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Ndiaz

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  1. Ndiaz
    I say, Gregory Gill, ignore what tx2sturgis tells you and get the GM car you want. Contrary to popular belief, GM does make some good vehicles. I just bought one 4 months ago, and am happy with it. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
  2. Ndiaz
    Excellent deal, ChurchBuilder! I bought 3 pairs of the sintered pads on eBay last week, for $48.75 including shipping. Sixity.com was the seller. Oh, well...I didn't do too badly. I installed the right front set on my Venture Royale, and they work just fine. Not time to replace the other two yet. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
  3. Ndiaz
    Here's another picture of me on the Venture, taken by my friend Dan at Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, near Mount Jackson, Virginia, taken last Sunday, April 5. Notice the trees still have no leaves, just starting to bud. One can see forever through the forests. Beautiful time of year to ride! http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/gssuzukiguy/Nick_April5_05-Copy.jpg?t=1239456272
  4. Ndiaz
    Sunday, April 5, 09, I joined a couple on a yellow Gold Wing (long-time friends, going back 30 years), on a tour of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The roads were outstanding; once off I-81, US 340, and US 11, those backroads are terrific, empty, and quite scenic. Late March/early April is a good time to get out and ride the mid-Atlantic States, weather permitting (and it can be quite changeable around here). On the way back, we took the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, north to Front Royal, the northern end of the Drive. Below is a picture of me and my Venture, taken by my friend Dan from his Gold Wing. He pointed the camera backward and got this shot, as well as many others. http://i570.photobucket.com/albums/ss146/gssuzukiguy/Nick_April5_04-Copy.jpg?t=1239456081
  5. Ndiaz

