[RidleytheRed]

I’ve got an ’82 Yama XJ650 Maxim, so far I’ve put on:

National Cycle Deflector DX (old plexifaring was scratched and so high I was looking through it instead of over)
Generic saddlebags
Generic hiway pegs
Modded the seat for comfort
OEM sissy bar with backrest
OEM luggage rack on the back

Named it Hermes

I’m thinking about one of those LED kits if they come in RED so they’ll match my bike (blue’s bad for fouling night vision too)

[RidleytheRed]

I’ve had the same thing happen to me not too long ago, I was actually honking my horn and blinking high-beams at the guy to make him see me before he just pulled out. I swerved and avoided him in time (thank god for MSF courses) and he got the finger after I pulled over.

[RidleytheRed]

I’ve not had that problem yet, but when I’m in the car, I’ve done a slow drift to the side a couple times. I usually pull to the side and rest for 10-15 mins then go out and take a short wolk around the car to get my blood pumping again and head to where I’m going. That usually fixes me right up.

[RidleytheRed]

I live in Colorado, we only have 85, 87, and 91 octane. The myth about higher altitudes needing lower octane is still going strong.

[RidleytheRed]

Seems that way. I would ask local bike cops what they think and go with that.

[RidleytheRed]

I saw your comment in Off-topic and was going to comment on that too. Not really, more like 30-35 now. but there’s stuff I can do to improve that which I’m to lazy to do.

[RidleytheRed]

That is pretty.

[RidleytheRed]

I’ve got a ’99 Monte Carlo. It has separate lamps for low and high beams. I don’t recall anything about a double filament for the high bulbs when I replaced them a couple years ago. They were just regular halogen bulbs. *shrug* Not really important anyway.

[RidleytheRed]

I dunno, the MSF course I took mostly mentioned HURT more than anything, and the instructors pretty much said the same thing I did. You are right about the lower current though. I just checked and the DRL’s use my high lamps, but not as bright.

The MSF website does promote using the high-beams at daytime still, and using modulators if possible, so I’ll trust their judgement considering the most common cause of accidents is not being noticed. Courtesy is one thing and I respect your decision, but I like being well noticed even if it’s from annoyance rather than being invisible.

[RidleytheRed]

So far I’ve spent all of $8 when it costs about $40 to fill my car. I’m really seeing an improvement.

[RidleytheRed]

Sorry to contradict you Matt, but running high-beams durring the day is standard. All cars with daytime lamps are using the high-beams instead of regular. You’re not going to get blinded because your eyes have already ajusted to sunlight and will not be affected as badly by high-beams.

http://www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us/latest/MMSCHomeSecondary.asp?cid=5&mid=305

“Using the high beam of a motorcycle’s headlight during the day also helps to prevent violations of the motorcyclist’s right-of-way (Hurt, 1981).”

“Headlight modulators, which cause the light to alternate between a higher and a lower intensity during the day, also increase conspicuity (Hurt, 1981). Headlight modulators are federally regulated lighting devices and as such, all state laws governing them are preempted. Motorcycle headlight modulators have not been studied to determine their effects on other motorists.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/00-NHT-212-motorcycle/motorcycle49-50.html

[RidleytheRed]

I found the reserve fuel switch guide on the site which answered a lot of my questions (wish I checked there first).

My bike has the Pri. On Res. type of valve so that’s where I got confused. Now I know what to do. Thanks for the comments though, they’ll help next time I fill up.

[RidleytheRed]

It’s better to just ignore them. They’re called trolls for a reason.

[RidleytheRed]

Mink Oil comes to mind. The kind you use for boots to keep water out. Shouldn’t make the seat slippery if you rub it in well enough. You can also get a tin of Kiwi Outdoor Wet Pruf. It’s a paste that rubs into leather and seals out water while allowing leather to breathe. Hope that helps.

[RidleytheRed]

Glad he didn’t get hurt. it’s gotta be pretty scary regardless.

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