wantahertzdonut

When you're going to the beach, you're going to the beach! Better to not crowd your vacation. Although if you asked me, I'd ditch the golfing and rent a bike for a day instead!

You can walk into almost any bank for a notary stamp, it doesn't need to be your own bank. They'll charge a few bucks but if you meet in the bank parking lot to do the motorcycle transaction, then it's easy peasy.

I had the pleasure of spending two weeks in Silver City, NM hiking and riding. The riding, while in an out-of-the-way place, was incredible. This area would be a premier destination on a dual-sport as there are countless unpaved roads into the backcountry. I stuck to the paved roads, but made notes of others that go up into the hills that are unpaved. My favorite route is NM Rt. 15 which goes north out of town to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. The road is 44 miles in length one way, climbing into the Gila National Forest and traverses valleys, ridges, and up and down hillsides. The posted speed limit is 35 and due to many blind corners, is about all the faster you'll want to go. Estimated travel time to the monument is about 2 hours without stops. The road features switchbacks and countless twisty sections, enough to require full attention for the duration of the ride. I rode the entire length 2-up, so I wasn't going all out by any measure, but my tires sure got a workout. There are a few straight sections where you can take a breather, as well as pull-offs at higher elevations that make for great photo ops. Reaching the Cliff Dwellings Monument is worth the ride, as there are hikes through the dwellings themselvs as well as into the wilderness. There are two primitive campgrounds available so you can make this into more than just a motorcycle ride if you're so equipped. The road surface is smooth enough to be confident, but it's a little like chip seal so I can't say I would recommend pushing your limits on this road. We were here in mid May and there were only a couple turns with small amounts of gravel. The area receives very little rainfall so debris across the road is minimal. Traffic was extremely light as I only counted 20 cars both directions. Still, I never tried crossing the centerlines. Absolutely zero police presence too, which was nice. I'll get to that further down. The second ride we did was along NM 152 over Emory Pass. This is another winding mountan road ascending to over 8800' before dropping back down. The road runs from I-25 and travels west to its intersection with US-180 just east of Silver City. This road has a fair amount of traffic immediately out of town largely due to the copper mine near Hanover. There is a pull-out for viewing the mining operation as well as signs detailing the history of the mine and mining history in the area. Traffic gets lighter from here eastward. As the road climbs into and through several canyons, you'll pass into a dense pine forest where there are multible campgrounds which are great places to stop for lunch. The higher the road, the sharper the turns, before turning into a series of switchbacks as you approach the summit. A small road takes you to the summit overlook, yeielding an incredible view of the Rio Grande valley to the east. It was a little couldy for us but the view was still incredible. Due to time constraints, I had to turn back, but am told by other riders the east side of the road is equally fun. There are multiple warning signs to ward off large vehicles and for the most part they're obeyed. I passed no large trucks, and only a couple (small) campers. Nothing more than a utility trailer behind anything, so very little issues with vehicles coming over the centerlines. Pavement was in great shape, all asphalt, and no gravel except where vehicles entered the road from a gravel road. None of these were in corners. Our final ride up US-180 north was more of a scenic highway cruise, with speed limits of 55. We rode to the town of Reserve, which is an epicenter for conspiricy theorists (the town's official website has a page on "Chem Trails") among other things. We just made it a turnaround point as well as a lunch stop. The ride up 180 isn't very curvy with some exceptions, and takes you along the front edge of the Mogollon Range, making for an incrdible non-stop great view. Our lunch in Reserve was free of any tampering, and I enjoyed some great carne asada for cheap. There is one gas station here which does accept credit cards so we filled back up for the 100 mile journey back to Silver City, again enjoying the views. A word of caution, this part of the state can be extremely windy, and we were battered by a westerly crosswind for most of the ride home. My neck was a little sore after all that. AZ191 can be tied into a loop up US-180 which results in a lengthy all day ride of around 300 miles. I didn't have time to try this but will next time I'm in town. This area could be an epicenter for motorcyclists looking for a different place to go, that is out of the ordinary, and fun to visit. The biggest drawbacks are the local police, who will pull over for 1mph over the limit (a friend has a ticket on her fridge to prove it), in addition to them being militant about enforcing DUI laws. The Silver City PD along with the NM State Troopers stationed there have no problem entrapping people and checking them for any signs of drinking, so it's best to save the drinks for day's end. Silver City rolls up the sidewalks and closes for the day around 7 with the exception of The Little Toad Brewery, which stays open till around 10.

Be sure to wipe the bulb with rubbing alcohol before installing too, in the event someone before you handled the bulb without something between their hands and the bulb. Also cleans any other dirt off that may create a hotspot that results in the bulb failing prematurely.

