Motorcycles
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I don’t have a mc anymore, though I still have the endorsement on my drivers license. Just thought I would share a story about a very lucky guy…
Yesterday I climbed Mount Neva...
From the summit looking back at the route.
I took Lefthand Canyon down to get home. When I had an mc, it was one of my favorites to ride, though I’d say it’s not for the inexperienced. Lots of tight turns, and it’s tempting to go too fast. I saw some riders approaching from behind, so I pulled over, stuck my hand out of the window, and waved at them to go by. They’ll be going faster than me and I know it can suck to get stuck behind a car here.
So they pass going into a tight left hand turn. Guy in front was fine, but I watched in horror as guy two entered too tight and then went wide, crossing the white line and going into the guard rail. He fortunately laid it down and lowsided vs highside- that could’ve been a lot worse. There’s a fast flowing creek on the other side of the rail.
He got up right away and lost a little skin, but was otherwise uninjured. Guy one came back and said guy two had only been riding 2-3 weeks. Both had helmets but no other gear. I gave him a ride down the canyon as we couldn’t get cell reception up there. I hope he concluded his day by buying a lottery ticket! Phew!
But if he had been injured, he probably had the best person in me to be right there. I had my inreach, a satellite communication device, and could’ve called for help immediately. I am also CPR certified and work in public safety, so setting up incident command and directing responders in is literally my job.
Anyway, just wanted to share. Be safe out there all. If he had been wearing gear, he would have had no injuries at all. But this also could’ve been way worse. In my general experience, motorcyclists usually do not walk away uninjured. -
Definitely agree. I always wore everything all the time, even if the ride was shorter than the time to put it all on. You never know.
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My WR250R
My TW200
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Oh yeah I also have this little guy:
I'm a fan of small displacement bikes. Although I am interested in the Tenere 700 for some long distance adventure rides.
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I spy a cheeky little Yoshimura on him too.
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Same bike I posted 6 years ago but shes been through a lot more miles and some changes.
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@Bfd70 was right when he last year stated one needs four bikes to cover the bases.
I recently bought my 4th, a 2014 BMWR1200R which is slated to become my touring bike.
It had the well known problem with rust around the gas filler cap.
A good cleaning, some silver soldering and paint seems to have stopped that. I’ll have to check further along to see whether rust starts up again.
The seating position was very cramped as I had the lowest saddle option. Couldn’t find a higher saddle for a reasonable price so I went for a local solution. Toto, the town’s best known motorcycle upholsterer had a go at it this morning. He’s built up the height using various pieces of foam from discarded seats. Doesn’t look pretty but Toto claims it’ll do a good job.
Seat height was increased by 12 cm. Leg position feels good now. I tested the saddle on a 5 minute ride, foam/sponge still visible, and it felt comfortable.
I’ll add a pic once the seat job is finished.
Just picked it up. Job done in one day and I’m happy with it. Feels comfortable and the overall fit and finish look nice.
Of course the real test of comfort will require a full day ride.
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Ahhhh, see @motojobobo we thinks alike.
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Nice bike @Bfd70 ! I’ve read great reviews on the camhead but haven’t ridden mine much yet. Mostly around town…been wearing my IHJ-79 on the chillier days.
How long have you had yours? Happy with it? -
It is no longer in the stable but i did enjoy it very much. Very refined ride. Drink a cup of coffee and ride one hand while plowing thru pot holes at 75 mph and not spill a drop (that’s in 3rd). Really an ideal distance tourer.
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Took my BMW 2014 R1200R camhead for a 3-day ride to the mountains In central Bolivia. We had excellent weather, perfect for warm IH gear.
Here is my IHJ 79
Dry, barren mountains getting their early leaves on trees as spring slowly kicks in.
Central plaza in town of Samaipata
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@Jett129 I too have been a Harley guy. Have a 2008 Dyna that I fully customized and I still love. However, I have been thinking about something different. I’m going to try the Triumph’s and Ducati’s this week and am hoping for some insight.
The newer Harley’s aren’t doing much for me (except the Road King Special).
Really appreciate any advice that you have.
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I have a 2014 Heritage that I love,but when I was growing up,in the Bronx, nobody had Harley’s. The all had Triumps,Nortons,BSAs,and Hondas. I loved the Triumph Bonnevilles and the Norton Commandos. If I,also,was going to get another bike Triumph is where I would start looking as well. The only advice I can give you is to go and ride them. I think everyone is making pretty good bikes these days,it’s just a matter of what makes you happy.
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@Jett129 Thank you! I would love one of the old Vincent’s, Norton’s, and Triumph’s, but I love being able to jump on a new bike and just riding.
One of these days I am going to build a custom panhead or one of the old Brit bikes, but I will wait until the kids are older. I don’t have the time to wrench and ride.
