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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sons of Anarchy - New Motorcycle TV Show on FX
Friday, August 29, 2008
Staying calm in a time of crisis.
This reminded me of the many times I've had those kind of experiences of my own.
Here is just one example of staying calm during a crises.
One day while riding my Harley, my aftermarket Kuryaken forward controls shifter peg set up separated at the front ball joint where the shifter peg meets the shift rod lever and moments later, I ran out of gas. I was stranded, alone , and felt like panicking. The stress was killing me. But instead of panicking, I calmly assessed the situation. I looked at the separated ball joint. I'm not sure if it was defective, or if it just rattled apart or what. It was now like a dislocated socket. I was able to manage to put the two pieces back together, but I could not get the separated pieces to stay together. The ball joint needed a mechanical press or something like that to get the two pieces securely and permantly put back together. Of course I had nothing like this with me on the roadside, so I combed the ditches to see what I could find to temporarily fasten the two pieces together. I found an empty paper cup and straw that someone had discarded. I took the straw and used it as a tie to hold the shifter assembly together, and was so calmed down and relieved after that, I realized all I had to do now was hit the reserve and I should be on my way. Too bad I was unaware that my battery had also died. I was realizing that this was a comedy of errors. Before I left for this ride, I knew that my battery was dying. But I took the bike out for a ride to see if I could charge it up. I never anticipated that I would have a mechanical failure, and run out of gas, causing me to have to re-start the bike along the roadside. I was however, lucky enough that I had my cell phone with me. (I never ride without my cell phone.) So, I called my wife and asked her to bring jumper cables. She said she would be there as soon as she could. Now that I knew my wife was coming to my rescue, I was calm once again. I also knew that I have a bike trailer at home, and should the battery not jump start, I could rely on that as a last resort. I wasn't about to ask Mrs. M. to unload all the stuff out of the trailer, pull the heavy trailer out of the shed, hook it up and then drive it to me, only to find out after arriving that I could jumpstart the bike & ride it home. That might piss her off and may be way more work than necessary. It was a gamble either way, but I said just the cables were fine . I could always come back with the trailer if needed. I was just thankfull she was willing to bring me cables, and a ride home if I needed it. All that was left to do was wait for her. The Mrs. finally arrived, the jumper cables were hooked up to her SUV and my bike, and I was able to jump start life back into the motor.
Alas, I was finally back on the road with my wife following me home to make sure this comedy of errors did not go any more wrong than it already had.
In the safety and calmness of my own
Calmness, ingenuity & perseverance prevailed. (And yeah, the cell phone and wife as back up are always a good thing.)
Mrs. M.,
I know you're reading this, so thanks for saving that day for me!
Buell Recalls 2007-2008 Blast for Fuel Leak Defect
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Motion Pro Recalls Aftermarket Brake Levers for Suzuki Motorcycles
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wear a Motorcycle
How prepaired for a burglary, or house fire are you?
I recently ran across a post on Unbreakable bonds , where someone’s home was burglarized. It made me think about sharing some good advice to all my friends/readers out there in internet land.
I am an insurance adjuster, and I have a lot of claims that I handle for losses of this nature. In cases of a burglary or a house fire, you run the potential to loose a lot of personal property at once. Remembering what was stolen, or in case of a fire loss, what was burned can sometimes be difficult, especially if the list is long, let alone try to remember how much you paid for it, how old it was, where you purchased it, and trying to prove you actually owned it. My best advice to folks is to take an hour or so, get a camcorder, and do a video diary of each and every little thing that you would claim in case of a major loss. I mean everything! I know this will sound silly, but even include all of the little things like your underwear. You don't need each and every piece, but a general shot inside each drawer, etc. It gives you and the insurance adjuster a good idea of what you had, and also helps to discredit that you might be exaggerating your loss. Be sure to take close ups of model #'s on electronics, etc. This will help when looking for a comparable replacement.
Furthermore, watching the video after a loss while filling out a personal property loss worksheet with your adjuster, will help jog your memory and help you realize what might be missing that you would maybe not realize until much later when you go to look for it and use it. Many times these types of things get brought up long after the claim is settled because people forgot they had it until they went to use it and it was gone. You can’t possibly remember everything. As best as possible, getting all or most of your items listed right away without forgetting anything is important, because insurance claims do have statutes of limitations for coverage. Sometimes claims are limited to one year from the date of the loss for replacement cost coverage to apply, and two years for coverage to apply at all. Such is the case for the state that I'm in, and for the company that I work for.
