I was on my way to work this past Friday, about a 35 mile drive one way, and I just made a pass about 30 miles in and was slowing to cruising speed when KABOOM. Sounded like a shotgun went off under my arse. I thought I lost a cylinder for a spit second untill I realized it was my rear tire! I looked down and was goin about 65~70. Its a good thing I read the MSC book that my Mom brought home with her cuz, it paid for itself that day! I shifted my weight to the front, pulled the clutch and used the front breaks to slow myself to the edge of the road. I got off the bike (hands shaking) put the bike on the center stand and called into work, got the day off and called for some help to get it back home. Here's a pic of the rear tire.
Im thankful it happened when/where it did! About 15 miles ago I was on some "back country" roads that would not have been so forgiving (uneven surface and no shoulder), not to mention the pass I just made. Well, I spent all day tracking down a tire to have mounted and balaced... Went and had some yummy pizza and a cold microbrew in Ithaca at The Scale House, near the dealer.
Test drove this little gem while I was at the dealer. 1999 ATK 605. Nice bike, deff not that much fun on road though, my only complaint was not being able to feel my feet after 5 miles!
I made a day of it for sure, figured I was lucky and might better enjoy the rest of the day. Had to stop work once to let rain fall for most of an hour around 5-ish, then finished up with plenty of time to ride. I had almost everything back together when I thought I should pay tributes to the tire gods upstairs. So with my Jardine baffle off, I started'er up and putt down the road a little, got'er warmed up, made sure everything seemed straight, turned around and stopped in front of my bud's house. Now, dont tell me you've never wanted to hear what your bike sounds like with no baffle, who doesnt right? And what better sound than to do a little burn out to clean up that new tire. Soooo... needless to say, I like the sound she makes!
The neighbors might not of but, couldnt have been any worse than one of those Harleys screaming by. Well, I was just glad that I had it all back together, didnt get hurt in the process, and Im able to share this with everyone. I ended up getting a Shinko 712 and riding the night away. On one hand, Im mad at myself for not getting a safe tire sooner, but on the other, happy that I have that experience and didnt get hurt doing it. Happy trails everyone.
Im thankful it happened when/where it did! About 15 miles ago I was on some "back country" roads that would not have been so forgiving (uneven surface and no shoulder), not to mention the pass I just made. Well, I spent all day tracking down a tire to have mounted and balaced... Went and had some yummy pizza and a cold microbrew in Ithaca at The Scale House, near the dealer.
Test drove this little gem while I was at the dealer. 1999 ATK 605. Nice bike, deff not that much fun on road though, my only complaint was not being able to feel my feet after 5 miles!
I made a day of it for sure, figured I was lucky and might better enjoy the rest of the day. Had to stop work once to let rain fall for most of an hour around 5-ish, then finished up with plenty of time to ride. I had almost everything back together when I thought I should pay tributes to the tire gods upstairs. So with my Jardine baffle off, I started'er up and putt down the road a little, got'er warmed up, made sure everything seemed straight, turned around and stopped in front of my bud's house. Now, dont tell me you've never wanted to hear what your bike sounds like with no baffle, who doesnt right? And what better sound than to do a little burn out to clean up that new tire. Soooo... needless to say, I like the sound she makes!
The neighbors might not of but, couldnt have been any worse than one of those Harleys screaming by. Well, I was just glad that I had it all back together, didnt get hurt in the process, and Im able to share this with everyone. I ended up getting a Shinko 712 and riding the night away. On one hand, Im mad at myself for not getting a safe tire sooner, but on the other, happy that I have that experience and didnt get hurt doing it. Happy trails everyone.
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