Turns out I’m Just a Poser

Turns out I’m Just a Poser....


Ran across this chart on the internet, and I came to the realization that I’m not a 1%’er, a Biker, a Chopper Rider, or a Motorcyclist, I’m Just a “Poser”.

The Urban Dictionary describes Posers as:

“A poser is someone who tries to fit into a profile they aren't. People who try to give off the impression that they are one thing when they are really another.

Also, a poser can be one who says they can do something that they can't….”

Here are the reasons why I’m just a “Poser”:

1. I don’t ride a Chopper I ride a Cruiser.

2. I don’t ride a Harley Davidson; I ride a Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic.

3. I wear a helmet, (a half helmet anyway).

4. I occasionally wear a Dew Rag my daughter gave me as a gift, or the ones my mother-in-law picked up for me to keep my hair in line and sweat out of my eyes while I ride.

5. My cell phone is a Palm Treo running MS Windows Mobile.

6. I wear my inexpensive Timex Ironman watch on my commute to and from work.

7. I wear an oversized FMC Leather Jacket when the weather warrants it and an OSI Cool Mesh Jacket in summer.

8. I don’t carry a check book and my wallet is usually empty.

9. I tend to shy away from designer clothes, but I love my black Guinness T-Shirt.

10. I don’t currently own a biker wallet but I am looking for one that I could take the chain on and off for when I’m at work.

11. My bike is not a Garage Queen, but only gets ridden at least five days a week and is usually parked out in the elements all day at work.

12. I have to ride to work in dress slacks and other times I like my black Wranglers.

13. I wear oversized Street & Steel Leather Chaps when the weather warrants.

14. I wear my Harley, or my Bates boots to ride in.

15. I work on my own bike.

16. I wear Oakley Sunglasses my sister-in-law gave me for Christmas many years ago or some inexpensive clear motorcycle glasses at night.

17. I have a Guardian Angel Bell hanging off the bottom of my motorcycle that my daughter gave me.

18. I enjoy reading about motorcycling.

19. I like motorcycle racing.

20. I publish a blog about motorcycles and motorcycling.

21. I tweet about motorcycling, Torch762.

22. I don’t belong to a Motorcycle Club.

23. I like other folks that ride other brands and classes of two wheeled transportation.

24. I have not been riding since birth.


So, despite that I ride more days than not, and even in the rain, (they think I’m crazy at work), I am just a “Poser” after all. I think I’ll keep on riding, enjoying the experience, and just be myself.


Ride on,
Torch

Riding a motorcycle is like the love of a great woman....

“Riding a motorcycle is like the love of a great woman, sometimes it’s hard to hold on, but all the excitement is darn well worth it!” – Torch ©2009.

Interpret it how you want to.

Ride on,
Torch

Husqvarna WR 300

2009 Husqvarna WR300 is not only a transformation kit which bigger than the predecessor WR 250 but also a perfect replica of the winning machine raced by Seb Guillaume in Class 3 of the Enduro World Championship series. New components and change features for engine include changes to the cylinder head and exhaust pipe in comparison with the 250 version, engine now features a V Force reed valve system, new bigger 38 mm TMX Mikuni carburettor, and a completely new exhaust valve.

Source about Husqvarna WR 300 via motorcyclespecs

KTM 990 Super Duke

KTM, the Austrian bike manufacturer best known for its fabulous off-road title winning machines, has sets its sights on becoming Europe’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. But, to do so it needs a comprehensive range of machines to compliment its excellent off-road competition machines.

The Super Duke arrives in Europe just a year after KTM launched its first twin-cylinder motorcycle in the shape of the 950 Adventure. KTM has upped the capacity of the Adventure’s 942cc LC8 engine to form the heart of the 990 Super Duke. New fuel injection and engine management systems are just part of it.

Source about KTM 990 Super Duke via bikeintro

MV Augusta F4 R312

contains the result of eight years of ceaseless technological development poured forth into the most beautiful form ever reproduced on a motorcycle. The subdued sporty tone of its new livery conceals an updated engine equipped with the Weber Marelli 5SM engine management system that turns the extraordinary energy developed by the Italian 4-cylinder engine into a powerful and progressive driving force.

Source via bikeintro

Buell 1125CR

The overall 2009 Buell line-up consists of six models in three distinct lines: street, adventure and sportbike. Models vary by engine configuration and design intent but continue the melting pot culture that has grown to exemplify the “American” ideal.

Buell intended the day to be a focused moment on braking, cornering and acceleration as well as how the mapping updates performed on the Helicon engine.

The technical 1.67 mile track is more like the streets of willow than the big one over here in California –perfect for the steep-rake XB-like 1125CR. It doesn’t take anyone long to notice the CR hasn’t much in the way of air flow management, favoring a minimal windscreen similar to the XB model line. Without the big bubble to push away the high-speed atmosphere, head shakes are eminent and achievable above the tonnage mark indicated on the digital speedo. The “quiet zone” as Buell calls the space behind the fairing of the 1125R is now gone, leaving you more exposed to the elements. This is where fashion wins over function – your inner hooligan can’t hide from the aero forces on the CR. It’s built for fun, not racing. Big speed however doesn’t completely ruin the fun.

