Welcome to my world - my new baby girl

Baby Alison Chung, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Even-though this is not the first time for me (she is my second one), the feeling of holding a new born is still pretty shocking and touching.... especially I can actually find a trace of myself from her face... that feeling is wonderful. I feel like I am one the luckiest man in the world...

But of cause, I don't mind to "adopt" another kid like a new a Ducati 848 or Hypermotard S too... =)

BBQ oysters over Tomales Bay

BBQ oyster store over Tomales Bay, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Today weather is surprisingly warm and sunny. Compare with the last 3 weeks of rain, today ride is like riding in heaven. The best part is because of Superbowl Sunday, the roads are all empty!

Lunch was great - we had BBQ oyster over The Masrshall Store over Tomales bay. One of the 'most stop' along HW1. The store is small; but the BBQ oyster probably one of the best in the area! The store has all of their oysters suppled locally, and it is always fresh and tasty.

Here is the route for the bay area riders as reference - have fun and ride safe!

New chain and sprockets installed - nicely done!

All done!, originally uploaded by achung_123.

All the correct parts arrive on time and undamaged - well done JC Pak bikes! I got a super deal BTW... very good buying experience with JC!

Finally the sky is clear a bit, and I only have a about 4 hrs window to get it installed since the next rain storm is lining up over pacific - this is a very typical winter weather in North Cal. This is the first time I replace sprockets and chain; and there is no way I want to do it at home - so I leave to the pro to take care of it. I bought my bike to a small local shop for the installation, and only took them 1 hour to get everything done - it was a nice job. Took it to a spin - man, it was quite a difference! The bike felt alive, and I broke the speed limit while still in 2nd gear... this is not good... hahaha...

Here is what I done:

Gear ratio from Ducati factory: Front 15, Rear 38, ratio @ 2.5
Gear ration when I got my bike: Front 14, Rear 38, ration @ 2.7
Newly installed sprockets: Front 15. Rear 42, ratio @ 2.8

As you can see, it is a big jump from the factory setting - but since I got the bike with 14/38, there isn't too big of the jump for me at 15/42. However, I'm for sure can feel the different - the bike feels alive, and a lot quicker at the same amount of twist.

Can't wait to bring it to the twisties - it will be fun! :D

Perfect winter riding weather...

Perfect winter weather..., originally uploaded by achung_123.

It has been raining pretty hard for the past 2 weeks, and finally this weekend we have clear sky - may not be as clear as summer; but I am not complaining. Twisties are still a bit wet, especially in early morning hours. With my not-so-perfect chain situation, we decided doing a short local ride in Oakland hill area. It is all cool - the important part is all my riding buddies able to make it. My chain is still in one piece without falling apart, and we all had a wonderful lunch over Bo's BBQ at Lafayette. BTW, I highly recommend Bo's BBQ - weekday from time to time they have life music, and weekend lunch is always nice and quiet. It is the best BBQ place in the area IMO.

What's wrong of my chains? Gap at sprocket?

what's wrong of my chains?, originally uploaded by achung_123.

My chain has been a bit lose since I replace the rear tire 2 months back. My ride was fine, and I didn't bother it too much since I don't have right tools to deal with it anyway. So I finally got a new torque wrench and right size socket last night to work on it. It supposes to be a simple and straight forward process... but a 15 mins job turned into 1.5 hrs of nightmare...

Here is what I did: losing the axle nut a bit, and adjust the sliding shoes on both left and right and make sure the spindle align... check the chain tension - it looks good; and I re-torque the nut back....everything works as planned - simple, right? Things just start doing downhill when I spin the wheel. Normally when I spin the rear wheel I would feel a constant low resistance; but this time.... there is a spot where I feel something got caught! After close inspection, I found one small section of the chains is not 'fitting' well into the sprocket anymore. I can actually see through the gap!!! WTF?

So... after post my problem on both BARF and Ducati MS, fellow riders suggest that I need a new set of final drive - both front and rear sprockets, and new chain. I have to admit that it is about time anyway - look at how much the chain is stretched. This could be a good excuse to get a new set of nice Supersprox sprockets and RK GB525 gold color chain.

