I realized today that I’d be sending my seat off tomorrow to Florida and I am unsure just how long it’s going to take to get it back even though, Frank or Spencer as he’s known, told me he’d tweak the seat in a 24 hour turn around. It still has to travel across the country via UPS. So…
I had to ride today, if nothing else I’d get in a quick loop over the sierras via 88 and Ebbetts Pass which just recently opened.
Many of you know that I have been a bit tentative regarding my new Bandit 1250s, it’s a brute of a bike and I had grown totally accustomed to my old Bandito and put 65K on him, traversing the country. We were bonded and this new one, was a totally different animal. The fuel injection which everyone raved about, sort of put me off. I was used to my carburated version and the power band was quite different. I also was used to throwing my old bandit around, unlike this new one that I seem only to succeed in throwing over! Making a long story short, I am trying to tweak this bike to fit me and my riding style. So, first thing was to get it tuned as it now has nearly 18K on it and I bought it with 8K…so I have put 10 on it and my extended warranty required me to do a 16K service so, I did it, thanks to PCP Motorsports, who always treat me right. I had sold my old bandit and had the cash to invest, so tuning, new seat, and a suspension adjustment when I get my seat back and I should be good to go on the upcoming Canada trip, my friend Notarian and I are embarking upon.
Back to today…I rolled the bike outa the garage, and it’s one heavy mother, I can’t believe it’s heavier than my old one which was heavy enough, thank you very much! I got on and took off only to discover my GPS wasn’t working, so back I go, get Gary outa bed to help me mess with it and finally it’s good to go, only by now it’s 11. Grrrrr.
I take off, after all I have a plan.
Here’s todays route.
This Bandit has always been a power machine, with a throttle that will throw you over the handlebars, but since it was tuned…whoa! It’s amazing. I headed over Fiddletown Rd, one of my favorite diversions. It handled beautifully and once I reached Hwy 88, I defied all posted speed limits, knowing I was handing myself my arse, but let me tell you, this bike and I seem to have bonded. What a ride!
Look at that beauty…and indeed Red IS the fastest color!
Silver Lake
Down the hill toward Kirkwood
Once in Markleeville, I thought I’d best top off my tank and then head over Ebbetts. That was my only stop today…for gas. All photos were shot from the bike.
Markleeville was teeming with motorcyclists but after filling the bike and some H2o for me, we were off. I love that space between Markleeville and the base of Ebbetts. What a fun road.
What surprised me the most was how much water was on Ebbetts and the Walker River is near overflowing plus the snow is melting so be prepared for mass water on the road. The east end of Ebbetts is rough, to say the least. It’s covered with shallow water crossings, and the surface is hosed, but mid way you are treated to NEW pavement and it’s awesome!
Gaining elevation
Rough road
Water everywhere
Look at all that snow in JUNE!!
Now we’re talking…
All the way to Murphys was unbelievable. It was one of those days, that seemed absolutely perfect in every way.
Murphys was crowded and as usual you have to dodge tourists, dawdling in the roadway…duh, yes it’s a motorcycle. I guess I have to say here, that motorcycling in general has made me less than patient sometime. I really have to remind myself, that we are all doing the same thing, we are out enjoying the day, but there are times that 7mph are appropriate and then there are others.
I decided to take Pool Station another favorite local road and it was in fine shape, considering the difficult wet winter. From there, I was back on Hwy 49 the road I avoid like the plague and then to Sutter Ione, another sweet local road.
Pool Station
I was entranced. My Bandit is awesome and I just need more seat time and some more practice. Slow speed maneuvers, u-turns and quick stops, need fine tuning. It’s still heavy and I have to get used to that extra 40 lbs, but I see a love affair coming on. 🙂