Bike Almost a year old

It's been a long time between posts. I don't think anyone is reading this thing anyway.
Well, I'm nearly 2 months shy of the Bandit's 1 year Anniversary, but I've got 8669 miles on her already. I'm really enjoying ridding it. I've taken some much better Pictures because I helped my daughter buy a digital camera, a real one that is. hehehe.

Here 'tis after a good washing, and chain lubing. I was thinking today, "Man, I should have gotten a shaft drive bike". But, I like my Bandit. I'm not sure I blogged about the wife and I going to the Patriot Guard Rider's Tennessee Gathering of the Guard. That was fun. got to go on about 3 missions during that get together. Anyway, the bike holds its own fully loaded with me, the wife, and enough clothes and accessories for 2 days.
You'll note the Pilot Road 2's on the bike, they are fine tires. From what I remember I have about 4500+ miles on them and they're only about half done.

Tires on the Bike

Well, I ordered, received, and have had the Michelin's mounted. I got that last part done today. If the Michelin's last 8K that would be 289 (what they actually cost me) plus 133 (to get them mounted and balanced, includes the greedy uncle's part - tax) = 422 dollars. 422/8000= .05 cents per mile. Not bad. If they only last 6K that comes up to .07 cents per. So, what I have to do is save up 7 cents for every mile I drive so that when these tires wear out I have the money for the next set. 7 cents. Man that's very high, don't you think. Good grief for 422 dollars I can get a cheap set of tires for my truck and go at least 50,ooo miles. Ughhh. That's 8 cents for every 10 miles!! I think Bikers are getting ripped off.

Ok so if tires cost twice as much as car tires we should be able to get them and installed for 211 dollars, right? I mean we only have to buy half as many tires! Well the problem is that the tires are much more advanced than car tires. Because what you really have is two or three tires in one, depending on what kind you buy. The Michelins that I bought have dual compound tread. What this means is that the center is harder, for riding straight up, wich is more than 75% of your riding. The sides, that part of the tire you ride on when you lean in a curve, are softer for more grip, but will not last as long. So, you have two tires in one.

Oh, I also forgot to mention that Bike tires are much harder to install. You have a chain, or belt, or shaft that must be removed, and on some bikes this is a rather lengthy process. On both front and back the tires have to be aligned, chain tightened to specs, etc. etc. So, I can understand the cost there. Not to mention the person who does the mounting is liable for something if it all goes bad.

Well, I'll keep convincing my self that paying over 422 dollars for only 8,000 miles worth of riding is worth it. But honestly I think the tire companies could do better.

Tires, Laptops, and Surgery

Well, I've put over 4200 Miles on the Bandit since putting her on the road. The problem is that she now has balding tires. They may have a run or two to work left in them, but they didn't do so well on the last one, so I've garaged her for now. I've been debating on whether to buy Michelin's Pilot Road 2s or Shinko's 009 Ravens. I can get the Ravens for 185.48 (front and rear), but the Michelin's will cost about 290.00. Thats over a 100 dollars more for the Michelins. Now, reports from BanditAlley.net, and other places have given the Ravens good marks, people getting 8 to 9 thousand miles from them. The Pilot Road 2s are showing up at around 10K.