My apologies for the title. I just couldn't help myself.
Dick and I made a trip up to Rogers this past weekend to help Randy with his move down to Cabot. Charlie made an appearance dancing the Foxtrot but we managed to get Randy moved and settled. It's good to have him within casual visiting distance again.
We are so gonna have to get a road-trip planned now.
Showing posts with label Motorcycles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Motorcycles. Show all posts
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
New Motorcycle Stuff
Well, I just dropped quite a bit on accessories for my bike. There are two things that I've complained about on multiple occasions about my bike. The first is that I have to lean forward somewhat to reach the handlebars. It being a cruiser (2005 Honda VTX 1300C), it's meant for the rider to lean back while riding. Unfortunately, due to my height (an abnormal amount of which is in the torso) and my normalish arms, the standard setup just doesn't work. To that end, I've purchased a set of pull-back risers. These bring the standard bars back about 2.25". One of the guys at work installed a set of these on his back this past weekend, so I got the chance to take a look at it on Monday. It definitely changes the looks of the bike. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first. Then I sat down and gripped the bars. Now I don't care what it looks like. It's just too comfortable.
The second issue I've had is with the mirrors. I'm a big guy with broad shoulders and the standard mirror stems just don't cut it for looking directly behind me. If I want to check the lanes to either side, there's no problem. So, I've ordered a set of mirrors with tall stems that should work nicely.
Now I just need to save up enough to get a Mustang seat, driving light bar, and floorboards.
Edit: Oooh, and a bluetooth headset!
The second issue I've had is with the mirrors. I'm a big guy with broad shoulders and the standard mirror stems just don't cut it for looking directly behind me. If I want to check the lanes to either side, there's no problem. So, I've ordered a set of mirrors with tall stems that should work nicely.
Now I just need to save up enough to get a Mustang seat, driving light bar, and floorboards.
Edit: Oooh, and a bluetooth headset!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I Have The Wierdest Luck
So, I ordered a mesh jacket and saddlebags from an online retailer (I won't go into the who/where until this is played out). The order goes through and all seems fine.
Then I get an email a couple days later. It seems that the jacket I ordered is on extended backorder. It won't be available until late July/early August. They told me that I was free to let this order sit until the jacket is available or I can go ahead and swap to a different jacket. So, I get to looking around and I see a different jacket that has some features that I like for only about $20 more. So, I send an email asking if this jacket is available and if so, go ahead and swap it out.
The very next day, I get a couple of voicemails on my cell (which I forgot and left at home) telling me that the saddlebags I ordered have been recalled due to faulty materials. Materials that make up the very functionality that caused me to pick this particular maker.
*Sigh*
After playing phone tag with the person who initially called me, I managed to catch him via email. It seems that the manufacturer recalled every single one of their bags.
During this time, I'm still awaiting response from the guy who contacted me about my jacket. I don't get one until the following Tuesday (he contacted me originally on Thursday). He apologized for the delay and explained that he had been out of the office on Monday and responded as soon as he could. He confirmed that the jacket was available and asked if I wanted to go ahead with purchasing it. Of course I said yes, and the jacket should have shipped out yesterday or today.
I got a phone call at lunch today from the same gent who told me that the saddlebags had been recalled. It seems that the recalled bags had already been replaced and are ready to ship! I gave him my info over the phone and when I got home, I had an email waiting on me saying that FedEx has received the package and it's on its way.
So far, I must say that I am impressed with their responsiveness. There was a bit of a lapse in response time but the explanation for that is completely understandable. And their tenacity in getting things lined out combined with their polite nature really struck me favorably.
We shall have to wait and see how this turns out.
Then I get an email a couple days later. It seems that the jacket I ordered is on extended backorder. It won't be available until late July/early August. They told me that I was free to let this order sit until the jacket is available or I can go ahead and swap to a different jacket. So, I get to looking around and I see a different jacket that has some features that I like for only about $20 more. So, I send an email asking if this jacket is available and if so, go ahead and swap it out.
The very next day, I get a couple of voicemails on my cell (which I forgot and left at home) telling me that the saddlebags I ordered have been recalled due to faulty materials. Materials that make up the very functionality that caused me to pick this particular maker.
*Sigh*
After playing phone tag with the person who initially called me, I managed to catch him via email. It seems that the manufacturer recalled every single one of their bags.
During this time, I'm still awaiting response from the guy who contacted me about my jacket. I don't get one until the following Tuesday (he contacted me originally on Thursday). He apologized for the delay and explained that he had been out of the office on Monday and responded as soon as he could. He confirmed that the jacket was available and asked if I wanted to go ahead with purchasing it. Of course I said yes, and the jacket should have shipped out yesterday or today.
I got a phone call at lunch today from the same gent who told me that the saddlebags had been recalled. It seems that the recalled bags had already been replaced and are ready to ship! I gave him my info over the phone and when I got home, I had an email waiting on me saying that FedEx has received the package and it's on its way.
