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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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So you recently started riding a sport bike and wonder - How do I get fast like the guys I see around in the canyons? Well, even though I can’t claim to be the fastest rider out there, I am definitely above average and started out just like you.

So, what does it take?
Well, first of all if you just started riding, get Keith Code’s book “A twist of the wrist” - both part 1 and 2. You will probably say - why the hell would I read a book about riding instead of going out and doing it - well, I can pretty much guarantee it will help. I don’t want to do a book report here, but in

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

When entering traffic from an on-ramp, how many times should you turn your head and check traffic?

If you say “zero” or just use your mirrors, you’re a moron and will become a hood ornament soon enough.

Lately, I’ve been reading a book by Larry Grodsky called “Stayin’ Safe”. This book is a compilation of a bunch of the safety columns he wrote for Rider magazine. While Larry’s observations have been interesting and enlightening, I’m not a big fan of his writing style. But he does encourage you to ask questions instead of just accepting the current status quo of what the “safety experts” preach. How many fingers should you use on the front brake? Is there really a one-size-fits-all answer?

One of

While on a recent trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, I stopped in at the Lin Cove Viaduct Vistor Center gift shop and found this very entertaining warning sign:

I purchased it as a valuable reminder and as fodder for my moto-themed garage.

I fear that many of our brethern have found themselves in this situation with the subsequent unpleasant consequences. I myself have periodocally found myself making mid-corner correction as a result of stunning scenery.

 If you are riding, watch the road. If you want to sightsee, pull over!

Rhino

I don’t know what the weather is like where you are right now but I’m pretty sure your temperatures are starting to decline. Now that the days are getting shorter, solar radiation is having less of an effect, despite global warming. In fact, here in Salt Lake we had our first snow of the season! I woke up to an inch on the lawn and 34 deg on the thermometer.

For those of you science and engineering types: PV=nRT. This is called the Ideal Gas Law and it means if volume is the same (ie… your tires aren’t leaking), when the temperature drops, so does the pressure. If you’ve lost 20

Have you ever noticed that some days you just don’t feel as sharp and alert? You’re eyes have trouble focusing and everything is just a tad blurry, your reaction time is slightly slower, your peripheryl vision has a bit less angle, things that would normally bring you to high-alert, slide by barely noticed.

It’s not an obvious feeling, but everything is just a bit duller than normal, just a little “off”. It’s as if you’ve put some light mosquito netting over your head or there’s a little fog floating around in your brain. This isn’t very scientific, I know, but it’s real. I’ve talked to riding friends who’ve talked about the same symptoms and I seem to expereince it myself about once or twice

There are only a few things these days that truly scare me as a motorcyclist. For the most part, I have workable strategies for dealing with most road users and hazards, but wildlife is still a totally unpredictable.

I’ve tried to minimize my exposure by limiting my riding at dusk, slowing down in posted areas and keeping my scan on full if there are any indications of animal presence. But I still have that nagging feeling it’ll never be enough.

Most riders know that deer (as well as several other mammals) come out at dusk, are most numerous toward the end of summer and are more prevalent in rural areas. But even so, you could still tag one in your neighborhood in

While motorcycling is primarily a solitary activity, there are times when riding two-up is a nice change of pace. Carrying a passenger can be a thrilling and pleasurable experience for both operator and pillion, but it can just as easily be uncomfortable, risky, stressful or downright dangerous. Following a few simple suggestions can go a long way towards insuring a successful outcome. I’ve given many a ride in my career, and have learned some very valuable lessons, both the hard way and from the experiences of others. 

This is my list of do’s and don’t. I’d like to hear from you, if you’ve got any to add. 

Motorcycle Passenger Rules (REQUIRED) 

1)     If you don’t trust or feel comfortable with someone, don’t ride