First Ride!

I took the bike to work today. You knew I would. And, I’m home now. Both the bike and I are in pretty much the same condition we were in when we left this morning!

Before taking off across Columbia, though, I thought it might be a “good thing” to ride around the neighborhood a bit to get used to the new ride. It definitely was.

The Shadow is a completely different animal than the little Nighthawk. It’s not as forgiving when it comes to the clutch, and it really hates being “lugged,” even the least little bit. The first little bit of chugging around would really have been a little embarrassing if more people had seen me. I stalled a few times. The fork angle is also a good bit different from the Nighthawk, and so slow speed steering and sharp cornering is a bit different. You really have to pull it back straight.

Next, I trundled over to the easiest-to-get-in-and-out-of gas station that was nearby — the new Cifco in Dobbin Center. The Shadow’s an “old school” bike, in that checking the fuel level involves peering into the top of the tank to see how much is left. The main tank holds two gallons, and there’s a 0.9 gallon reserve. I put 1.34 gallons in it to top it off. And from there, I rode off to work.

The ride to work was completely uneventful, which is a really good thing. I did catch my boot on the seat top getting off the bike after I got to the office, and the seat cover about fell apart. I’ve ordered a new one. I’d planned to do it anyway, ’cause the seat cover was starting to split its seams a little, but I thought I was going to be able wait a few days first! I’ve also got a bid in on a new radiator cover. I’m sure I could sand and repaint the one that’s on there, but heck, if I can get a new one at a reasonable price, I might as well just replace it.

Riding home was also quite uneventful. One stall at a light. I’m gonna hafta learn how to adjust the clutch! I also want a little more action out of the rear brake, so I can drag through corners a little better.

The next priority is getting some luggage. I traveled really light today, knowing that I wasn’t going to be in the office for more than a few minutes before going to a trade show (in the county SUV). But soon, I’m going to have be able to carry my laptop and paperwork along with myself. The windshield also needs to be worked on. I’m going to try polishing it first, but I’ll probably want a new one in the long run. And, I need some appropriately colored touch-up paint to deal with the areas where a previous owner’s saddlebags rubbed through the paint and into the plastic.

Notice that all of the little things I’ve mentioned that I need to work on are either cosmetic or adjustments for personal preferences, and, if cosmetic, things that I knew that I was going to have to do, anyway.

Now, where’s that C.L.R. and a toothbrush…