dumb, dumb, *dumb* rookie mistake...

[Tom Simpson]

Yesterday was Tire Changing Day at my house: managed to get a new Avon AM24 on the front (*the* front tire for the KLR, IMHO) and a new Cheng Shin Maxxis on the rear (dad loves this tire on the back of his R100/7). All went well with the mounting but ran out of daylight so didnt ride it untill this AM. So, I crank her up and head down the driveway, thinking to myself all the way down, "Okay, you got new tires with mold release all over 'em. take 'er easly, dont be stupid...". And, of course, when I get to the end of the drive I immediatly lay her waaay over and hit the throttle, same as I do most mornings. I grab a handful of gas and , instantly knowing I have well and truly screwed up this time, have one of those "hosh*t, I just locked my keys in the car" moments as the rear breaks loose and proceds to pass me on the outside. Bent shift lever (so what else is new?), a realy impressive furrow dug in the pavement by Emgo BarkBuster clone on left hadlebar, a dime-size hole in left knee of jeans and a matching raspberry beneth. Otherwise, no damage, but belive them when they tell you a new tire is slippery. They do not lie. -Tom a True Beliver '96 KLR slip-fifty