Tpoppa

There are some excellent twisty motorcycle roads in that part of WV. I've done a few 4 day 2,000+ mile trips through WV and VA. Have fun.

Not sure what your route is...but WV 33 from Harman, WV to Harrisonburg, VA is one of the finest, smoothest, twistiest motorcycle roads you will ever see. I have ridden from Cleveland to Harrisonburg in 1 day several times. Lots of cheap hotels and college bars in Harrisonburg.

I just bought a used rear shock from Manuel Cycle. The price was right and the guy I dealt with knew his stuff.

I think it's pretty cool to see an American bike on the podium. I also think it's pretty cool to see a first year team beat the LONG established factory teams. A few things...It's difficult to have a class where I4s and Twins can compete equally. AMA tried to make a level playing field. In the last race I saw, the top 6 finshers were on 6 different bikes...that seems pretty even. Before the season, no one knew if the Buell would even be competitive. Give some credit to Eslick, it's not like Buells are sweeping the podium. I'm not ready bash the Buell because: --The Buell hasn't qualifed on the Pole or set the fastest lap in a race. --The Buell is already penalized 20 lbs over the 600cc bikes. --The fastest bike in the class is the Aprilia, and it's best finish so far is 6th. --Eslick has been riding his ASS off. If you see a Buell sweep or Eslick gapping the field by 15 seconds, I think that they will add another 10 lbs to the Buell. Especailly now that NASCAR owns AMA Pro Racing.

A good comparo: http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2004-middleweight-standards-15087.html Looks like a decent deal, although the add isn't very good http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/1109243458.html

Those would be perfect for riding to see my Witch Doctor.

I prefer hex sockets over keys or T handles. That way I can use them with a torque wrench. Generally, I don't touch anything on my bike(s) without torque wrenches (ft/lbs & in/lbs) and a factory service manual. Surprisingly, Husky (Home Depot) makes really good hex and torx sockets.

Someday, I WILL have a Brutale!!!

Found this the other day, might be what you are looking for. I've been trying to talk myself out of buying it. http://www.rickroushmotorsports.com/inventory/listings/l0010.html You don't see many of them, but they always got good reviews http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/kawasaki/2005-kawasaki-z-750s-15722.html

It was good to get out and blow off the cobwebs. I'm looking forward to riding the really good stuff in SE OH when it's a little warmer.

I don't mind the looks of the Gladius, but I'd prolly opt for the SV650 ABS model for $300 less.

Great. Thanks!

Does anyone have an owner's manual for a 97-98 CBR600F3? Would you be nice enough to tell me the suspension settings for the rear shock? I am using an F3 shock to update the suspension on a Honda 919 and need the adjustment settings for the rear shock. --thx.

What kind of riding do you do?

Man, I show for a quick blast through the park. The thread was longer than the ride.

Good of you to post. I think it's for the best to aviod getting together for another ride. In the interest of letting this thread die, let's chalk it up to different riding styles and be done.

MC, I don't get it Before you accused me of being reckless. But in this post it sounds like you understand the basics of riding at a quick pace and performance limits. I understand that my pace was quicker than you expected, so be it, but I was a good 30 mph inside of MY comfort zone. Did you see me do anything other than ride smoothly? Did I break check going into corners? Did I have to change lines because I entered a corner too hot? Did I lose grip and slip on a tar snake? Did I do any crazy passes? I do 6-8,000 miles a year on group rides, most at a significantly faster pace than yesterday. I don't take chances. I have zero points on my license and haven't had an 'oh shit' moment in years. If you showed up to a full gear ride with Skrew, Jbot, and I and came with an open mind...you would probably finish the day a smoother, safer rider than when you started. I don't have any angst. As always, I'll ride my ride.

Jresse, Didn't get much of a chance to talk with you. An FZ6 is a capable machine and a solid all arround bike (sporty, commuter, sport tourer, etc). When riding in the corners (especially blind corners) there are some easy things you can do to increase your comfort zone. 1. Point your head and shoulders in the direction of the corner, 2. Look as far through the corner as possible, just by doing this you'll be surprised how much more time you'll have should you encounter an obstacle mid-corner. Simple things like that will make you a smoother, safer and quicker (if that's what you wish) rider.