My only gripe about the Ninja 250 is the weight. I'm not sure what's in it that makes it weigh 379lbs, and so many 600's are only 20-40 lbs heavier with 5X the horsepower. I think the buyer is getting cheated a little. Of course the price makes that somewhat forgivable, and they are cheap to maintain/insure/own. One gripe I read in reviews is the fact that you need to wind the hell out of the engine to get moving, which can be fun for a while but the reviewers say it gets old. It all depends on what kind of riding you want to do. You're taking the right approach however, better to start small and work your way up. I learned on a 96 Bandit 600 and loved it, but again took it slowly and picked roads and scenerios where I would learn the most with the least risk to my personal safety. Also avoided riding with a passenger for quite a while. The GS500's mentioned wouldn't be a bad alternative provided you can find one that isn't thrashed. EX500's are nice too, if you can find one that isn't stupid overpriced. When I was looking for my first bike, the few that came up for sale were beat to shit and silly expensive. Hopefully times have changed; my experience looking for one was back in 2005/6.

The idea is cool, but with only a few exceptions, that route traverses some extremely boring country.

I have 1000wt cordura pants and jacket from cycleport. Double the durability of 99% of the cordura stuff on the market. I haven't tested it (thankfully), but at 5mph and over, it breathes like it's not there. Better prices than most other cordura stuff out there too. As for getting on, you'll know when you're ready. Since you're already back on your Vulcan, you're ready. Just don't go chasing limits. As Desmo Brian said, learn from your mistake and apply the lessons learned into every aspect of your riding, and you'll be better off for it.

At least you're not stuck with a Harley as your only option!

Sorry to hear. After a neck/back injury, a knee injury is my biggest fear for reasons you mention. I don't know much about the Z's, but would it be possible to reposition the rearsets into a position that would be more comfortable? I realize it may change the dynamic of the bike a little, but if it keeps you riding it may be worth considering. At least the market has just about every sort of bike you could imagine with all sorts of riding positions, so if you have to change it out, you'll still be able to find something you like riding.

I've never heard of the place, but it looks really, really bright in there. You can see how ugly everyone is before you take them home!

I haven't been on here in forever hence the late reply. We left NM on May 1 and were in Phoenix for 5 days before we flew to Cleveland. Just got back this past Monday but flew to Seattle for a wedding this weekend. Will return to Phoenix Monday night. Did you guys do the ride?

Had a pretty wonky May. Had to go to Cleveland for 3 weeks which excited neither of us but Angela had a final exam, and I had a few major family issues that required attention. We also decided to move our belongings to Phoenix as we plan to settle eventually in the SW. That was a long drive but glad its done. I'm behind on the blog big time but will get caught up soon. Right now we're in Seattle for a wedding this weekend. I intend to write more this week and start posting.

Seeing how the range for some of these is enough for most people to ride to work for at least a few days to a whole week, they would be great for getting to and from work which is where most of my miles come from, regardless of vehicle. Charging stations are popping up all over the western US, hopefully there will be more elsewhere. They aren't for everyone, but I must say I would certainly consider one for running around town and to work.

How many gas motorcycles have a 600 mile range?

That store is right near my parent's house, and I need gloves.

If you go to Hocking Hills, I'm told there is some steakhouse that advertises the hell out of itself and it's just awful. It only stays in business due to unknowing travelers stopping in thanks to the ads. Avoid. It'll ruin your day! I'll see if I can get the name.

Found it for you, I missed the title but it's in there http://jimandangelatravel.wordpress.com/?s=upper+peninsula

It's a free country. I didn't think we needed rules for waving on a motorcycle. All that aside, it's been nice out here in NM where everyone waves to everyone; car, truck, bike, etc.

Lol...In Portland...In Portland...In Portland...

Some used sport tourer like a K1200 to replace my 05SV. Take the sale of my SV and buy a 1990 VTR250 to fiddle with. Or if I'm working I'd pick up a used Zero S.

Worst case, a frame swap isn't tough. I did it on my 00 and took my time and it was only a couple days. Hardest part was removing the engine, which you lay the frame on its side and undo the bolts. Slide the frame away and bring in the new one. Then prop the whole assembly back upright and reassemble. You will need some special tools for removing the swingarm and engine. I think guys on the SV forum rent them, or if you know anyone with a mill and broaching tool you can do as I did and make them yourself. Tank, fork, subframe, swingarm, frame, engine, wheels, and some hardware. That's about all it came down to before changing the frame. Take pictures of any wire routings and junctions before disassembling so you have a reference. It's also a good time to change your fork oil since the whole front will be off.

What would possess someone to call the cops because some people came to look at a sinkhole? That's...just...messed up.

Many thanks and enjoy your rides too! Keep the reports coming!

Nice to see ride reports coming out again. For how bad you guys had winter, I figured it would be a long time still.

Yep, still at it. Heading toward AZ next week but we have to fly back to Cleveland for 3 weeks shortly after. Dad's getting treated for cancer so we wanted to be around for that. My plan is to type up the ride report tonight for NM 15 and NM 152. I may even take my SV up some of the dirt roads in the area to see what they're like firsthand. Who needs a dual-sport?