Old versus new

Today the new RaceTech rear shocks were mounted on the 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca. As you can see from the video, the tolerance I thought was going to be a problem when mounting the RT's reservoir forward turned out to be a non issue.  Can't wait to get this bike on the road and test out the new 'spenders.'  When track days open up again this spring, will get the bike out and do a complete shake down. Stay tuned for how the old bike becomes a new updated ride.

RaceTech's Matthew Wiley suspension seminar clips

Ever wonder how important suspension is to the performance of your motorcycle? Have you ridden with friends and got smoked in the twisties? Was your first thought, "am I really that crummy of a rider?" Trying to convince your wife you need a new bike? Let me first suggest that all of the above may be cured with one simple fix. Upgrade the suspension. Replace the fork springs, add a RaceTech gold valve, replace worn out bushings, and seals.  Replace the worn out rear shock, or shocks. Try a new set of tires, and check the steering head bearings.  I did all of the above and it has transformed the Yamaha 900 Seca. True, it may not have the same handling performance of a new bike....but it's darn close.  Take a look at some points Matthew gives, try to attend one of the seminars he gives at the Progressive Insurance Motorcycle shows currently being held around the USA, and keep riding the current bike you have. Tough times call for keeping the current bike you have on the road. Upgrades can help.

New Honda 250R

News from the Seattle International Motorcycle show....the new Honda 250R was on display. My hat is off to Honda for bringing this bike to the USA. For all our friends from around the world, 250cc bikes in America are almost unheard of. Kawasaki's 250cc is the only other bike in our market. All of my street riding experience began on a 1972 Honda XL 250 and I didn't, 'move up' till my first year of college. After a short 10 years on 50cc, 100cc, 125cc, 175cc bikes, 650cc felt just right at eighteen.

Putting new riders on 650cc, 120hp bikes never seemed like a good idea to me. So let's hope Honda is moving in the right direction by introducing their newest ride. To all the newbie's......this bike is worthy of your attention.