    Article

    Ndiaz posted a topic in Watering Hole

    My latest article in http://www.thetentacle.com , a local (central MD) news and commentary site, is out today. Topic is shopping/buying used motorcycles. I'm privileged to be able to write about motorcycles for a nonmotorcycling site. So far I've had good reviews about this. Click on the following: http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3089 . Nick Diaz
  6. Ndiaz
    Three months ago my wife and I bought a 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE, with 5-speed transmission and few amenities. Simple, basic transportation, this is our "four-hour car." We're very happy with the Cobalt -- a very good value for the money. $14,500 out the door. Of course, this doesn't go anywhere near the amount allotted to you. Have fun deciding.
  7. Ndiaz
    1sttenor, they both are, in an endearing sort of way... We both know what great bikes they are, and what terrific work our V-4 engines put out. Are you a 1sttenor? I am too.
  8. Ndiaz
    All, For my latest contribution to www.thetentacle.com , (a central Maryland local news and commentary site), click on the following: http://thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3064 . This column is about planned obsolescence and how some of us have confronted it and live with it. Owners of old bikes (I'm a 1st-gen Venture guy) would appreciate this. My columns, usually about motorcycling or math education, come out every other Tuesday. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD __________________
  9. Ndiaz
    Oops, wrong forum. Should've posted this in the "Watering Hole" section. My apologies.
  10. Ndiaz
    All, For my latest contribution to http://www.thetentacle.com , (a central Maryland local news and commentary site), click on the following: http://thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3064 . This column is about planned obsolescence and how some of us have confronted it and live with it. Owners of old bikes (I'm a 1st-gen Venture guy) would appreciate this. My columns, usually about motorcycling or math education, come out every other Tuesday. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
  11. Ndiaz
    Go to the following site: http://www.greatroadsgreatrides.com/ . Great Roads Great Rides is a book written by two good friends of mine. Description: 97 pages packed full of the following: 30 Glorious Multi-State Routes Over 8,000 miles of adventurous roads in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Ohio and North Carolina Easy-to-follow turn-by-turn directions Narrative for each route to highlight what you will see and experience along the way General maps covering the route to help visualize the journey A custom "Ride Matrix" that breaks down what sights and features you will see along specific rides. Examples include Civil War sites, Ferry rides on the Eastern Shore, National and State Parks, etc. The Ride Matrix includes the page number of the ride, and the miles covered. Complete web support featuring links and updates Compact size and spiral binding for easy use on the road. A mix of 1-, 2-, and more-day rides You can order the book directly from the authors on the website. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
  12. Ndiaz
    The two-tone white on the 88 Venture Royale.
  13. Ndiaz
    Some folks may remember that I write a biweekly column for a local (central Maryland) news and commentary site. My topics are usually math education or motorcycling. Lately I've been concentrating on education topics, but now that spring is around the corner, motorcycling will take up most of my columns. My latest contribution, back to motorcycling, is at http://thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=3041 . Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
  14. Ndiaz
    Favorite bike: 1984 GS1100GK Suzuki. Had it for 9 riding seasons, sold it in summer 2008 when it had 132,000 miles, most of them mine. Comfortable, reliable, reasonably fast, easy to work on. Replaced the GK with my present mount, an 88 Venture Royale. Haven't had much riding time on the Venture yet, but I do like it quite a bit. Looking forward to a fine 2009 riding season on this Venture. Wish I'd been able to keep the Suzuki, but someone more powerful than me said no way. Oh, well... I can't complain -- I own a great bike.
  15. Ndiaz
    Try MotoMaps, whose website is below. There isn't a Canada MotoMap, but see for yourself what choices there are. Maybe you can use one or some of their offerings. These MotoMaps are very handy to have on a trip. http://greatroadsgreatrides.com/newone/guides-tz.html Also, on the same website, is "Great Roads, Great Rides." This is a series of 30 or so ride routes in the Mid-Atlantic States. Go to http://greatroadsgreatrides.com/ . The authors are old friends of mine, with whom I've ridden many of these roads over many years.
  16. Ndiaz
    The Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Cruso, NC. Not far from Waynesville, NC, on US 276, at Blue Ridge Parkway mile 410. I've stayed there on several occasions. Good place to be. Below is their website: http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/ Nick Diaz
  17. Ndiaz
    One of the biggest fallacies, both outside and inside the motorcycle world, is that one saves money by riding motorcycles. I don't ride my Venture to save money; I ride it to enjoy life. On the other hand, riding is a bit more practical than chasing a little white ball down the fairway and end up totally frustrated. At least I can ride to work 90 out of 180 school days, on the average. My wife puts up with my riding because I don't chase women, drink very little, don't gamble at all, and don't play golf. I just ride and go on eBay for this or that for the Venture.
  18. Ndiaz
    Bad case of PMS these days -- Parked Motorcycle Syndrome It was close to 60 degrees Sunday. By Tuesday it was 20 degrees overnight, with snow and even some school closings. I'm in central Maryland. Back up to mid 50's by weekend. Seesaw time. We usually have a mild November, but not this time. Had to start the woodburning stove before Thanksgiving. Never done that before. I'm afraid I may run out of firewood this year unless things begin to warm up. Give me global warming any time now...
  19. Ndiaz
    Russ, I had the work done by Kevin Pohl, the independent mechanic up in Funkstown. Bob S. is the one who put me in touch with Kevin back in the early 90's. I've been going to Kevin's (TriState Motorcycle Service) since then. I owned five consecutive Suzuki GS shafties (850's and an 1100GK), all serviced by Kevin. The 1100GK had 132,000 miles on it when I sold it to a fellow in Ohio last summer. I bought the 88 VR to replace the old reliable Suzuki; I always liked Bob's (now yours!) white 88 Venture, so when the one in Maine became available for sale, I bought it. I've always valued Bob's advice, especially now that I'm a Venture owner. I look forward to many years of riding this beautiful Venture. I've always liked the bikes of the 80's. My email address is marinick1@comcast.net . Please drop me a line so we can stay in touch directly. We gotta get you out on the road with your Venture. We'll be twins! ;>) Nick
  20. Ndiaz
    Yes, Russ, you're correct. I'm Nick Diaz, at your service. Bob S. and I have known each other for 20 years or so, when there was a Venture Touring Society, (I had a Suzuki then). What I learned in your garage that day was how a Venture should sound. Now my Venture sounds like yours did that day. I took the Venture out for a ride last Friday. Came home from work, started the VR, dressed for 45-degree weather, and went on a 30-mile ride. What a difference in sound and feel. Anyway, let's stay in touch. Nick
  21. Ndiaz
    Ken, I bought a 1988 Royale this past summer to replace my aging Suzuki 1100GK. Rode the train to Maine to pick it up, then rode it back home to Maryland, taking a couple of days to get acquainted with this great bike. I always liked the 1st-gen Venture, its looks, and its function; several friends of mine rode Ventures in the 80's and 90's and they enjoyed them very much. I don't care about the Harley-esque look of the 2nd generation Venture; however, it's my preference. I don't like Harleys, and the 1st-gen Venture is one of the least Harley-esque looking bike there is. To each his own. I paid the owner $3,000 for this bike, a reasonable price for a bike that was in fair to good condition. This fall I took it to my favorite independent mechanic, who replaced the exhaust collector, replaced all fluids, (including brakes and clutch), installed new plugs and plug caps, and checked valve clearance, replacing a couple of shims. He also did a complete R & R on the carbs, replacing all four floats and slides, in addition to most gaskets and o-rings, and the vacuum line. Total bill was about $2,600. It now runs perfectly, whereas before the major work it sounded as if it was running on three cylinders. I now look forward to many years of good service from this magnificent Venture Royale. My point is that a first generation Venture is a good buy, and should make an excellent replacement bike for you; however, keep in mind the last 1st gen Venture came out in 1993, sixteen model years ago. My VR is already 21 years old. Those carb and exhaust parts were worn out. If you're contemplating buying a 1st-gen Venture, then you should be prepared to invest some $$ on it to make it run right, or do the work yourself. Best wishes to you. I'm happy with the choice I made, even if my wallet is noticeably thinner at present. By the way, I noticed you're in Defiance, Ohio. I graduated from Antwerp High School in 1965, while my mother was a professor at The Defiance College at the time. I know your area well.
  22. Ndiaz