For many experience rider, replacing chain and sprockets is just part of the regular maintenance. This is new to me... and will see how this fix will go. I will post report and pictures once it is done. Stay tune.

1/2-inch Drive Torque Wrench & Breaker

1/2-inch Drive Torque Wrench & Breaker, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Finally they arrived! Mountain 1/2" drive torque wrench and 25" breaker bar. I got them from Tooltopia through Amazon. Very good price, and much better build than the crap in Sears. The entire unit is made by metal - very well build and heavy duty. It also comes with a certificate of calibration stated when the calibration been done and how well it performed. I was impressed! The only draw back is it doesn't have N/m reading - it comes with ft/lb and K/m. Can't want to see them in action. Next time when I need a new set of tiers, I can finally take out the wheels in the comfort of my own garage =D

Dainese M-21 D-Dry glovers

Dainese M-21 D-Dry glovers, originally uploaded by achung_123.

I love my Dainese full-metal racer gloves - it is strong, fitting well, and with state-of-the-art protection. But no matter how nice and strong it is, there is no match with the cold and wet weather. I freeze my hand only after 30 mins of riding in a "good dry day" (typical good winter day in San Francisco area is about mid 40s to mid 50s - rain most of the time during windter). At the end of the freeway exit, my hand actions are always slow with horrible brake and clutch control. And yes, poor clutch control is the #1 reason of low speed bike tip over - don't ask how I know...

So... after few weeks or back and forth, I finally came to my senses and pulled the trigger - got a pair of Dainese D-dry M-21. I got a super deal from the local Dainese D-store (super helpful and freindly sales BTW - highly recommended!), and I believe it is a 2008 or earlier model. It doesn't bother me a bit... it is still a nice pair of gloves even after 2 yrs sitting on the shelf. I was originally eyeing on the more aggressive design like the Dainese M-25. But for close to 40% off... I picked M-21 without second thought. Just like any Dainese leather goods, it runs one size smaller. But what amazes me is the fitting. All of my fingers are fit well - not too long, not too short, even with D-dry interior and insulation - it feels just right. Compare with Full-Metal, it is a lot "beefier" due to the insulation; but it is still within a reasonable level without my fingers feeling like short bananas. The cuff is a lot bigger than Full-Metal - I can easily put my leather sleeve under it with room for nice hand movements. So... it is time to do field test!

After a short 30 miles local ride in low 50s... oh man... my fingers love it! It felt warm during the ride, and it stays warm even over 100mph. The fitting is super so there is no extra glove material flipping between my fingers and levers - which keeps my fingers actions quick and precise. Just like any other glove - it needs time to brake-in... even though Dainese has been well known of short break-in time; a well insulated size small gloves need some addition love... which I will gladly provide... Looking forward to the upcoming longer ride with this pair of nice glove!

Finally got a pair of gauge brackets installed!

Bracket installed along with steering damper by WASP Works

Before installation at stock position

After brackets installation - Gauge lowered!


Gauge bracket before & after, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Finally got a pair of gauge bracket after long search and wait. The parts are home made by one of the fellow member on Ducati MS. Unlike 99% of the parts available on the market; the brackets weren't intended to sale for profit - it is made by someone who truly loves his motorcycles. It is a very simple bracket - all it does is changing the viewing angle of the stock gauge. It improves the visibility of the gauge during aggressive riding position, and the best part is, the lower gauge cleans up the front and make the bike looks a lot cleaner and nicer.

Unfortunately, the quantity of this little mighty brackets are very limited. It wasn't meant to sale for profit, and it wasn't meant for mess production either. Currently it is no longer in production - hopefully someone able to pick it up from where it left off, and continuously contributes and benefits to all Sport Classic riders!

I will provide user review soon! Stay tune!

Sunday solo ride

Sunday solo ride, originally uploaded by achung_123.

It has been relatively dry with over 90% humidity, and the outside temp is somewhere around 45F. With my heated gear I still able to do some short riding... The cold and wet weather keeps out a lot of younger riders off the road - which means more road surface for me :P

It was a very cold but nice ride. Without riding for 2 weeks, my Sport Classic 2 valve desmo engine couldn't be happier! Feels like a happy dog running around in my backyard :D

Cop on my ass again!

