Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
First Car - Update...
After that long-ish post, I was struck with nostalgia...
All that time spent with Shadowfax (SFX):
1) The mechanical fuel pump that would dry out in exactly 3 days (same time as a long weekend to go home in), making me crank the engine for 5 - 10 minutes just to get her started on Monday mornings. Exactly 3 attempts.
2) That brake cylinder in the left front wheel that was always leaking - with that characteristic pull to the left when I stomp on the brakes (probably all the time). Those wise in the ways of SFX know how to pull to the right while using the brakes. Lack of such knowledge would lead to scenarios with Shadowfax sliding sideways at 90 kmph on a 2 lane highway much to the amusement of a truck driver driving towards her.
3) Bad charging hardware with extremely low RPM city driving would leave the battery without much charge for emergency engine startup. Thanks to perfect engine tune, I was never left stranded. This led to my driving with just running lights and not using wipers in precipitation.
4) Leaky windscreen seals would leave the the foot wells wet if she was left out in the rain for too long. Ah... the squelch of stepping into a wet car. =)
5) Leaky engine seals (old age - she was a 1990 model!) would leave white smoke under hard acceleration and idling - this would lead to very interesting moments in underground parking lots with me worrying if the smoke alarms would be tripped. It was like in the movies - parking SFX, and then me emerging out of white fog (smoke, fog - it all looks the same) like the hero.
6) Overpowered black market stereo system - hand-wired (by some one else) stereo system (bad amp included) and inverted hand-wired speakers (Gowher, in Cochin - best hand made speakers!) make for very loud music. I've been asked (politely) to turn down my music more than once by parking and security guards.
7) Mismatched tyres with little or no tread would let SFX slide around a bit on nice fast sweepers on highways. Good fun...
8) Solid steel bumpers in Chennai traffic. 'Nuff said.
9) Upholstery that would poke and a front seat that would slide forward under hard braking. Heh.
10) Last but never least - a radiator that would periodically leak all the water it had all over the parking lot. I swear SFX was messing with me most of the time. She'd do this only when I had access to water - ended up with me always carrying close to 7 liters of (non-potable) water in the car at all times.
Ah... I miss you SFX. Come back where ever you are!
All that time spent with Shadowfax (SFX):
1) The mechanical fuel pump that would dry out in exactly 3 days (same time as a long weekend to go home in), making me crank the engine for 5 - 10 minutes just to get her started on Monday mornings. Exactly 3 attempts.
2) That brake cylinder in the left front wheel that was always leaking - with that characteristic pull to the left when I stomp on the brakes (probably all the time). Those wise in the ways of SFX know how to pull to the right while using the brakes. Lack of such knowledge would lead to scenarios with Shadowfax sliding sideways at 90 kmph on a 2 lane highway much to the amusement of a truck driver driving towards her.
3) Bad charging hardware with extremely low RPM city driving would leave the battery without much charge for emergency engine startup. Thanks to perfect engine tune, I was never left stranded. This led to my driving with just running lights and not using wipers in precipitation.
4) Leaky windscreen seals would leave the the foot wells wet if she was left out in the rain for too long. Ah... the squelch of stepping into a wet car. =)
5) Leaky engine seals (old age - she was a 1990 model!) would leave white smoke under hard acceleration and idling - this would lead to very interesting moments in underground parking lots with me worrying if the smoke alarms would be tripped. It was like in the movies - parking SFX, and then me emerging out of white fog (smoke, fog - it all looks the same) like the hero.
6) Overpowered black market stereo system - hand-wired (by some one else) stereo system (bad amp included) and inverted hand-wired speakers (Gowher, in Cochin - best hand made speakers!) make for very loud music. I've been asked (politely) to turn down my music more than once by parking and security guards.
7) Mismatched tyres with little or no tread would let SFX slide around a bit on nice fast sweepers on highways. Good fun...
8) Solid steel bumpers in Chennai traffic. 'Nuff said.
