June 2008 ~ Motor Magazine

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Monday, June 30, 2008

My weekend in review

4:39 AM motormags 0

This weekend held no major riding for me, as I happily committed myself to breaking my eldest nephew into the fine art of burping, farting, and fishing. We invited him to his first "Man" outing. He is five years old. Myself, my son, father in law, brother in law and his 5 yr old went camping. Needless to say, we all had a blast. It was well worth forgoing a weekend ride.

Just to scratch the itch, I did hop on the bike for a cruise around the neighborhood (literally) last night.

So since I don't have much else to leave you with today, I give you ... "one liner biker wit"....

Loud pipes drown out the voices in my head.

Got Cake?

5:47 AM motormags 0

Yesterday evening, I was watching Food T.V., and caught an episode of the Ace of Cakes. I am glad I have DVR or I wouldn't have been able to stop the T.V. show, and get my digital camera, and rewind to capture these pictures.
Being an artist, I can really appreciate some of the stuff these folks create on this show with cake. Duff and his crew made a Harley Davidson Electra Glide Motorcycle cake!
Friggin cool! Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Please excuse the poor quality, these are pictures of my television , not pictures captures from the Web.
.

Vetter Fairings

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On Tuesday 6-23-08, Doug Klassen of Fourty Years on Two Wheels http://40on2.blogspot.com/ had a great post about his past, when he was a news film courier. http://40on2.blogspot.com/2008/06/news-film-courier.html. Take a moment to read it, then pop on back here to finish reading this post.

He has a picture of the old BMW he used to ride. I love nostalgic bikes. I also get a kick out of the Vetter fairing on it. I've never seen one on a BMW before. It just goes to show you learn something new all the time.

Anyway, This reminded me instantly of when I was a kid. I remember sitting in the livingroom on the floor, watching the great big old console style television. There was a commercial that I used to see frequently. This commercial is one of the things that sparked my love for motorcycles. It was (I believe) a Honda commercial. They showed a Motorcycle cruising really fast on a curvy road and it had a Windjammer fairing by Vetter. Heck, I went on for a few years thinking that Windjammer was actually the name of the Honda motorcycle that I coveted so much. L.O.L.! It's kinda like hearing a song when you are a kid, or even an adult, thinking you know the lyrics, only to find out you've been singing them in your head wrong for quite some time.

Several motorcycles into my beginning to be a real biker, I picked up a 1981 Honda Goldwing GL1100. This was the old style with the Windjammer Vetter fairing. Cooincidence? I wonder.
Anyone who has followed my blog might be wondering, sooo...If you were wondering, the answer is Yes, I customized it too.

non biker related joke

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This not biker related, but a friend just shared this with me, and I felt I should pass it along.

Ben Franklin once said: "In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria." In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli,(E. Coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop. However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer or tequila, rum, whiskey, (other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting. Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit. There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. It is my duty as your friend and also because of my deep concern for your health.

Glider Rider's response to yesterday's post is really F'n funny!

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Lady Rides a lot, A.K.A Glider rider http://ladyridesalot.blogspot.com/responded to yesterday's post with the three stages in a man's life. Really Funny!

Got to check it out. LMFAO!

http://ladyridesalot.blogspot.com/2008/06/three-stages-of-mans-life.html

Three things I know about women.

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Joker recently posted http://harley-davidson-mystique.blogspot.com/2008/06/say-hi-to-keeley.html Quote" I'd be home bonding with my two boys. I also missed a ride up to Bub's Barbecue this morning. Some times you just have to take one for the team - if you don't want to find all your stuff scattered all over your front lawn and driveway anyway."End quote.

I comment Joker for this, but it reminds me of the three things I know about women.

1) If she is happy, I am happy.

2) If she aint happy, aint no one happy.

and.....

3) If she aint happy for a really long time, I aint happy with half my sh*t!

But seriously, I make time for my family and give up riding time quite oftern because as much as I love motorcycles, riding and the biker brotherhood, I love my wife, kids, and family more than anything in the world.

O.K., I'm done being mushy now.

Tech. tip #6....Saving your scratched paint.

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Before you spend money on a paint job for a minor scrape or scratch, have a shop look at it to see if they can wet sand and buff out the scratch on the paint. Don’t be afraid to try wet sanding and buffing before paying for that new paint that someone is trying to sell you. You have nothing to loose.

When I used to work in a body shop, I did wet sanding and buffing all the time to get rid of scrapes and scratches. Plus, I usually did it for free. I was honest about it if I thought I could get out the scrape or scratch without burning through the clear coat. This was a great future sales technique, because a satisfied customer would always come back when they done F’d up their vehicle good in an accident. It was an almost guaranteed comeback to have their collision work done at the shop.

