Ordinary Biker Oz: cup holder

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Yamaha Venture vs. Chevolet Tahoe

In case you have ever wondered, automobiles will win in a collision with a motorcycle. That is probably not a surprise. Also, intersections on the road are the most dangerous places on the road.

On August 17, 2010 I was running an errand from my campus (I am an elementary assistant principal) to the Administration Building. It was just after 2:00 so I decided to go by the local Sonic for a "Happy Hour" Diet Coke. (I worked in Princeton, TX.)

After getting the drink I proceeded to the traffic light. I had to cross over US 380 - a very busy road. Once the light turned green I started through the intersection. To my left I noticed the red SUV (Tahoe) was not going to stop! I looked ahead and rolled on the throttle! I really thought I was going to get out of her way but, I could not.

The Tahoe clipped the back 18-24 inches of my bike and sent the bike on a spin and me flying. The flight was not bad but the landing was rough. No, I was not wearing my helmet - when I go on these quick short errands I normally don't wear my helmet - I will from now on.

I never lost consciousness. I did hit my head and had to be taken to the hospital. I took 15 stitches in the back of the head. When they tried to send me home, about 3 hours after the wreck, I got dressed and then sat down and passed out.

Side of impact. Can not see from hear but tailpipe and fender were messed up.

I ended up staying in the hospital two nights. I had a mild concussion and a lot of soreness. Actually I still have some soreness (15 days later). The stitches were removed on August 27th. My head is still tender and has some healing to do.

Front fairing took a beating.

The bike has officially "totaled". Oh well, I will heal and I now have to go bike shopping. It is a shame since I had the Venture for less than 4 months, but I did put a little over 10,000 miles on it. The 16 day trip through Colorado and Wyoming to Yellowstone National Park and in to Idaho to see Mesa Falls racked up some miles.

Side of impact.

The Venture was a great ride, although a little top heavy for a shorter guy like me. I enjoyed every mile just not the last 20 feet. Everyone be careful and watch for the "cagers," especially at intersections!

Ride carefully and prayerfully!

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Top Motorcycle Cup Holder

I resisted at first. I thought, "I don't need a drink when riding." Well, last summer I rode on a friends bike for a few days and he had a cup holder. Before I knew it I started using it and I liked having a beverage available while riding.

After I gave his bike back I started missing the convenience of having a readily available drink. I ordered an inexpensive black plastic cup holder and it worked great.

After purchasing the Venture in May I put the cup holder on the bike, but it sure did not look quite right on the new shiny Venture. After looking at some other options I ran across a great deal on a Kuryakyn universal cup holder while at the Jeff Williams Motorcycle Swap Meet in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The cup holder mounts on either clutch or break perch mounts, or if you use a clamp it can mount to the handlebars. The cup holder accepts a wide range of cup/bottle sizes. The chrome C-ring has rubber nipples that accommodate various sizes and keeps a good grip on the cups. A sturdy nylon mesh net with leather-like material makes up the bottom portion of the cup holder.

The chrome ring, attachment, and bolts look good and are very sturdy. Kuryakyn provides three pairs of extra bolts and two bushings to make mounting easy. I chose to use one bolt and not have the cup as high up as it would be if both perch mounts bolts were used.

I have found the cup holder convenient, reliable on corners, and good looking. I recommend the Kuryakyn universal cup holder for your bike. I think you will like it.