9) Upholstery that would poke and a front seat that would slide forward under hard braking. Heh.
10) Last but never least - a radiator that would periodically leak all the water it had all over the parking lot. I swear SFX was messing with me most of the time. She'd do this only when I had access to water - ended up with me always carrying close to 7 liters of (non-potable) water in the car at all times.
Ah... I miss you SFX. Come back where ever you are!
First Car!
After quite a bit of searching over two days, I finally managed to dig up a picture of my first car - affectionately called Shadowfax. The name stuck because of the following description from Wikipedia on Shadowfax - No Man could tame Shadowfax. He would not tolerate a bridle or saddle and only carried Gandalf by choice.
A willing partner-in-crime for almost everything, she has once helped me win a bet that I could drive all the way from home to Besant Nagar Beach in top gear - no stops , no downshifts anywhere... Here's the route map - starting from the 6th Main Road on the left all the way to the Schmidt memorial (on the beach) on the right!
Route Map:
View Larger Map
Also party to a broken linkage rod from the shift lever to the gearbox (read - stuck in one gear) I've driven all the way from Mount Road into my garage in Adyar! The clutch did not give way after that feat and lasted all the way to a ass-out drive of 700 kms in sweltering heat from Chennai to Cochin at the end of my Chennai stay...
Mount Road to Adyar: (Thousand Light on top to Kasturibai Nagar at the bottom)
View Larger Map
Chennai to Cochin: (Chennai - Ambur - Erode - Coimbatore - Cochin)
View Larger Map
It's been an honor, old friend - no other vehicle will be as dear to me as you. I wish you were here with me now.
A willing partner-in-crime for almost everything, she has once helped me win a bet that I could drive all the way from home to Besant Nagar Beach in top gear - no stops , no downshifts anywhere... Here's the route map - starting from the 6th Main Road on the left all the way to the Schmidt memorial (on the beach) on the right!
Route Map:
View Larger Map
Also party to a broken linkage rod from the shift lever to the gearbox (read - stuck in one gear) I've driven all the way from Mount Road into my garage in Adyar! The clutch did not give way after that feat and lasted all the way to a ass-out drive of 700 kms in sweltering heat from Chennai to Cochin at the end of my Chennai stay...
Mount Road to Adyar: (Thousand Light on top to Kasturibai Nagar at the bottom)
View Larger Map
Chennai to Cochin: (Chennai - Ambur - Erode - Coimbatore - Cochin)
View Larger Map
It's been an honor, old friend - no other vehicle will be as dear to me as you. I wish you were here with me now.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
General update - Christmas 2007
It's again been too long since the last update...
Sylvie's been doing good.
She got a nice oil change at 18000 kms with fully synth EO from Shell -
Today morning she got a new set of rubbers (at 18490 kms) - Metzeler Sportec M3s.
Sylvie's been doing good.
She got a nice oil change at 18000 kms with fully synth EO from Shell -
Today morning she got a new set of rubbers (at 18490 kms) - Metzeler Sportec M3s.
That custom tyre paint job took me close to 90 minutes... =)
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Stupid cagers
Today morning when I walked down to Sylvie in the morning, something felt wrong. The bike cover was in tatters at certain points. She was not sitting perfectly aligned. I usually leave her at 90 degrees to the road. Suddenly it hit me... Could it be the case? Did some one knock Sylvie over?
Unfortunately, that was the case when I got the covers off her. The right side handlebar balancer, right side engine guard, muffler connection, right side of the box - all scratched up. I fired her up and there was a missing sound. One of the cylinders weren't firing at first, but that cleaned right up thankfully, and she was purring. The handlebar is slightly cocked to the left. If I hold the handlebar straight, Sylvie tracks to the right.
Which SOB would knock a bike over - a bike parked in a private turnin and not offer to help. Cheap bastard. If I find out who did this, someone's right driver's door is going to get real intimate with a 10 kilo sledgehammer. He'll feel the pain then. Bloody mo-fo.
