I installed my Fuzeblock Fuse Block FZ-1 and wired in my Bag Connection tank bag today.
In the beginning…
Where can I mount my fuse block? After noodling around for 30 minutes, the best place for me is near the rectifier.
Hells Canyon #1
Hell’s Canyon #2
Hell’s Canyon #3
Overlook South of the twisties bits.
Overlook #2
The question was asked: “Can I fit this bag on the back of a Super Ténéré?”
The answer is a qualified yes. Here are a few pics to prove it.
I had a nice ride today. 304 miles according to my odo.
I needed to take a look at my Mom’s laptop. It had a problem with the DVD drive not working after powering up. The problem was a power setting deep inside the Toshiba Eco crap. The software was telling the system to power off the DVD when the unit was plugged in. That makes no sense.
Anyway, issue resolved.
On my ride down, I did my best to avoid the freeways and even the main highways. I took every back road I knew that would still get me to McMinnville. When I left, I headed out to the coast and did most of the Three Capes Loop. The northern most cape had a road closure. Probably a land slide. I still made it out to Bay Ocean for the sunset. It was a lot of fun setting my traction control on 2 then roosting my way down the gravel covered dike.
Speaking of which, I engaged the traction control more than once today. The first time I was crossing some chewed up tarmac on an uphill climb. The road was pretty bouncy so I was already standing up. Then this little light started flashing on the dash. 
I dragged my feet a couple times today, mostly because of bad tarmac mid-corner. The Three Capes Loop tends to have ripples in the corners. They are hard to see when you’re turning in, but they are still there. There is a definite difference between the way the KTM handles and the way the Super Ténéré handles. The KTM bucks when it isn’t happy. Just a quick snap and it’s back online ready to attack the next corner. The XTZ is almost the opposite. It sinks into the rough stuff. The long travel suspension simply eats the bumps. And when there are too many bumps, my toes drag. Interesting. It was startling the first couple times, then I learned what and when. Still, it’s not something I seek…
The route I took is currently on my “Where am I” page. My Spot GPS will save the route for something like 7 days. The woman likes knowing that I’m still moving (and not in a ditch somewhere).
I’ve done over 650 miles on the Super Ténéré now. It’s time for my first service. Oil change with filter + gear oil change. Hopefully, I’ll get that done on Tuesday at the dealership. I don’t have much time because I’m heading out again this coming weekend to do a 1200 mile trip with some friends. Back to Rattlesnake Grade. This time, we’ll be running through Hells Canyon after a day playing in the desert. It should be fun. What I like best of all? I didn’t have to plan it!
I wonder if my new parts will be here by Thursday?
I’ve put over 300 miles on the Super Ténéré including a run to Klickitat with Scott on Sunday.
Now that I’ve ridden a few miles, I’m getting a feel for the changes I’d like to make to the bike. In other words, it’s time to order some parts!
I put together a reasonably large order from AltRider: crash bars, bash plate, heal guards, sensor guards, luggage rack, side stand foot, and some RotopaX parts for carrying extra gasoline. Black if available as usual. Let’s see if everything goes as planned with that. I’m trying to get Dr. Brown Motorcycle on AltRider’s vendor list, hence my large order. I faxed Gene my parts list late on Monday. I haven’t talked to him to see where things are with AltRider. Maybe I’ll do that tomorrow. Maybe.
Yesterday, I ordered a Bags-Connection “GS” Quick-Lock tank bag from Twisted Throttle. It mounts on the gas cap ring and includes a 12 volt feed. This way, I can keep my phone and and MP3 players charged up while I ride.
I still want buy a Garmin zumo 665 Widescreen Motorcycle Navigator
Another thing on my wish list is a new tent. The one I have right now is the same Eureka tent that I bought back in the early 90’s. Yikes! The tent I have my eye on is a Series II Expedition Tent. Why? Because I can park my motorcycle in it! Seriously! LOL So far the woman is unimpressed.
