smccrory

If only Honda's snow blowers were as fun as their motorcycles, we'd be far less grumpy on OR during the winter :-).

I think Tonik needs to organize this since he's so keen for a date.

Why not? I'd bring my cb125s if it made you feel better about it.

So many of those videos show guys doing just fine, but gun it on the way out before they've straightened up (probably to show off), and spin the rear tire. Poor bikes.

Safest Smartcar evah

I think it's also easy to compare the AMA with other associations like the NRA, AOPA, Aeronautical Modeling Association, AARP, etc. and conclude that they're nowhere near as relevant to the typical member as those others are. I mean, sure the benefits are there and membership adds political weight to our interests but where was the big AMA booth at the Cleveland show show us what they've done lately?

Add me and two friends.

Also discounts admission to the AMA museum in Pataskala.

I took the ARC last year and will take it again with my newest bike this year. You definitely get more riding in and I benefitted a lot from the turning/leaning drills. I think anything that exercises your skills in a safe environment is money and time well spent. Note that Iron Pony, AD Farrow and others also provide these classes - something to remember once the state classes fill up. They cost more, but usually have better equipment and lower student to teacher ratios.

Agreed. I blame the Ducati folks. I never even thought about owning one before.

Same here - I had an enjoyable time at the show even though I couldn't join up with others for the after-party. I sat on more than 40 bikes and talked with many of the vendor reps. I could say something about each of the bikes but what stood out to me were: I love my new DL650 but I still like the BMW F700GS - their red color looks great in person. I thought I'd like Beemer's scoot more but I was more impressed with the value of Zuki's Bergman 400. BMW's Nine T looked and felt fantastic, so did Yammy's FZ-09. I now want a Ducati monster, those bastards, and I hope they don't notify me about test rides this summer. Honda's CB500 line felt great, and wow, what a nice price for the package. There wasn't a single adult-sized dual sport bike I remotely felt comfortable on with my 29" inseam, so I'm keeping my eyes open for a cheap, used CRF230L later this year. Triumph's Bonneville still rings my bell, and I rather liked the Royal Enfield line's styling. I dug the Ural but could never own one. Honda's CB1100 felt great but there are too many other options in that price range to call it a category winner (and this from a CB700SC owner). There were a billion HD owners there - I bet over a million $ in walking advertisements! One drunk HD fan tried to pick a fight with by buddy for knocking his beer (why the guy had a full cup in a compacted isle is beyond me). The Indian booth was at least as busy as the HD booth - very cool to see what appeared to be a warm reception. Thunder Road's model was signing autographs and taking pics. I think I saw Aimee there but there were too many folks by their booth to say hi when I walked through. There weren't many deals to be had there, so if a person was looking for them, I can see how they'd be disappointed. One company had decent armored jackets and pants for reasonable show discount prices. There were a lot of "trinkets and trash" vendors, but you get that at any show, whether it be for motorcycles, guns, home and garden... All and all a good time though - I'm glad I went.

VAPING WHILE GAPING

HARLEYS

Definitely a fan of 2-3 rides.

Finally got a chance to watch it - awesome!

Dammit, I was SO hoping this thread would turn into a derptastic spaz about chem trails. What the hell is happening with OR lately???

Mmmmm bike crate porn.... :-)

Congrats guys, that's awesome!

Don't forget gas masks from chemtrails!

I want a small used dual sport, like a crf230l, crf250l, tw200 or a wr250 to toss around.

I would expect the FAA's model for aeronautical black boxes to be referenced.

I'm out. Damned head cold.

I can't remember if I already replied or not, but you guys helped to convert me late last year. I still don't wear earplugs for short, local errand runs but I absolutely do for everything else. I bought a big sampler pack and at-home custom jobbies, so I should be good to go most of next season. :-). I found that a few models make my ears itch and burn after an hour, but others do great for well longer, so I'm keeping a log of results for when my supply runs out and I need to order more.

Wow, that's quite a package of improvements.

90% sure J and I will be there, probably to stay Friday or Saturday night at a hotel downtown.