Did we never make a motorcycle thread?

[Kchrpm]

Have fun, be safe, nice bike!

[TheBenior]

Ducati to build cheaper V4 (https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2018/august/ducati-cheaper-v4/)

Since Ducati said there won't be a 'middleweight' version, the article figures it'll probably go in a Multistrada, a supernaked, or a sports tourer. The Multistrada seems the most likely to me; as it's been around since 2010 with incremental upgrades since.

[Rare White Ape]

They absolutely need to make a new Steeetfighter. It boggles my mind that they haven’t already made a Streety off the Panigale platform, but here we are.

A V4 Streetfighter would be sex on a stick.

[Rare White Ape]

Huurrrrrrrr!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x28XRp6ToLo

P.S. the 790 Duke is a sweet little bike. I highly recommend one if you're in the market and think MT09s are well and truly passe.

[Blerpa]

We live in a world in which a 799cc bike is deemed little. Mkay.
Bogus.

[Rare White Ape]

Well, 10 years ago a 1300cc Hayabusa was big, 1000cc was normal, 750cc was mid-range, and 600 was small. Smaller than that was too small.

But we now live in a world where 1100cc Aprilias, 1200cc Ducatis and 1290cc KTMs are the new normal. Both Ducati, Triumph and MV Agusta have moved their mid-range bikes from 675 or 750 up to 800 or 900. 600cc is still small, and smaller than that is still too small.

Performance-wise, the KTM 790 engine puts out just north of 100hp, while an R6 gets to about 120hp. It’s no slouch, but it’s not as fast as a 600cc sports bike. If you venture over 1000cc you’ll find performance figures in the 170-200hp range. So the KTM is little by that definition as well.

It’s also physically small. The frame is tiny, the engine is a compact parallel twin, so as a result it’s packaged incredibly tightly making it light and very easy to flick around. Modern bike design can easily make a big engine fit into a small form factor.

So I conclude that the 790 Duke is a little bike.

But I also live in a country that is bereft of cultural creativity, which means that if you’re not on a 1000cc bike you might as well go home.

[Godson]

That is entirely the case.

We had multiple SF, 1098SF, SFS, which just sat on the dealership floor. I initially went to the dealer to buy an 848 SF and ended up chasing the big bike, like a dumbass.

[TheBenior]

IIRC, Ducati said we never got a Panigale based Streetfighter because a naked Panigale just didn't look good.

However, I'm guessing it was because the SF never sold well. They hold their value well here, but when new, they sat unsold on dealer lots for years. Realistically, most potential buyers just bought a Monster 1200 S/R or a Panigale anyway.

Bah, tried to edit post to include a naked Panigale (https://www.visordown.com/sites/default/files/field/image/46679.jpg), but accidently deleted it.

[Blerpa]

I may live in my own world where perfectly fine bikes are small 400cc and 500cc ones, and a small bike would be an XR350 or, respectively to power, an XT600.
Also, where did all the mono cylinder bikes go? Damn hell, I want to see small compact enduro 600cc bikes with barely 60hp and a light mono.

[TheBenior]

Honda has been pretty focused on practical bikes using their 286cc (300 in Honda model speak), ~30hp single and 471cc (500 in Honda model speak), 47hp twins for several years now. In the US, with those engines, you can buy Honda Rebel 300/500 cruisers, CB300/500F modern standards, a CB300R sorta retro standard, a CB500X ADV, CBR300/500R sportbikes. They don't excite many people over here, but they do sell in massive numbers around the world.

We can still get the single cylinder dual-sport Honda XR650L, Suzuki DR650S, and Kawasaki KLR650 in the US, but I'm guessing that they were victims of either European market tastes or Euro 4 emissions. However, KTM sells singles from 250-690cc, and the Japanese big 3.5 still have smaller single dual-sports.

[Rare White Ape]

Well, the 690 KTM is a sexy beast, especially in 690SMT or Duke R guise.

Imagine a new single cylinder sportsbike like the old Ducati Supermono.

[Rare White Ape]

I just found out that a friend of mine on another forum has purchased this exact bike. The one in the photo. It was featured in this article: https://bikereview.com.au/classic-collectable-honda-vfr750r-rc30/

It was part of a collection, who my friend got to know through historic bike racing in Victoria. It's low km, still has its original front tyre (which is being replaced before being registered again and, yes, used on rare rides for recreation) and is almost like brand new. Apparently it is among the cream of the crop of RC30s, which are 30 years old this year, because it comes from the first production batch that had 118hp, up from the 86hp of the US version.

https://bikereview.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Classic-Honda-VFR750R-RC30-Bike-Review-6013.jpg

[neanderthal]

Had a "use it or lose it" situation with my vacation. Needed to get tires and I had a set stashed in LA. Wanted to see mum in Phoenix, maybe do Four Corners and the Grand Canyon.

But, ultimately, I had a friend in Seattle who I needed to go see.

Saddled up. Diversion to Marfa TX too see the Prada store, then on to PHX. Got there at midnight, hung out with mum much longer than I intended and left for four corners at about 2pm. At the point i'd already decided i was going to skip the Grand Canyon. About an hour away from 4C, getting gas, i'm checking directions on Google one last time and I see that it's going to be closed by the time I get there. I, ... didn't even know it closed.
Anyway, turned around and headed to LA, via the Hoover Dam, so really via Las Vegas. Arrived LA about midnight, slept then got up and got my tires changed.

Went to CSUN to coach rugby one last time, went to my old club San Fernando Rugby to play touch rugby one last time, went to the Springbok Bar to hang out one last time, and managed to catch some friends there. had a good old time.

Left LA at 5:45am and arrived Portland at midnight. Left the day after to go to Seattle. Left Seattle the next morning to come back home.

Let me tell you; Seattle to Dallas is a long way on a motorcycle. This is why they invented airplanes. I was so cold that I stopped twice in the first four hours to hide from the weather and get warm. As someone who's always lived in the south I don't really pay much heed to the weather. Well, it approached and surpassed freezing on the bike, once you account for wind chill. That was miserable. Heated grips are now on the farkle list. I'd left my "winter" gloves at home in Dallas.

Stopped in Salt Lake City to see another friend. Left at ten and stopped just outside Denver because there was some ominous noises from the bike. I noticed some kinked links in the chain so I bought some oil and lubed the f### out of the chain, every single link. Rode around the gas station parking log and it was better but not gone. Oiled the chain some more then took off. I was trying to get back to Dallas as soon as possible so I could have a day or two to actually rest. Nope. Didn't feel right so I stopped at the next truck stop and tried to get some sleep in the lounge. yeah. Right.

At the dealer the next morning, first thing, they spotted the problem; excessive sag in the chain. They didn't have one in stock but adjusted it as far as they could. Left at about mid day and arrived in McKinney at 2 am.

Long ass journey. 5000 miles maybe? [I checked, it is 5000 miles] Chain issues notwithstanding the bike performed flawlessly. My ass didn't enjoy the last few days though.
I still lament the atrocious fuel economy at anything over 75. I had to stop and fill up every hour. Getting 30mpg from a motorcycle is no bueno.

But, even with a high average speed I didn't get a single ticket. The Gods were smiling in my direction.

[dodint]

None of my bikes have ever gotten great gas mileage, except maybe the F4i. But a quick glance at real world data suggests it only gets high 30s. The R1200CLC I currently have gets low 40s; not bad for a 700lb bike.

[neanderthal]

None of my bikes have ever gotten great gas mileage, except maybe the F4i. But a quick glance at real world data suggests it only gets high 30s. The R1200CLC I currently have gets low 40s; not bad for a 700lb bike.

In LA (warmer temps, longer journeys, more traffic (traffic going the same way has a marginal increase in FE I was astounded to discover!) commuting, I used to aim for and get about 50mpg on my indicated display which was usually closer to 52 once I divided the fuel consumed by the distance travelled. I use the fuelly app every stop. My readout was just a little pessimistic. Longer trips at higher sustained speeds it would be 45- 50mpg.

This trip was seriously all highway, with panniers. I was in the dirt for maybe 100 meters in the 5000 miles.


Here in Dallas my average has gone down a little. I have a shorter commute, not nearly as much freeway (LA had 10 miles of freeway) and the highway I use to maximise my FE has traffic lights.

A parts guy at my BMW mechanics (when I daily drove my 2002) had an old Harley he said he got consistent 60mpg in. And he commuted with it. I called bullshit but homie lived in Little Rock just outside LA and there are a ton of long uphills and downhills from there to LA/ the Valley on the 14 freeway.

[TheBenior]

October 17: Press embargo of first rides of 2019 Alta Motors EXR dual-sport ends.
(https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/2019-alta-exr-first-ride-motorcycle-review)
October 18: Alta Motors declares bankruptcy. (https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/alta-motors-says-thanks-for-the-memories)

[Rare White Ape]

Well that de-escalated quickly.

[Drachen596]

Anyone see that Harley has announced the pricing and some spec information for the new Livewire?

30k, 110 mile 'combined rage'

Also some reports of the costs to install the right chargers being into the 6 figures for the dealers. Online backlash has been pretty immediate from the non koolaid drinkers. Zero does the same or better for more than 10k a bike less.

[Dicknose]

Zero has tried a couple of times to come to Australia and failed each time. I was keen on one, but expensive, dealer was almost a full change away and now no dealer or support!
Harley has a large number of existing dealers and a huge number of owners and potential owners.
The big question is... will this bike appeal to Harley owners? Will people wanting electric be happy to have a Harley?

We have seen Porsche do very well selling SUVs, something that was not their core business and Id say most of these people are proud and exited to own a Porsche. So much so they could be called a SUV company that also sells sportscars.

Can this be the same for HD? Can they sell electric and owners will be proud of their Harley? I dont think its a big leap to guess that most existing Harley owners will scoff at these bikes and their owners.
It just seems so at odds with the rest of their image, I really struggle to see how it can work.
Im a little surprised they havent done something like re-use the Buell name to give it a small amount of distance. Maybe they expect the HD name to help it, but I think its going to hurt the brand more than help.

[Freude am Fahren]

Better bikes have been doing what Harley's do for 1/3 the price for decades.

[Dicknose]

Better bikes have been doing what Harley's do for 1/3 the price for decades.

Totally agree - its their image (lifestyle!) that sells the bikes and makes a decent profit.
And thats why Im confused as to how an electric bike will fit in. Its so different and almost the antithesis of what they currently offer.

[Rare White Ape]

I love it because it’s so subversive.

But you’re right. They won’t sell many. It looks ugly and it doesn’t go ‘potato-potato’ like an ICU Harley does.

If a manufacturer wants to have some success with electric bikes, they either need to make an inner-city commuter like a scooter (the Prius option), or a high-end technology-leading sports weapon like a Ducati or something. I know of the Lightning electric motorcycle, but that company is too niche, and the bike too expensive to make a point of itself.

But… give the subject another five years and we will see.

[Rare White Ape]

Actually, the perfect electric bike is the KTM Freeride. They’ve been on the market for a while now.

https://youtu.be/2_J8pS2THMs

[Drachen596]

I'm not entirely sure what happened to Alta and their electrics. They seemed to be doing well and then just up and vanished. Though it was pretty much right after whatever their deal with HD was going to be fell through.

Disappointing though, they seemed to be very well liked by anyone who seemed to test it. Plus they'd just offered up a new more powerful model as the shut down.


FWIW, on another board a guy says his local HD Dealer has 3 preorders already for the Livewire. I just hope this pricing doesn't show up when they bring out that Streetfighter they have shown.

[neanderthal]

I posted this last week on a motorcycle forum.


Minding my business on the way home from work. One mile odd from home, light is red, and I have to turn left. It turns green, but not for the controlled left. I wait. I'm the only one waiting to turn left, in the right of two left turn lanes.

