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Y2K RAT ride and bike "goody" review (LONG)



Sunday January 2 was my opportunity to finally take Jewel for a long ride
for the first time since she was repaired.  It was also the first time my
wife had joined me (on her own bike) for a group ride, and the chance to try
out all the goodies I got for Christmas.

First, let me say remind you that prior to the crash I had installed the
Triumph tall windscreen.  Also I had the dealer install the GENMAR RISERS
[1] while all the other work was being done.  This was also my first chance
to try that combo.

The RAT ride started with 23 bikes (all solo) at Jackson's Triumph shop in
Clearwater around 9:30.  About half the bikes were Triumph including at
least 2 other ST's (one blue, one red and my own blue).  Also a number of
Trophy's including at least one blue one.  A number of riders commented on
looking in their mirrors and seeing all those blue bikes!  :-)  There were a
handfull of Moto Guzzi's which Jackson also sells, and a few other marques.
In particular there was a VFR800.  This was the first time I'd had a chance
to see an Interceptor side-by-side with one of our beloved ST's.  I'm
convinced we all made the right choice.  :-)

The ride was a total of 140 miles with a stop for lunch.  With a group that
size we couldn't push the pace too much, so it was a nice, leisurely ride
along twisty, rolling roads through cattle ranch and orange grove country.
The weather was perfect: 80F and sunny.

The ride was without incident, except for my better half dropping her bike
in the parking lot at our first gas stop.  Thankfully she wasn't hurt.  It
was a typical 0mph parking lot drop.  I didn't even know it had happened
(she was behind me) until I had dismounted and saw a crowd of other men
gathered around her and lifting her bike.  I guess there are advantages to
being one of the only women in a group.  ;-)

As to the products I finally got to use:

Firstly, I'd like to say the GenMar risers make the riding position just
about perfect (for me).  I can ride long and still be comfortable.  One
unexpected benefit is the seat is more comfortable with the slightly more
upright position.  Very nice!

Before leaving I used the TOPEAK SMART GAUGE [2] (electronic digital tire
pressure gauge), which was one of my Christmas gifts, to make sure the bikes
were ready.  No more guessing about tire inflation.

For the ride I was wearing the DRAGGIN JEANS [3] my wife gave me for
Christmas.  I found them to be comfortable and not too warm.  I'm happy to
report that I have no idea about how well they might protect me.  :-)

Probably the most useful item, and also the one which got the most attention
from the other riders in the group, was the THROTTLE ROCKER [3] that
Willemina and I both had on our bikes.  This small, inexpensive and oddly
shaped piece of plastic clipped to our throttles allowed us to have full
throttle control without having to hang onto the throttle grip.  It forms a
paddle which you rest your palm on, relieving you of the need to grip your
throttle to control it.  Until we got these in our Christmas stockings
(thanks, Santa!) I never realized how hard I had to hang onto the throttle
just to keep it at a constant speed.  Now my right hand is as relaxed as my
left, and I feel that I have better control of the bike as a result.

For less than $10 (currently on sale) the Throttle Rocker is a "Must Buy" in
my books!  I can't imagine doing any long ride without one, and with it who
needs a throttle lock?

With all the attention our Throttle Rockers got, I wish I'd had a dozen in
my backpack to sell that day.  If I had, I wouldn't have come home with a
single one.  Why doesn't the manufacturer promote them better?  Most people
on the ride had never seen nor heard of them before!

During the ride the CLIPON THERMOMETER [2] gave me ambient readings of
78-82F.  The matching CLIPON COMPASS [2] I ignored: it was fun to watch the
staggered formation fall into a single line through the many twisties then
back into staggered formation out the turn.  There was no chance I'd get
lost.  I'm sure the compass will be useful in the future.

All the rest of my goodies were in the Triumph backpack my son gave me for
Christmas.  It was far too warm for the high gauntlet, Thinsulate-lined
leather gloves my parents gave me for Christmas.  However there were a
couple of days just after Christmas when I had a chance to use them.
Definately comfortable and warm.  I can't tell who made them; there were no
tags.

I'm happy to say the weather also cooperated by not precipitating on us.
This meant that my AEROSTICH VEE WIPES [2] are still untested.  These are
rubbery finger squeegees.  They slip on over a finger or thumb (of your
glove) and allow you to wipe moisture off your visor while riding.  I hope I
never need them, but knowing the summer rains in Florida I'm sure I will,
sooner or later.

One item in my backpack I did get to use: my Wee Willy [2].  This is a visor
washing kit in a small zip pouch.  It consists of a spray bottle of cleaner.
The bottle has a sponge attached to one side and a squeegee to the other.
It made short work of cleaning the bugs splatters off (bugs in January!).

[1] Purchased direct from Genmar Manufacturing
[2] Rider Wearhouse
[3] Competion Accessories, I think.  Also other sources

- --
Bill Flowers -- Never Say Die
'00 Sapphire Blue ST "Jewel"
- --
New Years Resolution: Saddle Sore 1000 or bust!


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