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It’s 70 and sunny for the first time this year!
I had to take a long ride on the FZ-1, since I’ve been having to pick some rare nice weather days for short rides since about November.

Hopefully, we’ll burst right into spring, but this _is_ Colorado, so really, one must expect pretty varied weather. In fact, it is supposed to snow tomorrow. LOL. Today was gorgeous, though.

Here’s the map of where I went. About 375 miles all told.
I’d never been in Nebraska before, so it was cool to add another state to the list.

http://www.mapbuzz.com/viewer/1764

Happy riding!

I think i finally realized what my dream motorcycle would be. The only problem is that it doesn’t exist. What I would like most is for Honda to bring out a modernized version of the legendary CBX. What made/makes the CBX so special is that it is one of the few production bikes ever to be outfitted with a straight-six motor. The CBX straight-six motor is easily and undoubtedly the most beautiful engine ever strapped to a motorcycle frame. And I know some of you are doubting me right now, so I am posting pictures so you can see for yourself. Just look at that motor and those headers (the pipes for my non-motoring audience). The don’t call it “The Wurlitzer” for nothing.

What the world, or more specifically, me, needs is a brand new 2009 CBX with a brand new 2009-era straight-six. I’m telling you I would go buy one. If I was even moderately more financially well-endowed I would probably have to buy a ‘79 CBX (like the one in the pictures) as it is. But a 2009 model would be even better. C’mon Honda. You and I both know it would be the sweetest thing to come along in about 30 years. The 919 is a pretty nice naked bike, but it defintely needs to be replaced with an all-new six cylinder CBX.

The bike Prince rode in Purple Rain was a 1981 Honda 400 Automatic, with an aftermarket Kutter fairing.
He looks pretty bad-ass on it, but you should know that bike only made 27HP. LOL.

Well, Spring Tour 2007 is in the books. This was the best trip I can remember. It couldn’t have worked out any better as far as road choices, weather, tire vendors, or otherwise.

To skip straight to the pictures, click HERE.

After much speculation on my part, I sat down the night before I left and decided on a final route that had me staying in Los Alamos, New Mexico and Ouray, Colorado. Here is the map of my route.–> http://www.mapbuzz.com/viewer/516.

I made an unexpected side trip to Santa Fe, as when I pulled into Los Alamos, the last air was leaking out of my punctured rear tire. The tire was pretty beat up. I pulled the remnants of a nail out of it with my pliers, and that wasn’t even the real puncture. Somehow, at 2:30pm on a friday afternoon, I found a guy in Santa Fe who had my rear tire in stock and would mount it up for me if I could make it down by 5:00 or so. I got out my road patch kit and patched up the puncture, and made the ride down to Santa Fe, where just-like-that I had a new tire mounted. It is difficult to imagine that situation working out any better. Thanks to my friends down at SMR Motorsports in Santa Fe!

Saturday, I headed out of Los Alamos and went North up route 84 into Colorado. This road was absolutely spectacular. No cars, and no cops, perfect weather. A perfect ride. I proceeded into Colorado and drove over several high mountain passes. Once again, the roads were incredible and uncrowded, the scenery unbelievable. Just a 10 out of 10. I was laughing out loud in my helmet. Made it to Ouray by 1:30pm and spent the afternoon wandering around one of the more scenic towns in America. Just outstanding.

Sunday I drove home through the middle of Colorado on routes 550, 50, and 285. Once again spectacular roads, gorgeous scenery, perfect weather and no cops. Just an unbelievable day of riding. The whole trip was perfect and I cannot wait to go on my next long ride. Aside from tire problems, the bike performed flawlessly and I never cease to be amazed by that Yamaha powerplant. Smooth, tourqey delivery, perfect every time. I love that stupid bike to an irrational degree.

So that’s Spring Tour 2007, the best riding yet! Looking forward to many more.

I can’t wait. My second annual Spring Tour is from the 18th to 20th.

I think this is the route….

http://www.mapbuzz.com/viewer/433

woot!

It just seems so arbitrary.

Here are some really nice naked bikes that are only available in other countries

Suzuki GSX1400FE

Yamaha XJR1300

Yamaha MT-01

Yamaha Bulldog 1100

Honda CB1300F

Mapbuzz has better on-screen editing than MyMaps, and the mash-up is already done for you to use all sorts of great social networking features.

Here is my ride from yesterday –> http://www.mapbuzz.com/viewer/319

(Chris, notice that RESTful URL? )

I tried out the new service.

Here’s today’s bike ride:

Click Me

Since its basically the very worst part of the year for a motorcycle lover, we now pause for some pics of the all-new 2007 R1. It’s almost absurd to think, but also undoubtedly true that one day we’ll look back on this bike a tired old piece of crap. You can just stare at this thing. I sat on one at Coytote Motorsports and was nearly overcome with the urge to make disastrous financial decisions.

Speaking of temptation, I also sat on the Moto Guzzi California Vintage one day recently. Talk about lust. This thing was stunningly beautiful in person. For many more pics go Here

It’s been single digit temps every morning now for weeks. There has been 4 snowstorms in 5 weeks and another is rolling in tonight. No ice has really melted anywhere. Im trying to keep in mind that in a few short months, I’ll be doing this every day again:

Yar!

One year ago today, I brought home my first motorcycle. The 2005 FZ1 had 22 miles on it that day and five of those were my test drive. As of today the bike has 12,750 miles and I’ve tacked on close to 2000 more on the 1985 Shadow VT700C. I’m on my third rear tire (lost the second one to a nail), and my second front tire. In the same 365 day span, My 2002 Civic Si has been driven less than 3500 miles.

It’s been a great thing. It’s been the focal point of all my fun time this last year. I drove it across the country. I drove that thing over the Golden Gate Bridge one foggy morning last May - a glorious moment. I dropped it twice within a couple of weeks of buying it; once at a stop light, once in a badly paved alleyway. No harm done. I was interviewed repeatedly by Law Enforcement Officers, and learned that cops hate bikes. I was ticketed 4 times, including once for going 110mph, something I never imagined would ever happen to me.

On my service warranty, which cost $999, I have had almost $2000 dollars of service performed by my dealer, with two solid years left on that contract. Poor guys, they usually make boatloads of money on those things because folks don’t ride that much and never bring their bikes in for service anyway. They’re hating me. No question they’ll lose money on that deal. My bike’s in there all the time.

Basically, this has been a great first year of riding. I managed to survive, which is good. I don’t know what the stats are, but the chances of wrecking after your first year of riding is over plummet. So hopefully, all the newbie stuff is out of the way. I know for sure that one year ago at Colorado Powersports I spent the best $7700 I ever spent.

I’m already planning for Spring Tour 2007. Last year it was San Francisco. This year, I’m thinking Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Better get that rain gear ready. Who’s coming along? Let’s ride…