Topic: 26 Rides in 2026. Frank's New Years Resolution that we can all enjoy.

[Kelly E]

Stu, round up a bunch of loud bikes for a big fly by past that guy's house. I know if that was me in there I would love it. Maybe stop a block away and everybody takes off one at a time doing a hard acceleration run past his house.

[Terry in Australia]

Well done Stu, and Dennis. As I'm heading into 6 months of cooler weather, you guys are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, weather wise. This morning Spotty and I loaded up his van with bike parts to take to the swap meet tomorrow, and I really hope we sell most of it, as I don't want to have to take it home again. He's picking me up at 5am, so I suppose I better have an early night. Hopefully it won't rain...

[PeWe]

#1 Finally ride no 1 2026!
My blue K6 that has got redline Si-1 fuel additive direkt. Clean carbs, comb. chambers and valves.
I have done too many carb adjustments due to dirty carbs.  Fuel had better cleaning agents back in the 80's ?

294 km total. I refueled after 213 km.
One of my favourite routes.
No lunch since I had eaten just before the ride. I had to wait to 2 pm for higher temp. Around +9 C.

It was  -4C when I woke up in the morning. Frozen windows on the car I had to start in time idling warm for my wife.

Maybe 2 digits during the ride at a whopping 10C !!! It was 9.5C home when I came back 6pm.

Not many photos, one stop with photos.

Engine ran  better and better, really smooth after 100 km.
Then  less loud when cruising at 80-100kmh.

Last time engine was started was early November. Last ride late September.

[Terry in Australia]

Well done Per, I’ll try not to complain about the temperature here when I see you doing almost 200 miles in single digit temperatures!

[PeWe]

It felt warmer than it was. Blue sky and sunshine.
My fingers did not freeze that much.
The clutch was a little bit too stiff. Hard springs which is needed.

The ride was partly a cleaning job. I do not trust the additive to be nice to the rubber carb boots if parked for a longer time with fuel.
I prefer to ride the tank and refill.

Next ride will get more of the  cleaning additive. Chambers and valves can still have carbon and soot after a short period way too rich plus acc pump with too long stroke causing black smoke.

[lash]

Didnt expect to get out today as it was supposed to be cold and rainy. They were right about the cold, it was -3c at 9 am but no rain. By 3 pm it was sunny and +8c so I managed to get in #6 for 135 km on the first ride of the year on the Goldwing. Didnt stop for pics, maybe next ride but the weather doesnt look good for the next couple of days..

[BenelliSEI]

Finally! First ride this afternoon. Needed some bits for the race car (first race weekend in two weeks). Very cool (never saw 10c) but lovely sunshine. The Varadero still has the original tall screen I used late last fall. Tucked my ski gloves up into the engine whoever I stopped, so they stayed nice and warm!

[newday777]

Good to hear that the weather is turning the corner up there for you too John, Lash and Per.
Next week is promising to be a few warmer days here, might come closer to 80°F.

[Terry in Australia]

Well done guys, it’s cold (by Aussie standards) here today, but nothing like your weather. Spotty and I had a good day at the swap meet today and I made a killing on the Kawasaki H1/H2 parts, plus got rid of some CB750 parts I had lying around, so apart from the usual aches and pains, I’m a happy camper.