Motorcycle Adventures

Hi Again,

Here are a few photos from the trip.  The weather really wasn’t ideal for photos and it was difficult to stop to take them when the weather was favorable.  Here are a few photos:

I thought I would take a moment, for anyone who might be interested (warning this is geeky) to talk about the new installations for my Burgman.

Starcom1 system – Last time around I installed the Starcom1 Advance system.  This was very good although with everything I was connecting this time I thought it would be better to get the Starcom1 Digital as the hope was that it would do a better job of dealing with all the various inputs.  I was right and it does a great job of juggling the radio, music, and GPS signals.  I can also speak on my phone through the gps, get GPS directions and sounds, and speak through the radio of course.  All this is manages well and without conflict.

I installed the Starcome1 system under the seat as before.  Indeed this is the best place as there is a spot where a little tool kit normally sits that is the perfect size for the Starcom1.

I installed a PTT button on the left handlebar – it works great and has an updated button that I like a bit better.  There isn’t as much travel and so pushing it (and holding it) isn’t as difficult. I also have a volume control in the upper left storage compartment along with the music lead for the iPhone.

The CB radio controller and display is mounted in the glove compartment with the main unit in the trunk.  The arial is mounted behind the passenger seat.

The GPS of course is mounted and centred on the handlebars.  It is also connected via an upgraded anti-theft system that makes it very difficult to remove the mount, and also difficult to remove the GPS when connected. It requires a key to take the GPS out.  This is great as when I’m on the road and want to stop for a break or for petrol I won’t need to take off the GPS.  The GPS is also waterproof, very bright, and resistant to damage caused by fuel and oil spillage.  It is wired directly into into a switched electrical circuit

The CB is connected to a fused and switched system that turns off power to the CB when the bike is not on.  Everything is wired this way so that the battery can not be accidentally drained.

There are a couple more parts to still install but they are very small.  A USB power charger will be mounted in the left – hand glove box so that the iphone can be charged while I’m under way.  I have also ordered tiny led lights that will be installed in the glove box areas and in the trunk to make seeing what’s in the glove compartments easy.

It’s been such a pleasure installing these items.  With my previous experience combined with careful planning I’ve been able to install everything exactly the way I want it, perfectly, the first time.  In this way this Burgman is better than the last.  Everything is set up perfectly.  Now, if it would only stop raining today I would go out and enjoy it a bit more

Saturday was the big day!  Off to buy my new Burgman.  I was up at 6, and out the door by 7am.  It took almost an hour and half to get to the dealership. I got there just after they opened, signed paperwork, and was off only half and hour later.  Of course there was a lot more to the transaction than that, but it had all been taken care of in the previous days.  The guys at the dealership were great – I’ll go back there for maintenance.

It was great to feel so at home on my new Burgman.  Though I have driven about 600km since I’ve been here, that driving wasn’t nearly as comfortable as riding the new Burgman.  I was instantly at home.  It was great.

Since getting home after picking up supplies, I’ve spent almost two complete days working on installing the communication system and GPS.  I had forgotten just how much work this was initially, and this time around I had a few more challenges as I was installing things a little bit differently (a little bit better) than before.  All told the installation took about 14 hours to complete the installation.

Here are a couple photos of the new Burgman, alone with one while things were being installed.

I’m so excited to have my Burgman back again.  It’s been a long time for me and this new freedom is really exciting.  I’ve already booked 6 long weekends for vacation in the next 3 months!  Not all will be for rides, but 4 of them have been set aside for motorcycle adventures!

After finishing the final install I went for a nice ride along the coast to test things out.  The communications system seems to work perfectly so far and I’m pleased to say better than it did in Vancouver!  I was able to listen to music, hear the GPS through it, and even make phone calls!  The new GPS is really fantastic.  Along with the typical GPS mapping features, it tells me what the current speed limit is, and even alerts me to traffic and speed cameras.  It’s great to know where I’m going!!

I’m totally thrilled – can’t wait to go for a long ride!!

Just a quick update before work…

I’ve now received confirmation from both the finance company and the dealership that everything is set up and ready to go for Saturday’s pickup.  I’m very excited.  It’s always nice to hear the official word that everything is set up despite how good things look.

I have received most of the packages that I have ordered over the Internet.  Nicole is going to pick up one final item today that will make the installation of all the important things possible.

The remote for our complex gate has been the most difficult thing to get, but thanks to my friends and a bit of luck, I stumbled on an after-hours service that called me last night when all hope was lost, and not only has the remote I need, but is going to drop it off to me at work today!!!  How fantastic is that!

More soon!