Kiki and Her Battery

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/590 sec, ISO64
“Kiki in the Shade” Round Rock, 2025

Today I went for a ride with Kiki. After taking some photos, I pressed the ignition button, but Kiki wouldn’t start. The battery, which I bought just two months ago, didn’t have enough cranking power. Luckily, I carry a portable battery jumper, so I was able to start her up and get back home.

I took the battery back to the store where I bought it, and they checked it. They found there was no distilled water in it. We guessed that my charger might have malfunctioned, overcharged the battery, and caused the water to escape through the vent. But now that I think about it, I don’t believe I ever added distilled water in the first place. I had assumed the store added it before giving it to me. This dawned on me when I asked if they could add water, and they told me they don’t have any. They only add the acid that activates the battery cells.

So the battery has been dry for two months. I added distilled water at home and charged it up. It seems to have full cranking power again. Hopefully I didn’t damage the battery too much. Doh!

Saturday Ride with Kiki

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/3900 sec, ISO50
“Kiki” Buckholts, 2025

Kiki and I set off on a fun ride east, exploring the backroads past Taylor. We successfully dodged most of the rain, only getting caught in a light shower towards the end of our trip. But the dramatic clouds made for a beautiful backdrop! What a great ride.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/5700 sec, ISO40
“Kiki” Thorndale, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.6900000572505mm, f/1.9, 1/300 sec, ISO25
“Selfie with Kiki” Buckholts, 2025

Ride for Tea

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/290 sec, ISO80
“Kiki” Cedar Park, 2025

This evening I went for a short ride, followed by some relax-time with boba. What a nice way to spend the evening! Please watch the video I made if you have some time!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
“Fancy Drink” Cedar Park, 2025

Ready to Ride

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO64
“Kiki Ready” Cedar Park, 2025

The Texas winter was quite mild, allowing me to ride with Kiki often while many motorcycles across the country were stored away for the season. I’m also incredibly grateful for my battery charger, which kept Kiki ready to go whenever I wanted!