Wrist Twisters - Blogs http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/ Motorcycle forum for all motorcycle riders en Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:51:32 GMT vBulletin 60 http://wristtwisters.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Wrist Twisters - Blogs http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/ <![CDATA[it's been a while]]> http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/56-its-been-while.html Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:06:19 GMT and the weather has been too nice to post. I kid, I probably could have but other hobbies have kept me away. I guess the good news is my xbox 360... and the weather has been too nice to post. I kid, I probably could have but other hobbies have kept me away. I guess the good news is my xbox 360 took a dump on me today so maybe I'll find myself blogging more. Bike has been running great, almost time for the 15k check-up (anyone want to lend a hand?) I've found myself spending way too much on mod's, but damn the bike is looking sharp! Short of bags, stainless lines, and a new paint job I'm running out of things to do (HAH). I guess that's a good thing, I'm determined I am going to own my own home this year and I should be saving that money for a down payment, repairs, etc..

In other news, someone recently posted a '19mph' speedlimit sign on facebook, which I have seen before in parking lots. I recently found 33mph "curve ahead" signs that are definitely not on a lot. speed limit is 35mph....I guess those 2mph are going to make a huge difference! I may youtube this one, seems pretty silly. I've also found a "lane ends, merge left" sign that's nowhere near a lane ending (2 lane highway for miles) ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/56-its-been-while.html The Bull Pen.... God Speed Anita http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/rescue-rider/55-bull-pen-god-speed-anita.html Thu, 27 May 2010 15:37:35 GMT In a split second it was over... How could this happen? Anita Zaffke was enjoying some quality two wheel time in Lake Zurich IL Saturday... In a split second it was over... How could this happen? Anita Zaffke was enjoying some quality two wheel time in Lake Zurich IL Saturday afternoon, May 2nd and noticed the light was turning red. Zaffke stopped and waited for the light to change so she could resume her ride. The light never did turn Green for Zaffke.

Zaffke was struck by Lora Hunt, 48 who admittedly was painting her nails at the time she hit Zaffke with her Chevy Impala. According to Lake County Sherriff Mark Curran, Hunt conceded that she was not paying attention and did not see the motorcycle stopped in front of her.

Zaffke was wearing a helmet and reflective vest when struck. The impact was so violent that it threw Zaffke and her Honda Shadow about 200 feet up the road. Think about it, 200 feet is the height of a 20 story building. Zaffke died about an hour later at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington IL.

In just a split second Hunt took away everything that Zaffke was and could be. For Anita Zaffke, life was over.

The Lake County State's Attorney is investigating the accident and will decide if criminal prosecution is warranted. Unfortunately, under existing statutes, proving felony vehicular homicide may be a difficult case to prosecute based upon the existing definition. State Rep. William Black (R-Danville) sponsored the "negligent vehicular homicide" bill which would carry a penalty of up to 3 years in prison. Black introduced the bill this year after a bicyclist in his district was killed by a motorist downloading ringtones to a cell phone. Under the proposed law, distracted drivers who cause deaths would face a prison sentence as well as a $25,000 fine and revocation of their driver's license for at least one year upon conviction.

This tragedy has renewed the debate in Illinois whether a momentary distraction amounts to criminal behavior, comparable to drunken driving.

Let's face the facts. Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are a major concern. "Our nation's greatest traffic highway safety challenge is motorcycle fatalities," says U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, noting that biking deaths are rising while other vehicle fatalities are declining"

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, 5,154 people died in motorcycle crashes, the highest level since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. The 2007 figure represents a 6.6 percent from 4,837 the previous year.

Motorcycle crash fatalities have increased every year for the past 10 years. Motorcyclists were 35 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2006 and eight times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.

Zaffke's accident is a fairly rare occurrence. According to the NHTSA, Only 5 percent of motorcycle fatalities were struck in the rear. 78 percent of the motorcycles fatalities involve two vehicles were struck the impact is in the front.

So what can my 7.1 million biker brothers and sisters do to help address this epidemic? As bikers we need to be seen and heard. I hope you join me in supporting legislation like the negligent vehicular homicide bill that would allow us to effectively prosecute those who do us harm.

