I've been busy

I rarely get a chance to get out on the bike anymore, but I made it up to see the leaves changing
This is Old Snow Basin road.

Fuel Filter Change

I caught up on some maintenance that I needed to get done. I changed my fuel filter. The Fuel filter is inside the gas tank with the fuel pump assembly. I learned via thespeedtiple.com that the maker of the "Triumph" brand fuel filter also makes fuel filters for Ducati And BMW. Leave it to triumph to charge twice as much as the others for the same filter that says "Triumph" On it. And of course leave it to Accolade to charge even more. I go thte BMW filter for $20, Accolade quoted me $53 for the Triumph filter. (Accolade is also where I bought the BMW filter)

So enough of that, the swap was pretty simple. There's some things to watch for if you've never taken your tank off before, but it's an easy job.

First of course, remove the seat and disconnect your battery.

Remove the side panels (this will make accessing the underside of the tank easier) and then the tank. (Make a mental note to run your bike empty, anything less than a 1/2 gallon will be great) When removing the hoses on the tank, mark the thos smaller vent hoses on the lef tside of the tank, make sure to put them on the same nipple they came off.

Take a good look at the top of your bike's engine, don't let your 2 year old get a handfull of packaging styrofoam and put it into the narrow recesses of your engine. (it added 30 mins to this job)

Notiec I set the tank on a towel so I wouldn't scratch it's pretty paint. now tha tthe tank is off, remove the fuel pump assembly from the tank (the six little bolts on the only metal part on the tank)

I diddn't get any pictures of the fuel pump assembly (my hands were covered in gas) but I did get a shot of the infamous inspection stickers that you occasionally see floating around in your tank.

And I took the time to remove them, not that they're hurting anything - I just want to be different, my Triple's that much more custom now.

These are the vent nipples, no that not a technical term. those two hoses you pulled off? If you diddn't keep track of whch one was whice, your bike will run like poo and you'll hear a sucking sound when you open the tank. If that's the case, switch the hoses around. (Mental note to pick up two new rubber grommets for those nipples)

Identical, except for the markings. Again, sorry for not getting any pictures of the actual fuel pump assembly and how the fuel filter fits in. But honestly, if you got this far, you can figure it out.

Now go put it back together.

Did a little dirt biking at work

Casey took us for a little ride down the trail. Once the asphalt ended the fun began.




I doesn't look like much but these little trails were pretty steep and very soft. Looking at it, you wouldn't think about taking a fully dressed bagger down there, but we did. Casey and I did a lot of this in our Motors Training. Only in Motors Training you're folling someone 2 feet in front of you. I don't know about Casey, but I hadn't practiced off road since the class, it was fun.

The Triple's for sale.....Again

I've gone back and forth with this decision for some time now. But the last few times I've gone out on the Triple, I've wanted something else. So I told myself I'd put it up for sale for a reasonable price this time and if it sold, I'd find something else.

What I've been desiring is this:

Mostly riding position. I want a race inspired bike, something with clip-ons and a full fairing. I feel like I can't move right on the Triple, it's just me, there's plenty of others that can do it.

A different engine design. By this I mean engine layout, a twin to be exact, or a four cylinder. The Triple is unique, but it's all I've ever ridden (aside from the Police Bike, but Harley's don't count) I love the thumping sound of an uncorked twin engine. Twin engines are great for torque too which is important to me because this bike will spend the majority of it's time on the street. I'll want the extra torque when Ashley decides to come for rides with me, or for long rides, when I'm loaded down with gear.

Something I can take to a dealer if I need to. I really like working on my own bike, I find it fun and somewhat relaxing, even when things don't go right and I'm throwing tools. But there's some things that are over my head and I'd like to have some faith in a dealership to get those things done at. Accolade is the only Triumph dealer in the state and they've more than lost my faith. I cringe at the thought of buying parts there because I don't want to give them my money. I'm sure there are Honda Dealers that are just as bad or even worse, but with a Honda, I'd have options.

To try something new. As I said earlier, the Triple was my first bike. I want to try other bikes and get a feel for them. Whatever I get will be replaced sometime, I'll always be getting a new bike, it'll just be a matter of whether or not I can keep the old one. I look forward to the day that I have to get rid of a bike because there's no room for one.

