"Almost Spring" Ride

It has been unseasonably warm recently, and there is not better than have a nice solo ride. A bit chill in the morning with my leather suit but it worked out perfectly later in the day. Still can't push the bike hard as used to be due to the wet spots hidden behind blind spots; but can't really complain with such a beautiful and dry day. BTW, just hit 5000 mile - average 700 mile a month. Not bad for weekend rider with two active bikes; but surely I want to ride it more. Really looking forward for the next 5000 fun miles!

Suspension tuning - it's about time

Catalyst Reaction Suspension Tuning
Originally uploaded by Speedy Chung

So after owning my Streetfighter S for more than six months, I finally have a chance to dial-in the Ohlins suspensions. The adjustment process is not a very long if you know what you're doing - for expert like Jim over Catalyst Reaction Suspension Tuning, this job took him about 15 mins; but the result was dramatic. At stock setting, the front took most of the heat but the rear couldn't catch up - it was way too stiff at both the compression and rebound. As the result, I constantly feel like the bike is about to toss me over to the front when I go over any bump at speed. After Jim's magic dialing, now finally both the front and rear suspensions react the same way according to my weight - the bike now moves up and down as one, not up than down and rocking back and forth. Finally I feel like this is MY bike! Seriously, it is the best $20 I ever spend on the bike! I highly recommend Catalyst Reaction Suspension Tuning to all local Bay Area riders!

First ride of 2011

Nice weekend ride
Originally uploaded by Speedy Chung

After 2 weeks of waiting on the new set of tires and installation, I finally had a chance to do the late 'new year' ride. The weather was super nice in mid 60's - I actually need to remove my heated gear during the ride! I also took this opportunity to brake-in the new set of tires. Compare with Pirelli Diablo Corsa 3, the Michelin Pilot Power turns much quicker once pass certain lean angle,  and I can feel the stability and traction increase during truns. Diablo Corsa 3 in contrast, responds in more linear way - somehow I feel like the bike is 'heavier' during turn. Corsa 3 still excellent summer tires - super sticky and warm up quick; but PP2ct surely out performance Corsa 3 in wet or damp roads. Too bad the damp spots along my routes stopped me pushing the bike harder - I still have about 1" of 'chicken strips' after about 150 miles of riding... I guess I need to ride more  =)