Mike G in SC

I went to ski pants 5 years ago. Set was about $60. They have leg zippers and an inside leg material that prevents melting. They bundle up real tight for packing. But I normally take my shoes off to slip them on/off in 2 seconds, else there is a doable struggle through the lining materials. After I switched to ski pants so did a number of my friends that weren't old school MC, and yep, several now in overalls from box stores. I think more 60+ year old men have had heart attacks putting on chaps than due to all other causes combined.

I put mine back on for the season (this is how we WINTERIZE down South!). Did a 250 mile ride, 30's in the AM, 60's in the day, 40's after sunset. Boy, did they help. I had two pair, for both bikes. But can't find one. May be ordering again. A GREAT INVESTMENT!!!! Mike G.

I was in a Veterans parade in Charleston, SC yesterday (Hey, met up with Joe Patrick!). I was tail, so I was behind 3 trikes, an older HD, a Venture and a 2012 Goldwing. (Sounds a bit like a joke with a priest, a rabi and a medicin man) I'm 63 now, less than 2 years to retire, we will travel. I asked the wife, which she liked best. She said, not the Harley. We both favored the Wing. Yeah, when I retire I may think about triking my 2009 Venture or consider a Wing trike. I want more than 3 cylinders on a trike. SO, yeah, good thought. Yamaha might be able to sell trikes to us baby boomers coming off Ventures. (oh,,,,, but I will keep the RSTD for my solo ride) Mike G.

Lenny, I will show this to our maintenance manager at work, in case he may not know of them. But,,, I work for Thermoid. Our SC operation makes and sells V-Belts. Don't tell us how to do with out V-Belts for at least 2 more years (I'm 63). LOL Mike G.

Really nice. What year is that. Makes me think what Yamaha it throwing away. Sad.

Got me.

Just saw on Fox News, a trio in a Mercedes just set a cross country, NY to CA record of 28 hours 50 minutes, averaging 98 MPH. http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/10/31/atlanta-man-recounts-ny-to-la-drive-in-record-28-hours-50-minutes/?intcmp=latestnews

Not minding your business,,,, but in a previous post you said your '99 was paid for. So,,,, it's not costing you much to keep it (?) I try to figure, once I pay for it,,,, it's mine. Good luck on a hard decision.

We rode with some friends from Michigan last weekend. They also had a Valkyrie trike. That was a really nice ride. It did not seem to be a behemoth like a GW trike. They seemed to be on it and ready go pretty quick at each stop. Yeah, worth looking at.

Both my 2006 RSTD and 2009 RSV had shocks replaced under warranty. And both had hitches on them. In fact,,,, during rear tire changes, my dealer noticed the oil on the shocks and started the warranty parts order before I had picked the bikes up. AND,,, I have a GREAT dealer. Extreme Sports Yamaha, Sumter, SC

Kuryakyn end weights installed: http://www.kuryakyn.com/images/item/Large/6238-1.jpg.ashx?width=400&scale=canvas Displaying Part #6238 $40 pair. Barons. This is what I have on my RSV. $45 http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/Motosport/BAR-BEIG-001_is?$NewPDP2$

Had ISO on my last 3 bikes, two Royals. Only problem I have is the black rubber will stain my tan gloves. The rubber does tend to loose top shinny layer. They are bigger diameter than stock and may relieve some cramping. You may have to modify the grips or your stock weights to keep the weights. I suggest you keep some weights on, for vibration (you'll get opinions here). But if you don't want to go to the trouble, both Kuryakyn and Barons make after market end-weights for about $40-45 a pair. On my RSV I went with the Barons, more bullet shaped. The Kuryakyn are "plug" shaped but look good too. They simply install with 4 screws, no mods. A poor man's fix is California Grip Puppies,,, $10. Look okay and reduce cramps. Mike G.

Looks like fun and good eats, bunch of pics. Was looking on the table for my Pecan Pie,,,, nope. Ended up taking a dozen bikes to see and eat Beaufort Saturday,,, my home town. (Sorry, my club ride weekend and, tag, I'm usually it.) Beaufort sure has turned to a mini-Charleston,,, traffic and all. Had a pimento bacon burger at a new place in town. Yum. Next time,,, I keep trying. Mike G

The other night, had a lady pull out of a side street to my inside lane on a downtown Columbia 4 lane, going head on at me, wrong way. I had several bikes behind me and a car to my right. I came to a hard stop flashing my brights at her and SOLID on the Stebel. She froze, head on with me, faceoff, 20 feet apart. Horn was very effective. I saw some tire smoke from a bike behind me pass over us. I think I also yelled something about "My #$%&*** Lane!" She went to the center (turn lane) pretty quick and had a melt down,,, so my last bike said. Sorry to freak her but,,,, hey DA,,, my lane! And,,,, my horn!

