A Motorcycle Thread About Absolutely Nothing!

[Lau2046]

Originally Posted by Jiro

Well - let's put it this way. it doesn't really matter if you ride motorcycle or not. my mom was driving to grocery and suddenly got rear-ended by a girl who was txting. she had to get months of physical therapy for her back and neck - all paid for by girl's car insurance. my mom's lucky that it wasn't some uninsured driver.

As for you - it is probably best if you do not take up riding if you're constantly fearful of what could happen. that's not a good mindset to have while riding because it can be a matter of life and death. It's all about zen and grace under pressure. I commute to NYC everyday on motorcycle for past few years. I encounter at least 20 "oh shit!" close calls on daily basis because you know how New Yorkers are especially cabbies. It never ceases to amaze me how stupid and inconsiderate these New York drivers are but I'm not going to channel my energy to road rage and fear. It's going to get you killed. You just ride safe and free and you'll just live a little longer

We all will die from car accident, building collapse, zombie on bath salt, 2,000 calories lunch, etc. so the question is... how do you want to die? I'd certainly want to die while riding

I don't consider it fearful of dying or worry about the sky falling, just fearful of dying from something stupid. I'd worry about who will take care of my parents and my pets because some loser couldn't be bothered to watch where they were going. You're mother's lucky she was rear ended while in a car that could absorb the impact. On a motorcycle she'd be dead. I've had enough accidents on my bike: hit by a car, slipped on the sand and went down face first, had people belt me as they were driving by - on a bike, just a regular bike. It was enough to instill an absolute white hatred of drivers and people in general. I'd rather not have a massive machine fly in the air and land on me or have a driver run a stop sign and keep going. Besides in my state, we really only have three or four months of "good weather" and the rest of the year winter.....

[Lau2046]

BTW, not telling anyone not to ride. Everyone is free to determine how they want to leave this world. I just don't want to exit simply because my bike slipped on a wet leaf after the rain.....

[purplecatty]

Originally Posted by Jiro

Connie =

it's a bad news. Both Bridgestone and Metzeler are what I trust.

Metzeler are good tires, IMHO, It's okay to me. Since that Metzelers are hard rubber tires, It tend to slips during wet weather (even after hard rain). I wasn't leaning on curve over 20mph, I go around curves 10 to 15 mph depending how I feel while riding on wet road and also depending on what type of road as well). I haven't dropped my bike but it sends me chills when it slips and I corrected quickly. Tire pressure are correctly set according to Metzeler's recommendation. It seem that Metzeler tires are making me leery over wet weather.

On dry weather, It handles pretty well and I leaned around bends without feeling leery (20 to 30mph depending how curves are). Even though thread wear is very good. I put 9,000 miles on Metzeler and still have more than 3/4 of threads on front and rear.

I was thinking about getting IMS or Avon tires (IMS was original tires for Suzuki VL800 and I liked new threads look). Both tires are Soft rubber and tend to stick better during wet weather but thread life are short. Which are tradeoff.

As for Goodyear, I would look into it as well. I don't like feeling leery every time I leans on curve or corners during wet weather. What about Michelin tires???

It be nice if tires surface were developed that it sticks to road like superglue during wet weather (perhap millions of suction cups or from genetics of Spiderman .. Hee hee j/k ) I wouldn't be leery on wet weather

IF I am concerned about my budget in future for replacing soft tires, I would switch back to Metzeler to save money for long run.

Last thing to eradicate my leery feeling is to get Can Am I doubt I would get it.

Catty

[metalangel]

Originally Posted by Jiro

wow.... you actually have a Fazer? My mechanic has Fazer as a loaner bike. I've gotta say that I don't really miss riding it

I don't really like riding a bike with carb and I'm glad to be riding a decent old-school style with all these modern technology inside especially ABS and suspension/shock.

There's a picture of it in the sticky vehicle pics thread, it's not an old one. It's fuel injection not carbed, and yeah, I do like it. It's fast without being snatchy, and it's more upright and comfortable than my old SV650 which was fine for long distances but agonizing to ride in the city.

I had a brand new Bandit 650 as a loaner and I hated it. Very uncomfortable, ridiculously sensitive throttle, very glad to be rid of it.

[Reba]

Originally Posted by Jiro

ah... good. that's very good.

please everybody - be careful out there! couple days ago, we just lost a fellow biker who have touched many lives in here. He was a NYPD Highway Patrol motorcyclist and he did not look like one if you met him. He looked like some Joe the Plumber with deep passion in motorcycling and was the most nicest, caring man you've ever met. He was killed at Trans Labrador Highway.

...RIP Eddie.

Tragic loss.

[Jiro]

Originally Posted by Lau2046

BTW, not telling anyone not to ride. Everyone is free to determine how they want to leave this world. I just don't want to exit simply because my bike slipped on a wet leaf after the rain.....

so why continue to ride your bicycle?

[metalangel]

You guys might enjoy this... you may have seen videos like it before, sorry if you have. It's a guy filtering (lane splitting) up one of the main roads north out of London, UK in the evening rush hour. I used to live very near this road (in fact, where the video ends is right next to where I used to work) and he does very well to get as far as he does in three minutes! If you want to look it up on a map, he gets from Swiss Cottage to the O2 Centre.

Finchley Road Rush Hour - YouTube

Finchley Road Rush Hour - YouTube

I don't filter unless it's absolutely necessary and the lanes are very, very wide. Where I live, that's not in many places unfortunately.

[Jiro]

Originally Posted by metalangel

You guys might enjoy this... you may have seen videos like it before, sorry if you have. It's a guy filtering (lane splitting) up one of the main roads north out of London, UK in the evening rush hour. I used to live very near this road (in fact, where the video ends is right next to where I used to work) and he does very well to get as far as he does in three minutes! If you want to look it up on a map, he gets from Swiss Cottage to the O2 Centre.

Finchley Road Rush Hour - YouTube

I don't filter unless it's absolutely necessary and the lanes are very, very wide. Where I live, that's not in many places unfortunately.

I "filter" all the time everyday in NYC but this video is very tame compared to NYC

"Filtering". interesting British term for lane-splitting. Learned something new today. My bike has a bit of advantage over this guy because my mirrors are movable and my bike is tall so my handlebars go past cars' side mirrors with ease except SUV. I don't filter like this guy, going thru very narrow gap and tip-toeing forwarding to make sure his mirrors doesn't hit other car.

[TinCanSailor]

I'M BAAAAACK! Been so busy between school and working that I did not even feel like reading books, forums, etc.

I am now a cager again. Last Saturday, I rode to one of two funerals for SC National Guardsmen who were killed by a suicide bomber two weeks ago. The Patriot Guard were asked to provide flag lines and procession escorts to the cemetery.

The temperature was 108 with a heat index around 114. We left near here at 5:30 a.m. and rode about 115 miles to our starting point. Escorted another 21 miles to the cemetery. On the way back home, the heat was so oppressive that we had to stop numerous times to cool off.

About 40 miles from home at about 3 p.m., the bike started making sounds like metal breaking or banging around and I think my clutch plates disintegrated. The engine was fine. But no go. The temperature outside was still about 103. Called insurance co. for a tow truck. That took over an hour. Arrived home about 9 p.m.

I will have it picked up next week to be taken to the repair shop. $$$$$?

[Jiro]

Originally Posted by TinCanSailor

I'M BAAAAACK! Been so busy between school and working that I did not even feel like reading books, forums, etc.

I don't blame you!

Originally Posted by TinCanSailor

I am now a cager again. Last Saturday, I rode to one of two funerals for SC National Guardsmen who were killed by a suicide bomber two weeks ago. The Patriot Guard were asked to provide flag lines and procession escorts to the cemetery.

in Iraq?

Originally Posted by TinCanSailor

The temperature was 108 with a heat index around 114. We left near here at 5:30 a.m. and rode about 115 miles to our starting point. Escorted another 21 miles to the cemetery. On the way back home, the heat was so oppressive that we had to stop numerous times to cool off.

I know the feeling.... that's what riding thru tunnels is like around here....

Originally Posted by TinCanSailor

About 40 miles from home at about 3 p.m., the bike started making sounds like metal breaking or banging around and I think my clutch plates disintegrated. The engine was fine. But no go. The temperature outside was still about 103. Called insurance co. for a tow truck. That took over an hour. Arrived home about 9 p.m.

I will have it picked up next week to be taken to the repair shop. $$$$$?

hhhhmmmmmmm......... that's what my bike did. it was a blown shock. very expensive repair. that's why I sold my bike today and picked up a new (used) bike.... which is exactly same as mine but better.

[Jiro]

left = my old bike (just sold it an hour ago)
right = my new (used) bike (just bought it on same day in afternoon)

same model, same engine, same everything except my bike was manufactured just a year before.... which means the new bike has redesigned fork. my old bike had blown shock, needed new tires/brakes/front wheel spacers/etc.... which can cost up to around $1,500. I was planning to get a different bike but I need a lot of time and research so I bought same one for now. at least now I've got a great bike for great trade-in value later on.

I took off my upgrades from my old bike and tomorrow - I will start installing all my old upgrades plus new upgrades.

[Jiro]

BurnsMoto - Motorcycle, ATV, Boat, RV - USB Weatherproof Power Socket - USB Charger with optional SAE to USB



I thought this was a fantastic upgrade. I bought 2 for me and my friend. last week, I installed it on her Kawasaki Ninja bike. I will install it on my new bike as well tomorrow. Get this - I wired her USB charger port to motorcycle horn since I didn't have a relay with me so that her USB charger would shut off when her bike shuts off.

[TinCanSailor]

Originally Posted by Jiro

left = my old bike (just sold it an hour ago)
right = my new (used) bike (just bought it on same day in afternoon)

same model, same engine, same everything except my bike was manufactured just a year before.... which means the new bike has redesigned fork. my old bike had blown shock, needed new tires/brakes/front wheel spacers/etc.... which can cost up to around $1,500. I was planning to get a different bike but I need a lot of time and research so I bought same one for now. at least now I've got a great bike for great trade-in value later on.

I took off my upgrades from my old bike and tomorrow - I will start installing all my old upgrades plus new upgrades.

I think you made a good decision and saved money at the same time.

[TinCanSailor]

[QUOTE=Jiro;2079127]
in Iraq?

No. In Afghanistan. 3 killed instantly (the 3rd funeral was Sunday elsewhere in the state). There are several severely injured being treated at Walter Reed Hospital. All from the same suicide bomber.

[Reba]

We just lost another local biker last night.

Uricchio law firm founder killed in motorcycle wreck Monday night | The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment

Criminal Defense Attorney Charleston SC | Attorney Paul Uricchio

This has been a bad summer for local bikers.

We just had a fund raiser ride for another local rider, a PGR lady, this past Sunday. She survived but with a lot of injuries.

Then there was the young lady that I mentioned before. She's home now, in a wheelchair, still has a long recovery ahead.

[Reba]

[quote=TinCanSailor;2079168]

Originally Posted by Jiro

in Iraq?

No. In Afghanistan. 3 killed instantly (the 3rd funeral was Sunday elsewhere in the state). There are several severely injured being treated at Walter Reed Hospital. All from the same suicide bomber.

The news said that there were multiple amputations.

[Reba]

Originally Posted by Jiro

hhhhmmmmmmm......... that's what my bike did. it was a blown shock. very expensive repair. that's why I sold my bike today and picked up a new (used) bike.... which is exactly same as mine but better.

Oh, no!

[Reba]

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) -- A fellow biker is reflecting on the life of a prominent Charleston attorney who was killed in a motorcycle accident on Monday.

Friends say Paul Uricchio, 69, was known simply as "Ricky." For more than forty years, Uricchio specialized in criminal and personal injury cases throughout the lowcountry.

"He was just of the guys," said Roger Burris, the president of Tri-County Bikers Helping Bikers. "He was very cheerful individual, very personable, very supportive of the biking community.

White chalk and red markings are the only remnants of the spot where Paul Uricchio suddenly lost his life. Police say he was riding on Meeting Street when he hit a raised median and lost control of his bike.

"I was very surprised," said Burris.

Burris remembers Paul as a man involved in several biker organizations and dedicated to helping those less fortunate.

"He was a member of Tri-County Bikers helping Bikers," said Burris. "He would always show up, show his support for different charities."

For the last seven year's, Burris' organization has helped injured bikers get back on their feet through generous donations. He says Paul did his part to help.

"If he had something to give away, he'd call us up and say, 'come and get them. I've got furniture or I've got this,'" he said.

While known for putting others before himself, Burris says fellow bikers once returned the favor when the roles were reversed.

"He had a wreck a few years ago and a couple of clubs helped him get his bike back together," said Burris.

Burris says the tragic passing serves as a reminder of just how precious life is.

"You're here today and gone tomorrow. Life is short. You just have to live it to your fullest," he said.

Uricchio is survived by his wife, Nancy.

Uricchio's law firm issued the following statement on behalf of the family:

"The Uricchio family would like to thank the community for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements are currently pending."

Fellow biker remembers local attorney killed in accident - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

[Steinhauer]

I got both of my bikes back from a mechanic that was trying to fix them. I need a GL1100 motor.

I might just decide to purchase a whole bike and use the one I have as a parts bike.

I really want to go to Deal's Gap. I have a friend that has a cabin up that way on 57 acres. He and his wife are both deaf.

[Jiro]

Jim lost his bike in the High Park fire in Fort Collins Colorado

[The Highlander]

We are in Superior,CO right now. We were passed Fort Collins in few hours ago and it was sad to see a lot forest in burn.

[Frisky Feline]

[purplecatty]

Originally Posted by Jiro

Jim lost his bike in the High Park fire in Fort Collins Colorado

Perhap, he may have funeral for his motorcycle

Catty

[purplecatty]

Just today,

I ordered a new "replacement" flip up helmet, Bilt brand Matte Black color and have metal to metal flip up locking mechanism <<--- THAT'S WHAT I NEED!!!. My 2 years old helmet, TMS brand flip up helmet from Ebay is worn out and had cheap broken locking plastic to plastic mechanism that lasted 6 months of usage and afterward, I drilled and bolted it shut. Bilt Flip up helmet is on sale today and tomorrow in www.cyclegear.com website for $99.99, actual price was 199.99 so I thought why not grab higher quality helmet rather than Ebay cheap quality. New helmet have built in Visor so I can flip down internal visor, not needing my Rx sunglasses and I wanted it to last long time under my use and abuse (I'm not gonna whack someone with my helmet ) I may have to figure out how to lock my new helmet to my bike because the helmet lock is behind left side saddlebag. I might have to figure out to move it to new location if all possible so I can secure my new helmet. I always stuck helmet on top of sissy bar and tied chin strap on tightly so It won't fall off or tilt to external visor side and get scratched up (my old one got scratched up inside cuz I didn't tighten the chin strap correctly)

I just got new Rx eyeglasses with High Index lens because my old glasses just broke last month and I was stuck wearing my Rx sunglasses for nearly a month and had to tell someone that I am not intimidate them with "mean" look of my face even at church and at work. With new helmet and dark internal visor would helps big time with my new glasses!! I'm happy man now

My foward control modification that I mentioned on previous post was great. I rode 2 hours trip from Shawnee, KS to Junction City, KS to visit someone. It sure helps my knee alot and comfortable on long trip.

Catty

[purplecatty]

Originally Posted by Jiro

left = my old bike (just sold it an hour ago)
right = my new (used) bike (just bought it on same day in afternoon)

same model, same engine, same everything except my bike was manufactured just a year before.... which means the new bike has redesigned fork. my old bike had blown shock, needed new tires/brakes/front wheel spacers/etc.... which can cost up to around $1,500. I was planning to get a different bike but I need a lot of time and research so I bought same one for now. at least now I've got a great bike for great trade-in value later on.

I took off my upgrades from my old bike and tomorrow - I will start installing all my old upgrades plus new upgrades.

You can rebuild front fork. If you have your motorcycle maintenace book that explain how to remove fork and do dirty jobs. It's basically hydralics. Unbolt two big bolts and carefully remove shock section of fork and dump out oil then replace seals then pour in fresh oil (have to have long measuring stick or big syringe with exact cc of oil to fill inside of shock section evenly then bolt it back on. Then you end up "refurbished" shock on fork.

My Suzuki VL800 have information on how to repair front fork and change out shock oil. Right now, my shock is good so don't need to replace.

I agree that front fork are expensive. My VL800 can have chopper fork depending what rake degree I can choose, it have 9, 14, or 18 degree rake It can run as close as $2k for one.

http://www.chopper-kit-usa.com/suzuki-c50-new.htm

I don't need to do fork modification anyway because I lowered rear shock by 2 inches which affect front fork's rake degree. It helps turn tight corner lot better than stock. I noticed big difference. I was wondering about if I lowered to 3"


Catty

[Jiro]

Originally Posted by purplecatty

You can rebuild front fork. If you have your motorcycle maintenace book that explain how to remove fork and do dirty jobs. It's basically hydralics. Unbolt two big bolts and carefully remove shock section of fork and dump out oil then replace seals then pour in fresh oil (have to have long measuring stick or big syringe with exact cc of oil to fill inside of shock section evenly then bolt it back on. Then you end up "refurbished" shock on fork.

My Suzuki VL800 have information on how to repair front fork and change out shock oil. Right now, my shock is good so don't need to replace.

I agree that front fork are expensive. My VL800 can have chopper fork depending what rake degree I can choose, it have 9, 14, or 18 degree rake It can run as close as $2k for one.

AME Bolt-ON Chopper Kits Fit Suzuki VL800 /C50 Models


Catty

in BMW model - rebuilding fork is very difficult cuz it's different design. most people simply swap it with Yamaha fork - a much better design.

[Jiro]

Originally Posted by purplecatty

Just today,

I ordered a new "replacement" flip up helmet, Bilt brand Matte Black color and have metal to metal flip up locking mechanism <<--- THAT'S WHAT I NEED!!!. My 2 years old helmet, TRS brand flip up helmet from Ebay is worn out and had cheap broken locking plastic to plastic mechanism that lasted 6 months of usage and afterward, I drilled and bolted it shut. Bilt Flip up helmet is on sale today and tomorrow in Cycle Gear - Motorcycle Gear and Motorcycle Accessories - Cycle Gear website for $99.99, actual price was 199.99 so I thought why not grab higher quality helmet rather than Ebay cheap quality. New helmet have built in Visor so I can flip down internal visor, not needing my Rx sunglasses and I wanted it to last long time under my use and abuse (I'm not gonna whack someone with my helmet ) I may have to figure out how to lock my new helmet to my bike because the helmet lock is behind left side saddlebag. I might have to figure out to move it to new location if all possible so I can secure my new helmet. I always stuck helmet on top of sissy bar and tied chin strap on tightly so It won't fall off or tilt to external visor side and get scratched up (my old one got scratched up inside cuz I didn't tighten the chin strap correctly)

I just got new Rx eyeglasses with High Index lens because my old glasses just broke last month and I was stuck wearing my Rx sunglasses for nearly a month and had to tell someone that I am not intimidate them with "mean" look of my face even at church and at work. With new helmet and dark internal visor would helps big time with my new glasses!! I'm happy man now

My foward control modification that I mentioned on previous post was great. I rode 2 hours trip from Shawnee, KS to Junction City, KS to visit someone. It sure helps my knee alot and comfortable on long trip.

Catty

broken piece? what about helmet warranty? mine has 5-years warranty.

[Jiro]

I just went to my parents' condo management office to express my complaint because few days ago, we just got flyers posted all over saying that people need to move their bicycles/motorcycles to "assigned spots" because people were leaving their bicycles/motorcycles (including me) just about "anywhere". bicycles should be at bicycle locker room but about motorcycle - it's another issue.

parking spot in this condo is very expensive and it's very silly to buy a parking spot just for 1 motorcycle when 1 parking spot can take up at least 5-7 motorcycles. I suggested that they should have a motorcycle-only parking spot just 1-2 floors next to entrance for a very reasonable yearly fee like $50 a year. I explained that it should be 1-2 floors next to entrance because since our parking garage is multi-decks, the "driveway" is a circular path. it is very hazardous for bikers to go up/down since road condition is not safe. it's dusty or there are some slippery fluids. there are concrete pillars as dividers so it's exactly like Princess Di's accident

the management took it under advisement about that safety issue but they were already considering about motorcycle-only parking spot.

[Jiro]

I just bought Ohlins rear shock. I'm extremely excited. it was a steal of the year. only $600... brand new.



MSRP is nearly $1,000

[The Highlander]

Originally Posted by Jiro

I just bought Ohlins rear shock. I'm extremely excited. it was a steal of the year. only $600... brand new.



MSRP is nearly $1,000

Not bad!