I would also ask you to join me in developing your skills to provide emergency medical assistance to the victims of accidents. What we do immediately after an accident until professional emergency response personnel arrive can and does save lives. I invite you to visit the Rescue Riders Welcome to the Rescue Riders and ask yourself if you are ready to "Ride for a Reason".

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Anita Zaffke. There will be a visitation at Ahlgrims funeral home, 415 S Buesching Rd in Lake Zurich on Thursday May 7th 3pm & 9pm. The funeral service will be Friday at 10:00 am. The family has asked us to help spread the word and has encouraged all interested motorcyclists to join these services to honor the memory of Anita Zaffke.

I hope you can join me in honoring Anita and all of our fallen brothers & sisters. God speed Anita. ]]> Rescue Rider http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/rescue-rider/55-bull-pen-god-speed-anita.html <![CDATA[The Bull Pen.... What's a Rescue Rider]]> http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/rescue-rider/54-bull-pen-whats-rescue-rider.html Thu, 27 May 2010 15:34:37 GMT Welcome back to the Bull Pen. It's great to see so many of you out enjoying some quality two wheel time. Last year's riding season was brutal to our biker brothers & sisters. We have seen annual increases accidents and fatalities for as long as the pointy heads in Washington have been keeping track. Don't take my word for it, see what Mary has to say.

Motorcycle accidents and fatalities are a major concern. "Our nation's greatest traffic highway safety challenge is motorcycle fatalities," says past U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, noting that biking deaths are rising while other vehicle fatalities are declining"

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, 5,154 people died in motorcycle crashes, the highest level since NHTSA began collecting data in 1975. The 2007 figure represents a 6.6 percent from 4,837 the previous year.

Motorcycle crash fatalities have increased every year for the past 12 years. Motorcyclists were 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per vehicle mile traveled in 2007 and eight times more likely to be injured, according to NHTSA.

So what can my 7.1 million biker brothers and sisters do to help address this epidemic? As bikers we need to be seen, heard and practice our skills. If you have not done so yet, consider checking out some of the great rider education classes available. You are never too old... or experienced... to learn. I also hope you join me in supporting legislation like the negligent vehicular homicide bill that would allow us to effectively prosecute those who do us harm. Are you still with me? then please consider joining a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO). MRO's are our voice in Washington and your individual states.

In addition to rider education & supporting MRO's, we created the Rescue Rider program to provide a "hands on" approach to help directly address these sobering statistics. My dad (Armond) always used to say, "Boy, either you are part of the problem or part of the solution". I couldn't agree more dad. Rescue Rider volunteers have logged thousands of miles supporting motorcycle events with a program they call "Ride for a Reason" program. If you see Rescue Riders supporting your run or event, take a moment to thank them for their commitment to all of us.

Rescue Riders provide emergency medical assistance to accident victims during "The Golden Hour". In the world of emergency care, the "Golden Hour" is defined as the time period of one hour in which the lives of a majority of critically injured trauma patients may be saved if definitive trauma care intervention is provided. This principle of rapid intervention can also be applied to non-trauma patients such as those having a heart attack or a stroke, in which time to treatment dramatically affects a patient's outcome. Many of you have had the opportunity to improve your life saving skills by attending Accident Scene Management classes. The graduates of ASMI's Basic & Advanced courses have saved countless lives of fellow bikers with the skills they learned in class. Over 25% of course graduates report providing emergency medical assistance within the first three years of training.

As motorcyclists we are typically the first to encounter motorcycle accidents. What we do immediately after an accident until professional emergency response personnel arrive can and does save lives. If you would like to develop your skills to provide emergency medical assistance to the victims of accidents I invite you to visit the Rescue Riders www.rescueriders.org and ask yourself if you are ready to "Ride for a Reason".

That's all I have for now. Until next edition, enjoy the ride.