It turns green, and before I even have an opportunity to turn the throttle I get rear ended. I wear ear plugs, but didn't hear anything (brakes/ tires screeching) until I felt the impact. The first sensation was of my bike shooting out from under me. The impact. Being on the ground. The car seemingly not stopping for aeions. Me wondering if I'd then get run over by its wheels. "Why are they still driving godammit, didnt they feel the impact. Oh god they better stop. They better have insurance . Why are they still driving!! STOP!!!!"

Then. Lying on my side. Forever. On my left. Facing the traffic. Nobody moving, nobody getting out of their car, no hazard lights, no nothing. Just a vacuum of silence. Then the pain. It came like a freight train out of nowhere. Its everywhere. Ears ringing. My heads pounding. Tears streaming down my face. Struggling to breathe. Everything hurts. A voice, female "Oh my God are you ok?" Feet appear in the hazy fog. I'm still trying to breathe. "Please say something. Are you ok? I'm so sorry. Are you ok."

All I can do is groan and moan. Finally my lungs are working. Everything still hurts. That same voice "can you move? Oh my God, are you OK?"" Through the fog of pain and tears I can hear other people saying things, although I can't make out what's being said except "Don't move him." Thank you I say internally. I'm still struggling to breathe. My sinuses are completely blocking my nose. I'm trying to mentally do a self examination: can you feel your toes, wriggle your toes, can you feel your hands, wriggle your fingers, I'm trying to catch my breath, is there any pain that's clearly head and shoulders above the rest, announcing its paramount to all others.

Non board certified assessment done I try to relax. I'm still struggling to breathe. Lying down isn't helping. I want to get up. I want to open up my lungs and clear my airways. I'll feel better being able to breathe easier. I put my arm up and ask if i can be helped to sit up. "No, you have to stay still" im told. We discuss the recovery position in rugby: its like the foetal position, it prevents choking, vomit going down the airway etc and im almost in that position already. "Don't move" makes sense. I give up on wanting to sit up. Try to normalise your breathing i say. I can hear my heartbeat. It's damn loud in among the noise of concerned bystanders giving directions and instruction to 911. I can hear / feel a ringing in my ears still, although it's waning.

There's a gentleman crouched in front of me asking me questions. I try to tell him I'm wearing earplugs and can't "hear him" without reading his lips. He backs up so I can see his face. Asks if im ok. I don't know, I think so. But my nose is stuffed so I don't know what that sounded like. He says something illegible. I saw "wha..." as clearly as I can and he repeats it. I still can't quite make out what he's saying although the din from my heartbeat is dissipating. "Huh?" It's easier to say that as there is no T sound that'll temporarily block the airway. I'm still struggling to breathe. I remove the glove from my right hand, I need to call my mum. "Can I pray for you?" is what he's saying.

Go ahead I say. I'm trying to find my mums phone number through the fog of tears . I'm not quite able to dial it, as he's uttering words to the deities of his choice. Lying prone with a mist descending from the heavens, and seemingly looking directly into the headlights of cars and street lights it's hard to see. Then there's tears flowing ceaselessly too. I do the "call mum" thing but I guess with my nose blocked Google doesn't understand me. Someone, mercifully, props up my head a little bit with something and breathing is a little easier. I see my call log and punch my sisters number. He's still praying I say "my sister" and give him the phone.

He immediately starts talking to whoever picked up.

The pain has receded a little. EMS folks are now here. Asking me my name, age, the date etc. I'm still struggling to breathe. Can I feel this, can I wriggle that? No, nothing hurts the most, but it's better than ages ago. Actually my back hurts more than anything else. In the background, amidst all the shadowy figures, I see my brother in law. "My brother" I point. Thank God I was one minute from home.

They continue to assess. They tie me up like a hog, put me on a board, remove my jacket (ATGMTT) and helmet, wheel me into the bus and take me to the hospital. Cut my clothes off, including a bloody nice windbreaker I bought at Rugby School when I went to England for world Cup Rugby. They had asked "can I cut off your jacket?" Go ahead, I responded, I have three of them. I thought they meant my motorcycle jacket, but I realise now it'd been taken off me in the process of putting me on the stretcher. I vaguely remember the discomfort of trying to take my arm out of the sleeve. My shirt was a 50th anniversary Polo for my rugby club. It's a mess of rags now.

The hospital is another story.

What could I have done to prevent it? Run the red light into the no man's land of the intersection and hope there was no one on my right going straight.

I just got home an hour ago and I'm just writing this because I can't sleep (sinusitis) and I need to remember it.

No rain but it was precipitating, not enough to call it drizzle though. More like a mist. Open sight lines. 7:40ish pm.

Don't know what's happened to my bike. It's been towed somewhere. I hope she has good insurance.

'O=00=O'
BMW 2002. long live the legend

[neanderthal]

No major injuries. No broken bones. Just "soft tissue injuries" from the whiplash; my neck and lower back. There's supposed to be a hairline fracture in my orbital something something. I need to go see a specialist, but i'm so wracked with pain that I dread the thought of going. Gotta man up I guess.

On the police report she confessed to looking down at her phone. Fortunately she has good insurance (USAA.) Everything points to a speedy resolution of this in my favor, but insurance companies will insurance company try to fuck you over when its time for them to pay.

I've submitted a list and approximate pricing of my clothes that were cut off me and my motorcycle gear. Helmets are functionally obsolete after one crash as you all know. I emailed Scorpion to ask if it was the same for their jackets. Mine looks perfect. They said it's integrity could be compromised so it would be wise to replace it. I forwarded the email to her insurance and a price for a comparable jacket.

I expect them, at a minimum, to cover my bike, the items that were trashed/ cut off me/ damaged, my medical, and lost wages. If they cover that i'm not hard done by them. Haven't been to work this whole week, nor will I be there this coming week. I end up being in a lot of pain after being upright for a few hours. The ER doc had only prescribed me three days of pain meds, but ten days of sinus meds. Thankfully the facility I am going to for therapy has a doctor who comes once a day. He's got me sorted on that front. Friday was excruciating when I was out of the Tylenol with codeine that was prescribed. OTC meds weren't cutting it. And I was using ibuprofen from England (higher dose than our OTC stuff here.)

I don't know what they will thrown in for pain and suffering, but i saved them a pretty penny by being ATTGATT.


I'm keeping a pain/ activity/ medication log, in case I retain a lawyer. I shouldn't have to, since it's pretty cut and dried, but insurance companies will insurance company.

Taking advice from the cheap seats so opine to your hearts content if you have any experience in this arena (Tyler) or legal expertise.

Cheers

[Dicknose]

Oh man - Im so sorry. Glad that its not too serious, and Im not saying that to take away from how bad it is.
Hope for a full and speedy recovery and that the insurance doesnt turn into a nightmare.

[Dicknose]

What could I have done to prevent it?

Im not sure there is anything you could do to definitively prevent this - it is 100% the other party's fault.

There are a few things you could do to help prevent or lessen the impact. Again none of this is shifting blame - its more about going above and beyond for your own safety.

- when stopped keep an eye on your mirrors, be aware of people coming up behind. What to do? That depends on the situation, probably not much margin to avoid them and you can run the risk of causing an accident if they try to avoid you at the last moment.
- possibly pulse brakes to "flash" (probably doesnt help if they arent looking!)
- use rear brake only when stopped. this makes a big difference on how the bike reacts when rear-ended. Front brakes will cause the bike to drop quickly, more energy into pushing you and the fallen bike along. More impact with road. Rear brakes should help keep the bike upright and it can slide, energy into rear tyre. No brakes = pool/snooker - you can fly off!
Obviously if hit hard enough none of these will stop you getting hurt, but they can help to reduce the severity of the impact and in low speed crashes could turn a nasty drop with possibly limb injuries into bike upright and no injuries. The longer you are on the bike, the better it is.
- if cars in front of you, leave room in front, so you dont get crushed between and also possibly have room to escape via lane split
- be extra vigilant if you are the first vehicle. Its amazing how many people "look for cars" and see a bike but it doesnt register as a vehicle.

Its a big ask to always "look backwards" and I know I dont always do it. But there are some intersections where I always do it, I just know its a risk due to bad visibility or confusing lane structure. I watch until a car is stopped behind me - then I cant see much and assume that the car behind is now my safety barrier.

sum up - look backwards, rear brake only, prepare for impact (head down, bent limbs, firm grip)

[neanderthal]

Im not sure there is anything you could do to definitively prevent this - it is 100% the other party's fault.

There are a few things you could do to help prevent or lessen the impact. Again none of this is shifting blame - its more about going above and beyond for your own safety.

- when stopped keep an eye on your mirrors, be aware of people coming up behind. What to do? That depends on the situation, probably not much margin to avoid them and you can run the risk of causing an accident if they try to avoid you at the last moment.
- possibly pulse brakes to "flash" (probably doesnt help if they arent looking!)
- use rear brake only when stopped. this makes a big difference on how the bike reacts when rear-ended. Front brakes will cause the bike to drop quickly, more energy into pushing you and the fallen bike along. More impact with road. Rear brakes should help keep the bike upright and it can slide, energy into rear tyre. No brakes = pool/snooker - you can fly off!
Obviously if hit hard enough none of these will stop you getting hurt, but they can help to reduce the severity of the impact and in low speed crashes could turn a nasty drop with possibly limb injuries into bike upright and no injuries. The longer you are on the bike, the better it is.
- if cars in front of you, leave room in front, so you dont get crushed between and also possibly have room to escape via lane split
- be extra vigilant if you are the first vehicle. Its amazing how many people "look for cars" and see a bike but it doesnt register as a vehicle.

Its a big ask to always "look backwards" and I know I dont always do it. But there are some intersections where I always do it, I just know its a risk due to bad visibility or confusing lane structure. I watch until a car is stopped behind me - then I cant see much and assume that the car behind is now my safety barrier.

sum up - look backwards, rear brake only, prepare for impact (head down, bent limbs, firm grip)

Thing is, i'm paranoid about being struck from the rear. I was alone in the turn lanes and I didn't see her coming until the split second before I got hit.

My theory is that she looked down at her phone and drifted from the straight ahead lanes. She estimated her speed at 40MPH. And that is not a speed you go around a 90 degree corner in the wet.

[Godson]

I'm very sorry to see this. To this day I have no memories of my accident

You won't be reimbursed for your gear. I tried my ass off, and I had 2k+ in gear when I went down. I hope you don't have any road rash, that's one area I completely avoided by the use of gear. I hear it's worse than a broken bone, and judging by my knowledge of anatomy, it should.

Stay ahead of your pain meds. Don't go for zero pain, go for tolerable. Eat a fuck ton of fiber, like 40+ grams a day. OIC, or opiod induced constipation, is worse than I can explain. Take it easy for the next few days. Do PT with an actual therapist, and push. You know what hurts from regular physical activity, it will be similar but much more intense. Don't create sharp pain.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help in whatever way I can, I am glad you are still among the mobile and cognizant.

[neanderthal]

I'm very sorry to see this. To this day I have no memories of my accident

You won't be reimbursed for your gear. I tried my ass off, and I had 2k+ in gear when I went down. I hope you don't have any road rash, that's one area I completely avoided by the use of gear. I hear it's worse than a broken bone, and judging by my knowledge of anatomy, it should.

Stay ahead of your pain meds. Don't go for zero pain, go for tolerable. Eat a fuck ton of fiber, like 40+ grams a day. OIC, or opiod induced constipation, is worse than I can explain. Take it easy for the next few days. Do PT with an actual therapist, and push. You know what hurts from regular physical activity, it will be similar but much more intense. Don't create sharp pain.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help in whatever way I can, I am glad you are still among the mobile and cognizant.

Cheers mate. I had no skin rash either.

I went out yesterday to buy stool softeners. I haven't crapped in four days. I took four of those pills already but nope, nada.

They've said they'll recompense me for whatever gear/ clothing was damaged, so i've submitted the list; windbreaker (55 quid,) helmet ($200,) jacket ($400,) backpack ($50) Polo ($30,) Jeans ($20,) compression shirt ($15,) long johns ($5,) and gloves ($30.) Fortunately she
A admitted fault
B confessed she looked at her phone and (not so fortunately)
C rear ended me.

It's a slam dunk. But, insurance companies are worse than scrooge.

I have to get better about staying ahead of the pain. The prescription meds advise against driving so i take OTC ibuprofen in the morning before i go to therapy.

I've essentially been home all day yesterday and today. I took care of most of the logistics this past week, even scoped out a replacement Africa Twin (checked at four different shops.) So it'll be my third. Third time's a charm?

I just hate this part, where they seem to be dragging their feet.

[Godson]

Yeah. I know that feeling.

My accident happened the day I was going to register my bike. Because of the accident, it never got registered, and by proxy, I didn't "own" it. So insurance wouldn't pay it until it was registered. I even had to pay a late penalty for registration.

I feel kinda bad to the Bank that lent me the money, I fucking snapped when she asked about payment. Told her I was in a motorcycle accident, she asked if it was their asset involved in the crash. BOOM went the dynamite.

Everyone got payment as needed, but it was frustrating. Good luck bud.

[dodint]

Sorry man, hate to see a rider go down regardless of fault. Glad you're okay.

[George]

Oh, man. Sorry to hear of your troubles, neaderthal. Best wishes!

[neanderthal]

Yeah. I know that feeling.

My accident happened the day I was going to register my bike. Because of the accident, it never got registered, and by proxy, I didn't "own" it. So insurance wouldn't pay it until it was registered. I even had to pay a late penalty for registration.

I feel kinda bad to the Bank that lent me the money, I fucking snapped when she asked about payment. Told her I was in a motorcycle accident, she asked if it was their asset involved in the crash. BOOM went the dynamite.

Everyone got payment as needed, but it was frustrating. Good luck bud.

Jesus what sort of dumb question was that. No, "oh, i'm sorry, are you ok?" Just the "was it our asset?" like they don't require you to have full coverage insurance when you finance. Yikes.

[neanderthal]

Thanks guys. Day by day.

[Dicknose]

Thing is, i'm paranoid about being struck from the rear. I was alone in the turn lanes and I didn't see her coming until the split second before I got hit.

My theory is that she looked down at her phone and drifted from the straight ahead lanes. She estimated her speed at 40MPH. And that is not a speed you go around a 90 degree corner in the wet.

Yeah its hard to account for sheer stupidity.
My accident was a lady driving onto wrong side of road - probably looking at phone!

Great to hear you are looking for a replacement, this shit can happen, but it shouldnt put you off doing something you truly enjoy.

And good luck with the battles ahead

[dodint]

Through a combination of reasons I've lost nearly all interest in motorcycling. The biggest one is that I just don't trust other people and don't feel young enough to just ignore it anymore. Ash wants to keep riding and camping off of it and stuff so we'll hang onto it a while longer.

[Godson]

Jesus what sort of dumb question was that. No, "oh, i'm sorry, are you ok?" Just the "was it our asset?" like they don't require you to have full coverage insurance when you finance. Yikes.

Yeah, she was pretty silent after I explained the situation and "you'll get you money once I can get someone to do the leg work while I'm in a wheelchair."

I don't ever treat people like that, but it was a shitty day And she pushed my jackass button.

Also, be very diligent on not becoming addicted to pain meds. I can function on a 5-6 out of ten pain scale, so if it didn't go over that, I didn't take any. I'd recommend learning when you NEED them, and ignoring them or supplementing with NSAIDs like you have already mentioned.

I was going to tell you something else of value, but I have forgotten. I'll try to remember and post.

[neanderthal]

Yeah, she was pretty silent after I explained the situation and "you'll get you money once I can get someone to do the leg work while I'm in a wheelchair."

I don't ever treat people like that, but it was a shitty day And she pushed my jackass button.

Also, be very diligent on not becoming addicted to pain meds. I can function on a 5-6 out of ten pain scale, so if it didn't go over that, I didn't take any. I'd recommend learning when you NEED them, and ignoring them or supplementing with NSAIDs like you have already mentioned.

I was going to tell you something else of value, but I have forgotten. I'll try to remember and post.

You've told me enough bro. I think putting your humanity directly in front of her shook her from her "professional attitude" and she didn't know how to go forward.

---------

She emailed me a list of the items I submitted for reimbursement and the cost that I supplied and basically said 'where do I send this money?"

[neanderthal]

Through a combination of reasons I've lost nearly all interest in motorcycling. The biggest one is that I just don't trust other people and don't feel young enough to just ignore it anymore. Ash wants to keep riding and camping off of it and stuff so we'll hang onto it a while longer.

I know of people in that exact situation who have decided to limit themselves to off road motorcycling.But, now on the trails you're likely to run into people on their side by sides and ATVs.

[neanderthal]

So, the adjuster lady emailed me saying she's going to deposit a check to my account equal to the total of the things i submitted to her. :up:

Much easier than I expected. But, it is pretty cut and dried that her client was at fault.

[Godson]

Wow. How's the stiffness, etc

[neanderthal]

Wow. How's the stiffness, etc


Slowly getting better. There are ups and downs as you know.

[speedpimp]

Sorry to hear that Mo.

[Godson]

All too well. I think day 2-4 is probably the worst, day 7-10 is when you start getting more adventurous and then regress for a few days.

Don't let the backsteps frustrate you. Take the small victories and embrace them.

[neanderthal]

That went surprisingly smoothly. Money went in my account for my damaged items.

[Rare White Ape]

Yay now you can go shopping for new stuff before you’ve even recovered but then have it sitting there frustrating you while you recuperate!

I know a lot of people who have done just that :p

[neanderthal]

Wow. How's the stiffness, etc

So yesterday was a bad day. Today seems good by comparison. I almost feel completely well, it's weird.

[Dicknose]

Thats great to hear!

[Godson]

That's how it goes. You have a day where it feels like you are worse than you could ever be. Then you feel unstoppable

[neanderthal]

Got a $1000 bill from the ER doc and a $9000 bill from the hospital. Doc spent all of thirty minutes with me. I was in the hospital for a whopping 3 hours. X- rays, CAT scan, meds. Ten thousand fucking dollars.

God Bless America.

[neanderthal]

Got a $1000 bill from the ER doc and a $9000 bill from the hospital. Doc spent all of thirty minutes with me. I was in the hospital for a whopping 3 hours. X- rays, CAT scan, meds. Ten thousand fucking dollars.

God Bless America.

Am I supposed to send that to them (other party's insurance) or send it to my medical insurance?

[Rare White Ape]

:(

I’m no expert on US insurance policies, but logic tells me that the at-fault party’s insurance should deal with that one.

That’s a helluva bill though. I would love to know how your country hasn’t imploded in on itself with a system like that. Last year a friend of mine was learning how to ride a skateboard - while drinking in public - and fell backwards onto her elbow. Shattered three arm bones, got surgery, internal fixation, four days in hospital. The nurse told her that the cost was around $40,000. She was worried that she’d have to pay it.

But nah, we have Medicare. The government pays for it.

[Freude am Fahren]

I would love to know how your country hasn’t imploded in on itself with a system like that.

Hasn't it though?

[Godson]

I'd send the at-fault, the bill.

Honestly, my total of bills from 2016 was nearly 500k dollars.

Insurance took care of all but my deductible. Donations took care of that.

[neanderthal]

On another forum I am being ridiculed for inquiring whether, whatever settlement they offer, I should ask for more, since my wearing all the gear has saved the insurance company untold thousands in medical bills.


"You're comparing a discount given on an insurance premium, with a settlement. They're very different, even a neanderthal should know that."

My logic is; installing a tracking device on my bike gives me a discount on my insurance, because if the bike is stolen it can be tracked and there's a higher likelihood of recovering it, reducing the insurance companies expenses.

Well, my wearing all the gear ...

[neanderthal]

I'd send the at-fault, the bill.

Honestly, my total of bills from 2016 was nearly 500k dollars.

Insurance took care of all but my deductible. Donations took care of that.

Wittle baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary! :twitch:

[Godson]

It isn't really that crazy when you think about the amount of care I had, 10 days in ICU, 23 units of blood, all the countless hours of anesthesia, etc. It would be *less* in another country, but the buck would just be passed elsewhere.

[Dicknose]

If I avoid an accident, should they pay me because I reduced their cost?

If you mean - they should pay for your gear, I’d say that’s a yes. But only because the gear is critical to riding and they caused it to be damaged. Not because it reduces their cost in an accident.
But extra money because your gear saved them medical costs? That seems weird.

[neanderthal]

If I avoid an accident, should they pay me because I reduced their cost?

If you mean - they should pay for your gear, I’d say that’s a yes. But only because the gear is critical to riding and they caused it to be damaged. Not because it reduces their cost in an accident.
But extra money because your gear saved them medical costs? That seems weird.

Yeah they should, and in fact, there are a couple of companies that advertise that you get a lower and lower deductible for going accident free.

[Rare White Ape]

Do we want a separate MotoGP thread for this year or do we just chuck it in here with all the other mudderbike stuff?

That said,

Rd 1 at Qatar was a fuckin ripper. The closest top ten finish in years, and a masterful performance by Dovi. He has really matured and is a great rider now.

Lemme know if we should continue this discussion elsewhere!

[Dicknose]

Yeah they should, and in fact, there are a couple of companies that advertise that you get a lower and lower deductible for going accident free.

Completely different if its YOUR company and its your premium/deductible thats reduced. I would expect that (and I rely on it - my insurance is low because I havent had an at fault accident in many many years)

But a payout after the accident? Not so sure. Actually I am sure - its a no.
They should cover your costs. but that is it.

[Dicknose]

Do we want a separate MotoGP thread for this year or do we just chuck it in here with all the other mudderbike stuff?

That said,

Rd 1 at Qatar was a fuckin ripper. The closest top ten finish in years, and a masterful performance by Dovi. He has really matured and is a great rider now.

Lemme know if we should continue this discussion elsewhere!

Definitely Paddock...
Actually there is a MotoGP 2019 thread...

[neanderthal]

Had an MRI yesterday because this recovery has been so unpredictable, so topsy turvy, so ... out there.

I have a tear in the cartilage of each of L4 and L5, and the tears are on opposite sides. It explains a lot.

Gotta go to a pain specialist who will inject the sites with cortisone(?) painkillers and proteins witchcraft, magic and sorcery to speed up the recovery.

[Godson]

Most likely cortisone.


Oh yeah, that shit hurts. I figured you had something else going on after being rear-ended like you were.

[FaultyMario]

Shit, Mo. I just read the thread, sorry to hear about your troubles. I'm glad you're here with us, man.

[retsmah]

Last track day I went to was at Willow Springs, I rode the bike to and from the track from Hermosa Beach in LA, which made for a pretty long day!

Just bought a used Kendon trailer (https://www.kendonusa.com/product/single-stand-up-motorcycle-trailer/) a couple weeks ago, should make future track days a lot more pleasant. So far I'm very happy with the whole setup, seems to tow very nicely!

3228

I said this back when I bought the car, but I'm probably the only person who has ever said "I wanted something with more space, and it would be nice to be able to tow a trailer" about purchasing a Hyundai Accent.

