sporttour

Nice bike. Take a motorcycle safety course.

As an MSF instructor who works for Motorcycle Ohio, I am disturbed to hear of this experience. The MO program works hard to provide high quality instruction for motorcyclists of varying abilities. The course satisfaction surveys are reviewed to identify areas of improvement. Instructors are evaluated on a regular basis. If there is an issue, I recommend you call the Motorcycle Ohio office. What was the date and location of the BRC class?

Consider high quality all-weather riding gear. My Aerostich gear is waterproof. I wear it year-round - from the low teens to 100 degrees. I don't have to stop to change gear when it rains. At most, you just close a zipper or two. If you add up the money you spend on lesser gear and consider its sub-par performance, the value of high quality gear shines through.

Crashing to avoid a crash is stupid. Learn how to ride. Maintain proper space and time buffers. Those that 'have to lay it down' are the same 'bikers' that sport Loud Pipes Save Lives bumper stickers on their truck. Don't be an ass-hat biker; be a proficient motorcyclist.

Pair of D&D mufflers for a ST1100. VG $150 Dunlop Sportmax 160/60/ZR17 (300 miles of use) $40 George 740-972-1750 (Delaware, OH)

If you want a seat for day-long comfort go with a Russell. No one makes a better long distance seat. I recently did a 1200+ mile day on my Russell and felt no discomfort whatsoever - and this was after a week of 500 - 600 mile days.

I broke down and washed the Norge. With three washes under its belt this year, this motorcycle has been washed more in four months than my ST1100 was washed in four years. Remember, time spent washing is time that could be spent riding. Be a rider, not a poser.

http://www.wmfd.com/local-news/single.asp?Story=60990

While in Albuquerque last week, I suffered damage to my rear tire. Riding a Moto Guzzi, most everyone is unfamiliar with the brand and afraid to touch it. I rode to the shop when it opened, explained the issue and asked if they found mount a new rear tire for me. While they did not have a Pirelli Angel GT, they did have a Michellin Pilot Road 3. After explaining to them how simple the rear tire removal is (the easiest of any motorcycleI have owned), they got me in and out in a little over an hour. The tire, removal, mounting and balancing and tax came to about $210. If you need service when in Albuquerque, NM, stop in and give R&S a shot. They are good people.

if you never brake down on the road and need a center stand then remove it

Welcome. Ride safe.

I return waves to everyone but only initiate waves to sport touring riders and riders in full safety gear. No waves for the douche in shorts, a wife-beater and sandals.

sweet

ATGATT

I have the Harbor Freight compressor. It fits under the seat of my ST1100 and rides in the saddlebag of the Norge. I have used them on multiple occasions and they work fine. I you haven't plugged a tire, ask to borrow an old tire from a dealer and practice. It is more fun learning in your garage with a cold adult beverage that on the side of the road in the rain, in the dark.

My Norge came shod with Pirelli Angel STs. I have about 5500 miles on them and they are wearing well. Good wet traction also. Since I do not know how many miles I can expect out of them, I will replace them at around 7k prior to going on an early August week-long ride of 3-4k or so. I wish I could be confident of getting 10-11k out of them; I hate changing tires that are not to the tread bar.

What I was trying to convey is that fair-weather riders are often casual riders with minimal experience or skill. Motorcycling is like flying a plane - anyone can do it under ideal conditions, however, when things get rough the fair-weather pilots are the ones who often get in over their heads and end up the subject of a crash report. I suspect the majority of single vehicle motorcycle crashes are by fair-weather riders. How much experience and skill can you develop and maintain if you only ride 3 - 4,000 miles per year?

Riding in less than ideal conditions builds skill. Slow riding in city traffic and riding safely and authoritatively on the freeway is fun. Throw in some rain, fog, snow and/or wind and you have the makings for fun riding. Any fool can ride country roads on sunny 80 degree days - and most do.

Don't follow the crowd. Be unique. Check out a Moto Guzzi Norge. It is a solid sport tourer.

Ride it, don't shine it.

This in some ways is reminiscent of the crash that claimed Eddie James. Sad indeed. Road users must exhibit common sense at all times.

Consider doing the service yourself. There is so much information and resources for the ST1300 and ST1100 that you should be able to do any maintenance with minimal difficulty.

Within the past three weeks I purchased a new Moto Guzzi from All Seasons. The sales process was quick and easy thanks to Steve Foote. When my bike had an issue, the dealership drove to Mansfield to pick up the bike. Working with the manufacturer, they fixed the issue within a couple days and delivered the bike to me in Delaware. A week later, All Seasons accommodated my need to get the motorcycle in and out for its 1,000 mile service the same-day, saving me from the hassle of having to leave the bike and get a ride home. Because they adjust valves as part of the service, I had to allow five hours for the service (3 hrs for the engine to cool). The entire staff was gracious and made my wait pleasant. I was offered a loaner bike if I wanted to spend the time riding. The service cost was reasonable. Rachel the service manager and Aaron the mechanic did a great job. I recommend All Seasons Sports Center in Wooster. They carry BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Yamaha. As a kicker, there is a gun shop located in the dealership also. They too have good prices and excellent service policies.

I recently purchased a 2014 Moto Guzzi Norge to replace/supplement my Honda ST1100. Who else has a Guzzi? What do you have?

I take business calls on my SMH10 while riding; no one knows I am on my bike. Good stuff.