motorcycles [Archive] - BowlingBoards.com

Mudpuppy

10-15-2013, 09:41 AM

We finally agree on something. And I knew it was in Novi...I figured either Novi or Royal Oak...but Royal Oak doesn't have enough room near downtown for an alley...so if it wasn't on the west coast, it had to be Novi. Yuppie mecca.

It's bound to happen.

Royal Oak is the mecca of idiots that don't know how to ride motorcycles - every Thursday night in the summer they ride 5 minutes to Royal Oak to hang out and tell how great they are doing 180mph on I696 during rush hour traffic in a reckless manner. Like my original AMA coach told me - any idiot can use the wrist to twist the throttle, it's what you do in the corners that matters. And Royal Oak is the "legendary" bar scene with all the up starts, etc. It's a complete waste of time and space. Only time I go to Royal Oak is to go to the Oxford Inn for ribs.

MICHAEL

10-15-2013, 11:18 AM

It's bound to happen.

Royal Oak is the mecca of idiots that don't know how to ride motorcycles - every Thursday night in the summer they ride 5 minutes to Royal Oak to hang out and tell how great they are doing 180mph on I696 during rush hour traffic in a reckless manner. Like my original AMA coach told me - any idiot can use the wrist to twist the throttle, it's what you do in the corners that matters. And Royal Oak is the "legendary" bar scene with all the up starts, etc. It's a complete waste of time and space. Only time I go to Royal Oak is to go to the Oxford Inn for ribs.

I have been riding bikes/motorcycles since I was in my early twenties, Hot bikes up until about 15 years ago! I was a biker before biking became fashionable!
Now every Tom Dick and Harry has a Harley!

I remember when you couldn't give a Harley away.... lol and you were luck to make it home from the purchase in one piece! They have come a long way, since those days, but more importantly they have created this Bad Boy Image, that everyone is going for! Fake tattoo's , and pony tails ect ect.. lol

IT use to be when you saw a guy on a bike, you gave a hands up/wave, like hi brother lol. But now you can get tendonitis from doing it dozens of times just going to the local 7/11 up the street. This WAVE thing needs to GO!! (:)

I don't have a bad boy Harley, but do ride a Goldwing that I have not long ago went from Modesto Ca, to Kansas city in two days 1800 miles. I love bikes, always have, and always will, but not into the imagine bad boy biker thing... look at me!! lol

I would be happy if when I hit the road, everyone else would disappear, as I go through the beautiful mountains of Colorado ect..

I would like to see that Wave at each other thing go away!! Way too many bikes now on the road, maybe more big bad leathered up fake pony tailed bikers then cars... lol

Aslan

10-15-2013, 12:40 PM

Now every Tom Dick and Harry has a Harley!

Tru dat. I tease my dad because I tell him that everyone turns 50 and buys an Ultra Classic...then they turn 65 and get a Gold Wing. Ever since Orange County Choppers...the number of bikers has EXPLODED!!! And anyone thats ridden as long as I have (since I was about 11)...thats NOT a good thing. Riding takes years and years of practice. I've seen far too many new bikers get a brand new bike and dump it in less than a month. I've had my current bike since 2004 and only dumped it once...and I wasn't on it at the time...the stupid parking lot was tilted and the bike fell over as I was walking away from it.

Mudpuppy

10-15-2013, 01:57 PM

It's been really good for the used bike market. Used bikes are extremely cheap due to some idiot stopping by the local bike shop and buying a bike not knowing how to ride and the wife being ticked off. 3 months later after he drops it after panicking when hitting some gravel he gets scared and sells it for 1/2 of what he bought it for. I have been riding since I was 8 so I am with you - long before it was fashionable. I don't follow trends. There are a ton of bikes on the road and now in Michigan no helmet law - bad combination. I only ride 1 way - ALL GEAR ALL THE TIME (AGATT). My personal choice but I know road rash really sucks (from experience).

Now if we could build a road track with a sweet bowling alley (not like one of these listed) I would definitely just move there. Ride at day and bowl at night. Good to go.

Iceman you moved a few notches up in my book (you were already top 10 so that's saying a lot). You ever ride the dragon on that goldwing?

What kind of bike are you riding Aslan?

