2009 Motorcycle Show

[Beefmaster_Mark]

I was thinking 8 or 8:30, I know it's early for people who don't live 1 mile away. 

[rwalterk]

I was thinking 8 or 8:30, I know it's early for people who don't live 1 mile away. 

Ugggggh... haha.  Maybe I'll try for 8:30 then.  I'll call you when I get down there.

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Sounds good.  If anyone else is coming you can call me on my c-ell at three one Oh, seven Oh one, five Oh five two.

[Wildgift]

Marni not feeling well; now i'm iffy for this...

[AP]

I will be showing up early tomorrow and see if I get to do any test rides.

[JimT]

Good to see everyone, the show was definitely scaled down but still fun,

I went looking for a Gladius but there wasn't one there. They must have knew I was coming to bash it.

[rwalterk]

Good seeing you all as usual.  Albert, good to see you again too - I'll post up if I end up doing that central coast ride the week after Christmas (more on that below).

I had a good time today and it was fun riding the Raider.  I gotta say though it was relatively tame for an 1854cc bike.  I was expecting my arms to get pulled off but I guess when a bike weighs 700 pounds it kinda slows things down.   

I also have new issues now picking a helmet.    The Bell Star, which is supposed to be awesome, actually fits my head pretty well.  There are plenty of 09 versions on closeout for $199 and up... I'm tempted.  They are also listed on Snell's web site as being M2010 compliant, though it doesn't say if it's the 09 or 10 models.  Hmmmmmmm... now I have the Arai Profile (in the lead), Bell Star (under heavy consideration) and Shoei X12 (perfect fit but $$$) to pick from. 

Regarding the central coast ride during the week after Christmas, I'm thinking of doing an overnighter if the weather isn't too bad.  My company shuts down the last 2 weeks of the year so I won't have much to do, a touring ride is relatively cheap and I've never done an overnighter before.  Anyone's welcome to join me if I end up going... maybe leave Monday the 28th in the AM and come back Tuesday or Wednesday.

[rwalterk]

I went looking for a Gladius but there wasn't one there. They must have knew I was coming to bash it.

WHAT?!  How could they not bring Gladius Style to the show??   

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Fun time yesterday, glad to see everyone as usual.  Especially so close to my place for a change! 

I did enjoy the Star Raider demo ride.  It's weird to ride a big cruiser all chromed out after getting used to my bike and my track bike.  It was very stable and as I generally do with the V-twins, I hit the rev limiter a few times.  I tried to wheelie it for Ray but I couldn't get the bounce and clutch action right.     Didn't even attempt the stoppie though.

I picked up a very nice Shark helmet after Ray left, it was an unbelievable steal.  I ordered a VERY expensive light smoke shield online last night ($72!!! are you kidding me?) so I won't have to try to jam sunglasses on under the helmet, which might be impossible anyway w/the Shark's thick cheek pads.

All in all, very fun day.  Off to ride around in my new Shark helmet. 

[rwalterk]

Off to ride around in my new Shark helmet. 

Which one did you get?!

[Beefmaster_Mark]

Here are a couple of crappy cell phone pics:

[rwalterk]

Some pics... would've had more if I had remembered to get a replacement kit lens instead of trying to take close-ups with my zoom lens.    

Asymmetrical, 193 HP goodness:


Close up of the S1000RR's very cool tail light:


Jim's face says it all:




Yeah, I liked it too:


Rain race tire on a Norton:


I can't believe what a draw the new VFR was:


Curious cross marketing:


One of Nicky's beat-up race bikes:


Cool new black exhaust on the Ninja 250R: