Motorcycle Parking Lot Dangers

Motorcycle Parking Lot Dangers

I’m beginning to think that parking lots are just as dangerous, if not more so, than riding on streets or freeways. No, I have not been involved in any parking lot skirmishes, but I have seen the aftermath of several automobile parking lot crashes recently. So, when you turn off the main drag don’t relax and let your guard down. I think there are more dangers per foot in a parking lot than on the main road.

For one you have a lot of vehicles that have to be backed out of parking spots and a lot of them will be doing so blindly. It’s not that they just don’t see you like when riding in traffic, it’s that they can’t see you at all. Maybe those loud pipes will come in handy here. Parking lots can be more populated than streets or freeways. So, you have to be on your toes and proceed cautiously all the while being prepared to come to a sudden stop. Also, drivers tend to use their turn signals even less in parking lots than on the main roads.

Yes, you are (hopefully) slowing down but that also brings on its own stability issues you don’t have at higher speeds, losing the motorcycles gyroscopic stability. Slow speed maneuvering is an art form in of itself and is a skill if you are not proficient at I recommend hitting some empty parking lots and practicing before venturing out onto public bumper car lots. There are several good motorcycle books and DVD’s out on this very subject.

Another problem to watch out for is vehicles cutting across the lot and not in the designated driving lanes, trying to beat someone to a cherry parking spot. This happens even on empty parking lots with vehicles driving through the parking spaces.

Crowded parking lots also present the problem with pedestrians, especially small children, stepping out from between parked cars right in front of you. Shopping carts can come from anywhere as well. Trash and debris such as glass and cans are hazards that can also be found strewn haphazardly around parking lots.

So, the next time your turn into a parking lot, don’t start to relax. It’s not the time to put your head in stand down mode, on the contrary, it is time to be more on the alert and put those slow speed parking lot maneuvers that you have practiced to use. Ride safe.

Ride on,
Torch

Can You See Me Now?

Can You See Me Now?

X-treme Design Class 2 High-Visibility Mesh Safety Vest — Lime Review

If you have ridden a motorcycle for any length of time you have had close encounters with the drivers of other vehicles. If you ride year round like me you probably have had lots of them. People pulling out in front of you, turning in front of you, not yielding to you, and changing into your lane all happen too frequently to us traveling on two wheels.

One of the biggest problems of cage drivers is that they just cannot see us. The moment you start riding a motorcycle or scooter you become invisible like you have turned on some Romulan Cloaking Device. On a motorcycle we are a smaller target to see and people just don’t seem to look that well. Another factor is that it would appear we tend to travel a little faster than cages and when they look they don’t look far enough away to see us coming at speed. We can be beside them or in front of them in the second it takes them to look back to start making their planned maneuver.

Then there is the rumor going around that Loud Pipes Don’t Save Lives. I don’t believe it. Speaking from personal experience, from both points if view, seat and saddle, drivers that may not have seen you, might hear you. They may not hear every time, but any time they do it may prevent a mishap. It has kept daydreaming drivers from moving into my lane before I could react and hit the Stebel Nautilus Compact Dual Tone Horn button. I am not condoning irrationally loud pipes but it does help to be loud enough to be noticed. I like my Cobra Longshots.

Since I commute in the traffic of a major metropolitan area, (Dallas / Fort Worth), everyday to and from work, before sunup and after sundown, I have picked up an inexpensive device to help people see me better. I purchased a X-treme Design Class 2 High-Visibility Mesh Safety Vest — Lime from the local Northern Tool + Equipment. I wear it when it is dark or overcast out like on rainy days. I bought it large enough to fit over my other riding gear.

The High-Visibility Mesh Safety Vest is made from a bright green color that catches your eye in traffic. It has two 2” wide vertical and one horizontal 3M Scotchlite reflective stripes. This safety vest comes with a zipper closure and an inside pocket. The X-treme Design vest meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Class 2 specifications. They also make other models with different features and a high visibility orange color.

Yes, I look like the dorkiest motorcycle rider in the Mid-Cities but at least you can see me. For any of you naysayers out there let me show you the evidence. Here is a photo of me at dusk with just my OSi Cool Mesh Jacket on. Click on any photo for larger view.
 
 

Now here is a photo of me with the X-treme Design Class 2 High-Visibility Mesh Safety Vest — Lime on.

Those were both taken without a flash. Here is a shot with the High-Visibility Vest on and the cameras flash on to simulate headlamps.

