GaThumper

Me Too! It was actually my second bike if you count the 1965 Honda 50 that me and my brother shared. I loved that trail boss and rode it all the time. The dual range tranny was a really cool feature. High range cruised the dirt roads and then low range got down and dirty! Here's a pic of the Honda 50. http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/GS1000E/DSCN2669.jpg There was a long series of enduro and dirt bikes before I got my first real street bike, a 1978 Suzuki GS750E. Traded it in the following year for it's big brother that I still have now. My 1979 GS1000E http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/GS1000E/CanonPictures127.jpg http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/GS1000E/DSCN1420.jpg

I can sympathize a little (or a BIG, toe that is!) I've only dislocated my big toe (now don't laugh, I'm not kidding, and the pain was serious) but it was a couple of hours before they got around to me in the ER and the ER doc couldn't get it back in. A couple of them tried several times and it wouldn't budge. I finally had all I could stand and said get somebody in here who knows how to do this! They had to call the Ortho doc and wait on him to get out of sugery to come pop it back in. He educated the ER doc and actually had to rotate it farther the wrong way to get the bone out of the socket before going back in. They gave me valium, demerol, and local anesthetic, but most had worn off by the time the ortho got there. He said I can just pop it back in with no more meds and it will hurt like **** for just a few seconds, or I can give you more pain meds and local anesthetic and we'll have to wait until they kick in. I couldn't stand the waiting any longer and told him to have at it. About 1-2 seconds of more pain and then like you said, 90% of the pain was gone when it popped back in. What a relief! I think it was dislocated for 3-4 hours. I can imagine the shoulder is a lot worse! Prayers coming your way from GA James

I don't know why no one comes there to ride, because there is some beautiful county and some great riding, but I was glad not to see many bikes there! One of my two new favorite roads came down to Marion from the BRP, I'm sure you know Hwy 80. We left north GA and went up to Rosman NC and went up NC-215 to the BRP then BRP to Mt Mitchell and then down NC-80 to Marion. It was a nice day! I admit I didn't take my RSV though, I couldn't resist just strapping a duffle bag on the back of my '79 GS1000! http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/GS1000E/CanonPictures127.jpg http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/GS1000E/CanonPictures128.jpg

Thank You! Mr. Toolman. I just bought one, only one left! I also clicked though Bing.com (formerly Live.com) where I'm signed up for cashback and got 10% cash back. $14 will be added to my PayPal account in I just always go the bong.com and search for "cheap wii" and there will be a link near the top that says "You may get xx% off with PayPal" and links you to Ebay. Once on Ebay you can search and buy any item with a Buy-It-Now and payable with PayPal to get the discount. Ebay will let you know if the discount is in effect. Look for the green Microsoft Cashback banner in the headers. http://pics.ebaystatic.com/aw/pics/promo/magic/pmoGleam10_150x23.gif If you are not set up for cashback, it's a pretty cool deal. Well, it was a lot cooler last year when it was 30% cash back, but anytime I can get a discount... It's been 8% for a while and today it was 10%. The discount changes and you can track it on slickdeals.net if you want to try and catch a 25-30% discount again. I think you are limited to 12 cash back transactions per year per account and a maximum of $2500 per year and can't combine with other coupons/deals. Here's the link if you are interested. It just saved me $14 on my rack! Almost paid for the shipping. https://cashbackaccount.bing.com/cashback/welcome.aspx

I won't be at Rib Country Tuesday evening, I need to make a hospital visit. See you tomorrow afternoon!

Welcome to my backyard, too. You may still have my cell number? If you need anything, give me a call. I'm tied up tonight, but I could probably make it to Rib Country (or to Helen) Tuesday evening. Otherwise I'll see you Wednesday! Just let me know! James P.S. cell = seven oh six - eight oh nine - two five seven nine P.P.S. Don't know how well you know the area, but I'll give you some ideas if you want to take a ride. You may already know these roads, but I didn't know for sure so... Richard Russell Scenic Hwy / Brasstown Bald - Go west from downtown Helen and turn left on Alt 75 and then take first right on 348/Richard Russell Scenic Hwy. Dead end at 180 and take a right. About 5+/- miles on 180 take a left and ride to the top of Brasstown Bald, highest point in GA. Return to 180 and turn left to Hwy 75/17 and turn right to return to Helen via some nice sweepers. TWO/Wolfpen Gap - Go west from downtown Helen and turn left on Alt 75 and then take first right on 348/Richard Russell Scenic Hwy. Dead end at 180 and take a left. Less than a mile you will turn left on 19/129 to stay on 180 and then about three miles down 19/129 you will turn right on 180(just before Vogel). Follow 180 to TWO (Two Wheels Only) to find a good meal and/or a rest stop with other bikers. From TWO turn righ on Hwy 60 and then left at the stop sign onto 19/9. At the stop sign turn right on 129 and then watch for Alt 75 to take you back to the west end of Helen or come on in to Cleveland and take 75 at the red light back to main street in Helen. Lake Burton - Go west from Helen following 17/75 all the way to a stop sign at Hwy76 (to the left is Hiawassee and Lake Chatuge) and turn right on 76. Follow 76 about 12 miles and turn right on Hwy 197. 197 goes down the west side of Lake Burton and you will find LaPrade's on the left for a nice meal and/or a rest stop. Continue down 197 to turn right Hwy 356/Lovell Wickle Scenic Hwy. 356 will bring you back to 17/75 and a left will have you back in Helen. Be Safe and Be Blessed!

