rubbersidedown

Does anyone else see a problem with motorcycle service departments and the fact that they do not schedule appointments? It frustrates me that when I need service performed the service department expects me to drop off my bike and accept that they will get to it when they get to it usually quoting a one to two week turn around based on the season. Now compare that to “cage” maintenance, a service department might say, “I can get you in next Wednesday, drop it off Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and we will call you when it is done.” (Heck, mine will even shuttle me to work.) It appears to me that bike shops do not have any type of scheduling software. Sure software costs money and dealerships are in a struggle to survive but how hard would it be to create a simple excel to see who is doing what and when so that customers can be serviced better? (Excel even has a template that could be used.) Sure, build in extra time for oil changes and tire changes or hire a low level tech for this low hanging fruit. This can be done. I am a daily commuter so I dislike being asked to leave my bike in the shop to collect dust for a week since I lose $40 a week to the gas man when I have to drive the cage. I would be much happier dropping my bike off the night before and picking it up in the evening after service. I realize that some of us only ride on the weekends and this scenario is ok with them but come on service managers! I do most of my own maintenance so this is fueled by the fact that I needed to have my valve clearances checked and adjusted (that will be a different thread). While I was there I talked to the service manager about this situation and he really didn’t see a problem or care. I brought up the fact that society views our motorcycles as toys and not as transportation. His response was, “Well they are.” I was shocked to hear that from a guy who pays his mortgage based on this business. My response is that I commute 12,000 miles a year on my bike and 3,000 miles per year in my cage, which is the toy? Does anyone else feel my frustration? If yes, why do we accept this level of service? Does anyone know of a metric bike shop in Cincy that meets my need for a scheduled time?

Did you find the article? I've heard many different reasons why there is an increased comfort turning one direction or the other some of which are expressed here. I wonder what a Pro says about it. Ask your self this question, "Do I do donuts CW (right) or CCW (left)?"

I'm out. I like Putnam but one day a month is all Momma allows but I'm not complaining she already signed off on me riding Mid-O on Mother's Day AND our anniversary weekend later in the year. I'll be hitting Putty with STT and MS later this year. Revel, you need to save your money and split costs with me to Grattan next month!

Upgrade my knowledge, what does this mean? Reverse the rotatation direction?

Did anyone expect the free T-shirt? I didn't expect that and have a theory as to why they were giving them out. When I got home and looked in the mirror I realized that the logo was wrong, two black flags and no yellow.

^^^ Ditto #1, 2, 3 and 4. It was great meeting Brandon, Alan, Mike, Tim, Todd, Coach Steve and Coach #19. Hope to see you at tracks in the future. Thanks to everyone that helped me with my lines.

48 hours to the rider meeting! But I'm not counting.

I thinkthat if you mention the R word in a roll call thread you get banned for 30 days.

Go back to the confirmation email that you receive right after registering. That email will have a 7 page PDF attached with a track map and directions to the track. In that document their is a one page waiver. That waiver doesn't have the car and credit card junk in it.

I talked to someone at Mid-O last month and they said you could sign there. I sent mine in anyway. The information I got was that there is camping between days but not the night before.

Does anyone know how the "tech-in" works at Mid-O? Do you tech ALL gear and bike? Helmet and bike like MS? Are there separate stations/lines for gear and bikes? Separate lines for the different groups? I just got a confirmation/reminder email from Mid-O, I AM READY!

Good to have another VFR on board!

Prez, This will be my first day at Mid-O, would you give me a tow Sunday in the first intermediate session? I will look you up after I get teched in.

I switched to intermediate on Sunday.

I have ridden in the rain and cold with my Tour Master rain gear over my leathers. I stayed dry and warm. The hitch is that it cannot be orange, that color is normally reservered for CR's/coaches. I also taped over the vents in my boots to keep the water out. Nitrile or latex gloves are good under you riding gloves although the leather will still be wet.

Your looking at this wrong, your the only one LUCKY enough to be able to run novice both days! But seriously, from experience, you will learn a lot running back to back days. Day two everything will be fresh in your head, body position, lines and brake points will all be fresh. Not to mention a less conjested track.

Sorry to here your out.

If you have not signed up yet use code FORUM2012 when checking out. Too bad this wasn't posted sooner. http://www.ohioriders.net/showthread.php?t=40452&page=4

Let's get a count started! If I missed you or put you on the wrong date/group post up. Candybluzx6, Paste this as an edit to the opening post. Sunday Novice Candybluzx6 Rubbersidedown Crazbiker LongDogRacing’s friend Saacattack Revelstoker Intermediate LongDogRacing MadCat? Advance Coaching Gixxie750 No Group Declared OSUYZFR1 Monday Novice Saacattack Intermediate Candybluzx6 Twistedrabbit Mrs. Rabbit? Or is it Misses Twisted? Advance KTM-Brian Coaching Gixxie750 No Group Declared DucatiDern OSUYZFR1 Bchristy

All in for Saturday! Let's edit the forecast, I prefer the optimist's view, 80% chance of dry skies! and the rain won't start til 5:30 pm!

Thanks to everyone for your assements of MCRA events. I have thought about doing an event with them this year but think that I will just stay clear. What were you assements of Putnam facilities? Is it a $180/day facility now or is it a $155/day facility that is feeling their oats after hosting a big event? Sounds like the paddock didn't get improved. What about the restrooms, viewing options,timing tower, etc.? The garages are new but you have to pay extra for them anyway so it is not relavent to the price increase.

How many times have I read in an OR forum where a less experienced rider is flogged about the head and shoulders unmercifully about lap times vs. bump? The same should apply to an "A" bump. The rider needs to show control, ability to pass and be passed, etc. for an "A" bump. Safety for the rider and other riders in the group is #1 in reguard to bumping. Myself and other NESBA "B" riders can turn :25 to :27 times at Putnam consistently but there is no way we are borderline for "A" in any org. We need time and experience in "I" first. I am not directing this toward the ZX-6 rider, it sound like he has control and ability. This is strictly toward times = bump.

Redkow speaks the truth. I remember my first trackday. I showed up with my bike, safety gear and a U-haul trailer. He and my other "neighbors" helped me out and I still talk to them. Great friends to have!

Whoo-Hoo! Just signed up for Open/Intermediate on Saturday.

Use a bike to commute! I do not race but love track days. I can pay for it out of gas $$$ savings. Sure it depends on how far you drive but at $4/gal the savings is significant. My savings is is about $140 a month, Cha-ching. I made a conscience decision to commute more once gas drifted north of $2/gal (yes a long time ago). With the savings over time I figure I paid for all of my gear and track days from the gas savings. Now I am using the money to pay for my track bike payments.