[dodint]

:up:

[neanderthal]

Posted this yesterday at ADVrider.com


Was supposed to go pickup my brother at the airport today. Went to Love Field instead of DFW. It completely fucked me up for the rest of the day. "Is this who you're going to be now? The guy who has to have someone supervise the most basic daily functions of his day? Are you going to be walking around with a group of others, drooling at the mouth with your caregiver in tow? Are you going to be able to make decisions, precisely, at work, in life, without fucking up the trajectory of your future? Are you going to be the guy who panics and shuts down simply because the guy behind him at McDonalds told him "dude, hurry up and pick something, i'm on my lunch here." Is this the moment, the point where the inexorable mental decline begins?"

When I say it fucked me up royally, ... i was a mess. I hadn't eaten yet (1400 hrs,) and slept poorly the last few nights. That wasn't foremost in my thoughts at that time. I was convinced it was the beginning of a mental tailspin that would have me living in an assisted care facility in a few years. I'm morbid that way; my mind grasps an idea and then goes worst case scenario pretty quickly. But I had shit to do so I got it together.

Later, going home from getting an MRI, i second guessed myself, turned around and started heading the wrong way (I'm still trying to get my bearings here, so often I guess my direction and check with landmarks to see if i'm getting acclimated to this place.) Didn't seem right, so I stopped and checked with my GPS; was right the first time. I'm not usually indecisive. Don't usually second guess myself, as i'm pretty logical (you live north east of Dallas, so head away from the sun as it sets in the west, etc.) Two incidents in one day freaked me out.

The neurologist did say i had a concussion. I guess now I have to have a much more in depth conversation about cognitive issues, mental decline, etc.

This has me thinking "lawyer." Prior to today I hadn't thought i had experienced anything that was above my paygrade.

Maybe i'll call the shrink tomorrow instead of waiting for our next appointment next week.

[Rare White Ape]

I hope it works out for you man.

[neanderthal]

I hope it works out for you man.

Cheers mate.

I forgot foil yesterday. My cousin said "bring me cooking foil please" to my "i'm going to Costco, need anything?" Remembered 5 minutes after I left.

Now I have to pay attention to every single one of these instances. Hopefully it's not a trend.

[Godson]

I had to do that even before my accident.

I hope things get better for you bud.

[speedpimp]

Hope you get better soon Mo.

[neanderthal]

Cheers guys.

Took the new scoot out for a ride. Mostly to test the new lid.

A ride on a beautiful day is so cathartic, so soothing. It felt brilliant to be out there.

[neanderthal]

Oh, got another Africa Twin. Third time's the charm, right?

3230

Had to take the pic next to one of my "around the world in the USA" destinations. :D

[speedpimp]

Stuttgart, Texas or Arkansas?

Nice bike.

[neanderthal]

Stuttgart, Texas or Arkansas?

Nice bike.

Thanks boet. (Afrikaans; brother.)

Stuttgart. AR.

I didn't realise there was one in Texas too. <goes off to search for it...>

[Godson]

Make sure to ride through eureka springs area and Jasper.

[speedpimp]

Presumed there was one, seems like there's one of everything else there.

[Dicknose]

Zero - the electric bikes have a new model out.
The company has been around a while now and the bikes are starting to mature, add cool features and polish some of the rough edges.
I arrived in San Fran, got in my rental car and the first bike I see was a Zero!
Also got to go and check out one at a dealer, looked a bit better than the model I test road a few years ago.
I’d be keen to get one, downside is they are not sold here anymore, but might be able to get in USA and import myself.

Anyone else interested in electric bikes?

[JoshInKC]

I would be, if I actually lived in the same town that I live in. Same thing with a gas-powered bike.
I can't justify the cost of either for a hobby, but if I was commuting a distance (I'd consider reasonable) on a bike regularly, the math would change.

[Freude am Fahren]

Rented a bike while out in Vegas for work. Had a late flight, so went by before closing the night before. All they had left was a Tiger 1200. Not bad, but it was like their most expensive rental. It was phenomenal though. Only had time to jump off and take a couple of pics once or twice unfortunately. Wish I hadn't partied the night before, so I could have gotten out around sunrise, instead of 10 a.m. Then I could have hiked a bit, and hit up the Hoover Dam. Maybe next time.

https://scontent.fmia1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/56835559_10115029404280161_4690116424809578496_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fmia1-1.fna&oh=c9e93d99dd9d56b29fa9d815fa3b9018&oe=5D3AE7C5

The route was a big circle, out of town on I15 to Valley of Fire and back through Lake Meade Recreation area. After the highway bit, it was just so awesome. Kinda makes me want to move out west somewhere.

[Rare White Ape]

Anyone else interested in electric bikes?

Yep!

I can’t wait for the H-D Livewire to come out and a) shake up the market, b) make everyone realise that electric bikes can be fun, and c) upset a whole load of grumpy old fuckwits while they do it. It’ll be great!

I really wouldn’t mind an electric bike similar to my Tuono, but I think the biggest advantage will be to those using them as dirt bikes.

[neanderthal]

Yep!

I can’t wait for the H-D Livewire to come out and a) shake up the market, b) make everyone realise that electric bikes can be fun, and c) upset a whole load of grumpy old fuckwits while they do it. It’ll be great!

I really wouldn’t mind an electric bike similar to my Tuono, but I think the biggest advantage will be to those using them as dirt bikes.

Sorry mate, you're gonna be disappointed. To be fair we don't know what it will be like. But the Zero will come out before it, and it looks heaps better and has more range.

[Rare White Ape]

Yes, true, we don't know what they'll be like to ride.

However the H-D is the headline grabber, the first one from a major marque (KTM Freeride notwithstanding), and it's the one that will give the electric motorcycle industry the big shot in the arm it has been waiting for.

[neanderthal]

Rented a bike while out in Vegas for work. Had a late flight, so went by before closing the night before. All they had left was a Tiger 1200. Not bad, but it was like their most expensive rental. It was phenomenal though. Only had time to jump off and take a couple of pics once or twice unfortunately. Wish I hadn't partied the night before, so I could have gotten out around sunrise, instead of 10 a.m. Then I could have hiked a bit, and hit up the Hoover Dam. Maybe next time.

https://scontent.fmia1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/56835559_10115029404280161_4690116424809578496_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fmia1-1.fna&oh=c9e93d99dd9d56b29fa9d815fa3b9018&oe=5D3AE7C5

The route was a big circle, out of town on I15 to Valley of Fire and back through Lake Meade Recreation area. After the highway bit, it was just so awesome. Kinda makes me want to move out west somewhere.

The west is fucking amazing to ride in. And there's nothing better than a big ADV bike to chew up the miles to get to some of those places. Some of those roads in southern Utah, Colorado, Nevada, US1 in California of course. I was miserable riding through Washington because I was cold, but eve then, I remember thinking "I need to come back and take in this scenery."

I'm lucky in that I enjoy the solitude of a long ride/ drive. It's cathartic, relaxing, ... almost like meditation to me. Charge my bluetooth receiver, charge my old phone (the one with the music) and go. Lose myself in the journey. Leave my worries, my troubles, my concerns behind me. Drown myself in whatever in listening to or whatever scenery is rushing by. I must have gone up to Hearst Castle three or four times, just to enjoy the roads.

And I who struggles to sleep, sleep like a log when I ride/ drive anywhere far.


Edit; Now I want to go somewhere. :/

[Dicknose]

The HD will have a name and a huge network of dealers all over the world.
Still not convinced it will sell.

Zero has been around almost 10 years now, but still a very small player.
Expensive - probably double the cost of an equiv ice bike.
Servicing and running costs are low.

[neanderthal]

The west is fucking amazing to ride in. And there's nothing better than a big ADV bike to chew up the miles to get to some of those places. Some of those roads in southern Utah, Colorado, Nevada, US1 in California of course. I was miserable riding through Washington because I was cold, but eve then, I remember thinking "I need to come back and take in this scenery."

I'm lucky in that I enjoy the solitude of a long ride/ drive. It's cathartic, relaxing, ... almost like meditation to me. Charge my bluetooth receiver, charge my old phone (the one with the music) and go. Lose myself in the journey. Leave my worries, my troubles, my concerns behind me. Drown myself in whatever in listening to or whatever scenery is rushing by. I must have gone up to Hearst Castle three or four times, just to enjoy the roads.

And I who struggles to sleep, sleep like a log when I ride/ drive anywhere far.


Edit; Now I want to go somewhere. :/

Went to Moscow, Texas. Nothing of real interest there, much like the rest of my "round the world in the USA" destinations. But had a super good burger somewhere in the middle of nowhere on the way back.

[Rare White Ape]

Went to Moscow, Texas. Nothing of real interest there, much like the rest of my "round the world in the USA" destinations. But had a super good burger somewhere in the middle of nowhere on the way back.

Hell yeah :up:

Now I want to go somewhere. Except it's 8pm and I've had a couple of whiskeys.

[neanderthal]

5 hours from home in Searcy AR, where I bought this bike, I just got a hotel room for the night. I'm buggered.

Went to Cincinatti to hang with my cousin for a couple of days. Then Appleton, Wisconsin via Hell, Michigan to see friends. Thought about going to Mt Rushmore then heading home. Decided heading home directly was the smarter choice.

The roads in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin are terrible. The 2 month old Africa Twin has nearly 6000 miles on it already. It's still awesome!

[speedpimp]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoIfglXAbh0

[neanderthal]

Just got the injections in my lumbar (2 at the tiny sum of $9500) and thorasic (I didn't want to know!) Icing the injection sites right now.
I think i'll go wash the bike after this.

[neanderthal]

It's been a good week. Today was hectic. Seeing the doc on Friday and maybe Monday i'm back at work so I took the opportunity to haul ass to Kentucky and ride Tail Of The Dragon. What a legend! It lives up to the hype. Glad I went on a weekday too, rather than a weekend.

Hightailing it back home, stopped in Birmingham AL to get a hotel (hoping to got o Barber Museum/ Motorsports in the morning) and every. fucking. hotel. is. fully. booked. Literally.
There's a Baptist convention or something. Ive had to backtrack ~40 miles north to find a room. Aye caramba

[Rare White Ape]

Man, sounds like fun. Including the no hotel bit!

Talking about weekday rides, I absolutely agree that it's the way to go, unless you're on a multi-day trip somewhere and a weekend is unavoidable. I'm lucky enough to get every Friday off so if I'm going for a spin that's the day I'll do it. Next Friday I'm going to go for a tootle down the coast and have a beer at the surf club at Rainbow Bay. It's not exactly a fang up to the mountains but it's beautiful down there at the beach.

[Dicknose]

I did the Great Ocean Road on Christmas Day - in the morning. Thats probably the only time its not crowded.

[Rare White Ape]

Perfect day for it.

[Godson]

The new Street fighter V4 looks killer

[neanderthal]

Man, sounds like fun. Including the no hotel bit!

Talking about weekday rides, I absolutely agree that it's the way to go, unless you're on a multi-day trip somewhere and a weekend is unavoidable. I'm lucky enough to get every Friday off so if I'm going for a spin that's the day I'll do it. Next Friday I'm going to go for a tootle down the coast and have a beer at the surf club at Rainbow Bay. It's not exactly a fang up to the mountains but it's beautiful down there at the beach.

That no hotel thing was a drag!!!! I'd been riding all day. The day started with a chat with the shrink, then the Barber Motorsports museum (bloody good job! Easily on par with the Mercedes and Porsche museums except they need to "theme" the bikes a little better and create more displays than just the motorcycles. Otherwise it's just a motorcycle collection in a nice building.) then the trip to Birmingham. Really frustrating going back to those exits that i'd passed and finding all the hotels booked.

