Tpoppa

2 hours ago, Tonik said:

Jesus, what happened to us. We used to be about bikes, hookers and blow. Now it's Medicare and wtf to do with our time.

I was always more into sluts and weed, than hookers and blow 🤣

Lol.  I've been bustin' my ass for 30 years just be able to ask the question "how should I spend my free time."

After having a few seasons cut short by surgeries, etc. I hope to ride over 20k this year which used to be my norm.

12 hours ago, Uncle Punk said:

I quit working a year ago in February. I had a fun year doing motorcycle trips with a day or two notice depending on what the weather looked like where I wanted to go. Was getting fairly bored at times but not enough to get a job because I would need a completely free work schedule with the ability to not work for weeks at a time.

I'm old enough for S.S. but my income keeps me from taking it because I would just have to give it back. We are lucky with healthcare as that's covered by her employer which she is retired from. If it wasn't for healthcare coverage I wouldn't be retired. Three years age I was paying $1,740 a month for single coverage as an only employee.

Now I can't work if I wanted to because I'm getting a hip replacement on the 10th and intend to get the second hip replaced in November.

I hope your procedures go well.

What did you figure out to do with your time in the winter months?  I'm still trying to figure out a plan for that.  Amazon store maybe?  

Lightweight ADV bikes are actually pretty good on trips.

I put about 15k on a CB500x including a trip to Deals Gap.  It did surprisingly well, including some fast passes on the Dragon.

I've heard the Versys is also quite good at racking up miles.

I'm still years away from Social Security, but I'm of the opinion to take it the moment you're eligible at 62.  Consider your tax situation, but you are generally better off taking it and investing in an index fund and letting it sit for a few years, then waiting years for a higher monthly payment. 

My kids are still kids and I want to spend more time with them.

Part time motorcycle sales is actually a pretty good idea.  I've also looked into being a part time medical courier (surgical supplies & pharmaceuticals).  I need/want something with schedule flexibility.  I could get a gig as a contract Program/Project Manager but that's what I'm retiring from 🙃

As the title says, I am considering retiring in the next few months.  I'd say I'm 90% sure.

It's a big decision from the standpoint being final.  Changing my mind and un-retiring may not be so easy.

Still not sure how I'd spend all my time.  I'd join a gym, ride more, fix/flip motorcycles. etc.

I'm trying to come up with a part time side gig for a couple days a week, and not something like Uber or Door Dash.

Any ideas?  

Hate to say it, but if HD ever sorts the issues with the Pan Am and it proves reliable...I'd seriously consider the new Pan Am ST.

The ST has sportbike sized 17" tires, nice tech package, and no valve adjustment.

It would make a fine sporty tourer if it's reliable.

2025 Harley-Davidson Pan America ST – First Look | Motorcycle.com

On 7/17/2024 at 6:36 PM, 2talltim said:

A couple other guys will be joining me in my room 7/22-7/26

What happens on vacation🫢🤥

On 6/22/2024 at 7:26 PM, mello dude said:

Stealing a quote from another forum...

"All bikes lead to a Goldwing. "

🤔

On 6/22/2024 at 8:15 PM, Tonik said:

That is pretty deep.

Isn't that just like saying that "all life leads to death?"

Craftsman Inverter Generator, made by Generac.  This is a quality, well-made inverter generator.  Comes with all the original accessories (see pics), manuals, even the box. 

Starts first pull, runs perfectly, and quiet. Perfect for track, camping, or whatever else.

MSRP is $650, asking $400 obo.  Posting here before the Facebook Marketplace shit show. Pick up in N Ridgeville, OH.

On 5/12/2024 at 9:09 PM, snot said:

So, if I remember right break in period is a myth....

The 300 was rode normal, not too hard but not super slow or low rpms.

I have 57 miles on the new bike now. Trying to stay under 4k rpms is not easy ( 45 is max speed). It is recommend to stay at 4k until 150miles then 5k until 300 and 6k until 500. 

Thoughts?

When I bought the Ninja 400, I broke it in exactly by the manual.  It took self-control, which I typically lack.  It ran perfectly, didn't burn a drop of oil, etc.

