My ride with "massacremasses"

[AlanDog]

I’m sure you’ve all been wondering about the online entity known as “massacremasses” who has posted over 17 posts per day on AVERAGE since he has joined the forum. You’ve probably wondered, “is he some bot designed by google engineers to win the Turing prize?” or “is this some elaborate FBI ruse to infiltrate violent motorcycle gangs in the Sierra Foothills who’ve watched one too many episodes of ‘Sons of Anarchy’?” Honestly, when I rode into Oroville up from Woodland I really wasn’t sure which of these scenerios was true. The last minute declaration “I’ve never ridden more than 20 minutes” only confirmed my initial suspicions, and the fact he met me at a gas station, so I wouldn’t have to see the “house”, “wife” and “child” of his online persona… well, it was all becoming clear.

“Justin”, or should I say “Special Agent Justin X” met me at the AM/PM station only blocks from his house that he apparently “forgot about”. Somewhat like the twisty road less than a mile from his house he forgot about, which really blows his entire backstory of growing up in Oroville. I was willing to put all this evidence aside as some misinterpretation, but the guy that met me on the black Ninja apparently hadn’t been thoroughly briefed on his character. It was a dead giveaway: “Justin” seemed completely normal. No talk of massacre. Of carrying loaded guns. He didn’t walk around with a crazy look on his face. Definitely struck a false note in his performance of “Justin”, which I’m now sure is an elaborate online concoction of subtle psychological hints carefully woven together by FBI experts aimed at luring out homegrown backcountry radicals from Berry Creek. Come on, 17 posts per day? He has a job AND he lives in Oroville—if the agency had done their homework, they would have realized that these are two mutually exclusive alternatives! I could go on and on...

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=CA...a=1,2&t=m&z=10

The ride itself was great. Cherokee road is a bumpy, tight road that is definitely a skill builder and one that might take years to master. I had fun on the way out, less fun on the way back. Highway 70 was way better than I thought it’d be—I’d driven it in a car but never taken it on a bike. Recently paved smooth twisties for miles with very little traffic. Not so wide open that you have to hit 70 to get the feeling of speed, and not so tight that you’re hitting 15mph curves. I could have gone back and forth on that stretch all day…

“Justin”, it was great meeting “you”, so to speak.

[Alex]

[iceknyght]

He's real?!?!

Mind blown.

[massacremasses]

I just saw this. I am loling so hard.

You to Alan! I had a blast! I really have not gone up there since I was a kid to fly kites...


You may post the pic though. I was gonna post the picture I took if youre cool with that


and in my defense I did ask if you wanted to stop by after and I met you at the gas station since I needed to fill up too.



man my decoy really messed this up didnt he?

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by trixter

Yes yes we must preserve operational security.



Does your decoy still need an escort to the other ride?

hahaha

Not sure if I can handle the other ride yet. I woke up this morning and my wrists were killing me. That road through Cherokee freaking killed me... I must have terrible body positioning or something.. Im confident I can make it down and meet up with Sacramento guys if they go, but still Im not sure If I can do that many miles in a day. Like I told Alan, I know it doesnt seem like Im knew cause I post so damn much, but I really am a new rider.... just not new to automotive forums...

[AlanDog]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

I just saw this. I am loling so hard.

You to Alan! I had a blast! I really have not gone up there since I was a kid to fly kites...

You may post the pic though. I was gonna post the picture I took if youre cool with that

and in my defense I did ask if you wanted to stop by after and I met you at the gas station since I needed to fill up too.

The link is to central Oroville and doesn't have your address or anything.

Yes, you invited me to your house, but I'd like to live, thank you.

Well, I think I've got you all wrong... based on careful inspection of this photo, it's become increasing clear that YOU'RE A ROBOT!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g...stin%2520X.jpg

Fly kites? Common on, you believe those memory implants?

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by AlanDog

The link is to central Oroville and doesn't have your address or anything.

Yes, you invited me to your house, but I'd like to live, thank you.

Well, I think I've got you all wrong... based on careful inspection of this photo, it's become increasing clear that YOU'RE A ROBOT!



Fly kites? Common on, you believe those memory implants?

lol cause I asked alex to edit it silly, and made it link to right by the AMPM we left from. The first one had my address

haha!! next time feel free to meet up at my house if I have enough gas in my bike!

