rayzzr

Cool, thanks guys

I closed on a house today after lunch and I get all my tools out of storage after 11 months.

I'm in Western Central OH (New Bremen) and looking for a reputable but cost effective shop to possibly swap my 2001 GMC 5.3L with a 6.0L crate engine. The current engine has 210k on the clock, and evidence of Dex-cool in the oil. Not good. I know a lot of these year engines had issues with heads cracking. Who knows how long it has been seeping water in there. I saw orange goo under the oil filler cap. It must not be leaking much, because I only add water every 2 months and it is a very small drop. With no more than I am driving it these days, it should be fine but I don't trust it for long hauls with my bike trailer. From what I have read, the 6.0L swap is fairly straightforward for an experienced mechanic. There is my issue - I am new to the area and don't know who I should talk to. Anyone have any suggestions? I know a dealer could do it, but they typically charge a lot more, and I know there are lots of independent garages with techs with as much or more experience. Not looking to hot rod it, but figured if I am replacing the engine I should go big (or go home...). I just want a reliable truck that I can depend on, without dumping 35k into a new one.

Ok, then that explains it. I kept getting web 'hits' on Big Crank and PowerSonic batteries when I searched for the DEKA ones. Seems odd the after-market branded ones are easier to find (online at least) than the DEKAs. The one for the KLR was the actual DEKA labeling. As long as they are all the same quality, I could care less on the name they put on it.

Took the bikes out and ran them for a bit, dumped in some Startron stabilizer, wiped them down, and parked them for the season. Roads were clear of salt and grime from the rain, and I didn't see too many potholes. I wonder how many more 'warm' days we will have until spring? Today was actually not that bad. I wore a base layer with a fleece long sleeve shirt under my Olympia Phantom suit. If you find one of those on clearance, buy it. Very versatile textile suit, and blocks the wind well. Get it a bit big if you plan to layer up under it. Mine fits near perfect, save for the collar. Even expanded to the widest point it feels like it is choking me. Nothing a seamstress with a roll of Velcro couldn't fit. The suit would be likely miserable in the summer though, I wear mesh gear then. Saw one guy on a Harley sans helmet. He looked cold.

I bought a DEKA battery for my 06 KLR 650 years ago based on reviews at the time. They are made in PA, so I figured most places in OH would carry them. Their website only lists a battery store in Dayton, but wondering if there are any shops that would carry them closer to New Bremen (45869). I think they are also used in watercraft and golf carts, and I'd think some watersports or golf shops would carry them (Celina maybe?) Sadly, most of the websites I go to that tell me they sell Deka batteries do the old 'bait-and-switch' and if you read closely they say they sell a replacement battery for the DEKA EXT9, not that actual manufacturer. For the life of me I cannot recall where I bought the one for the KLR, but since I sold the bike to my brother in North TX, he tells me it never hesitates to fire. He rarely rides, so the fact the battery has not gone flat after months of it being idle is impressive (he does not use a battery tender). I kept my OEM battery on a tender and it has lasted since 2007, but I find if it is off the tender for long it fades quickly. I'd rather replace it now than be stuck somewhere with a dead/weak battery.

The ZZRs are basically rebadged 2000-2002 ZX6rs. I ride one. The ergos and performance sharpened with the sportbikes that came thereafter, but Kawasaki continued to produce the ZX600J motors and frames and sold them as just good all-arounder bikes. I have toured with soft bags on my 07. 34k miles and counting. That may not seem like alot, but I have 3 bikes I ride so the miles don't seem like much until you add them all up. I rode a 9 state, 5000 mile, 18 day tour of the Western states last year. It was epic.... The ZZRs can be quite decent with sport tires and some of the heft removed. A good alternative to the Katana IMO. I never cared for the looks of the Kats personally.

I will be there. I have gone every year save for 2012, when I was recovering from surgery. We always camp at the Lake Haven Retreat CG, which is about 10 min away. If you are in the AMA, wait for that deal to get cheaper tix. They usually throw in a track lap, but did not in 2013

Looked at the Trek and Performance Bike shops in Columbus, and the closest I came to what I wanted was a Fuji. Decent frame, but low end Shimano gruppo. I ended up buying a Motobecane from Bikes Direct. Shimano 105 stuff, looks decent all around. http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_xi.htm Even some of the bike forum snobs liked it. It is heavier than most I am sure, but ticks all the boxes I wanted in a bike. I'd prefer matte black, but they only had it in blue. I'll have it Monday I wanted a cross bike for the speed. I have a cheapo Mongoose mtn bike, and it sucks on the street for speed. I wanted a fast(er) bike for the street, and something I could take on light trails.

So I have had a cheapish mountain bike for some time (Mongoose), and I haven't ridden it much lately. I just moved to an area with decent trails and bike paths, and I'd sort of like to ride to work when the weather gets iffy so I started looking at road bikes. I spoke with some of my coworkers that bike, and they said rather than getting a road bike I should get a cyclocross bike - faster/lighter than a mountain bike and more capable on light trails than a road bike. Is a hybrid the same as a cross bike? I am not too far from Columbus and Dayton, so I'll probably look some this weekend. My hard limit to spend on a bike is about $500, and I know the components won't be the greatest at that price point, but seeing that my Mongoose has served me well I think my expectations are pretty low anyway. Looking at these brands: Vilano, Diamondback, Schwinn, and Nashbar. Any guidance would be appreciated. Some bike shop suggestions would be good too - since I am new to the area. I figure my riding will be about 60-40, 60 on road, 40 off road on groomed trails.

Oh, and 8:30am works for me. If the weather changes to 100% chance of rain or something, let me know and we can reschedule.

Weather looks iffy, but I am up for an adventure. Would not be the first time I have ridden in the rain. Rain sucks, but does not bother me. Me and some buddies were riding and we were almost hit by lightning. It struck a guardrail between us. I will never forget that. When the lightning starts, I am ready to duck and cover. I am pretty familiar with the local geography, and I can meet you in Minster there at the Tasty Freeze. I know where it is. My daughter's horse is boarded in Fort Loramie so we drive by there all the time. Anyone going to Oktoberfest? I am thinking about going tomorrow night (Friday) to miss the crowds and rain, ride Saturday, and maybe take the family to Dublin, OH Sunday to hit the malls. My secondary objective is to hit the Iron Pony in Westerville, OH. I need new gloves...

Ok, lets plan on a morning ride pending weather. Let me know what time and where to meet up. If you are on the Daytona, I'll take my ZZR out. It needs the cobwebs blown out anyway.

Thanks for the invite, but I already signed up to take the family to Minster Oktoberfest this weekend. I want to get some riding in this weekend as well, so if anyone in the area is up for it shoot me a PM - I'm a pretty laid back rider. My plan at present is to ride during the day, park the bike and walk/drive to Oktoberfest - either Friday night or Saturday evening/night. There was rain in the forecast but I think they changed it and the weekend should be clear. If the beer selection sucks, I'll just hit the IGA in Minster for beer and brats and have my own backyard Oktoberfest

In town now, and I have the bikes here with me. I have been riding some of the local roads just to check out the area. I think I put about 110 miles on the ZX10r Sunday last. Would be nice to meet with some of the local riders and hang out. I am renting a place in New Bremen at the moment, crossing my fingers my place in AL sells soon.