Once you have the recording done and burned onto a CD, give the disk to your insurance agent to put in your file for safekeeping, or put it in a safety deposit box, or better yet, make an extra copy and do both. Saving receipts and owner's manuals is also a great idea.
Finally, remember to do an update disc about once a year. You don’t have to do the whole thing over, just video newly purchased items. Also, if you know you no longer own something previously recorded, make a verbal or written note for your file. This is also good for putting credit to your honesty in settling your claim.
I know this may sound like a headache, but believe me, if you ever have one of these losses, you'll be thankful you put the time in on this.
I know I spoke plenty of insurance jargon, and if you don’t understand something, please feel free to ask. You can ask me through comments, or my e-mail address is 1mrmotorcycle@gmail.com. Though I admit I don’t have all the answers, I’m happy to solicit any advice I can for free on what I do know.
Mr. Motorcycle
Monday, August 25, 2008
Variety is the spice of life.
They say variety is the spice of life. Well I guess not all of us can be content with just owning a bike for fun.
One of my friends, Scott Storms , owner/operator of Stormy Custom Bike Works actually owns this miniature Submarine, and it actually works. How cool is that!
I was at the shop a few days ago talking about what we were going to do with my license plate set up, and just had to take a few pictures, seing as it was at the shop. I had heard him talk about it several times before, but was amazed at how cool this thing really was once I got to see it with my own eyes.
He is having talks with the MN DNR, last I heard and it sounded like they were going to rent use of it once in a while.
I tried to talk him into painting it yellow. He wouldn't bite! LOL!
Friday, August 22, 2008
DOT Vs. Snell approved helmets
This is really interesting. I thought you should know.
First off, for this post anyway (SMF) will refer to the Snell Memorial Foundation, NOT Stupid Mother F*cker. LOL!
There are two key differences between a DOT and Snell approved helmet.
First, is the testing standards the helmets go through, and second, is the verification of the results.
The Snell Memorial Foundation (SMF) was founded in 1957 just after William Snell, A.K.A. Pete, died from massive head trauma from a race car accident. (SMF) is a non-profit organization that focuses on learning more about the components of head injuries, & how to prevent them by using helmets. Through their research (SMF) has developed the Snell standard for approving helmets. It is continually tested and updated every five years.
Although both testing processes are very similar, (SMF) requires their certified helmets to withstand a greater impact and absorb more force than the DOT approved helmets.
Both (SMF) and DOT standards drop the head forms on flat and round shaped anvils in order to simulate different types of impacts. However, Snell also uses an edged anvil that specifically tests the integrity of the helmet's shell.
DOT and Snell test each helmet two times at four different impact zones. DOT drops their helmets from 6 feet on the flat anvil and from a 4.5 feet on the round anvil. Snell drops the helmets from 10 feet and 7.5 feet on both anvils, which simulates a more severe impact.
While there is no guarantee that a DOT approved helmet has actually been tested, the purchase of a Snell approved helmet ensures that the product has been evaluated under scrutiny. A Snell-certified helmet also meets and exceeds the DOT standards.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Motorcycle Helmets and helmet laws
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Motorcycle Pictures - Our Readers and Their Motorcycles
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Making lots of Money with Ads on a blog, Can it be done?
I must admit, I do check my stats from time to time just out of curiosity, but the longer I blog, the more traffic I get, & the less I seem to be caring about stats, and trying to make money blogging.
Quite honestly the only thing I've ever purchased through a blog is a really cool Sturgis T-shirt that I got from The Beach Cruiser. Had it been on a Google Ad Sense Ad, or Amazon Ad in the side bar of their blog, I would have never looked at it, let alone purchased the shirt. I saw it through their Sturgis Store because it was a post, not a side bar advertisement. Side bar advertisements seem a little over rated to me. I could be wrong, but have chatted with some pretty big players in the blogging world, and they seem to sometimes have trouble making any dough doing this as well. Let me know if I'm wrong here. Hell, I'd love to be wrong on this one. I'd love for someone to tell me how I can make all this money blogging without it becomming my new full time job. Just some side mulah would be nice.