Can't get over it. How could someone do that and then run away?
Unfortunately, that was the case when I got the covers off her. The right side handlebar balancer, right side engine guard, muffler connection, right side of the box - all scratched up. I fired her up and there was a missing sound. One of the cylinders weren't firing at first, but that cleaned right up thankfully, and she was purring. The handlebar is slightly cocked to the left. If I hold the handlebar straight, Sylvie tracks to the right.
Which SOB would knock a bike over - a bike parked in a private turnin and not offer to help. Cheap bastard. If I find out who did this, someone's right driver's door is going to get real intimate with a 10 kilo sledgehammer. He'll feel the pain then. Bloody mo-fo.
Can't get over it. How could someone do that and then run away?
Monday, October 01, 2007
Stupid people...
Quick gripe session. I promise I'll keep it all far and infrequent:
Stupid people - petty thieves:
What is it with stupid locals who want to steal cash cards out of a bike? Singapore is a low-crime city, but only in the areas covered by CCTV cameras. If someone thinks there's no one looking, he'll swipe something. Stupid local thieves. I had one cash card stolen in Orchard, but it was at night, Sylvie was parked on the main road, and I was away for around 4 hours or more (2 movie marathon); there was around 9.5 S$ stored on there. Slightly expensive mistake.
Today morning I was at the ICA building, for under half an hour, in broad daylight, pretty crowded place, and it was stolen again. It's been in my hands for barely 10 days; since there was all of 3 S$ in stored value, I don't see it a huge loss; more of a minor irritation. Well, serves me right - I'll lock up the damn ERP unit. LTA should just send a bill at the end of the month, like a charge list, non-payment of which could lead to the LTA impounding your vehicle. Kiasi-ness should ensure success of the initiative...
When I was doing my Masters, I swear there was someone pushing my bike around the parking lot. If I leave her in one lot, it would be in a completely different lot at the end of the evening. Seriously. I really have no words or don't know why anyone would have so much free time.
Stupid people - Ignorant drivers:
All the cagers in Singapore should be taken out back and shot. In 3 seperate instances in 24 hours (2 of them within 15 minutes of each other), I just got reminded of how stupid car drivers are.
Instance 1: When approaching a traffic light on the slow lane, and the fast lane is blocked off by vehicles waiting to turn right, the worst thing that could happen to any biker is to have a stupid Camry driver move into your lane (gracefully nonetheless) from aforesaid fast lane without a blind spot check. Just using your turn signal magically clears everything in the lane you want to move to. He must have been preaching what he (doesn't) practises to his stupid children and arguing to his kiasu wife. Stupid people should have to wear a sign and be banned from operating heavy machinery at all times.
Instance 2: When approaching a traffic light with a green light for you, and vehicles waiting to turn right (crossing your path), it is known that it is your right-of-way. But some of the more stupid ones think that flashing their headlights (and then slowly moving across your path) is completely acceptable. Cheap-ass Korean junk with enough ricer mods can still be deadly. If you honk to express displeasure at their endangering your life, it is suddenly your fault. How? Why? No answers. Stupid people are a drag on this earth. Let's pay to put them on the next shuttle mission out to the space station.
Instance 3: When passing a bus on the right side, rightfully holding the overtaking lane, the last thing you want to see is the bus swing into your lane with no warning and for no reason. The bus driver had nothing blocking him at all. The bus driver just chose not to check if he was going to make me paraplegic. One horn blast and he suddenly wakes up and shoots back into his lane. Stupidity is like fine wine. The older the more potent. Superannuated stupid people should just be put under house-arrest. Driving a bus. Pffft.
Best of all is to have a generic Jap/Korean sedan revving up at a traffic light. Sure your ricer mods / spoiler / fake hood scoop / body kit / alloy wheels / fake disc brakes (I kid you not) / shag carpet / cushions / fake Recaros / farty exhaust make you look like a fool. Seriously buddy. Have you compared power-to-weight ratios? Go pick on a small scooter or moped. Dumb-ass.