And you may be right. I may be a robot.



btw i like your boots hahaha

(we have matching boots )

[AlanDog]

Actually, this morning after I posted this, I was getting worried I offended you, 'cause I saw you posting on other threads and ignoring mine... the silence was deafening! I have a mobile home in Cohasset (a place people in Oroville are afraid of) so only making fun of myself... I really do think Oroville is a great place, sometimes I think people there don't realize it.

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by AlanDog

Actually, this morning after I posted this, I was getting worried I offended you, 'cause I saw you posting on other threads and ignoring mine... the silence was deafening! I have a mobile home in Cohasset (a place people in Oroville are afraid of) so only making fun of myself... I really do think Oroville is a great place, sometimes I think people there don't realize it.

haha not at all I just didnt see it!! I was like dang I just saw this. In the morning I respond to threads im already subscribed too so I dont start poking around other parts of ninjette until later in the day. When I saw it I lol'd and responded.

Im pretty hard to offend

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by trixter

What was the altitude where those pics were taken?

How much snow did you see and at what altitude even if estimated? I dont know where you were on that map so I cant really do a terrain mode to see with any degree of certainty.

I have yet to go out my backdoor and up the hill (Kirkwood is 40 miles from my house so I have a good starting point for altitude) so I dont know where the snow line really is.

not sure that altitude but we saw no snow actually... which is a little odd for this time of the year... Im pretty sure it was like 55 degrees maybe even 60. It was not very cold at all....

[AlanDog]

Before I sent the map link I did think to obscure your address, but apparently hit 'send' before hitting 'paste'... or something...

Not sure about the wrists--is your bike totally stock as far as the handlebar position? My wrists were bothering me on my way back home, but it was the first long ride for months and I think I did around 300 miles (I also did errands around Chico, not shown below...) But maybe it is differences in the pregen vs. newgen stock front shock because although Cherokee road was bumpy for me, it wasn't really jarring me. And as I mentioned on the ride, it's really too soft, it wallows around and can change direction. I have the stiffer ex500 upgrade springs, need to get around to swapping them in.

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=wo...,3,8,9&t=m&z=9

[massacremasses]

yeah all that stuff is stock... it is on the lowest spring setting however... like I dont mind stiff suspension on my sports cars, but damn dude it was BANGING my wrists. :/

and no worries on the address thing I dont think that many people saw it that I wouldnt want to (strangers)

[AlanDog]

So I just checked cycle-ergo.com and it says pre-gen is 14 degree lean vs. new-gen 22 degree forward lean (assuming 5'9" height and 30" inseam). So that is a significant difference (if the site is correct). I have low back issues so I don't think I'm great about keeping weight off the grips...

The other thing that was bothering me on the ride yesterday was the seat--it is apparently designed to slide you into the tank. I could sit back but I'd just slide forward hitting small bumps in the road. There is an custom upholstery shop near my house and I've thought that they could probably make a custom seat on my seat pan for cheaper than a Corbin.

[massacremasses]

I was trying to squeeze my legs on my tank to stop from sliding forward...

[Jiggles]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

I was trying to squeeze my legs on my tank to stop from sliding forward...

Silicone

Originally Posted by massacremasses

Im pretty hard to offend

You're gay.

[Firehorse]

lol, brilliant! He didn't even have horns???

Have you adjusted your bike to your size? It makes a huge difference and the brake and clutch only take a second to do.

As soon as I stopped my deathgrip and stopped leaning on the bars, it was like a new bike, built especially for me. A light touch will keep you safe if everything starts to go squirrely on gravel or something because remember the bike WANTS to stay upright, it's usually the panic of the rider that causes the crash.

Adjusting the shifter and rear brake makes a difference too.

Let us know what works for you wrt the wrists/sliding forward.

[setasai]

Awesome report Alan... Like I said Justin, I can swing up to where you live and ride down with you. We can take as many breaks as you like. It really isnt that bad. You just gotta take your time and relax. The ride down to Sac to meet everybody would be less intense than that ride you took today. 27miles of twisties is sooooooo much more tiring than say 120miles of sweeping curves and freeway riding.

I'm still down to meet up with you. Just let me know if you'd like to give it a shot. If on the way you feel like turning around, that's fine as well.

