CBBaron

I usually look for stairs unless I have a lot of baggage or I'm traveling more than 3floors. However in most buildings it is difficult to find the stairs from the main lobby. Elevators are promently signed and right off the lobby, while stairs are hidden around a corner and once inside the stair well it is barren and cave like. It seems most people expect to use an elevator and don't even think of stairs. Craig

If you are a serious grill user, grilling several times a week, then I can see getting a premium grill that will last, has the space needed and can cook with consistent temperatures that you need. However Im not that user so my basic grill will have to do. I did a little better one with cast burners and ceramic coated grills to improve longevity, but nothing like some of these discussed here. However they intrigue me. Especially the idea of actually cooking with wood in a more controlled manner. Im guessing that the Traeger wont be the longest lasting grill. The pellet and ignition system are considerably more complicated than propane grills. Motors and moving parts in a system like this are prone to problems, long term. Craig

Yep, dry and sunny this morning. Craig

Ninja 250 is more like 25hp, and the 883 in the 50s. Ofcourse that comes with a lot more weight but still considerable improvement. Welcome back. Craig

Nice thing about natural gas is you never run out of gas mid session. Or worse empty a tank only to realize you forgot to fill the backup. Not that Ive ever done that. Craig

Yep, When I lived in MA I always voted third party for pres and senate. Knew the state would go Dem no matter what. Kennedy got more than 90% of the vote the last election I was up there. Craig

These look interesting http://www.traegergrills.com/ Had them (or something similar) at Costco last time I was there. Always liked the thought of cooking with wood. Craig

I guess Im not the average CL buyer. I will barely glance at an overpriced listing but will pay list if the price is right. Funny thing is seems many CL ads list way beyond reasonable price. I especially like the 4 yr old bike listed for more than MSRP. As for the OP, I think 650 twins and similar make better street bikes and are usually cheaper the the super sports. But that is just my opinion. Craig

Thats why Im not getting the bike out until Thursday At least around here the roads should be clear and probably dry by then. I understand those southern towns dont deal with snow quite as well. Craig

Problem with voting for the third party candidate is that in most cases they have no chance to unseat the incumbent. In many districts there isnt even a chance for the other party to unseat the incumbent. Locally many cycles we cant even get a repub to run for congress. As for the OP, it seems like this was the plan from both sides. Neither seemed overly concerned about trying to pass a plan to stop this. Congress wasnt even in session until just before the deadline. DC has become completely dysfunctional, though Ive always felt that the less that got done in Washington the better. We shall see what the next few years brings. Craig

My hope is to rotate the car to the back of the garage Thursday. And ride nearly exclusively after that. As long as the roads are either dry or above freezing, I will be riding. If weather looks good at the end of the month I may have to plan a trip while the wife is out of town Craig

Oh it did just fine on the freeway. Rode to Sandusky on I90 at about 80mph. There just wasn't any noticeable acceleration left at that speed. I like the ability of my current ride to go from 75 to 85 in seconds if I want. With the Ninja250 it was a very gradual increase in speed. Im guessing the 300 is noticeably better. Craig

The Ninja250 is sufficient for the street but a little topped out on the highway. It can do it but not much reserve acceleration at speed. Thats with a 6'2" 220# rider The 300 has a noticeable amount more power according to the specs and its available at lower rpms. I imagine it would make a pretty good street bike. It wont rocket ahead when you twist the throttle like a big bike can but it has plenty of power for "normal" riding. Still if she is looking for a more exciting ride a 650 is probably a better choice. Craig

That site is a lot of fun (But links to the pictures do not work ) Interesting, the ZX-14 appears to be pretty good ergonomics for a short rider. As expected super sports look to be very uncomfortable. The DRZ400S leaves the feet dangling well off the ground (but they dont account for the extra sag and narrow seat on the dual sport) Now I usually use that site for figuring out how folded up my 34" inseam is going to be on a bike. As Ive yet to find a bike where reaching the ground was a problem Craig

Looks like by seat height the FZ6R, SVF650 and CB500F are all a little over 30". Same as the GS500 and Ninja250R. The last 2 are a little lighter and perhaps narrower but no real seat height difference. Modern super sports appear to be a couple inches higher. Makes sense if you want to maximize lean angle. Craig

Also consider the less extreme sporty bikes like Ninja 650r, FZ6R and SV650. These are usually quite a bit cheaper to buy and even more so to insure. They are still several times more powerful than the 250 and are probably more comfortable than the 600s. I started on a Ninja 250 and now ride a Vstrom 650 (same engine as SV650). Ive never felt Ive lacked power on the Vstrom. Sure a 600 is much faster but the power to weight of even a 650 far exceeds most cars. Craig

Insurance rates are based on statistics that the company collects. Apparently, atleast with that company, GSXR owners are more likely to cost the insurance company money. So it would appear that the general reputation of the riders of GSXR has some basis in fact Not sure what your rate is for the 250 but those rates are much higher than I pay for my 650. Craig

If price is an object then the Vstrom 650 is a great choice. Very versatile, plenty of accessories available, comfortable and fairly inexpensive used. Its almost twice the hp of your DR and has a very smooth engine. I you don't mind spending more money then the BMW F800GS or the Triumph Tiger 800XC provide more power and a little better suspension and a 21" front wheel for better off-road handling. All are good choices, just depends on what you like and how much you are willing to spend. MSRP on the 800's is about $2500 more than the Vstrom and they dont have as many years on the market so used prices are higher also. Craig

The Ninja 250 was the perfect bike to start on for me at 6'2" 220#. I'd still have it if the ergonomics were a little better for someone that size. A small dual sport is also an excellent suggestion if the inseam fits comfortably. Even easier to handle but won't have the same top end on the highway. Nothing wrong with the 600, but if you want to give her the best chance to have a good early experience with a motorcycle get a 250. Craig

The ARC is probably what you want to do if you are competent on a motorcycle and want a refresher/reminder of the basic skills. I took it last year. There was not really anything new in the class but it does give you someone knowledgeable looking at your performance at some necessary skills and giving you feedback on how to improve. Worth $50 and an afternoon, especially if you have been off the bike for a couple years. BRC-2 seems to be more for the rider who has been off the bike for a decade or more. Or tat took their test but didnt get a bike right away. Craig

My understanding is the price went up because costs are increasing but no new money from state. So only other revenue source is riders. Dont look at it as a doubling of the $25 cost but as a $25 increase on what is probably a $250-$300 class. Thats what the unsubsidized cost would be. Still a good deal but hopefully the funding can be corrected to bring it back down. Not likely but hopefully. Craig

That is a steal! Would have fit me too. Oh well already have a very similar jacket that is holding up well. Craig

Good to hear a police report was not needed for him to get his due (at least as far as the law is concerned) In his defense he may not have realized that he was not covered when borrowing a friends car. I guess the "friend" has a damaged car and no help paying for it to help him learn his lesson. Craig

This is why you need a police report for any incident. So basically he was driving uninsured which is a big no no. Seems like your best bet to get any money is going through you insurance. Usually the recommended way even if you are not at fault. They deal with the other party for you. Unfortunately beating up the kid only hurts you (though it may feel good ), but I know you were not serious about that. Perhaps someone with experience can give better advice. Craig

Looking at their website it appears there is a crossbow upper and a complete bow. I don't believe the complete bow is the same model. In other words it is not just an AR lower with the cross bow upper. It is a complete separate model. As mentioned if they did sell as a complete crossbow with AR lower they would have to go through the paperwork to sell an AR lower, which would discourage sales. And looking at it that way, why buy the upper by itself? An AR lower would be put to better use as a firearm??? Craig