Bubba

Gotta remember, even at a dealer...."Askin' and gettin' are two different things!" There's no such thing as a late-model vehicle that doesn't depreciate. The sooner it sells, the less they lose.

If he says he's listing it with a local dealer for $9800, my take is that's "asking". Figger any late-season buyer with a smattering of cohones is gonna squeeze the dealer down 10% minimum on a used bike, so now we're talking $9K minus the commission and he's lucky to net $8000. That fact plus the reality that every month, that newish bike of his is losing Blue Book value faster than his 401-K portfolio and I'd say your right in the ballpark at $7600-7800, especially if you factor in the hassle of a long-distance deal. It sure as hell ain't gonna be worth anymore money next spring... Last thought: It sounds like he's stuck with owing too much on it and is trying to get what he owes out of it. Don't make HIS problem YOUR problem! Prices may stay stable from now until spring, but there'll be ton more listed for sale then, too. You'll have a much wider field to choose from. Economy sux balls right now and will for some time to come. If you've got the cash and are a serious, motivated buyer, YOU ARE IN THE DRIVER"S SEAT!!!

This is true enough just about any time someone slings a leg over the seat of a motorcycle. However, there are more threads than you could read in a year on ADVRider from people who've done that kind of mileage in a week on everthing from a Goldwing to a Passport scooter! 700-1000 miles a day back-to-back-to....well, you get the idea. Hey, I don't get it and I wouldn't do it on a $10,000 bet, but that's me. I don't know the OP here, but maybe he likes the idea of maxing his mileage and pain be damned. If you do the trip as envisioned, you will definitely "see" a lot of the country, but I'd hazard a guess you won't be able to enjoy a lot of what you see to any great extent. As an example, I spent 14 days in Colorado this summer in the tiny rectangle of the state bounded by Denver-Colorado Springs-Montrose-Durango. I took two bikes--WeeStrom and DRZ400 with knobbies--and road highways, backroads, off-roads and single track, camped and motel-ed....and still didn't touch 10 percent of what's out there. That's how I like my adventure to be--by seeing a small area up close and personal. Not suggesting that should be what you strive for. Now that I've said that tho, I'd love to try to make a trip like you're thinking about just to say I did it!!! I always wanted to do the scenic tour of America on a bike, ride the Coast Highway, southwest desert, Pacific northwest, >>>insert scenic area of choice here<<<. If you've got the inclination and guts to fulfill your fantasy journey, go for it. Hell, this is the United States--if the SHTF for whatever reason, you'll never be more than a tank of gas away from a 3-star motel and a WalMart. Just remember: pics, or it didn't happen!!! Here's the link to my ride report from this summer on LocalRider: http://www.localriders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17189

Be aware that many of the high passes are still closed at that time of year, depending on the amount of winter snowfall. Here's a pic of the Going-to-the-Sun Visitor Center in early June. <a href=" " title="Going-to-the-Sun Road Helicopter Fly-Over - June 4, 2011 by GlacierNPS, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2398/5806258692_1a61973780.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Going-to-the-Sun Road Helicopter Fly-Over - June 4, 2011"></a> EDIT: Hmmm, well that didn't work, but you the advice is still valid. Highlight and right click on the http link to see the photo

You're asking the question every rider asks: What can I buy that lasts a long time, holds like glue in wet and dry conditions, and won't cost me an arm and leg? The answer: They don't make 'em....yet. Tire technology is SO MUCH better today than it was even 5 years ago. However, even the old bias ply tires from the 70s and 80s seemed to last longer than the new radials do now, right? Well, no one had a street bike back then that could put 140-165 RWHP down! And you couldn't rail in the twisties on a bias-ply like you can a radial. Ride hard with both your right hand and your brakes and your tire goes bye-bye real fast. That being said, if you're accurate in your description of yearly mileage and riding style, any of the dual-compound sport-street or sport-touring tires would work for you. Harder rubber compound in the center of the tread; softer rubber on the sides for grip. The aforementioned Mich PR2s or PR3s are great tires, but a higher-priced choice. Figure anywhere between 6000 - >12000 miles of life. I've heard good things about the Metzler Z8 Interacts as well as Pirelli Angels, too. My choice for aggressive street riding has always been the Metzler Sportec M3s--good to great all-season grip, nice feel with smooth ride and no tread noise, and reasonably priced for the performance/wear qualities. A set runs about $180-$200--not including mounting--and I would typically get about 3500-4000 miles (Kaw GPZ1100, 540#) out of them. Given that your yearly riding would give you 2-3 seasons out of them, I'd say they'd work for you, since it's a good idea to change tires out every 3-4 years anyway, whether they're worn or not.

Wait. I think may have found another clue... "It was about 12:45 a.m. She had gone to get her boyfriend a glass of Mountain Dew while her 4-year-old son got ready for bed ..... For a few moments, Harvey, 19, didn’t move." Basic math would suggest she's an early learner. Too bad she didn't finish the classes on common sense.

