What a difference new tires can make

Some time ago I changed the rear tire myself, first having to weld a rear stand. Breaking the bead was another story. I bought a pair of Shinko tires, but didn't do the front so I drove for a long while with a bald front tire and it was like a square tire instead of round. Today I brought my bike in by a mechanic to change the front cause I don't have a front stand. Boy what a difference this makes to the bike! I had to drive carefully out of the driveway and on my way home. It is like a different bike, and each time a take a curve my head goes in a haze, not able to adapt with the change. My bike's frame was aligned (chassis alignment) by the good folks (Kent Soignier) at G.M.D. Computrack in Atlanta, Georgia and I think that only now I feel what the difference is. With the new tire on the bike it drives very different, a sensation not felt with the old tires (ever since I bought the bike, never changed the front tire). How can I explain this sensation? It's now more like think left and the bike goes left. The bike goes like in automatic steering. I have to get used to it, I am kinda scared right now, before I dared to lean on the side, with half my a$$ on the saddle, now there's no need for that. Really a great improvement. I'll keep you posted on the riding experience.

2005 Yamaha YZF-R1 Recall

Yamaha Recalls on FJR1300, FZS600 and YZF-R1 built in 2005

Yamaha has recalled three 2005 motorcycles due to throttle position sensor failure, which can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash.

The throttle position sensor can fail on the FJR1300, FZS600 and YZF-R1. These bikes were manufactured between October 2004 and April 2005. Yamaha Motor Corporation said 180 motorcycles are affected.

Yamaha will notify owners and replace the throttle position sensor free of charger. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 7, 2009. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-714-761-7300.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153, or go to www.safercar.gov.