Dean "Bull" Akey ]]> Rescue Rider http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/rescue-rider/54-bull-pen-whats-rescue-rider.html The Bull Pen.... Motorcycle Insurance FAQ http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/rescue-rider/53-bull-pen-motorcycle-insurance-faq.html Thu, 27 May 2010 15:26:52 GMT Welcome back to the Bull Pen. It sure is great to see the warm weather return and all of my fellow bikers enjoying some overdue two wheel therapy. ... Welcome back to the Bull Pen. It sure is great to see the warm weather return and all of my fellow bikers enjoying some overdue two wheel therapy. I recently picked up Betty (2009 Street Glide) from the shop after a lengthy repair. Unfortunately, I was hit by a suburban assault vehicle (Mini Van) in December while returning from the Chicagoland Toys for Tots run. Both Betty and I are glad to be on the road again.

Many of you know I am an insurance agent and frequently ask insurance related questions so I thought I would share some important information about your motorcycle insurance. Your motorcycle insurance is like a parachute. You don't really appreciate it until you need it. I hope you read on and understand how your policy can protect you, your family and your property.

Are you ready? Well then, let's get started. As consumers, we have been conditioned to compare insurance based upon price. If you have seen the Progressive Insurance television commercials Flo tells us all how you can save money. Let me say that even though I think Flo is a "hottie" I want you to focus on your individual needs first and then look at the price. Let me break down some of the key components in your policy.

Bodily Injury/Liability: This is the portion of your policy that protects your liability when you cause harm to another individual. If you are in an accident and it's your fault, you are protected up to the limits of your policy. Quite often I talk to bikers who have $20,000/$40,000 of liability protection. This means if you harm another person, your policy will pay up to $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident on your behalf to the injured person or persons. A few years back I was hit head on by a minivan which left 60 staples in my head, broke my collar bone and all of the ribs on my right side. My medical bill was $14,000 and I did not stay in the hospital overnight. I share this with you to demonstrate how quickly your liability can add up.

Uninsured/Underinsured Liability: Many folks ask me what this is. In a nutshell, this is coverage for you. Unfortunately Illinois only requires motorists to carry a minimum of $20,000 of liability coverage. Some states do not require motorists to carry any liability insurance. If someone injures you and they do not have insurance or sufficient insurance coverage to pay for your damages, your Uninsured/Underinsured coverage can pick up the slack. This is one of the most important elements of your policy and very often overlooked.

Property Damage: This is the protection you have if you damage other folk's property. Most of you carry $50,000 of property damage on your policies. What this means is that if you cause an accident and a BMW hits a Corvette, all you have to repair or replace their vehicles is $50,000. Don't get caught in this trap. All motorcyclists need at least $100,000 of property damage. The good news here is that it typically costs less than $20 years to upgrade from $50,000 to $100,000 so don't delay. I often hear the objection, how much damage can my bike cause to another vehicle. You don't even need to make contact with another vehicle to be at fault. If you are ticketed and two vehicles collide you are responsible to repair or replace their vehicles. I have personally seen $100,000 property damage claims where the bike was not damaged but the operator was found to be at fault. Don't let this happen to you.

Guest Liability: Do you ever take passengers for rides? If you do you should have Guest Liability Coverage. These levels are typically consistent with your Bodily Injury and Underinsured/Uninsured coverage. This component of your policy covers your liability when carrying a passenger. In other words, if you are in an accident and your passenger is injured, you could be sued for damages. If your policy provides this coverage you are protected up to the limits of your policy. Now for the scary part. Many motorcycle policies do not provide this coverage. If you don't have this on your policy, ride solo.

Collision: This is the component of your policy that pays to replace or repair your scooter. You choose the deductible that fits your budget and your motorcycle will be repaired or replaced up to the market value of your bike. Now if you are like me you have probably added some bling to your scooter along the way. What happens if your bike is wrecked? Read on.