Couple of rolls of pennies. Copper (or whatever the hell they're clad with nowadays) is softer than the steel and easier on the tank. A dilute acid should also remove rust--phosphoric for sure, or the commercial product "Lime-Away"--but MAKE SURE YOU RINSE EVERYTHING real well when you're done. Use some baking soda to neutralize the residue after the initial rinse. I wouldn't use any of the liner products like POR unless you've got a leak.

As long as you vacuum bleed, you don't need to worry about whether the caliper is attached to the fork leg. As a matter of fact, I usually use a wedge to push the caliper piston all the way in BEFORE I bleed the line to make sure all the old fluid is flushed and that I get the maximum amount of fresh DOT4 into the system. NOTE: When you do this, make sure your master fluid level is low enough to allow the fluid from the caliper to backflow into the reservoir without overflowing!!! Once removed, the main thing to make sure of is that you hold the caliper so that the bleeder valve is UP to ensure all the air is expelled from the brake housing. I do agree with other posters that a 1/4"-drive socket--maybe using a universal joint or one of the wobble sockets--should be able to reach the bleeder valve, but I'm not familiar with your bike's set-up. DO NOT bleed this way using the tried-and-true method of pumping the master cylinder piston!!!

Good questions to ask at this time of year. It's true that dry leaves on pavement are worse than plain dry pavement; wet leaves on the road are MUCH worse than plain wet road. With respect to temperature--in general--the friction loss from cold pavement is due more to the tires themselves being cold and having lower coefficient of friction (same reason why racers use tire warmers prior to a race). Typically, tires that have been compounded for street use are safe to use in cooler temps and wet weather. If you are one who likes the sticky race compound tires for street riding, beware--those don't play well on the street in less than ideal conditions. In general, use more restraint when braking and cornering, keep your hooning down to a dull roar, and slow down and enjoy the colors of fall riding. We'll be cursing the cold and rain and sleet and ice and snow all too soon! Another piece of advice: get yourself some decent, warm, rain gear. Riding when you're cold, shivering and miserable not only sucks, but it's unsafe too. Check out online MC discount shops like Jaffrum for reasonably priced clothing on sale at this time of year.

Sunday morning pre-ride bump! Sun is out!

24 hour pre-ride bump... Gonna be purty in the woods!!!

Drc: Thx for the plug! And great pics, BTW. These roads are some of the best northern KY has to offer. You won't be disappointed, as long as we can stay ahead of the Sunday morning church folk.... When you came down, did you ride your FJR or the KLR? I usually take my Wee, but the rear tire is shagged, so I'll prolly take the Feejer and try to keep from wearing the peg feelers down to nubs. Looks like a great week for scootin'...

Posting a link to another LocalRider event--not mine--happening this Sunday. If you're near Cincinnati or live in SW Ohio/northern KY, think about riding with us. There aren't many good riding days left in 2012, so you don't want to miss out on this one!!! This route won't be like this past Wednesday's 'Colors' DS ride; it'll be keeping to the smoother twisties; pace will be 'spirited' (I love that term ) but prolly max out at 15-20 over SL, so not gonzo crazy. Tentative plan is to start riding east and south from the I-75 corridor, eat lunch in Williamstown then head west and ride 36, 22, 227 into Stamping Ground, then back north on 368 and 607 and eventually end up in Rabbit Hash. Approx mileage is 150-200 for the loop, and ride time is approx 4.5 - 5.5 hrs, not including stops. All types of bikes are welcome. Start location: Steak N' Shake, 450 Mount Zion Road, Florence, Ky (I-75 south, exit 178, turn left off the ramp on Mount Zion Rd) Meet-up @ 10 AM; kickstands up @ 10:30 sharp. Return location: Rabbit Hash, KY (NOTE: For riders unfamiliar with the area, there will be a leader to return you to the I-275 Petersburg exit in NKY.) Here's the link: http://www.localriders.com/forums/sh...508#post156508 Last Year's Legends Ride: http://www.localriders.com/forums/sh...5&postcount=20 http://www.localriders.com/forums/sh...0&postcount=24 http://www.localriders.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=25

Yup, you missed a good'n! There are some nice roads up towards Oxford near where you rode. I've ridden my bicycle up that way many times. I bet the colors along Indian Creek are purty right now. If you're interested, there's a ride posted on Local Rider--Legends of the Fall Ride--for this Sunday at 10 AM that's going into the same area in NKY, but this one will be a faster paced ride on some of the smoother twisty state and county roads. If you like scraping pegs, come on along! [NOTE: Will be a fast pace, but there will be all types of bikes including cruisers, and we don't leave anybody in the woods. ]

Great day for a ride! Four of us met up for fun in the sun and to peak at the purty leaves. Great roads and almost no traffic for more than 160 miles. Here's a few teaser pix from the ride and you can view the 'Full Monty' here: http://s875.photobucket.com/albums/ab313/icantdrive55/Colors%20of%20the%20Fall%20Ride%2017Oct12/?albumview=slideshow

Morning bump...hey look...the sun...shiney!

Neither Mitt nor Barack are gonna make the ride tomorrow, after wearing each other out with verbal sparring. If you're not worn out from listening to 'em, come on out! Shameless bump...

