Sports bikes and Harley's in rainy season

[KTMphil]

The stars were finally aligned to get "R1 Peter" , who's pretty quick on a supersport bike out with us on some fun roads.

Pete's beautifully kept, 5 year old Yamaha R1 below

Mr. West, pulling out the big guns for this one, his Suzuki GSXR K5 was the weapon of choice

I blew the cobwebs of the Triumph 675 Street Triple

 

[KTMphil]

Good route plan - R 1001 north to Phrao, R 1150 east to R 118, then R 120 east to Phayao (the ultimate sweeping supersport bike road) & back to Chiang Mai. All sounded like a good plan apart from the black clouds to the east that were associated with a depression that's headed this way.


It was looking like we were going to get lucky, up on R 1150 east of Phrao, everything green and dry as a bone

 

[KTMphil]

As we approached R 118, it was getting blacker and blacker, decision time. We could now see the rain showers approaching from the east, so time to make a run for it SW on R 118. We outran it for a while, as we approached the Doi Sakett area, we ducked into AJ's Biker House, the Chiang Mai Harley guru, it then started bucketing it down.

"Looks like you'll be here for a while" - AJ said looking at the grim, angry clouds in all directions

 

[KTMphil]

I suppose there's worse places to get trapped by a monsoonal depression, a qualified Harley mechanics workshop, time for a look around Aj's projects in his Man Cave.

A Thai rider on a Sportster had t-boned a car, it was in line to be repaired

 

[KTMphil]

A gentleman from Florida picking his completed Harley up also trapped by the downpour, the chrome detailing on his engine was spectacular

West's new-to-him, 115 HP, Harley V-Rod, with mid foot controls (not feet forward). In AJ's for some modifications to make it perfect.

 

[KTMphil]

He has an interesting/ unusual Vance & Hines exhaust

Forgot to ask if the exhaust was finished, but looked like the exhaust gas blows out from both ends of he second pipe

 

[KTMphil]

The V-Rods 115 HP of muscle

Modifications to raise the footpegs and controls about 1 inch and raise the seat also to keep the riding position the same

Jim, who also is a V-Rod owner, listening to everything with interest

AJ has also got his coffee shop/ shop all kitted out, if you're headed out on R 118 stop by and say hi to him, he's a great guy

So the day was cut short but gave us a chance to have a natter to AJ too, not so bad after all.

 

[Lone Rider]

Nice short ride but would like to know if everyone could keep up with everyone?

 

[The Bigfella]

I do believe I have a photo of that particular Triumph (and rider) on R118 in the rain



I've got a very vivid memory of them fishtailing up the road too.

 

[KTMphil]

Ian, it was Déjà vu all over again.

 

[skeedary]

I also was on the 118 mountain yesterday and can confirm it was very wet and dark but was not going as fast as the racers.

 

[generationX]

No doubt that the bike is awesome and it fulfills the definition of a quality sports bike. But i will appreciate the dare of the person who drives this heavy sports vehicle in a rainy and stormy weather.
Bikers are really daring people on planet.
Welcome to Byron Quarter

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