We Have Power

So far that battery charge did the trick. Looks like the old charger still has some life left in it after all. Had a nice ride scout today through the Santa Monica mountains. As usual, I have little to no idea where we were through some of the parts, but it was beautiful. Looking forward to going back next week for the real deal.

Chaaaaaarge!

So the Bonnie wouldn't start yesterday. Luckily a buddy from work was around to help me bump start her to get home. We had tried jumping it with his car, which I've done before, but I think his cables were bad.

So I broke out the ANCIENT trickle charger that used to belong to my dad. It seems to be working fine so far. I got some advice on the Triumph Rat forum and it sounds like it should be OK to use even though it's a little higher amperage than a typical motorcycle specific charger.

So I guess it's time to let it cook and see what happens in the morning.

Farewell Vacation

It was nice while it lasted. Now back to the grind. arg.

I'm looking to try some new things in 2011 though, so it will be nice to get off my ass. Here's to a safe year full of new adventures.

Catching Up With The Mods

No, not the scooter riding, skinny tie wearing, dedicated followers of fashion. The other kind of mods.

Around the same time I replaced the stock signals with the "bullet style" ones, I also ditched the stock tail light in favor of a "lucas style" one. This was one of my most anticipated mods, because I really don't like the look of the plastic spaceship look of the stock ones, and I had been wanting to ditch them since I got the bike.

So far I've been really happy with the new signals and tail light. The only thing I wasn't really happy with was the lack of brightness from the dim bulb. I went ahead and ordered an LED bulb from Super Bright LEDs. Specifically, I got the 45HP-LED BA15 Tower Bulb. There's definitely a big difference in brightness, so I'm really glad I made the switch.


The rain has been near biblical in these parts for the last couple of weeks. Luckily it let up a bit just before Chrsitmas, so I got to go for a brief but grin inducing ride up and down the Hollywood canyons. With no work left until New Years, I'm hoping the weather will cooperate enough for me to squeeze in a few more rides in 2010.

Rain And More Rain

I'm over it. Let the sun shine.

Sleigh My Ass...

5 december: Sinterklaas, Holland
Sinterklaas is a traditional children's gift-giving feast in the Netherlands. He is celebrated annually on Saint Nicholas' eve, 5 December. The feast celebrates the name day of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Amsterdam, children and sailors. He is the basis of the mythical holiday figure of Santa Claus in the United States. Sinterklaas rides his (iron)horse assisted by his Moorish helpers called 'Zwarte Pieten'.

Wired

I spent last weekend finally modding my taillight and signals. I've never liked the stock ones, so I've really been looking forward to changing them out. I went with a Lucas style taillight and bullet style signals. Drilling the rear fender and wiring everything for the taillight and rear signals was a bigger job than I was expecting, but I managed to get it done late Sunday. I figured that the front signals would be a breeze, until I realized that the new left signal blocks the key when it's in the OFF position!


What a pain in the ass this turned out to be! I managed to get it to work temporarily by shimming it out with some rubber, but I've got an ignition relocation kit on it's way for a more permanent solution.