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Honda Wave Motad Modding
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Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The Provincetown School of Vehicular Cycling
We often take daytrips to the Cape in the summer, but avoid Provincetown, because it is both too far and much too crowded. However, last week we stopped by. For those unfamiliar with the area, Provincetown is a lively and quirky town at the very tip of Cape Cod, long associated with the arts and with freedom of sexual expression. The main street is lined with galleries, coffee houses, excellent restaurants, eccentric shops, theaters, piano lounges and dance clubs. Rainbow flags are aflutter. Tourists pose to have their pictures taken with drag queens. Ocean waves rise picturesquely in the background. Everything is relaxed and easy; everyone gets along.
We arrived with our vintage 3-speeds and found the town center absolutely packed. The photos don't capture this, but many parts of the long and narrow Commercial Street were filled shoulder to shoulder with pedestrians and bumper to bumper with cars. It did not look like we could walk through the center, let alone cycle. And yet, the place was full of cyclists. They were riding in both directions through the narrow street, blithely passing the slow cars and the meandering pedestrians with dogs and strollers. We got on our bicycles, and what an educational experience it was.
Imagine: Cars pay attention to bicycles and wait for them without getting angry about it. Drivers and passengers look before opening the doors of parked cars. Cyclists are non-belligerent. Phrases such as "Please, go right ahead!" and "Oh, sorry about that!" and "Thanks!" and "Hey, nice bike!" can be heard all around instead of what is normally shouted in Boston. Can this be Vehicular Cycling Heaven? Cycling in Provincetown - both through the center and through the wider roads with higher speed limits - has made me feel considerably more comfortable about sharing the road with cars, thus improving my general cycling abilities.
We did not take many bike photos, but here are a few bicycles spotted in town. A colourful Electra Amsterdam with nice wicker panniers and a sunflower on the handlebars. I believe it belongs to a local painter.
And here is a Rivendell Rambouillet by the marina, complete with fenders, Brooks saddle, rack, lights, and handlebar bag. The owner was pleased and amused that I recognised his bike.
And finally, a solution to the "control issue" in tandem cycling: The Buddy Bike! Now both riders can feel like captains - though I assume this can only be done if the riders are roughly of the same weight.
For more about cycling in P-Town, read about Vee's bike date at Suburban Bike Mama.
We arrived with our vintage 3-speeds and found the town center absolutely packed. The photos don't capture this, but many parts of the long and narrow Commercial Street were filled shoulder to shoulder with pedestrians and bumper to bumper with cars. It did not look like we could walk through the center, let alone cycle. And yet, the place was full of cyclists. They were riding in both directions through the narrow street, blithely passing the slow cars and the meandering pedestrians with dogs and strollers. We got on our bicycles, and what an educational experience it was.
Imagine: Cars pay attention to bicycles and wait for them without getting angry about it. Drivers and passengers look before opening the doors of parked cars. Cyclists are non-belligerent. Phrases such as "Please, go right ahead!" and "Oh, sorry about that!" and "Thanks!" and "Hey, nice bike!" can be heard all around instead of what is normally shouted in Boston. Can this be Vehicular Cycling Heaven? Cycling in Provincetown - both through the center and through the wider roads with higher speed limits - has made me feel considerably more comfortable about sharing the road with cars, thus improving my general cycling abilities.
We did not take many bike photos, but here are a few bicycles spotted in town. A colourful Electra Amsterdam with nice wicker panniers and a sunflower on the handlebars. I believe it belongs to a local painter.
And here is a Rivendell Rambouillet by the marina, complete with fenders, Brooks saddle, rack, lights, and handlebar bag. The owner was pleased and amused that I recognised his bike.
And finally, a solution to the "control issue" in tandem cycling: The Buddy Bike! Now both riders can feel like captains - though I assume this can only be done if the riders are roughly of the same weight.For more about cycling in P-Town, read about Vee's bike date at Suburban Bike Mama.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Aprlia Tuono 1000 R Factory
Now the Tuono 1000 R Factory has picked up where the victorious Tuono Racing left off, with even better technical characteristics and performance.
