Redwood & Pinehurst road - local quick spin!

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Redwood road - local quick spin!, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

I have been almost a month since I last fire her up - really miss it. It was a good reminder of how much fun I had - and pain. Man, I am getting old : )

Ducati Sport Classic self portrait

Ducati Sport Classic self portrait, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

One of my on going project - it's all ME ME ME!!! Enjoy!

Nice ride - Lake Berryessa Run with video!

Check out the newly added video! I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do!

Nice ride! - Lake Berryessa run

Nice ride! - Lake Berryessa run, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

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It was a nice ride! Many turns around the route still really wet especially the road that cover under shade - but most of the road were dry. And... I am slow - there I said it =/ Man, I was just keep eating the dust of the BMW 1000RR and 749. But still - glad to be out with my Classic... it was probably the best winter ride!

Will post video soon! Stay tune...

Contour camera mounting options

Front view

In action

Mount details

Slider loction

Contour camera mounting option, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

I have received a lot of questions recently regarding the Contour camera mounting options and locations, and what kind of hardware I use. Instead of answer it one by one, I think it should be a stand-alone post so it's easier for future reference...

The Sport 1000 has tons of possible mount locations. I could of just mount it directly on the trellis frame; but I really don't want to risk damaging the frame. That's why I picked these two locations: over handle bar and on the frame slider post. I use the standard RAM Zinc Coated U-Bolt Base w/1" Ball. It came with 2 U-shaped bracket, and I just pick whatever fit best. I also use the half round plastic filler piece (included) to increase traction, As you can see, the mounting locations that I picked were pretty un-noticable until I put on the mounting arm and camera. BTW, the mount on the handle bar is actually mounted on the master cylinder - basically I'm running out of room on the clip-ons. Also, I mounted them on the left side (facing front) only for easier control on-the-fly. So far both locations work really well!

If you STILL have question, just send me a e-mail ; )

Replacement Gloves - Dainese Full Metal Pro

Close up

Start from the right: Full Metal Pro 2011; Full Metal Pro 2009; Ignition 2010; and 4 Storks 2011

Replacement Gloves - Dainese Full Metal Pro, a photo by Speedy Chung on Flickr.

It's all started about 3 months ago when the weather still nice and warm - I found a small hole at the right palm of my Full Metal Pro leather glove. At the end of the 3rd season after more than 3 yrs of ownership, it's normal to have some wear and tear. I just wanted to fix it - seriously, I love the Full Metal Pro - it's soft, light weight, full of protection, and the best is, IT FITS ME LIEK MY SECOND SKIN. So I bought back to D-Store in San Francisco and asking for help. Mike from D-store told me that the hole is not located at a normal tear location so I may need to pay for repair if the warranty didn't cover the repair cost; but they will process it anyway. I was completely fine with it - all I want is get it fixed...

So after 3 months of waiting (sounds long but it's normal for warranty work. Due to the weather change, it too cold to use the Full Metal Pro anyway so it's OK for the wait), Mike called saying that a new pair of glove is waiting for me! It feels like Christmas all over again =) Thank you D-Store for their excellent service; and thank you Dainese to stand with their products once again.

Last ride of 2011!

It's time to say Goodbye to year 2011! It had been a lot of ups and downs but somehow we all still manage to ride through it. There is nothing better than have a nice easy group ride in an unusually warm December weather to end the year. I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I did!

Le Filtrage

Found this video online - it brings out the true spirit of riding. My favorite quote: A man who has great cheese, does not have time for Cognac.  I hope you enjoy the video as much as I do!


Le Filtrage - Free Riding from Oli333 on Vimeo.

Redwood fun after work

Redwood fun after work, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

Here you go! Something short as a test clip. I attached my Contour camera on a suction cup; but I realized that the camera shaken pretty badly due to the heavier locking head on the suction cup. I have been exploring different mounting methods and locations - hopefully new video clips come soon. Stay tune!

Contour ROMA first road test

Contour ROMA first road test, a photo by Speedy Chung on Flickr.

I am glad to report that everything works really well. Check out the video of my short local easy ride and judge it yourself!

The new guy in town - Contour ROMA

Contour ROMA, a photo by Speedy Chung on Flickr.

After some back and forth finally I made a decision to get Contour ROMA. People may ask why not GoPro Hero HD? I own a older Hero, and the image quality and sound quality were both very good. But both the mounting and operation were really painful - half of the time I can't even tell the unit is on! The worst part is the mount - you HAVE TO keep the unit up-right, and deal with all the little mounting pieces on the go just simply too much to deal with. So I decided to give Contour a shot. I was thinking about getting the nicer unit - Contour GPS. It has full HD recording; plus GPS tracking to tell exactly your path and location. But after going through some user reviews I realize I rather trade the GPS function for a longer battery life and simpler operation. Just one slid on the top of the unit, it's on and start recording! SImple and easy. It offers Full HD recording at 30 fps and 170 degree wide angle (unlike the Contour GPS, it offers Full HD at 60fps but at 125 degree only). It has laser guild to make sure the lens stay horizontal and it's water proof too (up to 1m depth). The best part is, it's about $70 cheaper then Contour GPS!