As for the wrists thing, definitely adjust the clutch and brake levers. I have them slanted as far downwards as possible. Huge difference. Also, some tank grips can definitely help with the sliding and supporting yourself.

[greenaero]

Great report! I'm hating that I can't ride with y'all on 3/18, hopefully we'll get another ride organized for us Bay Area/ Norcal people soon.

[massacremasses]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Silicone



You're gay.

only for you baby

Originally Posted by Firehorse

lol, brilliant! He didn't even have horns???

Have you adjusted your bike to your size? It makes a huge difference and the brake and clutch only take a second to do.

As soon as I stopped my deathgrip and stopped leaning on the bars, it was like a new bike, built especially for me. A light touch will keep you safe if everything starts to go squirrely on gravel or something because remember the bike WANTS to stay upright, it's usually the panic of the rider that causes the crash.

Adjusting the shifter and rear brake makes a difference too.

Let us know what works for you wrt the wrists/sliding forward.

Im not sure what you mean? do you mean the spring? I bought it and it was already at its lowest point. As for the levers can you adjust stock levers?

Originally Posted by setasai

Awesome report Alan... Like I said Justin, I can swing up to where you live and ride down with you. We can take as many breaks as you like. It really isnt that bad. You just gotta take your time and relax. The ride down to Sac to meet everybody would be less intense than that ride you took today. 27miles of twisties is sooooooo much more tiring than say 120miles of sweeping curves and freeway riding.

I'm still down to meet up with you. Just let me know if you'd like to give it a shot. If on the way you feel like turning around, that's fine as well.

As for the wrists thing, definitely adjust the clutch and brake levers. I have them slanted as far downwards as possible. Huge difference. Also, some tank grips can definitely help with the sliding and supporting yourself.

Yeah I noticed once we got on 70 it was a LOT easier to ride. and while it was a little scary on corners with a cliff to either side of me it was fun. Even with my stock IRC tires... idk but they deff felt like they were slipping a couple times...

Im still making up my mind if I wanna hit that up. My wife wasnt super thrilled about it because she works that weekend. And Ill have to get someone to watch Noah. and if we have to get up early I am most likely out... haha I cannot get up early if im nervous and ride. (im weird, and I cant take my Kolonpin if im gonna be riding a motorcycle ) anyways enough of myexcuss :/ we will see. Thanks for the offer though and ill deff let you know Brian.

Originally Posted by greenaero

Great report! I'm hating that I can't ride with y'all on 3/18, hopefully we'll get another ride organized for us Bay Area/ Norcal people soon.

you guys all need to come up here. Everyone can meet at my house. I assure you its safe

[AlanDog]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

Yeah I noticed once we got on 70 it was a LOT easier to ride. and while it was a little scary on corners with a cliff to either side of me it was fun. Even with my stock IRC tires... idk but they deff felt like they were slipping a couple times...

I was checking out your tires while we were talking about other stuff and they should be replaced soon, you've got a major flat spot down the middle and so in turns you were probably balancing on the 'corner' of the tread.

My story on why you should risk going too much longer: last summer I knew my tires were close to their limit, but it was either go on a ride or stay home... I decided to risk it. Sure enough, 100 miles out near Clear Lake stopping for lunch I check my tires and I can see white threads down the middle of my tire. I was alone and so I just carefully rode back and the tire popped just a mile west of Winters--I was going maybe 50mph but just rolled to the side no problem. Not sure if your tires are that bad, but they're getting close. I'd buy new tires soon.

[Ninja250gurl]

I have 2 words for you... Cramp Buster. Totally worth the $10 i paid on ebay!! My wrists used to hurt when i would ride my 30min ride to work.. i got this thing, and no more pain.

[massacremasses]

@AlanDog

for sure new tires are my next purchase. Im just trying to get the money I need for them but have been short on cash lately

@Ninja250gurl
it was more my wrists hurt from the jarring not the throttle.

@trixter
I assure you my house is safe... kind of. I do have a crazy cat who will ninja assassin you... and yes you have two right levers? maybe I can get them off you and trade for a left jk jk
after tires levers will be my next purchase... but shoot who knows how long that will be. My sons bday is coming up so Im sure even though I already dropped $600 my wife will want to spend more...

[massacremasses]

well it didnt hurt on the normal riding just in the slower areas where it was really bumpy and twisty. I could barely keep from sliding forward and had most of my upper body weight on my wrists... Yeah I know I need to watch that...

