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Blog Update Page...

The RT and a rider

This page is just an ongoing post about things that pop into my head on an on-going basis. I'll try to keep it related to motorcycles.




2012 Dec 18
We made some changes on the Blogger settings so that viewing on mobile devices and devices like iPads is better. Pages should now load much faster and each post has only a small part of the beginning of the post in order to fit more on a page. To select a post that you would like to read simply click that entry. If you are on a larger tablet or a phone with a large display you may use the link "view web version" which is located at the bottom of each page to view the blog using the desktop version.

2012 Sept 17
1 - Added a review of the Schuberth C3 helmet. C3 Review
2 - Updated the Grip Buddies review. Grip Buddies Review

2012 Aug 24
I'm late doing a number of posts, reviews and updates to this blog because it has been a few weeks since I got back from my yearly extended tour. We did a ride from Texas to Yellowstone NP and back where my bike did 4,453 miles during the 10 day tour. This year I upgraded a few items and added a few items to my daily carry pack. My new riding gear included a new Schuberth C3 helmet plus the relatively new to me BMW Airflow gloves. I also tried a CamelBak during the long hot ride home. The temperature range ran from 55 degrees F to about 105.

2012 May 21
It's time I did more postings. My 65W low beam upgrade did not last long. No, nothing wrong with that upgrade. I jumped the gun and did the HID upgrade. And while I was at it I also mounted my GPS (Zumo 660) over my dash. I'm happy with both upgrades. Reviews will soon follow.

2012 Feb 28
Planning on going to my BMW dealer for a 3rd time to get the left hand switches replaced. I don't mind the ride but staying at a hotel has already cost me more than $300. Status report when I get back.
Update (Mar 2012) - Finally got all of this resolved. Update in my bike R1200RT post.
tsp

2012 Feb 28
Warning - no motorcycle content
One of my hobbies or interests is aromatherapy. Been interested many years but it wasn't until recently that I found a good way to diffuse the oil blends that I make into the air in my house. I started a web page with info on the product a few days ago. It's very raw but a start. I'm not sure I'm keeping this service or use another service.
Web site: Aromatherapy and Stuff
tsp


2011, Dec 30

If you are like me you don't mind buying at least one pair of fairly nice riding boots. The sad part is that it took me over 40 years of riding to realize that I should pair up boots with a good pair of socks. I recently purchased a pair of tactical boots that I want to use for casual riding. Next to the boots was a rack of socks that retail for about $20 each pair. I'm used to buying packages of 3 to 6 pair of socks for a total of cost of less than $20!



You gotta give these socks a try. What I looked at had options for light, medium, and heavy socks. The heavy are too thick unless I up all my footwear by at least one size. I purchased some light and medium pairs and really like them. I got mine at Academy for a slight discount off of retail.

tsp



2011 Dec 1

I have a number of things wired up on my RT but I'm getting the urge to redo the job and clean up things a bit. I'll do some before and after shots (even to include the stuff I hate like the location of the power distribution box).

I'm breaking my rule of not tearing into any major work on a bike before a long ride. Planning to do a day's ride on Saturday.

tsp

2011, Nov 19 - This past Thursday my fellow contributor and brother had a business meeting in Austin, TX. He invited me to ride along with him and I agreed. It's about a 300 mile ride each way so we planned on returning on Friday. I had 639 miles total for the trip when we got back on Friday evening.

To pass the time while he was in meetings I visited the local BMW/Triumph shop. Well... after riding for over 40 years I finally decided to purchase my first pair of motorcycle riding pants. I can't review them yet because 1) only used them yesterday for the trip home and today I went on a very short 15 mile ride and 2) it's not cold and it's not hot at this time in my locale. The ride today was in 86 degree F and yesterday it started at 58 and was 78 by the time we got home.



But it appears that I have really been missing out. The pants felt so much better than regular jeans. Jeans seem to be beating on you as you ride at highway speeds while the riding pants stayed put very well.



I'll follow up with a review when I log more miles with them in both hot weather and cold. We don't get too cold here though. The review will be comparing jeans to these pants. Keep in mind that I wanted something for Summer riding. Anything else they do is a bonus to me.

tsp at Tail of the Dragon

tsp

Posted with Blogsy

Shopping Alert - Compact Driver

Bosch PS21-2A

 

I own a BMW R1200RT that has plenty of body panels that are fastened by Torx screws. I had been looking for a small cordless driver so that I can make the 30 minute job into a 10 minute job. At this time I haven't removed any of the panels so I haven't tested this driver yet.