Took a dozen bikes from the Columbia, SC area and rode to Beaufort, SC for lunch yesterday. Started out at 32 at the house, was to shirt sleeve by lunch. Then had to put it all back on before we got home after dark. Sure going to miss Daylight Savings Time! Makes it great for day trips.

My 5x10 trailer (a bit heavier duty than the Lowes type) had a tall open metal gate like that. It dropped my gas mileage by 10 mpg, even pulling empty. That open mesh really does almost as bad as a flat gate. (follow a car pulling a similar trailer, on your bike,,, you get a LOT of wind disturbance, like a car hauler) I had mine cut in half, put a hinge/lock and it folds down to half size while being towed. It folds back out to full size to load the bike. Now, can hardly fee it when I tow. It would be a real squeeze to load two full sized bikes. You should consider 6' wide. Also, with two bikes you are already at the 1500 lb limit. Mike G

Years ago, my Mom called me one Saturday morning to say my brother called her to say he had a most embarrassing night where his stomach came unglued during the night. She went in to giving some detail about the conversation,,,, first time since he was a kid he pooped the sheets. Maybe too much info to tell me that brother John was not going to visit cause of a stomach flu. Well at least she thought she called me,,,, wasn't me. But, like you, the fella kept it polite and listened to her story before she hung up. She called me a few minutes later and said,,, "Mike, did I call you a few minutes ago?" Been laughing at that one for years. Sure miss her. Think Betty White.

I've been right where she is so that is good to hear. Probably wont want too many visitors in recovery room, while she still has other tubes attached. Those tubes aren't much fun to remove. She should go to her room late tonight or in the morning. Thats where you can camp in. A double bypass will hopefully have an easier and quicker recovery. Sounds like prayers were received. Mike G.

You 're looking at a 2007 for a 1999 price. If you are buying it to ride and enjoy,,,, then forget about resale value. You are buying it for you,,,, not the next guy. And if you do resell,,,, you can probably recoop your investment.

An arm and a leg,,,, at least.

Randy, With the age of this crowd, she has a lot of company (bypass veterans). I read up on her particular blockage when you first posted. It is a different than most of the arteries that the bulk of us have had mended, more of a spider web than a tube. I imagine you are now pretty up on it. I am glad to see they will be doing surgery as it appears that a stint is not being offered. When I needed a bypass, I thought I needed time to finish some work and home stuff. My DR gave me some reality bytes and I said, "what are you doing tomorrow?" So being in the hospital already will curtail running around town and stressing. Prayers first. But I see you are retired. That's really good. You will want to be available for her first week back home. She will need that to give and regulate her meds and to get proper rest without stress. On your own, you loose count of meds. First few days (and nights) will be in a recliner,,, so GIVE HER THE REMOTE, with fresh batteries! Go to REDBOX and pick up some movies. She may not have a great appetite, so sandwiches are good to have in the fridge for lighter meals. The anesthetic will hang in her system for several days later (maybe a week) so, when she does start short walks, she should expect some dizziness. Two to three months out, they will offer cardiac rehab. Make sure to do that. Got me in the habit of walking in the mornings,, 8 years ago and still doing it. I do get weekends off. The hospital will probably offer a support group. Bypass surgery hits people different, mine went well and recovery was good. Some need help to get back, again, nice that you are retired. I am getting ahead but I'm confident on cardiac care and she will do fine. Best to you both, Mike G.

QUOTE] Welcome to the Hotel Carolina,,,,,

Actually, my wife is from Kalamazoo. Still got friends up there so we go visit a couple of times a year. Catch the hell out of bluegills. But,,, no one moves back north to retire!

I-75 to I-90 to I-77 to I-74 to I-40. In your cage, leave at 4AM and you can be there aroud 8-9PM. Bike is a streach for you and Grandma straight through. Enjoy your visits. I know nothing about the town except passed through it going to Outter Banks. Jacksonville is a big Marine Corps air station town.