The Shures Network » Motorcycle http://shures.net Are you Shures about that? Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:55:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Naked DRZ http://shures.net/2011/02/17/naked-drz/ http://shures.net/2011/02/17/naked-drz/#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:49:27 +0000 Aden http://shures.net/?p=3030
Naked DRZ-400

I got the DRZ ready for the 2011 season. Changed the fluids and filters, conditioned the battery, lubed & adjusted the chain, and fixed the radiator fan.

This year with the new knobbier tires I put on last fall, the bike should perform much better in the soft stuff. I’m hoping to make it through a 3rd season on the current battery. After putting the tank and covers back on, I took it out for a short ride. It’s running great.

]]> http://shures.net/2011/02/17/naked-drz/feed/ 0 Fun Hauler http://shures.net/2011/02/11/fun-hauler/ http://shures.net/2011/02/11/fun-hauler/#comments Fri, 11 Feb 2011 13:06:53 +0000 Aden http://shures.net/?p=2885
Hitch Mounted Motorcycle Carrier
Hitch Mounted Motorcycle Carrier

Living in Chicago, there are really no close good places to ride a motorcycle off-road. Since bikes like mine are uncomfortable for long distances, I need a way to transport it to the riding areas.

Due to storage considerations (took up too much space), last fall I sold my motorcycle trailer. But I still want to take my DRZ-400 to the fun. Today as Tinyanic’s replacement, I bought a hitch mounted rail motorcycle carrier. This transport solution is very compact to store (just lean flat against a wall). And on the road, it’s improved travelling and gas mileage (no towing).

The carrier is rated for 600lbs; much more than my 325lb bike. My truck’s hitch is a Class III rated for 600lbs tongue weight. I’l post my review in the comments after I have a chance to try it out a few times.

]]> http://shures.net/2011/02/11/fun-hauler/feed/ 0 Tinyanic Christening http://shures.net/2009/06/17/tinyanic-christening/ http://shures.net/2009/06/17/tinyanic-christening/#comments Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:16:27 +0000 Aden http://shures.net/?p=1805
Small Motorcycle Trailer

Passenger Loaded Tinyanic

The building has been completed and the Tinyanic is ready to sail. It’s the ship of dreams for the long distance haul down to South Padre Island. The 1st good break in the weather and I will be getting my plates. Detailed pictures of the construction process are posted in the photo gallery.

According to Google, Tinyanic is a brand new name. :-)

]]> http://shures.net/2009/06/17/tinyanic-christening/feed/ 1 Ship of Dreams http://shures.net/2009/06/01/ship-of-dreams/ http://shures.net/2009/06/01/ship-of-dreams/#comments Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:22:15 +0000 Aden http://shures.net/?p=917
She was the Ship of Dreams.

She was the Ship of Dreams.

While it’s loads of fun, kind of like a jet ski for the land, my motorcycle is just not comfortable for long distance riding. That’s why I need a trailer to take it to the fun.

Just another step closer to me playing in the surf.

]]> http://shures.net/2009/06/01/ship-of-dreams/feed/ 1 1st Wreck http://shures.net/2009/04/21/1st_wreck/ http://shures.net/2009/04/21/1st_wreck/#comments Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:11:53 +0000 Aden http://shures.net/?p=479
Calos Gabler Test Drive

I let a friend try out my DR-Z. He wrecked 10FT from his driveway at about 2MPH. I think maybe the whole balance, clutch, break, and turn was just too much for him.

I should have known when I let him get on and his feet were dangling 2 inches from the ground that I would end up with broken plastic.

Broken Plastic Mothorcycle Parts

At least he and the bike didn’t get hurt too bad. Just some road rash and bruised pride.

Pain

More Pain

The Acerbis Rally Pro bark busters worked great. Otherwise I think his hand and my brake lever would have both been crushed. Now it looks like a real dirt bike.

Broken Acerbis Pro Rally Hand Guard

Taped Up Broken Turn Signal

Replacement parts ran me about $80.00. But the entertainment value of watching it happen was priceless. I’m glad no one was seriously hurt. Yes, I told him not to wear those shoes. :P

]]> http://shures.net/2009/04/21/1st_wreck/feed/ 0 Cozy DR-Z400 http://shures.net/2009/01/31/cozy-dr-z400/ http://shures.net/2009/01/31/cozy-dr-z400/#comments Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:07:42 +0000 Aden http://shures.net/?p=294
2003 DR-Z400 Winter Storage

Today I fed me new motorcycle an income tax refund. It’s resting comfortably in the BBK Motorsport show room. You can find it tucked away in the back corner. I’m glad it’s staying warm and cozy until the Chicago thaw.

2003 DR-Z400 Winter Storage

Traditionally, I’ve rode street cruisers.
This motorcycle is like a big bicycle with a motor.
Vroom… Vroom.

2003 DR-Z400 Winter Storage

It’s tall, blue, and rugged handsome.

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