The Touring Machine
This is my 1990 Yamaha Fj, by far the largest and most powerful motorcycle I have owned in my over 30 year history of owning motorcycles.
Many thanks to my mechanic, Simon, who has just finished rebuilding the clutch. There were some pesky problems, but Simon knows these bikes very well and is an invaluable resource.
Since this picture was taken, I have replaced the front tire and cleaned up a few minor problems. The major problem has been the hydraulic clutch, but now it seems to be functioning perfectly.
My insurance for riding expires on November 1, 2007 so it is time for me to take a few last test rides and put the bike in storage for the winter. If I kept it insured I would be out riding in all weather and I don’t think I should give myself that temptation.
I had some great rides this summer – one to Seattle and one to Powell River. The return trip from Seattle took one full tank of gas, cost= $15.00US for over 200 km.
This bike inspires confidence and a feeling of poetry in motion. It can be risky riding alone because I cannot pick it up if it falls, so I try not to fall. I have a lot of experience riding safely and this is a very smooth and great handling machine. The only time I feel the weight is when I am stopped, then I have had a few problems.
I look forward to the tour and will be putting up links to other motorcycle resources and sites of interest. I will be trying to find sponsors and other people who are interested in seeing the internet travel at 150 kmph!
Well over 200 Km – more like 300 miles or 500 kilometers return. That’s 20 miles (33 Km) per dollar or a nickel a mile (3¢/Km).
The Yamaha FJ took one tank of gas to return from Seattle to Vancouver. It didn’t seem that far at the time, but I filled up just before I went on the highway and still had gas in the tank when I got home.
http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html
Here is a video demonstration on how to pick up your bike:
http://www.helmethairblog.com/entries/video-how-to-pick-up-a-motorcycle/
Thanks Mike! I did check out the motorcycle pickup video and will try it out if I have to. My Suzuki 650 was small enough that I could pick it up by the handlebars. I admit that I did get that extra bit of adrenalin to help me when I saw my poor bike lying there … The FJ is very different and the method shown will be helpful. I just hope I don’t have to use it!