Everyone Dreams, Yes?

Ah, the perfect garage.....it is a core dream we all have and trust me no matter what you have you always seem to want the next level. I mean when the owner of Barber Motorsports Museam talks about his next step you know everyone dreams.

Well, for me there has always been a balance better 2 bikes. And just recently I arrived at what I thought was the perfect balance and then.....well, a Redhead came along.

First, I wasn't looking for another bike, I just happened to ask for a display bike for the SWR Awards Event from Ducati Superstore. Since the event was an Italian Potluck I thought it would be cool to have a spunky Italian attend. I asked Steve Walker of Ducati Superstore if we could use one at the event and he said yes. All I had to do was pick it up the day of the event and return it on Tuesday when they opened again. What an EVIL plan!!!! (His, not mine.)

So, I pick the bike up ride it to my house and then I had a few questions for Steve...they were #1 - Can I wash i? #2 What type of gas does it take? #3 Can I take it on a ride?

I got my answers, Yes - HiTest - Yes.

Step one was washing the bike. For me nothing helps me bond and understand a vehicle better than detailing it. Not understanding how it performs, but how it is designed and how air will flow around it. If you have not figured it out, It is a Ducati Hypermotard and this bike has a very hidden beauty. I washed her very quickly and water flows off this bike in an almost magical manner. Being a naked small bike it was clean and dried quickly.

Well, the event went well and the next day I was anxious to discover this bike. I'll write a review of that experience a little later, but I'm currently looking at financing plans. LOL

BTW, the bike even fits in my garage almost like it was made to live there.

The lure is incredible and I think I've found the perfect mix of bikes. An American V-Twin with a German designed engine, A Japanese sport-sport touring bike and an Italian standard that rides like a sport bike.

Additionally, I think I have found the one and only one bike that makes me think that dealing with a chain wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Time will tell.

When Flowing Gas = No Good!

OK, so I rolled the Shadow that has been occupying the space between by two others bikes into the drive today and decided I probably start it.

I say this because it has been sitting for some time and well, it is for sale. (That's another story.) Anyway a person had called and said they would be trying to come by today to look at it and I decided it would probably be smart to make sure she was running OK.

The bike sputtered a little and was running like it need choke so I pulled the choke out and all of the sudden I see fuel pouring out from under the carbs.... UHG!!!

So, two hours later after pulling the carbs off of the engine and pulling them apart to clean out the vanish and gunk, the bike is running like a top once again!

I guess tomorrow I will pull out all the stop for the garage sale!

Living On The Dark Side

I've owned tons of vehicles over the years and a few of my own motorcycles, but for the last two purchases I was drawn to the dark side. Yes, a black motorcycle!

The newest bike for me is a 2008 Night Rod Special, which takes black a few steps further and even has a matte, or denim as Harley calls it, finish.

I've owned a chrome Harley before, in fact I laugh when I see people say "everything chrome you can get" about their bikes and I notice about 10 parts right off the bat (including brakes) that are not chrome. Chrome can be an addiction, but black tastes just about the same.

And the end of the day black parts do cost less, well until I get to the forks, but that is a story for later. As I said, black parts cost less but it all comes with a price elsewhere.....and that is cleaning the beast!

If anyone ever tells you that chrome is hard to clean, they have never owned a truly chrome bike. Nothing is as easy to clean as a chrome bike and nothing is as hard to clean as a black bike.

In the end I'm finding that both have their appeal and regardless of which way you go, you'll always have a conversation or two at gas stops.

First Ride Complete!

Getting to know any new bike takes a little time and there is nothing like running it for a few hundred miles to figure out what's what.

After today's ride with a few friends I'm now starting to tweak the bike to me and adjust myself to it. I'm probably looking at at the least a handlebar change and I've already adjusted the suspension after finding I had a little bit too much sag.

All in all I'm happy with the return of a V-Rod to my garage and I might even wash her for the first time tonight!

Well, would you look at That?!?

Yes, that is a VRod and yes, that is my garage.......



But, nope....not mine! ;)

It is actually forum member Ricky's and today Ricky, Rix-ster, James K and I tore into his bike.