I got myself a nice mounting to go along with my new toy - RAM Mounting System. It's made by marine grade aluminum with 1" rubber balls for vibration isolation. Everything so far comes together well - can't way for field this Sunday! Stay tune!

Yes oysters! More please!

I guess I am not the only one who loves the local oyster... Here is the video shot by a local Classic rider about his oyster run. Very well made video - hope you all enjoy!

Oyster Run from mrfears on Vimeo.

Sunday small group ride

Sunday small group ride, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

It was very nice to ride with a local Sport 1000LE owner on a sunny and nice Sunday morning. It's one of the best looking bike out there! More picts here!

Dainese 4 Stroke Leather Gloves

Dainese 4 Stroke Leather Gloves, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

While my bike still in the shop, let's go shopping! Just kidding... but I do need a pair of shorties to fit my jackets better. The sleeves of both the Racing jacket and the HF Special jacket just a bit too long for the long gloves to handle. So... I picked the 4 Stroke. After 5 weeks of wait finally it arrived. After close inspection I found out that It's not as well made as Piston (sold on Ebay a year ago); but the 4 Stroke is still pretty nice - and it's a lot cheaper - $60 cheaper then the original Piston. Seriously I don't where Dainese cuts corner.... But it's for sure looks good and feel good for me! One small complain - the pinky has a lot of protection - which is good; but it's pretty painful to break-in. Oddly enough, the higher priced items like Full Metal actually needs less time (if not none) to break-in. I guess that's where the fitment and craftsmanship comes in.

Yeah, it's like Christmas in July =)

Dainese Racing Jacket - my latest jacket addition

Dainese Racing Jacket, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

I have been eyeing on a new leather jacket for some time since I sold my beloved Delmar jacket few weeks back - and finally I found this nice white Racing jacket (big thanks to Mike at D-Store San Francisco). One thing I learn from my old Delmar jacket is that the so-called aerodynamic spoiler is really unless POS when it comes to street riding. My suit has one - it looks cool and fast, and it keeps my temperature down during the hot day. But in the case of jacket, especially without vent, it just adds extra weight without any real benefit. In fact, it creates problem when I use backpack. So it's time to get something simple and light wight for work day riding. The fitting of the Racing jacket is great. It's light in weight (comes without heavy liner) and fit me really well compare to the new Delmar, Alain, and Santa Monica (BTW, Santa Monica is one of the very best jacket out there; but I was informed that it will be discontinued in next season - that translated into big saving at the end of this riding season. Anyone interested, make sure add yourself into D-store mail list).

Next thing will be nice shorty gloves...

One of best video about local rides...

Escapism from barry munsterteiger on Vimeo.
Found this very nice video from my local riding forum - all the roads are local, and it really connects to the way that I ride when I am out there - get away from the daily life, having fun and speed on the open roads in control manner - no dragging knees, no wheelies, no drama. Good job buddy!

Triumph Demo Day at Ace Motosports

Triumph Demo Day at Ace, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

Thank you Ace and Triumph USA putting the event together. There was about 20 demo bikes available for test ride - pretty much full line of current Triumph products. I was plan to check out the Street Triple and Tiger 1050; but the line was too long and the spots filled up quickly. End up I got the Bonneville SE and Scrambler. Both bikes are really down-to-earth kind of ride - raw and simple. Bonneville is fun in an odd way - very very slow, and I actually can relax hitting redline (to the point.... falling asleep?). Scrambler is just fun - the pipes give a very special exhaust tones (sounds like a very very angry duck!). It has more kicks than Bonneville; but the brake on both bikes are equally bad. I really don't think I will ever get one of these bikes... but hey, no one should say never...

There are still day two! I wonder I have time after the Ducati Rider Portrait’s Photo Project opening reception in Sunnyvale Art Gallery....

New addition to my leather collection!

Anyone know this jacket?, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

Lucky me!!! Great find from Craigslist - it is a older retro style Dainese HF Special Leather jacket from 2007 model year. The leather is a bit dry but without over stretching or road rush. After some love (cleaning and leather conditioner), it looks great!!! Perfect match with my Classic... that's if I get my Classic back >_<

2011 Ducati lineup

Just found this clip online for 2011 model lineup with Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike. Enjoy!

Arai pod fails again!

Arai pod fails again!, originally uploaded by Speedy Chung.

As much as I love Arai, the pod system really bothering me. It's loud (wind noise), changing shield is painful, and it's un-relible. This is the second time it fails on me - luckily both times happened off ride. Odd thing is both failed on the left side... But I have to said the warranty is great - file my new open ticket online and got respond and confirmation on the following day. Hmm... will I buy Arai again? Really not sure... So far 4 of my Shoei (RF1000, and three X-11s) are all fail proof - nothing broke even after I crashed! What can I say???