Optional Equipment: If you are riding a stock bike skip to the next section. If you have upgraded your bike you need optional equipment coverage. Most insurance agents mess this part up. Here is how optional equipment coverage works. Let's say that you added a Mustang seat ($650) Bassani Exhaust ($850) and Custom Wheels ($2000) and a Baker six speed transmissions ($2500). Your agent may tell you that you need $6000 of optional equipment coverage. Sorry to tell you this but if you took that advice you are paying too much. In calculating the correct dollar amount of Optional Equipment coverage you need we need to determine the difference between your upgrades and the original stock components. Let's assume your bike is damaged in an accident. You already have coverage to repair/replace your stock components less your deductible. If your policy will already pay for a stock exhaust ($350) and stock wheels ($1000) and stock transmission ($1450) all you need to do is cover the difference which in this case would be $3200. Many policies already include some coverage for Optional Equipment so if your policy covers $1000 of optional equipment already, add the $2200 and you are covered. If you have custom paint or engine upgrades you typically want to cover those at the full value of the upgrades.

Comprehensive: This component of your policy typically covers you for incidents that occur when you are not riding your scooter. There are a few exceptions to this but that's another topic in itself. If your scooter is vandalized, damaged by hail etc your comprehensive will pay to repair or replace your vehicle less your deductible.

Rider Protection: This is an Allstate exclusive and is not yet available in every state. A few years ago the pointy heads at Allstate asked me to help them design a new motorcycle policy. My reaction was why are we offering what everybody offers? Let's reinvent motorcycle insurance. We did. Most motorcycle insurance companies offer much of the same "stuff". Up to now, none of the motorcycle insurance companies offered protection for the rider. Our new Rider Protection package will pay you if you are injured and cannot work as the result of an accident. The payments will continue as long as you are unable to return to work. In addition, we can also include $15,000 of life insurance if the worst happens. As bikers, we all like to think that we will never be in an accident or worse but having been in several myself, I can tell you this does happen more than we would like to think.

So what do I recommend you should carry in terms of coverage? It really depends on your needs. Are you married? Do you have children? A mortgage? Your policy should fit your needs. Don't hope you are covered, know so. My suggestion is to find an insurance agent who understands the risks that motorcyclists face. If you have any questions please post them and I will help you find your answers. Until next time, enjoy the ride.

Dean "Bull" Akey ]]> Rescue Rider http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/rescue-rider/53-bull-pen-motorcycle-insurance-faq.html after-market frustration http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/52-after-market-frustration.html Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:37:52 GMT Ok so I'm a bit miffed at this point about cycle-gears after-market blinkers. I purchased a set not too long after getting my bike. Within the last month both of them have been on the frits. One, I have no idea why it stopped working...or started working again. It acted like there was a loose filament, but that wasn't the problem. The other side...cold solder joint on the bulb-housing (actually they soldered the wire to the spring that helps retain the bulb in the housing) Since I heat-shrank the leads, I can't push them through and resolder it easily. I figured if I was going to go that far, I would replace them.

Off to cyclegear I go. I scope out their selection with the intent of finding who made the indicators I have, so that I could send them my review of their inferior product. According to the guys at cycle-gear, "Speed Metal" is a new brand for them, and they are phasing out Motrax. The set I found that looked like what I have were of the speed-metal variety, and they assured me that if I bought them as long ago as I did, that I would have motrax. I like this style, so I picked up the speed-metals and brought them home. If these things aren't made by the same people, there's a hell of a lot of explaining todo! What I'm assuming are parts numbers on the lenses match identically. If their shape is any different, it's not noticeable to the naked eye. The bulbs, and their off-centered proprietary looking bases also match. At $40/pop, I don't think I'll be trying to fix them or replace them with the "other brand" Most other blinkers would be likely get in the way of my exhaust because of how I made my fender-eliminator. I have plans for a better version that would allow for it, but with my limited amount of tools that's a lot of work. Anyone have a water-jet I can borrow? Better yet, suggestions for a thin-yet still plenty-bright indicator for the rear?

http://www.motrax.co.uk/index.php?mo...uct&id_prd=155 is apparently what I have... I can't even find speedmetal indicators on cyclegears website (they do have speedmetal levers though) ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/52-after-market-frustration.html Adventure, excitement, the Jedi craves not these things http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/51-adventure-excitement-jedi-craves-not-these-things.html Sun, 11 Apr 2010 12:07:37 GMT As South Texas quickly rolls into spring, I find myself going on more and more rides just for the hell of it. Spring fever I guess. The more I get... As South Texas quickly rolls into spring, I find myself going on more and more rides just for the hell of it. Spring fever I guess. The more I get out, the longer I tend to stay out. This had me planning a road-trip this summer. I've got friends in the major cities between here and KC that I'd like to see, my plans after that were pretty much "wherever the wind takes me." A coworker is headed to Sturgis in mid-August, as well as my brothers boss (who would be departing from Seminole, TX) I was considering tagging along with either, if not both, on my journey.

