Lessons From My Mechanic

I don't deny that I am a dumb blonde when it comes to the technical aspects of a motorcycle (or any automobile and machinery for the matter).

So usually, when Lionel makes a statement like "Wah, your chain super loose" or ask me questions like "when is your next servicing", I'd usually return with a blank stare, followed by "oh then how?"

He will then advise me to go to my mechanic and ask me to relay his observations to them.

Today, I did what Lionel asked and paid a visit to my mechanic to tighten my chain. And since I am a dumb blonde, I have learnt the following about my Steed:

1. I must tighten my chain from time to time.
2. It is very common for the front forks of my Steed to "dive" as much as 10cm to 15cm when I brake.

As you can see, each trip to the mechanic is a technical lesson. I get to know how many spark plugs I have, how to check my coolant level etc.

You might give the duh look and roll your eyes. But hey, we learn new things every day right?

Stevie's New Look

Following my previous post on the Dropping Phobia I have with Stevie, a friend and a fellow Steed Rider informed me that a new batch of Crash Bars have just arrived at the shop which he had previously bought his Crash Bars from.

Excited and hopeful, I quickly gave the owner of the shop a buzz to find out about the price and their opening hours etc. All these took place a week before and just as we were planning to patronize the shop last weekend, a heavy downpour (which lasted a few days) ruined our plans.

Fortunately, the shop owner was nice enough to allow reservations on a set of Crash Bars, and extended his kind gesture further by making an appointment on Sunday (which the shop is usually closed) just for me to view the Crash Bar and install it if I proceeded to purchase.

Shop Owner and Lionel installing the crash bars for Stevie.

A week later, on a nice sunny sunday, Lionel and I decided to drop by Motorcycle Shop A

to fix on a Wind Shield on Stevie before heading for our appointment to purchase the Crash Bars.

Why a windshield? Well, simply for the sole purpose of riding comfortably at higher speeds without the wind pressure on my chest. Anyway, it's his birthday present to me so .. why not? Haha!

In addition, I also took this opportunity to walk to Motorcycle Shop B in the near vicinity to purchase a Throttle Rest for just a few dollars. After which, we set off for our appointment to view the Crash Bars after the installation of the Wind Shield and a quick lunch.

It didn't take much hesitation to purchase the Crash Bars when Lionel and I first saw it. The shop owner simply took it out from his store, explained to us some details, and we told him that we want to go ahead with the purchase with installation.

Coincidentally, my low beam bulb had also fused on the way and thank God the shop owner has a few bulbs in stock! Phew!

So here is Stevie's new look! Doesn't he look handsome and "bigger" with the Crash Bars and Wind Shield?

PS: The Shop Owner mentioned that it was pretty impossible to scrap the Crash Bars while cornering, but I scrapped it while I was making a U-Turn! So with the right part scrapped, perhaps I should even it out on the left?

Word Plates

Stumbled upon these really cute embossed metal ID plates that you can stick on your motorcycle, door, bicycle - anywhere!

I was really so tempted to get these metal ID plates but figured that there isn't anywhere to stick it on Stevie my Steed, and I bet Lionel wouldn't want to stick this "childish" SUPERBIKE notice on his already so magnificent and large ST1300.

But if you are interested and would like to know where to get them, you can purchase them at Times Bookstore at Plaza Singapura for just $8+. I'm not sure if other Times outlets sell these anyway, but you can try.

Ps: The thing about girls, is that they like anything that's cute even though the product has no functionality.

Pps: My birthday is coming, and hey, I think the Girl Racer Metal ID is cute.

Adios Tommy!

Today, I've officially sold Tommy - my Honda Phantom TA200, to a young chap.

..

Thank you Tommy, for serving me well. You have been my "legs" for the past year and I've enjoyed every ride with you. Adios!

SBF 9th Anniversary

This year, Kruzer celebrates SingaporeBikes.com’s 9th Anniversary on 15th and 16th of January 2011. So if you're interested to find out more Kruzer, their trips, or meet the bunch, swing by at *SCAPE on the 15th and 16th January 2011 and drop by our booth!

See ya!

The Dropping Phobia

It's been a week since I rode Stevie out from my mechanic's workshop, and apart from the toning of arms and the development of some teenie weenie muscles from getting used to the weight of the bike (especially while paddling), everything has been good.

However, the fear of dropping the bike has been in the back of my head, and quite frankly, this fear has been haunting me ever since I started riding on Stevie. Why? Simple.

When I was riding Tommy (my Phantom TA200), I had crash bars (or some would call highway bars) and I wasn't too concerned if I'd dropped my bike then because the crash bars would take the impact of the fall and prevent the tarmac from scratching my tank or damaging any paint work.

