Roll with the changes

It seems like forever since I rode last or posted a blog for that matter. Truth is it's been only 3 weeks, so it is time to update the bike journal. The regular Sunday morning ride was a mixed bag of weather and routes. I awoke at 5:30 am determined to beat John to Von's gas station, our usual meeting place. He is always there before me but today I was earlier. Things were looking up and I was feeling rested and ready to head to the East county.

We barreled down the 52 in pre-dawn darkness. There would be no sunrise today since the clocks sprang forward.The group was going to be light with only 2 others joining us for a ride to Mt. Palomar. Instead of the usual breakfast stop in Ramona it was decided to try a place in Lake Wolford. We encountered light drizzle as we wound our way up to the Lake. I figured it would burn off and not hinder our plans for Mt Palomar. By the time we got outside of Rincon and to the base of the South grade it was obvious we would avoid the slippery conditions and head to Borrego instead. I struggled most of the day to stay on pace and focus on smooth riding. My new helmet was distracting me with excessive wind noise and a less than snug fit. Despite the wet conditions and distractions I was glad to see the familiar Borrego Valley again. The Desert is blooming and we could see fields of yellow on our way to Yaqui pass. Even with the less than ideal conditions I still felt a sense of accomplishment. I am looking forward to next Sunday!

A racebike with blinkers

My current motorcycle is an amazing example of Japanese engineering. It was purchased new from a local dealership around my birthday in May 2008. After pouring over test articles in several magazines and websites I decided on a Yamaha R6. I was able to save $1880.00 by settling on the 2007 model. Other than minor motor changes the bike was virtually the same as the 08. Figuring out how to put the bike in my garage took some maneuvering on my part. The short version is I had to let another bike go. I decided to sell my 06 KTM 450sx. Knowing that I would be relocating from the Desert back to the coast I knew my dirt biking days would be few.

So after plopping down a healthy down payment I was handed the keys and I rode a shiny red rocket home.

Nothing compares to a fresh new bike. No mystery to when service was done, bolts and nuts aren't stripped. The downside is signing up for payments and don't even mention the interest.

Regardless I love this middleweight. It handles with knife-like precision and has amazing top end power.I spent the late spring and summer getting to know the machine. Breaking it in per manufacture recommendation and riding it everywhere.

This is the first street legal bike I have owned since 1981 when I bought a used CB550. So getting used to traffic and riding defensively was top priority. I have been fortunate to have ridden my 01 GSXR 600 at several track days so I felt confident on this bike. I will write more about the track experience another time.

I have a little over 4000 miles on my latest steed. Two oil changes and I need a rear tire.

The bike is stock for the most part. I put a fender eliminator kit on to clean up the back. ASV levers, and GYRT slip-on. Rear sets and braided brake lines are on the wish list along with having suspension dialed in for my weight and riding style.

I love gearing up, rolling the bike out, and hitting the road. It is always a deeply satisfying experience. My Moto-vation.