There's some more feelings I've had about it that I just can't nail down. Don't get me wrong, I love my Triple. It's a great bike and it's perfect for the street, it does great at the track too. It's unique, looks great and rides great. I've had a lot of fun on it, but now it's time for something else.

Meet the Contestants.

There are two main contenders here, read on and vote.

Honda came out with their new 1000 RR. When I first saw pictures of this bike I did not like it. When I saw this bike in person, I wanted it, WOW it looks really nice in person. The 1000 RR is actually lighter than it's little brother the 600RR. For those not in the know, weight is a big deal. The lighter a bike the faster it will accelerate. Placement of weight is also a big deal, the lower the weight the better. The new 1000RR also uses an electronic throttle, something that I got used to this year on the new Harley, it won't be long till all new bikes and cars have em. I like the look of the RR in person too, it looks mean, purposeful.

Another Honda, the RC51. This is the bike I think I'll end up with if I do sell the Triple. The 1000RR would be too expensive for me right now. Not that the RC51 is a slouch or cheap bike, but Honda quit making it in 2006. Truly, the RC51 hasn't been developed since 2002, that was the last year any changes were made to it.

The RC51 was purposely built to compete in the World Superbike Championship. In 1988 The WSBK rules were changed to allow twin engines up to 999cc's. Inline four cylinders were allowed to 750cc's Ducati began to dominate the series, but Honda answered back with the RC51.

I really like this bike and with it not being made anymore, it'll likely soon be a classic. Although there are rumors about Honda making an RC61 now that WSBK allows twins up to 1199cc's. Ducati seems to have this year's Championship all but in the bag.

Those are the two main contenders. I'd also consider a GSXR-1000 or 750 or maybe even a 600. First thing's first though, the Triple has to go. I took it out for a test ride and errand tonight and really enjoyed it, it pulls hard and is fun to ride. If it doesn't sell, oh well, I like it and will continue to ride it.

Alpinestars GP PRO Review

I thought I'd take the opportunity to review some of the gear I've used to pass on info to any others that might be considering it.

First on the list is the newest piece of gear that I've acquired. My Alpinestars GP PRO gloves. A friend of mine told me that he'd tried every kind of glove out there and found the GP PRO to be the safest, and most comfortable of the gloves he tried on. Long story short, I ended up with a pair. For street riding, I was using my Icon Merc short gloves and for track, I'd wear a pair of Joe Rocket GPX gloves (I'll review each of these in the future, maybe) Tracks require you to wear a gauntlet style glove, (a glove that covers over the wrist) The GP PRO was designed for racers. After trying a pair, I feel that they're far more protective than any other glove out there, definitely more protective than any glove I've tried.

I've looked around for gloves quite a bit, and Alpinestars are the only ones I've found with a "bridge" that connects the little and ring fingers. Many racers have lost pinky fingers in crashes, the most recent I'm aware of is Troy Bayliss. The bridge between the ring and little finger should give more support to the little finger in the event of a crash. Also Alpinestars states this will keep the fingers from rolling and prevent injury. I thought it would restrict movement and take some getting used to, but it doesn't I haven't noticed it unless I was trying to.

The GP PRO Has plastic armor at the knuckles and the fingers, but also the outer palm of the hand. This helps the glove/hand to slide in a crash and not wear through the leather. Keep in mind these were designed for racers who fall off their bikes at high speeds and slide a long distance on asphalt, the more material you have to wear through the better.

For example Max Biaggi's crash in Phillip Islands turn one.

Or Dani Pedrosa At Sachsen Ring on Sunday. (Please excuse the horrible music on this video, when I can find a better clip I'll edit it.)

You wouldn't expect to get up right away from a fall and slide like that, but with the right gear, you can. Imagine if Max were some squid riding in a t-shirt and shorts.....

Now, back on topic. The GP PRO includes it's plastic armor to cover the wrist also. Wrist injuries are common in just about any sport. Every bit of extra armor in that area helps. The GP PRO wraps plastic armor almost around the whole wrist. I thought this would hinder mobility, but I've yet to notice it.

