The joys of a monster

[benson]

Well today was one of those days. :mand: After a totally sodden weekend and yesterday spent at work and most of the rest of the time drying out I really needed some cheering up.:cry:

So this morning - a cold and somewhat grey affair - I decided to take the monster to work.

I did the usual, no expectations, no real thoughts other than "oh god even though it's Tuesday it feels like Monday" sat there, pressed the start and bless it - despite a thorough soaking and a horrid weekend first time it fires up and gives me that monser grin:mand:

So I warm him up (for those of you who don't my bike Frank he's definitely a boy bike) and off we go.:fiery:

Well no sooner had I left the front drive than I'm just really starting to smile because I'm back on my monster. I head round the totally redious roads to the north circular and even the A406 felt like a better place. The noise, the torque and the downright loveliness of the bike just really made me smile. 21 miles of dull commute that leaves me pretty much asleep on the BMW just made me smile from ear to ear because I was on the monster. :mand: Admittedly there are mornings when the heated grips of the Beemer are my heart's desire but this morning it just had to be the monster - one of those mornings when you realise that no matter what life throws at you your bike is yours forever and yours alone. I've sold my soul pretty much to keep it on the road over the years but I'll never be parted from it - even if I have to have it as a piece of modern art - I love my monster and wild horses wouldn't drag me from it.

By the time I'd hurtled to the office I just didn't want to stop. Shame that I had to - the bike felt dreamy to ride and the new clutch and radial brake have made a hell of a difference. I just sat on the bike and smiled until a work colleague came up and said hello and was I ok - how to explain the sheer bliss and total immersion that a bike can bring - the rest of the word had become meaningless (well morseo) and it felt just blissful.

Go find those special moments on your bikes - even if it's a ****ty commute - whatever wheever - there's nothing like it.

OK - I'll shut up now - enough warbling from me.

Having a bit of a Zen day all in all. Long may it last.

Have fun folks.

Rachel
xxx

[bobob]

Hey Rach, I know how it feels round the north circular... I used to love dropping down a gear into high revs going through the tunnels on my 748... heh heh... woke many a suited bmw driver early in the morning :)

[SazzaG]

Wish I'd gone on the monster myself this morning.

Decided not too, as I was a bit tired after getting back from the theatre in London at 1am. Roads will be clear, I thought, as it's half term. Well, they were lovely and clear, until someone decided to break down on the A27.

Finally got to work and had problems parking - could have parked on site with the bike. Grrr. And it was sunny all the way home.

Tomorrow will be different - my father-in-law needs to borrow my car (it's sort of his anyway), so I guess I'll be going on the bike then!

I should have learned by now - always take the monster whenever possible...

Saz

[Pedro]

Hey Rach, sounds like the force was with you today - lomng may it continue!!!

And I know what you mean about keeping your bike - I ain't never selling mine!

Ped

[benson]

Indeed Ped - I am just hoping that it lasts - :mand: :mand: :mand:

[Nonnie]

Yes, the force is strong in this one!

Three cheers for Frank! Hip hip.....

[Stuart42]

It must be the day for it,I felt superb coming to work this morning, was just one of those days.Even the newly enforced speed limits didn't depress me as much, found it's alot easier to overtake cars now they're travelling slower ;0)
Reminds me must have a look at the Desmo Due race stuff as wouldn't mind giving it a go, they must be fun to race.
The Monster has certainly renewed my love of riding,best purchase of the year.
Cheers
Stuart

[benson]

And more sunshine today! Hope it lasts through the weekend - I could do with some miles and some seaside :-)

[Paivi]

And there I was yesterday, pootling along on my scooter... ;)

Took the Duchess out today, and arrived much faster at work (hmm, must have a rethink on routes), but with a smile on my face. A bit chilly, but sunny, wahey, could it be that spring has sprung? :biggrin:

[benson]

You see - there are more than a few hints of spring - allbethey (a new word!) a bit thin on the ground but those grins are hatching along with I hope the warmer weather. Paivi - -is the duchess properly recovered from her encounter with the geriatric neighbour?

[Pedro]

The force was strong again today, woke up to blue skies, threw the car keys in the corner and went to work at about warp 8 on the Monnie - bloody ace!! Arrived at work with a stupid grin and too much adrenaline!! Who needs coffee, ride yer bike instead!

I hoping the sun stays and I can't find the car keys tomorrow too!!

Ped

[bigredduke]

OH yeah!
Just go on about how brilliant it is to be riding a monster at the moment whilst I am still monster-less! Still waiting for the tank decals from Italy apparently. At this rate I will get back on the road in time for November!

To those of you out and about - enjoy and ride safe. Hope to see you at the MAD weekend at Squires.

[Pedro]

You're not the only one Monster-less, just ask Natty "I've broken it" Boy!!!!

Hehehehe

[benson]

Another good day all in all I agree - been out this evening even if it was only to the supermarket for something that I didn't need about 30 miles out of my way - hell - who cares - monnies are ace and I love the sun - more of the same - bring it on!!! For those of you with cars - go hide the keys!!!!!!:spin:

Bigredduke - what's happening with the bike? Did I miss something or is this a service/mod off road-ness (note well constructed sentence - NOT!!!) Hope you are reunited again soon - you have my sympathy - hope it comes home again soon...

Ride safe and have fun - enjoy the roads and the sun and the bikes...:thumbsup:

[benson]

Oh no - what's happened to Natty Boy's bike???:scratch:

[Pedro]

Oh no - what's happened to Natty Boy's bike???:scratch:


Well you all know he is blessed with great mechanical knowledge and skill right? Well, I think the term he used was "it's fooked"....

