gearman

I didn't find the stats all that disturbing. Larger citys are chock full of drunks, druggies and mentally ill inhabitants. Ever watch Cops? I'm pretty laid back and I think I would have beaten, tazered, shot and ran over some of the triple class A assholes that were handled with kid gloves by some of those ultra-patient officers. I've seen a few "loose cannons" in action over the years and it is a little disconcerting, but not enough to shake my confidence in law enforcement.

I shop that store occasionally. Definitely some colorful (not meant in the racial sense) patrons there. Hmmm...maybe I should drive a few extra miles to the Alliance store.

That is some great news. Unfortunately, people are far more interested in the apocalyptic. Murder and mayhem rule.

At a shade over 12% of the working population, I don't think union workers are the problem. Given the advantages of our competitors (see earlier post), I doubt that it is humanly possible for Americans to work hard eneogh to make up the difference. I don't think people understand the disparity in worker costs. I ran across this article recently about electrical engineers salaries in Taiwan. This excerpt says it all. source Let me know if you find anyone with an engineering degree that wants to work for less than $600/month.

Compete? How do you compete with a labor force that makes a fraction of ours, government subsidation of industry, currency manipulation and government provided healthcare? Other than throwing in the towel and having your product manufactured in the countries that enjoy these advantages, you could ask your employees to work for 75 cents/hr with no benefits. Any takers?

Walmart didn't cause the problem, they merely exploited our ignorance and greed. It's all about sacrifice. I pay higher prices for US made products because I realize my livelyhood depends on Americans buying US made products. A very simple concept really. Sure, I probably won't be able to fill my house with every Chinese made electronic do-dad that comes along, but I'll survive somehow.

Spring is just around the corner. The Seca is still available. $1100 or BO.

The Magna is likely an '87 if it is a 700 or an '88 if it is a 750. 80+hp and fairly light weight (for a cruiser) make them desirable. These are becoming rare birds...hence the asking price. A few years ago one went up for sale in my neighborhood. I test rode it and scoffed at the $3100 asking price. A week later it was sold for 3k.

I just chuckle when I watch this show. Back in the early 70's I befriended a guy in my neighborhood that built machines every bit as nice as theirs. The only vendor he used was a plater. He fabricated springer front ends, built motors, laced wheels, upholstered seats and did gorgeous custom paint work...all in the garage of a suburban split level!

All of those vehicles/equipment are flown in on giant military transport aircraft. It's expensive for a US president to leave Washington...and they all do it.

Inter-division competition used to promote innovation, particularly in the 50s and 60s. If more recent management would have examined that era and allowed the brands more individuality, Toyota would not be on top of the heap today.

Hell, he doesn't make much sense when he's sober. Dumb move on his part.

Fox/Murdoch VS Obama...now that's something new.

The FJ sold today. $1250 or BO for the SecaII.

My buddy recently picked up a Nikon D40 and likes it a lot. Less than $500 as I recall.

Primarily gear manufacturing and production machining. Although we do job and repair work it's become somewhat of a sideline.

FWIW, we are starting to get slammed as are some of the other local shops. Highly unusual for December. We usually take a week off between Christmas and New Years...not this year! We have backlog through February. Maybe we're turning the corner.

Bump I'm willing to deal on these. Come take a look!

Me thinks medical insurance premium hikes are based on the inflation rate of some banana republic. $1170/month is a little high for that coverage but not that out of line. I believe our family coverage runs around $880/month with no vision or dental.

SOLD I believe this is for the 1973 model. Good condition with some slight staining on the covers. It comes in a ziploc envelope with Yamaha printed on one side and a warranty guide booklet. The envelope is a little yellowed but otherwise it's in good condition. $25 shipped (US).

One pair of NIB .04" over pistons with rings and circlips. These require Wiseco wrist pins which are available and run around $16 each. $150 shipped (US). $140 cash if picked up. Check or money order OK if shipped. http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r247/gearman22/RD/DSCN0449.jpg

You know, the purple cast. Upholstery dye? Spray paint? What works best?

Those are cool bikes. When you say carb boots I assume you are talking about the ones between the carb and air cleaner. Make sure the seal between carb and manifold is also good. An excessively lean condition will kill a two stroke in short order. Good luck and keep us updated.

On one of the major chain makers site they specifically state that mineral spirits (aka stoddard solvent) should not be used to clean o/x ring chains. I quit using it and went to WD40 non aerosol. Kerosene or lamp oil will work as well. This is my method. -Apply WD copiously and brush with a soft brush -A second application helps rinse the loosened grunge off of the chain -Wipe it down thoroughly with paper towels -Slather with clean motor oil* -Wipe off excess with paper towels* -Adjust slack as necessary -Take a short ride and wipe the fling from the rear wheel* * If I'm feeling lazy and the chain isn't terribly filthy I perform these steps as interim maintenance I don't care for wax type lubricants as they tend to build up, hold the grit and resist recommended cleaning solvents. The Teflon is probably better than wax but requires more frequent application and doesn't hold up under wet conditions. It's widely believed that lubing the chain is only to lubricate the o/x rings. Not true. For optimal life, the outer roller/bushing also need a lubricant that deals with low movement/high pressure conditions. Without sufficient lubrication these components will prematurely wear due to fretting.

OMFG....what a sideshow We are truly doomed