For now, I’m going to continue blogging for free and as a hobby. I make nothing doing this, but its fun, & entertaining.
Are any of you making any money???? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
Disclaimer…..If anyone wants to give me money, I’ll gladly take it!
LOL!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Harley-Davidson Recalls 2008 FLH and FLTR for Fuel Filter Shell Defect
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Chloe and Winter Warrior
Friday, August 15, 2008
Oh Fu@k!
My bike's gotta go into the shop to have a new rear tail light/license plate mount fabricated. I've got to do something, and figure it out fast, if I want to ride in the state of Minnesota without getting a ticket.
As of August first, Minnesota legislation piggy backed onto a bill, that license plates now all have to be mounted and displayed horizontally. This kind of Sh*t really pisses me off! I can't stand it that they are allowed to tag things onto other bills. Each one should be individual. This B.S. passed, and I'm pissed!!!! What's next, I ask???
See http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/PlBrochure/PlateFrame.htm for more details. I never even saw it coming until well after the law took effect. My friend told me three days ago. It was confirmed to me when I took my bike to Stormy's Custom Bike works yesterday to have Kenny checked out. Brad, one of the mechanics there gave me the e-mail address above that confirms it.
Had I got any prior notice of this, I would have feuded it guns a blazing!, O.K. maybe an Internet petition, and a letter to the State.
I wonder how this will effect other bikers visiting Minnesota, or just passing through. I wonder how hard they will push giving out tickets for violating this newly passed law.
Even though we don't have a helmet law here in Minnesota, when one of us Minnesotans are traveling through a state that does, and you ain't wearin one, You better bet your sweet @ss they won't give you a break, just 'cause you're not from there. Your gettin a big fat ticket my friend. I'm guessin they'll ticket anyone and everyone they can for this new violation here as well.
Fair warning my friends, fair warning... Don't say Mr. M. never told you so!
And to think, I just got my new low mount set up a short while ago.
And it's not as easy as just turning the plate. The mount backing plate is a piece of welded, polished stainless steel that I had to have custom fabricated, because no one makes good stuff for Sporters. Now not only do I have to physically make the change, and spend so more dough, It will change the look of the bike. Not for the better either I might add.
Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
New Motorcycle Runs on Air?
Biker joke.........Too Little, Too Late
So the guy says,
Undaunted, I ripped the chain out of his nose and ear and smashed him over the head with the tire iron. Then I turned around and, wielding my tire iron, yelled to the rest of them, "You leave this poor, innocent lady alone! You're all a bunch of sick, deranged animals! Go home before I teach you all a lesson in pain!"
Impressed, St. Peter says,
"Oh, about two minutes ago."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the Nations largest and most attended State Fairs around. It runs this year August 21st through Labor Day September 1st.
Each Year it averages Aprox. 1.5 to 2 million atttendees. It is some of the best people watching on the planet as ALL walks of life visit this fair each year. This year, 2008 should be no different.
It is is held on a 320 acre permanent fairground located roughly halfway between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, MN. It is marketed as "The Great Minnesota Get Together". It is indeed one of the largest state fairs in the United States. It is one of the most popular such events in the country. It boasts six stages of live entertainment, more than 700 free live performances, 1,300 commercial exhibits, and 300 food booths.
One of the best things about the fair is obviously the food. My family goes to the fair about 2 out of every 3 ears. We each have our own list of "must have" food items. Many of which are Minni donoughts, Sweet Martha's Chocolate chip cookies, Pronto Pups, Dino's Gyros, Corn roast sweet corn on the cob, etc. etc. etc. The list goes on.
I find it very interesting that just about everything comes on a stick of some sorts now days. At the Minnesota State Fair this year there will be approximately 59 differents foods on a stick. see youtube vid.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-5Lr2IhB_o
One of the many foods on a stick is the porkchop on a stick. a PORKCHOP ON A STICK IS REAL!
I've done my own sick and twisted homage to this.
***(CAUTION. DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!)****
MMMMMM, Tasty!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Motorcycle Pastimes in the August Sun
Friday, August 8, 2008
Biker or not?
I read a lot of other people’s blogs and comments about what makes one a biker and what makes one a poser, or just a bike enthusiast.