Fast forward to last night.

Someone in my party at the restaurant was talking about their backpacking excursion across Europe. I have an epiphany. I'm a self-proclaimed speed junkie, and like to haul ass when the conditions are right. What better place to suit my urges than the Autobahn? I've still got a lot of research to do (and saving...) but I'm hoping to make this a reality within the next 3 years. I still plan on doing some touring state-side before then, to get a better feel for what it's like taking a week long trip with the bare essentials. A trial-by-fire at home, before I go abroad if you will. Unfortunately my brothers wedding is coming up, and I may not have the funds to do a long trip this year. I definetly need to pick up some luggage, a bigger wind screen, and a different helmet if I'm going to be riding all day. Some different bars may help as well, but I don't have the slightest idea where to start finding a set of bars that would work well. I take that back, Thar-bars are the best-bet, but again funds come into play. I'm sure there is a much better bike than the 9er for touring, but the 9er is what I've got and I intend to make it do as much as possible.

If any riders have tips on an over-seas trek, please do share! ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/51-adventure-excitement-jedi-craves-not-these-things.html Mods http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/49-mods.html Sun, 28 Mar 2010 11:57:50 GMT So I've had this mod planned out in my head for the last...2 years probably. I started it once, but put it on the back burner until I had more time. Well, I finally found the time and dug out the box-o-parts. 6 hours of work later, and I'm ready to put the assembly together (yes, I'm keeping it secret for now!) I get it 95% of the way together, and a wire snaps loose. !@#$. Reheat the soldering gun, fix it, begin reassembly. Another one comes off....!@#$. The good news is, it wasn't my fault! Those connections came from the people I ordered the parts from. The bad news is, theres 20 of these damn things, with 2 wires on each. 40 places for potential failure just on their end...take into account of how I have it all wired up...more like 80 places for failure, though I have confidence in my soldering skills so a cold-joint is not one of my worries. I ended up saying f-it, I can be one-component down and nobody would know any better. I forced the last 3%, and managed to cut through a wire. !@$%. I almost through my project on the ground