That said, I think the motor breaks in (rings, etc) within the first 50-100 miles.  If I broke it in harder, I'd bet it also would have ran perfectly.

Some new motorcycles (Ducati) are limited to a low power mode that the dealer will disable at the first service. 

1 hour ago, Pauly said:

Amanda is leaning toward letting the Wing go in favor of the RT. 

I've said it before...I think the RT is the best 1-up tourer on the planet & quite sporty in the corners.

I would own one if Kelsey liked the passenger accommodations (she's only ever sat on a 2012).

13 hours ago, Tonik said:

Goldwing

I have limited seat time on the new GW, but when I rode Paul's I spooked myself with the lack of ground clearance.  In the first corner my foot scraped the pavement pretty hard...I wasn't expecting it & didn't feel like I was going all that fast.  There are def some things I liked about it, but not sure I could live with one.

Failed TIG Weld on my British Customs exhaust.  Shipped to CA for warranty repair that will probably take 2 weeks to get back.  

I really like that exhaust, but a failed weld seems like half-assed workmanship 🙄

Good thing I kept the OEM pipes and have 3 motorcycles 😄

I had this setup on my 400.  I made for a nice lightweight sporty tourer.

Not sure if it's available for the 500 yet, but probably will be soon.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 (18 - >) – Ventura MCA (ventura-mca.com)

4 hours ago, snot said:

I pick her up in a week, suspension to be worked on.

Sweet!  The 500 looks like a fun bike.  

OOC, why are you working on the suspension?

I had a 400 and rode the crap out of it on a 3 day WV ride.  The stock suspension was actually fine, even carrying a few days worth of gear.

@Uncle Punk did you buy from Joe?

He used to live across the street from me when he was a young rider on a Ninja 250.

I talked riding with him a few times, let him borrow stands, etc.  Then ran into him many years later at Sills.  

4 minutes ago, Uncle Punk said:

The curves in front of it demanded concentration so I didn't have time for sight seeing. 

According to my one-track lizard brain the curves are the only sights worth seeing 😀 

Bought this one a few weeks ago because my standards are low and why not...

Actually, I let the wife pick it out with the only criteria being rear seat comfort...it came with a $700 Mustang Touring Seat.  I also considered the weird 2014 Valkyrie F6C even though stock tire sizes are basically out of production.

It was cheap, like new with low miles, so why not...

Just now, Uncle Punk said:

I really don't know how this 201 HP bike is going to go through corners yet. 

My guess is crazy fast.

We've had the same twin/I4 conversation since I was on a Buell and you were on a ZX6RR (IIRC) 🤣

For my money BMW makes the best motorcycles on the planet.  Their tech packages are seamless, the handling/road manners are top notch, their designs are versatile with many convivences are built in that you need to own for awhile to appreciate.  The only thing they seem to lack is character...unless you consider that precision is essentially the German version of character👍    

2 minutes ago, Uncle Punk said:

Can't get to 14,600 RPM with a thumper

With 92 ft/lbs down low, I ride my BMW tractor closer to 4,600 RPM through the corners.

sexy, too many cylinders though.

is it red?

Upgraded the suspension on the Street Twin.

If I could only keep one motorcycle it would be this one.  It's engaging, fun, handles well (even before the Fox Shocks), sounds great, and has character for days.  It has a vintage racer vibe, and responds really well to proper rider inputs. 

On 2/16/2024 at 9:18 AM, Tpoppa said:

Know anyone that would be interested in a like new (still under warranty) 2022 Ducati Monster+ 937?

I bought it with the intention of flipping it.  The guy I bought it from had a Ferrari, and Audi RS5, couple classic Porches, expensive boats...he bought the Ducati because he could afford it, but he just wasn't a motorcycle guy.

It's absolutely like new with an excellent IMU based electronics package...lean sensitive TC and ABS, launch control, wheelie control, buttery smooth up/down quick shifter, etc.   It's lightweight (40lbs less than the Monster 821), and flickable.

If you've ever been afraid of Ducati maintenance...the 937 motor is a gem with extended maintenance intervals...18k for valves, and 9k for oil changes.  Asking $11k

 

   

 

She gone!

If I were to get a driver's car right now, the Cadillac CT4 Blackwing would get my $$