Source via motorcycle

A Few Things I’ve learned about Motorcycling

Image by GmanViz via Flickr

I have compiled a list of a few things I’ve learned while commuting back and forth to work and taking several longer trips in the short amount of time I have been riding. Not in any particular order;

Gasoline fueled V-Twin motorcycles will not run without gas.

Even light sprinkles of rain sting bare skin at 80 mph.

If you don’t know where your horn button is you might hit your high beam switch instead.

On a 40 degree day the wind chill at 80 mph makes it feel like 23 degrees.

Metal storm grates are slick as ice when they are wet.

If you forget to turn your fuel cut off back on your bike will stall about two blocks from your house.

Non-waterproof shoes, your socks, and feet will be completely soaked after riding in the rain even with a rain suit on.

Yes, motorcycles do make you invisible.

It is not safe to talk on a cell phone while riding, (no Bluetooth).

Even if a cage drivers does see you they do not consider you a large enough threat and will still pull into your lane running you off the road.

Most cage drivers do not look before changing lanes.

The loudest decibel horn cannot be heard inside a closed cage with the radio on.

You cannot trust gas station nozzle pumps to stop in time.

At night in a hard rain with clear ridding glasses on you cannot see the lines on the freeway.

When passing or being passed by large trucks in the rain you cannot see anything for a few seconds.

Goggles are better than glasses on a windy day.

If you do not secure your saddlebag lid down you will loose things while riding.

If you think there is a chance of rain and put on your rain suit it will not rain.

If you think there is a chance of rain and do not put your rain suit on it will rain.

In winter without proper gloves your hands will get cold and stiff even on a short ride.

Animals will run out in front of you at the most inopportune time.

You will not notice that your mirrors are not aimed properly until you are already underway.

Unless you have ABS your brakes can and will lock up when pushed hard enough.

It is a lot harder to stabilize a motorcycle at a stop riding two up.

You can get sunburned just as easily riding a motorcycle as not.

People give you strange looks when you are wearing leathers.

It is hard to get things out of your front pockets wearing chaps.

No matter how long you sit at some stop lights on a bike they just won’t turn green.

The more chrome you have the longer it takes to clean your bike.

No matter how fast you are riding there is always another motorcycle going faster.

Not everyone on two wheels waves back.

Even other motorcyclists think you are crazy when you ride all the time.

Parts of your motorcycle will vibrate loose and sometimes you may loose parts of your bike while riding.

Different parts of your body can get tired and sore on long rides.

A leg cramp while riding a bike is a pain in the rear.

Aside from shaving your head there is no sure cure for helmet hair.

Don't ask me how I know....

Ride on,
Torch

Suzuki GSX-R1000

Suzuki's GSX-R1000 has seen incremental improvements over the years, but the 2009 model is the first all-new iteration of the flagship superbike since 2001. Countless superbike racing victories later, and the legendary Gixxer 1000 faces more pressure than ever for excellence.

Suzuki engineers altered virtually every aspect of the GSX-R1000 for 2009 in order to build a better bike. A more compact twin spar frame shortens the wheelbase for more maneuverability, while a longer aluminum alloy swingarm is arched to accommodate new twin titanium exhaust cans. New radially mounted mono-block front brakes shave unsprung weight, as do new three-spoke cast aluminum wheels. New, race-inspired BPF (Big Piston Front-forks) by Showa feature rebound and compression valving adjustment screws on the fork caps.

Source about Suzuki GSX-R1000 via motorcycles.about.com

Kawasaki Ninja ZX 14

The 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX 14 has not rested on its laurels. The winning traits – massive torque, effortless power, agile handling and comfortable ergonomics – of the 1352cc Ninja king have landed it a sizeable collection of open class sportbike victories. Despite ever-tightening noise and emissions regulations; the ZX-14 has continued to set the pace of sportbike excellence ever since its domineering debut in March of 2006.

No doubt about it, the ZX-14 is a testament to effective evolution. Its engine and exhaust system permit it to comply with strict Euro-III emissions and tightening noise regulations.

Source via bikeintro

Photo red Kawasaki Ninja ZX 14 from motorcyclistonline.com

Aprilia RXV 5.5

This lightweight bike's knobby tires and floaty suspension are difficult to manage on the road, but a dream in the dirt. It takes serious discipline not to power slide the rear end in the dirt at low speeds, but when you've gathered enough velocity and need that extra bit of power to get you up a hill or out of a rut, the RXV always delivers. Equally unflappable is the suspension, which offers enough cushion for large surface irregularities and jumps. Ergonomics-wise, the RXV 5.5 is as intensely focused as its powerful engine; the narrow seat is a stratospheric 39.2 inches tall, and the rider's forward position puts the onus on precision, as the rear brake and the 5-speed shifter is a foot's twitch away.

Overall, the Aprilia RXV 5.5 is a tremendously capable offroad bike, and no doubt a handful for most riders.
Source [via] motorcycle pictures.