| Author | Message | ||
     Nocompromise |
As I mentioned in a previous thread, my Force exhaust prevented me from going on an epic ride a couple weeks ago. I did manage to go on that epic ride, albeit one week later. I have to say that the legendary Highway 36 in CA (http://www.pashnit.com/roads/cal/Highway36.htm) is somewhat overrated. The main things it has going for it are the variety of riding, the length (140 miles!!), the great scenery, and some unique roller coaster-like hills. My tires are completely shot, so I had to take it pretty easy. I didn't realize it until I had a couple close calls  since there is plenty of tread left on the sides. I got a couple of bad wobbles and sudden loss of traction in turns even when I wasn't pushing all that hard. Yikes! The problem I had with 36 was that most of the turns weren't twisty enough (90+ mph through the turn to get even a decent lean angle), and the twisty portions had very little visibility (a truck way over the double yellow scared the hell out of me). Not to mention that it took me 2 hours of freeway riding each way to get there.  I have to admit that my riding enjoyment was also slightly diminished because I lost my timing cover ($40) on the freeway somewhere (loctite will be going on the new one) and I overfilled the reservoir so it puked oil all over the bottom of the bike and the very edge of the rear tire. Should I take a little more oil out or am I good now that all the puking is done (4 hours of 80+ mph freeway riding)? The level checks fine when hot. I don't know if it's the Penske shock, the Force seat, or the endorphins to be riding again, but so far the S1 has made a very comfortable mount even on long days. I've now done a couple long rides - 6 hours riding plus 1/2 an hour off the bike, and 8 hours riding (4 hours on the freeway) plus an hour off the bike - and I have barely been sore. I will admit that the last hour (freeway) of the 8 hour ride to Hwy 36 was not that enjoyable, but it was far from painful. Having owned a GSX-R for a few years, I can definitely deal with slight posterior discomfort compared to burning/aching wrists. I wanted to take some pictures, but my compact digital camera crapped out a couple of days prior (typical). Also, I got the front wheel and forks off tonight. Everything came off super easy despite all the horror stories of caliper removal. I think I had beginner's luck working finally working for me, since this is the first 'project' that has gone smoothly. New Michelin Pilot Powers are going on, plus Race Tech springs and valves, plus braided steel front brake line! That will pretty much complete my bike, except for a little touch-up paint and maybe a couple odds and ends. Whew! |
