Wednesday, March 27, 2013

First Two-Wheeled Ride of 2013

SV650 first ride of 2013

This week the warmth has finally started to return to Minnesota. The snow is receding and spring might finally be on the way. Today, was exceptionally nice with temps soaring to the high 40s! I have seen a couple other motorcycles around, and have been envious of their ride.

When I leave in the morning, there is still a fair amount of ice around from the snow melt, so I’ve been taking the Ural. After I got home tonight, I couldn’t wait anymore. It was time to get the SV650 on the road!

I checked the tires, oil, chain, and took it off the tender. It started up on the second try, and I let it warm up while I got my WR250R ready to ride. I forgot how much I love the sound of the SV exhaust.

Once I sat on it, it was like putting on an old leather glove. It felt perfect. I had just enough gas in the tank to get to the gas station, and then it was off to an empty parking lot to practice.

Empty parking lot for practicing

I’ve been riding all winter, but three wheels is a tad different than two. I wanted to get reacquainted with the SV. It was nice to practice braking, swerving, and some tight turns. The brakes are so much better than the Ural it was almost a bit scary. It was pure joy to be back on the SV.

Once I was comfortable with practice, I took the very long way home. I was reminded why the SV is my favorite bike. The sound, the feel, and the experience. My face hurts from smiling. I so needed that ride today. It’s been a long winter.

I took the WR250R out for a short ride as well. So maneuverable and fun. I was doing full lock circles in no time. Maybe next week I can ride to work on two wheels.

19 comments:

  1. Seems like we'll never get out of the 30's here in North Alabama Chris!! Have fun out there. Hope the snow melts soon.

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  2. Love the first photo! I was back to riding today. The only place I had to watch out for the ice from snow melt was in the Cafe parking lot. All the roads were fine. It just seemed ironic somehow.

    Glad you got a ride in.
    ~k

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    1. The only ice and snow is where you were going? Lol.

      Glad you are riding again as well

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  3. Wow, things really cleared up fast! Or at least that's how it looks from the outside looking in. Nice blue sky in the pictures, it looks wonderful.

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    1. Roads are clearing yes. Still snow banks around though

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  4. Just pulled out my Symba to start getting it prepped for spring. Hoping to get out on the roads here in St. Paul soon!

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    1. Yay! Another Symba owner. Sure love mine. Ride on!

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    2. Awesome! Did you get some rides in this week?

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  5. We have had balmy 66F today, and lots of big smiles on two wheels. Finally!

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  6. The old Honda XL600R took me to work and back today ... chilly on the way down into Minneapolis, but nice and balmy on the way back ... what a delight! Seems you often pass right by our place ... we will have to connect!

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    1. I'm back on the SV now too. So nice to be on two wheels again. Yes, a bit chilly in the mornings for sure! Maybe we can meet up at the swap meet tomorrow

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  7. Yay. Glad to see that blue sky and sunshine in the background.

    Glad you are back on two wheels. Hopefully you won't see any more snow.

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    1. So nice to on two wheels. I am looking at a snow bank as I type this, but the roads are mostly clear. Hopefully the weather guessers are wrong and it won't snow this weekend

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  8. I snuck in a quick ride on the WR250 on Saturday too, before it turned blustery. Remember both the tires & asphalt will be pretty cold when practicing, and beware the sand ;-)

    Hoping to get the FJR out later this week, if Mother Nature cooperates.

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    1. Yup, the sand keeps things interesting :-)

      Did you get your fjr out?

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  9. At least your brain will be more healthier by riding besides that riding is so much fun! http://www.motorcycleinsurance.com/this-is-your-brain-on-a-motorcycle/

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    1. Riding is more fun, that's why in ride year round.

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