Barrycuda

Connecticut wants you to have only ONE bullet in the firearm. I guess they must think much of your damage can be done by throwing the remaining bullets at the assailant.

Where to begin...I signed up for his course, because I hear he is excellent at helping riders with certain things such as slow speed turning, U-turns breaking etc. ALL the stuff I need help with. The one DVD I have : Ride like a pro V , is a good source but being there live is a whole other matter. Course was scheduled for 4 hrs. there was only TWO of us here today! SWEET...like having private lessons. Anyway, while we are waiting, the other rider begins to let me ( and Jerry) know he traded his 07 HD for an 09 and now comes in with a 2013 HD ultra classic, with 4K on the bike. i hear the stories of he is chapter president ,does this event, that event, on and on. Comes with complete HD attire. Nice looking bike. guy is a big guy. 6'3 about 280. nice enough guy. I am saying to myself , oh sh*t, i am gonna F-this up today. I started doubting myself right from the get go. So....we begin. first exercise is the sloooow weave around cones. I couldn't have screwed up more. Here he is telling me a 15 year old can do it, and I am struggling. Next was the " half circle" around a radius I believe was 24 feet, then it went full circle. Naturally w all eyes on my I am struggling. Eventually, Jerry who has a wireless speaker and amp ( on a cart) speaks me through. In the beginning of this exercise, I was not turning my head. Once I started to listen to the cues, I was making these circles without too much difficulty, but still nervous. So far so good, but still sweating like a cake addict inside a bakery. next was these right and left "S" turns, this really was the pits in the beginning. After a few passes I was turning my head appropriately and making bits of progress. **Remember, these exercises are going at a speed of 5-7 MPH ** The entire time, I wasn't going fast enough, not getting the proper balance between friction zone and throttle,many times, getting dangerously close to dropping the bike. ( but did not) This took a while, and what I thought was 2 hours was only 45 minutes. Although being verbally persuaded and badgered to pick up speed, I didn't drop the bike. My partner on the other hand dropped his brand new 2013 HD a grand total of 6 times throughout the day. he damaged his fairing, engine guard, back guard, his leg and his ego. We take a breather to regroup. Next is the dreaded U turn. he gives 24 feet. I screw up again, bc I can not balance the throttle speed and friction zone and pulls me wide. once he gets on my bike and shows me as if he is riding a 250, I get mad but determined. I follow his lead and verbal cueing and make the adjustments needed and complete the U turn. My guy sadly falls yet again. I feel bad, bc I don't want anyone to fall, but hey I am holding my own. Next is the intersection, which is basically the mother of U turns. 4 u turns in an "intersection' type setting. radius I believe was 24 or 26 feet. That had me sweating bullets. My hands were cramping and hurting from the friction zone and throttle control ( in my case lack there of). after a few passes, I start to be "decent" at it, and finally say screw it and eventually, I do "GOOD". last was the figure 8. an X was marked and we had to go in an S pattern to stay inside the dotted line. I was better from the second part of the day on. I also had more practice to work since the other guy kept dropping his bike, they all came to him to see if he was OK. I do very good at this, stay within the 22 foot radius to which he says don't press my luck and work the intersection again. Anyway, I completed the course. I am proud of myself and the Bike, we made it without dropping . Afterwards, Jerry told me my head and eyes turning were very good but my biggest issue is getting the right speed for the turns as the slower speeds make the bike drop. Theory wise I know, doing it was a challenge. He also said, I made great improvements from the very beginning and guess what, I did improve!! Lastly, He mentioned the Venture is a hard bike to maneuver, but it can be done. Oh...PROPS TO MILES....I inflated the tires to 40 psi, and they handled like a charm WHAT DID I LEARN TODAY: The bike CAN lean more then I was allowing it to out of fear. I am more confident in making the turns necessary I need more work on speed and friction zone control to keep the bike from falling I CAN MAKE THESE TURNS practice practice practice Anyone who wants to enhance their skills would be encouraged to take the live course. I am glad I did and feel much more relaxed and confident ( not cocky) thanks for taking the time to read my story. Ride safe...