http://www.youtube.com/v/E_kC9JB5UKQ

I may go with the original plan, but for now I'm now looking an alternative method. I think it'll impress some people in the end, but all I really care about is making ME happy with it at this point. ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/49-mods.html wetness http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/48-wetness.html Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:06:53 GMT I decided since it was supposed to be nice yesterday that I'd take the 9er to the team lead meeting (I had enough time after work to run home, suit up, and take the scoot.) I checked the weather before I left the office, 10% chance of rain all day. I was willing to risk getting a little wet. 2 minutes after I get back to the office, one of the engineers informs me that theres a line of storms at the edge of town. It rained until well after I got home. I also realized that it's time to recoat the shield and glasses with anti-fog. I had to ride with my lid cracked open an inch just so I could see! Fortunately most of the commute is not on the high-way, so it was no big deal. Hopefully when the rain stops, my suit will be dry! ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/48-wetness.html Finally got a little seat time in http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/47-finally-got-little-seat-time.html Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:09:17 GMT I decided today that I'd finally ride all the way around loop 410 here in San Antonio. I've lived here for over 2 years, and have yet to hit the south side. I managed to make it a bit over half way before I started to get cold. I decided to change paths a bit and head up 281 so I could get home before it got too cold. 281 is a hell of a lot more fun than 410 is that is for sure. There's curves to the right instead of just to the left! I caught up to a 'Busa, which promptly blew my mirrors off. He had junk the size of cannonballs. I'm pretty sure his back tire was within inches of a car that he decided to pull in front of in order to get in front of me. Scared the crap out of me, and I wasn't the one doing it! Oh well. It was a good ride still. If I ever have a full day, I'm going to do the 1604 loop. 410 is about 50 miles, and I stopped several times for a butt break (smoke and stretch) and I spent about 3 hours doing what I did. 1604 is 96 miles, but there will be stop lights, stop signs, and plenty of jerks so I will probably need all day for it. Wish there was more to report, but it was a nice escape from the ex. Had I known she was leaving when she did, I could have stayed home but then again I'd rather have rode either way! ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/47-finally-got-little-seat-time.html American sportsbike flyscreen and renthal UL combo? http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/honda-ng-gingsa/46-american-sportsbike-flyscreen-renthal-ul-combo.html Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:49:44 GMT ---Quote (Originally by honda ng gingsa)--- Okay, I slapped the renthals on today. They feel great, much more the position I wanted. One small snag,...
Quote:
Originally Posted by honda ng gingsa View Post
Okay, I slapped the renthals on today. They feel great, much more the position I wanted. One small snag, the I couldn't put the "clamshell" of the left hand controls back on properly. There's a gap between the two halves that always cracks open on the last couple of twists of the screws that hold the halves together? Is there a trick to it? I suspect there's something about the position of the disc that covers the right side of the contols that's somehow getting in the way. I drilled the bar for the locator pins, so I know it's not that...

Any suggestions?
Add to that, while I like the more aggressive position of the renthals, contrary to what most everyone has said, I find these bars a lot buzzier than the stockers. Maybe I need heavier bar ends. ]]> honda ng gingsa http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/honda-ng-gingsa/46-american-sportsbike-flyscreen-renthal-ul-combo.html <![CDATA[Since the weather is changing, it's time to start doing some changes]]> http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/45-since-weather-changing-its-time-start-doing-some-changes.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:41:36 GMT It's been colder than I like to ride in the past couple of mornings, and by the time it warms up enough to ride, it'll be raining. So the bike is up on stands getting a little wrenching. I've got a few projects lined up, but can't decide where to start. The choices so far are 599 headlight, replacing the bars with non-bent ones, adding the dongle for the trickle charger, powder coating the triples (wasn't going to, but they are rusting so why the hell not?)

The only one of these projects not paid for is the powder coating, and as far as that goes I need to find a way to lift the front end to get it done. Only time will tell what I'll do. Maybe I'll end up in Florida before any of it happens (ROFLOLMFAOZOMG) ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/45-since-weather-changing-its-time-start-doing-some-changes.html testing the winter gear out http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/44-testing-winter-gear-out.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:46:41 GMT I came in with most of my layers on tonight, the commute wasn't too bad until Alinosa tried to race me in his F-150. Once we got on the 'home stretch' I hit the gas and damn near slid off the back of my seat. I blame the Tour Master pants and their slick butt. The only thing cold was my nose and eyes. I'll really get to test it on the ride home...theres already 14 degrees (Fahrenheit for you freaky foreigners) difference between then and now. Still an hour and a half until I leave, which could help by a degree or two. Current 42F, hopefully 60F by the time I leave but that's a damn pipe dream (or a night mare...) So I guess I'll see if I need to upgrade the gloves to some Revitts or not. The Olympias I just picked up seem to be pretty good, but I've had liners in them.

Wish me luck! It's a whopping 8.3 miles if I take the somewhat fun route (theres like 2 miles of sweepers close to my house, but 30mph zone, couple of speedbumps, and school kids to watch out for... ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/44-testing-winter-gear-out.html <![CDATA[I almost didn't come home]]> http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/43-i-almost-didnt-come-home.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:08:40 GMT There's only one small section of this post that will mention motorcycles, otherwise it's completely off topic.

