I am in the planning stages of my trip. One thing is that I do NOT want to use chain motels or restaurants but local "mom & pop" places. If any of you have traveled the Trans Canada highway and/or gone into Alaska to Anchorage I would love to hear about locally owned restaurants and motels that are a must to stop at or a must to avoid. Please include a "why" with your answer. Thanks to y'all in advance.

Share This

http://s696.photobucket.com/albums/vv325/Hamtaro1456/?action=view&current=biketrailer.jpg
The password is "hamtaro".
Please give me your opinions on it.
Also, how should I attach wheels?
Thanks!

Share This

Ok I am new to airbrushing, and I am planning on buying my first airbrush/ spraygun. I know I need an air compressor, and I have my eye on some of those, but I need to know which air compressor is better for what I need. I will be using this on a motorcycle sized helmet, and I want the paint reservoir to hold enough paint to hold the whole thing. Which is better:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DeVILBISS-FinishLine-3-Primer-HVLP-SPRAY-GUN-1.8-&-2.2_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQimsfpZTL090616032005r34373QQimsxZ20090616QQitemZ200352748696QQsalenotsupported

http://www.tcpglobal.com/airbrushdepot/abdevdagr.aspx

Share This

I am a 23 year old graduating college who is getting the motorcycle itch. I am aware of the 0+ estimated extra costs beyond the motorcycle itself (helmet, riding jacket, etc).

I am thinking of taking some beginner courses to see if motorcycling is for me & getting my motorcycle endorsement. If I like it so far, I will then consider buying a Sport bike. I don't want a sport bike to be an idiot and go moronically fast, only in city/highway speeds. I just have never liked cruiser bikes all that much in terms of style and how I sit on them.

From reading, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 would seem like a good choice - used of course since the preponderance of the info says I will drop it in the first year or so.

What other brands should I keep in mind at the dealer and craigslist?

or

Am I just an idiot who is bound to kill himself and should turn away before even spending a dime?

Thanks

Share This

Motorcycle dealers don't do dealer prep & set up 'til you've already signed to buy the durned thing. How am I going to know what's best for me unless I can ride one for a few minutes?
Anyway, I want to ride the following motorcycles, for only a few minutes, mind you, to figure out if one of them, and which one, is best for me.
Kawasaki Ninja 500r, Kawasaki Vulcan 500, Suzuki Bandit 650s, Suzuki V-Strom 650.
I mean, whenever I go to a car dealer, the first thing they try to do is to get me test driving something! Wouldn't it be nice if motorcycle dealers were like that too?

Share This

Hey there.
I'm just getting my M2 after taking a motorcycle course, and i'm looking at the Suzuki GS500F as my starter bike. Is this a good choice? I've heard so many people getting 250's as their starter, but then in a few months they want something bigger, so i'm hoping to dodge that stone & buying a medium sized one.
I'm 5'4 & normal weight. Anyone have advice on this bike? I was told that the seat may be a bit too high for me.

Share This

A friend bought a motorcycle to save gas money.
0 - motorcycle, 0 - new tires, 0 - helmet = 00 expenditure so far. (I hope she gets leathers!) I've got the math up to this point. But the rest of the figuring I'm not sure how to handle:

Her car gets 30 miles per gallon.
Her motorcycle gets 40 miles per gallon.

Considering the 00 expenditure, how many miles will she have to drive before she will realize a savings?
Roderick, with paper & pencil in hand I'm trying to follow your reasoning. I get it until "So, 1200 x 30 = 36000"

What do the 1200 & 30 represent & why multiple those 2 together?

Thanks.

(Please pardon my ignorance, I want to understand the reasoning so I can do the math for myself if there is a next time...)
Duh... Never mind, I got it. Thanks!

Share This

My bf & I are taking a motorcycle trip next week on his Harley(2005 Sportster) We r visiting my parents in Iowa, then taking a trip north to Minnesota/Wisconsin. However, my a$$ kills me on these trips.Is there a way to cushion my butt on this trip without having to buy a new seat?
LOL... I am not wearing a diaper
Awww Reality Check. U my buddy,but I'm too hot to be in a side car. LOL

Share This

We are taking a motorcycle trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway next week and I was hoping to use my iPhone for day to day planning and accommodations. I have AT&T as my service provider.

Share This

I am one of the owner in Libya of the old classis motorcycle1959 BMW Model: R60. i would like to by two new Carbuettors for it haw & wear can i do the.

Share This

I really want one but my mom thinks theirs no point and I'll kill my self the first day.

She knows I'm responseable enough but is afraid of her little boy growing up. My dad is ok with it as long as she is.

1. I'm 15, 2 mouths from my 16th birthday

2. The bike is a CBR600RR
http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/sport/model.asp?ModelName=CBR600RR&ModelYear=2008&ModelId=CBR600RR8

3. They're planing on buying me a car, but the bike is only 8,000

4. I like the looks of sports bikes and how they feel, so I'm not going to speed cause I know I can get hurt doing that on a bike.