People say bikes are dangerous. No people that don't know how to ride or drive are dangerous. I thought I was an A+ rider for a long time until 1 day I decided to take my R6 to the track - humbling experience. First lap on the track I seriously thought about pitting out, putting the bike on the trailer, taking it home and selling it. I was so overwhelmed with the fact I didn't know very much about riding. Glad I dug in and did lap 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. onto about 30 track days to date. Learned boat loads on the track that directly translated to street riding - probably saved my life a dozen times if not more on the street. Rider education, at least here, is a joke. Anyone can get a 200hp bike and get licensed to ride on the street - scarey.

Aslan

10-15-2013, 02:41 PM

What kind of bike are you riding Aslan?

1995 Honda VF750 Magna

They don't make it anymore...a remnant of the old "muscle bike" era of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.

Now that I ride all year long...and as much if not more for daily transportation than for bike shows, bike clubs, rallys, etc...My next bike will probably be sport touring...probably the Honda ST1300. I really like the Yamaha Road Star Warrior...which is more like a modern big twin version of my Magna...but I think I'm gonna move from cruiser to sport with my next bike. There are some nice Kawasaki and BMW sport touring bikes...but I've always been a Honda man myself, always had good luck with them, and the ST1300 meets my needs.

Mudpuppy

10-15-2013, 05:06 PM

1995 Honda VF750 Magna

They don't make it anymore...a remnant of the old "muscle bike" era of the 70s, 80s, and early 90s.

Now that I ride all year long...and as much if not more for daily transportation than for bike shows, bike clubs, rallys, etc...My next bike will probably be sport touring...probably the Honda ST1300. I really like the Yamaha Road Star Warrior...which is more like a modern big twin version of my Magna...but I think I'm gonna move from cruiser to sport with my next bike. There are some nice Kawasaki and BMW sport touring bikes...but I've always been a Honda man myself, always had good luck with them, and the ST1300 meets my needs.

Yes I know the Honda quite well. I like all kinds of bikes. The 95 was a very capable machine and still relevant today. I wouldn't mind riding that bike at all. But if you do decide to buy something newer like a sport touring you will be absolutely amazed at how different it is riding the newer technology - maybe you already have. Knowing you the design of the new bikes was probably yours or something. My 2000 R6 was 106hp and 8 pounds lighter than my 2006 R1 at 200hp. It's like riding the same bike with twice as much power and better handling. The 00 R6 was super top heavy - easy turn in but very difficult to muscle out of a corner. The 06 R1 is very balanced in and out and the extra power makes it effortless. Now I just need full Ohlins suspension. But really my 06 R1 isn't relevant technology anymore with the newer bikes all having slipper clutches, electronic controls (like traction control or riding modes, etc.), cross plane, etc. etc.

MICHAEL

10-15-2013, 05:29 PM

I was into speed for many years,,, ninja’s, 100R,,, Suzuki 1100, Gatana 1100, ect ect.. I use to go the the drag strip just for the thrill of it, and open it up!! Also a blast in the mountains laying into the curves, and fighting the feel of gravity against me and the bike!! I have hundreds of stories just on that subject, mountain riding! But this is a bowling thread! LOL

When I got my first gold wing, I tried all the tour bikes that were out there, and price of no matter at all!!!
Hands down the gold wing filled the sport/tour category I was looking for, after I changed the suspension to a progressive one! I made my own trailer, and will post a picture of it a little later.

ONLY cost about 450 bucks with the cargo carrier, and it pulls like its not even there!

Made one trip from Missouri to California, on a 100R ninja, with a belly dancer on the back that I was
Dating at the time… You talk about tough!! 1800 miles with a chick on the back leaning into me all the way!! Aaaaaaa,,, the good old days of youth,,, I was in my 30’s!! About half way there I wanted to teach her how to drive the bike, and me on the back,,,, That was a lot of fun! She could drive a stick so she knew about the clutch and how it works... we went about half mile after a few starts and stops... lol... I was one wild son of a gun back then, ready to try anything!!