We increased the rear tire size with a swing arm swap, upgraded the wheels with custom chrome ones and did a few other things. It was a full day of fun, kidding around and having fun all while working on a motorcycle.

I'll let Ricky tell you all the modification we did on his bike today and you can find photos of our fun - Click here!

Page 2...

Those were the words that Paul Harvey used to use to introduce "The Rest of The Story" when as a child I listed to him weekly at my grandfather's house in Lisbon, Ohio.

And that is where my Buell Ulysses is headed, for its next page, so to speak.

Her new owner picked her up tonight, after I rode her home for one last time.

That bike has provided a lot of good times over the last few years and hopefully I'l be riding with and passing her on the road soon. Maybe the new owner will pop into the forums and say hello.

The garage is a little more roomy, but if all goes well that will not last for long.

Stay tuned folks, for the Rest of the Story!

Service Time

Well, after 4000 miles my bike was ready for an oil change and is a little overdue for its 32K service.

Basically the main part of that service is a valve check and I'll be taking it to Ride Time in Phoenix tomorrow for them to check it out.

Off with the fairing and out in the morning I'll go!

Nice & Shiny

I guess there are two camps in the world of riders, those who wash and those who are too lazy! Haha

Well, I am obviously in the camp of those who believe that a clean bike, is a happy bike. I was told that I would hate silver wheels on my bike, but I love the fact that I can see all the dirt to get it off.

This time of year is awesome, but the bugs are beginning to show up and that means more time washing the bikes. The good news is that it is warmer, so not so bad on the hands and the water dries up faster as the year goes on.

Ahh, I think I might crack open a beer and enjoy the view.

Rolling Proper

I've been working with Lenny from Race Tech for a while now on my ST1300's front end. he is using the work to help develop the kit for that series of bike and over a period of a year we pretty much have it nailed down.

Yesterday I took my forks to North Phoenix and Lenny made some minor changes and today I took a quick 100 mile trip that had me smiling all the way.



Getting a good suspension is paramount to an enjoyable ride and a safe one at that. Being that the ST is a mile-muncher I want it always be spot on when it comes to traction and control. With the Hyper-Pro rear shock and Race Tech front end I know feel 1000% better on the bike and can't wait for the first big trip!

Watch Out Hollywood!

Here I come!

Ha ha, OK maybe not, but give me some time and you never know, right?



I've fussed with several different types of video systems and couldn't really find what I was looking for. I got a very pricey digital camcorder for Christmas a few years ago, but it was about impossible to use with my Mac. Then I tried a remote lipstick type camera with a digital recorder and it was OK, but the camera I got was a rearview camera and I had to flip everything to look right.

Then I go a GoPro Hero camera, but it didn't really hit the mark for me, although it is a really cool camera.

Then, out of the blue, a refurbished Canon MiniDV camera was posted up on Engadget for $139 and I grabbed it up. Right off the bat this much easier to deal with and I think this is going to work.

Maintenace Day!

A maintained bike is a happy bike and today my bike is happy!

I've been tied up with some writing projects as of late and I am itching to ride. The weather is starring to warm and the rain should be gone soon.

So, I'm just getting things ready to roll!

Some Tuning Love

If you decide to step outside of a stock setup in the realm of horsepower creation, a custom fuel map will be something that you'll be needing.


I stopped by Euro Motorsports today to check out their new Dyno setup and found something a little better than the cookie cutter Dynojet approach.

First off all you'll notice the mondo fan in the front. That is actually one of the dryer fans you might find at a car wash. I was informed that sportbikes with this thing don't get above 180 degrees when tuning, which is killer if you ask me.

Second, you'll notice that the computer and monitors all have custom mounts which work well to help make tuning easier.

Finally, you might notice that the window is against a wall. Kind of odd, since you can't see in there, right? Well, that is solved by the fact that in the front of the store you can find a big screen and linked monitor that shows an even better view than you would see through a window.



Add Mark Ledesma to the mix and you might not find a better place to get a bike tuned...

