Mike G in SC

a guy was selling "a little slip on thing" on ebay a few years ago. Like $10 delivered. It was simply about a 2' x 6' silver sheet that had elastic loops to hook to handle bars and rear turn signals. It was just a day shade, but kept off light rains. But the fabric only lasted a year or so. Good idea and was cheap. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC1kufcjwWE]Cycle Sun Blocker - YouTube[/ame] SO,,, do you sew? But seller says not for big bikes. http://www.ebay.com/itm/MEDIUM-MOTORCYCLE-SUN-SHADE-SEAT-TANK-COVER-NEW-IN-PACKAGE-/330818407693 http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqZ,!iIE-rHZmTjlBP750n()Zw~~60_57.JPG

A couple of summers ago my wife and I pulled up behind a young couple on a sport bike at a stoplight in Walterboro, SC. They were wearing skimpy clothes with her rear riding high. Wife said,, "that doesn't look very comfortable." I said, "Oh, yes it does!" Glad I was wearing a helmet.

I got this one at a rally at Kitty Hawk. His site says $52. It's parachute nylon. He makes them in PA and backs his product. I take it on the road with my RSV - half cover. http://www.exigentbikecovers.com/shop/item.aspx/dresser-half-cover/20/

No extra zip over conventional NGK. But, they will last 4+ times longer. So, if you don't like that 1 hour to change four plugs,,,, won't have to do it as often.

Okay, so after I got the great Dairyland $385 on-line quote, I visited my local independent agent, Carl. He can sell Dairyland too and because I have house and cars through his agency, can further discount Dairyland. SO,, Two bikes, very good coverage for $330/YEAR. That's $168 less than I was about to pay.

Rick Butler short cut: http://www.venturerider.org/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3738&title=butt-butler-seat-mod&cat=25

So,,,,,,,, put a 1" board under the front tire when changing/checking oil.

Not often I get to quote myself,,,, Anyhow, Titan Auto Ins is my new carrier due to the change above. Same good coverage for $498 for my RSV and RSTD. That went up about $30 from last years carrier. I will talk to my local guy to see if he thinks I should stick or shop. I may check one or two on-line. But $500 with good coverage for two bikes ain't bad. EDIT: I did just go on-line to Daryland Cycle Ins. Ran a quote on the two bikes based on similar (good full) coverage and got $385/yr. Will call to verify during the week. Hey and be married! When I skipped that question it put me divorced and $67 higher.

Your profile says 2001 Venture. This is the easiest I have seen on a bike. Open the oil cap, put pan under bike. 17 mm wrench on single bolt on oil pan. Spin off filter. Can use a large Channel Lock pliers if it is too tight. Let oil drain till just drops. Then sit on the bike and lean to the right, put it back on kick stand to drain a bit more. Put in bolt and filter. Put in 3 quarts. Then check level as you add part of the 4th. Get a mechanics mirror on a stick and a small flashlight to check it. Time without beer is about 20-25 minutes on your second time. Unless you need other mechanical work, this one should really be done at home.

We moved into our "5 year" house in 1991. Later got married. 9 years ago we made an addition from 1550 to 2077 sq feet which included an 18'x34' game room (lot's of stained wood and windows) with 8' pool table and a screen porch. We think we'll keep it. Will move,,, maybe when we win the lottery.

Agree on this. You can do both if you do Cherahala first then head UP to the Dragon and just do the 11 miles up and right back. Burgers are good at the lodge at the bottom. I enjoy Hwy 28 as much as any road and then 64 East is nice too. But if you have not done the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville (I-26), it is one of the most beautiful vista view rides in America. Not a challenge, just nice high ride with constant sweeping turns. I do that a few times a year, love to take newbee's. And eat at the Pisgah Inn 15 miles from the Asheville exit. Can't go wrong on any of them.

Had one, 2006 Strat S. Pretty, black & cherry. Owned it one year, did not care for the ride. Never felt like it was my bike. Kept it about a year. Sold it same weekend I got my 2009 RSV. My neighbor bought it from me. He loves it. Fit's him better.

