It's like having a new baby

[bobhamlin]

Part of any new bike is recognizing what's normal.
Visual walk-arounds are nice. Does that tire look low?
Touch is necessary-- That bolt is tight. The saddlebags are secure.

Smell plays a part. I smell burning plastic (wire insulation?), but I wouldn't be smelling my burning wires at this speed, so relax.

I haven't found a use for the sense of taste yet. I'm sure someone has gargled that miracle elixir, Seafoam, however.

Sounds are very important. Bikes are like a new babies (Well, except that they shut up if you turn a key--the bikes, I mean). Through experience, and now with a granddaughter, I came to appreciate how much babies communicate if I concentrated on what's normal.

Every bike jabbers when running. Being able to interpret that jabber is what's important. I'm road testing my project '06 Nomad now and am learning its language--and some of it catches my attention.

For example, the other day, returning from work, I pulled into the garage, turned the bike off, and started removing my gear (Layers and layers when in the low 20s.)

All of a sudden, a sound began emanating from the general direction of the bike. What the? It sounded like a little toy--a wind up car or something. Then it stopped. It MUST have been the bike, I thought, as I looked around the garage for something else that I might have left turned on.

A couple seconds later, it started again. This time I was more alert. It WAS the bike. WHAT THE? I turned it off!! What's happening? The noise stopped again!!

I'm staring at the bike and it starts again. Is this a Stephen King novel? Way in the back of my mind, a little thought begins to percolate. Gas tank?

I had just filled the tank in town. This is my first fuel-injected bike. I rummaged for my key in my overalls, put it into the cap and turned it. Pfft! It was pressure.

Another little noise that must be filed.