    trucks

    Ndiaz replied to mraf's topic in Watering Hole

    I owned a Dodge Dakota, bought new in 1995. Six cylinder 3.9 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, club cab, rear wheel drive only. It had 200,000 miles, mostly trouble free, when I gave it to my son 6 months ago. No problem with front end. Had to replace radiator, water pump, and other items, but the engine wasn't touched. Reason I gave it away: It needed a new clutch -- not bad for 200K miles on the original. Didn't want to spend the money, so son can fix it up himself. In return, he brings me a load of firewood once in a while. I liked the Dakota. Nice truck. Good for daily transportation too.
  23. Ndiaz
    I agree with Gearhead. For 9 years I owned a 1984 Suzuki GS1100GK, a series of models notorious for fried stators and/or regulators/rectifiers. I sold it two months ago with a total of 132,000 miles, all but 25,000 were mine. The stator was the original, as was the reg/rect. I attribute this longevity in such fragile electrical parts to a few factors (not necessarily in this order): 1. Luck. 2. Clean connections at all times. 3. Never starting and running the bike with a low battery. Trickle charger on whenever I didn't ride for more than 2 or 3 days. 4. Running the h out of this Suzuki, long and hard. I suspect that, if I continue caring for my "new" 1988 Venture the same way I did for the Suzuki, the original stator will last me a long time. Then, again, luck sometimes plays in -- although people often make their own luck. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
  24. Ndiaz
    In late June I took Amtrak from BWI near Baltimore to Portland, ME, to pick up my 1988 Venture Royale. When I got to Portland, the seller picked me up, took me to his place, and I paid the balance due on the bike, loaded it with my gear, and I was on my way. Stayed overnight at a motel in Lewiston, then took off early in the morning the next day for home in Maryland. It was a 700-mile ride, with one overnight stay along the way -- a great way for me to get acquainted with a totally different motorcycle. For details, read what I wrote in a local news and commentary site: http://www.thetentacle.com, where I'm a regular contributor. Go to http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=2677 . For a follow-up article, go to http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=275 . No, you are not nuts!
  25. Ndiaz
    Lonestarmedic, a few posts back I mentioned that I've installed Conti Tours on my 88 VR, both at the same time. I've also been playing with tire pressure. 40 and 45 is definitely too stiff. I've only had them on for 600 miles, and so far 37 front and 40 rear works best for me. Nick Diaz Middletown, MD
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