I find myself spending way too much time surfing for news on the arrival of Yamaha’s Super Ténéré to US shores.
I spotted a new XT1200Z review from a Turkist reporter. Does that mean Yamaha is starting to fill orders and build promo bikes?
The Yamaha website now shows June deliveries. Well… It will be July at the end of this week.
AltRider has crash guards and bash plate…
I missed the Hoh Rain Forest ride.
I missed the PNW Adventure Rally.
I missed the ‘Tag the Deadhorse’ ride. I think that one is really ironic considering Yamaha is sponsoring the AMA Adventure Riding Series for 2011.
And I am still waiting…
I was looking back at my CD of pics from my trip down to RawHyde Adventures, near LA.
Read more…
I installed a pair of ConvertiBARS on my wife’s SV today. I must say, I’m impressed. It’s actually a very simple system with 3 major parts, but it’s the quality and thoughtfulness that went into those “simple” parts.
The installation was easy, even if I didn’t exactly follow the instructions for the order of operations. The kit included very clear instructions with clear photos on how everything was supposed to be installed. I didn’t have any head-scratcher moments wondering how part A attached to part B. They covered everything. Plus, they include an installation video (below) on CD in the box so you can see the install and adjustment process. Talk about thinking things through. They answered my questions before I knew to ask them.
In the end, I rerouted all of the control lines as needed. Install was straight-forward and drama free. It took an extra pair of hands to tighten down the right bar because the bar and the tab holding the brake fluid reservoir wants to twist. It can be a little tricky to keep everything lined up on the first tightening.
Now, my wife has the bars where she wants them. The bar angle is set to her liking. The height and distance are where she wanted them set. Everything is what she wants it to be. And I didn’t even bust my knuckles getting everything installed.
How often does that happen?!?
ConvertiBARS Installation video
I’m almost done with my Intel contract. I need to fix 16 failing tests and write a few new ones then I’m done my development. Code review and check-in then debriefs. And that will be that. When I leave the building on Friday, my contract will be over.
Read more…
I’m finishing up a XamChart control. The data points are created on the fly as a behavior attached to a XamDataGrid. When the “active” record in the data grid changes, my behavior updates the chart to show the new record. The binding is two-way on the data points so that the user can drag a data point thereby updating the XamDataGrid’s values.
Still with me?
More complications.
Some of the data points can be edited, while others cannot.
By default, all of my markers are set to none. This makes it hard to figure out if a data point can be dragged aka edited and it makes it hard to actually grad the point because it is so small. To complicate matters, the existing style has animations.
Challenges:
- Find the existing Marker1 style in the resource.
- Assign separate styles based upon editablility.
- Make it easier to grab an editable data point.
Read more…
In many locations the self-pay kiosk print out a simple sheet of paper without the usual adhesive backing required to affix the receipt to your headlight. A few weeks ago, I got a ticket for failing to display my receipt.
I wrote a letter to the court explaining the problem: Where am I supposed to put the receipt without risking theft or loss of my receipt?. The response was show up on your court date or else. Of course, I’m unhappy about it.
Letting my wheels turn a bit, I emailed the AMA’s Legal wing to ask what’s what. I got an email back the very next day with links to help me work through the issue. Very cool!
Read more…
Just wanted to spread the word.
Helibars is now screwing over their customers.
Tonight I ordered a set of bar risers for my wife’s SV650. The bars are $279. I picked 3 day shipping for another $20.43. I checked out and approved a $299.43 purchase.
Then the receipt shows up:
Shipping Method: UPS 3-Day Select
Products Subtotal: $279.00
UPS 3-Day Select: $20.43
Handling Charges: $6.00
$6 handling charge? I didn’t approve any handling charge! The amount approved: $299.43. The amount charged: $305.43
Those lying motherf*ckers… What a slimy thing to do. I don’t even care about the $6. It is the principle of it! If they add extra charges to my order, what else are they going to do? Is the product what they say it is? Will they back it up if I have a problem? And the downward slide begins.
Now, I’m looking for alternatives. And oh yes, I’ve canceled the order.
Helibars == 
I’m at that strange cross-roads of sleep deprivation, coder-focus, caffeine low, and musical bliss.
I know it is a passing moment. And when it passes I really should go back to bed, but here I am.
I’m working on another web site, teaching myself MVC3, EF 4.1, and Razor. Obviously, it’s very late. I really should be asleep. This is why I can’t take a nap at 8pm. I wake up at midnight and there goes my sleep schedule.
Into the Fire is playing. When I close my eyes, the chorus makes my mind float.
A hypnotic lilt.
Read more…
Eliot Center, 1226 SW Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97205
I’ll be at the PDX Code Camp at some point tomorrow. Usually I’m excited to go, but this year not so much. I’m strung out from work and ready for a mental break. This weekend is supposed to be really nice. We’ve had a record setting low temperatures this spring. A day above 70 has been extremely rare. To make matters worse, it has rained everyday since we got back from Vegas. This weekend it is supposed to be sunny with temps in the 80s. Sounds like a great time to head out for some canyon carving or maybe the beach for a little Fascination. Anything but sitting in a stuffy lecture hall.
Also, the community garage sale is this weekend as well. We’re putting a few things out and I’ll be gone instead of helping out. The woman is still under her post-op restrictions, so she can’t lift anything of consequence (or shouldn’t) in any case.
I’m usually fine once I arrive at the event. We’ll see.
Microsoft has released a tool for cleaning malware that boots from USB or CD. It’s called System Sweeper. So if you’re in need… It’s still in beta stage, but a beta is better than nothing.
And don’t forget Microsoft’s free anti-virus tool, Security Essentials.
I use Forefront, which is the corporate version of SE. No problems so far with 8 different employees and 3 servers.
Another letter from Yamaha arrived today.
Yamaha is making changes to the Super Ténéré production schedule and now plans delivery to your selling dealership by the end of August, in time for you to take advantage of the fall riding season.
Maybe. Maybe? Fingers crossed. Maybe it will show up sometime soon. Maybe.
I wonder how far down the waiting list I am. My dealership only sold two XT1200Zs. Apparently the other buyer is a collector of some kind. I wonder how many of these will be in the PDX metro.
I finished re-reading Daemon tonight. I’ve already dove into Freedom. I guess I’m feeling a bit “hacker-ish” at the moment.