5. South Carolina doesn't require helmets but I plan on wearing one along with other safty gear

6. gas mileage is alot better on bikes which is good with gas prices now.

7. The only wrong reason I want one is that girls like guys who ride bikes.

please only put anwswers that apply to my question and none that say how i'm to young
they wear planing on getting me a car a long time before I even wanted the bike
sorry if the "girls like guys with bikes" offended you, I only ment alot of girls I know
I driven bikes with alot more power, my uncle has acouple that he let my drive alone (i have a bike licence)
I've driven raceing qality bikes that have 1000cc
I have been driveing bikes for a year an a half parents don't know that but I do know how to ride. and the only place i ride FAST is at a drag strip my town has(no raceing)

Share This

I'm looking into buying a VTX1800N
And I'm wondering if any Honda owners could give me any insight into what Chrome & Extras I should add. (Safety wise more than looks) What are the must haves?

Please no "American V.S. Jap bike" quips... I own a Harley, I love it and will never get rid of it, It's just getting on in years and the newer ones are out of my price range.

Share This

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=outwr_coats_jackets&product_id=2064226014&Page=all

I know that's not leather but I bought it thinking it was still considered to be part of that leather jacket/motorcycle jacket trend, but now I'm not sure. If its not then I'm planning to return it. Someone please help me? Thanks!

Share This

I am moving to Cali, & I am looking at a 250cc Honda Rebel to buy for transportation

any other tips ?

Share This

I was griping about my Bridgestone Battlax BT-020 tires not gripping (sliding) at their limits until this past Friday. I remembered at the last second that I needed to go to the grocery store. A late stab at a corner and impulsive grab at the brakes had me sliding both wheels while leaned over way too far. "High side or low side?", I thought. But I steered into the slide and the Ninja 650R stood upright without drama. Now I LIKE the idea of tires that slide at their limits, except that I'd like the limits to be greater than those available on the BT-020's (especially when wet.)

Any personal experience, recommendations, or suggestions would be welcome.
By the way, the tires grip great as long as they are not underinflated or cold.
Correction: They grip great unless they are wet, cold, or underinflated.
The slide was unintentional. But it beats the hell out of being high sided into a bus or low-siding underneath its wheels, wouldn't you say?
Any chance that the Metzeler tires might overwhelm the frame and cause head shake or rear wheel shimmy problems?
Technically, I was in a skid and not a slide. I found this very informative link: http://www.msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=001&Set=001-031
After reading it, I realize how lucky I am that the bike and tire combination are so closely matched that the bike could actually stand back up after having been leaned over 45 degrees or so and I skidded out the rear tire! Thank you Kawasaki and Bridgestone engineers!
Hey Camel,

It wasn't a power slide. It was technically a skid.

This described the physics of what happened:
http://www.msgroup.org/Tip.aspx?Num=101&Set=

I just can't imagine a set of sticky rubbers letting my bike come back up to vertical without bouncing my helmet off the high side first. I'm looking for tires that let you know they've reach their limits by slight drifting and not surprising you with a sudden low side. Also, am not looking for ice-skating rubbers.
Thanks to everybody for their concern and advice, but maybe I should rephrase my question.

"If I should inadvertently slide, which tires are known for recovering from slides safely?"

Or conversely, "Which tires seem to set their riders up for violent high sides, and should be avoided?"

Share This

I want to build something like this-
http://www.amazon.com/InStep-Take-2-Bike-Trailer/dp/B000EHY3G6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1236800464&sr=8-4

I have something I can use for the cloth top, but I need some ideas for the other parts. I thought maybe a square base and then PVC pipe to hold the cloth up. I don't know what I would make the base out of because it would have to be sturdy and water proof.

I also don't know how I would attach it to my bike. I also have a bike rack similar to this- http://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-1003202-EX-1-Bicycle-Rack/dp/B000BNS2U6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1236801137&sr=1-2

Any ideas?
Also, I'm trying to stay cheap compared to buying one, so please keep that in mind.
This trailer isn't for passengers or anything. I ride my bike to the store a lot and to summer marching band rehearsals, and I need something to carry a lot of stuff.

I have a lot of metal shelving for like, closets. We re-designed our house this year, and my dad replaced his sleving with something different. He saved all the old shelves.

Share This

I am interested in buying a Suzuki GN125. It has 12,000 miles on the clock, a 125cc engine (i need a learner bike), is 8 years old, MOTed until November. The bike is in full working order but has a few minor cosmetic flaws. It's a gorgeous bike and I really like it. The Ebay listing is here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270242599143&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

What do you think? It is at £650 so far and I would have to travel 44 miles to pick it up and pay £27 to hire a traillor (i wouldn't be comfortable riding it home that distance and I need to drive the car back).

How much should I go up to?

Thanks in advance.
I am in the UK, so I cannot use the American websites to check - I do not have a zipcode (it will not allow me to enter an English one).

