Equipment
New Rack and Convenience
Probably the one issue I have with the NC700 and long trips is having to unstrap whatever I have on the the pillion seat or undo the saddlebags in order to fill up. I like having the storage space in the frunk, and the gas tank under the seat keeps the weight low, but it adds nearly 10 minutes to a gas stop to unhook and redo the gear. So, there is a guy on the NC700 forums that fabricates rear racks that take the place of the pillion seat. Considering I never had a passenger, I figured why not. So, ordered the rack and a locking gas cap and got it mounted on the bike.
Video Copy and Storage!
This year I want to shoot and post more videos. Of course, that will mean being able to clear the camera’s MicroSD card quickly and easily while on the go (or at least while stopping for a bite.) So, I went looking for a hard drive that was both wifi-enabled and would pull from a MicroSD card. My first glance showed me an expensive solution for a 256GB drive with the processing shell for $400. I know I can do better.
New Phone Mount
I added a new phone mount to my bike, as the old Ram X-Grip would no longer work because the sleep button was moved to the side, and no matter what case I attempted to use it would vibrate down and sleep the phone, and on a few occasions, dialed 911 because it got held in for more than 5 seconds. So, I went on a quest to find a new setup. I did, and it wasn’t exactly cheap, but it will hold up, and has held up even on some washboard gravel.
The HondoGarage mount has it’s own mounting hardware (extra $) but I had the RAM stuff already, so I saved that money. I am definitely recommending this mount, and the fine tuning on grip is great – no extra webbing needed to secure even the largest phones.
New Stuff!
First of all, I realize it has been an age since posting, but there really hasn’t been much to report back on. But, the new year has come in (very cold for us here in Louisville) and it is time to get started. I wish I could say I had a lot of plans set up for this year, but at this moment, I only have a few trips on the books. Also, I finally bit the bullet and ordered new motorcycle boots, as my old ones are not waterproof more than just a random sprinkle. But, more on that later.
First Farkle of 2016
So, using some left over money I had been saving up I purchased a new top box that fits on my existing rear rack. It is a Givi E470 Mono-Key top box. 47 liter capacity. I can put all kinds of stuff in there, but it will be most useful for commuting and putting my laptop bag in and allowing it to be locked if I want to do something right after work. Now, I don’t have to go home to drop off the laptop before heading out. Besides, I can carry my rain gear in case I am not wearing my Klim stuff for some reason and my air compressor and tire repair kit as well. And, if I dont want to have it on, it comes off in a snap with the turn of the key.
Where is Raven? Spot Gen3 Tracking
Last week I added what could be one of the more important pieces of safety gear to Raven. A Spot Generation 3 Personal Locator. I have been looking and thinking about it since I do a lot of solo rides. I am careful, however I cannot control anyone else out on the roads with me, and if something happens, I want to be able to reach out and get help. I believe the Spot Gen3 will help with that. And, it gives the family piece of mind and a way to stalk me.
My Location Map: Where Is Raven
I picked it up and was able to get it set up and try it out this past weekend on the ride to Lawton and the mines. It worked really well, reporting my position when it was set up. The site will keep the track for up to 7 days, I believe, before it clears out. That’s OK, it is really only needed while I am riding. The things I like are I can set a custom message for when I arrive at a destination, a custom message for when I am in trouble as well as contacts, and the SOS that will contact emergency services with the current location. I hope I never need that. Check below the cut for an example of the map – it is from my ride to Lawton.
Withdraw!
Aside Posted on
Yep, it has been over a week since I have been out riding anywhere. And I have missed it. So much, that last night I went to Two-Stroke Tuesday at the Barrett Bar, and have ridden into work today so I can hit LouVin Bike Nite at the Barrett Bar tonight. Unfortunately with the RenFair in full swing for the next 5 weekends, my riding time will be somewhat limited. It is so much fun being on that bike, I really felt like I was being tortured not riding this past weekend.
Perfect (?) Riding Day
So, with doing some extra work on Wednesday and staying after hours, I was able to garner Friday off! This turned into a near perfect riding day. I started off around 9:30 AM after not setting an alarm (so nice) and head across the river to get Raven’s instrument panel replaced (recall). I showed up, and apparently the part was never ordered, even though I had set the appointment to bring it in that day to have it swapped. No biggie, the only thing wrong is the trip meter resets every time the bike is turned off and on.
Gear Brake Smart Module – First Test w/ video
A couple weeks ago I saw a post from a friend of mine who is working with a company that makes various after-market safety equipment for motorcycles. One of these is a smart braking module that plugs in to the wiring at the brake light. It is a small box that attaches to a flat, level surface on the motorcycle. It then plugs into the wiring at the brake light. What it does, in short, is the accelerometer detects when the throttle is released on the motorcycle (a distinct drop in speed) and turns on the brake light, flashing it for 2 seconds (6 flashes). Then, when you pull the brake lever, it again flashes for 2 seconds and then stays solid. This gives a nice early warning to any cars behind you that you are slowing down. There is also a non-flashing module as well.
Luggage finally arrived!
After 2 months, my luggage I ordered back in January finally arrived. Granted, I have not needed it at all so far, so it was not a big deal. I just wanted to have so I can practice getting the bike packed for a camping trip so I can test out my gear and see how long it will take to get things set up. Photos below the break.
Adventures of Raven 
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