This is from the Lowe's web site:

• Powerful for tougher applications with 265 in-lbs. of max torque
• Compact design - shortest head length and shortest height in class
• LED light- enables use of tool in low light or dark areas
• Lightest weight in class - great for overhead or continuous work
• 2-speeds - 0-350/0-1300 RPM so speed of tool can be matched to the application
• 20 + 1 clutch settings for precise torque adjustment
• Forward/reverse button - equally useful at driving or removing screws
• 1/4" hex drive - for quick bit changes
• Provantage tool and battery protection plan - 3-year tool protection plan, 2-year free battery replacement guarantee, 1-call resolution hotline

 

Case, charger, 2 batteries and the driver

The driver is on sale for $79.00 at Lowe's until 12/31/2012. The product number is PS21-2A. This is the updated driver which is much improved over the old one so make sure you get the right one. There is also a larger impact driver for about $99 but that is not what I really wanted. I wanted the smallest driver (not impact type) that had a clutch so that I could control the torque being applied for both removal and driving. By the way I do not intend to use the driver to torque any of the motorcycle panel screws except perhaps to one of the lowest torque settings. I will do the actual tightening by hand as always.

I can't rate this tool since I haven't used it yet but it looks like a 10 so far and it's at a very good price right now. Amazon has this driver for $104 right now.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Shopper Alert - Multitools

I went to my local Home Depot to purchase deck screws (for a cedar fence). While I was there I notice a table with a special on a package with two Leatherman multitools. I like multitools and have had to use one many times to accomplish basic mechanical or electrical tasks.

I'm posting this because the package is offered at a good price. I do not want to do a detailed evaluation of the tools in the package but will provide an overview of the main multitool.

Wingman & Style CS

This package is $29.88 at Home Depot. I think it is also available online. Don't forget your 10% veteran's discount. The Leatherman Wingman is a mid or lower level Leatherman multitool but for the money it is not bad. I like the looks and feel of it. I also carried it clipped on to my front jean pocket and it never presented any problems. It certainly is worth having as a tool that you throw in a bag or carry on your bike or car. I would even consider this tool as an every day carry (EDC) for pocket use because it has a clip whereas most of the Leatherman tools do not. In addition, it won't break the bank if you break it or loose it.

Leatherman Wingman
Pros...

• Low cost
• Main blade locks (liner lock)
• Pocket/belt clip
• Screw assembly
• Blade available while closed
• Looks good

Cons...

• Lower quality tool compared to other Leatherman products
• One handed opening of main blade is a little unsafe
• No sheath included (but they are fairly cheap)
• Stamped stainless steel construction (but fairly well constructed)

The Main Blades

 

 

 

Main blade comparison with other Leatherman tools and the Sog Aegis which is my not dressed up EDC. The smaller knife blades are typically chisel ground meaning that the blade is sharpened on one side of the blade only. I don't like that type of grinding. The Wingman has a steep angle on one side and a shallow angle on the other. In other words they are not equal; better than a chisel grind but rather strange. The blade is also serrated. Not my favorite type of blade but good for cutting many items.

 

Comparison to the other Leatherman tools and the Sog Aegis pocket knife.

 

 

You can see in the photo above that the Wingman has the lowest quality Phillips bit of the three tools displayed above. That's the Fuse on the right and it has a very nice bit on it.

It's hard to rate this knife because it is mid to lower range of the good multitools yet so much better than the cheap ones you see selling for $10! I would rate this tool a 5 but I'll raise that to a solid 7 because of it's low cost and for the inclusion of the Style CS that is included in the package. I would consider paying $20 just for the Style so it's like getting the Wingman for $10.


tsp Rating: 7 (1-low and 10-best)

 

Posted with Blogsy

For Sale - 1999 R1100GS

Sorry - This Bike is Sold

The same friend that is selling the R1100RS has added his other bike to the pool.  I just took these pictures today and will post them here.  I don't have all the sale details except that it is a 1999 BMW R1100GS with 58,000 plus miles.  This bike, as well as his RS, have many mods and upgrades.  I know that he rides his GS more than the RS.  

Update: Asking price for the GS: $5,500.  As of today this is the only place it has been listed.

His contact info:

Frank (Pancho)
McAllen, TX
956-686-2803 

R1100GS

Stock Seat - Bags Off

Bike has 2 or 3 windshields

Steering Stop & Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Ohlins Front & Rear

58,262 Miles as of 12/13/2012

ABS, Heated Grips, GPS Mount, PIAA Lights, Hand Guards, & More

BMW Bags and Tank Bag in Place

Marsee Tank Bag

Set up for touring

Sargent Seat in Place

For Sale - 1996 R1100RS

Sorry - This Bike is Sold

I agreed to post this for a friend selling a BMW motorcycle.  The bike looks great but I have not test driven it.  I'm just forwarding this for him.  It is 1996 R1100RS. The pictures I took today for use in this blog.  
His ad:

New reduced price: $4,000

Don't have time for 2 bikes anymore. This one is up for sale. I do not know how to do pics, but there are plenty on the internet. No dissapointment when you see or ride this one. Recent service. $4500, may help with delivery. location, McAllen, TX

Marrakesh Red w/36K
fuel injection and ABS brakes
Spiegler brake lines
Ohlin suspension
Marsee tankbag
BMW cases
Garmin GPS w/Touratech mount
PIAA driving lights
Sargent seats
running lights w/self canceling turnsignals and emergency flashers
heated grips
Throttlemiester-throttle lock
factory toolkit and owners manual

956-686-2803

Motorcycle Riding & Diabetes

Crazy Joe's

This past weekend a few us took a short Sunday ride over to Crazy Joe's in Granjeno (see map location). Crazy Joe's is just a stone's throw from the raised Anzalduas International Bridge as it spans the Rio Grande flood-way and river. If we were any closer we would be directly under the bridge. During the summer months Crazy Joe's is primarily a biker hangout providing live music so it's a nice place to stop for a cool one, come late fall it becomes a winter tourist hangout. It gets crowded with guys wearing shorts and in black socks with dress shoes. They're a lot of fun.