But with Stevie, THERE ARE NO CRASH BARS. That means, dropping it in even the gentlest way would most likely result in some kind of aesthetic damage.

So I've been very cautious so far. Paddling the bike has been slow to ensure that I don't throw the weight of the bike too off it's center, causing it to tilt left or right and eventually.. DROP.

Stopping has also been gradual because I reckon that any emergency breaks will cause the bike to dive, be thrown off it's center of gravity and subsequently.. DROPPED. (Does this even makes sense? Gee!)

So until I've purchased the crash bars, I'm just trying to be very careful now because I really want to avoid the undesired situation of dropping Stevie. Furthermore, I just can't imagine the thought of trying to lift Stevie up if he falls, or the hole in my pocket for any repair costs. SIGH!

Any how, my birthday is coming up in a less than a month. If you're thinking of getting me a present, consider a set of crash bars as shown above. It would really be the best present ever! Aha!

Stevie The Steed

Following the passing of my Class 2A license last Thursday (30 Dec), I was just surfing through the Bike Forums (like how I usually do), when I stumbled onto a new ad for the sale of a Honda Steed VSE 400. Coincidentally, the bike ad was posted on the same day as the day that I passed my Class 2A TP test.

Anyway, curiosity got the better of me. I clicked on the link and browsed through the images of the Honda Steed on sale and subsequently arranged for a viewing on Sunday (2 Jan) - which was 4 days after I've attained my Class 2A license.

On the day of the viewing, I quickly fell in love with the paint work of the steed; which now I've learnt is the original paintwork of the Honda Steed VSE 400. As usual, Lionel took the Steed for a test ride and if it passes him, then I get to test ride the Steed.

After what seemed like a long test ride, Lionel gave me the go ahead to try. SUDDENLY I PANICKED! It dawned upon me that the gears and rear brakes are further than Tommy (my Honda Phantom TA200), the weight is much heavier, and IT LOOKS BIGGER!

Fortunately, Lionel was there to allay my fears and told me repeatedly that I could do it.

Cautiously, I sat on the seat, straightened the bike, placed my left feet on the gear levers to see how far forward the controls are, turned on the ignition key, pressed the ignition button lightly, and let the quiet yet strong thump of the engine run. Taking a deep breath, I pulled the clutch in, kick down to first gear and tried to find the biting point. After some more deep breaths, I started to move off slowly.

In summary, Lionel negotiated the price with the seller and I simply gave my ok. However, we decided that our trusted mechanic to check if the Steed has other "hidden" problems that is not visual to the eye. So, we arranged for the seller to meet me at our mechanic's shop the next day - Monday (3 Jan)

As arranged, the seller arrived at my mechanic's shop despite the heavy rain. My mechanic gave it a test ride and started pointing out some of the things that might be faulty. Since actions are louder than words, my mechanic showed me the 'proof' of the faulty items that needs servicing.

I then renegotiated the price with the seller after the repair cost was quoted to me by my mechanic. After some persuasion, we finally settled at a price. After which, I went to get my insurance down and headed down to LTA to transfer the ownership.

So everyone, meet Stevie.

Weighing slightly over 200kg with a 398cc engine capacity and having a two-cylinder four-stroke liquid-cooled V-type valve engine, Stevie is my newest purchase and you can say that I am a proud owner of a Honda Steed!

Having said that, Stevie was left at the mechanic for two days to do some major servicing. I guess Lionel and I are pretty anal when it comes to the bike condition. After all, our safety on the roads not only depends on how vigilant we are and the way we ride, it also depends on the condition of the bike i.e. tires that are worn not may cause the bike to skid when braking on a wet surface.

On wednesday (5 Jan), I could finally take Stevie home. Riding him home for the first time was pretty scary to be honest. Furthermore, I topped up Stevie's fuel to a full tank so he seemed heavier. I was also afraid to 'drop' the bike back to its side stand because it felt heavier.

Fortunately, these concerns were just psychological fears. The moment I started worrying less and riding more confidently, I started having fun with it. Gosh the engine sounds great, the bike feels so weighted and stable, the posture feels more comfortable, and the pick up is much faster! In fact, I started riding it like Tommy (my Honda Phantom TA200) and started lane splitting. The maneuverability was still easy, just that I can't 'squeeze traffic' as frequent as last time because my handle bars now are much wider.

As how all new things have learning curves, I guess my learning curve for Stevie is low speed handling; especially while turning. So far I haven't tried negotiating a U-turn but I'm pretty nervous at the thought of it. Paddling Stevie and making a turn is also another area where I can either train my muscles, or something which I can improve on as well.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with Stevie's performance. The first few rides have been great with him so far and I'm certainly looking forward to the start of my new riding journey with Stevie!