Stupid people - petty thieves:
What is it with stupid locals who want to steal cash cards out of a bike? Singapore is a low-crime city, but only in the areas covered by CCTV cameras. If someone thinks there's no one looking, he'll swipe something. Stupid local thieves. I had one cash card stolen in Orchard, but it was at night, Sylvie was parked on the main road, and I was away for around 4 hours or more (2 movie marathon); there was around 9.5 S$ stored on there. Slightly expensive mistake.
Today morning I was at the ICA building, for under half an hour, in broad daylight, pretty crowded place, and it was stolen again. It's been in my hands for barely 10 days; since there was all of 3 S$ in stored value, I don't see it a huge loss; more of a minor irritation. Well, serves me right - I'll lock up the damn ERP unit. LTA should just send a bill at the end of the month, like a charge list, non-payment of which could lead to the LTA impounding your vehicle. Kiasi-ness should ensure success of the initiative...
When I was doing my Masters, I swear there was someone pushing my bike around the parking lot. If I leave her in one lot, it would be in a completely different lot at the end of the evening. Seriously. I really have no words or don't know why anyone would have so much free time.
Stupid people - Ignorant drivers:
All the cagers in Singapore should be taken out back and shot. In 3 seperate instances in 24 hours (2 of them within 15 minutes of each other), I just got reminded of how stupid car drivers are.
Instance 1: When approaching a traffic light on the slow lane, and the fast lane is blocked off by vehicles waiting to turn right, the worst thing that could happen to any biker is to have a stupid Camry driver move into your lane (gracefully nonetheless) from aforesaid fast lane without a blind spot check. Just using your turn signal magically clears everything in the lane you want to move to. He must have been preaching what he (doesn't) practises to his stupid children and arguing to his kiasu wife. Stupid people should have to wear a sign and be banned from operating heavy machinery at all times.
Instance 2: When approaching a traffic light with a green light for you, and vehicles waiting to turn right (crossing your path), it is known that it is your right-of-way. But some of the more stupid ones think that flashing their headlights (and then slowly moving across your path) is completely acceptable. Cheap-ass Korean junk with enough ricer mods can still be deadly. If you honk to express displeasure at their endangering your life, it is suddenly your fault. How? Why? No answers. Stupid people are a drag on this earth. Let's pay to put them on the next shuttle mission out to the space station.
Instance 3: When passing a bus on the right side, rightfully holding the overtaking lane, the last thing you want to see is the bus swing into your lane with no warning and for no reason. The bus driver had nothing blocking him at all. The bus driver just chose not to check if he was going to make me paraplegic. One horn blast and he suddenly wakes up and shoots back into his lane. Stupidity is like fine wine. The older the more potent. Superannuated stupid people should just be put under house-arrest. Driving a bus. Pffft.
Best of all is to have a generic Jap/Korean sedan revving up at a traffic light. Sure your ricer mods / spoiler / fake hood scoop / body kit / alloy wheels / fake disc brakes (I kid you not) / shag carpet / cushions / fake Recaros / farty exhaust make you look like a fool. Seriously buddy. Have you compared power-to-weight ratios? Go pick on a small scooter or moped. Dumb-ass.
Chain, Oiler, and a general update!
It's been a while since I updated the blog. I've been traveling again; and riding the rest of the time!
This is going to be a long-ish post with quite a few pics. I will try and be more frequent / regular from now on...
In terms of chronological updates:
15500 odd kms:
I got a chain oiler some time on the 2nd of September, at around 15500 kms, and here some pics. It was a 20 S$ affair with a very affable chap, who offers home delivery and free installation. It's a DIY affair that works with nary a fuss. In the spirit of all things DIY and manly, there is always the (clean) gear oil stains in the under-seat storage area. Here are some pics :
16000+ kms:
I got a new DID XRing gold chain plus original Honda sprockets. Though a tad noisy, XRing chains rock in terms of sheer smoothness!