[Rare White Ape]

The new Street fighter V4 looks killer

They're showing this off at Pikes Peak :snap:

(If you can't see it, check the Ducati FB page)

https://scontent.fbne3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/62619455_10156566490462893_5224697719808851968_o.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne3-1.fna&oh=8a92a89994f782aa2e42d8ee09116a48&oe=5D9A1980

[neanderthal]

My sister is here from Zimbabwe, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Some young leadership thing hosted/ sponsored by the Presidents Obama and Nelson Mandela something something something. Look at the map. It's almost straight up from Dallas. Eh, why not. Took off, hung out with her the day before the whole thing started. Next day took off for Mt Rushmore (i'm "in the area, right?") Endured hours and hours of rain. I stopped somewhere when the side winds got too powerful. Somewhere in S Dakota I stopped again and bought some cheap waterproof boots at Walmart.

South Dakota is fucking gorgeous. The country side is prairie or forest. Rolling hills dotted with lakes and streams. Thick dense forest. And the roads, those curvy badlands roads are a joy to ride.

Anyway Mt Rushmore was very touristy. I found the Crazy Horse memorial to be more spiritual, more authentic. Sturgis is ghost town when it's not a weekend or bike week. I was not whelmed.

Hustled home and banged my right foot/ big toe against something in Oklahoma. For a second few minutes I thought I had broken it. A car had changed lanes in front of me, and I broke one of my cardinal rules by not immediately braking to maintain a good gap. It straddled something in the road, I saw it last second, swerved to avoid it, but caught my foot on it. Holy hell. Instant pain.
I stopped at the first gas station, minutes before they closed, bought some ice, asked for atrashbag, and iced that puppy for a good hour. I had my meds with me so I took a painkiller and anti inflammatory as well. I needed to get home so I mounted up and got home at about 3am. Iced it again.

I could put weight on it the next morning, though it was still swollen. It's better again today, but still swollen but less so than yesterday.

Bike has 11XXX miles on it. I'm sending in my third payment for it tomorrow. :eek: :twitch: :lol: Have bike, will travel.

33333333

Edit; bagged five more destinations in my "around the world in the USA" tour as you can see one in the picture; Gothenburg, Malmo, Wellington, Geneva and Prague. Perth and Rome, sadly, are unincorporated communities that don't have a sign announcing you've arrived, otherwise It would have been seven. I nearly went up to North Dakota to bag Rugby, Munich and Hague.

[Rare White Ape]

You’re a machine.

[George]

+1


i'm "in the area, right?"

:lol:

[neanderthal]

You’re a machine.

It's been such a relief to not have doctors visits, psychiatrist, and physical therapy and specialists and so on. I endured 3 months of that. I couldn't be gone from home for more than a day. Do you know how much Netflix, HBO, YouTube I watched? YouTube doesn't even know what to recommend next for me.

This last month has been glorious! I've been over compensating, just a little. A local Honda dealer here sells a 3 year pre- paid maintenance contract for ~$1900. The 16000 mile service that includes valve adjustments (6 hour book time) is $1200 by itself, so that was a no brainer. It was serviced 2 days before my last trip. I think it will need another service by middle of next week. :rawk:

[neanderthal]

+1



:lol:

I'm a self enabler. :p

[neanderthal]

So. The injections to fix the torn cartilage happened, almost two months ago now. Steroids, magic and sorcery is what was in them. But there was still something amiss, there was residual back pain.

Facet injections in the area were ordered, approved and done. And they did the trick. This one was steroids, my mums prayers, and probably voodoo. Either way i have been able to get up with no back pain since I had the injections. Had the followup with the doc and hes happy with my progress. I'm to resume normal activity to build up my endurance/ stamina so I can go back to work.

i've only been allowed to stretch/ yoga, or walk laps in the pool. No exercise at all until this last visit with the doc. I was cheating a little bit by swimming, with a very feeble kick; even a moderate kick would inflame my back. Glad to say that's mostly in the past now. I have been swimming and kicking a little harder than before with no ill effects. Even swam 80 laps the other day.

I had been forbidden from riding my bike so i've been using my car the last couple of months. Not a big deal but it needs a new transmission. $2700 for a rebuilt 722.4 from Sun Valley transmissions, and add about $1000 for labor. The car (1995 Mercedes E320) is worth maybe $1500. :|

But since I have the almost all clear i'm going to get on my bike and head to LA at 2am. I managed to score racks, panniers and a set of tires for $400 in Tucson so i'll pick those up and install them on the way.

If errthang works out then i may take a scenic ride up Pacific Coast Highway, maybe all the way to Canadastan. I got friends in the Bay area, Portland, and Seattle. Coming back i'll probably stay up north going east, the only western state I haven't been to/ in (in the last year, or ever) is North Dakota. Hopefully I can add a few cities to my "around the world in the USA" tour. Bike will likely be slightly overdue for the mega dollar service when I get back, but, its already prepaid. :D

Can't wait to get back to work and stop being so broke. It'll be good going from hella broke to just plain old broke. ;)

[Rare White Ape]

I love how determined you are to just ride all over the place :up:

Do you share ride stories and pics etc on Facebook?

[neanderthal]

I love how determined you are to just ride all over the place :up:

Do you share ride stories and pics etc on Facebook?

Thanks mate. I love travelling and i've done enough going around the world for now, i need to satisfy the "well, what's in your backyard?" itch, while i'm single, young, able. I'll be the broke old man with a toothless shit eating grin just remembering the places i've been, things i've seen, things i've done. And yelling at clouds. Going to these "world cities" is a lot cheaper and quicker than going to the real ones, even though i've been to a significant number of the real ones. It's nice to think i've been to the Prada store/ exhibit in Marfa.

I just remembered that last time I didn't go to Four Corners. i'll have to try this time.

Facebook kicked me off since I refused to give them my real name, date of birth, upload my picture ID, phone number, mothers social security number, library card, Kroger Saver Plus card, a DNA sample, an affidavit from a geneologist, my notarised high school yearbook, and a tuft of hair from my maternal great grandmother.

OK, so maybe it was just the first four items, but it sure felt like they wanted everything I listed.

[Godson]

Four corners is not worth a trip. At all.

Btdt.

We made a trip to the GC, and swing by from the north to the South rim.

I felt jipped even being that close to it.

[neanderthal]

Four corners is not worth a trip. At all.

Btdt.

We made a trip to the GC, and swing by from the north to the South rim.

I felt jipped even being that close to it.

That's what i've heard as well. But it's a thing I want to check off. I'm thinking Bears Ears in sorta that region, is the far better tourist destination.

I'm not sure that i'm gonna go up north now. San Francisco is leaving Wednesday for vacation, Portland is leaving Thursday, for vacation. And i'm tired.

Good thing; no back issues.
Bad thing; my foot hurts. But eh, Dallas is 1500 miles from here. Cant really complain, can i?

Anyway, the dude I bought the panniers from, he thought they were cheap Brooks panniers. Turns out the rack is a Brooks rack, but the panniers are AltRider. Score!

[JoshInKC]

It's nice to think i've been to the Prada store/ exhibit in Marfa.
I was staying and digging just outside Marfa for a little over month this summer. That Big Bend/TransPecos region is pretty great - by far my favorite part of Texas. Though Marfa itself is too damn expensive to deal with, I preferred Alpine personally.

[neanderthal]

So.
My foot generally disapproves of much gallivanting. My friend in the Bay Area won't be available tomorrow. My foot said "hell no" to going to Portland, Seattle, or Canadastan.
Fuck it. I still have some destinations up north California for my "around the world in the USA" tour; Brisbane, Nice, Exeter, and Timbuctoo. I guess i'll take it nice and easy up PCH, maybe catch Brisbane, then next day catch Nice, (up north somewhere,) Timbuctoo (north of Sacto) and Exeter (south east of Fresno) on my way back.

I lined up another set of free tires for my bike in Tucson but homie is flying the country Thursday evening, so I gotta leave super early on Thursday going back home. It's my fourth free set of tires and I never turn down free tires. I've paid a total of $170 for all the tires i've used on my bikes in 70XXX miles on my 3 Africa Twins. And I still have an unused set at home. If i'm smart i'll bag Baghdad in Arizona on the way. Slight detour, but it's just miles.

Did I mention I have prepaid maintenance for 3 years with unlimited milage? Maybe i'll go northeast after I get back home and start on the 21 states I haven't been to in the last year. Looks like North Dakota isn't going to happen on this go round. :/

[neanderthal]

Oh, I've been having these short, sharp pains in my back today. Just a second or two then they abate. :(

I'm stretching daily. Standing up for at least five minutes an hour if i'm riding, stretching at every gas stop, even occasionally adopting the racers tuck position, just to not keep my back in one position too long. No back pain on Friday or Saturday for the long rides. Chilled yesterday. Today I had about 3 hours riding (one hour to tire shop, wait two hours for that to happen, one hour to my cousins, hang out for 3 hours, and then an hour home) and that's when I noticed it; the final leg home.
But, I also didn't take any medication today. I usually do, even with minimal issues like i'm having now.

I'll be taking medication tomorrow for sure.

[neanderthal]

I lived 25 years in California and didn't take Pacific Coast Highway much beyond Santa Barbara. Big mistake.

It's fucking gorgeous. You'll wanna stop and take pictures almost at every turn. Even shrouded in fog the drive ride was amazing. I did the lower part many times, usually going fora rugby game to Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo.

But Morro Bay, north. Amazing with a capital zing.

Currently in Ukiah where I stopped to get a nights sleep. Headed out to Nice in a few minutes.

[Dicknose]

Nice.
Been a long while since Ive done the full LA to San Fran drive but I remember its spectacular and a fun drive.
Enjoy!

[neanderthal]

Hustling down the I5 the other day, I stayed in the driving lane, moved left to pass, resumed my driving lane antics, and basically passed everybody coz they were driving slowly in the fast lane.
Then, the next day, temps were 111*F- 117*F coming to Arizona. (43- 47*C.) I picked up a free set of tires in Tucson, but had to sit at a restaurant for a couple of hours just to recover from that mess. Had to stop every hour to drink water and wet my shirt and balaclava.

Traffic in Phoenix? Lanesplit all the way and no issues from drivers.

[Dicknose]

I find over 40C really tough going.
I once rode home from beach in shorts. Got about 15 mins down the road and as I got away from the coast the temps rocketed. And I melted.
"wind chill" works in reverse at those temps. I also worked out that its better to have covered skin. Thought my shins were going to melt and peel away.

Glad you enjoyed some nice lanesplitting - feels extra good value when the weather is hot/cold as you dont want to be stuck in traffic with the weather sucking.

[Godson]

I learned early on, anything over 90F being covered head to toe was Paramount for survival. The sun will melt you, and the heat will radiate off of the asphalt and concrete. It's brutal without being covered.

[Freude am Fahren]

Yeah, it's around those temps speed doesn't help.

The only relief is right after having to stop, when all the sweat evaporates.

[JoeW]

Who gives you free tires and why?

[neanderthal]

Who gives you free tires and why?

lol

My bike (Honda Africa Twin) comes with street biased tires (https://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr142/) but is marketed as a "round the world" adventure bike. Buyers fall for the hype and almost immediately put on Continental TKC 80s or similar. Leaving a lot of barely used street tires in my size available. Most of those people then try to sell the tires. To which people like me say "no thanks." Or only buy them if they're ridiculously cheap. After a year of the tires just taking up space in the garage they then offer to give them away. In which case I say "hello friend, i'm so glad to finally meet you."

This is my third AT, all 3 had a second set of tires installed, so that's at least 3 sets, (the first bike actually got a second set of take offs installed) plus the two sets I have in the garage right now. Altogether, i've paid $170 for all of the replacement tires i've installed on my bikes. $20. $100. $50. And four free sets.

[neanderthal]

I find over 40C really tough going.
I once rode home from beach in shorts. Got about 15 mins down the road and as I got away from the coast the temps rocketed. And I melted.
"wind chill" works in reverse at those temps. I also worked out that its better to have covered skin. Thought my shins were going to melt and peel away.

Glad you enjoyed some nice lanesplitting - feels extra good value when the weather is hot/cold as you dont want to be stuck in traffic with the weather sucking.

I'm literally ready for someone to challenge me with "you can't do that!" I'm gonna say "its 100 and hell degrees out here, don't be a cunt."


I learned early on, anything over 90F being covered head to toe was Paramount for survival. The sun will melt you, and the heat will radiate off of the asphalt and concrete. It's brutal without being covered.

I always stop at the Palm Springs Costco on my way back from Phoenix. I swear Palm Springs is hotter than anywhere else on the planet. One time my temp readout read "--" yeah, two dashes.
When I got home I read that that's the bike telling you "dude, what the fuck!?!" (122*F or higher.)

A couple of times i've stopped there on the verge of heat stroke.


Yeah, it's around those temps speed doesn't help.

The only relief is right after having to stop, when all the sweat evaporates.

Yep.

Your skin temp is generally 92*F, so anything higher than that, you're not really cooling your skin with airflow.
Which is one of the reasons why I always wear all the gear. (lived in "the valley" in SoCal, mum lives in Aridzona, I now live in Dallas. All known to get over 100 consistently.)

In really hot weather, wet your t shirt, put on your MC jacket over that. The jackets keeps the hot sun off your skin, and stops the t shirt from drying out too quickly. I keep a neoprene balaclava in my backpack for my head on absurdly hot days. And it surprisingly takes the bite of the wind out on very cold days. (cold is relative, I know. But I lived in sub saharan Africa, then LA my entire life. Be kind with my descriptions of cold.)

*to be fair windchill on a bike can knock 20*F off ambient temps.

[JoeW]

Lucky you. Those TKC80 look barely street legal. I wouldn’t put those on my bike unless I was doing 90% dirt.

[neanderthal]

I find over 40C really tough going.
I once rode home from beach in shorts. Got about 15 mins down the road and as I got away from the coast the temps rocketed. And I melted.
"wind chill" works in reverse at those temps. I also worked out that its better to have covered skin. Thought my shins were going to melt and peel away.

Glad you enjoyed some nice lanesplitting - feels extra good value when the weather is hot/cold as you dont want to be stuck in traffic with the weather sucking.

I re-read that. "Windchill works in reverse at those temps." So very apt. Spot on.

[neanderthal]

Lucky you. Those TKC80 look barely street legal. I wouldn’t put those on my bike unless I was doing 90% dirt.

They're actually surprisingly competent on the road according to everybody. Even in the wet, which is NOT what you expect from a knobby tire. Their only consistent knock is poor tread life.
If Conti can manage to increase their tread life by 50% (it's brutally short, something like 3- 5k miles) then it's over for everybody in the 50/ 50 market.
I think even the magazines opt for them when they're doing reviews of adv bikes.


I generally get about 15000 miles out of the stock tires, for reference. I also ride like an old lady.

[JoeW]

I guess the adventure bike tire market is pretty slim in that way. No one will be dragging bags on those bad boys in any inclement weather. I'd personally probably put a set of Metzeler Tourance NEXT or Karoo Street on there ;)

[TheBenior]

lol

My bike (Honda Africa Twin) comes with street biased tires (https://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr142/) but is marketed as a "round the world" adventure bike. Buyers fall for the hype and almost immediately put on Continental TKC 80s or similar. Leaving a lot of barely used street tires in my size available. Most of those people then try to sell the tires. To which people like me say "no thanks." Or only buy them if they're ridiculously cheap. After a year of the tires just taking up space in the garage they then offer to give them away. In which case I say "hello friend, i'm so glad to finally meet you."



And then said riders go on to use their TKC80 shod ADV bikes as upright sport tourers and on mild dirt roads that they could've handled with their stock tires anyway ;)

[JoeW]

The hum of knobby tires on asphalt is mesmerizing.

[Rare White Ape]

lol

My bike (Honda Africa Twin) comes with street biased tires (https://www.bridgestone.com/products/motorcycle_tires/products/detail/pr142/) but is marketed as a "round the world" adventure bike. Buyers fall for the hype and almost immediately put on Continental TKC 80s or similar. Leaving a lot of barely used street tires in my size available. Most of those people then try to sell the tires. To which people like me say "no thanks." Or only buy them if they're ridiculously cheap. After a year of the tires just taking up space in the garage they then offer to give them away. In which case I say "hello friend, i'm so glad to finally meet you."

This is my third AT, all 3 had a second set of tires installed, so that's at least 3 sets, (the first bike actually got a second set of take offs installed) plus the two sets I have in the garage right now. Altogether, i've paid $170 for all of the replacement tires i've installed on my bikes. $20. $100. $50. And four free sets.

Praxis

[neanderthal]

And then said riders go on to use their TKC80 shod ADV bikes as upright sport tourers and on mild dirt roads that they could've handled with their stock tires anyway ;)

But they look really rugged and macho and over achieving when they get back to Starbucks. ;)

Some of them ARE maniacs though. Mud pit/ bog to just below the headlight. That's a hard no. I'm not trying to drag a 500lb bike out of a mud pit because my intent overestimated my ability.

[neanderthal]

I guess the adventure bike tire market is pretty slim in that way. No one will be dragging bags on those bad boys in any inclement weather. I'd personally probably put a set of Metzeler Tourance NEXT or Karoo Street on there ;)

I'll stick with the free/ cheap ones. Coz motorcycle tires don't last a long time. Seriously my cars tires had a 60K mileage warranty and I got 88k out of them. How am i riding like a granny and only getting 15k on my bike? :twitch: I've had this bike for 6 months and i've had to change the tires out already?

I ain't ready for the baller lifestyle I guess.

Although that does make wonder what tires I would buy if I had to. Questions for the future. <goes back to scouring forums for free tires>

[TheBenior]

But they look really rugged and macho and over achieving when they get back to Starbucks. ;)

THAT'S PARKING FOR MY DUCATI THAT THEY'RE TAKING UP!!!:angry:

[neanderthal]

So. Been feeling great the last few weeks. I see the doc again on Friday.

My lingering issues seem to be headaches and insomnia. I have always had insomnia, but this is worse. :(

Headache for three days. Not continuous, comes and goes. Insomnia. The whole week.

[neanderthal]

Doc just cleared me to go back to work. :D:toast:

The week before World Cup Rugby starts. :angry::finger:

[Cam]

Lori and I signed up for a motorcycle course to get our moto licenses. I convinced her that it would be better for her to commute by motorbike than drive Frosta. The deal being, I get to ride it occasionally. :D

We shopped for gear and a bike over the week-end. We both got helmets and gloves. I got a jacket, but she could not find one that fit well. I think we decided to get a Kawasaki Versys X. A local dealer has two in stock; one new and one used.

The new one is red and black. The used one is gunmetal and has a mere 9 miles on it. The guy that bought it rode it home, decided he wanted something else, and rode it back to the dealer. :lol: It is optioned pretty well, with a centre kickstand, side and rear travel cases, skid plate and engine guard roll-cage-like things on the sides. Certainly not the fastest or sportiest, but will serve as a great commuter for her and the occasional week-end scoot for me. :)

[TheBenior]

ADV bikes: the CUVs of the bike world. ;)

[Cam]

I don’t get it.

[TheBenior]

They aren't typically the best at anything, but are pretty good at everything the typical street rider needs.

[Dicknose]

Yeah good allrounder.

You will probably need summer and winter gloves. It makes a big difference when riding in 2C than 45C (yes thats my temp range for commuting). I always wear gloves. Even on the rare occasion I go up the local shops wearing shorts and tshirt - still got gloves on.
Id also suggest kevlar jeans if the regular ride has any higher speed (like over 50mph).

Enjoy!

[Cam]

You guys seem to be forgetting that I owned a motorbike at one time and put 30,000 km on it.

[neanderthal]

You guys seem to be forgetting that I owned a motorbike at one time and put 30,000 km on it.

You work with your hands mate. I think it's more concern than anything else. But I echo the sentiment. I bought myself a nice textile suit (Sedici Avventura) to be able to go traipsing about in adverse weather if I want to. (the car needs a $4000 transmission.) I need better cold weather gloves though.


I am not so much worried about the motorcyclists than I am the drivers around them.
You'll love the Versys 300X. The new ones have a 19 inch front tire that gives it marginally better off road chops without sacrificing on road ability.

[Cam]

Successfully completed the motorcycle safety course.

[dodint]

Did you have fun? When I did it we had a really good and enthusiastic instructor, made for a good day.

[Cam]

Yes, it was fun. Our instructor was chill. I think things could have moved along a bit quicker though. He liked to chat about other things. Our class was small; only four students. That made it easier.

[dodint]

Awesome.

[Cam]

Officially got my mo-mo bike endorsement on my license. :cool:

[Rare White Ape]

Do a wheelie!

[neanderthal]

Let the shenanigans begin.

[retsmah]

After 13 years and 40k+ miles of riding my little Ninja 500 I finally got a new bike! 2019 Ninja 1000, got it in December for $3200 off MSRP. The downside to this is I haven't been able to ride much in the winter in Portland, only have 115 miles on it so far. I got the factory side bags on now, still need to do some of the other upgrades I had on my 500 like an easy battery tender connection, cell phone mount and USB plug, and ideally figure out a top case. Might even do heated grips!

3464

Looking forward to spring, I need to plan some camping trips! The bike is quite a bit more comfortable than the 500 (and also has almost 3x the power). I was a little nervous about the increased seat height (32.3") and weight (500lb) as a 5'5" guy with a 29" inseam, but it's been fine. As some of you may remember I did a 4000 mile trip to Utah on my 500 back in 2015 when I was (f)unmemployed, I wish I could take a few weeks off to do a similar trip on this bike this summer.

I've offered to give the 500 to my stepdad so he can do a weekend trip or two with me, with the stipulation that he has to take the motorcycle safety course, so we'll see how that works out! Side by side of the 500 and 1000, I like big butts apparently:

3465

There is a local dealer that somehow has ended up with more than one still new, unsold 2018 Ninja 400, which are now deeply discounted at $3299. I'm seriously considering one for a track day bike, but as a pretty frugal person buying two new motorcycles in 3 months seems crazy. Although I guess now that I type this out the total price of the 400 would be almost exactly the amount I saved on the 1000, so maybe it was meant to be?

[retsmah]

It is optioned pretty well, with a centre kickstand, side and rear travel cases, skid plate and engine guard roll-cage-like things on the sides.

As you can see from the above post, I am all for small two cylinder Kawasakis with side and top cases! The Versys X seems like a pretty awesome little bike.

[Dicknose]

Well done!
Havent ridden the 1000, but spent a bit of time on a Z900.

Im a few inches taller than you, but about the same leg size. I did get tired of managing a taller bike and moved to something more my size. Ok it took almost 20 years before I did that!
Enjoy and great work on the bargain.

[Cam]

As you can see from the above post, I am all for small two cylinder Kawasakis with side and top cases! The Versys X seems like a pretty awesome little bike.

:cool: The bike is not little, though. Only the engine is little. ;)

[neanderthal]

:cool: The bike is not little, though. Only the engine is little. ;)

All the better to "slow bike fast" it. :devil:

[retsmah]

:cool: The bike is not little, though. Only the engine is little. ;)

Whatever you want to call a sub 400lb, sub 500cc bike!

[Cam]

People know I am a cyclist. Why are they all of a sudden concerned for my safety? :rolleyes: (Rhetorical question.)

[TheBenior]

My wife doesn't like me having a motorcycle, but had no problem with me commuting by bicycle in Chicago.