Recognizing that it was a senior crowd I started telling my buddies that I was going to ask the bartender if I could take this captive audience and do an infomercial on diabetes. I figured the majority were either diabetic or know someone who is a diabetic. That's when Albert Chapa pulled up his tee shirt and said, "I've got the OmniPod and I can go up on stage with you! If we  could get a hold of the microphone for our infomercial we could probably charge $15 a head and make at least $500! We had a good laugh.
Of course, once I had seen the OmniPod, I had to ask Albert how it works. Albert said, "it's great for those of us that are insulin dependent and require a pump to manage our diabetes. I wear it all the time, I shower with it, get in the pool with it, and even go snorkeling with it. It has a little control unit like a cell phone that I use to program how much insulin I need. I can look up what I've eaten and program the correct dose on the spot." Albert went on to say, "I've looked at other pumps, but I refused to be tethered to a pump and tube. The OmniPod is tubeless and just what I was looking for. It's worked great for me and this month is my third year with it. I can go on long rides without a worry and if we're going to eat something that's out of this world, I just look it up on my monitor,select it and it will wirelessly deliver the correctly calculated amount of insulin."
So if the day comes when you get diabetes you may want to add this nifty little pump to your list of motorcycle farkles!

Loving my RT Again (or what I hated about my RT)

New Left Front Rotor

For at least 6 months now I have been wanting to write a blog entry titled "What I Hate About My BMW RT".  One of the reasons I did not post it is that I don't like to present a problem or issue without also presenting a possible solution to that issue.  I now have resolution to my problem with my RT.

I have a 2010 R1200RT that I purchased new.  I now have a little over 35,000 miles on the bike but a little over a year ago my bike developed the dreaded pulsating front brake.  For those of you that have never experienced it you can describe it as rather minor problem... in a way.  The pulsating is not felt until the bike is rolling very slowly - almost at a stop.  I must use the front brake a lot because I felt it nearly every time I came to a stop.  Soon after the bike developed the problem I took it to my dealer for evaluation.

I let the dealer take their time working on the bike because I was 100% sure that the issue would be identified and correct under warranty.  Not so!  The SM told me that they were within specs.  I said how could that be because the front brake pulsated.  He said they were within BMW specs.  I argued that in over 40 years of riding motorcycles I had never had this problem.  I added that the RT was by far the most expensive motorcycle that I have purchased but I had to live with the problem.  I added that I purchased a used Cushman for $50 in college and the brakes did not pulsate.  He said they were within specs and that BMW would not pay for the replacement.

Let me add at this point that when I described the problem to my independent BMW motorcycle mechanic he immediately said "The rotors are wrapped".  I told him that the dealer had said no and that the rotors are within specs.  He says "The rotors are wrapped".  I didn't say anything but everything I know about mechanics told me that he was right.

Nearly a year later I decided to try the dealer again.  One reason is that my bike is nearly out of warranty and two is that the dealer had a new SM.  As it turned out the new SM was out for an extended period of time (months I was told).  I nevertheless rode the 265 miles to the dealer since I wanted them to check out the bike before I hit the 36,000 mile warranty limit.  Once there I decided to report the issue about the pulsating front brake and my cruise control switch acting up (again!).  BTW, as it turned out the acting service manager was the owner of the dealership.  I could not help but wonder... is this a good thing or a bad thing?

I had already resolved to try to correct the problem myself by first trying new pads and that failing I would switch out the rotors.  I had to... I was already getting to the point that I was adjusting my riding habits by avoiding the front brake at slow speeds.  I did not like that.

After the mechanic test drove the bike the SM (owner) walks into the waiting area and tells me that 1 rotor is wrapped and it will be replaced under warranty.  I was a happy camper.  I signed to work order that had a total of $540 for the work (remember - only one rotor and no new pads).  Everything was done in less than two hours.  The rotor was replaced (I'm lucky one was in stock) and the cruise control switch was ordered.  I was anxious to try out the bike after having the issue for about 14 months or 13,000 miles.

I pull out of the parking lot and come up to a stop sign about 30 yards from the parking lot exit.  I come to a stop and thought "WOW!  What a difference".  I drive to Willie's for lunch which is only about 2 miles away but this time I welcome every stop and stop light along the way.  Yeap, the problem is fixed!  The one issue I was having with my bike is now corrected.  New sparks plugs, oil change, and no pulsating brakes made the bike feel awesome.  I was riding alone but enjoyed the 265 mile ride back home.  Conclusion... pulsating front brake can be corrected by replacing the brake rotors.  Expensive - but a solution.  Maybe after market rotors will be a better solution.  I would consider them but for now my bike is fixed.

tsp

Official End of Summer!

