First 1000km riding

So, I've had my motorcycle licence for three months and a half now. I've also covered 1000km and done the first service on the Ninja 250. I've ridden in various weather conditions, enjoyed some rides and hated others. Here are my impressions of the first 1000 kilometres riding.

Autumn has arrived.

With the end of the busy (at least for a working student) summer comes the moment when I can actually go out for some leisure riding and get back to posting here. Although autumn means that in a month or two I will have to winterize my motorcycle, this proves to be the time when I enjoy riding the most.

Summer occupation

I have been unable to post in the blog due to work and being busy a lot of the time. Finding time to do that will be an issue I will work on. Meanwhile, here is my ninja, which I now use every day to go to work. 

Chain lube brands

Lubricating the chain on a motorcycle is one of the most frequent maintenance task done. It is crucial for your safety to properly maintain the chain of your motorcycle. I've been riding in the rain a few times, and dirt is starting to layer itself on the chain of the ninja 250. So, it's time to start looking for a good brand of chain lube.

The Wave

Waving to other bikers is a tradition of acknowledging the common interest that both motorcyclists have. It is kind of a solute to belonging to the club of people who enjoy the freedom of riding, who travel on two wheels not simply for the sake of getting from A to B, but for having an enjoyable time. Here is some beginners' information on motorcyclist waves.

When to buy fuel

The price of gas fluctuates throughout the week. How can you make sure to put gas when the price is at its lowest and not pay money that you could have saved? Well, here's an idea.

Has anyone washed their bike yet?

Riding in the rain takes its toll on a new and clear motorcycle. The tires spray mud all over the bottom parts and fairings of the motorcycle and it inevidently loses the "off the shelf" perfection that it has at first. How do you wash a motorcycle though? Should one simply take it to the car-wash? Most certainly not.

First ride in the rain

With the climate here, people always are faced with the rain at some point. Riders in Quebec should be prepared for such situations when it rains, but this was my first time having to deal with it. Here is what happened.

Motorcycle road test

There are different types of exams people may have to take in their countries in order to obtain a motorcycle license. In the case of the province of Quebec, in Canada, there are three exams: theoretical exam on motorcycle specifics and highway safety code, closed circuit exam on slow speed control and emergency manoeuvres, and finally the road test: riding the bike in all possible urban environments to prove your competence and earn your license. And I have just done it!

MV Agusta Brutale

I had not encountered MV Agusta motorcycles until now. This is because the brand has just arrived in Canada; I saw their bikes on display at the ICAR Superbike only last weekend. What my first impression was: they are Italian!

ICAR Superbike 2011

Those of you in Montreal area, do not forget that the ICAR Superbike is this weekend! There will be all kinds of bikes: from 125cc Hondas zipping around the track to 1000cc monsters, stuntmen and Harleys. Check the video from last year's event at Mirabel, after the break.

A guy embarrassing the Kawi 250R

I mean, look at him throwing his gloves at the innocent Ninja and kicking dust against it! It is not the bike's fault that he forgot to put fuel in it on time, is it? And what is he doing with the gear lever? It's not broken; Ninjas are unbreakable :)

Well... except for the light in which they show the motorcycle, it is not a bad song. At least, it's good to see this bike in a music clip. Now all that's left is to make a video with the ninja being the hero. Ninja FTW!

P.S. Can anyone identify the cruiser?

The Ducati Sound

Typical 4 cylinder superbike sound is a great thing to hear. The high revving machines can always get people's attention; but, could it be even better? I think Ducati Streetfighter S delivers a sound on a complete new level of brutality. Just as the beautiful exterior of this bike, the design of its sound is an art of its own. Check the videos after the break.