I posted this on the Local Riders forum where I usually hang out, but not a lot of response due to mid-week timing. Pace will be 'spirited' at SL up to maybe 10-15 over, but not gonzo crazy. Any questions, my phone number is at the bottom of the ride description. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Colors of the Fall Ride The weather looks abso-tively, posi-lutely splendiferous for a short ride to check out the leaves and burn the last of the stale gas in yer tank before the winter ritual of outfitting yer scoot with studded ice tires for those long winter commutes. I'm gonna be heading down to NKY from the west side of Cinti (Green Twsp) and doing a route of approx 150-160 miles. Furthest point south will be Williamstown, KY. Many of the roads are lane-and-a-half (i.e., no centerline) paved rural roads that follow either a ridgeline or a creek bottom with lots of twists, elevation changes and overlooks to keep things interesting. Suitable for just about any bike, but some of the pavement can get....sketchy, so good tires are recommended. Details: Meet-up in the UDF parking lot, 4332 River Rd, at the corner of River Rd/US 50 and Anderson Ferry from 11:45-12:30 PM on Wed, 10/17. Kickstands up at 12:30 sharp. Note: Riders coming from the south can meet at the ferry access in NKY at approx 12:35-12:40. Take Anderson Ferry into NKY. Toll is $2/bike. The ride mileage will be calculated from this starting point. Total mileage for the loop is approx 152 miles; the ride will finish back at the starting point. Return ferry toll is $2/bike. Estimated ride time is approx 4-4.5 hours, not including stops. We should be home by dark o'clock. Gas stations are scarce along the route due to the rural nature of the ride, but gas will be available in Williamstown at approx 75 miles. Please start the ride with a full tank and have a minimum fuel range of 90-100 miles. Along the route, do expect: wet leaves gravel slow farm implements/occasional local traffic hogging the road small- to medium-sized domestic animals/infrequently, horses/cows/purty deer unmarked hazards poor road signage also, beautiful vistas/colorful trees/interesting roads. I guarantee there will at least be S-O-M-E roads you haven't ever ridden before! Post up here if you're thinking of riding. I'm guessing that a mid-week ride won't generate a huge crowd--or perhaps any interest at all--but I'd kind'a like to limit the group size to no more than 7-8 bikes. Bubba @ 5one3-5nine8-8nine9two

PM sent.

I can attest that these are great tires! Got a studded set on my F-150 and another set on my wife's Honda Accord. Not sure how to price used winter tires but I'm guessing that they retail new for about $80-90/tire. Make the guy an offer he can't refuse....you won't be disappointed come January.

Yeah! Lemeno when you want to go for a group ride! I won't be there...

Wow! Resurrected from the dead after 3 1/2 years.

It's definitely getting dicey to have any kind of confrontation, on-road or otherwise, given the number of people carrying nowadays. And while I can understand and defend a person's right to self-defense, I'm also completely convinced that there is probably the same percentage of drooling idiots/mouth-breathers who are carrying--legal or otherwise--as there are in the general 'A-murican' population. That, my friend, is a VERY scary thought. I was riding in NKY last year with a group of 4-5 bikes on a rural road. Several of the group passed a slower car--it was doing maybe five under--and as the second bike went by, the cager swerved across the center line toward the biker. I waited about 15-30 seconds and as I went to pass, he swung across the center line to block me. Knowing that we were coming up to a light in a mile or so, I waited with the rest of the group behind. At the light, I pulled up alongside of the car, tapped on the window, thinking I might have an 'animated dialog' with the dumbass....which was when I noticed that he had reached over to the passenger seat and had uncovered a rather wicked looking semi-auto pistol that he had concealed beneath a sweatshirt. Needless to say, that kind'a ended any argument on my part in a big hurry. Now, you can make a couple of arguments here: 1) showing his weapon certainly made further confrontation unlikely, at least with anyone having a modicum of common sense and self-preservation; but 2) had he played the same game with someone who was also carrying, how likely would the situation have gone from no-big-deal to something similar to that in this thread? Unfortunately, this thread is a GREAT illustration that holding a CHL is no guarantee of intelligence/maturity/common sense.

I didn't respond initially because you said you were looking for 'close' but if you're starting to look farther afield.... Butler County offers indoor storage in the stock barns on the Butler Cty Fairgrounds north of Hamilton on Rt4. Barns are secure metal-sided stick-frame buildings with concrete floor. I used them for years to store my 26' cruiser and it ran around $260/season, typically late Oct thru early Apr. Prices are by the foot, so your cost would be less. Fairly inexpensive for indoor storage, but the CATCH is that it is DEAD STORAGE, meaning you put in during one of three or four intake days in the late fall and you have no access to your boat/RV/camper until the next spring, when they normally call you with a date for you to remove your unit. The office number is 513-892-1423. There is never anyone in the office except for intake/release days--usually on Sat or Sun--but they post a recorded message with upcoming dates when the season gets close. Hope this helps.

22 deg will close, but most stair treads are typically 7/9 (rise/run) with some being as steep as 7/8 (I think that's max by code). Not to say your stairs aren't oddball, but if it was me, I'd cut a couple of pieces of scrap and get the exact angle by trial-and-error. Start at a little less than 22-22 and go from there.