I was in Florida this weekend for my oldest brothers wedding (Congrats Shane-o!) and fell in love with the beach. It was my first experience with the coast, and I think the sound of the surf did something to my brain. There was 3 things that sent me home. My dog, my job (or I guess I should say not having one in FL), and lack of fun roads to ride in Florida. I thought Kansas was flat, but I think Florida (at least Orlando and 70mi or so south of) seems more flat, straight, and boring as hell! The challenge I'd have is keeping my wrist out of the throttle. Having seen the results of a happy wrist here, I'd probably be without a license and bike within 6mo of living there.

Met some damn beautiful women down there. I will be back, somehow some way, I will be back.

I also missed my flight out, and damn near didn't make it back home today! ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/43-i-almost-didnt-come-home.html Greetings from Estonia http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/arendaja/42-greetings-estonia.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:35:56 GMT Hi there Found this great site, it has proved to be quite helpful so far. Keep up the good job. My current ride is a 2007 Hornet 919 its my... Hi there

Found this great site, it has proved to be quite helpful so far. Keep up the good job.

My current ride is a 2007 Hornet 919 its my first season with it and really like it.
I bought it slightly crashed and fixed it up. Since original parts are outrageously expensive, here at least, I used different aftermarket things.
Handlebars are wider and lower, mirrors wait to be changed (still looking for nice ones). Headlight is xenon and display unit Vapor's. New LED indicators with proper relay. Givi crash bars to protect and Givi's case to carry stuff. We have here annoying weather so rain outfit is a must just in case.
Performance mod's are moderate, bafflectomy and KN airfilter. For peace of mind, that the engine is fine, went to Dyno. It blew out from rear wheel 75kw and 86Nm. And first thing in the spring gonna try out that famous air flapper mod.
For more riding safety I will install Stebel's airhorn which is waiting in the garage :p

Thats about it for introduction :001_tongue: ]]> arendaja http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/arendaja/42-greetings-estonia.html <![CDATA[Most fun I've had in 1st gear, ever!]]> http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/41-most-fun-ive-had-1st-gear-ever.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:02:18 GMT I took the ERC today (mistook the name in previous posts, it's experienced riders course, not advanced.)

Aaaaanyway, it was a damn good time. Only 2 other guys in class, so it went quickly. I was the only guy there on a "sport bike" (Is a 9er really a sport bike?) One was on a gold wing, the other a yamaha cruiser. V-star maybe?

We all got a kick out of watching the instructor drag pegs while doing his demos for us. Instructor was awesome and I'd definitely go back. He got me a lot more confident in maneuvering, and the tires show it. They didn't get heated up, but you can tell the bike was a lot more leaned than it had previously been. Touching fresh rubber in a poorly sealed parking lot was intimidating. I could feel it sliding which scared the !@#% out of me. I know I put the sliders on in case something did happen, but I still didn't want it to!

I wish I could remember the name of the exercize, it's the one where you do a left handed u-turn, then a right handed u-turn in a rectangle. They had it layed out where there was basically 3 different sizes. The instructor said he would do the first two, then attempt the 3rd (since it's so damn small) Well, he didn't make it through the last turn. His monster machines highway bars dug into the pavement, and over he goes! He was graceful in his recovery, jumped up the best he could and said "that's why you have to be really brave to try that!"

The dude on the 'wing could barely make the big box. The guy on the Yamaha made it down to the small box and made it a couple of times without crossing the lines. I only crossed out of the lines once on all 3 sizes. Touched down once as well.

I guess Monday I'll see if I can't gouge my insurance company for another 2% off of my insurance (that's what I got for passing the BRC)

Lets see here, 2% off of $65/yr, $80 for the course, that'll take about 61.5 years to pay off! I guess the big payoff will be getting that 90 in a 65 dismissed. The payoff I won't see in the pocket book is the sharpened skills. It was enough fun, that I'd like to get a buddy or two and turn it into an every other weekend or so event. Possibly coach each other and have a blast. The hard part will be finding a place and time to do it that's got all the crap layed out. Yeah, you can always practice in a lot, but it's a lot more fun when there's paint for some reason ;)

Ride on fellas, be safe...does anyone even read this crap any more? ]]> beefsalad http://wristtwisters.com/blogs/beefsalad/41-most-fun-ive-had-1st-gear-ever.html