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The first modification I did to my V-Star 1100 was to add some front pegs. I am tall and needed a way to stretch out my legs on long rides. Someday I would like some Lindby Custom Linbars when funds become available. I started looking at front pegs to install to my V-Star so I could stretch out and rest my tired dogs.

Researching front pegs I found I wanted some that folded up out of the way when not in use, rather than stationary. Online I found the Kuryakyn X-Tension Highway Peg Mounts at the Kuryakyn website. I looked there because several

Being a music fan with extremely eclectic tastes, just a short time after getting my bike I wanted to be able to enjoy listening to music when I rode on my daily commute. I had acquired an Apple IPod Nano a short time back which I had won in a contest at work and did not use very much. I had filled up the Nano’s four Gigs with great music including Oldies, Classic Country, Classic Rock, Contemporary Country, Blues, Disco and, Jazz genres. I have a hard time keeping just my top favorites on the Nano’s limited storage space, there are other music and

 After commuting to work for a couple of weeks in stop and go D/FW traffic, I had to opportunity to use my bikes horn. It was the classic vehicle changing into my lane without looking. I hit the horn button on this big, bad, V-Star, 1100cc monster of a bike I was riding and it responded with an anemic “meep” sound. I’m sure the sound was not even audible over all the traffic noise. I could sense the other drivers around me laughing. I knew then it was time to change out the OEM horn. It had, in fact, become the first thing that I wanted to change on the bike.

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I just purchased my 25th motorcycle. On this silver anniversary, even I’m a bit surprised by that number. I’ve been riding now for 30 years and my taste has remained fairly predictable: sportbikes and standards. I’ve owned many different brands from several countries but have also shied away from a few others. When I started down this path, I don’t think I ever imagined reaching this point. 

I finally got to take my latest purchase for a spin after several days of delay related to other conflicting plans both personal and professional. And after

I decided to start looking at all the local motorcycle shops for a new helmet. I was looking for a half helmet, D.O.T. and or Snell approved, titanium in color to match my bike. One day at lunch a co-worker, Thomas Ramirez and I rode to Full Boar Cycles in Hurst Texas to look at motorcycle parts and accessories.

I still needed a lot of riding equipment so I was browsing in Full Boar Cycles and pricing riding gear. I was in the helmet section and saw a titanium colored helmet that was close to the color of my Mistress. Mistress is my V-Star 1100 Classic. I tried on a size XXL and it was loose on my head. I had read

The old garage seems a bit crowded these days, so I’ve decided to clear some space by selling a couple of my scoots. Based on current economic conditions, my timing may be a little off, but those are the breaks. Either of these machines would be a great addition to any garage.

So what am I parting with?

First, my venerable SV650. This silver 2003 model was the first year for fuel injection on this model and what a difference it makes. One button starting first time, every time, in any conditions. This bike has never

Well, after 6 months I finally got my front brake problems solved on my ‘06 Breva 1100.

During the “discovery” phase: I noticed pulsing when I used the front brake. I never felt this when the bike was new, but by around 2000 miles on the clock it started becoming noticable. At this moment, at about 5000 miles, it’s obvious and disconcerting, eroding all my faith in the brakes. The pulsing isn’t felt at the lever, only at the front wheel. And it’s definitely speed sensitive, reducing in frequency as the bike slows. The stock rotors are made by Brembo (usually considered near the top of the heap).

During the “analysis” phase: I every test I could think of to determine the problem. I

It’s virtually impossible for me to go anyplace with good roads and not spend some time riding a motorcycle. So when I planned on spending over a week in Virginia, I started investigating my two-wheeled options. Most of my freeloader choices didn’t work out for various reasons, so I investigated paying for the privilege. Turns out, a company called EagleRider which rents motorcycles nationally has an office in Chantilly, VA, about 20 miles from where I’d be staying.

www.eagleriderdc.com

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As I’ve matured as a motorcycle rider, I’ve become more appreciative of a bike that handles well rather than one that has big power.

In my youth, my thirst for power was voracious. Even after buying the fastest bike available in the early ’80s, a Suzuki GS1100E, I started modifying it to produce more HP. I learned two things: First, the venerable GS was over built and had a lot of room for expansion. And secondly, it’s really easy to make modifications that ruin the drivability of the bike for everyday use. While aftermarket exhausts, more displacement and higher compression ratio typically make an all around more powerful machine, things like bigger carbs and high-performance cams move that power up the

Executive Summary:

• Big improvement in the suspension and the ride quality
• Excellent handling, adjustable range from single to two up riding.
• Nice red spring to replace the old black spring.
• Just buy it… It’s only $1300 to have RaceTech do the install while you wait at their SoCal Shop.

Bike Specs:

• ST1300 – 2004 NON ABS Model
• Suspension: Stock, no changes or upgrades
• Mileage: 6500mi at time of change.

Rider Specs:

• 20+ Year riding experience
• 3 years current racing/track days on sport bikes.
• Skill level: Above average.
• Weight: To much (The far far side of 275lbs)
• Passenger: Good sized wife (Not going to share her weight or size)

What was changed?
Front:

• Upgraded springs from stock to 1.2kg/mm springs
• Damping upgraded with
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