Courthouse Where Billy The Kid Was Jailed - Las Cruses, NM Ricardo & Tomas - July 28, 2012

We've had two days in the 60s with highs around 74 reminding us that summer has come and gone. I guess none of us will miss those 104 degree days when you're as close to turning into beef jerky as you're ever going to get and then you start thinking, "at what temperature tires start to melt?". When its summer we long for those cool fall days and then, not too long afterwards, we long for those summer days. I guess we've narrowed it down to the perfect range for riding is between 78 and 82 degrees. In South Texas we have about four or five of those days or at least it seems like it. I shouldn't complain since guys are already talking about putting their bikes up for the winter. At least we get to ride year round. Whenever I complain about the weather I just check my weather bug appl and check the weather in Cooke City, MT just north of Yellowstone National Park which we rode through on a cool July day. Tonight it'll be a cool 66 degrees and clear in Mission, Texas while my friends in Cooke City will enjoy a low of 23 degrees with freezing rain or snow!

Victoria, Texas & Aunt Jo's BBQ

Aunt Jo's BBQ

 Here's another BBQ place that's worth a stop if you're riding anywhere near Victoria, Texas.
Just South of Victoria on highway 77/59 as you speed North at 75mpg you may want to hit the brakes, hard, and make a quick turn into Aunt Jo's BBQ. It a welcome site where you can sit outside and enjoy good BBQed brisket, chicken, or pork. Aunt Jo's BBQ Urban Spoon Review  There's lot's of shady spots to relax and enjoy BBQ either on the plate or in a sandwich.
If you're hungry as you make your way to or from Houston you may want to give it a try just be careful trying to make that turn or crossing the highway.

Aunt Jo's

"When meat is cooked at high temperatures, amino acids react with creatine to form heterocyclic amines, which are thought to cause cancer." (from Harvard Health Letter - June 2007)

So which is worse, living to an old age or never having BBQ? You know my choice.

Update Notice Page

The blog has updated pages.  Click the link below to see the changes.

Blog Update Page

tsp

Blog Update Page...

tsp & RT

This page is just an ongoing post about things that pop into my head on an on-going basis. I'll try to keep it related to motorcycles.

2012 Sept 17
1 - Added a review of the Schuberth C3 helmet.  C3 Review
2 - Updated the Grip Buddies review.   Grip Buddies Review

2012 Aug 24
I'm late doing a number of posts, reviews and updates to this blog because it has been a few weeks since I got back from my yearly extended tour.  We did a ride from Texas to Yellowstone NP and back where my bike did 4,453 miles during the 10 day tour.  This year I upgraded a few items and added a few items to my daily carry pack.  My new riding gear included a new Schuberth C3 helmet plus the relatively new to me BMW Airflow gloves.  I also tried a CamelBak during the long hot ride home.  The temperature range ran from 55 degrees F to about 105.

2012 May 21
It's time I did more postings.  My 65W low beam upgrade did not last long.  No, nothing wrong with that upgrade.  I jumped the gun and did the HID upgrade.  And while I was at it I also mounted my GPS (Zumo 660) over my dash.  I'm happy with both upgrades.   Reviews will soon follow.

2012 Feb 28
Planning on going to my BMW dealer for a 3rd time to get the left hand switches replaced.  I don't mind the ride but staying at a hotel has already cost me more than $300.  Status report when I get back.
Update (Mar 2012) - Finally got all of this resolved.  Update in my bike R1200RT post.
tsp

2012 Feb 28
Warning - no motorcycle content
One of my hobbies or interests is aromatherapy.  Been interested many years but it wasn't until recently that I found a good way to diffuse the oil blends that I make into the air in my house.  I started a web page with info on the product a few days ago.  It's very raw but a start.  I'm not sure I'm keeping this service or use another service.
Web site: Aromatherapy and Stuff
tsp

2011, Dec 30

If you are like me you don't mind buying at least one pair of fairly nice riding boots. The sad part is that it took me over 40 years of riding to realize that I should pair up boots with a good pair of socks. I recently purchased a pair of tactical boots that I want to use for casual riding. Next to the boots was a rack of socks that retail for about $20 each pair. I'm used to buying packages of 3 to 6 pair of socks for a total of cost of less than $20!

You gotta give these socks a try. What I looked at had options for light, medium, and heavy socks. The heavy are too thick unless I up all my footwear by at least one size. I purchased some light and medium pairs and really like them. I got mine at Academy for a slight discount off of retail.

tsp

2011 Dec 1

I have a number of things wired up on my RT but I'm getting the urge to redo the job and clean up things a bit.  I'll do some before and after shots (even to include the stuff I hate like the location of the power distribution box).