Here are some more pics!
Yes, it's an original DID!
Sylvie's a dirty girl!
(She's gotten a good nice wash and wax job as of now.)
Sylvie's shampoo of choice:
Did you also see my new CoExist sticker?
This is going to be a long-ish post with quite a few pics. I will try and be more frequent / regular from now on...
In terms of chronological updates:
15500 odd kms:
I got a chain oiler some time on the 2nd of September, at around 15500 kms, and here some pics. It was a 20 S$ affair with a very affable chap, who offers home delivery and free installation. It's a DIY affair that works with nary a fuss. In the spirit of all things DIY and manly, there is always the (clean) gear oil stains in the under-seat storage area. Here are some pics :
Chain oiler setup; with clear tube, and feeder pipes and bracket:
Note the well-oiled (slightly loose) chain!
Here's the mounting bracket up close:
16000+ kms:
I got a new DID XRing gold chain plus original Honda sprockets. Though a tad noisy, XRing chains rock in terms of sheer smoothness!
Here are some more pics!
Gold DID XRing chain!
Yes, it's an original DID!
Sylvie's a dirty girl!
(She's gotten a good nice wash and wax job as of now.)
Sylvie's shampoo of choice:
Did you also see my new CoExist sticker?
Monday, August 06, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
On work...
Sylvie aunty's parked up in aforementioned undisclosed location. She's nice and cozy and pointing outwards, on her main stand... Will miss you SylvieAunty!
Friday, July 27, 2007
A week off...
I'm out of the country for a week, and Sylvie aunty will be tucked in at an undisclosed location... ;)
Under the watchful eye of a good friend, Sylvieaunty should have a good rest cure.
Under the watchful eye of a good friend, Sylvieaunty should have a good rest cure.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's cloudy today...
I'm feeling really lazy, no work happening. Would love to go flirt a bit with Sylvie Aunty... But it's cloudy, and threatening to rain. The last thing I want is to have an unexpected "incident" and lay up the whole day... :(
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Main Stand
At 14200 kms, SilverStar got a new main stand. To celebrate the fact, I gave her a nice Maxima chain wax lube job.
Friday, July 20, 2007
VTEC glory
I know, I know... Everyone says VTEC is great, and that I'm just one more voice. But trust me, until you heard the engine snarl, in full VTEC mode, you can't appreciate it.
Imagine this, turning on to an open road, with a long straightaway, and just opening her up... The sheer air induction along with that opened exhaust note is just addictive I tell you!
But on the flip side, VTEC burns petrol like anything, so no more 6350+ rpm unless it's a treat! :)
Imagine this, turning on to an open road, with a long straightaway, and just opening her up... The sheer air induction along with that opened exhaust note is just addictive I tell you!
But on the flip side, VTEC burns petrol like anything, so no more 6350+ rpm unless it's a treat! :)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Chain tightening
2 days into the bike ride, and I'm now comfortable enough to check around to personalize SilverStar.
At 14000 kms (14010 to be exact), I just had the chain tightened, and I also reduced the free play on the clutch cable. Now the gear shifts are nice and smooth. Need to get a little cozier for that fluid feeling to take over.
I'm thinking of a nice racing stripe all the way down the bike. Will probably wait till I get some daily scratches on the tank or something... Tank bra?
Will get a main stand down this weekend, and work on lubing the chain and washing the bike down.
At 14000 kms (14010 to be exact), I just had the chain tightened, and I also reduced the free play on the clutch cable. Now the gear shifts are nice and smooth. Need to get a little cozier for that fluid feeling to take over.
I'm thinking of a nice racing stripe all the way down the bike. Will probably wait till I get some daily scratches on the tank or something... Tank bra?
Will get a main stand down this weekend, and work on lubing the chain and washing the bike down.
Flights of fantasy
My latest heart throb. The one in my dreams when I sleep and in my thoughts when I'm awake.
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