Share This

I've owned various "cruiser" style motorcycles since 1999 and have developed a passion for riding which probably only other riders could understand. My wife has become increasingly anxious about my riding and say she can't stand it when I pull out of the driveway on it. Now that we have kids (ages 2 & 6) it has increased her anxiety and she is now telling me I HAVE to sell the bike. She feels "sorry" about it but that just makes me feel worse and more selfish regarding my strong desire to keep it.

I am having great difficulty parting with something that gives me so much pleasure but I'm (stubbornly) willing to do so for a few years while our kids are growing up. My greatest fear, however, is that when the time comes that I want to buy another bike, my wife will continue to resist.

I know riding has its risks associated with it, but I accept those risks and attempt to mitigate them (stay away from highway, wear helmet, etc.) Am I being too selfish by asking for a little leeway?

Share This

http://www.pcpmotorsports.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=08043482X5K15K2008J4I01I36JAMQ1706R0&veh=24534&pov=707455

follow that link. I was decided to buy a meanstreak 2008 vulcan or a vulcan 900 custom tomorrow but im following experienced riders advice here. They said get a starter bike i dont have to regret dropping. so ive decided to get this one...a 2006 suzuki gz 250.

so how much should i ask for? im no way in hell buying it for 2,600...

any feed back on these motorcycles by the way?

Share This

I am looking to purchase my first motorcycle and I came across this 1993 Yamaha XJ600 Seca II with 18,000 miles. It started right up. New front & rear tires, New battery. Looks good. But my question is 18,000 miles on a motorcycle worth buying? The person wants ,000.00. I am pretty sure I will buy it. I just would like some information from some people who know motorcycles. I do not know much about them at all. All I know is I want one.

Thanks everyone!
Thanks everyone. Your input is much appreciated!

Share This

What is the name of this motorcycle helmet? Despite the fact it's got the KTM logo printed on it, is it an actual commercial helmet that I can buy or was it specially manufactured to promote the KTM? Or is it just an Arai or AGV that has been painted and had the "KTM" sticker pasted onto it? There are various other cool helmets that seem to have been specifically made for the company of the motorcycle, such as Piaggio and Honda. So, if it exists for sale at the shop, what's the name (model name) of the helmet? Please check the link below:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ktm-rc8r.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/breaking-price-and-release-dates-for-new-ktm-models/&usg=__QqHQVaQqc_0HfaaMAcu54I_RYuo=&h=412&w=700&sz=62&hl=en&start=13&itbs=1&tbnid=PH-_j9kG2lyBqM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=140&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dktm%2Bsuperduke%2B990r%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff

Share This

I am, admittedly, a novice motorcyclist. Based on recommendations from friends I went out and bought a new bike recently. To say I have had problems would be an understatement. I have been told, again by friends, that this is normal. Yesterday I took the bike back to the dealer to again try and have a problem repaired and had an interesting conversation with the service department. When I asked about what was causing the problem, he suggested that I needed more accessories for the bike and proceeded to try and sell me some leather bags. When I asked him how that was going to help me with my problem he said this: "Son, don't you know what kind of bike you own, these so called problems you are experiencing are just part of riding, relax, buy your self something new for the bike and don't let anyone convince you there is any thing wrong with the bike. So I ask you all out there in Cyberspace: "What kind of a bike do I own"?
Thanks for the initial responses. I obviously know the manufacturer of the bike, some have guessed it correctly. The question is; "What kind of bike do I own"? The service guy's comments are what prompted the question when he implied (Stated) I was suppose to just accept the situation and buy something "Shiny".
OK OK I give, Its a Harley Sportster, my problem is that parts just fall of of it and vibrates so hard my hands hurt when I park it. I took a riding course prior to buying it and rode an older Honda (Much Older). That bike was so incredibly smooth (At least in comparison) that I was really looking forward to just going out and riding around the country side. But now I just want to park it and proably sell it. What is acceptable here? The dealership and my friends have been no help as they just expect me to accept the situation.
Liked all the answers but I'll tell you; I would rather ride it than have to work on it. I just sold it and bought a Yamaha V-Max. WOW, what a difference. Perfectly smooth and no parts falling off. My friends are unhappy but if I have to locktite parts back on to keep them from falling off? Well, I seriously doubt I'll ever own another Harley! Yamaha Dealership was also much more focused on what I needed to ride safely instead of "Shiny" items. Again thanmks for all the input.

Share This

So I'm at Chaparral looking for a new helmet. I find a pink and black one I thought looked nice but my guy friends I ride with told me to get the plain black one because pink "embarrasses" them. What the hell is that? I told them to shut up and bought it anyways but is it that bad to wear pink gear? I see girls all the time in it.. Opinions?
Why should I? I like pink, sue me.

Share This

I saw someone in my basement with a suzuki something, it was a black sports bike which is exactly what i'm looking for. Anyone know what kind it might be? I think the person is probably around 5'2"-5'3" from the look of the bike which is the size and build i want, anybody have any suggestions? Anybody possibly know what it is? Any suggestions on a first bike for a shorter person? I heard the ninja is good.

Share This