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg546/imagine686868/DSC00174_zps1c0bf4f0.jpg (http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/imagine686868/media/DSC00174_zps1c0bf4f0.jpg.html)
http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg546/imagine686868/DSC00176_zps562c727e.jpg (http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/imagine686868/media/DSC00176_zps562c727e.jpg.html)

Aslan

10-16-2013, 12:52 AM

Yeah...thats too many balls to take to the lanes Iceman. You're gonna make JaMau's head explode.

Here's mine:
1058

It's after I first bought it. I never actually kept the windshield on it...only used it once. Won Metric Cruiser division at Boomer's in Waterford.

Zaxmazr

10-16-2013, 12:06 PM

ICEMAN, if you ever got pulled over would you tell the officer you have a heavy arsenal of weapons in there? hahahaa

MICHAEL

10-16-2013, 02:23 PM

ICEMAN, if you ever got pulled over would you tell the officer you have a heavy arsenal of weapons in there? hahahaa

LOL.... LOL,,, you think my son (soon to be police officer would give me a ticket, for simply taking my wife's, and my bowling balls!!! lol she brings 4, and I bring only 5 most of the time. (:) I made that trailer out of a basic Harbor Freight package,,, made the tonge longer and a few other modifications, it pulls like a DREAM!!

MICHAEL

10-16-2013, 02:31 PM

Nice looking bike Aslan.... I bet you get a lot of good use out of it living in paradise,,,, southern CA!! Remember, I lived in Central CA for about 6 years, not long ago!! There is a Catholic college there, that when I was an Iron Worker we had our teaching udates at this college! Can't think of the name of it, but I will give me a little time to look it up!
I use to ride my bike out from Kansas City Missouri to the College, all expenses paid! It would be a vacation, and teaching update thing for me! I was a teacher in the apprenticeship program for a number of years.

I will never forget what a beautiful place it was, and it was in july,, never needed air-conditioning! Each day it would start off with a light fog, then clear and be beautiful! That was in JULY!!

Aslan

10-16-2013, 02:53 PM

Aslan

10-16-2013, 03:09 PM

Here's my bike at Mt. Hamilton:
http://imageshack.com/a/img198/3228/mfec.jpg (http://imageshack.com/i/5imfecj)

Here's what the turns look like going up and down the mountain:
http://imageshack.com/a/img35/8571/9bzo.jpg (http://imageshack.com/i/0z9bzoj)

tr33frog

11-20-2013, 06:25 PM

Have a 98 CBR 600. Has been a while since I've rode, kind of killed it during a high side. Walked away with sore shoulders and bruised pride, but walked away. I was darn glad my buddy had enforced in me early on to always wear the gear. I still miss the feeling of acceleration and flickability of that bike.

Big Daddy

11-22-2013, 11:17 AM

Hammer

12-07-2013, 05:44 PM

I ride my 1996 Suzuki Intruder 800cc shaft drive that I bought brand new in 1996. It still looks like new. When someone comes up to me at a gas station and says nice bike they think that it is a Harley. That is why I bought it because it looks like the Harley custom
softail. It has buckhorn handlebars, a teardrop tank and a 21" front tire and a fat back tire. The wheels are spoked. They call the color teal but to me it looks more like a medium metallic blue. They only had that color one year and the next year it only came in red or black. How boring. I get a lot of compliments on the color especially from girls that pull up in a car next to me. When someone looks at my bike and says nice bike they can't believe how old it is. They say it looks brand new.

My bike has a carburator on both cylinders. When I first got it I was on the expressway in the right lane and I was coming upon an entrance way that comes off of another expressway. Well when the cars are entering there it is usually pedal to the metal. I didn't want to get caught up in that so I grabbed the throttle and turned it all the way open. I thought that I would just start going faster gradually
but I got a big surprise. I was already doing 65mph. It was like hitting passing gear on a car. My bike had a slight pause and then all hell broke loose. It took off and I stayed into the throttle. It was like riding a rocket sled. The cheeks of my butt tightened up around the seat. I got up to 85mph and backed off on the throttle. I didn't think an 800cc would have that much power to do that. I never got tired of my bike and still ride it at age 66. Because of my hips and knees they are shorter rides. It will be a sad day for me when I have to get rid of it. A lot of memories are tied into my bike and me. It will be like losing a good friend. Keep the flat side up guys.