OR isn't my usual sandbox. I mostly ride with CORE, with a few other groups mixed in. I have never had a problem riding with newbs. I've always taken time to give riding advice to those who ask. I know plenty of experienced riders that won't go on group rides with beginners anymore, after BS like this I am starting to see their point. It's always fun to ride with experienced, sensible riders who know how to ride and leave the egos at home. Perhaps I'll post up when some Veterans are heading to WV or SE OH. I think I'm done with people who are cutting their teeth on group rides.

I am going to remind everyone that this ride was at 'Jeans' pace. There was NO knee dragging involved. On the 50 miles or so that I was on the ride, the group was split in 2 by a car for 2 miles at the most. Apparently, for some of you this was a big deal. Sorry, but it wasn't a big deal to me. On full day group rides (400-500 miles) the group is split by red lights, traffic, cows, etc about 50 times. When that happens we wait at the next turn off or stop sign and count bikes. If we are missing someone, we turn around and find them. That is what we did yesterday. It's NEVER been a problem before...I don't know why it's a problem now. If this is unacceptable to you, maybe you should reconsider going on group rides. If you are more comfortable when the whole group rides the same pace and stays close...either trade for a H-D or say something BEFORE the ride. Did you seriously buy a motorcycle that would out-accelerate and out-handle a Ferrari to take a 25mph turn at 25mph? I didn't.

Pretty much...

LMFAO!!! Jesus-Titty-Fucking-Christ, where did you find this guy? Shouldn't you be doing wheelies in a parking lot with Kellen Winslow?

OMG, I Just read this thread. MC_Spirited, I am the guy on the 919 (which corners slightly better than a school bus). It's too bad we didn't get a chance to talk yesterday. "So you can go be big balls riders and see how much of your chicken strips you can scrub off and i will stick riding with people who know how to act in a group setting. Stay the fuck away from me with all that macho bullshit....I led to peninsula then dude on the 919 hornet took over and thats when i knew i diddnt want to ride with him anymore. You saw me in the lead. Not riding like a jackass might I add." LMFAO. First of all, you need to get over yourself. It's not a contest. I've logged over 40,000 miles on group rides, and the rule is always 'no one gets left behind.' If someone gets separated, we turn around and find them. Just like we did yesterday. While I was leading: I didn't pass a single car, I stayed within 10 mph of the speed limit in straights and took corners at a moderate (60%) sporting pace. I am really not sure why you are complaining. Just before you left you mentioned that everyone should ride a slower pace and stay closer together. Sorry dude...that's a Harley-D parade run. Not my cup of tea. On almost every group ride you are going to have riders of different skill levels. Everyone is not going to ride the exact same pace and still have fun. Everyone should ride at the pace that HE/SHE is comfortable with. If I see someone taking chances or riding 'over their head' to keep up, I will say something. If you are riding in YOUR comfort zone why does it matter if your are in the front, middle, or the back? Hell, for the 1st part of the ride I was at the end of the line and I stayed there until I was asked to lead. My advice to YOU is leave YOUR ego at home. You don't need to match anyone's pace. Ride your ride. If you want to learn the capabilities of your bike or improve as a rider, talk to those who have more miles under their belts. When I was a NEWB, I liked to ride with the veterans. I was suprised at how effortlessly experienced riders could carve corners. At stops I would always pick their brains about suspension setup, body position, cornering technique, and lines though corners. It takes lots of practice and miles. Once you learn, you can have more fun on 2 wheels than you ever thought possible. It's my skin and my bike. I am responsible for my ride and take NO chances. If you can't accept that, maybe motorcycles and group rides aren't for you. On several rides, I have stayed in the back of the pack with the newbs so they could follow my line until they got more comfortable in the corners. I'll offer to do that again if I ever see you on another ride. This is a group ride at a fun, sporting pace. BTW, WV33 is an amazing road. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2278253255987915763