Agent3012

I don't use the Bluetooth to talk on the phone, and rarely listen to music, but I do like having the Sena SMH10 for audio GPS directions (using either my smartphone or the older Garmin GPS I bought from eBay that has Bluetooth capabilities for when there's no signal). The ability to use voice prompts for directions, weather and other misc items is kind of nice.

I'm currently working my way through a box of http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-LL-30-Corded-Earplugs/dp/B0017JIT4C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364634516&sr=8-2&keywords=laser+lite+ear+plugs+corded. Reasonably comfortable, good noise reduction, and I personally like having the cord between them to help prevent them getting lost when I need to take them out at a stop. The cord also makes them easier to remove. The http://www.amazon.com/Hearos-Plugs-Xtreme-Protection-14-Pair/dp/B001EPQ86A/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1364634989&sr=1-2&keywords=hearos+xtreme brand also tends to get high marks. Keep in mind that everyon's ear canals are different, so which plugs work best may be different. One option is to try one of these Ear Plug Assortment Packs to find out what works best for you. For those new to using the roll-down foam ear plugs, this video on fitting them in your ears should help keep them in your ear.

I have a Sena SMH10 with the speakers in my Nolan N104. With speakers, you'll want to wear ear plugs to prevent the road and wind noise causing long-term damage to your hearing, but I can hear audio just fine even at highway speeds with them. There are a number of options, including simple and cheap wired speakers. Some speakers will have problems with bass or volume, so check the reviews when shopping.

Here's a thread on the ADVRider forums about the GMax GM11D. Also, this Revzilla video review of the helmet may give a better overview. The other popular inexpensive DS helmet that ADVRider seems to like is the AFX FX-39. Many riders seem to like these helmets because they're cheap to replace if they damage it on a backwoods trail, versus fit, finish, comfort or noise.

I have a new set of Pilot Road 3s on my FZ6 thanks to Pauly at DucRX. Very flexible on service scheduling, knowledgeable and entertaining, making quick work of the upgraded rubber. Speaking to him, it's clear he has a strong work and business ethic. Will definitely use for future services, and absolutely recommend DucRX (and Hoblick when he's available) from my experience today. Thanks again to everyone for their recommendations!

Definitely understandable, but I do think Honda isn't marketing the NC700X on its strengths as much as they could. Despite its initial appearance, it's not a sporty adventure bike, which is likely going to disappoint those looking for something to take off road or push hard on the twisties. Honda does mention "commuting" on their website, but not enough to really highlight the bike's fuel efficiency. In terms of touring, it's almost on the opposite side of the same spectrum as the C14, FJR and even Goldwin. Not as comfortable or powerful, but also averaging twice the mpg as the bigger bikes. It's really more a bike for "hypermiling" fanatics, considering the motor is essentially half of a Honda Fit engine.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone!

Some of the bike clubs riding through there can go pretty fast ...

I've been spoiled by having Hoblick available previously for my tire needs, but now I need recommendations for a shop to purchase tires and have them installed on the bike (2004 Yamaha FZ6). Coming from the Painesville area, and would prefer a shop that will do on the bike installs and (hopefully) same-day for a ride-in, as I don't have a trailer to haul it in with. Thanks in advance!

I've always been partial to the club jackets that Progressive uses for their motorcycle insurance magazine ads, like this one:

I am now picturing "Slow Cruiser Track Days" where clubs rent out the track and form one big circular parade, rotating around the track at 25mph.

All the important hand signals ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zKQv2dc-cM

I like Speed & Strength for being in that lower price tier that still has reasonably decent features and comfort to help new riders with a helmet. I just haven't liked the "ZOMG EXTREME!" graphics they went with. It does look like they've caught on, though, as most of their 2013 lineup have straight solid color options without the graphics.

Nice. If I had the room near my door, I wouldn't mind having a Helmet Butler to hold my helmet, jacket and gloves.

With the number of times I used the AMA roadside service on the 1978 KZ650 I used to own, I've come to think of the annual fee as more of a $50 towing subscription that just happens to include a free magazine and some other perks.