Continuing with the safety features. There are several areas that are reinforced with leather, the

palm for example has second layer of leather covering it. Also, Alpinestars uses Kevlar reinforcements under the leather. The leather used in the glove is much thicker than the leather used in my Joe Rocket Gloves.

The GP PRO has two wrist closures on it, one wrist strap and a gauntlet strap. You wouldn't want these coming off right? Seeing the speeds involved, if your hand were to get pinned between your body and the asphalt, at the right angle, it could get pulled off if not on tight.

Now for the comfort. These are the coolest gloves i've ever worn. The GP PRO has several ways of getting air throughthe glove, and it works. The first time I tried these gloves was in April. I rode down to MMP to have my suspension adjusted by Corporate Suspension. I brought my ICON gloves with, just in case. My hands were freezing by the time I got ot SLC (about a 30 min ride) You can feel the air move through the glove, which has been very nice on these hot summer days.

Now stitching. The first thing I noticed was the lack of seams in the fingers. The seams are stitched on the outside of the glove. This makes the glove very comfortable and less bulky feeling. My Icon gloves have the seams stitched inside the fingers, having nothing to previously compare to, it never really bothered me, but now I do notice the seams.

Overall the glove looks big and bulky and like it would be cumbersome to wear. Wearing the glove however, it feels more like a pair of isotoners than a super duty race glove. I'm very happy with them. I have some Alpinestars gear and will be looking at more. If these gloves are a sign of their craftsmanship, quality and innovation, I'd have no problem buying more gear from Alpinestars.

I give the Alpinestars GP Pro gloves a big cheesy thumbs up.

Working on the Aprilia with Kevin

Kevin came up yesterday to do some work on his Aprilia. He brought his new girlfriend Michelle with him. We bled the brakes and the clutch and cleaned and lubed his chain. We ate some brats and kraut and then went for a ride with Greg.

We started up North Ogden and North Ogden Divide then over Trappers loop and Headed For East Canyon.

You can See Greg in this shot.

Kevin pulling a Wheelie two up

Kevin and Michelle, yup she's wearing sandals, a subject which was discussed.

Greg on the ZRX

The View from the summit of East Canyon again, I love this shot.

Kevin's Aprilia
Whatcha doin Greg?

My bike did something strange as we pulled out to head home. I got on the throttle and the bike started to sputter, then the gas light came on after only 90 miles. Typically I get 120-130 miles out of a tank before the light comes on. When the light comes on I usually have 1 gallon of gas left. It rode fine the rest of the way home and after a mile or so the light turned off. By the time I got home I had about 130 miles on the Trip and the light came back on, expectantly though.

Tell me what you think

I liked the black layout, but I though I'd try something else. Did you like it better before, or how it is now? I put up a Poll on the rigth side of the Blog, vote and tell me what you think.

Time for some changes

I'm trying to chage a few things on the BLOG layout, so if there's problems, check back in a little bit, I'm a computer idiot.

June 29th, Caught up withe USBA guys headed to Jackson Hole

I spaced this ride off completely. This morning I was sitting around wondering if I should go for a ride. The weekend was busy as usual and I hadn't gotten out yet. I remembered the group was going up to Jackson Hole today and called Greg to See where they were. They were still at the meeting place getting ready to leave. I hurried out but I was still about 15mins late getting there, they had already left. In any large group there's bound to be more stops, so I headed out up Monte to try and catch up.

My plan went well till I got stuck behind a Sherriff's deputy on Monte. I snapped some pics and enjoyed the ride.

I still love this shot, like i've said before you'll be seeing more of it. I'm going to try to get an angle without the camera in it. We'll see.

Some Guys I saw along the way.

This is the west side of Monte Cristo, before the gate, pretty, but the road is in bad shape, real bumpy. After the gate the views and the road get even better, I didn't get any shots though as I was trying to catch up.And caught up I did, according to Greg, they'd pulled in right before me, not bad I guess for being 15 mins behind.

Bear lake was looking pretty inviting, it was hot today, shoulda worn the mesh jacket.Once again, wish i'd of gotten more lake in the shot.

This is one of my favorite rides, I gotta get Kevin up here for it.