[burningscooter]

Fuuu I miss cherokee road. What a beautiful view. My old friends the spieglers live up that way. lol

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

Im not sure what you mean? do you mean the spring? I bought it and it was already at its lowest point. As for the levers can you adjust stock levers?

Yup, they can be adjusted. It's really easy to try it to see what I mean, not even 5 minutes. You can go from flat wrist in the middle position to a curl with knuckles forward to a bent upward position where your palms are almost facing forward. Just need to loosen and re-tighten the nut.

The brake and shift lever adjustments are discussed in some of the books recommended by riding instructors. Lee Parks, Pridmore etc. The shift lever really made a difference for me when learning clutchless shifting and moving the brake down a notch saved me from getting shin splints from having to lift my toes so high.
They also go over how to adjust you suspension to fit your riding and your weight.

The whole bar can be turned as well but I haven't had the courage to loosen that baby yet.

Originally Posted by trixter

).
Those are fairly trivial adjustments.

...
Yes, it would be trivial to some but I like a custom fit. The shifter was a good inch and it made all the difference in the world, no hunting. Call me odd I guess.

[CC Cowboy]

Originally Posted by AlanDog

I’m sure you’ve all been wondering about the online entity known as “massacremasses” who has posted over 17 posts per day on AVERAGE since he has joined the forum. You’ve probably wondered, “is he some bot designed by google engineers to win the Turing prize?” or “is this some elaborate FBI ruse to infiltrate violent motorcycle gangs in the Sierra Foothills who’ve watched one too many episodes of ‘Sons of Anarchy’?” Honestly, when I rode into Oroville up from Woodland I really wasn’t sure which of these scenerios was true. The last minute declaration “I’ve never ridden more than 20 minutes” only confirmed my initial suspicions, and the fact he met me at a gas station, so I wouldn’t have to see the “house”, “wife” and “child” of his online persona… well, it was all becoming clear.

“Justin”, or should I say “Special Agent Justin X” met me at the AM/PM station only blocks from his house that he apparently “forgot about”. Somewhat like the twisty road less than a mile from his house he forgot about, which really blows his entire backstory of growing up in Oroville. I was willing to put all this evidence aside as some misinterpretation, but the guy that met me on the black Ninja apparently hadn’t been thoroughly briefed on his character. It was a dead giveaway: “Justin” seemed completely normal. No talk of massacre. Of carrying loaded guns. He didn’t walk around with a crazy look on his face. Definitely struck a false note in his performance of “Justin”, which I’m now sure is an elaborate online concoction of subtle psychological hints carefully woven together by FBI experts aimed at luring out homegrown backcountry radicals from Berry Creek. Come on, 17 posts per day? He has a job AND he lives in Oroville—if the agency had done their homework, they would have realized that these are two mutually exclusive alternatives! I could go on and on...

http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=CA...a=1,2&t=m&z=10

The ride itself was great. Cherokee road is a bumpy, tight road that is definitely a skill builder and one that might take years to master. I had fun on the way out, less fun on the way back. Highway 70 was way better than I thought it’d be—I’d driven it in a car but never taken it on a bike. Recently paved smooth twisties for miles with very little traffic. Not so wide open that you have to hit 70 to get the feeling of speed, and not so tight that you’re hitting 15mph curves. I could have gone back and forth on that stretch all day…

“Justin”, it was great meeting “you”, so to speak.

I take it the meds are working!

[setasai]

Originally Posted by massacremasses

well it didnt hurt on the normal riding just in the slower areas where it was really bumpy and twisty. I could barely keep from sliding forward and had most of my upper body weight on my wrists... Yeah I know I need to watch that...

Honestly, look up tank grips. It makes a world of difference. I went the cheap route and used 100% silicone caulking in black. Doesnt look super pretty but it works very very well and is removable. At $3-$6 a tube, its hard to go wrong with that stuff. Work in the shade though. I found out that if the silicone or the plastic gets too hot, it will become NON-removable.

After that comes some adjustments to the seat. I found it to be too slanted so what I did was remove the cover, add some foam under the seat towards the front and then shave the back area flat. Much more comfortable and easier on my tailbone. All I purchased was 1sq foot of carpet padding and a $20 harbor freight pneumatic staple gun to put it back together. Didnt even use glue. I used my angle grinder to carefully flatten the foam but you could do it with just sandpaper slowly.