The CB1100 mod scene in Japan has been going for a few months now. There are a number of even-more-retro mods, like seats and side plates. You can even get gas tanks, fenders, etc to take this ... ... and turn it into these:

If you haven't seen it posted elsewhere, here's a full 76 minutes of crash footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aoT1Nwo7UI Lots of target fixation, riders trying to fit big bikes in small holes of traffic, speeders, riders caught by inattentive car drivers in intersections, and so on. Much of it is from Russia, where insurance fraud means most car owners have dash cams running at all times. I can't imagine why anyone, even in the wild west traffic laws of the former Soviet Union, would want to lane share on the right hand side of the curb lane. You're riding in the driver's biggest blind spot, and all the sand, salt and street debris aren't going to help you stop quickly when a car makes an unexpected, last-minute, right-hand turn.

Full Control: Booklet for Better Motorcycling A free download from the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations. "Motorcycle riders must not only deal with a demanding vehicle without protective bodywork. We are so vulnerable that we also must take responsibility for errors and mistakes by other road users. One condition for safe riding is to master a precise riding technique which is addressed in the first part of 'Full Control' – a booklet for motorcyclists written by motorcyclists. The second part assesses the road, traffic, motorcycles, equipment and accessories." Covers tips and techniques for both beginner and experienced riders.

I own the Hit-Air MLV shown in the video. As long as you've adjusted the tether length correctly, you'd have to dive off the bike for it to go off. I've forgotten about the tether, like an idiot, and you're pretty quickly warned by the tugging from your waist. I admit that I don't wear it all the time, usually more for when I'm heading out for a longer ride. At 2 lbs, it doesn't add any real weight, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone asks me one day why I'm wearing a life vest on a bike. At $459, I could understand it not being very common, but it's also not out of reach for someone wanting the extra bit of safety it can provide. Interestingly enough, the company makes the vests for the equestrian market as well.

Sir, I believe we are mortal enemies now. Now, if you'll only give me a 30 minute head start ...

The mobile site to bookmark on your smartphone is http://m.fuelly.com/ You can also set reminders at regular mile intervals per vehicle for any type of maintenance. My profile

I like to curse Hoblick for being so far away from Cleveland as well. That said, I've found the secret is to use your visit as an excuse to go on a southern Ohio road trip. I've ridden from Cleveland to his shop twice now for new tires for my last two bikes, and will do so again in the spring with my latest motorcycle. For us Clevelander's, it's nice to visit Hoblick early in the day, then head up the road to the, um, "unique" experience that is Iron Pony, and then head east for the southeastern Ohio twisty roads. Hoblick always made sure to provide his phone number with the offer to come out and pick me up with his truck should there be some trouble with the work done during the road trip, but I haven't had to use it. Can't wait for my Spring trip.

One up side to the weather getting colder is that you may be more likely to get a response to your wave. As Fall hits, the less serious riders put their bikes away, while the rest of us are more likely to share a "oh, hey, another fool riding in the cold, wet weather" commiseration wave. Keep in mind that there are often two kinds of scoot riders. Those that bought them to ride, and those that bought them for cheap, high gas mileage transportation.

For the hell of it, I bought a $30 Ergodyne Chill-its evaporative cooling vest from Amazon. Just in time for the extreme heat that came through last week. To use the vest, you're supposed to soak it in water for about 1 to 2 minutes. Once it soaks in the water, the vest becomes heavy and a little bulky, but I had no problem fitting it under my mesh jacket. The downside is that there is a balancing act between adding too much water to it, which then will end up soaking your pants and seat as the excess drips, and adding too little, which decreases its effectiveness. On the upside, it did make a difference during a few hours ride in the heat. I was pretty comfortable riding along with it as a way to allow me to not have to forego a protective jacket in the heat. For occasional use to allow you to go out on a long ride, where you don't care how the clothes underneath end up looking, it's not the worst $30 purchase. But it's not very effective for a short ride that will end with you getting off the bike and expecting to walk around in public without your clothes having some wet spots.

Could be worse, there's a gentleman asking $4000 for a customized Honda Ruckus 49cc Scooter in Cleveland.