Cop on my a$$ again!, originally uploaded by achung_123.

This happened back in Nov 09 - and yes, the police was actually looking at my ass for the SECOND TIME. My custom tail light blocked my license plate (which located all the way under the seat), and the license number can only be seen at certain angles. Oh well, another 'fix-it' ticket; another $18...

I have been looking for a long term solution; but there isn't much offered out there with a reasonable price and design. Here is the list of after-market part I can think of...

- Ducati Sport Classic License Plate Bracket by Palatov Motorsport
- WASP's Tail Chop Kit by WASP WORKS in Australia
- FLEDA system by Pak Bikes

The plate bracket by Palotoy is the cheapest amount all the options since you need reuse the existing part (the lighting unit). But the license plate holder is getting too close to the rear tire, and I really don't think it is a good idea. WASP PUK1 has very nice finish; and it is a completed unit with plug&play. But as usual, nice thing never comes cheap - with shipping it is almost $450 USD.... It is really out of my budget rang. But I still highly recommend it if you can afford it. In face, FLEDA system shares the same 'problem' like WASP - it was really expensive when they first came out - at about $480 range. Just like WASP system, price was the major factor to stop me from purchasing it. The good news is recently they introduced the new "FLEDA-SR-Lite" system cut the cost down to acceptable level; and yet still keeps the same nice low profile design with plug & play. It sounds like a winner to me, and I am sure it will be the next upgrade item on my bike.

Transparent truck!

This is probably one of the best concept out there to protect the users on the road - especially anyone with 2 wheels. Motorcycle basically is transparent to other road users regardless how loud the pipes are - and the more information available the better for the riders. More info after the jump... Engadget

Brammo electric bike - is it for you?

Brammo electric bike, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Spotted this brand new Brammo while I was taking my coffee break at work in SF downtown. I am not surprise it gains popularity in greener city like SF - especially with a price tag of $8K. But if I have $8K to burn, would I ever consider to get a electric bike? I almost sure I won't. I rather get a used Monster, or a new 250... IMO, motorcycle is the symbol of freedom. Motorcycle supposes to be loud and wild (not cruisers kind of loud or wide - sorry, no HD is allowed in this blog :P) Where is the fun when motorcycle doesn't make engine noise? Why I have to limit myself how far I could go? Do I have to wait over-night to charge the battery? I mean.... Brammo doesn't really sounds like a motorcycle to me at all....

There is one thing I want for sure in this picture - the super awesome BMW GS1200R (AKA the biggest dirt bike in the world) quietly sitting in the background... just imagine how far you can go with the GS... all the sudden the Brammo looks like a toy for a 12 yrs old.

Maybe I'm not as green as the electric bike owner; but I ride like a real rider; and I feel proud of how I ride. Ride on!

Almost low-sided!

crappy road.jpg, originally uploaded by achung_123.

It happened almost 2 weeks ago, and I finally have time to go back there to revisit what went wrong. All the mud tracks were washed by the passing cars after a few days; but all the sand and gravels were still everywhere by the time I took the picture...

Here is what happened:

The weather was holding up well on the weekend, so I did a quick 'local back road' loop at 3pm. There were still wet spots here and there especially the areas that under shade. There were debris left from the storm 2 days ago; but in general all the road were fairly clean even on Wild Cat Canyon. Everything was in control and nice... until I hit Alhambra (traveling east). Mad tracks were all over road! Almost every turn had something! I slowed down a bit but still hit one of the mud tracks which goes across the road - the worse part was it is the beginning of the left-hand turn! I picked the path had the least amount of dirt but my front still slide - it shaken and washed for 2 times before it gained traction again. By then I was already in the middle of the turn and I was really close to the right shoulder - and I don't even know how I pull it off without crushing into the rock on the right shoulder....

Man... I was almost $hit my pants! Luckily I didn't panic and pull the break - I just let the bike corrected itself. Lesson to learn: SLOW DOWN and LOOK AHEAD!!! Once slowed down the time I gain will help me to do a better judgment of the given road condition....

Yes, I was one lucky dog!

Motorcycle Close-up

Motorcycle Close-up, originally uploaded by achung_123.

