Progress?

Some.

The seat arrived and the break-in period is supposed to be a couple of tanks' worth of riding, but honestly, it's good to go now. There's a little more sliding on it than on the Sargent, and the stock cover doesn't look as pretty :) but I think I'll be happier with this seat for long rides. Haven't had a super long ride yet, but will be working on it.

Got a bite on the Ninja and rode it to work last Friday for someone to come by and see it. On the way in, I really noticed how sticky the throttle is on that bike, and knew it would be an issue for a buyer. Aside from not having my price in her budget, the buyer was also hesitant about the throttle issue (surprise!), since she would be getting the bike as something to learn on. I totally agreed, and said I planned to get that fixed before I sold it. After work, I rode to TJ's shop, where he's been checking it out. There's something in the handle/grip that's causing the bind, he thinks, since the cables and springs look good. I didn't get to call today to see what the status was, but will tomorrow. In the meantime, I've got one person who was interested right before I pulled it off Craigslist for the fix, and another guy who'd said he'd have the money in a month if I still had the bike. I might just be checking back with him about his offer...

Saturday, I take my younger nephew to the International Motorcycle Show in town. Depending on how cold it is in the morning, we may ride there on the VFR. He's wanted a ride on a bike since I bought the first one, so this will be a treat, if it's not too cold. If it is too chilly, we might just opt for a short afternoon ride, instead. Don't tell him, though. It's a secret.

Happy Dance!

The stock VFR seat arrived in Florida yesterday for Spencer Turnier to work his magic, and he has turned it around already, with UPS to drop it off at work on Friday. The seat he did for the Ninja was really wonderful, and I'm sooo looking forward to getting that back on the VFR. Brian got his seat yesterday and is pleased, as well.

Good times!

Something is Wrong

with this picture...

Clyde (or Big Red, as he is making himself known) is missing his seat. And the forecast high for the next two days is low to mid 60s. Sigh.

However, the reason for the sitzplatz being empty is due to a swaperoo of sorts I'm doing with a guy named Brian on BBO. My bike came with a Sargent seat. My backside misses my old Spencerized seat. Spencer only modifies stock seats. Brian wants a Sargent seat to replace his stock seat on his '98 VFR.

Minor math skills are involved, but the upshot is, I shipped him the Sargent, and he sent the stocker to Spencer, who will fix (with funding from Brian) and send it to me. Win-win (except for the grand theft The UPS Store charged Brian for packing and shipping the seat).

Soon. Soon, the seat will be here, and I'll get to learn to ride again. In the meantime, Spring is starting to wake up, tentatively stretching her arms. Hopefully it's only a short nap before she gets up for good.

The Deed is Done

The ad is placed, anyway.

It almost feels like selling a child, especially after all the adventures we've had. Will the new owner do more than some puttering around? Probably not. At least he'll have some cool stories to tell at the old bikes' home.

esniff, esniff.

How Ever in the World...

did I ride to the back of beyond and more on the Ninja??

Last Saturday was one of those jewels you get in the South...sunny and 67 degrees. I hadn't been out since a nice Sunday in December, so I decided to take both bikes out for a spin, just to blow the cobwebs off the engines.

First try on the Ninja, he didn't want to start. I didn't want to wear the battery down, so after about 10 seconds with the starter not getting the carbs to cooperate, I let it go and did some yard work while the bike slowly warmed in the sun. An hour later, I tried the starter button again, and he sprang right to life! I let him run a few minutes and went inside to get geared up.

When I first sat on the bike, it felt so familiar! So right! I wondered if I really needed to keep the big Honda after all. I rolled him off the back patio and positioned him at the top of the driveway to head off, and the first thing I noticed as I gave him some throttle was how far UP I had to draw each leg in order to get my foot on the peg. Really?? Suddenly, I realized how scrunchy Mr. Crunchy is.

By comparison (even though comparisons are odious), the throttle on the Ninja is mired in molasses versus the VFR. And the molasses sticks, too...I had cruise control even when I didn't want it. I've known the throttle is sticky (probably needs a new spring), but I guess I just got used to it. Throw in a hiatus of Ninja riding since August, and suddenly I'm aware of the stick.

The brakes? Again, it's comparison, but I think Fred Flintstone's got a faster braking time than the Ninja. Could it be I'm spoiled by the VFR's dual front discs linked to the rear, which will stop you yesterday with two fingers? Maybe. I rode to the distant gas station that sells product without ethanol, and my main thought going back home was, "Not much longer and you can park this thing!" Shoo, when I got home, I felt like I'd be wrestling with the bike, and was glad to get off.

Once home, I went right back out of the house, and rolled the VFR out of the shop and into the sunshine. He started right up, and immediately I noticed again how well balanced the bike is for me, even if it's taller and weighs 100 pounds more than the Ninja. Throttle anyone? There's plenty for all. What's this sensation of space I have between the seat and footpeg? Whoa, now those are some brakes! The Ninja got a 20 mile circuit to the gas station and back. Big Red got a 65 mile trip to the base of the mountains and up some country roads.

I forgot how physical riding is, and by the time I got home, I was very aware of how out of shape I am. At the end of my 2 hours of riding, I covered the bikes up, went inside and took a 3 hour nap :)

Mr. Crunchy will be making an appearance on Craigslist any day now...