Winter time!

It's been a few days since I finally got around to winterizing KiKi. But I thought I'd at least mention it.
It was simple, and sad. I took the back seat off to get at the single bolt holding the main seat on. From there all I had to do was left and pull back to get the main seat out. Once the seat was off taking the battery cover and battery out was very simple. And of course right before I did all this I add fuel stabilizer and ran the engine for a few minutes. I covered the exhaust to prevent things from moving in. Then reinstalled the seats and covered her up. I still have to decide if I'm going to try and raise her tires off the ground or just slide something under then or mover her a bit every week to prevent flat spots. We'll see... Here are a few pictures, sorry for the bad light, it was dark out by the time I got around to working on the bike.

This winter my updates will be few and far apart, but I'll post new things I get, gear and stuff for Kenna etc.

Until next time,
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

Wind

I've heard I'd have to watch out  on the highway for wind when passing trucks, but I didn't think it would be a problem in the city with no trucks around! The other day I was riding to work, it was something stupid cold! and windy! As I would pass by side streets I'd get a strong cross wind that I've never felt it before. Being a cager for so long the only time I'd feel the wind take the car was at high speeds, never in the city. But wow! Do you end up riding with a slight lean that you have to constantly correct!
It wasn't hard, more unexpected. It was an interesting feeling. It just reinforced the notion that as a motorcyclist you're really as close to nature on a motor vehicle as possible! It's a great feeling and I can't wait till next year!

Until next time, 
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

Turn 15 into 14

I just received my new 14T front sprocket today! I'm going to wait until next season for the install but I hear it's a good upgrade. It looks sweet!



It was $24 with shipping from a guy in Ottawa which isn't bad. I also picked up a small clock weather thing from Canadian Tire to mount on KiKi as well.
The other things I'm working on getting are; the rear hugger, double bubble windscreen, DIY tail tidy and rim tape. I think that's most of it... Oh and a new rear tire and chain. That's it! Or at least it should be... I don't want to invest too much into this bike, I may upgrade faster than I think.

Still waiting on those damn LEDs.


Until next time,
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

A Place to Sleep

So it's about to rain and Kenna has been put to bed in her new home for the first time!

I know there are no doors yet, it's clearly not finished. But, there'll be doors before the snow comes! This is where she'll be staying over the winter. Not heated but not bad :) Can't wait to take her back out after the rain!

Look how cozy she looks!

On a side note, I'm thinking I'm going to add blue (dark or metallic) rim tape next season. Make her look really good!
Also, I've started (and almost finished) the series 'Long Way Round' with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. Great motorcycle adventure story around the world! Too wicked! Watch it!

Until next time,
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

Friendly people

So I've been riding to school and work for a little bit now and finally I got to talk to another motorcyclist while parking. I say finally because this is one of the reasons I wanted to start riding in the first place! Motorcyclists I suppose may be more friendly because they realize that it's 'us vs them' out there. Or so I keep hearing. Either way, I talked to this guy for a bit, really cool guy nice bike! It was just small talk, but good luck small talking with another car owner in a parking lot or a riser on the TTC without seeming crazy!
Also, on my way home some next rider flipped my the ol' "hey what's up?" well riding! That was cool! I was going fast and tried to do it back but kinda missed so I nodded at him. I fully looking forward to next season! It's going to be too sweet!!

I'm still waiting on those LEDs....

Anyway,

Until next time,
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

A Bunch Of Stuff...

I have a bunch of stuff to report on today!
FIRST - I rode to school (outside) for the first time on Thursday! That was really fun! Some cars drive close! Others are nicer and let you go ahead and keep their distance. Either way, getting on the road was sweet! After class i stopped by my buddy's place to tighten the chain and then we rode to my place. Riding with someone else is better than riding alone, it's much more fun! After that I couldn't wait to get back out there. Too bad it's FREAKING cold! But I'll probably ride to work and school a few times this coming week.


SECOND - I received my integrated tail light Friday! It's so sweet!

I haven't decided if I'm going to install it this season or wait.... We'll see, If I have time I'll install it, but it's starting to get pretty cold out and I don't want to freeze! But as soon as I install it I'll post photos.

Next thing is the black windscreen! I'm still waiting on those LEDs.....MAYBE this week, I hope.


Until next time,
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'

She'll be on the road soon!

Two days ago I called up TD to inquire about their insurance policies because I buddy told me that you won't have to pay (much) to be insured for the winter months. For the year they quoted me $2288 lol F that! But from Nov-Marc it's $50... That's pretty sweet I'll at least be riding for November. I'll look into Jevco letter at the beginning of the new year.
After I got insurance I call Ted Rose owner and operator of Rosey Toes a bike mechanic shop in TO. He rode his late 80's BMW motorcycle to my place and certified Kenna on the spot! ($80. $50 if you go to his shop) the next day (yesterday) I took my insurance card and certificate to the MTO office as got a plate!! I put it on that night (looks good) and I'll have time to ride her to class on Thursday! I'm looking forward to it big time!!
Side note, I bought an integrated tail light for Kenna on eBay the other day.




Can't wait to get and install it before the winter kicks in!
(still waiting in the white LEDs...)


Until next time,
'Live to Ride, Ride to Live'