Personally, I think it's karma for having too many nice bikes... :chuckle:

[benson]

Oh dear - that's not too good. As one who also has great mechanical knowledge - I understand that term fooked!!!!!:eek:

[Pedro]

Oh, and if you want to hurtle through traffic and the like, I can recommend a 14 tooth front sprocket! Mucho grin inducing!! Overtakes take no time at all!

[benson]

Oh Ped no no no no no I really can't afford to do anything at all to my bike ever again.

OK I Lied!!!!!

But then again - how much are the aforementioned (note use of very adult labguage in order to convince everyone that I am a sensible and mature person and not a total ****wit when it comes to money...) articles?????

[benson]

And just because I know nothing at all - how many teeth are there normally on a front sprocket? Can the back one stay the same? Sorry - too excited now!!!!!

[Pedro]

About £15 and worth every penny - bit buzzy at high speed (3 figures, cough, ahem...) but a serious giggle at more normal stuff. Wheelies are much easier... Sprocket takes about 10 minutes to fit too!

Hehehehe

[Pedro]

15/39 is stock gearing on a 900 (well mine anyway). You could do 14/39 or 15/41 or 42 to get the same effect

Nearly chipped my crash hat with the speedo the first time I gave it a handful with the 14..... :chuckle:

[benson]

Ha ha ha!!! Sounds fantastic!!!!!! Now I just need to find out where to get one and how to put one on!!!!!

[Pedro]

Busters will do one mail order and fitting is pretty easy.

Slacken the rear wheel and move it right forward on the adjusters. Remove the sprocket cover and undo the two little bolts on the sprocket keeper plate. You might have to undo the clutch cylinder mounting bolts too. When these are off, wriggle the old sprocket off the shaft and chain and replace with new smaller one (make sure you slap a little chain lube on it first), replace the keeper plate and bolts, refit the clutch cylinder and sprocket cover and readjust the chain and your done

Ped

[Paivi]

Paivi - -is the duchess properly recovered from her encounter with the geriatric neighbour?
No, am still waiting for new bars, which should arrive by Saturday. It's OK to ride, if anything it's better, as the turning circle has increased! I may ask her to bend the other side, too...

[benson]

Busters will do one mail order and fitting is pretty easy.

Slacken the rear wheel and move it right forward on the adjusters. Remove the sprocket cover and undo the two little bolts on the sprocket keeper plate. You might have to undo the clutch cylinder mounting bolts too. When these are off, wriggle the old sprocket off the shaft and chain and replace with new smaller one (make sure you slap a little chain lube on it first), replace the keeper plate and bolts, refit the clutch cylinder and sprocket cover and readjust the chain and your done

Ped

Note to self - must buy stand!!!!:banghead:

[benson]

No, am still waiting for new bars, which should arrive by Saturday. It's OK to ride, if anything it's better, as the turning circle has increased! I may ask her to bend the other side, too...

Hope they arrive and get fitted and you're going round in those ever increasing monster circles again soon!

Meanwhile it's a bit couldy this morning - but still the bikes are calling...Let me know if you fancy Oakdene this Sunday - call it a practice breakfast for next weekend!!!!!:mand: :mand: :mand:

[bigredduke]

Bigredduke - what's happening with the bike? Did I miss something or is this a service/mod off road-ness (note well constructed sentence - NOT!!!) Hope you are reunited again soon - you have my sympathy - hope it comes home again soon...

The bike was made roadworthy for the weekender, but had to go in afterwards for the dent-in-tank repair, fork stanchion, frame lug etc. The tank is repaired and resprayed but ducati sent the wrong decals so we are waiting for the right ones to come from Italy.

'Fortunately', May was such a washout that I probably would have only ridden it on a couple of occasions but I am definitely getting withdrawal symptoms now!

[benson]

That's a relief - glad it wasn't anything additional - hope those decals arrive soon....

[Paivi]

Hope they arrive and get fitted and you're going round in those ever increasing monster circles again soon!

Meanwhile it's a bit couldy this morning - but still the bikes are calling...Let me know if you fancy Oakdene this Sunday - call it a practice breakfast for next weekend!!!!!:mand: :mand: :mand:
Thanks sweetie, but I'm going to have to pass: been to the vet today and she diagnosed a very nasty infection in my throat, chest and lungs! Double dose of antibiotics and plenty of rest & warmth, and I might be OK in about a week. I hope, as this has been going on for over two weeks now, and I'm feeling half dead.

I'll defo do the GEMS, though. Note to self: buy tickets!

[benson]

Oh no - poor you! I totally blame the weather - there have been loads of folks off work with what you'er describing - too much wet and wind and rain and not enough sunshine! Anyways - wish you and the handlebars better!:cool:

Got my new clutch pressure plate - what else but a gold one and some new balck spring cups - so they'll be going on tomorrow (well actually the lovely Ray at Rosso Corse is doing the deed!) yes more bling for Frankie!!!

[scrumpster]

Well I have to say I ride mine to work (11 miles) most days and yes arrive with a grin most days. Not so much grinning when I leave work, especially when some idiot decides to park across where we park our bikes, so it's hard to get out. Oh and sorry Mr Plod for overtaking as you were coming the other way, I was grinning under my dark visor - and of course you know who I am......tee hee :mand: mind you, that could also be a bad thing :eek:

[benson]

Yeah well I think you've got friends in high places!!! And yes - it looks as if summer might just be round the corner!!!

OK - that was a kiss of death if ever there was one!!!:dizzy: