[IBA270]

The author says “You can paint as many American flags as you want on the gas tanks or the helmets, but it still doesn’t change what Milwaukee can’t do. Milwaukee can’t lead America in competition with the rest of the world. Until America builds real bikes, Americans will buy their real bikes from Japan and Italy and Germany.”

HD’s aren’t real bikes? Hmmm. They’ve all felt real to me, but what do I know?

HD outsells all manufactures from Germany and Italy. Combined. Many times over…

HD is not the top selling brand, Honda is. HD also only sells two types of motorcycles; standards and touring bikes, both in the larger displacement catagory. That puts HD in a solid…get this…second position.

[IBA270]

I gotta agree with Munch…I absolutely, wholeheartedly disagree with the author’s assertation, and find it somewhat offensive. If I were a rider of Harley Davidsons, I’d REALLY find this knuckle head (pun intended) offensive!

There is nothing but pure conjecture in the entire article. It’s just one man’s (ill informed) opinion. I find HD’s interesting machines from an engineering stand point. If anyone knows anything about radial aircraft engines, then they probably find HD’s rather appealing. The have a strong tie-back to their early heritage, and I understand why people find this so appealing. Besides, on of Ducati’s BEST SELLING engine models…is based on a 1980 model. In fact, I’m pretty sure the barrels, heads and lower end all interchange. How about that for “paying much and getting little”.

I just don’t see the reason for the drivel here. Leave the BS that some ignoramous posts on another site…on the other site.

[IBA270]

Most mesh material is made of a polypropelene or like material that doesn’t hold up well, if at all in a crash. What you’re counting on is the armor to provide protection. In many instances, especially around town, this might be perfectly adequete. I have found however, that a well vented jacket/pants combo or suit and be even more effective, particularly at speed. The reason for this is that mesh allows a huge amount of air to blow across your body, taking with it your persperation before it has a chance to cool your body. Also, when it is very hot (90 degrees +) you’re getting blasted with hot air! Not only that, that mesh has no reflective capabilities to divert the sun’s hot rays.

Think of a well vented solution as a “cover” or shade structure and your motorcycle speed as providing the breeze. You still perspire, but the controlled breeze through your jacket doesn’t blow it away before it carries heat with it. You could think of mesh much like standing in the sun and blowing the hair drier on your body.

[IBA270]

I’ll share with the group what I learn! I can tell you that I’ve heard nothing but positive things about them. They are a little quirkey, but so what? I ride BMW’s, Ducati’s….and I’ve got a Land Rover. Seems like a Piaggio is right up my alley!

[IBA270]

The bike is just the tool; the rider is the artist. I know harely riders that can (and do) embarass sport bike and touring folks all the time. I know a guy who rode his harley 100K miles. In one year. Not sure why anyone would waste that much time bashing people who enjoy the same sport as the author did. It’s not helpful when our rights as riders of motorcycles (any make or model) is continually under attack by those who do not ride and do not understand.

Instead of trying to appreciate all types of riders and subcultures, and recognize that each of our little corners of our own little motorcycle worlds are filled with “bad apples” or challenges, this person throws a rock at the very glass house where he/she sleeps.

Sad. I spend too much time even commenting about this.

[IBA270]

Amazingly enough, we don’t get a LOT of instruction on what each bike and/or scooter has for equipment. Throw that on top of the fact we see basically the same stuff…and I can totally see me asking you that same thing…and looking like a total boob!

Some the cop exercises are very similar, and the cones on some are full sized as well. Consider though that the obstacle you are avoiding…in the case of this exercise, we like to refer to it as a “bus” or “truck trailer”, is verticle from ground to sky. Crossing the verticle plane of the small cone is just like hitting the obstacle, but obviously we don’t score it that way…

I’ve GOT to get out and ride a Piaggio 3 wheeler! They look like a total blast! The local dealer has invited me, so I just need to get out and try it. FWIW…and I think I may have posted this before; I saw one with what looked like an Arrow exhaust on it several months ago. Man, that thing sounded angry! Pretty cool looking machine, to be sure!

[IBA270]

We treat the Piaggio as a motorcycle in the ERC, but use slightly different criteria for the u-turn exercise because of the dual track feature.

I have riddent the Spyder, but only on a limited basis in a parking lot. We coach the 3W BRC in Texas and have a Spyder. It’s completely different than anything I’ve ever ridden! It’s much closer to some sort of “sports car/trike” type machine…a lot like an old Morgan, but with bars instead of a steering wheel. It IS a little weird (like any trike, or hack for that matter) because it leans the wrong way! The front end sticks like no tomorrow. The electronics won’t let things get too out of hand though. No slipping, no sliding..

[IBA270]

I just saw this quesiton posted (I’m assuming) to me! Sorry about that…

What do I think about reading these books before taking the class? I don’t have an opinion either way. I could argue both for against, and here is the reasoning;

Pro: The beginner can pick up some of the language and understand the dynamics of motorcycles. Also, understanding the controls better is also useful. Most of the basics (if not all) are universal. As you mentioned, “head and eyes up”, etc.

Con: Depending on the book, some of the concepts may run counter to what we teach in a beginners class. There are practices that advanced riders MAY employ, or riders on a track that we DO NOT teach in the MSF. Every now and again, I’ll get a good question from a student about an exercise where clearly they have heard or read something that is otherwise correct, but not what we are teaching.

At the end of the day, the MORE we know as riders, the better off we are. I say understand all you can from solid, reputable sources.

[IBA270]

I go out of my way to buy bikes with ABS for street use. That’s just one reason why I’ve been a fan of BMW motorcycles since I started riding; ABS. My RT has what is now three (?) generations old ABS/Linked type braking system. The front and rear brakes are linked through a computer module and hydraulic pump that determines how much braking power is needed front to rear and then applies the appropriate brake pressure it deams neccesary to haul the bikes speed down appropriately. It uses digital logic to understand how much brake pressure the rider “intended” to use based on how quickly and forcefully the lever or pedal is applied. Of course all of this is done in consideration of pending lock-up of the wheels (ABS).

Modern brakes are really phenomial, especially those with ABS and computer control. I applaud Honda for offering ABS on their premium sport bikes for what I consider a paltry sum against their advantages over standard braking. I hope other manufacturers will quickly offer ABS on their models as well.

[IBA270]

…unless you’re handy/don’t mind working on these things. As Jeff and TrialsRider have stated…bikes of that vintage WILL have some issues. My guess is, at a minium…unless these items have been done recently and the bike is ridden regularly; battery; carb rebuild kit;recitifier + ignition parts; plugs;oil/filter change;brake system blead/rebuild-it can add up in money and time. Don’t get turned off to motorcycling by having something that isn’t reliable and safe!

[IBA270]

Yea, the K100/K11 mirrors do rock. Miss all three of my K100/K11’s. Best bikes ever built IMO…I want another one!

[IBA270]

Sheepskins rock too!!

http://www.alaskaleather.com

One of my favorite places…great service, great deals…they look funny, but’s it’s another good alternative I forgot to list in another post.

[IBA270]

I use the 80/20 rule. Pick the bike for what you plan to use it for 80% of the time. If you use plan on carrying a passenger 80% of the time…I’d go with a larger bike. If not, then a 250 is fine, if a 250 is fine FOR YOU 80% of the time. A 250 will carry two folks, and probably can go do 60mph-remember at that speed, it’s less about weight than it is wind resistence. It WILL struggle though…

[IBA270]

…pretty much suck on every bike. Bar end mirros are certainly one way to go, and they do a pretty good job. I like the slighty larger Nepolian style (might check my spelling on that); they are rectangular and give a little more area.

Ah yes… saddles. Well, every arse is different. Here are a couple of ideas before you go the saddle route…and I’ve got a crap ton of experience with what to wear and what to sit on.

For starters, motorcycle saddles are covered in vinyl. They don’t breathe and trap moisture. My guess is you’re wearing jeans, which are also cotton…and you might even be wearing cotton underwear. Those also trap moisture which of course causes irratation. Add to that…SEAMS!!!! Look at all the stinking seams on the pants you’re wearing; pockets, joining seams, seams from underwear…it’s more of a torture device than a comfy saddle to ride on. If you must wear jeans, try a long, seamless underwear or pants (or tights) made of a poly material. This will help wick moisture away and keep you a little drier. I like a product made by LDRiding Shorts. They are spendy, but ROCKIN’!

If that doesn’t work, there are three ways of handling your saddle situation; having someone rework your current, stock saddle (cheapest), buying an off the shelf aftermarket saddle like a corbin or sargent (more expensive, but results can be very good) or complete custom from Russell, one of the Meyer boys or several other regional or local folks (can be hideously expensive, but without question THE most comfortable). A full custom is probably not neccesary. They are hard to appreciate until you’ve just completed your fifth straight 1,000+ plus day…and you notice that you don’t notice your saddle.

Try first at looking what you wear, and then go towards the saddle.

Another thought; don’t worry so much about “flat footing” on your motorcycle. It’s just not neccessary. As you progress and gain more experience and confidence, you’ll notice that “low seat” options and having the ability to flat foot is no longer needed.

[IBA270]

Givi makes GREAT stuff as you probably know. Many OEM’s select GIVI to produce their bags…Honda’s VFR comes immediately to mind. I had a set on my old FJ1200 for the ’03 IBR and they were brilliant!

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