Rdmonster

12-07-2013, 05:59 PM

I'll join in!! I love riding. Started on dirtbikes when I was a kid and got my first street bike when I got out of college. I currently ride either a HD Road King Classic or a Ducati 1098.

I've been to deals gap several times and the 1098 is so much fun on those types of roads. Rode the HD all over the place (Texas, Tenn, Ark, Mich, Kentucky) Everytime I get to the bottom of the Dragon I'm soaked in sweat and can smell the tires cooking.

I used to have a Ducati S4RS that I had a pretty bad wreck on. Bike totaled... I had about everything on the right side of my body bruised, torn or dislocated as well as a broken sternum from slamming into the ground. I rode it home through a haze of pain with a bent frame/fork combo and the radiator hanging by the hoses and fan electrics. My bowling hand was so swollen I could barely get my glove off. My helmet was bashed pretty good. The only permanent damage was some torn tendon capsule/sheath in my thumb and my xiphoid process subluxated under my sternum and is now a movable piece. Feels weird.

I was planning on getting a super moto this spring but couldnt pass up a deal on a 2000 M5 so most of my fun money is used up. I might have something up my sleeve before I go to Deals gap this summer...we will see.

I'll be riding until I cant hold one up....

Mudpuppy

12-16-2013, 03:22 PM

Aw man....from a motorcycling perspective...night and DAY compared to the Midwest.

In Michigan, I was very active in motorcycling. I was in a club....went on rides at least once per month. But cycling season was essentially non-rainy days between April and September. Riding with no windshield...50 degrees was about my limit. And obviously, once snow hits...you're definitely done till Spring. It was SO funny....that first warm day in March...there'd a motorcycle for every 10 cars as people couldn't wait to get back out there.

In Illinois...I didn't ride for over a year.

Fast forward to now...I ride a LOT less in December through February...but still put on over 100 miles per month. March through November...I'm riding back and forth to work 2-4 days a week. I'm riding SO much, that my insurance went up on the bike and down on the car....because I went from putting 2500miles on the biker each year in the Midwest...to putting closer to 17000 miles per year.

The only drawbacks?
1) Traffic. 3 bikes go down every day in California...usually one fatality per day in the State.
2) I rode up and down Mt. Hamilton near San Jose...awesome experience...mudpuppy would love it on a sport bike. Well, to get there from southern California...and to get back....you have to ride through the dust bowl areas near Bakersfield...and let me tell you...mid July...riding in 109 degree heat...plus the heat of the bike engine. I was stopping every 100 miles pouring water on my skin and watching steam come off and reapplying sunscreen.

Incorrect - riding season, per me, in Michigan is March 1 through November 15. You only have 2 seasons in Michigan (this whole 4 season garbage is inaccurate): Riding season and mod season. And during Mod Season it is legal to ride snow mobiles or other internal combustion vehicles if you aren't skeered. Some people ride motorcycles year around just because they can. I ride to enjoy it so I have no desire to ride my bike in December, January or February.

I didn't even see I started this motorcycle thread until now - perhaps we got a little too deep into the convo about cycles? lol. Moderated and I like it. It's not often (usually weekly) I get off on a tangent and get a thread split off. I did see Aslan reference it once or twice but didn't know what he was talking about.

MICHAEL

12-16-2013, 03:51 PM

Who knew? A bike thread! Well, here ya go................
My ZX10R (favorite!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYJaSxryNoI
My KLR 650
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO2GlLCwbV4
My 103" Fat Bob
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae7RxLCdQpY

You know how to get me dribbling foam from my mouth!!!! Damn that fist one reminds me of at trip I made back in the late 80s, with a Ninja 1000R form Kansas city to San Diageo, with a belly dancer that I was dating on the back!!

Talk about being tough as nails!!!! 1800 miles with a chick on the back leaning into me the whole distance!!
Now you know why I have a Gold Wing Now!!

Big Daddy

01-03-2014, 10:31 AM

MICHAEL

01-03-2014, 10:59 AM

I'm glad you enjoyed that Mike. Hopefully, before I'm too old to ride the thing, I'll be fast. My gf and I are going to do some track days this Summer. She rides a ZX6R. My bikes are my primary addiction, above everything else!