That being said, I'm pretty sure that motorcycling is substantially more dangerous than pedalcycling, even if motorcyclists are disproportionately likely to die in single vehicle crashes.

[Rare White Ape]

People know I am a cyclist. Why are they all of a sudden concerned for my safety? :rolleyes: (Rhetorical question.)

Or how hot/cold/wet it is on the bike today.

My answer: if it was too hot/cold/wet for me I would buy a car.

[Dicknose]

The big difference in safety between motorcycle and bicycle when you are on roads - is other people.
With a motorcycle you can control a lot more, like your spacing and position relative to other vehicles.
On a bicycle everyone is going faster and many will pass very close. Its mostly out of your control if someone runs you over from behind or sideswipes you.

[Rare White Ape]

On a motorcycle you control the throttle. And most of the people who fall off motorcycles twisted that little black thing on the right a bit too much and ate the dirt.

For motorcyclists, the rider is their own worst enemy. On a bicycle, everyone else is their worst enemy.

Between the two forms of transport, the exposure is the same (lack of metal between you and your obstacles) but the ability to gain speed is different.

The worst thing, is suddenly people are concerned for your safety, whereas they weren't when you were sweating it on your treadly.

[JoeW]

The throttle is definitely one thing but spacial awareness is key to surviving on a motorcycle on public roads. I am a firm believer that “most” motorcycle accidents are either the riders fault or preventable with intelligent, mature riding. Let’s set aside the assclowns doing 100mph wheelies, passing in the median blah blah. I have heard the “an old lady pulled out in front of me” story a thousand times. Even from seemingly experienced riders. 9 times out of 10 if they would have looked ahead down the road, scanning the entry points, they would have seen a car preparing to enter the highway. Assume they do not see you and prepare yourself. Don’t trundle along at the speed limit assuming you are obvious.

I would probably be hated by most bikers who have been in accidents because I would ask them to think about what they could have done to avoid it. Most think they did nothing wrong...which might be true. But what additional steps could they have taken to identify a situation about to occur?

I went through my assclown stage and managed to survive several crashes on sport bikes with no major injuries. All my fault. I worked at a shop for 20yrs and I’ve seen and heard it all.

Yes some accidents are unavoidable but most, even ones that technically weren’t the riders “fault” could probably still have been avoided. Shit, even at stop lights I would constantly be watching my mirrors to see if the approaching cars were slowing at a rate that I knew they saw me...if not I would start to pull forward or around the car in front of me just in case.

Sorry but ride like you are invisible and you will live longer.

[Rare White Ape]

You get it ;)

The only crash that is truly unavoidable is where a meteorite smashes into the back of your head and you fall off. Everything else is on you to fix it before it becomes a problem.

[Godson]

My accident was 100% avoidable, and my fault.

[Dicknose]

The only crash that is truly unavoidable is where a meteorite smashes into the back of your head and you fall off. Everything else is on you to fix it before it becomes a problem.

And as much as you can avoid/minimise risks of people turning across you, it can be near impossible to avoid a head-on if the other person just pulls onto your side of the road. Sometimes there is not enough time to react and closing speed is too high, its going to be a serious incident.

[neanderthal]

I got aux lights in stalled on my bike about a month ago when I decided to get heated grips installed. The kit I bought had battery terminals on the wiring loom, and of course that's how the tech installed them, direct to the battery.

I must've left the lights on because this morning my bike refused to start.

And when I took the tool box off (it fronts as a battery cover as well) there were the two wires connected to the battery. OE lithium iron battery is a tiny job, approximately the size of four cigarette boxes stacked back to back with another one lying on top of them. $600. Eff that noise.

Yes.

I called around and located a similar size AGM battery that was $50. Eff ya!!!. It weighs a little more, but i'll take the slight weight penalty and keep the $500.

I'm gonna make my own wiring loom that mimics the factory one, complete with wiring for the light on the dash, and make them install it when they do my next major service. Honda wants about $100 for literally $3 worth of wire/ connections and a $5 relay. I've already got OE the switch they want $60 for.


Nothing new on the bike front. It's my only mode of transport (hence heated grips and lights. I had a long tour to Cincy, New York. Philly, Hotlanta, Ft Myers, then back to Dallas planned for this Easter week. Got friends and fam. in those places, but corona.) so it got new (old) tires. New to me but taken off someone else's Africa Twin. I don't argue with free. They're Dunlops, which i've had before. They're not as good as the Bridgestones Honda uses now, but, again, I don't argue with free. I have another set waiting to go on when this one is worn. I should probably start scrounging around for the next set of free, barely used OE tires. I love that everyone buys this bike and immediately throws on 50/ 50 dirt/ road tires. I'll take those supposed to be 90/ 10 OE ones off ya hands mate!

----

Oh. I've been using foam ear plugs to cut wind noise (great) and helmet speakers (not so great) to listen to music. The ear plugs diminish all sound and I could barely hear the music.

Decided to try the new bluetooth buds everybody has been using lately. Wanted a set with auto noise cancelling, but they're pricey (+$200) and I wanted proof of concept first. Bought some off Amazon (MPOW T5) for $50 after reading a comment/ review that said since the ear bud is in your ear canal and it's kinda sealed that's almost like a form of noise cancelling. Eureka!
The short of it; I can hear the music. There's some wind noise still, but I can hear the music clearly.

The long of it. The fidelity, the clarity of the sound out of those tiny buds is incredible. Bright highs, deep pounding bass lowdown, incredible sonic definition. A somewhat meh mid range (by comparison to the brilliant bass and treble) but the complete phonic sound stage is so good that I realised i've been singing some of the lyrics wrong on songs and albums i've been playing for 30 years like Tracy Chapman's Fast Car. Which is actually a nod to the goodness of the mids since that's where vocals generally lie, but the highs and lows are outstanding!

I have since bought two more pairs for my cousin and a lady friend.

The next gen Samsung Buds are supposed to have Active Noise Cancelling so i'll probably try those when they come out. No, i'm not buying the $300 Sonys that are supposed to be the best ANC bluetooth ear buds in the game right now. That's a bridge too far.

[neanderthal]

The comment "he's an angry ilttle guy. Must be a south pole elf" literally had me choking. I had to sit up and then take an antacid. Seriously.


https://youtu.be/ue52WYj-QTQ

[Freude am Fahren]

I do not understand people like that.

Like I get angry pretty easy, but I never take it out on someone else, especially when it's my own damn fault.

Some credit goes to that officer for taking it in stride and just laughing at the end.

[neanderthal]

I do not understand people like that.

Like I get angry pretty easy, but I never take it out on someone else, especially when it's my own damn fault.

Some credit goes to that officer for taking it in stride and just laughing at the end.

:up:

Makes me wonder what is/ has gone on in his life to make him so angry. I'm gonna stay away from short jokes.

[Rare White Ape]

I dunno if I posted about it elsewhere, but a few months ago I decided a career change was a good course of action and that I would become a motorcycle license instructor.

Today was fun. I rode my Tuono to the riding school. During the day I rode a few dozen laps of the training range on Honda CB125 Deliveroo machine doing demos for students.

Then I got on my Tuono and rode home.

Then after I'd had a poo and some late lunch I needed to pop down to the supermarket so I decided to hop on my long-dormant (but definitely not forgotten) GSX-R750 and blatted to the shops via the servo.

I am happy to say that the ol' Gixxer still bangs if you give it a fresh splash of fuel and let it warm up a bit. Compared to the Tuono it has no torque, but a neighbourhood-friendly quiet little L4 note from the exhaust :up:

[Dicknose]

Nice!
Hope the career change works out

[Rare White Ape]

I received word yesterday that the insurance assessor has decided to write off my Tuono. The damage bill is pushing $15k so is just not worth repairing. I did a good job on it!

I have a market value policy with my insurer and the assessor will be quoting a smidge over $19,000 to be paid to me, less any fees or excess. I paid $17,500 for it, so that's a damn fine deal if I don't say so myself. It covers me for everything I paid, including the commission fee when I applied for the initial financing.

So the budget for a new bike is in the $19k ballpark, but I have a choice: buy another Tuono identical to my last but with less mileage (most likely option) for $19k, or look for something else like for example an older Ducati Streetfighter, and pocket the cash difference to use at my discretion, either to pay down the loan or go on a holiday... New Zealand looks like a nice option when the travel bubble opens up.

Who knows? Options! Exciting!

[Dicknose]

Get a bike to ride around NZ!

[Rare White Ape]

Fuck I know man. That thought went though my mind.

I have a good mate here on the Goldy who owns a Tuono in LA, and it’s an open offer to fly over there and borrow it as long as you pay for tyres and maintenance.

I’d be totally open to that offer but for the absolute shitfire of a situation those selfish cunts have made for themselves (our friends notwithstanding).

[Freude am Fahren]

I sold the Super Duke today :(

It was a lot of fun, but with how little I ride it, how relatively boring (and dangerous) it is to ride around here in South Florida, a big move to Texas next month, and getting a new car, I had plenty of motivation to let it go.

But I'll miss it.

(Too bad you're on the other side of the world, RWA. I'd have given you a good deal :))

[neanderthal]

Covid destroyed my plans to continue my "around the world in the USA" trip last year. Been jabbed. Have time, lets go!

Zurich today. Kansas is flat y'all. And big. And Zurich is in the middle. of. nowhere. I got there just before sunset, and by the time I found somewhere to eat it was nesarly two hours later. Errthang closes early in the middle of nowhere.

Can someone splain me why I booked a hotel in Wichita when in supposed to be in Topeka? :( :sadbanana:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Zurich,+KS+67663/@39.2319586,-101.6751122,7z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x87a1930b4d3a7695:0x36a84391a66b7 d6e!8m2!3d39.2344536!4d-99.4381608

The arrow is on Zurich. I got to this hotel neat Wichita at 01:30hrs.

Now I gotta back track in the morning, hustle to the Evel Knevel museum in Topeka, then head to Kansas City to get some bbq with Godson.

Then off to Milan, Montreal, then Manila.

[neanderthal]

Covid destroyed my plans to continue my "around the world in the USA" trip last year. Been jabbed. Have time, lets go!

Zurich today. Kansas is flat y'all. And big. And Zurich is in the middle. of. nowhere. I got there just before sunset, and by the time I found somewhere to eat it was nesarly two hours later. Errthang closes early in the middle of nowhere.

Can someone splain me why I booked a hotel in Wichita when in supposed to be in Topeka? :( :sadbanana:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Zurich,+KS+67663/@39.2319586,-101.6751122,7z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x87a1930b4d3a7695:0x36a84391a66b7 d6e!8m2!3d39.2344536!4d-99.4381608

The arrow is on Zurich. I got to this hotel neat Wichita at 01:30hrs.

Now I gotta back track in the morning, hustle to the Evel Knevel museum in Topeka, then head to Kansas City to get some bbq with Godson.

Then off to Milan, Montreal, then Manila.

Sitting in the hotel, eating my breakfast minding my business. I'm weaing dark sunglasses.
Guy wearing a Trump cap sits at a table across from me. I'm wearing a T shirt that says "when this virus is over, i STILL want some of you to stay away from me." He looks at me, nods, smiles
The smile changes. Thats when I smile!!!

[dodint]

Sounds like a neat concept.

[neanderthal]

That was legit the best BBQ i've ever had y'all. Tyler took me to this joint, we chilled, talked about how much we hate billi Bernie riding in cold wet rain and other esoteric shit.

I'm 100 miles from wherever the hell i'm sposed to be tonight, but fukkit, i'm tired. Tomorrow is going to be a long day!

[Kchrpm]

Where are the rest of your destinations?

[neanderthal]

Where are the rest of your destinations?

Headed to Montreal MO in a bit, then Manila AR after. I gotta be home tonight because I have an MRI tomorrow.

