Motorcycle Articles ~ The Riding Obsession

Joe Konrardy May 1, 2014

Who Is "That Guy"?

In our riding circle, there's an unspoken meaning for the term "That Guy". It isn't completely derogatory but it certainly isn't flattering either. We've all been "That Guy" on different occasion and have suffered the wrath of our fellow riders (although it's mostly good-natured).

To qualify for "That Guy" status, you must experience some sort of mechanical, electrical, technique, or gear malfunction. Simply having a malfunction does not automatically qualify one for "That Guy" status because sometimes $h!t just happens. However, in situations where "That Guy" activity is low, a "$h!t happens" malfunction may suffice.

What definitely qualifies one for this esteemed title is when the malfunction is directly related to:

Travis Burleson Apr 26, 2014 Leave a Comment

Is Motorcycling For You? Well, Maybe ...

If you're reading this, you might be what we'd call a "rider". You're someone who owns and frequently uses a motorcycle. It doesn't matter if you're a weekend warrior, throttle twisting speed demon or "ten years in the same stitch" cross-country traveler. We all have our story about how we got to this point.

My own starts in my mid-twenties. I was working a job that I didn't like very much and winter was coming to a close. As a first whiff of spring air filled my lungs, I got an itch. I was bored and the itch wouldn't subside. I had to scratch it.

I, on a whim and without telling my wife, signed up for a motorcycle beginner's course. A few weeks later, I was at a dealership, in over my head and letting myself get talked into purchasing a motorcycle. I bought a brand-new Honda Rebel and never looked back.

Joe Konrardy Apr 25, 2014 Leave a Comment

Spoke Wheel Lacing Instructions (2 of 2): Offset And Runout

Before you continue, be sure to read part one which focuses on spoke lacing pattern symmetry.

Important Concepts: This tutorial explains setting hub-to-rim offset and adjusting radial/lateral runout. It's important to understand how one spoke's tension affects the hub, rim and other spokes. Spoke tension affects the overall wheel in two directions: lateral (side to side) and radial (top to bottom). Tightening a given spoke attached to one side of the hub will have several reactions:

Travis Burleson Apr 22, 2014 Leave a Comment

Winter Motorcycle Gloves: Who Needs Fingers?

I've tried my fair share of gloves. It would seem that no matter how warm they are in the beginning, after thirty minutes at 30°F, my fingers lose all feeling. One solution I've considered is that of mittens. Of course, these limit dexterity. Enter the Ski-Doo Hybrid Leather Mitts.

Some lucky folks can sink their hands directly into a Rocky Mountain stream to procure an ice-cold beverage. If I did the same, my hand would be so numb that I couldn't pop the top let alone engage a clutch. If you're in my boat, read on as we reach for support from our winter-riding cousins: the snowmobilers.

Jack Frost, Old Man Winter, Arctic Vortex ... whatever you call it, it usually means you've washed your ride, replaced the oil and left it sitting in a garage with the battery on a tender. Now all you can do is wait for some Pennsylvanian rodent to give you a sign. This doesn't have to be the case. For those of us living in the northern regions, it is possible to keep riding. All-season motorcycling starts with having the right gloves.

Joe Konrardy Apr 21, 2014 Leave a Comment

Spoke Wheel Lacing Instructions (1 of 2): Pattern Symmetry

During my initial attempt at lacing spokes, I discovered and compiled a much easier order of operation. When acting on these instructions, there are two important things to consider. For starters, different spokes have different bends.

Spokes with a tighter bend are inserted into every other hole in the hub from the inside out, i.e. the bend will be visible from the outside. Spokes with a lesser bend are inserted into every other hole from the outside in, i.e. the spoke button will be visible from the outside. Tighter-bend spokes will work when inserted either way but lesser-bend spokes will only work when inserted outside in, so be careful to use the correct spokes every time or you'll have to disassemble the wheel all over again!

The second thing to note is that the spoke nipple holes on the rim are offset left and right. As would make sense, the left nipples are for the spokes on the left side of the rim and vice-versa.

