Motorcycle Diaries June 2006

Yesterday marked the return of the R100S from the mechanic. The latest changes inlcude new tires (Michelin Macadams) front and rear. New fuel petcocks (hold the questions till later please), new braided fuel lines, brake pads for the rear, and a bunch of adjustments and leak stop activities.

I rode the bike the 45 miles home and enjoyed it more than ever. I thought the handling would be improved with the new tires but they stick even better than I expected. If you have ever driven a bike with old tires you know the feeling. You always feel like you are on the hairy edge of disaster. How far can you take it into the lean and be sure that it will hold? I compare it to being on ice skates that just aren't sharp enough. A little bit too far this way or that and your butt bites the ice. One glaring difference - there is no road rash from sliding on the ice.

So I leaned into the curves like never before and I could feel the smile spreading across my face. Been a long time since I had that happen on a motorcyle. The feeling elicited a lot of old memories, fun memories of cold winds, fresh air and fast times. People in cars just don't get it. They sit in their cages and isolate themselves from the real. I am not one of those riders that wants everyone on a bike, that would drive the price of bike through the roof. No we have enough numbers. Too many more and I would get tired of waving at them.