I'm breaking my rule of not tearing into any major work on a bike before a long ride. Planning to do a day's ride on Saturday.

tsp

2011, Nov 19 - This past Thursday my fellow contributor and brother had a business meeting in Austin, TX. He invited me to ride along with him and I agreed. It's about a 300 mile ride each way so we planned on returning on Friday. I had 639 miles total for the trip when we got back on Friday evening.

To pass the time while he was in meetings I visited the local BMW/Triumph shop. Well... after riding for over 40 years I finally decided to purchase my first pair of motorcycle riding pants. I can't review them yet because 1) only used them yesterday for the trip home and today I went on a very short 15 mile ride and 2) it's not cold and it's not hot at this time in my locale. The ride today was in 86 degree F and yesterday it started at 58 and was 78 by the time we got home.

But it appears that I have really been missing out. The pants felt so much better than regular jeans. Jeans seem to be beating on you as you ride at highway speeds while the riding pants stayed put very well.

I'll follow up with a review when I log more miles with them in both hot weather and cold. We don't get too cold here though. The review will be comparing jeans to these pants. Keep in mind that I wanted something for Summer riding. Anything else they do is a bonus to me.

tsp at Tail of the Dragon

tsp

Trouble Reading Posts on iPad (iPhone)?

I have had a few people tell me about not being able to scroll the articles when viewing on an iPad.  I've had the same problem and have to search for a place on the page that will take the scroll action.  Takes time and does not always work.  What I see happen most of the time is that the back screen scrolls instead of the screen that you are viewing.

If anybody has a fix for this issue that does not involve installation of software on the iPad please post it to a comment area below.

Thanks,
tsp

Indy 500 Race 2012

Dario Franchitti Leading the Pack at 2012 Indy 500 Race

My brother and I grew up watching the Indy 500 on TV back in the days when the popular names were Parnelli Jones (won it in 1963), AJ Foyt, Jim Clark, and Dan Gurney. Things have changed quite a bit since then. Parnelli Jones was the first race car driver to break the 150mph limit in qualifying, today the qualifying leaders are just shy of 230 mph. This year it was Ryan Briscoe at 226.484mph.   

Irma & Ricardo

My wife, Irma, and I flew from McAllen, Texas to Indianapolis, Indiana on a Friday afternoon so that we have plenty of time before Sunday's race. We stayed with my son's father in-law, Marvin, in Carmel, a bedroom community to Indianapolis with some great history and plenty of green spaces. Marvin and his wife live in a great area with a small lake behind their backyard. The race starts at 12 noon on Sunday leaving Memorial Day (Monday) for a possible makeup day if there's a rain delay on Sunday. We made our way to the track by leaving Carmel at 9:15am. Marvin had given us directions to the raceway via the back roads which would get us close to the track without having to deal with the long traffic lines, just imagine 300,000 people all headed to the same place at the same time!

We parked on a side street just across the massive parking areas reserved for the race which left us with about a half mile's walk to the track. To give you an idea of how big the track area is, the loop is approximately 2.5 miles and fits 10 Rose Bowls within the track.  Fortunately our gate was the closest to us as we walked up to the the stadium. We were inside before 11am, but too close to the pre-race ceremonies to try and get inside the race track. Within the oval there's a museum, the race car paddock, and lots of other stuff going on, but it's a good walk since things can be over a mile away from you.   

My son Geraldo & his wife Ali

The pre-race ceremonies had past champions parade by as well as antique race cars, a parade honoring our veterans, and a special ceremony honoring Dan Wheldon the 2005 and 2011 Indy winner who died last year in a racing accident. They passed out white sunglasses to everyone as we wore them on the ceremonial lap as well as on laps 26 and 98, his car numbers when he won the Indy 500.
This year's race was the hottest on record. Without a cloud in the sky the temperatures quickly shot into the 90's and the track temperature was at 120 or 130 degrees. There was another major difference as well, the race cars changed dramatically from last year. Before this year the Indy cars were V8s, now they're turbo-charged V6s so racing dynamics changed. Turbo lag caused cars to drop off if they released the accelerator at the wrong time making it tougher to makeup any lost time. This was evident in another record set that day, there were over 31+ lead changes in this race, a new record. So all in all, it was a historic race and a great one to see. As it was stated by the drivers, this race was not one of preserving gas, just flat out racing which made it more exciting.
My money (play money) was on two time champion Dario Franchitti simply because he was bumped in the rear during the first yellow caution flag, sometime early in the race, well under the first 20 laps, by another driver pulling from pit row. It spun Dario into his pit damaging his car's nose and it had to be replaced.  By the time he was back out on the track, still under yellow, he was dead last.
Dario was in the Number 50 Target Honda powered vehicle. The Honda cars were getting less mileage than the Chevys during the month-long time trials, but for some reason during the race the Honda cars were getting better mileage than the Chevy's, about two laps more per tank is what I remember hearing. That was a great advantage for the Honda cars and apparently they had been taking a beating this Indy season from the Chevy power plants prior to this Indy race.