With the arrival of the new Factory version, the most racing naked and the meanest on the road clearly demonstrates its racing spirit. The new Tuono 1000 R Factory is a truly professional machine for all those riders who demand the state of the art in technology and the absolute maximum in performance. As with the RSV 1000 R Factory, from which it has been derived, the Tuono 1000 R Factory is designed and built for “total ridability”, a concept that has always characterised high performance Aprilia motorcycles.
The Tuono 1000 R Factory sets new standards for performance nakeds. Now, the Tuono 1000 R Factory has raised the bar even higher, establishing the perfect synthesis between quality, technology, and finish.
The performance of the Tuono 1000 R Factory has been boosted to record levels by adopting the same latest generation engine that powers the RSV 1000 R Factory. Now developing 102 kW (139 HP) at the crank and a maximum torque of nearly 11 kgm at only 8,500 rpm, the Aprilia Tuono R Factory is the uncontested leader of all naked twins.
source via Aprilia
source via Aprilia
Ladies and Diamond Frames
Lots of ladies ride diamond frame bicycles, even in a skirt. The lovely Charlotte of Chic Cyclist and the good women of Bike Skirt are just some examples. Recently, I tried riding diamond frames for the first time in my life.
Here is the Co-Habitant's vintage Raleigh. I had to wear platform shoes, because I can't otherwise clear the top tube of his 24" bike.
And here is an Origin8 Cykel, which I tried at the Bike Stop in Arlington, Mass. This time the frame was just the right size, though those super-wide handlebars took some getting used to.
My feelings about diamond frames are mixed. While cycling, I actually find them very comfortable: The horizontal tube helps me feel balanced and in control of the bicycle. But by golly, I don't understand how to mount and dismount gracefully. The Co-Habitant swings his leg over the back in one fluid ballet-like motion, but I seem to be incapable of executing this maneuver without faltering. Plus, in a skirt this can't be done without hiking it up first.
I've tried leaning the bicycle over toward me until the frame is low enough to step over, but that does not seem right either. Ladies, how do you do it? And when you're wearing a skirt?
UPDATE: The graceful Charlotte of Chic Cyclist has now posted a photo-tutorial showing how she rides her diamond frame in a miniskirt. Enjoy!
Here is the Co-Habitant's vintage Raleigh. I had to wear platform shoes, because I can't otherwise clear the top tube of his 24" bike.
And here is an Origin8 Cykel, which I tried at the Bike Stop in Arlington, Mass. This time the frame was just the right size, though those super-wide handlebars took some getting used to.My feelings about diamond frames are mixed. While cycling, I actually find them very comfortable: The horizontal tube helps me feel balanced and in control of the bicycle. But by golly, I don't understand how to mount and dismount gracefully. The Co-Habitant swings his leg over the back in one fluid ballet-like motion, but I seem to be incapable of executing this maneuver without faltering. Plus, in a skirt this can't be done without hiking it up first.
I've tried leaning the bicycle over toward me until the frame is low enough to step over, but that does not seem right either. Ladies, how do you do it? And when you're wearing a skirt?UPDATE: The graceful Charlotte of Chic Cyclist has now posted a photo-tutorial showing how she rides her diamond frame in a miniskirt. Enjoy!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Mrs. Motorcycle Bolted on me!
The other morning as I was getting ready for work, My wife comes back in the house after leaving for work herself. She said, "Mr. M., Something is seriously wrong with my Saturn. I need you to come look at it. I was driving along, and heard a pop, then clunk, clunk, clunk. I stoped and looked, but no flat tire! I want you to look." I took the car for a drive, and noticed it when I was pulling out the driveway. I needed to go no further than 1/2 of a block away from my house to realize there was something wrong with the left rear wheel. I pulled it back into the garage to see a bolt stuck into the tread at the back side on the line of tread, and sidewall.
This is what I found!
This put an interesting spin onto my day.
I got a plug put into the tire, drove her vehicle for the day. She took mine, and I got a new set of rear tires on it during the day.
I got my wife to get me a case and a half of beer later on that day for being such a good boy!