I am originally from NYC, spent Christmas break in pikeville and Gatlinburg. Not afraid of cold weather. Just the riding conditions....

I have a close friend who lives in Waynesville. I am sure he knows about this place and will bring it up to him. Just an FYI... After speaking with all of you and March being to "iffy" weather wise, I am changing my course south and southwest. Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana etc. I love NC and TN so I will make it there. That's a promise.

Hi Randy... If at all possible, try to get a second testing done outside the VA. Also, I would check with a therapist, neurological specialist or hand specialist, again outside the VA. As mentioned thoracic outlet syndrome should be ruled out as well as finding out what is going on with the shoulder.

Kia and its parent company Hyundai are Korean I believe.

Nice info Steve.

I have Avon venom Xon mine. The front is 4 yrs old, the back 1.5. There is not even a hint of visible cracking on either tire. I am thankful for that.

Ya can't go wrong with any of these choices. I have had a kawasaki Vulcan for many years. It's fuel injected, rides and handles like a champion, reliable like the dickens, never any issues. I would give a +1 on Vulcan. Now...I am NOT saying ditch the RSV, but if one HAD to get another bike, vulcans make happy owners.

Looking on the google maps, it shows the blue ridge parkway closed in the winter. Anyone know the dates when they reopen? Maybe march isn't the best time to head that way. Might decide to head south west....

Don sees and knows all.. Which is helpful to me anyways.

Will the Yamaha venture faithful rejoice, or rebel?

Wow... One would think they would WANT married couples. I cannot wrap my head around such silliness. I can loan you my truck but I am near Tampa . The fuel alone may be the same as renting a truck near you. Doesn't Home Depot rent trucks, vans etc?

Some excellent ideas and routes from all of you. I guess weather and my ability to say screw it will determine what's going on. Thanks Randy for the invite and will keep you posted, and dhj3 for the route after 'Macon at 441 etc. Yes to Wade about plenty to see, so I will not be just interstate riding. Thanks again and let's see what transpires.

Fuzzy I have these mirrors. They were with the bike when I bought I. I actually thought they were not OEM. They do work fine. Hard to compare against OEM but I know my Vulcan mirrors go narrow to wide as it goes out, and the adjustment is good. So far, no issues w these.

Mike: Heading there in March bc that is the time I have off to do a longer uninterrupted ride. Wasn't there a mudslide down that way not too long ago? I was thinking of entering your state of SC first, then crossing through into Asheville, one of my favorite places...from there who knows. Lately my last 2 planned trips were a bust due to extreme weather so, lets see..

Just received another vote for your gorgeous bike.

Count me in for one.... BTW, how long ago did you set that record? That's phenomenal and borderline psychotic at the same time.

Been thinking of taking the venture out of Florida for a few days March 1-5. Day one in SC and was considering day 2 or 3 taking I 40 west through smoky mountains. I have never rode a bike through there and wanted some honest feedback as to how easy/ hard it is to do, regarding slippery roads, weather issues, handling with venture etc. I appreciate all input that has beneficial information. ( what to bring, where to stop for fuel, best time to ride through, weather etc )

Thankfully my Avon venom X tires have NO sidewall crack at the time of this post. Those cracks would scare me into riding 2 up or very far if at all...

Miles....I sent you a PM. Please let me know if it went through. Barry

Where exactly on the tire can I find the date code. I looked and wasn't sure WHERE to look. I just saw all kinds of numbers . No official DATE.

Duly noted. Will scale down to Pi of the month club. 2 distinct Pi's from different states and or countries for a whole year. This month is from Hungary and Pittsburgh.

Excellent point on the overheating of rubber and use of fan. I probably have a lot more questions, so how bout I just deliver to you a whole case of Pi? 3.14159 x standard case of 12 or deluxe case of 24. Your choice.

I am just getting started so I have some catchin' up to do: 100 LED lights by custom dynamic Extra light bar by standard dynamics Kuryakyn highway pedals Lighted trunk strip ( whatever it's called) Utopia back rest Aux for iPod,or mp3 Came with clarion 6 disc CD player NOW I NEED THOSE HORNS !!!!! And more chrome