Makes me want to go to the garage, jump on my bike and ride!! LOL Only problem is 2 inches of fricken Snow!!

Would you give me a picture of the mount on the movies you made, and the camera? I need to do that while I can still ride! I am getting up there in age, but honestly feel much younger then my 65 years! In fact, most people say I don't look a day over 64 1/2!

Those are GREAT MOVIES,,,,, I want to make one of me, so my kids can see the WHY I AM a Biker, and always have been!

I have never owned a Harley, simply because in my time slot, they were not anything I was remotely interested in! I was into anything I could put between my legs that got me to 60 MPH in a couple seconds!!

Then in my 50's I went Goldwing simple because I wanted to tour the country, and still have a powerful nimble bike to do it with!

I am planning on a trip back to California maybe this spring, and will take my bowling balls with me! I need to bowl this guy called Aslan,, lol,,, on his own turf!! By then Aslan you should be ready for the absolute terror and destruction of Iceman

Biking is such a huge part of what brings me pleasure, that I can't even imagine not being able to ride! WHAT reason would there be to exist?? I like bowling very much, but biking will always be my number one pleasure!

I some times have flash backs of the feel and smell crossing the mountains in CA, NM, AZ, Utah ect!!

When you get the time show me how, and what you used for those incredible captures of you riding your bike!!! thanks.

Mudpuppy

01-03-2014, 03:06 PM

Now I am debating this year do I keep the 06 R1 and put $3-$5,000 into it or do I dump it and buy a 12 R1 red anniversary edition. Choices. I'd like to just keep the 06 and get a 12. But the fun governor wouldn't like that. No sir. Definitely riding a lot this year and doing some track days. September we are doing a big deal's gap trip if anyone is interested I can post the details here.

My videos:

https://vimeo.com/69592884
https://vimeo.com/69592884

https://vimeo.com/12100558

https://vimeo.com/19376723

and what we do in the off season:

https://vimeo.com/45610195

Big Daddy

01-03-2014, 10:51 PM

Mike, all I use is a GoPro motorsports edition. It comes with a suction cup mount. That's how I got the Harley shot and I use a Chesty mount for the sport bike stuff. Its an elastic harness you wear that has a mount on it. Something else you need is a Micover, it's one of those fuzzy things you put on the back of the camera housing to cut down the wind noise.
.

MICHAEL

01-03-2014, 11:20 PM

Great Fricken movies.....It reminded me of me, back in my 30, 40, and even early 50s!! Thanks for the ride!!!

MICHAEL

01-03-2014, 11:26 PM

[QUOTE=Big Daddy;98424]Mike, all I use is a GoPro motorsports edition. It comes with a suction cup mount. That's how I got the Harley shot and I use a Chesty mount for the sport bike stuff. Its an elastic harness you wear that has a mount on it. Something else you need is a Micover, it's one of those fuzzy things you put on the back of the camera housing to cut down the wind noise.

thanks for the info!! I want to make a few videos while I still can ride!! I did do a ride from Modesto Ca, to Kansas City Mo. in two days... 1800 miles..... Only stopped for food and gas!! Great ride form modesto to Kansas city, other Kansas, and part of Colorado. The mountains were great in Colorado, but once you cross them,,, nothing but flat lands.... That trip was 5 years ago. Rain storms, snow, you name it... it was one hell of and adventure!!

Aslan

01-04-2014, 01:26 AM

New Year's resolution…Iceman being able to use the "QUOTE" function properly.

MICHAEL

01-04-2014, 10:02 AM

Just before a trip,,, the bike, and trailer! We built the trailer out of a modified Harbor Freight unit! Then modified and made the Sears Cargo unit fit on top! It been to Ca, and back 2 times so far, and it pulls like its not even there!!!
Saved myself about 4000.00 bucks... Mine was under 400.00!!

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/gg546/imagine686868/aaaballsloadedreadytogobowlingrearview_zps97b9eb80 .jpg (http://s1243.photobucket.com/user/imagine686868/media/aaaballsloadedreadytogobowlingrearview_zps97b9eb80 .jpg.html)

Big Daddy

01-04-2014, 09:45 PM

Hey Mike, my gf and I are gonna do some track days this Summer so I'll make sure to share my vids. here for you. For the record, I'm 51 and just getting started.

