the_silverfox

I had a chance to ride the M109 last October. I liked it and it's got the power to pull. I still think the touring edition needs a trailer hitch. Here's the review from my blog. "From the manufacturer that brought you the largest displacement production sportbike brings a power cruiser that aims to blow your cubic centimeters away. Suzuki's entry in the power cruiser market has left me a bit surprised and at the same time worried for all of the newer/returning riders who may consider this bike as their next ride. The M109R is a smooth, yet extremely powerful cruiser that will leave you, when travelling at low speeds, feeling like you're pulling back the chain of a Rottweiler who just smelled the next door neighbor's grilled steak. There was never a time that I needed anything higher than 3rd gear on this bike and it'll scoooot quite fast and very quickly. If you're doing the open highway thing, perhaps this would be a consideration for you. But, this bike is definitely not for the beginner or the person that hasn't completely mastered the art of feathering the clutch. Its looks transcend from that of the big wheel custom bikes and this Suzuki is a less pricey alternative to the private designer route. Smooth ride, but yikes."

Damn, it was flagged. Should've been nominated for "Best of CL!"

I'd have to agree with finding alternate routes. Most of 66 in the Southwest is Interstate 40. Only things interesting there is a stop in Gallup, NM for Indian jewelry and Long John Silvers', the trees in Flagstaff, AZ, and this... Pretty much boring after that and frickin hot in Needles, CA once you cross the border. I did that in July and temps ran to 119 degrees while I was moving. The CA portion of 66 is pretty much I-15 and the 101 freeways. Nothing to see there. I took a northern route in 2007 from LA to Missouri back home and this was a LOT more scenic. I got a whole story/blog behind this one. PM me if you want the link to my blog.

Still waiting for the drop...

Bees feel like pebbles when a swarm of them smack you on the freeway! Not fun when you have to scoop one out of your helmet's air vents with a screwdriver. This is why I swear by full face helmets.

Best sushi I've had in Columbus was at the Edamame Sushi & Grill in Easton. Totally blew away any sushi I had in LA, no joke. They're located at 3946 Morse Crossing in Columbus. Order the "Buckeye" roll. It's their house specialty.

Wow. That's actually not bad. CA doesn't have temporary tags and vision screening comes with the license renewal which is $28. Registration for most personalized plates is $41 to order it and $30 additional per year added in renewal. Most expensive personalized plate is $90 to order and $70 additional per year added in renewal. Late license fees are calculated by how "late" you're paying them. This is from the CA DMV website. Late one to 10 days $10 Late 11 to 30 days $15 Late 31 days to (and including) one year $30 Late more than one year to (and including) two years $50 Late more than two years $100 With the $250+ it costs me to renew my Subaru and the $180 for my FJR every year in CA, the BMV is a change of pace. Ohio could go up $50 in registration and not even come close to CA fees! :lol:The hard part is trying to figure out where all that money went...CA sucks.

Throwing it on the calendar! Hope to go this week.

Now I'm inspired to take a scooter contingency in for Sunday groceries.

Nice! SoCal transplant myself. I was never a fan of Angeles Crest; had a squid almost take me off trying to pass a bunch of bikes using my lane. Not for the beginner and definitely too crowded on the weekends. Lots of open road here.

Still partial to my FJR! It'll do about 40-42 MPG going 80 with the old stock exhaust. I went to Two Bros. titaniums and it went down to about 38. Still have to get it dynoed to tune in the PCIII. I have a lot of respect for the 'Stroms. They are mules to say the least; guy I used to ride with had a cockpit that looked like a home entertainment center sans the LCD screen. The seat is so wide that the surface area plus the tops of two good sidecases can carry a sofa. They are torquey too...I used to own its cousin, the SV650. Even that thing can load up quite a bit of stuff. Here's my old bike en route to San Francisco with a stop in Monterey. Didn't have the tank bag but close enough. Sometimes I also carry spiritual luggage too. That's one of the nuns in my aunt's order (she's a nun too). BTW, this convent is right next to Cook's Corner, one of the most famous motorcycle stops in Southern California. It's kinda hard to put a nun in the topcase though. BTW, your SV1000N makes me drool. I've wanted a yellow one forever but I'd have to beg Europe for one now. Stupid Americans and their inability to import the good stuff.

Put that on the webcam too. Weasels are cute. Tie the jerkwad to a tree and form a line!

No, I don't play in any of the leagues yet. Just went to my first drop-in game today. But, I'll sub in net for anyone at the moment. Just let me know when you need a goalie!

Reflective stickers are from http://www.real-timeindustries.com/. I believe this guy makes reflective stickers for other bikes than the FJR too. Looked up the place I bought mine from and they're still around. Go to http://www.revsperformance.com/. They also have the engine guards for a lot of other standard/half faired bikes. If I still had mine, I probably would've mounted lights on it too. BTW, you can hate us now. Actually, there may be a BMV rule it's legal to go surfing down the regular roads. Law states that "Riding in the back of an unenclosed cargo storage area of a truck or trailer traveling over 25 M.P.H. is illegal for persons under age 16." So, yes, you can surf. No, not on I-71. LOL Feels fine to me. Acceleration is bogged down a little bit because of the extra weight in the back and you would have to start braking a little sooner. It gets a little squiggly once you hit about 70-75 MPH but it also depends on the weight on the back and crosswinds. Problem about the Harbor Freight trailers is that the tires are only 8". Bigger tires and a longer tongue would solve that; lots of riders who have this trailer lengthen the tongue, powdercoat it black, and then throw on one of those Sears roof cargo bins. I think Harbor Freight realized what we bikers do and have a pre-made motorcycle trailer now available.

Me too! (Well, at least born there.) Lived in Gardena and Carson, went to schools in Torrance until HS and then back to Carson. Off to USC for college, and teaching HS in Central LA. Moved next to Rolling Hills and then Orange County. Now I'm here in Columbus. Glad to be out of there. I think LA county is still on fire.

Wow...that's laziness at an all time high. What I don't get are all those Segway stores in SoCal. Those things run $3k a pop and don't even go fast. How they stay in business is very confusing.

Same here! Glad to finally meet you. As for the lady thing, I find the trailer more stylish than a handbag any day.

It's actually bolted to the frame; a lot more secure there.

Went to my first Q-S-&-L Bike Night this evening and that was quite fun. Thanks for making me and my S/O quite welcome! I think he's going to join the board too. Should hear from him soon. So...I got questions about my trailer hitch. I pull this Harbor Freight trailer with my FJR1300 and over the last year or so that I've had it, it's carried quite a few things. The usual cargo is my hockey equipment every Friday night for games. But I've done other things with this car replacement. Tailgating... Surfing with my Swedish hockey skating coach... And occasionally, taking the scooter in for service.