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Linda and Rollsroyce77
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Linda on her 2003 Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider. Also see Rollsroyce77 on his 2002 Honda VTX1800 Retro. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
Lobstah Gettah?
This spectacular bicycle was parked next to a beach entrance at the National Seashore on Cape Cod. The frame is ancient, but clearly the bicycle is very much functional. The red Raleigh grips look like a comparatively recent addition, but all else seems original - including tires and saddle!
Rear wheel. Note the chainring and guard on the other side. The bolt-on on the stay indicates that it is coaster brake.
Front wheel - note the original parking stand.
The blue plaque between the tubes says "Donut Shop".
The lobster pot is shiny and new. The lid is secured with pink bungee cords, but I wonder how the pot itself is secured to the front rack without the need to make holes in the metal? The owner of this masterpiece was not in sight, or I would have loved to ask. This is one of my most exciting bicycle sightings ever!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
MODIFIKASI BAJAJ PULSAR
If only the writing motorcycle brand in the gas tank, firing and under saddle back removed, you must have guessed moge (big motorcycles). In fact, if glimpsed from the front like the Italian-made motorcycles that now prevail in the Superbike world championship.
Indeed, these two-wheeled vehicle called the Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-I made in 2007 came from India. Heri Syahrimen, the owner who lives in Riau is memperkekar besutannya really good.
The concept is simple, do not alter the body's character dinilainya sports turing.Ia apply only full-dress style firing aka MotoGP models. "This will be added Pulsar box for turing," said the chairman of Riau Bajaj Community (RBC).
Uniquely, Bajaj Pulsar home modification is worked out in Ciledug Raya, Tangerang. Rudi, "the repairman engineer" standard bare block up the middle so as not to wear clothes when Bajaj CBR600 model made of fiberglass.
Quite limited firing only. No! Rudi change the style sepatbor motor Itallia, Cagiva Raptor. Similarly sepatbor laced back design that Dainese has become characteristic of Blessing modif Motor (BM) where the motor Rudi dressing.
In addition to the standard, front shock breaker also be a booster when he was about to set firing. Not replaced because the owner may still want to use the default. But the front sok mpanjang inadequate juxtaposed with handlebar-flops.
Rudi was not losing my mind. The solution, using self-made adapter from the diameter steel pipe with the standard tomorrow. Pipe was then made and close the system self-drat. 5 cm in length was made
Indeed, these two-wheeled vehicle called the Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTS-I made in 2007 came from India. Heri Syahrimen, the owner who lives in Riau is memperkekar besutannya really good.
The concept is simple, do not alter the body's character dinilainya sports turing.Ia apply only full-dress style firing aka MotoGP models. "This will be added Pulsar box for turing," said the chairman of Riau Bajaj Community (RBC).
Uniquely, Bajaj Pulsar home modification is worked out in Ciledug Raya, Tangerang. Rudi, "the repairman engineer" standard bare block up the middle so as not to wear clothes when Bajaj CBR600 model made of fiberglass.
Quite limited firing only. No! Rudi change the style sepatbor motor Itallia, Cagiva Raptor. Similarly sepatbor laced back design that Dainese has become characteristic of Blessing modif Motor (BM) where the motor Rudi dressing.
In addition to the standard, front shock breaker also be a booster when he was about to set firing. Not replaced because the owner may still want to use the default. But the front sok mpanjang inadequate juxtaposed with handlebar-flops.
Rudi was not losing my mind. The solution, using self-made adapter from the diameter steel pipe with the standard tomorrow. Pipe was then made and close the system self-drat. 5 cm in length was made
Mixte Lovers, Rejoice: VO Prepares a Little Something
Some of you know that I have been considering a custom bike for next spring. It has been a somewhat tortured search, because of my pickiness when it comes to things like lugs and stylistic detail. Basically, I want the mixte to have the classic twin lateral stays (as opposed to a single top tube), and I want it to be fully lugged (which is nearly impossible to achieve nowadays, as mixte lugs are no longer made). To get the kind of bicycle I want, I basically had three choices : (1) to go with a builder who can hand-make the lugs, (2) to go with a builder who can alter lugs meant for diamond frames into mixte lugs, or (3) to find a builder who has a stash of NOS (new old stock) mixte lugs that they would be willing to use. All three choices are rather costly, and I am not sure whether I am in a position to commit those kinds of funds to the purchase of a bicycle. A more economical option like Rivendell was not possible, because although beautifully lugged, their mixtes are the type with the single top tube.
