Riding in the Rain

Today was the first day I actually planned to ride in the rain....to work. For the Burgman to be primary transportation, I need to learn to ride in all weather conditions...with ice being the exception.

I geared up in the Frogg Togg, full cover gloves and the helmet(which is ALWAYS worn regardless) and headed from Wylie into Plano. Being extremely mindful of the traffic in front of me and the traffic lights in the distance, I have to say that it was a fun ride in. No incidents or road issues and I arrived bone-dry thanks to the rain gear.

It rained all day today and was still raining when I left work, so I got to enjoy the ride home in the rain. I took a different route home that is lesser traffic(driving defensively) and stayed mindful of the 2 and 12 second rule. No speeding and keeping my distance. Drive like I was invisible. Once again, the MSF class proved its valuability.

So, I consider today a milestone in my two-wheel journey as rain is now an acceptable riding condition.

Ride Safe!

Our first day out!

Kelli got her MSF class done and the M-class added to her license, SO, it was time to take the first ride. The first couple of hours was in and around the neighborhood perfecting turns, stops, and remembering to turn off the turn signals. :)

MPG and MSF

I filled up Blue Thunder (that's the nickname of the Burgman-it lives up to that title) today and the dash gauge has me at 57 mpg, but the real numbers of 177.3 miles on 2.816 miles gives me 63 MPG. That's pretty impressive given Big Red has been averaging between 55-60 lately. 150cc more power for better mileage? God bless fuel injection!

Today, Kelli is taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class and will complete it tomorrow. I'm so excited that we'll get to ride around town together. Big Red is perfect for her since I've tuned it and tweaked it alot. Now I need to start looking at who is going to paint Big Red to turn her into PINKY.

Good weekend to have the cruds..it's cold outside and the fireplace is comfy!

Weekend of Cruising around......

The Suzuki Burgman 400 has been ridden ALOT this weekend.

Once we got home on Saturday, we geared up and hit the roads around Wylie...Kelli and I on the scooter and it handled the 2UP without a hitch or hiccup. The rain ended that ride. Sure wanted to see how the headlights looked, but it rained all night.

Sunday afternoon, we take a leisurely 2UP ride along 78 North into Farmersville and looped back around to Wylie. Again, the rain and cold shortened the ride.

Sunday night, I finally get to test the night lights and all I can say is WOW. Those headlights illuminate the road with some powerful halogen power. No need to worry about being able to see and see well.

Enjoyed the 2UPs with Kelli. She's having a blast and ready to get her learner permit. Once that happens, we get to ride scooters together.

Ride Safe!

I upgraded today!

I took the Kelli out for a ride on Big Red last Sunday(first time as a passenger) and let her ride it around...and little did I know that she would go ga-ga and really want to get Scootin!

After some chat, we decided that she would take Big Red...turn her into "Pinky", and I would consider the step up since I actually ride daily for commuting and pleasure. She wants to ride just for the occasional trip.

So, we went to Plano Kawasaki/Suzuki and picked up a 2007 Suzuki Burgman 400. It was a great deal, got to add 3 years of warranty, free helmet(a really nice one too!), and Kelli got some pink gear. Once I test rode the Burgman, it was definitely raising the bar-smooth ride, the handles and control feel smoother to the touch, and the brakes are more fluid versus jerky AND it gets around 60mpg and has no problem getting up to speed on the interstate.

So, I sense some longer rides in my near future! Still figuring out a nickname, but I'm really blessed that Kelli is so supportive and wanting to get in on the fun too!

Ride Safe!