I think the word “BIKER” and what it means is subjective to opinions.
The term “bar hopper” comes to mind right off the bat. Many times, I’ve read: not quoted, but implied, that if you have a bar hopper, and don’t go touring that you are not a true biker. I’ve recently read a post where the blogger himself decided he was not a biker, just a bike enthusiast because of the way he looked, versus the way one of his friends looked. To me it is more, how long you've been riding, how much passion you have for riding, how much burning desire you have to ride, even when you can't ride. If you get in a motorcycle accident, and live to ride another day, do you ride, or hang it up? When you see a bike, no matter what kind, is there a part of you that thinks, “That’s cool, I love it anyway”? If the burning desire to ride, consumes the back of your brain while you are doing something other than riding, and if every ounce of your soul says “I am a biker”. Well then my friend, in my book you are a biker. To me that is more of a biker than not. If you judged a biker by the way they look, or how often they “get” to ride, then you may as well judge them by what they ride, the color of their skin, the price of their motorcycle, what kind of house they go home to, Etc. Etc, Etc……
Ladies and gentlemen, ……..I AM A BIKER; are you?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Biker joke
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Fisherman's Picnic Weekend photos
These photos were taken by my wife. She so gracioulsy allowed me to borrow them, and post them for you to see.
I hope you like them. This is just a glimpse of the beauty that is Grand Marais, MN , and the Gunflint Trail.
Grand Marais, MN Harbor
Grand Marais, MN Harbor
One of the many beautiful lakes in the Gunflint Trail
An alien creature spotted in one of our cabins
We went moose huntuing...(pics only). We do this each year.
This time we only managed to see this little jumper. But
notice, if photographed closely, even a grasshoper can be
beautiful in it's own way.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Grand Marais Fisherman's Picnic Weekend
Saturday, August 2, 2008
BMW Recalls Certain 2007 Motorcycle Models for Steering Damper Problem
Friday, August 1, 2008
A moment of shame that I had to bear for something I did not do.
The service writer, the service technician and I were going over what I needed to have done to my car. We started B.S.- ing about riding motorcycles, because they saw the Harley sticker on my car.
They asked, "Do you ride?", and the answer was of course, "Yes."
I asked, "Do you guys ride?" They both replied, "Yes".
Long story short....
The service writer was on his way back to the service writer's booth area to do some paperwork to put me in a free laoner for a few hours while they worked on the Charger. The Tech. lowered my car down from being hoisted, so I could get some personal belongings out of the car. While lowering the car, he asks me, "Do you have a Harley?" I proudly say "Yes."
He then replies, "I've got a bike, but it's only a Kawasaki." I say, "Only a Kawasaki?, You say that like you are ashamed of it." He says, "No, but it ain't a Harley." I told him, "Who cares! If you're into Kawasaki's, then you are into Kawasakis. You don't need to apologize." He said, "That's nice to hear from someone who rides a Harley. Because about 8 out of ten times I wave to someone riding a Harley, they don't wave back." I said, "That's Bullshit that that happens. People shouldn't care what you are riding as long as you are out there having fun. That's what it's all about, not what you're riding. Most guys I ride with, including me, don't give a shit about what anyone else rides. I love Harleys, but that's just me. I wave to people riding scooters."
At that particular moment, I truly felt ashamed to be associated with a crowd that acts this way. It's not what I see, but then again, I'm sure it happens too. Isn't what we preach that bikers help ALL bikers, no matter what? It's like an unwritten code of biker ethics or creed in the biker world. It is what the brotherhood of bikers is about to me. So why wouldn't you recriprocate this feeling of brotherhood to ANY biker waving to you? Any wone who snubs a wave for the sole reason of what the other person is riding, or not riding, should be completely ASHAMED! I guess what I'm trying to say here, is that we all have preferences on what to ride, and what we think is the best. But none of that changes the person who is riding it. We are all equal, even if we don't think the motorcycles each of us chooses to ride are. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Do I think Harley Davidson is the best damn bike on this planet... You bet! But just 'Cause I love Harleys doesn't mean anyone else has to. I give an honest and sincere statement here when I say, I don't care what you ride.
Peace to ALL riders!
Mr. Motorcycle