So far, I must say that I am impressed with their responsiveness. There was a bit of a lapse in response time but the explanation for that is completely understandable. And their tenacity in getting things lined out combined with their polite nature really struck me favorably.
We shall have to wait and see how this turns out.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Spreading the Love
It seems that I really am a bad influence.
Junyor contacted me a few days ago via Yahoo Messenger to ask about motorcycles. Seems he'd picked up the itch from me. (Or maybe it's just the insane gas prices. I'm gonna claim credit regardless.) I began by asking him a few questions about what his intended uses were gonna be. Seems he had been looking around already and was eyeing a couple of 250cc bikes already.
As with Richard, I just had to point out that a 250cc bike will get excellent gas mileage - but there's a trade-off. Junyor was intending to ride his new bike back and forth to work (approximately a 40 mi. round trip). While the gas mileage would rock on trips like this, I pointed out that the downside would be a lighter bike that is easily pushed around by wind, both natural and that generated by larger, passing vehicles, and a bike that would be pushing its power limits on Dallas' bypass-like tollways.
We ended the conversation with Junyor looking seriously at a Honda Shadow VT750c2. It should provide him with enough power to keep him interested (and safe) for a good while, enough weight to stabilize him on blustery/high-traffic days, a seat low enough to fit him comfortably, and still get good gas mileage.
Now we just need to get Richard fixed up with a bike.
As an aside, I was finally able to get a decent idea of the gas mileage my bike is capable of. I had to switch to reserve tank yesterday on my way to work. I filled up on my way home and calculated the mileage as 32.25mpg. Not bad, considering that better than half of the driving was done just 2-3 miles per trip.
Junyor contacted me a few days ago via Yahoo Messenger to ask about motorcycles. Seems he'd picked up the itch from me. (Or maybe it's just the insane gas prices. I'm gonna claim credit regardless.) I began by asking him a few questions about what his intended uses were gonna be. Seems he had been looking around already and was eyeing a couple of 250cc bikes already.
As with Richard, I just had to point out that a 250cc bike will get excellent gas mileage - but there's a trade-off. Junyor was intending to ride his new bike back and forth to work (approximately a 40 mi. round trip). While the gas mileage would rock on trips like this, I pointed out that the downside would be a lighter bike that is easily pushed around by wind, both natural and that generated by larger, passing vehicles, and a bike that would be pushing its power limits on Dallas' bypass-like tollways.
We ended the conversation with Junyor looking seriously at a Honda Shadow VT750c2. It should provide him with enough power to keep him interested (and safe) for a good while, enough weight to stabilize him on blustery/high-traffic days, a seat low enough to fit him comfortably, and still get good gas mileage.
Now we just need to get Richard fixed up with a bike.
As an aside, I was finally able to get a decent idea of the gas mileage my bike is capable of. I had to switch to reserve tank yesterday on my way to work. I filled up on my way home and calculated the mileage as 32.25mpg. Not bad, considering that better than half of the driving was done just 2-3 miles per trip.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Post #100
Well. My 100th post. I should do something special, something big, something meaningful...
...I've got nothin'.
Actually, I'll be going to a barbecue tomorrow afternoon at the new house of some friends from church that I helped move a while back. I'm planning to take my bike but I'm not sure how to take along a lawn chair. I may have to head out to Target tomorrow afternoon to pick up one of those collapsible chairs that have a carry bag.
I passed this past weekend on a planned trip up to Osage Beach in Missouri with my parents and sister. I later found out that they intend to head to Branson Saturday night. Today I got an email from Ron Paul's campaign advertising a rally in Branson tomorrow night. Now I'm wishing I could have gotten the time off to go.
Oh well. You win some, you lose some. I'll probably buy some saddlebags and a mesh jacket for my bike instead.
On a side note, I've ordered a High Noon pancake holster for my Para. UPS' website shows that they've received the billing info but haven't received the package. I'm eager to get it and my earlier order of belt and holster for my CZ 97B. That order will probably be delayed until July, though, due to the made-to-order nature of their belts.
I've also finally ordered a replacement for my dearly departed ergo-keyboard. It has shipped and is sitting in a UPS facility in California at the moment.
Well, what do you know. Not a bad 100th post after all. Managed to get most of the things that I love or consider important stuffed in without too much effort.
...I've got nothin'.
Actually, I'll be going to a barbecue tomorrow afternoon at the new house of some friends from church that I helped move a while back. I'm planning to take my bike but I'm not sure how to take along a lawn chair. I may have to head out to Target tomorrow afternoon to pick up one of those collapsible chairs that have a carry bag.
I passed this past weekend on a planned trip up to Osage Beach in Missouri with my parents and sister. I later found out that they intend to head to Branson Saturday night. Today I got an email from Ron Paul's campaign advertising a rally in Branson tomorrow night. Now I'm wishing I could have gotten the time off to go.