My departed sister-in-law ran the Nature Museum in Charlotte and was a primary force behind Discovery Place Imax/Planetarium. Was actually an astronomer by trade. When I lived on a lake, she brought me a "Red Ball" telescope (Edmunds Astroscan). It's really a starter for about $300. It was a blast out there. Daytime for boaters and night time for the clear sky we had. And,,, on clear days, there were bikini's at one mile. (Oh, and everything was upside down,,, had to get used to that.) Like I say,, just for fun: http://www.scientificsonline.com/astroscan-plus-telescope.html

As of last April I was still under $500 very good coverage for my 2006 RSTD and 2009 RSV, with Victoria (underwritten by Nationwide) through my local independent. But I got a letter that that company will not be available for this April. So, I will first get new quotes from my agent, he does well by me. Then if not near same as last year, will chase it on-line. Most of his quotes are linked to good credit. Got some friend with clean driving record but bad credit and he quoted them a bunch higher. Go figure.

From the video, sounds like it would be more fun to be on the moon during the eclipse to see the ring of fire around the earth. Even if we start driving today,,,,,,, nah. April 15 is a Tuesday (work day),, may see the tail end of it in the morning.

Down South we have always heard how people have heart attacks shoveling snow. Okay,,, now I see why.

Anyone used the OTC 1545 MC Jack they sell on Amazon? It has over 100 reviews about 90% good, but a few stinkers. Price is good $181.27 delivered. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OCHCIW/ref=s9_simh_gw_p263_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1E92ZPSCP0NC5WPZTC05&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846]Amazon.com: OTC 1545 Motorcycle Lift: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tHaSv3EqL.@@AMEPARAM@@41tHaSv3EqL[/ame] The J&S is $395 + $62 shipping, but this video is impressive: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avJ2a0oOvCU]Motorcycle Lift Comparison - YouTube[/ame] So, anyone know the OTC 1545? Thanks, Mike G.

So, Barry, where did it go on the jack. Did you return the J&S, get another, get Carbon One adapter? The Larin I got a few years ago,,, was pretty shaky. And the bottle jack is weak again. It is pretty well the same one that Cycle Gear lent me and a friend today to pull his front tire on his RSTD,, shaky. Had to secure with fixed jacks. I was looking today at several in HF and Sears in store today, and on line, and was interested in the J&S (from a couple of Youtube videos). Thanks, Mike G. Oh and complements to Cycle Gear in Columbia SC for helping today. A STAR Rider friend was passing through, called me about his front tire valve stem leaking. I told him I would get my jack & tools and meet him at Cycle Gear, they can fix the tire. When I found my jack was bad, Cycle Gear said no problem we can borrow theirs. But,, their floor model was dead (Larin), so they took one out of the box, assembled it and rolled it out to us. And was less than $20 for their work. Class act.

Jay, just guessing, your dealer may need to order it. Seems like that bugger was north of $10, so he did not stock it. If you got a distance to the dealer, might call it in. (don't use lactate if you have a cat) Mike G

Sure would like to see the Patriot Guard quietly attend his funeral. Thousands standing quietly. Oh, just Googled, no funeral for him. Go figure.

For fast relief,,,, TAKE ONE OF THE DUMMY BOLTS OF YOUR SIDE COVER. (been there) On each side cover, the forward bolt will fit just fine and keep you on the road till you can get the official bolt from your dealer. Those two forward bolts are just for looks,,, or spare bolt(?). And when you get that high dollar bolt, use Loctite on it. Mike G Oh, sorry Jonesy,,, we were posting at same time.

Yeah, our family is all on 360. More than once I have contacted them to say,,, Wrong way.

Good thing it's not a Midnight. Even happier it is way far away. If it was local,, I would check into my dealer for a 3-4 year layaway! To start the warranty when I pick it up. Of course then want to pay less as it's 3-4 years older(?) Naah, my 06 is ain't even got 100K on it yet (soon but not yet).

Like Steve said, have to make a couple of holes bigger, takes seconds,,,, don't drill your fender. I have the Ultimate seat pack on my RSTD with backrest. Wouldn't do without. But I put a used Utopia on my RSV and,, not as fond of it. I keep it in case I do a long solo ride but it's off for now. Main problem is wife has a harder time getting on/off the back seat when it's on. Also, the pillow seats on the RSV give you more of a butt stop than saddle seats and that is pretty sufficient for me.

Got both. The RSTD is my fun,,, solo bike. It's also my daily commute when warmer. I put a short shield on it last year so I get wind in the face. My RSV is my two up and distance rider. Warmer in the winter. More comfort on long solo rides. Tall F4 windshield. If my wife said I had to get rid of one,,,, would miss her. (Actually,,, she enjoys the RSV comfort, so haven't invited her on the RSTD much.)