I have DIY's for both those mods but the plug and play buy it mod would be corbin seat and stomp grips/techspec grips.

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by trixter

bring a friend

By trivial in the above post I meant easy, not a lot of work (in relation to rotating the levers around the bar or changing the foot brake or shifter height)

Oooo, I gotcha now. Darned english language and all it's nuances..

Yup, good point to bring a friend to adjust the suspension. Be interesting trying to find a sand bag that is my exact weight!

[AlanDog]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

I take it the meds are working!

http://theweek.com/article/index/221...by-the-numbers

At this rate, anti-depressants are just legal recreational drugs, right?

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by trixter

Link to original page on YouTube.

See not hard at all (if you have a friend) A sandbag mmm maybe. I am unsure that the fore/aft weight distribution would also be similar.

heehee, I have the Lee Parks book that gives an awesome explanation and all the numbers and the reasons as to why it's important but still need a buddy with good eyesight. Looks pretty simple but sounds like it makes a big difference if it's set wrong. Mine is set pretty stiff and it feels just right but I do want to experiment, maybe it handles better some other way?

Just reread the garage makeover for the 250 in one of the mc mags and they replace the forks and oil to make the dampening less. That might be good, since I do like to hit the brakes pretty hard sometimes and the front end really dives. We'll see what kind of trouble I can get up to when my garage gets built in the spring..

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by trixter

Just remember suspension is important in cornering too. Ideally you want it in the 50% range, why you roll on the throttle in the turn the forces keep it compressed a bit, if you dont it will expand then if you hit a hole/rut it has no more to give. The speed you roll on is part of the decision to how stiff it needs to be. Or at least that is what I have been hearing.

Playing is fine just play safe.

Wow! 50% seems huge!
I've noticed that the back brake *touch* seems to level the suspension in the corners when I get on the throttle but I'm such a new rider that I have all kinds of experimenting to do before I can accurately judge. Baby steps.

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by trixter

I think that there is a misunderstanding. I meant 50% compressed (that is what Keith Code said in twist of the wrist 2). You want it in the midrange of its travel so it has room to go both ways.

As for the rear brake, it will stretch the bike a bit which can stabilize things but it can also cause you problems if used incorrectly.

I'll reread that section just to make sure I'm fully understanding. For some reason I have 30-35 stuck in my head?? Will double check before I pick up any tools.

Oh yes, re the rear brake! I've seen how it can bite you. TG it hasn't happened to me. I'm pretty boringly methodical, try the corner a certain way at 25kph, analyze...try it at 40kph, analyze..etc etc. Kinda nerdy but I find out a lot about my bike. Did that with the full out emergency braking and now I have no fear at all of it even at high speed but if I'd been training with a friend, they would have died of boredom!

[Firehorse]

Originally Posted by trixter

30-35% is the preload not the travel of the suspension .

That's what I thought you meant, no wonder we were confused when you said 50%!

As for emergency braking you should practice that over and over. MSF had us do it for about 5 minutes, I think we only did it 2-3 times total each. As soon as the tire locks you gotta release and reapply. Watch that lean angle

If you practice as much as I do, you don't lock the tires. I locked them lots of times when I was learning where that happy point was. It got kind of fun when I did lock the back but in real life and at real speeds, I don't want that sucker finding traction again! No releasing and reapplying the back brake!!

MSF only did that for 5 mins? That's kind of scary. It's one of the first things I do when I go out for a ride. Pull off on a side street and make sure that particular reaction is still there. I've got an awesome practice area for that - the main street in my town is long and full of lights so at 3am or so I can do the full length of it and time it to go fast and then catch every light. That warms up the bike in a hurry! There's a thread here called "Do you practice and if so What do you Practice?" Good reading.

I've never had to do a emergency stop on a corner. So far I've been pretty cautious not going into them too hot but that gives me something else to try. I can brake pretty heavily but never did a full four-paw stop. Sounds quite intimidating, I think I'll get the rails on for that practice, I have a feeling I won't be quite as good at it as I'd like to be

Link to original page on YouTube.

Get it while its hot, it may not be there in the future.

Scooped up while it's hot, thank you!