Guest Contributor Apr 18, 2014 Leave a Comment

My Unexpected Transition From A Kawasaki Concours To A Honda Gold Wing

My first sport touring weekend was a non-traditional one to be sure. Having just returned to motorcycling, I awakened my 1970 Honda CL100 from it’s twenty-five year slumber and began researching a means for it’s transport. The driftless region of Wisconsin was beckoning.

A weekend of riding fun with other vintage motorcyclists was waiting for me there. "Don't look at it as a 250 mile ride. Look at it as five fifty-mile rides.” said Bob Burns, a new mentor of mine. Accepting the challenge, I experienced the trials and joys of traveling many miles on minimal displacement … all in one day.

Weekend excursions such as these have been the extent of my two-wheeled travels but never without the siren call of a longer trip. You see, balanced on the other side of my life’s scale are the demands of being a good husband and father. That involves the careful conservation of what little vacation time I’m allotted.

Guest Contributor Apr 14, 2014 Leave a Comment

Track Day: An Accidental Perspective

We’re slabbing it home now. I’m bringing up the rear with two more experienced riders leading the way. Cars are passing like crazy but we’re not in a rush. My right shoulder feels like it’s on fire and I know the rest of my aches will be a hundred times worse tomorrow, yet somehow I can't stop smiling. We’ve just completed a track day at Autobahn Country Club … my very first.

I'm listening for any out-of-place noises from the bike. I hear a small exhaust click coming from the header which must have come loose when I crashed. The right handlebar controls are slightly bent but everything else seems to be in working order.

There's not one scratch on my new paint! That's pretty gratifying, considering I just got this thirty-year-old bike sorted last week. Maybe I should've spent more money on an upgraded suspension.

Joe Konrardy Apr 10, 2014 Leave a Comment

Track Day: An Experienced Perspective

Many riders think of track days as events for racers only. They don’t see the need or advantages for street riding. Excuses run rampant. In our riding circle, "Next year, for sure!” is the most notable. Some people have used that phrase every year for over a decade.

As a rider with many years of experience, I have attended quite a few track days and would like to shed a different light on what they’re about. I view them as several things, none of which pertain to racing or outright speed. First, they're the most fun riding experience I know of. Second, they're the best and safest way to improve riding skills. Third, race tracks are the ONLY safe place to ride at your limits.

Yes, track days are FUN! It's awesome to be in a race track environment, free to ride as fast and hard as you like. That’s something every rider can appreciate.

Robin Dean Apr 8, 2014 Leave a Comment

Track Day: A Beginner's Perspective

Being a beginner at anything is a rush in and of itself. Whether you’re trying something that you’ve always wanted to or feeling spontaneous about an unexpected opportunity, getting started can trigger euphoria intense enough to tie a knot in your gut. If you’re familiar with this sensation, consider yourself lucky. You have an active lifestyle. Your world is in motion.

For me, one experience at Gingerman Raceway perfectly encompasses that reality.

It’s summer of 2013. I’m invited by a friend to attend what will be my very first track day. Being new to the idea, I have zero concept of what to expect so of course my preparatory gears start turning. How much does it cost? What are the requirements? Once all is said and done, will I be a professional racer, ready to run twenty laps around Nürburgring?

Robin Dean Apr 2, 2014 Leave a Comment

Wisconsin County Roads: The Best In Midwest Motorcycling

What happens when a state pours a huge sum of tax dollars into a niche industry? Wisconsin, that’s what. Their undeniable success in both dairy production and beer brewing requires a steady flow of farm equipment, eighteen wheelers and heavy machinery on roads that are difficult to navigate.

Even in the worst weather, a massive hulk of [insert vehicle here] will grind across valleys, lumber around foothills and scale along cliffs. That means their (very) twisty back roads must be maintained regularly. We as motorcyclists get to profit from this.

Clear roads, rural scenery and pleasant hospitality makes Wisconsin a perfect destination for sport touring motorcycle travel. It’s pretty easy on the wallet, too. As a couple, my wife and I tally around $500 (total) per weekend getaway which covers gas, food and lodging.