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?

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!

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!

New Year, New License

If there was any way to make a rider cloud nine and end off year 2010 with high spirits, it would be for the rider to pass his or her TP test and get their license.

Fortunately me, I was the happy rider who passed her Class 2A TP today! What a way to mark the end of the year - with a new license! YAY!

Click here to find out more about the details of my TP. Meanwhile, let me return to my state of euphoria as I admire my new license. Dum dee da dum.. ... ..

The Lady Rider

A few days ago, a friend asked me for advice as to where she can find good helmets.

Instinctively, I gave her the names of the Motorcycle Shops that Lionel and I usually frequent, as well as others that pop into my head.

Curious for the reason behind her question, I asked her why she needed a helmet for. That was when she revealed to me that she enrolled herself for Motorcycle Lessons in BBDC (Bukit Batok Driving Centre).

Not thinking much about it, I wished her all the best for her lessons, and ended our conversation with "Ride Safe!"

But that didn't end there. My friend continued the conversation by stating the reason for her motorcycle enrollment - ME.

She elaborated further by saying that she thought I looked cool and strong when she sees me riding. As such, I've became an inspiration to her and hence, motivated her to enroll herself for motorcycle classes.

Upon hearing her reasons, I was a little flattered but mostly worried because if something were to happen during her learning phase or even when she has started riding her own motorcycle, I will be definitely overwhelmed with guilt and remorse.

So I told her frankly that I didn't know that I've inspired her in one way or another, and that I will advise against motorcycling unless she is fully aware of the dangers and consequences.

Likewise, I'll give the same advise to all motorcycle learners out there. Don't learn how to ride a motorcycle just because you think it's cool or fun. It is dangerous and risky, and should be given serious thought before learning or even riding. And until you are fully aware and have accepted the consequences of riding, I'd suggest other safer alternatives - learn how drive a car or take the public transport.