Try a detail shop if you don’t trust the body shop to be honest. The detail shop has nothing to gain by burning through the clear, as you would not have to pay for the job, or shouldn’t anyway if they did burn through your clear coat, where as the body shop does have something to gain, a paint job. However, I know lots of body shop guys who do the same thing I did when I was in the shops still. They too solicit free work on small jobs to gain a bigger future sale. Sometimes the small scratch wet sand and buff job isn’t even worth their paperwork, as it can take only a few minutes to get them out. You just have to feel the shop out, and go with your instincts to see if they are going to really try to help you, and not try to get a sale for paint by burning through the clear coat deliberately. Just like anything, there are honest shops, and not so honest shops.

Sometimes the scratches are just too deep, and that can’t always be found out without trying to wet sand and buff out the scratch. So if you find an honest shop and they try, they’ll be up front with you and let you know it is a 50/50 shot.

Buell Recalls 2008 1125R for Transmission Defect

8:44 AM motormags 0

Buell has issued a recall of certain 2008 1125R motorcycles.These vehicles can experience 5th gear galling on the clutch shaft due to lack of lubrication. This condition can allow the gear to seize to the shaft, resulting in rear wheel lock-up. This could result in a crash, which could cause injury or death to the rider.1579 units are affected.Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more

2008 Can-Am Spyder Roadster Road Test

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On the Motorcycle Views Forum there has been a discussion of the Can-Am™ Spyder™ Roadster. This is a so-called reverse trike with two wheels in front driven by one wheel in the back. I decided that I would test ride a Spyder™ at Americade 2008 at Roaring Brook Ranch (RBR) and report on it here.The Spyder is made by a Canadian company, Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP), located in

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Little Miss Bobber and CaptBlack

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Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery.See Little Miss Bobber on her 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Bobber and CaptBlack on his 1991 Honda ST1100.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

Consumer Reports and Motorcycles

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Well, I've been a subscriber to Consumer Reports (CR) for longer than I can remember. I even pay for subscriptions for my three adult children. Today, I saw that CR is now possibly getting into the business of evaluating entry-level motorcycles and scooters.Here's an excerpt from an article Motorists Move to Scooters and Motorcycles to Save from the Consumer Reports Blog:"Consumer Reports is

Trials Motorcycle Invades British Mansion

6:25 AM motormags 0

Well, since this video is making the rounds, I thought I might as well show it here too.If you've seen motorcycle trials riders before, this may not seem so unusual but the setting is. Dougie Lampkin, 12 times world trials champion, invades a British mansion on his bike and proceeds to take it room to room, even up a spiral staircase. The occupants, with British aplomb, barely notice he's there

Biker joke (Warning) "mildly explicit"

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Three men, a Doctor, and Lawyer, and Biker were sitting at a bar drinking, and shoting the sh*t.
They got to talking about what they got their wives for their last anniversaries.

The doctor took sip of his martini and said I got my wife a diamond ring and a Mercedes. That way if she didn't like the diamond ring, she would know how much I love her because of the very expensive car I bought her.

The lawyer took a sip of his scotch and said I got my wife a pearl necklace and a trip to the Bahamas. That way she would know how much I love her, even if she didn't like the necklace.

The biker took a big swig of his beer, farted, and burped, and said I got my wife a Harley t-shirt, and a vibrator. That whay if she didn't like the shirt she could go "F" herself.

Ba-Dum-Bum

Just because you can doesn't mean you necessarily should.

6:52 AM motormags 0

I, being a custom painter an all by ex trade, love all things custom. I do like some stock stuff too, but almost, (O.K.) everything I've ever owned, has practically been customized in some way. I used to not know when to quit. I couldn't always judge when enough was enough, and more was too much. My wife has been great at pointing out when I've reached this point over the years, and has helped me find subtlty in customs. This makes for a classy custom look, rather than loud and what I consider gaudy custom. I've been working on perfecting this over the years, and have actually started getting a reputation for subtle custom paint that some folks have noticed, and even commented on.

This brings me to, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you necesarily should."
I've been a fan of customs as long as I can remember. I do even love customs that are not subtle, however, I've seen some stuff out there that makes me wonder why? Again "Just because you can, doesn't mean you necesarily should."

I'm not going to pick on any one bike builder/artist, because without pushing the envelope on going to extremes, all things would remain stagnant, however, while pushing extremes, can't you look at the bike-paint job, etc. and go, O.K., that's enough, lets call it good before it goes to the point of being just plain rediculous. Who wants to ride this Sh*t anyway? And if it's just for show, What a waste. O.K. Done ranting. Thanks for listening to me. This post was inspired by a rediculous custom that I saw recently. Great bike builder known for Extremes.