For more photos, check out the gallery. Click here!

Rain, Rain, Go AWAY!

Man, this is seriously getting old. I mean cold is one thing, but cold and wet really sucks.

It is not that I can't ride in the rain, or gear up for the cold, but when I just want to take a short little 200 mile ride for some coffee or something I don't want the hassle.

The good news is that I'm saving up tire wear for the miles I'll be racking up when it gets warmer. As the folks who came to the Super Bowl found out it does get chilly here, sure nothing the likes of the East Coast, but it is a dry cold...right!

Well, tomorrow I'm gonna take a trip to check out a new dyno and tech center, so be sure to check in and you will see the details here.

Till then, stay warm and dry!

Heated Grips

Today we had another tech day at my garage and it was centered around heated grips.

Dean from the South West Rides website was on hand and personally helped install about 5 sets of grips. I think a total of 8 got installed and several more folks bought a setbto install later.

It was fun times for all, motorcycle talk and plenty off cool bikes on hand. I don't think it could have been a nicer day. Much better than
hanging out at pre-Super Bowl parties anyway!

I Hate Tests!

I've lived in Arizona for over 10 years now and only had 2 vehicles ( including 1 today) tested for emissions. I've actually sold vehicles to avaoid the test I think, mostly because I don't like other people I don't know banging my vehicles through gears on a Dyno...

While it shouldn't be a big deal you could tell there was serious
stress from people at the testing location. Oh, that and the fact that the scrubs doing the testing act as if they are holding your life in their hands.

No big deal, my ST passed with flying colors and I got the
"Congratulations" letter. Too funny in my mind that they pat you on the back for test you can't study for and that you can't realistically pre-test.

With a little running around I got all the stuff for the Grip Day
tomorrow. So stay tuned for excitement.

Yummy New Rubber

Nothing gets a rider as excited as new rubber, well I'm sticking with that thought anyways!

Today I stopped by the Kawasaki Superstore to get new rubber put on my Uly's wheels. It just took a little while to say goodbye to $300 but hey, you can't take it with you right?

I got back home and put the wheels back on and fixed a few little things and voila' she is back to new.

I've recovered from illness, the rain is gone, so tomorrow I might just have to tackle.....Emissions Testing!!!!

Arrggghh!!!

Yes, that is a broken tail lamp.

Sometimes it doesn't pay to do things yourself. Putting the Uly on a lift proved to be a lot more difficult than it should have been tonight. I didn't take a picture of my poor beauty laying on her side, buy there she was.

Lucky for me she did not hit my other bike and the damage is minimal. I guess I'll ride her to get new tires next week instead of taking the wheels.

Happiness Delivered Daily

It is sight that brings glee to many a rider when thy are tied up
working and cannot ride.

Even though you are not riding at least you are getting new stuff!

Getting It Right

Today I continued working with Race Tech to get the Forks on the ST just right. I had been experiencing some pogoing and some instability in corners at speed. Lenny Albin the guru made some modifications after we fought with some of the Honda design shortcomings.



After a long day and rebuilding the forks about 5 times we think we are closer.


I did not get to do a full shake down ride as the day ran to night, but will give her a try tomorrow.






Can't wait!!

Tech Day Live

Raven is the first to show!

Coffee is on!

Mark and Chris arrive.

Dan (danyon_canyon) and Tom (Dr. Tom) arrive.

More stuff to buy!

Disasembly begins.

Start of throttle body sync.

Clutch fluid change.

Beginning of Valve check.

Valve covers off. Dace says the timing hole cover is a 6mm and the crankshaft is a 10mm.

Ready to troubleshoot idle issue.

Full house.

Drazil checks his TB starter sync.

Mark explains radiator flushing.

After the last photo I had to start getting my hands dirty. I put the camera down and help to balance Dace's throttle bodies and then we got to the task of putting the bike together.

All buttoned up somewhere around 7 p.m. Dace (the first to arrive) was the last to leave with Damion (DZSV) and Drazil. A full day of activity and lots of fun.

Everything is back to normal, so it is probably time to rest for a while.

See ya soon!!