It is alway fun to pay extra attention to details...especially on italian motorcycles.

Redwood run

Weekday Redwood run, originally uploaded by achung_123.

The road was clean but a bit wet from last night fog. It was a nice and easy ride. Redwood road remains to be one of my favorite local twistie - feeling so lucky to many nice roads around Bay Area.

Soul of my Ducati

Ducati, originally uploaded by achung_123.

After re-adjusting the pin, now the clutch lever works VERY WELL. No more odd sound from the clutch (I did pull everything out yesterday to clean each clutch plates for the first time make sure everything is OK). The function zone still typical-Ducati-norrow; but this is the first time I able to 'feel' what the clutch trying to tell me all along...

Not every bike has a soul; but I am sure my Ducati has one =)

Perfect pavement!

Perfect pavement!, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Along HW1 over Tomales Bay - this stretch of HW1 probably has the best pavement over the entire Bay Area!

Today also was the first time I brought my DSLR along to take some higher quality pictures. The same problem still remains - DSLR is just too big and too heavy to carry around. With my heated vest, winter leather jacket, and Kriega backpack, I felt like I just gain 20lb!

Nevertheless, it was one of nicest solo ride I have! Did I mention good lunch too? =D~

Need to do it again soon...

Lake Berryessa Ride

Say Hi! - Lake Berryessa Ride, originally uploaded by achung_123.

The ride was very nice - totally in control of my own pace in both dry and wet roads - no drama, no close-call - just simply a speedy joyful ride.

Lever update - small high-pitch noise kicked in 3 times during the ride. All happened at 1st gear when took off. Noise lasted about a second, and gone before I up shift. I suspect it caused by the longer push pin which comes with the ASV levers. I will adjust it again tomorrow, and see if the problem go away. Stay tune.

Solo ride - levers and heated vest adjustments

Solo ride - levers and heated vest adjustments, originally uploaded by achung_123.

After yesterday levers installations, finally I have a chance to test it out this morning. The test also includes the newly installed heat vest jack located right under my seat on the left. Everything works really well - in fact, I was able to enjoy the ride during the test and adjustments (which is very unusual compare with the adjustment ride of the rearset - it was pain in the a$$!).

I bought a heat vest from Tour Master last year; but didn't have a chance to use it until 3 weeks ago. The cable that comes with the vest works well, but it was too short, and all the wire and heat controller created a very odd riding situation - especially the wire goes between my left leg and the tank. Finally I have time to look for a right extension wire, and now I am able to loop the wire on top of my left leg, and connect the vest to the jack under my seat - all the wire and control are out of my way now! Excellent!

For the new ASV levers - man, this is the best control I ever have! Both levers are very well made, and the level of micro adjustments are unbelievable. Brake lever now works really well. Clutch is good; but it will take me some time to get used to a shorty lever. Because it is shorter, the end of the levers somehow get in-between my middle finger and ring finger. Once that happens, I have a lot of room to play at the lower end of the action - as the result, the control fingers move (index and middle), and it affects the control of the clutch at take off. It is not really a big deal - just need to get use to it.

So far I love it! And the ride reminds me how nice of the backyard I have in Hercules!

Front end updated! Finally!

Front end updated! Finally!, originally uploaded by achung_123.

Finally, the front end of my Sport 1000 has been addressed. I am pretty happy with the work so far based on the limited budget, and I am sure I will do more in the near future. There are many things still on my "to-do" list, like powder coating handle bars and triple tree and replacing the stock front fender to carbon fiber.... but then again - take it slow, and do it one-by-one.

Here is the list of things I have done so far to the front end:

- ASV shorty levers - the adjustments are super! I haven't test ride it yet. I will update the review once I hit the road.
- Black paint coated signals, light bracket, and headlight rim
- New bar-ends and bar-end mirrors - from Cycle gear - cost 50% less than Rizoma mirrors but just look and work as nice if not better. Finally I can see clearly what's going on behind me over 90 MPH!
- Rizoma reservoirs and arms with clear tube - Used to have sweating problem with black fuel tube (lean it my lesson in a hard way!). I switched to Brembo clean tube from Yoyodyne - not a cheap tubing but problem free so far!