It was somewhat ironic when I went down under the stands about the halfway mark to get a cap for myself and one for my brother. I picked the one I really liked, of which they only had two remaining, and as it turned out they were Dario Franchitti's racing cap. So it's without question that I brought Dario enough luck to win his third Indy 500. Dario is a Scottish racer married to Ashley Judd the movie star who was prancing around once Dario won the race. Times are different today than in the past. The field of racers had 24 foreign racers and only nine American drivers, and the field included three women. A very different makeup from the 90's.
Noteworthy were the two Lotus powered race cars that were black-flagged (pulled from the race) for going too slow. Reminds me of the British MGs and Triumphs I use to drive, I remember the Lucas electrical stuff, affectionally known as the Prince of Darkness.
Dario must have some basic racing skills because he went from trailing the field after that pit stop incident to winning the race. He was not the home town favorite, but he did put on a great race. The finish was under the Yellow flag and all three of Dario's victories have been under Yellow. This time, on the last lap and entering the first curve, Takuma Sato made a charge to pass Dario, but was squeezed out by Dario. Sato bumped Dario's rear left tire, spun out and Dario managed to keep his car from skidding out. Dario stayed in front of the field so he was declared the winner since there's no passing under yellow. As Sato said the following day, "I'm a small guy, but I needed one more inch".
The next day I read some of the radio communications between drivers and their pit crews and it seemed apparent to me that Marco Andretti was the biggest whiner in my opinion. He complained about the cars in front, his car, and the pit crew's failure to adjust or replace his rear tail section. One of the fan favorites had to be Tony Kanann. He briefly led as he zoomed past four or five drivers as they lifted the yellow and went to green.

Three Across Going Into Turn 4!

All in all, it was a great race to see. Seeing it on television for years still doesn't prepare you for the absolute rush that comes over you as they speed by on that very first lap. All the senses are in play as you see the entire field, hear the hum as those engines revving to the 12,000 rpm redline, and smell of the track and rubber. It's an unforgettable experience and definitely something I've had on my bucket list.

South Padre Island Seafood

Okay, it's in Port Isabel and not really on South Padre Island, but if you want some good seafood at a great price try Joe's Oyster Bar on the mainland just before crossing the causeway to SPI. It's just a few blocks before the causeway on the north side (left as you head to SPI) just one block off the main drag, directly behind the Lone Star National Bank drive through, at 207 Maxan St. in Port Isabel, Texas 78578. You'll likely find Joe Castillo the owner standing behind the cash register taking orders and handling the Mini Mart traffic. So you can stroll in and just buy seafood, drinks, and other stuff, but the main attraction has to be the restaurant. It's cozy and you get the sense that you're not paying for artificial ambiance like you normally do on the island.

Joe's Oyster Bar in Port Isabel

My wife and I rode out to SPI for the day, spent some time at Clayton's Bar which is beachside and out towards the end of the developed Island, just before and behind La Quinta Hotel. It's a modernized Wanna Wanna's, but it's much bigger, with better sitting and imho better food, and definitely cleaner restrooms. Of course, the beer is just as good. There's also plenty of parking and a small section close to the entrance for motorcycle parking. We decided to eat an appetizer at Clayton's and then have the grilled flounder at Joe's. A wise decision. The food is great, the prices are even better and although it can be crowded, it just feels more like a restaurant should. Our table was next to a couple that had just arrived from Oklahoma City. They asked us if we were on a bike or trike and I replied that we're on an Ultra Classic Harley, but probably working our way towards a trike if this aging thing didn't slow down. They were in good sprits having just escaped some of the tornadoes that hit around Oklahoma City.

Yep, They'll Grill Your Catch!

Lots of Shrimp

Joe greeted us at the cash register and we mentioned that he had a great place. He smiled and thanked us and said, "and it sure beats the prices on the island, don't it?". That's for sure! Next time you're headed to SPI I'd recommend a one block detour just before crossing over to SPI for some good seafood at very reasonable prices.

Main Resturant Section

Mini Mart Carries the Essentials

Drinks Priced Right!

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Harley Rider Starting Young!

My Grandson Starting Young

My Bike - 2010 BMW R1200RT

My current bike is a 2010 BMW R1200RT that I purchased new at Alamo BMW in Boerne, TX in March 2010.  I'm using this post for sharing tips, service items, modifications, and other things relating to this motorcycle.  I'll be adding to this post as I make changes or add items to the bike.  The main objective is to keep everything related to the R1200RT in one post (instead of a lot of short posts).


First and foremost: My prior bike was a 2003 Honda ST1300ABS.  You can read my comparison of these two bikes here: My review: BMW RT vs Honda ST


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My changes to the RT:
The only thing that I have changed on the RT is the driver seat.  After about 15,000 I had a chance to buy a nearly new heated Corbin seat.  I've had Corbin seats before on my prior two bikes.  I also like the Smuggler trunk that Corbin sells.  I had it on the ST1300 but non yet for this bike.  It's costly.
Wiring instructions for the Corbin here: how-to-wire-aftermarket-seat-to-bmw

I'm one of those guys that's happy with the windshield.  It does everything that I want from a windshield.  For example, being from south Texas it has more wind protection than I need where we have summers well past 100 degrees F.  Also I can have the top of the shield below my eye sight and still have the wind going over my helmet.  Maybe if it were very cold I would need a bigger windshield but at this point smaller might even be better for me.