Now you can see for yourself with your own eyes what a difference that vest makes. I have been using the vest now for around six months and have not had any issues with it. It has withstood my fumbling fingers not zipping it up correctly and countless rain storms and has held up fine. Torch gives the X-treme Design Class 2 High-Visibility Mesh Safety Vest a M.M.M. rating of 9.5 out of 10.

Ride on,

Torch

 

Scorpion EXO 1000 Full Face Helmet Review

Scorpion EXO 1000 Full Face Helmet Review

I had been riding with a half helmet now for quite some time. Riding with a HJC CS-2N half helmet in the cold or rain, which I did the previous winter, is quite challenging. So, this fall with cooler temperatures fast approaching, I really wanted to upgrade to a full face helmet. I saved up some money and used a coupon I picked up at the International Motorcycle Show and headed over to Cycle Gear to try on helmets. It too k me two trips and lots of reading, both online and in magazines, doing research in hopes of getting the most bang for my buck.

If you have never been to try on helmets it is an exasperating endeavor. Different brands fit different shapes of heads and the trick is to find one that fits your particular head shape and then find a model that has all the features you want. I tried on a bunch and settled on the Scorpion EXO 1000 Solid in Glossy Black.

Here are the stats from Scorpions website:

• Fiberglass/Kevlar™ Matrix Shell: Quiet, aero-tuned design for wind-tunnel tested comfort. EPS-lined chin bar for additional protection.


• AirFit® permits a rider to personalize helmet fit through air adjustable cheek pads.


• SpeedView® an internal retractable light smoke sun visor that eases eye strain instantly in varying light conditions without changing face shields, plus an EverClear® coating on both sides for a fog free ride.


• SpeedShift® quick-change shield system (patent pending): Easy, secure tool-less faceshield changes in ten seconds or less.


• EverClear® no-fog faceshield: Optically-correct shield with state-of-the art fog-free technology and anti-scratch hardened coating.


• KwikWick® moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads: Breathable, easily removable and washable.


• Ventilation system: Adjustable, indexed front and rear vents with aero-tuned rear spoiler reduce lift, create vacuum and maximize airflow through helmet.


• Breath-deflector: Enhanced fog-free performance.


• Snell/DOT Certified.

Going down their list and commenting on features:

The helmet is not as quiet as I would expect for a full face helmet as far as wind turbulence is concerned, although my bike does have a windshield on it that may contribute to the wind noise. Keep in mind I ride a cruiser, not a sport bike.

The AirFit check pads I have never had to use. Of course, not being used to a full face the helmet, they felt tight on my cheeks to begin with.

The SpeedView internal sun shade has multiple issues. First it is not dark enough for the Texas sun and glare. It will fog up if deployed when cold blocking your vision. The shade deploys and retracts the opposite way you would expect. Moving the lever down moves it down and up moves it up, instead of the natural way a lever should work which makes it extremely unintuitive to use. It also does not come down far enough leaving a line across your viewing area and not dimming the lower half making it hard on your eyes. This may not be so bad if you ride in the sport bike position. Lastly it also has distracting reflections on the sides in your peripheral vision that makes you think something is inside your helmet when vehicles drive by. I found this last issue the most distracting and annoying.

I have not used the SpeedShift quick-change shield system as of yet.

As with most face shields the EverClear no-fog shield still fogs. I used Fog Off and left the lower and upper center vent open all winter. Also the Optically correct lens still distorts your vision around the edges.

The KwickWick liner seems to do its job just fine. I have been using a helmet liner on my head first before putting the EXO 1000 helmet on to protect it from my wet hair and small amount of hair gel I use in the morning before commuting to work.

The ventilation system appears to work just fine, although I have not tried it in the Texas Summer time with all the vents opened up. Still the thought of a full face helmet in the summer stifles my imagination.

I am sure the Breath-deflector must help some, but I’m not convinced it does a whole lot to stop fogging.

I like the fact that it is both Snell and DOT approved.

Transitioning from a half helmet a full face helmet does take some getting used to. It can tend to make you feel slightly claustrophobic, although your head, and especially your face, feels much more protected and secure, which it is. The pressure on your cheeks is different but after wearing for a season the helmet conforms to your face as it breaks in. a full face helmet is warmer when it is cold outside and extremely nice to have when riding in the rain. You will still need some extra protection for your neck when it is real cold.

A full face does make the ride a lot quieter blocking out a lot of the bike and traffic noise. It also restricts your peripheral vision some and you will find yourself having to turn your head farther to make sure lanes are clear before changing. The visor lock lever is too small, too easy to accidently lock and not glove friendly. Most of the air vents can be opened and closed with gloves on once you get the feel for their location.