2008 Vectrix All-Electric Maxi-Scooter Road Test

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This is a review of the 2008 Vectrix All-Electric Maxi-Scooter. It's based on a demo ride I recently took at Americade 2008. The Vectrix is made by Vectrix Corp. a company started in Europe in 1996 and now expanded into the USA.If you remember the futuristic vehicles on the Jetson's TV show, you'll feel right at home on the Vectrix. This is a Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV). It uses no gas and no

Just a phase... Yeah right!

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And your parents thought it was just a phase!

Boy did they get that one wrong!

2008 Thoroughbred Stallion Road Test

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This is a review of the 2008 Thoroughbred Stallion trike. It's based on a demo ride I recently took at Americade 2008. The Stallion is made by Thoroughbred Motorsports whose parent company is Motor Trike. I currently own two Motor Trikes. I converted my 1998 Gold Wing 1500 to a Motor Trike for my wife in late 1999. I then bought another Gold Wing for myself and converted it a Motor Trike in late

Been gone for awhile

4:51 AM motormags 0

Sorry about my absenteism on my comments last week, but I was on the North Shore on a camping trip with the wife and kids, and no computer service up there.

I brought back some pictures to share.

Cool lighthouse

Split Rock Lighthouse

Gooseberry Falls running with high fast water

More Gooseberry Falls

North Shore in the Gun Flint

I collect knives, So I had to bring home this souveneir!

I checked my google reader. Over 100 and some blog posts unread!
I'll never get caught up!
Nice to be back.

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - TRIX on his BMW K1200LT Trike

3:26 PM motormags 0

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery.See TRIX on his 2000 BMW K1200LT trike. There is no female winner this week. Please submit your picture to be considered for Picture of the Week.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

BMW Recalls 2006-2008 R1200 Series Motorcycles for Improper Front Brake Line Routing

9:12 AM motormags 0

BMW has issued a recall of certain 2007-2008 R1200R, 2006-2007 R1200GS and 2007 R1200ST motorcycles.Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, the brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake lines could split and start to develop a leak. If the leak became significant, brake fluid could escape. If this happened,

Ducati Recalls 2007-2008 1098, 1098S, and 1098 Tricolore for Rear Drive Sprocket Failure

9:05 AM motormags 0

Ducati has issued a recall of certain 2007-2008 1098, 1098S, and 1098 Tricolore motorcycles.The rear drive sprocket can fail. If the sprocket were to fail while the motorcycle is being driven, it is possible that the motorcycle will experience a sudden loss of power and/or the chain may become entangled with the chassis. This can result in a crash without prior warning. 3614 units are

Suzuki Recalls 2008 GSX1300R Model for Improper Routing of Ignition Switch Wiring

8:58 AM motormags 0

Suzuki has issued a recall of certain 2008 GSX1300R motorcycles.Improper routing of the ignition switch wiring harness can cause a bent portion of the wiring harness to flex rather than slide when the handlebar is moved from right to left or left to right. Repeated side-to-side movement of the handlebar, and flexing of the bent portion wiring harness, can eventually cause the ignition switch lead

BMW Recalls 2008 K1200GT and K1200S Models for Front Disc Brake Mounting Problem

8:53 AM motormags 0

BMW has issued a recall of certain 2008 K1200GT and K1200S motorcycles.The fasteners used to secure the front brake-disc may not be long enough to ensure a secure mounting. Over time, these fasteners could loosen. If that happened, the brake disc would no longer be securely mounted. Failure to observe the following precautions, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the rider's

BMW Recalls 2007-2008 F800S and F800ST for Fuel Tank Breather Hose Problem

8:45 AM motormags 0

BMW has issued a recall of certain 2007-2008 F800S and F800ST motorcycles.Due to the routing of the fuel tank breather hose, pressure equalization inside the fuel tank is possible only to a limited extent. Consequently, at high ambient temperatures, the fuel tank can deform. If this happened at the point where the fuel tank is shaped to provide clearance for the rear wheel, then, in combination

BMW Recalls 2008 K1200GT and K1200S Models for Oil System Problem

8:38 AM motormags 0

BMW has issued a recall of certain 2008 K1200GT and K1200S motorcycles.A set screw may not have been installed at its specific location within the oil duct. Consequently, an adequate supply of oil may not circulate within the engine. It is possible that connecting rod and crankshaft damage could occur. If this happened, the engine could seize. If the motorcycle was in gear, engine seizing could

Americade 2008 - Pictures

6:45 PM motormags 0

This year I'm publishing highlights of my activities at the 2008 Americade Motorcycle Rally, day by day in a blog. Americade is scheduled for June 2-7, this year. The blog will also include my preparation in getting ready to take the ride to Lake George, NY, my observations while there, the ride home, and getting back to normal.The trip will now also include intermediate stop-offs at at our son's

A beautiful picture from my ride today

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I was on a back country road takin in the scenery, and had to take a picure as it was such a breathtaking road.