Oh well. You win some, you lose some. I'll probably buy some saddlebags and a mesh jacket for my bike instead.
On a side note, I've ordered a High Noon pancake holster for my Para. UPS' website shows that they've received the billing info but haven't received the package. I'm eager to get it and my earlier order of belt and holster for my CZ 97B. That order will probably be delayed until July, though, due to the made-to-order nature of their belts.
I've also finally ordered a replacement for my dearly departed ergo-keyboard. It has shipped and is sitting in a UPS facility in California at the moment.
Well, what do you know. Not a bad 100th post after all. Managed to get most of the things that I love or consider important stuffed in without too much effort.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Newest Addition to the Armory
Richard and I were doing a bit of window shopping weekend before last. We hit some of the local motorcycle dealerships as he is seriously considering a purchase. We also made a stop by Fort Thompson in Little Rock to look for a new holster for my Browning.
We didn't find a holster but did find a Para Ordnance widebody LTC for a very tempting price. After sleeping on it, I decided to ask Terry if he wanted to purchase my Browning. He and Richard have been bugging me consistently about selling it to one of them so that they can convert it to 9mm. Apparently, they have some idea of making the most durable 9mm ever. Whatever his reasons, we agreed on a price and it gave me the funds to pick up the LTC.
This pistol is sweet. A 4.25" barrel, 14-round capacity, stainless construction with an OD Green finish on frame and slide and black controls. My only complaint is the plastic mainspring housing (solved when I replaced the flat, plastic one with an arched, steel housing) and full-length guide rod. I've got the parts saved at MidwayUSA to solve the latter issue. The trigger is sweet and it feeds without a hitch.
Now I just need a good holster...
We didn't find a holster but did find a Para Ordnance widebody LTC for a very tempting price. After sleeping on it, I decided to ask Terry if he wanted to purchase my Browning. He and Richard have been bugging me consistently about selling it to one of them so that they can convert it to 9mm. Apparently, they have some idea of making the most durable 9mm ever. Whatever his reasons, we agreed on a price and it gave me the funds to pick up the LTC.
This pistol is sweet. A 4.25" barrel, 14-round capacity, stainless construction with an OD Green finish on frame and slide and black controls. My only complaint is the plastic mainspring housing (solved when I replaced the flat, plastic one with an arched, steel housing) and full-length guide rod. I've got the parts saved at MidwayUSA to solve the latter issue. The trigger is sweet and it feeds without a hitch.
Now I just need a good holster...
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Again With The Allergies?
You know, ever since Spring has sprung around here, I've had the absolute worst allergy attacks of my life. This past weekend is an excellent example. I had a stuffy nose and a headache Friday morning. By Friday evening, I had a fever and sapped energy to go along with it. I'm pretty sure I was a moderately crappy host (sorry Dick).
I bought some Claratin that night and it seemed to help. Then I decided Saturday that the yard absolutely had to be mowed and the oil changed in my bike. That was a mistake. I didn't get the oil changed. After mowing, I was wiped out. I couldn't go to sleep last night for the life of me. I was still awake at almost 1 in the morning after getting into bed at 10. I woke to my alarm this morning at 7. The next time I looked at the clock, it was 10 after 8. Guess I'd fallen back asleep but I don't remember it.
When I'm feeling better, I'll try to write a review of the movies that Dick and I watched Friday night: AVP: Requiem and ... Holy crap, I can't even remember the second movie. How messed up is that?
I bought some Claratin that night and it seemed to help. Then I decided Saturday that the yard absolutely had to be mowed and the oil changed in my bike. That was a mistake. I didn't get the oil changed. After mowing, I was wiped out. I couldn't go to sleep last night for the life of me. I was still awake at almost 1 in the morning after getting into bed at 10. I woke to my alarm this morning at 7. The next time I looked at the clock, it was 10 after 8. Guess I'd fallen back asleep but I don't remember it.
When I'm feeling better, I'll try to write a review of the movies that Dick and I watched Friday night: AVP: Requiem and ... Holy crap, I can't even remember the second movie. How messed up is that?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Old Friends:
I went to Fayetteville this last weekend with Dick to pay Randy a visit and pick up my bike. It was good to see him again. Dick and I are really looking forward to him moving down in the next few months. I think he's more than ready to as well.
For the bike, I've ordered the replacement bracket to fix the left-hand mirror and an oil filter. I was offered a 4-quart bottle of oil by a co-worker who no longer needs it. The unfortunate thing is that I've put less than 400 miles on my bike since buying it in Feb '07. That's barely scratching an oil change but since it's been over a year since the last oil change - well, better safe than sorry.
For the bike, I've ordered the replacement bracket to fix the left-hand mirror and an oil filter. I was offered a 4-quart bottle of oil by a co-worker who no longer needs it. The unfortunate thing is that I've put less than 400 miles on my bike since buying it in Feb '07. That's barely scratching an oil change but since it's been over a year since the last oil change - well, better safe than sorry.
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