Wantz to see!

I remember hearing about this potentially awesome flick a few months ago:

TT3D: Closer to the Edge

And it appears I've been sleeping, as it was released in the US on 4/22 (at least, TT3D's imdb page says so). But I can't find playing anywhere :(

Looks like I may have to wait for to offer it, but according to what I've read, it may very well be worth the wait!

Update (5/7)
It appears that TT3D may still be in negotations for a US release, as stated by this review. So there's still hope!

Glass I can work with

Problem



The mirrors on our SV have to be adjusted way too often. If I wasn't the last to ride it, I'd have to adjust them. If the all-weather cover was removed (every time the bike is ridden), the mirrors have to be adjusted. If the bike is ridden long enough, the mirrors have to be adjusted because vibration shakes them loose. When they get loose enough, a wrench is required to lock them back into place. There appears to be a ball joint at the back of the mirror, but it's either frozen solid or it isn't actually a ball joint. Who knows. Bottom line, they are not convenient for frequent adjustment.



For 6 months or so, I have been considering rideitmoto.com's billet mirrors as a replacement. And last week, I decided to finally give them a try.

Initial Reaction



The mirrors, stems, and end caps feel like high-quality parts. They are even pretty to look at. The mirrors seem a little small, but when held at arms length, their convex surface actually provides a surprising field of view. The blue tint on the glass is a curious thing ... well, whatevas, we'll see what's up once they're on.

Installation

I removed the old, weighted bar ends and installed the new bar ends, which go through the new mirrors' stems. I'm not sure why so many different spacer rings were provided, as it appears only one mates the provided bar end to the big hole in the mirror stem. Maybe those rings are for re-using your stock bar ends? That surely wasn't an option on this 2007 SV650. Anyway, unlike the stock SV bar ends (which mount with an expanding rubber grommet) the rideitmoto's billet bar ends mount with a metal expanding thingy. Unfortunately, the expanding metal doohicky starts its life at a very small diameter. So you have to get the expansion started in your hands. Vice grips or plyers to grab the inside (round) nut are necessary to keep the nut from spinning. I opted for the bloody hand method. Either way, you'll eventually get to the point where it's of a diameter that fits snugly into the bike's handle bars.



A bit of adjustment, tightening at all 3 joints (bar end to bar, mirror stem to bar end, mirror to stem), and voila, new mirrors! The only issue was clearance for the clutch and brake levers. If squeezed all the way, they made contact with the mirrors stems. But I solved this by loosening the bar clamp for the clutch and brake levers and slid it inward just a bit. Now the ball end of the levers fit in right next to the mirror stems.

Usage



These mirrors are small. The is no getting around the fact that you are sacrificing field of view by switching to these mirrors. That said, they still serve their functional purpose if adjusted correctly. I found I had to give up seeing both behind me and the lane next to me. Otherwise I would have to accept a very large blindspot.



Thankfully, these mirrors deliver most where I hoped they would. They adjust very easily since the mirrors mount to their stems with very snug ball joints. So you can adjust one at a stop light, but the joint is snug enough not to vibrate or accidentally knock out of your setting.

Conclusion



A test ride for an americano proved that the mirrors solve my problem. And personally, I think they are a nice piece of kit. But what will Megan think next time she hops on?

Flash Ride

Caribou Coffee @ Fairfax Corner, 1:30pm

Spontaneity is the key. I want a reason to ride that doesn't come solely from my own motivation to get on the bike with no destination in mind. I want a social aspect to motorcycling, but I don't want to plan anything. Accommodating everyone is a pain.

Flash Ride is the answer.

1. Broadcast the ride (time, location).


2. Show up.

Anyone on the wire will see your ride. If they're in, they'll show up. You don't have to ask anyone; you don't have to wait for their responses. It's so damn efficient, itn't it?

I've had this idea in my head for quite some time now. This is a new take on getting together to ride, but you do the riding alone. You pick your own route, you don't have to keep up with anyone, and you get to talk it up over coffee when you get to the destination. What you do from there is up to you, but the game is being there on time. There's a silent accountability you develop if you show up, if you're a regular, if you are always the 1st one there, etc. Or maybe you're that guy that broadcasts a ride and doesn't show up.

It's an alternative that's quicker and easier than gathering everyone at a meeting place, and then riding together. In the classic approach to a "ride," you get a mix of skill levels and when the group breaks up you're stuck playing traffic control. Time to spend less time in the rear view and more time safely reaching a destination.

And back to the keyword: spontaneity. Are you broadcasting a ride with a time of 1 hour from now? Or 6? It's all on the table.

You dig? I dig - getting this going on a website (or even just an e-mail list) is still on my to-do list...