Sport-Commuter Tire

Though I have a capable sport-touring machine, I use it mostly for commuting. The wear pattern on my tread tells the story. Flat on the center, barely used on the sides. It will take more than commuting to reach those untouched parts of the tread. I hope I get the chance to get some lean on!

Who is Dorothy Snell?

Who is this Dorothy Snell and why is her name on my helmet?

 Come to think of it, her name is on my wife's helmet, too.

 Maybe she designs helmets? I like my helmet . . . I wonder if Dot designs other gear besides helmets? Are there gloves?

Okay. Yes. I know Dot Snell is not a person. I know what the sticker means. But why not have fun with it?

We could promote motorcycle safety with the creation of a cartoon character.

Dot Snell says, 'Always wear your helmet!'

Kind of like Smokey Bear for the two-wheeled set.

Ouch! My butt!

On Saturday I took a three hundred mile jaunt into the twisties --- my longest excursion to date on the ST1300.

My butt hurts from the Sargent saddle that the previous owner installed.  I made the same circuit last year on the magna with less pain.  Got me looking for alternative seats.  Yikes.

Felt like knives inserted into pressure points in my butt after the first hundred miles. Also I had pain in my neck, shoulders, and both wrists by about two hundred miles. It really was quite painful, and all of it a bit of a surprise.

I return home to check with http://www.st-owners.com and to discover they have a wealth of knowledge about seats. Some of this info is not surprising:

-- many folks love their Sargent seats
-- a handful have serious problems with Sargent
-- some have tried custom seats and been pleasently surprised

But even simpler than this, I learned i need to test out a few adjustments which are possible on ST1300 seats. Better start there ... With adjusting seat height front and back, and thereby adjusting seat angle.

More research needed...

And Then There Was One. . .

Four of us set out for our 300 mile jaunt.   Work called me about 150 miles out.  I ended up having to bail on the trip and head home. I waved the other three on while I joined a conference call at work.

I was able to resolve the work issues over the phone in about 30 to 45 minutes.  By then I knew I could never catch up, so I plotted a solo return trip.

Break Time

First stop. Gosport, IN.

BMW LT1500
Kawasaki Versys
Honda ST1300

Not pictured:  Kawasaki KLR 650.

First To Arrive

It's October 1st, and this is the first time this year I've been able to join my riding buddies in a group ride.

 This year hasn't gone according to plan. So, I'm eager to start, and am the first to arrive at our traditional rendezvous point.

 It was forty degrees when I left my house. The heated gear, plus the ST's great wind protection, kept me plenty toasty. By the time we're done with breakfast, it may be warm enough for me to turn off the electric gear.