Shifting the Rebel

Folks on the Rebel Board are always discussing how to get the most speed out of the Rebel - mostly in reference to the 250 since there are more of those around than the 450. Everyone says the bike likes to be wound up, sort of like a sport bike, before shifting into higher gears. So, I've listened intently to the discussions and put it in the back of my mind. I've never felt the need for speed, mostly I am on surface roads even on my 25 mile commute to work. But, I can occasionally venture onto the highway as well. And I've never had trouble getting the bike up to 65mph when needed. But, I still wonder, how much speed is there in this bike?

So, over the past few weeks I've been practicing the late shifting thing. It is pretty amazing the difference it makes. I get up to speed in lower gears and have so much left. I don't have to go wide open throttle (WOT) to get up to speed. Not that I didn't before but, now I can get up to speed with much less effort. And I can adjust my speed better as well.

And then, last night, hubby adjusted the idle. (Thanks Love!) The ride into work this morning seemed effortless. I was worried because I'm so used to the high revs but now it feels and sounds so much better. Of course that was just on the way to work this morning and it was a pretty cool morning. But, I also got on highway 36 at Superior (because of all the construction) and that was quite fun. We'll see how the hot ride home turns out. That had been the problem. Once the bike is hot it stays hot and the idle was twice what it was supposed to be.

So, once again, I must say, I love this bike. I've been looking at other bikes just to have something different, but this Rebel keeps me happy.

Still, a Magna would be nice. :-)

New Bikes in the Family!

My sister in law and her husband just got these spiffy new bikes! I am so envious but excited to have more riding buddies! In fact we are planning to ride this weekend. My riding goal for this season was to ride over a mountain pass. So, the plan is to ride to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park to ride over Trail Ridge Road. I was hoping that would be my first pass since I do love that part of Colorado. :-)

Night ride

After work yesterday I had a meeting down south with a colleague. It was a fairly long and hot trek during evening rush hour. It has been really hot here lately. Anyway, we were there at the restaurant until about 9:00pm. That made for a very nice, cool and relaxing evening ride home. It was about 35 miles from work to the restaurant and then about 12 miles home from there. Got to use my spotlights again. They are so super bright. But that made me think about my current headlight. Maybe it isn't bright enough?? So, along those lines, this morning on the way to work, it was sort of cloudy so I turned on the spotlights again. At a stop light, I noticed in my reflection on the back of an SUV that I could only see the two spotlights and not the headlight. So, I double checked it when I parked and it was on but very dim. So, I'll ride with my high beams on until I can get that replaced.

All of these little things are starting to add up now. But, the bike is over 20 years old...

Grrrrr!!!!!

Some jackass nearly ran me out of my lane on the way to work this morning! Grrr! I was turning left from Baseline onto 30th, which is a double left. I was in the right left turning lane and he was in the left left turning lane. We both waited for the bus to go by and for the all clear but he decided he had to swing all the way out and make a wide turn and push me out of the way. I laid on the horn which did nothing at all. He didn't turn to look, didn't slow down, didn't even drift back to the proper lane. He wasn't actually drifting at all into my lane but purposefully changing lanes while turning. Jackass! Fortunately I saw this and got out of the way. I laid on the horn through the turn and got no reaction from him! Crazy! Time to upgrade the horn I guess. I'm sure he saw me too. I was right next to him with my hi-viz yellow jacket on before he even started moving. Grrrrrr!!!!

Just had to vent. I was so mad. I swear the most dangerous part of my commute is between 30th and Baseline and the driveway into the parking lot. I always almost get crushed along that last part of my route. I do look for it though so have never ever really had any close calls. I believe in scanning, evaluating, executing, and also anticipating. I'd much rather give myself time to not be in an accident, even if I have the right of way, in any situation.

Jackass!! Grrr!

Regular maintenance

Well, it seems as though my bike was back firing more than usual so we did a spark plug and air filter check. They were all fine - nice and clean plugs and the filter isn't terribly dirty yet. It was good to remember that I need to check those things periodically. I also realized, in the process of pulling my tools out of my saddle bags, that I didn't have my CruzTool in the bag. I eventually found it in my other tool bag. Gotta remember to put my toys away properly. I asked hubby if he'd put up a cabinet in the garage for my stuff. He said sure. :-) He's been working on getting the garage organized since we moved into the house. It is looking very nice so far. We found some used cabinets at the Habitat for Humanity store in Denver and they look great! I don't think the plan is to get any more vehicles in the garage but that's ok. The motos (the ones that run) are already in there.

I haven't yet taken my torn seat in for repair although I did remove it and put the "spare" one on for now. Of course, it hasn't rained since I did that. Oh well. I want to take it to Twin Peaks Leather in Arvada and begin the customization process. :-) Maybe I should get some how to paint your motorcycle books from the library too.

Leaking forks?

I think this means (and hubby concurs) I need to replace my fork seals. He says it will be a winter project. That sounds like it will take a long time. :-(

Scenic route

I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post! I took some time off from riding when I got my new tattoo. It is on my calf so I didn't want to wear my boots. But now that it's healed a bit more I feel better about it. The boots aren't that high anyway but I like to pull my socks up to my knee.

Speaking of boots, I'd really like to get some new ones.


Took this on the way to work this morning. :-)

My usual route is under construction. The road is being repaved so it is not fun to ride on or drive on for that matter. So, I've been taking the scenic route which isn't really very much longer but can be a bit more congested. I usually come home this way and have always wanted to stop at this trailhead for a photo-op. But, the light is usually not great at 5pm. This morning is was nice and clear so I stopped.