My additions to the RT:

• Touratech tank bag
• Saddle bag liners
• XM radio
• Zumo 660 GPS
• AmpliRider amplifier
• FuzeBlock power distribution box
• P3 LED brake lights
• SilverStar H7 low beam bulbs
• Replaced the SilverStar low beams with the Osram Rallye bulbs. (Mar 2012)
• Grip Buddies
• Replaced the Osram 65W low beams with HID bulbs
• Added the Wunderlich GPS mount that goes above the dash

(I hope to do a review on some of the items listed above but that will be a separate post.)
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BMW RT Driving Light Special Functions
Some special light features that work on my BMW R2010 RT. Please feel free to add or correct anything on this list.

Turning off headlight: with engine running push signal to right and then push in to cancel and hold until headlight turns off. Headlight will come back on if the bike is moved so only works while you are stopped.

Turning on parking lights and rear tail light: As soon as you turn off the engine press and hold signal switch to right turn signal. Hold until parking lights turn on. Resets when you switch the bike back on.  Be careful of draining your battery by leaving these lights on too long.  In addition, I think some tank bags can cause the parking lights to be switched on without you knowing it.

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Service History (Basic Format)
2010/4/6    -  600 service  - 812 miles
2010/9/15  -  12K service -  11,903 - Replaced front tire with Z8
2011/8/17  -  18K Service - 16,144 - Replaced rear tire with Z8
2012/3/12  -  Replaced front tire with another Z8 - 24,997 (12,000 miles and it still had thread)
...
...
2013/4/16 - Replaced front tire with PR 3 - 39,637 (the old Z8 wore in a weird way)


I got a few special services missing here. I'll find them and update this and do a recap of the tires used.  I seem to be getting very good life from the Z8 tires.  Currently I have 11,000 miles on the front with some life left but it does have some cupping.  The rear tire has 7,000 miles with lots of life left on it.  The bike came with Z6 tires.

R1200RT - First Week (no mods)

After 22 months and 23,000 miles the bike still feels like a new to me motorcycle and the engine seems to be getting better as the miles add up.  Some people say the boxer engine takes about 20,000 miles to break in.  I believe that now.


Update - Feb 24, 2012 - Horn stopped working.  I think it's the switch.  Seems to be a known problem with the new BMW RT's.


Update - Mar 5, 2012 - Got the LHS switch gear replaced under warranty by dealer.  Everything is good again.


Update - July 18, 2012 - Cruise control switch is acting up again.  How can BMW tolerate these poor quality switches?

tsp

My Harley Davidson Bike

My 2008 105th Anniversary Ultra Classic

I have a 2008 105th Anniversary Ultra Classic, commonly referred to as the Copper-top bike because its colors resemble those of a Duracell Battery. Over the last four years I've modified it just to make it more my bike. Here's a list of my modifications:

Tires: Changed to Metzlers from standard Dunlops
Engine: Modified to 103 with Cams
Intake: SE Air Intake
Exhaust: Installed V&H Monster Ovals
Chrome Front Forks
HD Front Fork Oil
Lights: Changed Lens to Smoke Color
Lights: Installed LED Headlight and Spot Lights
Starter: Installed Heavy Duty SE Starter
ACR: Installed Automatic Compression Releases
Straight 8: Installed stabilizer from oil pan to frame
Lowered Rear by installing shorter shocks by approximately 1.5"
Replaced Compensator Sprocket with Heavy Duty SE Sprocket
SE HD Starter
Installed Longer Chrome Handlebars
Installed Zumo 550 GPS w/XM Radio
Installed Painted Inner Fairing
Installed Chrome Trim on Fairing/Windshield Brace
Replaced Speakers with Boom Speakers from HD
Installed Clearview Recurve 9" Windshield
Installed Long Riding Pegs to Crash Bar
Installed HD Oil Cooler
Installed HD LED Readout Oil Dip Stick
SE Spark Plug Wires
Installed High Output HD Horn
Installed Nostalgic Riding Foot Board for Rider and Passenger
Installed Chrome Levers; Billet Shifter Connector; Shifter; Removed Heal Shifter; Brake Pedal; 105th Cam Cover; Air Cleaner Cover; front fender chrome cover; chrome Tour Pak hinges;
Portable Air Compressor

On the functional items the most noticeable have been the 103 upgrade along with the air intake and Monster Ovals exhaust.
Those items that are not worth the money include the high output horn that always sounds like its just waking up when you need it most and the LED dip stick that went South really quickly in the South Texas heat.
The Metzler tires are really great imho and provide great road handling properties. Only caution with metzlers from my BMW days is that they must be properly inflated or you'll get cupping on the front tire.
I'm thinking I will keep this bike since I know that I won't get any money on trade-in for all of the above options. To replace what I have will require that I get the CVO Ultra or Road Glide and those bikes now run $37,000 plus TT&L, a bit too much for a two wheeler in my opinion.