The fit and finish of all the materials is stellar. The inside is extremely comfortable. The chin strap is unobtrusive and easy to use with a snap for the loose end. Thankfully, when it was cold, there was not a lot of air leaking up from the neck area.

For its first season of use the Scorpion EXO 1000 performed as expected. Aside from some operator error it did its job just fine. It came with a helmet bag and you can order a Scorpion reflective helmet sticker band if you can find someone with it in stock online. Torch gives the Scorpion EXO 1000 a M.M.M Rating of 9.0 on a scale of 1-10.

Ride on,
Torch

Kewlmetal Kewlock Review

Kewlmetal Kewlock Review

My Mistress, a 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic, came with Kuryakyn ISO grips and a pair of Kewlmetal Kewlocks already installed when I purchased her used. I must say that I have found the Kewlocks one of the most useful accessories on the bike, especially since purchasing a Scorpion EXO-1000 full face helmet for winter and rain riding. It gets used almost every day during the winter now.

Here is a shot of the Scorpion EXO-1000 hanging from the Kewlock, (click on all photos for larger image).

On the V-Star the factory helmet lock is ingeniously located on the left rear fender so that if you install a set of saddlebags it renders it absolutely useless. Makes you wonder just what the engineers were thinking, or smoking, when they designed the bike. Anyway, Kewlmetal has designed a useful accessory to add a helmet lock to the end of one or both sides of your handlebars or grips called a Kewlock.

I know she needs a bath, but keep in mind I almost always ride and its winter.

You can get installation directions online at their website to see how they are installed. Once they are installed they are simple to use. They come with a key which fits into the end of the lock. When the key is turned in the lock a center spring loaded pin pops out about ¼ an inch which opens the slot in the side of the lock. You simply slide in one of the metal rings from your helmet strap into the slot and push the pin back into the lock and it automatically locks the pin in place with the helmet ring inside.

Close up of Kewlock side view of lock with pin in center.

If you do not have a ring that will fit up into the Kewlock slot they make extenders that make it easier to attach. The extenders are a 1 ½ inch thin piece of metal that can be slid into your helmet ring and has a hole on the opposite end that fits easily into the Kewlock. I have not had to use an extender but I do have to turn the helmet rings sideways to get them to fit up into the lock far enough to lock in. Kewlmetal also has neat designer helmet lock extensions on their website.

Closer shot of the helmet ring inside Kewlock.

I usually do not lock up my half helmet at work or at home in the garage; I just lean it on the right saddlebag or hang it on the right handlebar. I do lock it up anytime I go someplace public. My full face helmet I always lock up, the darned things are just too danged expensive. The only disadvantage to using the Kewlocks that I have found is that if your bike happens to get caught out in a shower your helmet gets soaked inside. Don’t ask me how I know. However, that can happen even when not using Kewlocks though.

You can store your gloves & other headgear inside your helmet.

Kewlmetal Kewlocks are a simple tool that makes riding much more convenient and when left unattended, your helmet much more secure. Torch gives the Kewlmetal Kewlocks a M.M.M. Rating of 9.5 on a scale of 1-10.

Ride on,
Torch

Note: All picture except the top one taken with an old little Sony DSC-S650 7.2 Mega Pixel camera.

Cheek Chillers, Not Just for Fetish Seekers

STREET & STEEL Heavy Duty Deep-Pocket Leather Motorcycle Chaps Review

Last year when Old Man Winter came into town and started blowing cold air around, which, I might add, happens earlier in the year for those traveling on two wheels, I started looking for a way to keep my legs warm. I did not have the funds for a fancy coordinated one or two piece Sport Tourer technical style outfit. I thought that a good pair of leather chaps would work sufficiently and were within my budget constraints. I decided then it was time to go shopping for some Cheek Chillers.

I started riding around to all the local area motorcycle gear shops looking at leather chaps checking features, benefits, and prices. Cycle Gear’s Street & Steel brand, made by FMC I believe, seemed to have the best value, features and they were on sale. I tried on several and decided on a larger size in case I needed to layer other clothing underneath on really long cold rides.

The Street & Steel Heavy Duty Deep-Pocket Leather Motorcycle Chaps differ from the regular Deep-Pocket Chaps in that they have a removable Thinsulate quilted liner. This is real nice to have on cold days. The YKK zippers have held up real nice, even after one of the zippers accidently got caught in a dress pant leg once. The Snaps are all heavy duty and surprisingly, have also held up to all my yanking and pulling. I have seen one leg edge seam that the stitching didn’t quite get it held down all the way but this has not affected their use in any way.

