New mods on the bike

I put a couple new mods on the bike in prep for the trip. The first is one I've wanted for a long time...a throttle lock. This is a clamping device that holds the throttle in position so you can take your hand off and shake it out or adjust your mirror or whatever. I tried it out just going up and down my road and it works great!

The second is a luggage rack on top of my top case. This gives me one more place to put lightweight stuff. I figure it will be a good place to put my ground pad and sleeping bag (in case I can't find a motel one night.)

The bike is coming along nicely. I might replace the battery before I leave...haven't decided for sure yet. The one in there now is the original that came with the bike when it was new in March of 2007. It's a maintenance-free battery and I've never had any trouble with it. But, it is almost two years old.

I also want to have the local bike shop take a look at it and do any necessary maintenance before I leave. There's a great little shop just down the street called Gumby's. He's a really nice guy and he has tons of experience.