Mudpuppy

01-08-2014, 10:33 AM

Great Fricken movies.....It reminded me of me, back in my 30, 40, and even early 50s!! Thanks for the ride!!!

Thanks. I have thousands of hours of footage just no time to edit. Those are a few that I actually did edit. I still have some really cool Anza-Borrego footage to edit and put up from when I went to California in 2011 to ride in the desert. Hoping to go back this February as well.

YODA

01-16-2014, 08:09 PM

this is the one thing I have yet to be able to talk my wife into getting. She doesnt see the reason to spend the money on it.

Looking at a Kawasaki or a Harley :) havent decided yet though.

Geneo2u

01-17-2014, 09:00 AM

Great movies, gets my heart racing. Gotta get mine going this spring...

Mudpuppy

01-17-2014, 02:41 PM

I have some advice for you - do like I do - Irish persistence. Persistence wears down resistance. Surprise her by renting a bike, taking her to a really nice dinner or picnic, movie, sunset on the beach, all that good stuff - make it magical. Then say look if "we" owned a bike we could do this ALL THE TIME. Then once you get the bike do a burnout in the drive as you leave her hanging and go riding all weekend and to the strip clubs at night with your buddies. She will never question another thing you want to do again (because she will be gone when you get back).

Thanks Gene. There are many more to come - just been toying with video the last few years. This year I am getting serious going to run multiple HD gopros. Ultimately I am going to create a 90 minute motorcycle mockumentary complete with riding footage and general shannegins. I am going to give it away for free and refuse any reimbursement for it and insist everyone copy it and give it away. The way everything should be - free. Humans are the ONLY species that "pay" to live on this planet. It's stupid (that's a whole other discussion).

I had a revelation the other day. I was debating this year what I wanted to do. My 06 R1 has valve issues - bad design. Eventually it WILL drop a valve due to poor valve retainers. So I am a bit pissed about it. I need a slipper clutch, suspension and good dyno tuning. So I am looking to drop about $3,000-$5,000 into the bike to get it where it needs to be complete with titanium valve retainers. Then it will be bulletproof. But I am thinking why dump money into a 8 year old bike? Even though it is the cool anniversary colors and a bad *** bike does it make sense or am I just dumping money into a money pit? i.e. does my love of the bike outweigh the value and logic? So I was thinking sell it for $7k. Buy a 12 R1 anniversary edition for about $11k. Would be about the same money wise as putting all that money into the 06 and the 12 is WAY more bike with traction control, cross plane crank shaft, slipper clutch, electronic controls (street, moderate, race modes). Way more advanced. Then I thought about it the other day - scrap all that. I am going to keep the 06 R1, put the money into it, ride it, love it and I am going to buy a BMW S1100RR (which is even more advanced than the 12 R1). So that is my new plan. 06 R1 anniversary edition (because I dig the yellow tribute to kings of motorcycle racing like Kenny Roberts) and then a 12 or 13 BMW S1100RR. Sounds like a good plan to me. Hope it goes well with the fun governor - the 06 R1 I kept sending her links to adds for bikes and saying check out these pictures I edited of the kids and eventually she said if you want the f'ing bike go get it - I went that day and she was like I didn't mean BUY the bike you a-hole. lol. I am more of a literal type of guy. Do what you say and say what you mean.

Mudpuppy

01-17-2014, 02:46 PM

Hey Mike, my gf and I are gonna do some track days this Summer so I'll make sure to share my vids. here for you. For the record, I'm 51 and just getting started.

Where are you doing track days? What are you riding?

I want to do a proschool this summer. But I have a lot of motorcycle trips already planned so I am not sure I will have time. On my list this year:

1. Hocking Hills - 3 times because it's just that good
2. Deal's Gap - September trip already locked in
3. Isle of Man - if not this year then for sure next year
4. Austin, TX motogp
5. Indy motogp
6. Multiple trackdays - Grattan, Gingerman, Autobahn, Barber - if no time then I will do Barber or Jennings early next year and just do Autobahn this year but I am getting back to doing at least 1 track out of this state each year again (we started that but discontinued lately - did Mid-Ohio & VIR).