The buckle is also good quality. They do take a bit of getting used too to be able to put them on and take them off efficiently. The hardest part is being able to snap the snaps at the bottom of the legs and it is hard to do for this old fart without a place to sit down. I use the right side running board of my V-Star 1100 Classic motorcycle as a step so I can reach the buckles easier.

The deep pockets have been very useful in holding odd stuff while riding. I have used them for all kinds of junk including, but not limited to, keys, Palm Treo (phone), dew rags, receipts and stuff purchased while shopping. Interestingly enough, the insulating properties of the chaps also keeps the heat of the engine off your legs while riding in the summer. Keep in mind in the winter they do not help keep your derrière or crotch area warm, but that’s what your Pillion is for, right?

Here is a video of Stephen Young of First Manufacturing discussing the features of this classic bit of 1.3mm cowhide cruiser apparel that is meant to be worn over your jeans. He shows the thigh pockets, the gunmetal YKK side zippers, the removable Thinsulate liner and the secondary liner:



So far I have been very happy with these chaps. They keep light rain, bugs, rocks and other road debris off your legs and pants. Torch gives the Street & Steel Heavy Duty Deep-Pocket Leather Motorcycle Chaps a M.M.M Rating of 9.0 on a 1-10 scale.

Ride on,
Torch

Lost the Old Bag at Highway Speed!

No, not the wife, but I got your attention didn’t I?

This embarrassing story actually started about five months ago. I had stopped for breakfast with a coworker on my commute to work one Saturday morning at the local Waffle House. I had just backed the bike into a parking space, removed my helmet, and started walking towards the Waffle House entrance when I glanced back at my Mistress, that’s what I call my bike, and saw the left Custom Classic Hard Leather Saddle Bag was off its rear bracket stud and was leaning down.

I had removed the bags only one time before to give the bike a good cleaning and commuted without them just that once. I rode it only partly “topless” because I had left the Memphis Shades windshield on. I have as yet never removed both bags and shield to ride her convertible style, top down.

I put it back on after eating breakfast and then rode to work and home afterwards. I looked at it again at home and the locking cam did feel like it was binding or just not closing all the way. So I emptied the bag and removed it and lubricated the mechanism with some WD40 and reinstalled the bag. I thought is felt secure, but was too lazy to take the locking bracket off the bag itself to get a better view.

Now, fast forward to a week ago, commuting back and forth to work every day as usual. I was on my homeward bound commute on a Friday in the usual D/FW rush hour traffic, wearing full leathers, impatiently weaving in and out of bog downs but mostly staying in the “fast lane”. I exited 183 Airport Freeway onto 121 north picking up velocity to normal highway cruising speed. I took my normal exit, Cheek-Sparger Rd. as usual and down shifted one time to start engine braking.

That’s when it happened. I rode over a small seam crack in the road and I heard a clunk from the left rear of my bike. I glanced back just in time to catch out of the corner of my eye the saddlebag hitting the ground and take off tumbling down the side of the road. Checking my mirror I see it go cart wheeling off the left shoulder of the exit lane and into the median grass on the side of the freeway. I merged with the access road and exited in the first parking lot.

As I park the bike I see a white pickup pulling over onto the shoulder with its hazard flashers turned on. I get off the bike and remove my helmet and start walking back up the access road. I see the driver get out of the truck and go get the saddlebag. He put it in his truck and started back down the access road in my direction. He sees me walking back up the access road and signals me he will pull into the parking lot where my bike is parked.

The Good Samaritan pulled in behind my bike and gave me back the prodigal saddlebag. I thanked him and asked if I could pay him for his extra effort. He declined and offered some bungee chords but I had a bungee net in the saddlebag. I strapped the bag to my pillion seat and thanked him again as he left.

That Saturday I took it completely apart removing the bracket from the bag. The bag itself was not damaged too badly. The hard plastic backing plate was cracked on one corner, it was scrapped and scuffed up and some of the stitching had come loose on the lid. Considering what it had been through it came out well. I managed to get the bracket lock to unbind so that it would fully lock the bracket in place. I remounted the bag on the bike and made sure it was secured properly. Then I reinstalled the contents I usually carry back inside.

This was a good luck bad luck story. It was bad luck that the Saddlebag came completely off the bike while riding, and it is not easy to get off the bike when you are purposely trying to remove it. Good luck that it did not happen while I was in the middle of traffic or the fast lane of the freeway. I believe my Guardian Angel was looking out for me again and I shudder to think of what could have happened…..

Ride on,
Torch