Mark Levinson Amp Replacement

IMG_0323, originally uploaded by oparvez.

This is what a Mark Levinson amp looks like as installed in my 2001 Lexus LS430. Apparently these amps are prone to failure, which kills the stereo system entirely. The dealer wanted $2,000 to do the repair but offered to sell me the amp alone for about $800 (with exchange of my existing bad amp). After doing my research on part numbers, I bought an upgraded used amp (p/n ends with 01) from eBay for about $325. Described as remanufactured, I was hopeful it had already been through the dealer process but the amp that arrived was missing the remanufactured sticker. Bummer. But I decided to go ahead and install it. It took me a little over an hour to do the work. It now seems to work fine. Here's a link to the full photo set.

You can also find more information on how to diagnose and replace your ML amp here and here.

KLR Brake Lines

KLR Banjo Fitting Broken, originally uploaded by oparvez.

On a windy night, my wife's nighthawk fell over onto my KLR, damaging the brake line. Riding a motorcycle without a front brake is probably not the best idea, so time to order and install a new one.

what brake line?

The OEM line was $70 plus shipping from a dealer. A quick check of the aftermarket showed stainless steel lines were surprisingly less expensive.

Years ago, I installed stainless steel lines on an Audi and it provided a noticeable improvement in braking performance. Given the KLR's notoriously weak front brake, going to stainless steel lines is a no brainer.

New Year, Big Plans

Happy New Year everyone.

As it turns out, there were a few gadgets under the tree that will help bring much to this little hobby of mine.

Canon FS100 + Go Pro Motosports Hero + Obsession = Killer Content

Stay tuned...

Some Obsessions Start Early

Me, originally uploaded by oparvez.

That's me.

Like a Christmas Tree

Like a Christmas Tree, originally uploaded by oparvez.

Switching from an 4000 Quattro to an LS430 has been quite an experience.

Labretta

DSCN0543, originally uploaded by SOG SCOOTERPARTS.

Came across this on Flickr.

Many years ago, my Uncle rode a scooter like this one from Rome to London. That's an adventure I'd like to learn more about...

Tevis and His NSX

Tevis and NSX, originally uploaded by oparvez.

Tevis was nice enough to take me for a very fast spin up Coal Creek Canyon in his jet black, seriously modified 1991 NSX. Thanks Tevis and Happy Birthday!