swingset

sold.

I got really great mileage on my Vee when it was new. Then, I hung bags on it, put a PCIII on it, then gearing change, then I started riding like a moron, now my mileage sucks!

Hair dryer + goo-gone. Easy.

I tend to just let people be dumbasses...there's nothing in it for me to go blowhardy and fix everyone's stupidity. Even if you're right, they don't love you for correcting them. What's the point? If it doesn't make you money or make you happy, why bother?

DUI counts on private property in Ohio, btw, even on a lawn mower. Fuck any LE that would hand out that violation if no other harm were being done, but it's the law.

I have a Vee, but if I didn't do a LOT of 2-up, I'd buy the Wee in a heartbeat. It's a better bike in a lot of ways, it's for sure got less issues and it more nimble and a better handler (stock). It makes good power, not great but certainly capable of adventure touring effortlessly (thousands of guys use them as such). It's a better sipper, and cheaper to buy and own. That said, the big Vee at high-revs? Fucking fun.

Kouba, IIRC.

I ride year round, I appreciate some people are anal-retentive, but I fucking guarantee I'm having more fun.

Mine was lowered when I bought it, from what I understand it was about the "maximum" lowering you could do without custom fork work...seemed about 1.5" lower than normal when seated in the saddle - still pretty tall IMHO.

Did a big dual sport loop of the surrounding back roads, about 30 miles, but I broke the brake lever off and spilled it in a ditch...thoroughly soaking myself. Cold fucking ride home, but hey at least I was out getting dirty.

Bugs corrode too, did ya know that? Seriously...acids and super high PH in their guts. Come to think of it, UV rays play hell on paint, they brittle your plastics, fade shit, break down your gear, etc. Heck, let's not even get into all the shit that rain can do...short out electrical components, acid-rain heavy metals can wear on a bike. Gasoline vapors? Same....really bad for paints, plastics, etc. Jesus we had better re-think taking these things out.

This. I've been riding my Strom in winters for 3 years, no corrosion on anything so far. If it's warm enough to ride, hose it off. If it's too cold to hose it off? There won't be any corrosion. Xbox and sweat pants is ok too, if that's your thing. I won't judge.

A lot of bikes blur the line, tho....especially all the Euro enduro/offroad bikes that come here street legal, since many are more race-bred from the outset.... KTM 530 Husky TE450/510 BMW G450X Aprillia 4.5 All semantics anyway, unless you're racing who cares what you call them? You don't get your license revoked for saying "I have a supermoto" when it's a normal DS bike with 17" rims.

Sexy bike, love it!

Nothing wrong with that...camping can be a hassle. For a first trip, it saves weight and shit to pack. One thing I do to keep packing down is just have a 2 base layer quick-dry t-shirts, socks and undergarments...just enough to fit an extra pair in a backpack. Carry a small bottle of Whisk or whatever to clean them in the hotel sink at night, they'll dry by morning. Viola...whole trip can be done with only 1 change other than walking around clothes. Don't overpack...there's a Walmart at every fucking town in America...don't sweat the small stuff, just bring tools that do all the important stuff. Buy the Automatic renewal AMA membership - includes roadside assistance for $39, best deal out there. Between that and a credit card, you have everything you need. Listen to episode 58 of the Pace Podcast, the guys from Mototour did a cross country and talk a good bit about preparation. (they answered one of my questions on there too). http://thepacepodcast.com/archives/1036

Episode 6 is up and ready, a little late but technical issues were bugging me. This week we give a couple reviews on boots, answer a question about the hotly contentious subject of self-defense/carry on a bike, and talk about an upcoming DS Podcast ride in WV. http://localnumber69.com/dualsportpo...show-number-6/

Agreed...if they're working on 5% pack, which it's usually either 3 or 5% on Hondas then they can sell for true invoice and still make $500 on a sale...and there could be incentives on top of that.

Show number 5 is up and ready. It’s a New Year! I welcome in 2011 with a show about riding frugal! All about how to save money with our sport and travel, wrench and ride with an eye towards keeping your bills in your pocket. Also I answer a question about getting comfortable offroad. Show Number 5

I ride year round, even in salt. No rust on my bike. If it's so cold you can't clean it off (water), the salt won't affect it. When it gets warm, spray some water on it. Big whoop. Salt's only an issue if it sits prolonged periods on the bike. I sure as hell don't let it stop me from enjoying myself.

I rode Christmas... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW3IK0zcfx4 Ok, it's not a road but I did stop by the road and get the mail.

You replacing it with something similar?

Fuck yes, I'd ride that. They took off the douche and bolted on some manly.

Never seen this before. Just kidding, I've seen it on every forum I've ever logged in to.

New episode is up...more talk about gear, tools, tires, all kinds of good stuff and a small amount of whining about the shitty weather.