Figured I'd share it with you.

Isn't it beautiful?

I did have to watch closely for sheep though. I didn't want to hit one with the bike!

Americade 2008 - Days 12-14

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New technology in elcetric motorcycles

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I hear there is a more powerfull longer lasting battery coming in the market that will make electric motorcycles the wave of the future.

Obummer

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Joker of Harley Davidson Mystique, recently did a political post called Obummer. http://harley-davidson-mystique.blogspot.com/2008/06/obummer.html

Well here is my custom painted gas tank version:

This is one of my friends at the bike shop washing sand out of a really nice custom bike's gas tank.

The owner of the bike must have really pissed someone off!

OBUMMER!!!!!

Gas prices skyrocketing again

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Derbi bike

4:00 AM motormags 0

This little gem is called The Derbi DH 2.0: a little emotion-producing factory.

This would be really fun to own.

It's taking its direction of the minimum to achieve the maximum. The name Derbi comes from “DERived from BIcycle” – this new creation, born in the ideas laboratory of the Catalan brand, was inspired in the downhill category, from which its gets its name (DH = Downhill, taking it to a new level: 2.0)

All information from this post has come directly from the DERBI site.
http://www.derbi.com/int/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=148&Itemid=83

Americade 2008 - Day 11

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Americade 2008 - Day 10

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Americade 2008 - Day 9

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Not related too much to bikers, but definately related to bloggers. Your computer is being hacked!

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Happy Friday All!
.

Americade 2008 - Day 8

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Americade 2008 - Day 7

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Questioned

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Borrowed from Rick Slark's Keep the rubber side down. http://keeptherubbersidedown.net/2008/06/04/questioned/

By the way. Thanks Rick!
Also a note that it is encouraged to either do one on his site in comments, or on anyone elses site including mine in comments, or simply copy and paste it from any other site, and do one of your own on your site. It would be nice to learn more about each other through this.

Questioned:

Favorite brand of bike? Harley Davidson

Favorite color of bike? Black and Chrome, with some subtle custom paint.

Do you always wear a helmet? No, never. Don't like the lack of vision, sound, or if going to a half helmet, the wind drag they give my melon. I don't have a windshield, seatbelt or airbags on my motorcycle either. Shame on me but I don't wear my seatbelt in a car either. I guess I figure in a car that a cage with airbags is safer that riding a motorcycle with or without a helmet.

Most miles ridden in a day? Never kept track, but my bike isn't made for touring. I'd guess 300-350 miles in one day at best.

Do you belong to a riding club? No, but I have several small groups of riders made up of friends I can ride with.

How many bikes do you currently own? Just one. I've never owned more than one at a time. This is my fourth, if you want to count my moped I had when I was 15 years old.

Do you wave at passing bikers? Most always, and to all kinds. I'm not biker predjudice, even though I prefer Harleys.

How many brand t-shirts do you own? Ten or so, but most are now grey Harley shirts that were once black. I only wear a couple in public.

Do people think you are obsessed with motorcycles? Yep, and damn proud of it. It is part of who I am.

What is your favorite type of riding? No preference, as long as I am riding. That is all that matters. I just love to ride.

Do you have any riding superstitions? Nope. Funny thing though, Lucky http://pizzacrusade.blogspot.com/2008/03/superstitious-bikers.html posted about superstitions, and I commented as follows:
Mr. Motorcycle said...
I'm not supersticious, except for that "knock on wood" thing. Don't know if I really believe in it all, but started doin it as a teenager and my wife does it now too. I think we do it out of habbit now more so than belief that it will actually do anything.I once had one of those bells on my bike. A friend gave it to me after I laid my bike down. Said I needed the good luck it would bring. It lasted about three rides before I ripped the damn thing off and chucked it into the woods. It drove me nuts. I haven't laid the bike down since.***You can't see me right now, but I'm Knocking On Wood.*** L.O.L.

Americade 2008 - Day 6

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One liner biker wit

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I'm not easily distrac-

Hey look a motorcycle!

part two military show at Traxlers

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I just had to share.
I saw some wicked mortars, cannons, and air show planes bombing, etc.
I love explosions, and blowing things up.
I know this is not part of motorcycle riding but I believe this is part of being an American, and part of my personality as a biker.

Barrels at about 200 yards away from the cannon.

I love carnage!

Military show at Traxlers this last weekend

4:00 AM motormags 0

I went to a military show this last Saturday with my Father inlaw at a gun club called Traxler's in LeCenter, MN.
I knew there would be cannons, mortars, an air show, and battle reinactment. It was really really cool. I took some pictures of all of it, but for brevity, will share with you some of the really cool motorcycles they had for show.

Enjoy.

I wasn't able to get the year of this sweet BMW below, because by the time I had the thought to get it, the bike was gone.