[George]

Kansas City has good BBQ? :?

There isn't any good BBQ in Denver at all, but if you ever get over this way, give me a shout.

[neanderthal]

Kansas City has good BBQ? :?

There isn't any good BBQ in Denver at all, but if you ever get over this way, give me a shout.

Bet!

[Godson]

I'm glad we were finally and to meet up in person. I'm even more happy you enjoyed your sandwich!

Safe travels friend. And hit me up whenever you are in town!

[neanderthal]

Sounds like a neat concept.

It's mostly boring. :lol: Droning along on the highway to go take a picture, then droning along on the highway to go take another.

But helmet time/ road time is like therapy for me. I enjoy the solitude, the quiet, the company of my thoughts. I deafen myself with loud music and sing along tunelessly at the top of my voice. I usually sleep well when I travel. I'm mentally refreshed and my soul is untroubled, well, less troubled, at the end of the journey.

I enjoy stopping at local eateries though, getting myself a burger. Maybe a piece of pie. Many of these places are in the middle of nowhere, and the roads from one to another can be fantastic. Montreal MO to Manila AR for instance. There were some spectacular roads to traverse on that route, interesting sights ($100k worth of cars outside $80k worth of house; but I thought about it, and if you live in the middle of nowhere, it's important that your car be reliable. I saw lots of $60- $70k trucks for instance!)
There was a time when I had no phone service and for some reason my navigation had stopped working. I had to navigate by stopping frequently to look at the map and make sure I was still en route to wherever. At one point state route 32 became SR 95, but on the map it had changed to 95, while on the road it still said 32. I had to trace the road to where it spit to realise that. For about ten minutes I was riding saying to myself "dude, i'm pretty sure you should have hit 95 by now." Stuff like that can make trips interesting. Making sure you fill up every time you stop. You could get lost and retracing your steps takes fuel.
It was high 90s low 100s the entire time though. I should have been miserable. Thankfully my gear and set up keeps me adequately cool. I need a white helmet though.

If I had been working the last 3 months (less broke) and didn't have to be back in Dallas for an MRI yesterday I probably would have found some other destinations and things to see. Like the Iron Butt sign in Iowa. Or the biggest ball of twine since I was already in Kansas.

[neanderthal]

I'm glad we were finally and to meet up in person. I'm even more happy you enjoyed your sandwich!

Safe travels friend. And hit me up whenever you are in town!

Bet, my dude! We didn't even take a picture!!!!

[Godson]

We totally dropped the ball on that chance!!!

[Cam]

Lori and I have been talking about upgrading the motorcycle. My bro has a Honda NC750S. I took it for a couple of rides when I visited. I really liked it. Both Lori and I agreed we want something with more power. The Versys 300 is great in town and on side roads, but feels wrong riding it on the highway/interstate. More investigation is needed.

[Kchrpm]

...Ducati?

[Cam]

Too pricey and unreliable.

[Rare White Ape]

An NC750 is a good baseline. A totally appropriate UJM. There are so many bikes in that category which flies right under the radar.

A quick and easy suggestion is a VFR800 from the 2000s. A bit older but there are heaps of them, so spares and prices will be easy and low. One of the best mile munchers ever made.

[Cam]

Comparing new bikes right now. Used bikes are subject to availability and condition.

[TheBenior]

I have a co-worker who has an NC700X. He likes it and has ridden 2-up, but said that if he was doing a lot of 2-up interstate touring, he'd want a bigger engined bike like the Africa Twin. I'd guess that he's probably about 175 lbs, no idea about his co-rider.

[Cam]

I made a spreadsheet to compare similar bikes. We will probably get another adventure bike, the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 or Suzuki V-Strom 650. They both look nearly identical in specs. The biggest difference is engine config, parallel twin vs. V-twin. It is unlikely that we would purchase a Honda here, simply because of the poor experience we had at the local dealer and the Africa Twin is way outside our price range. Before we bought our current bike, we went in to the local Honda dealer, ready to spend some money. We were trying on bikes and looking around for about 15 minutes. No one even looked at us. Obviously, they don't want to sell bikes. :erm: The Yamaha Tenere 700 looks pretty sweet, but the price is a bit higher than other comparable bikes. The BMW F 750 GS is more money than we were hoping to pay and the closest dealer is in Charlotte.

[Rare White Ape]

The V-Strom is absolutely bullet proof. Great engine too. I had an SV650 with the same thing. Great as a road bike engine, heaps of torque and happy to plod along 1-2 gears too high.

[Cam]

There is a 2016 Africa Twin for sale on Columbia Craigslist. :scratchchin:

[dodint]

I'll sell you an R1200CLC. It will solve your interstate problem. :P

[Cam]

Ew, no. :p

[Godson]

Too pricey and unreliable.

Pricey yes, but I would say Ducati is far from unreliable. That ship has long sailed away.

[Blerpa]

Pricey yes, but I would say Ducati is far from unreliable.

Here in Bologna, where there's Borgo Panigale, there's a saying: "Ducati, soldi buttati", which literally translates to "Ducati, money thrown away".
If you want reliability you go with Honda, BMW, in the old times even Cagiva or Gilera, but never Ducati.

[Cam]

I'll believe the Italian when it comes to Italian things. :lol:

[TheBenior]

I made a spreadsheet to compare similar bikes. We will probably get another adventure bike, the likes of the Kawasaki Versys 650 or Suzuki V-Strom 650. They both look nearly identical in specs. The biggest difference is engine config, parallel twin vs. V-twin. It is unlikely that we would purchase a Honda here, simply because of the poor experience we had at the local dealer and the Africa Twin is way outside our price range. Before we bought our current bike, we went in to the local Honda dealer, ready to spend some money. We were trying on bikes and looking around for about 15 minutes. No one even looked at us. Obviously, they don't want to sell bikes. :erm: The Yamaha Tenere 700 looks pretty sweet, but the price is a bit higher than other comparable bikes. The BMW F 750 GS is more money than we were hoping to pay and the closest dealer is in Charlotte.

The last time I was in a Japanese bike dealer (multi-brand non-Honda dealer), I did the same thing. The Japanese Big 3.5 dealers have been closing left and right around here over the last several years, and have a reputation for competing only on price, not sales experience. I had anecdotally heard from a European brand bike dealer that Honda in particular was trying to force too many products on urban dealers that don't make sense (dirt bikes, ATVs). I've heard the same thing with Aprilia, so now the Aprilia dealer closest to Chicago, IL is 80 miles north in Milwaukee, WI.

FWIW, the V-Strom 650 and NC750S/X weigh about the same and have the same peak torque, but the Honda makes the peak torque at 1650 rpm lower, and has 15 fewer horsepower. That would suggest that the Honda might feel about the same or better around town, but lack the top end of the Suzuki on the highway. Fuelly suggests that the Honda gets around 65 mpg while the Suzuki gets a bit over 50 mpg.



Here in Bologna, where there's Borgo Panigale, there's a saying: "Ducati, soldi buttati", which literally translates to "Ducati, money thrown away".
If you want reliability you go with Honda, BMW, in the old times even Cagiva or Gilera, but never Ducati.

The problem with this statement is suggesting that BMW is generally reliable. When surveys have been done here, BMW has been dead last in reliability, with electrical problems being the main issues. R1200GS are known for immobilizer key antenna failures, Multistrada 1200 are known for fuel level sender failures. The GS have also been known for premature final drive/driveshaft failures for a couple of decades now.

That being said, I wouldn't expect any European motorcycle brand to be as generally reliable as any Japanese motorcycle brand.

[Godson]

I'll believe the Italian when it comes to Italian things. :lol:

Versus the guy who put 35k miles on 2 Ducatis and 1700miles on an Aprilia in 1 month?

Oh, and 26k miles was on one 2001 Ducati Monster. In the period of 4 years, as my daily for decent weather.

That's like listening to an American about American cars saying "ford/Chevy/Chrysler are junk"

That idea lacks validity to the claim, as Ross points out.

[Cam]

A local friend sold his Ducati because it needed too much fixing. He subsequently bought a Yamaha. Who's experience is more valid?

[TheBenior]

Yamaha being more reliable than Ducati has validity to it. BMW being more reliable than Ducati does not, though the parts availability is probably better for when things do break.

In any case, Euro bikes in this category are likely getting dinged on pricing alone in this discussion. Japanese bikes are the easy button.

[Rare White Ape]

I’d go Japanese for this sort of bike too. Let’s assume reliability isn’t a factor and whatever you’re riding has an equal chance of breaking down: the last thing you want is to be stranded a hundred miles from anywhere with long waiting periods for parts availability. Euro brands are known to have months-long shipping times, compared to Japanese brands who have very good availability.

[Dicknose]

Dont expect Ducati parts during their summer! It seems they shut down for about 3 months.
As for reliability - Ive had Hondas that had bits break, eg plastic gears for opening exhaust valves and clearly not up to long term reliability.

[JoeW]

The adventure bike category is fairly small. So it’s really about what looks good to you.

[dodint]

Yamaha being more reliable than Ducati has validity to it. BMW being more reliable than Ducati does not, though the parts availability is probably better for when things do break.

First sentence good.
The second sentence, nutty.

Comprehensive list of BMW motorcycle stuff I've had break and compromise a ride:
1 Clutch cable, BMW K75S, 2016. I rode it to a Motorrad without a clutch and they fixed it in about an hour.

That's it. Which technically makes it less reliable than my Hondas were on account of them never having a problem. :lol:

[JoeW]

Yeah having worked at bike shops for 20yrs it was fairly common knowledge that BMW was the only non Japanese motorcycle brand that anyone would dare take cross country. A BMW guy would pull up to the shop and you immediately think the owner is a bit more affluent and quirky. But you also think they are sensible and ride a lot. BMWs were just known to be mile munchers.

Ducati guys pull up and you think affluent (but in a non sensible way), exotic and eccentric. But you also think “good luck buddy” as they drove away. As non affluent employees of a shop we saw it all. Ducati got ooohs and aahs but the “I would never buy one unless I was a filthy rich”. BMW got the respect that you knew the owner was wealthy but wanted an intelligent alternative to Japanese bikes.

[Rare White Ape]

BMW bikes are for high school mathematics teachers.

[Dicknose]

BMW bikes are for high school mathematics teachers.

Hey some of my best friends ride BMWs...
Ok they are computer programmers, so yeah I see your point.

[neanderthal]

cycle trader.

New unregistered 2 year old Africa Twins were available for $10k or less. That was before the pandemic though. I havent looked lately.

[TheBenior]

First sentence good.
The second sentence, nutty.

Why? It's not like there's a huge body of statistical information on motorcycle reliability out there. What information we do have has European motorcycle brands behind everyone else (https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/04/who-makes-the-most-reliable-motorcycle/index.htm).

Most common problems? Electrical (https://article.images.consumerreports.org/f_auto/prod/content/dam/cro/news_articles/cars/CRO_Cars_Things_That_Go_Wrong_Chart_04-15). Magneti Marelli isn't doing the electrical bits for Ducati anymore, and that predates VW ownership. My 2008 696 has a Siemens ECU. I know guys who have put tens of thousands of miles on Multistradas with no mechanical issues. Electrical, OTOH, has been a different story, in spite of Mitsubishi and Bosch electronics (depending on the year).

At the end of the day, I think that motorcycles are a lot like cars these days, where there aren't really any '80s or 90s bad' ones sold anymore, but the Japanese generally make the most reliable ones.

[Dicknose]

I got the Diavel out for a ride today - a rarity with winter here near the snowline.
Was nice, nothing amazing but good to go down some quiet country roads. Saw an echidna which is always exciting.
Now I just need to warm back up! And remember to dress a bit warmer next time.