[image from Velo-Orange]
Enter Velo Orange, which announced in their recent blog entry the release of a fully lugged mixte with twin lateral stays. Thank you, Mr. Kulczycki! The photo above is a prototype frame.
[image from Velo-Orange]
Here is a close-up of the lugs. The projected price is $700 for the frame and fork (!), and the anticipated delivery date is January 2010. Three sizes will be available: 50cm, 54cm, and 57cm, making it accessible for both short and tall riders.
What I love about this frame:
. the lugs,
. the classic construction with the twin stays,
. the choice in sizing (54cm should be just perfect for me),
. the 700c wheels (larger than the wheels on the Betty Foy, which I found too small)
. and the excellent price.
What I don't love so much:
. the colour (if I order it, I would definitely get custom colour or have it repainted),
. the way the rear stays connect to the seat tube (I think this could be more elegantly done),
. and the fact that, like the Rivendell Betty Foy, it is made in the far East.
So what do you think? Regardless of whether I decide to go for this bike, I am very excited that this product has appeared on the market. Now, if only I can persuade VO to alter the rear stay connexions and change the production colour...
[image from Velo-Orange][image from Velo-Orange]Here is a close-up of the lugs. The projected price is $700 for the frame and fork (!), and the anticipated delivery date is January 2010. Three sizes will be available: 50cm, 54cm, and 57cm, making it accessible for both short and tall riders.
What I love about this frame:
. the lugs,
. the classic construction with the twin stays,
. the choice in sizing (54cm should be just perfect for me),
. the 700c wheels (larger than the wheels on the Betty Foy, which I found too small)
. and the excellent price.
What I don't love so much:
. the colour (if I order it, I would definitely get custom colour or have it repainted),
. the way the rear stays connect to the seat tube (I think this could be more elegantly done),
. and the fact that, like the Rivendell Betty Foy, it is made in the far East.
So what do you think? Regardless of whether I decide to go for this bike, I am very excited that this product has appeared on the market. Now, if only I can persuade VO to alter the rear stay connexions and change the production colour...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ride For Their Lives! Home For Life Animal Sanctuary
Last weekend, I finally got to break out, and go for a ride. Any reason to ride is good, but riding for a cause you believe in is even better. I've been lacking on posting, commenting and riding lately due to storm season and my job. This has been keeping me more than busy. So it felt really, really good to get on the bike again. I put on about 350 miles last Saturday.
The ride was just another ride like any other good ride. There were lots of great twisty roads, and a good time to be had while enjoying beautiful scenery whilst rolling along on two wheels. I could have done this ride and likely a much better one with my friend Daren, whom I rode with, but the ride, or the "run" was only part of the reason to be out on two wheels this day. It was for the annual Ride for Their Lives Run. It was for the cause many of you know I deeply believe in. It was for the animals in need.
I rode in the "Ride For Their Lives" run.
This was sponsored by "Doc"Desio of St. Croix Harley-Davidson, and held for Home For Life. The Animal Sanctuary of St. Croix Valley, Inc.
Home For Life® is a new kind of animal shelter. It is a long-term animal sanctuary. Home for Life® provides lifetime care for special needs animals that while still able to lead quality lives but are unable to find a home due to age, chronic treatable disorders, handicaps or similar reasons.
Here are some pictures of the animals being helped, and some ride photos. Kudos to this wonderful organization!!!!!
When I go, Take me in one of these!!!!
A trick trike fitted for a Guy in a wheelchair.
"Doc" from St. Croix Harley-Davidson, and Officer Sweeny
Dogs with wheels
Dogs with wheels
The cat house
Cute Cocker
Look, the animals have their own houses, with air conditioning!
Many kinds of animals here.
A goat with wheels
Great job on organizing the ride! There was great food, and fun. They even had drawings.
Course, I won nothing. But I had a good time anyway!
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