Summer Motorcycle Riding Memories: Waiting For Spring!

On the road to Sturgis somewhere in Colorado.

An approaching July storm on the plains in Eastern Colorado.

The Big Apple: New York City

Subway Wall Street Stop

Although this is not a motorcycle touring review it covers this past week's trip to visit the ole grandson, Rome,  in New York City. He's all of 18 months and living in Brooklyn with my son and daughter in-law, Aldo and Ali. We spent four nights and five days in NYC staying at the Millennium Hilton which is directly in front of "Ground Zero" where the twin towers once stood. We stayed in the Financial District close to Aldo and Ali's work sites, each within two or three blocks from the hotel. They would come in from Brooklyn on the subway with Rome and drop him off with us on Thursday and Friday while they were at work.
As all grandparents must do, we proceeded to spoil our grandson by first catching the subway uptown by Central Park and going to FAO Schwarz the famous toy store. Ezra (Rome) went bonkers at FAO, grabbing stuffed dogs, dinosaurs, and ponies. He would grab one then drop it when he saw the next best thing except for a stuffed horse that was about 18 inches tall and $80 which he never let go of. We got the horse, a ball, and a book before he caused anymore pocket book damage.
We had a good time visiting, but NYC is definitely not South Texas. It's true what they say that there is always something to do in NYC. It's an exciting pace, but surprisingly you can find places that give you the feeling of getting away from the crowds.
We used the subway system extensively after learning the a cab ride would only take lots more time and lots more money to get you to the same places you can get to on the subway. We would buy $20 tickets and those would be good for about two days worth of use. Once we figured out which subway to take things got easy for us. There was a subway entrance right in front of the hotel entrance, another less than half a block away, and another about two and half blocks from the hotel.
We chose our hotel based on being close to our kids places of work, but being literally right across the street from ground zero of the World Trade Center Buildings was a very sobering experience. We visited the visitor's center which showed what is being built on ground zero as well as housing artifacts from 911.
We spent four nights and five days in the Big Apple. Had a good time and enjoyed seeing our kids and our grand son, but we were also happy to get home to Mission, Texas.

Construction at Ground Zero

Fire Fighter's Coat from Ground Zero

Helmet

View of Empire State Bldg from our hotel room.

New York Film Academy

Here's what my daughter in-law said about some of the restaurants we visited:

 NYC Weekend Restaurant Reviews:
Friend of a Farmer - Union Square:  It's a delicious, family friendly brunch.  Don't let the line deter you - it moves quickly. Worst comes to worst, grab a coffee from 71 Irving to keep you happy until you sit.  We sat relatively quickly even while passing up open tables to wait for one where we could park sleeping-toddler-in-stroller
next to us.
(All meals taste better with child sleeping!) The raisin bread french toast with a side of sausage (and syrup over everything) was delicious, and things like french press coffee and fresh squeezed juice give you that pampered feel that really makes brunch BRUNCH.
Old Town Tavern - Union Square:  Sneak your way to the back  or head upstairs to find a spot to sit at this crowded, historic old-timey tavern.  The wood and tin ceilings will impress you.  The staff is friendly and even the dumb waiter is entertaining.  Fries (both shoe string and wedge) hit the spot along with a decent beer selection.

This place is a lot like Pete's Tavern (also Union Square) but bigger and the food is not quite as good, but still a great place to go.
Oka Sushi - Financial District: Usually awesome sushi, even the vegetable dish was satisfying here.  Just got into the mochi balls and they have the regulars like red bean and green tea and also mango (which is what it took to get my husband and family to enjoy the weird texture of this little treat). Toddlers enjoy the stairs, which are hidden to downstairs so you can entertain them that way if you have to.
Adrienne's - Stone Street: Split an old fashioned pizza and fight over the crispy mini pepperonis or try a modern mini pizza for a new

treat - you won't regret any way you go here - except either ordering too much or not being able to finish all the deliciousness you hoped for.  If  you have time before or after, head to The Vintry for a romantic or shi-shi feeling glass of wine or bourbon (get some roasted olives too) or over to The Dubliner and try their homemade namesake brew.  Preggos can opt for a 2 oz. glass of wine or half-pint at each place respectively.
Cubana Cafe - Park Slope: Delicious, reasonable, and family-friendly.  Any dish is delicious and each different from each other.  Try some varieties of plantains, like the sweet dark

maduros or the crispy chip ones, to liven up all your choices.  Mojitos will do that too, but this preggo had to pass this time.
Also, there was one more West Village Seafood/Italian joint that coincided with the end of a beautiful walk from Union Square through NYU's street and into Washington Square Park.  It was the one uncrowded place in town it seemed but the food was great and we walked out (rolled out) full and happy. I'll try to remember for you.