Mikedbike2002 breakfast rides

[Tetge]

It seems that Mike has disappeared. One wonders if he is laying low without a driver's license because it was taken at gun point after a CHP pursuit? Not that it matters since I have reformed and I never ride over the posted limit and I certainly would not pass over a double yellow line. So, I could never keep up on a breakfast ride even if one happened.

[jhwalker]

Everyone is laying low.

[Tetge]

I took the KTM out for a spin today. It was 70-73* and a perfect day and those days are limited in number where I live and the bike needed to be started up and ridden. Of course, I just cruised around and did not even use more than 1/4 throttle, but, it was a really nice day to be out riding, and, who needs speed anyway?

[jhwalker]

I took the KTM out for a spin today. It was 70-73* and a perfect day and those days are limited in number where I live and the bike needed to be started up and ridden. Of course, I just cruised around and did not even use more than 1/4 throttle, but, it was a really nice day to be out riding, and, who needs speed anyway?

How many miles do you have on the KTM? I am surprised at the few kms/miles I have on the Ducati. I am at 2550 kms - 1580 miles or so. My excuse is the busy life, but more likely it is that the guys here with the 1150 and 1200 BMWs don't think that they have ridden if a ride is not a full day. I have NO interest in a full day's ride. 3-4 hours does it for me. I have been trying to find a dyno before installing the Rexxer code. Found the dyno, but the shop owner is not much interested in me dynoing the Ducati for a before and after. I don't get it, since a lot of the cars here have fewer than 75 hp. This weekend I plan to just do it and move on. I have recorded the engine temps after running hard. Almost 300 degrees F.

This should be in the Ducati pristine pure thread. Lo siento...

[Tetge]

I have 1500+ miles on the bike. I actually do not even want to ride it often as that hastens tire replacement and suggested services. But, even in my old age, I like to have a functional motorcycle around, so, it sits a lot, but, I do ride it now and then to keep the fluids circulated and to charge up the battery. I am gradually adapting to the difference in feel between the KTM and the DR-Z, as even though they basically weigh the same, they feel quite a bit different. Unlike some people, it takes me quite awhile to become confident with the handling of new machines. I tend to think that the OEM tires will slide out from under me and that the bike will crash even at slower speeds that I rode the DR-Z. But, the KTM feels pretty stable on its tires, and at the speeds that I ride, it seems to handle well enough most of the time.

But, no hurry to pile on the miles.

[jhwalker]

See the Ducati thread.

[xbacksideslider]

It IS perfect riding weather but it is also perfect golf weather too and the latter gets my free time right now. Especially since I still have to fix the Norton's exhaust spud nut dealio and since I still have to fix the GSXR's stuck float needle problem. And, both bikes need tire changing too. That leaves me with the 1000rr and the EXC, and there's nothing wrong with either one.

[Tetge]

Brakelate has been smack talking about coming to LA and doing a mikedbike2002 breakfast ride on Sunday, March 13th. He said to spread the word as he wants to ride with some real riders on real roads.

So, I am putting the word out, as per his request, although no one knows if he will actually show in LA, or if he will ride on Sunday, or, if the weather will even permit a Sunday ride. Lots of options and possibilities, but, perhaps they got their beer and wine license at what ever the restaurant in Leona Valley is now called? All I know is that Brakelate better bring his BMW if he is going on a mikedbike2002 Sunday ride, since his DR-Z is out classsed these days.

Still, smack talking is cheap, and, I am just passing along what he said.

[mikedbike2002]

I'm still here & riding almost very weekend! Got an KTM moto street legal that should be here in just over a week. Still got my DRZ. Let me know about the 13th. Been doing some track days on my track only CRF150R super moto.

[Tetge]

I'm still here & riding almost very weekend! Got an KTM moto street legal that should be here in just over a week. Still got my DRZ. Let me know about the 13th. Been doing some track days on my track only CRF150R super moto.

Better ride that KTM before you part with your DR-Z, since I still feel that my DR-Z that I sold to my brother felt more secure cornering than my new KTM. Part of that could be unfamiliarity on my part, but, the KTM is definitely does more darting around and doesn't feel as solid and controlled as the DR-Z, which I believe has superior stock suspension. I understand that the KTM has a lower center of gravity, which can be felt just pushing it around in the garage, but it is a much different feeling riding it. In fact, it scares me.

But, I suppose that you already know all this, and also, you have an expert setting your KTM up for you, so its ride height and suspension will be all dialed in perfectly for you. I wonder if it will come with a pre-installed box on the back? And, no doubt it will be tuned up and about twice as powerful as your DR-Z. Well, maybe not twice, as your DR-Z is pretty potent for a DR-Z. Not that you really need to ride any faster!