SquareHead

Anyone have recommendations for a good shop or mechanic that is good with older bikes? I have a beautiful 1979 Yamaha XS1100 Special with only 3,900 miles. Want to entrust it to someone who has experience working on bikes with carburetors, points, etc. Need to get it tuned up, valves checked, cam chain adjusted, etc. Columbus, OH area or north would be great, but I am willing to travel for a good shop! Thanks!

It's on my short list of roads to ride. Would you all say it's similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway or Cherohala Skyway?

How about an original 1978 Yamaha XS650? Sweet looking bike, runs great, classic!

Max, did you get my PM? Agree with the other posts about cheap bobber platforms. Lot's of possibilities. I really like the XS650, though. Check this out: http://www.xs650chopper.com/

There are more effective ways of getting your point across. All you did was make the guy defensive. Not cool. Physically threatening someone usually doesn't work, particularly on an anonymous internet forum. Hell, your attitude makes me want to take one of my 5 kids and speed through Hueston Woods on one wheel!

Yamaha XS650. 1977-79. Those are the years most builders would suggest trying to find. I bought a 1978 XS650 a couple of months ago with the intention of building a bobber. Drove all the way to Wisconsin to pick it up. But, I changed my mind so I may be selling mine. It's in very nice original shape. If you are interested in it, you can PM me.

I think the RT feels great going through the twisties. I am a pretty aggressive rider, like to wheelie, etc. Going through the Dragon, I am usually not holding up traffic with fully loaded luggage. It's the best all around motorcycle I have ever owned and I have owned a bunch of them. Low center of gravity with the boxer engine.

FYI, I believe 441 from Gatlingburg to Cherokee is still closed due to a landslide. If I remember correctly, it was going to be closed for some time. Anyone know anything different?

I don't care if people ride in a group, but quit riding so fucking slow! Last year a buddy and I passed a group of crusiers that must have been going 40 in a 55. Probably 30 or so bikes. All kinds of leathers, chains, flags waving, swords, eye patches, parrots, etc. Holding up a big line of traffic. We got about half way past the group and had to squeeze in because of oncoming traffic. Then passed the rest of the bunch. They were pissed! But damn, if you want to ride slow and with your buddies, go ride in a parking lot or something. Cedar point has a huge parking lot... Or maybe airport runways...

Hey Guys, I have a 2004 Chevy Suburban with 280,000 miles on it. It's actually in great shape except starting to rust and bubble on the lower rear fenders and rocker panels. Nothing major, but I was hoping to make it through this year and then get rid of it for a newer vehicle. Anyhow, I am looking for a body shop in the Columbus or Marion OH area that would be good for doing a cheap repair/paint job. Doesn't need to be extensive. I don't want to replace panels, etc. I just want them to be able to sand down the small rust spots and spray some paint over them. Just enough to get me through the year. Anybody have any recommendations? Thanks, Chris

Nice gesture on your part...

Check out Teiz : http://store.teizms.com/ I have been very happy with them. Bought 2 suits. GF has the ladies suit. Ghazi is a very helpful guy to work with. Top customer service. They will even send you gear to try on. No charge!

What is Southside like in Mt. Vernon? Anything like Spearman's?

Depending on your situation, it may be better to rid of the wife?

When I was 16, on my first street bike, 1980 Yamaha XS 400 Special, under the influence, came to a stop light and forgot to put my feet down...

I just started training at Lorain County Airport with Zone Aviation. Flying a Flight Design CTLS. http://flightdesignusa.com/aircraft/ctls/ I really like the idea of flying a side by side two-seater, also. Like this: http://quicksilveraircraft.com/mxl-ii-sport/

Not sure if you are joking or being serious. Is there a higher fatality rate with ultralights? I hear the deathmobile thing about motorcycles, also...

Going for Sport because I may have some medical issues that will cause problems for Private. Not sure... However, once I get the Sport, I may continue further. Also, the new LSA type aircraft are pretty nice. I am training in a Flight Design CTLS and it is a very nice aircraft. I don't have any plans to do long trips, or carry more than one passenger, night flying, etc. Really just looking to fly during the day, maybe hop to other airports for dinner, etc. I am also interested in Ultralights. Kind of seems like a flying motorcycle. Anyone else flying ultralights? I am taking lessons with Zone Aviation, Lorain County Airport. Chris

Just curious... I am in the process of getting my sport pilots license.

Ouch... http://biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=38393

Rode 50 miles on my R1200RT...

What a mess...

I just came across a new-to-me motorcycle podcast called "Cleveland Moto". I was surprised at how good it was. Mainly dealing with older bikes, retro bikes, cafe style, etc. I also listen regularly to The Pace Podcast, Cafe Racer Podcast, Wheelnerds and Side Stand Up. Anyone else have any interesting podcasts they listen to?

Nice looking bike!

I like it... I wouldn't own it, but I think it's cool when people are exploring new styles, etc.