Saturday, May 17

Jesse and I break 100 miles!

It is nearly 5 a.m. when I flipped on the TV for some news. Instead, the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian" is just beginning. What a treat!

The ST had 18 miles on it Thursday when I drove off the lot. It now proudly displays 118 miles! The goal is getting the 600 miles break in period and check up out of the way before any super long trips.

Observation: Although the ST is a heavier bike, it feel weightless compared to the SV, which is a relatively light bike. One reason the SV feels female to me has to do with it being a bit top heavy. The ST, which is narrow, slight and sleek lacks the weighty feel in the tank area. I straddled the ST with both feet planted and moved it from side to side as far as I could to see how it felt to support its weight. The point at which this feels uncomfortable occurs sooner with the SV. Ignorance, in this case, is bliss, because I never felt this to been an issue with the SV. It handles superbly, effortlessly and I have no complaints. It's all relative, isn't it?

Now, I know that the ST while factually heavier feels lighter and I think it has something to do not only with it not being top heavy but more importantly, that the fuel tank is located behind the rider, which does something to lowering the center of gravity (I think). On the SV, the weight of all the fuel is up front, so every time I turn or lean or paddle walk the bike, I'm feeling that weight. This isn't a complaint, just a difference I've noticed.

No engine kills Friday. No surging as I reach for the turn signal cancellation button. And, after reading the manual, I discovered that the turn signals cancel automatically. That, I like! Felt confident on all leans but still taking it easy due to the new tires. It's fun varying the speed and the rpm limitations don't detract one iota from the fun.

One of my favorite scenes in "The World's Fastest Indian," is when the motorcycle gang, previously unkind to Burt, shows up on the day of his departure to American and they escort him to the airport. The gang leader gives Burt "beer money" and says, "Show 'em Kiwis can fly to, eh?"

The movie is replete with pearls from the wise old Burt. His young admiring neighbor asks Burt, "Aren't you scared you'll kill yourself if you crash?"

Burt responds, " live more in five minutes on a bike like this going flat out than some people live in a lifetime."

It's the weekend. Go riding. Stay safe--lots of distracted drivers out there...


Unknown said...

What a great day to break in "Jessie?"! I only road to Lansing Airport to teach a motorcycle class from 8-6. With the weather so wonderful, I was hoping you were out riding.

Jack Riepe said...

Dear Sharon:

Welcome to the Bund. Enjoy your new bike. I had to smile when I read you discovered the self-canceling turn signals. What do you think of the gear shift indicator? You are now the proud owner of one of the most sophisticated two-wheeled time machines the world has ever seen.

By the way, I'm thinking of taking a run out to Dodge City this summer. From there, the destination will be north to Deadwood. Ir would be cool if our paths crossed for a bit.

Fondest regards,

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Jeffry, weather has been great until Saturday night, when I got caught in heavy rain getting back from Bridgeview. The ST handled the cold (heated grips) and rain well. Thanks.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Thanks Jack! As of Friday I'm card carrying! The gear shift indicator, very interesting! I'm so used to not having one that it's a treat to glance at it display itself. What will take some getting used to is the sound of the bike. It is so dramatically different than what I'm used to and it's freaking me a little as it sounds like a small truck? It's not a bad or offensive sound--just different than what I've cut my teeth on, so to speak.

Re: your Dodge City/Deadwood trip. Let me know when and route and I'll check my calendar and see what we can make happen.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the new ride. You'll love it like you loved Queenie. Have you thought of upcoming farkles yet? Got a top case in mind yet? If not, try They're inexpensive still but not for long. Word is getting around. Ride and be safe always.
Tony (Vulcan AL)

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Dear Tony, Thanks for dropping by...We're still bonding but the love is growing daily! Thanks so much for the heads up on the topcase. Queenie has Givi but I really don't like the Givi topcase for the ST; I'm considering at Hepco Becker and a Krauser both of which I like okay, but I'm not that thrilled. I will immediately check out your suggestion! I do like the Givi side cases and need to get this resolved soon as I have some upcoming trips that need luggage. Just picked up a new gps (the little Zumo), put a "bigfoot" on the side stand--yes, I'm beginning to go a bit farkle crazy. Stop me! My name is not Rockefeller!

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Tony, I checked out the topcases--amazed at the prices. The one I had planned to order this week is more than twice that cost! I'm placing an order with Mutazu today! Thanks so much for this recommendation.

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Tony, do you know anything about ths company? I'll call them today when they open but I was about to place my order and then I read that their warranty is 7 days? I don't know if that is correct but it sure doesn't seem reasonable to me. Perhaps I read wrong? Do you currently own one of their trunks? If so, what's your take on quality, durability, service etc. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I have the detachable series 918 installed on Yamato Special. The fit and finish is fine. Haven't installed one on the Moonbeam yet. The warranty is their protection from tampering and mods on the case during installation. Upon receipt, check for cracks, proper hinge operation, locking system and optional brake light operation. Anything amiss; you get a return authorization. They've been burned for returns that's been modified to fit certain bikes which they can't resell as new. My top case works just fine. I had to remove my sissy bar and had to buy the proper rack to install the base plate. Mine is "detachable" but I had the brake lights wired semi-permanently (taped). I'll re-wire it and get a detachable bayonet type connectors. The 918 is only $115 bucks; at that price and usefulness, it is a great deal.


Magic said...


Congrats on the new BMW! Roger and I met you last year at the Wisconsin BMW Rally. I will be at Americade in Lake George, NY 2-8 June for that large rally (all brands of touring motorcycles). Ride safe!

Cheers, Magic

Sojourner's Moto Tales said...

Hello Magic!! Thanks! So nice hearing from you! Pass on my greeting to Roger as well. I've wondered about you two. Sure wish I could make that rally. But some of us have to work (haha!). Are you going to Gillette?

Stay safe your trip--do drop by again!