without anymore wondering, 800cc is plenty of motor. Why do they build larger motored bikes? Heck, I am a big guy, and I could power past vehicles at highway speed with ease. The ride back was quick also. Going up that long hill was fun. I was uncertain if I would need to get into a lower gear...but no worries, I went up in top gear with no issues. I love that windshield. Best add on ever. It took 2 big bugs out of the equation before I ate them.

As for the GoPro Hero HD minicam. Well the batteries died on me and thus no video.

Chako · **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2010, 02:03:54 AM

I took out the motorcycle again today. The weather has been very poor with a lot of rain. I must say, this was my best experience with the motorcycle to date. The more I ride, the more in tuned I get with my Triumph. I am almost ashamed to say this, but I am getting rather fond of my motorcycle...which is surprising as I usually don't develop a bond like this with my 4 wheel vehicles. Before you know it, the bike will have a name...then I know I have lost my marbles.

One issue I have noticed is that my hands do get numb after a while. It is caused by the vibration in the handle bars. The Triumph is a silky smooth motorcycle, but enough road/motor vibration does get to my hands, and it appears I am susceptible to this. I talked to another colleague of mine who also owns a motorcycle, and he told me that is not uncommon. He advised me to get a pair of anti vibration gloves. I haven't looked into it, but I will. My endurance is about 40 to 45 minutes before I have to pull over for a few seconds to get some feeling into my hands. It would be great to get past that.

With that said, it didn't prevent me spending 5 hours on the motorcycle earlier today. I had to force myself to go back home at that. Afterwards, it only cost me 5 dollars to fill up the tank. Talk about cheap transportation. The most I have had to put in was 13 dollars, and that running on fumes.

My saddle bags have not arrived yet. They should come in this week...I hope. Photos of before and after will be posted when the time comes.

EDIT: Forgot to say, all that fresh air sure knackers you out later in the day.

jim guy · **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2010, 03:01:04 AM

Is the riding weather still good up there? Its beautiful here, I rode my Trumpy alot today.

cgk · **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2010, 03:07:11 AM

Chako-I was looking at getting a Bar Snake or some foam over grips for my bike. I also get numb if I ride at interstate speed for around an hour.

Chako · **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2010, 03:22:11 AM

Today was the only day it was nice riding weather in about 3 weeks or so. With that said, from 6PM onwards, thunder and rain. But the morning was gorgeous.

Foam grips? I would be worried that something would let go.

jim guy · **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2010, 03:28:32 AM

bar snake takes out some vibration, so does the old trick of filling the bars with sand and plugging the ends off.

Chako · **Reply #11 on:** September 19, 2010, 12:38:53 AM

Today was the nicest day in a long time. I took the motorcycle out for most of the day, but before I did, I installed my saddlebags. Talk about the easiest install, and they look fantastic. They change the whole look of the motorcycle. I didn't take any photos yet, but I will when I get the chance.

Tomorrow, I am going to look for a pair of anti-vibration gloves.

Sea Monster · **Reply #12 on:** September 19, 2010, 01:40:38 AM

I'm glad your enjoying motorcycling, it's quite the nuts of the duck.

However, I don't care how cool it looks, NEVER compromise on your protective gear. If you ever come off, you are going to want as many layers of Leather, Kevlar, and whatever other crap goes into shoulder pads etc as possible between you and the road.

If you can, get a jacket with a stiffened spine as well. You'll look like a hunchback, but it's better than a wheelchair.

an extra 500 bucks looks like a lot in the shop, but it's a bargain compared to new elbows.

Chako · **Reply #13 on:** September 19, 2010, 03:01:58 AM

I am planning on buying Kevlar lined jeans and jacket for next season...if all goes as planned.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2010, 03:12:41 AM

Quote from: Sea Monster on September 19, 2010, 01:40:38 AM

I'm glad your enjoying motorcycling, it's quite the nuts of the duck.

However, I don't care how cool it looks, NEVER compromise on your protective gear. If you ever come off, you are going to want as many layers of Leather, Kevlar, and whatever other crap goes into shoulder pads etc as possible between you and the road.

If you can, get a jacket with a stiffened spine as well. You'll look like a hunchback, but it's better than a wheelchair.

an extra 500 bucks looks like a lot in the shop, but it's a bargain compared to new elbows.

+4. Way more important than saddlebags, or any other bling.

Asphalt is a cruel mistress.