Check out my supermodel!

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In my haste to meet deadline, I forgot to show you guys the final product! Enjoy! Leave comments! Do you like my Red Bull rear shock?

Yo, peep these out!

And of course, me and my hot self…

Going into the fall season, it seems like there’s less to do in general. What I mean by that is, there’s less chance you’ll catch most people out riding their bikes. I’ve done the “bundle up” thing a few times. It’s doable, but really… I can wait for a nice day. So with all this time on my hands plus extra cash from not blowing money out gallivanting across the highways, it’s time for some contemplation, new memories, and bike mod hunting.

When I began shopping for my first bike in July of 2006, the factors that I based this critical decision on were minimal at best, and by minimal I mean that I looked at two things: aesthetics and engine size. Even after taking these two factors into account, I realized that all I really knew about the CC count was that by listening to all of my friends’ suggestions, I would be much less likely to kill myself on the 600 vs. the 1000. After I decided that I’d be taking the slightly safer route with power the only thing left was a preference on the outward appearance of my new toy.

I had already fallen in love with a CBR RR that my friend had just acquired. Even though the seat on the 600 fell far short of the comfort of the 1000 that he owned, I figured that it wasn’t something which a Corbin saddle couldn’t fix. But honestly, we don’t buy these bikes to sit on like couch potatoes.

So, with all of that stirring in my head for a few weeks I had my mind made up – Honda it was. They have a great track reputation, and I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but they had a few really good years with the look of their bikes. I found a mint-shape 600 RR at the local dealership, and it couldn’t have been a better fit for me; it happened to be some crazy all-out screaming yellow. That was it, I had my first ride. Clean, stock, and with insanely low miles.

Now with over a year of riding and about 9000 miles under my belt I am able to use a little retrospect to evaluate my formerly uneducated decision. From what I know now, would I change my choice? Not a chance. Although, I do feel nowadays that I could do with a little more power for the low end, having much more clutch control now. I do feel like I did find a great way to break into the sport at the time.

This bike is extremely agile with a full range of steering for the tighter, low speed maneuvers, and sweeping through long lean-ins like a freshly greased roller coaster sitting on brand new rails. Can it go? Oh yeah, it can go. Never underestimate the standards placed on today’s midrange cycles. First gear wheelies come up smoother than oil separating from water, and with a rev limiter that waits until 75 m.p.h to kill your fun, you needn’t worry about shifting with the front wheel up. With a slightly shorter wheel base than some of the other models, even with the weight being beautifully distributed, I would be a little cautious with the high r.p.m. clutch launches. It might just surprise you in an “oh shit” kind of way.

See you in 30!

Ah yes, my thousand dollar forks… for #$^%ing OEM forks no less….Grrrr….The Beringer brakes look awesome though. They don’t fit but Philippe from Beringer offered to help in anyway possible, and he did!

The Marin stealership I ordered these from were no help at all! The owner is this monotonous man who did not want to take responsibility for anything. I merely called and told him perhaps the part was wrong and that if I could exchange them for maybe Brembos. He goes into this entire diatribe about how they don’t sell European bikes there, and that they wouldn’t know what to do.

Yeah, didn’t stop him from taking my money… When I tried to tell him that all I wanted was some help, he told me that I should be glad that I was even allowed to purchase parts there using a credit card. What?!? Let’s just say, I now take my business elsewhere.

The culprits:

Philippe was awesome and explained that all aftermarket calipers need spacers! Duh! So easy. Then he sent me three sets of different spacers along with two sets of longer bolts. At no charge! What a gentleman and businessman!

I am a Beringer customer for life, thanks to you Philippe! Brembo, what? Brembo, who?

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