500 miles

I've been back in the saddle for 500 miles now. I am surprised at how much
fun I have had and I have no idea why I have stayed away from riding for 15
years. The SV650 really is a fun bike and I would recommend it to anyone
considering reentering the sport. Observations to this point:

1. I have been surprised at how quickly the muscle memory comes back. From
the very first ride I have been focused on my environment and not on the
mechanics of operating the bike.

2. Dusk is my favorite time to ride. Not sure why, but it is.

3. The SV is great fun on the twisties, I'm not crazy about it on highways.

4. I replaced the Michelin Pilots with D208's. By looking at the wear marks
on the tire I have realized that I lean over a little further when making
left hand turns then right hand turns. I had not noticed on the bike, but
was conscience of it today. Not sure why, but I do feel more comfortable in
left hand turns.

5. Leaves are beginning the fall off the trees and for some reason this
bothers me in the turns. I don't ever remember sliding on leaves.... Is this
a problem for anyone else?

6. Rode with a friend of mine last week. He has an 04 R1. Shiny, I want one.
Sounds wicked as I see him disappear into the distance.
On gear:

1. Bought a pair of Alpinestars GPS-3 boots. They are decent to walk in and
great on the bike. My only complaint is they are a little to big in the calf
area (even with pants tucked in).

2. Bought a Joe Rocket Blaster jacket ( I feel like I got a good deal at
$129 new from a shop on the net). I bought the perforated model and it is
comfortable in the mid-70's without the liner. One bad thing is that the
sleeves are perforated. Obviously the liner would not help this. If I had it
to do over, I'm not sure I would opt for the perforated model.

3. Looking for pants. Does anyone have suggestions for pants that would work
at the track? I guess I am asking for suggestions with knee sliders.

---

cs
1999 SV650

on 10/5/04 7:23 PM, Conner Stevens wrote:

 > 4. I replaced the Michelin Pilots with D208's. By looking at the wear marks
 > on the tire I have realized that I lean over a little further when making
 > left hand turns then right hand turns. I had not noticed on the bike, but
 > was conscience of it today. Not sure why, but I do feel more comfortable in
 > left hand turns.

If you're in the US, you're riding (hopefully most of the time) on the right
side of the road. Most roads are crowned, i.e. the center is the high point
and they slope downward toward the edge of either lane. Thus you're always
riding on a bit of a slope, and this can make your left side wear slightly
further than your right.

You could also be favoring turning that way, as you suggest.

--
Jamin Kortegard
2002 YZF-R1 / 2003 WRX

"Hokey 600s and trackday usability are no match
for a good literbike at your side, kid."
- Michael<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->