Thanks for sharing this, it helps knowing that it's not the end but the beginning. My heart and my prayers go out to those he left behind. James

No worry, no hurry, just thank you again and ship mine at YOUR convenience.

Thank You and God Bless! Words can't express my feelings, how about a prayer and a couple of videos! Oh Atlanta (On My Way Back to Georgia) Original Style with Little Feat & Lowell George [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNSV5qWTY_w]YouTube - Little Feat - WLIR, Hempstead, L.I., NY 1974-09-19[/ame] Country Style with the angelic voice of Alison Krauss [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ7SYt-b-fI]YouTube - Alison Krauss & Union Station - Oh Atlanta[/ame]

From one James to another... it will make it easy to remember you in my prayers. Be Blessed!

I sent you a PM about a set yesterday, too. Did you get it? Just let me know if I'm in the money and I'll send you a Paypal or a check. Thanks, James

Hey Wayne, sorry to hear you won't be able to make it to Vogel. I was looking forward to meeting you! But, for sure family comes first, and I'm glad you have a job and plenty of work to keep you busy. Look forward to seeing you some other time! James

Well, I talked to Rick yesterday and he has decided he can't help us out with another aftermarket shock option for the Venture. He was afraid the cost would be higher than the Works shock, and he was also concerned about the development, testing, and profitablilty of a shock for the Venture. So, he'll be returning the OEM shock to Wayne and I'll be saving my pennys (literally, I have several quart fruit jars full of coins) and ordering a Works shock for my '01. Thanks Again! James

Very interesting! He says he will be selling kits starting this year and is working on a Road King as his next project. When I can no longer ride on two wheels, I'll be looking for SOMETHING that still LEANS, I don't think I would like the side G forces on a typical trike or Spyder. He also mentions a new tilt lock mechanism that will be speed controlled so when you are stopped or in low speed traffic the tilt will be locked verticle so you aren't required to put a foot down. Thanks for posting!

I don't see myself ever owning one, but the tip over protection was pretty cool! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or_JhhwCYrQ]YouTube - Victory Vision, Tip Over Protection, Victory Motorcycles[/ame] Here's a walk around video if you haven't had a chance to see one yet. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-42lt1__qw]YouTube - Victory Vision Walkaround[/ame]

http://mtcvoyager.com/ http://www.mtcvoyager.com/images/voyager_standard_small.jpg http://www.mtcvoyager.com/images/priceHeader_intro.jpg

On post 217 I was added to the queue, now I'm not... Did I do something bad?

I saw that one last night on CL myself. I'm always searching for DR350s for my friends! The DR200 should be a fun little bike. It's a bit lighter than the 250s so it should be really nice to play in the woods. And I'm sure it will be fine to run 45-55 on the surface streets between the trails. I haven't sat on one myself, so don't know much more about them. I have seen some good reviews from owners. You are going to have a blast on the FS roads over there. Maybe I can get over there to play with you sometime. I wish I lived as close as you do! I'm going one day this week to scout the DS ride for the Georgia CMA rally that I'm leading, but it will leave out of Toccoa and run up around Clayton, the opposite direction from you. Have Fun! James P.S. I'll bet the DR is jetted way too lean, like most of the new dual sports and can benefit from adjusting the air/fuel screw and/or changing the jets. I'll see what I can dig up for you. DR200 Thread on AdvRider [ame=http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229927]the DR200 thread - ADVrider[/ame]

Here's an old post from Hilliss... David - You want "non-catalyst" mufflers. They need to be off a HD Touring Bike (Road King, and many other models). You can use other mufflers with the catalyst (I have) and these will be what your HD dealer will have as they are on the newer HD's. Or you can look around, (craigslist, eBay, etc) for pipes taken off an older HD (new take offs are out there) without the catalyst. Here are the P/N's (part numbers) you are looking for.... They will end with the following numbers if they are non-catalyst mufferls off a touring HD. 95 95a 98 or 98a Make sure you check the P/N's on BOTH mufflers

What a great idea! I'll have to keep this in mind for a future ride. Sounds like a lot of fun. Be Blessed! James

Another option, you can get businesses and individuals to bid on your transport needs kind of like an auction for the lowest price on http://www.uship.com/ If possible, I still think you should go get it!

The XT225 is a great small dual sport. It had the six speed like the Sherpa and is a simple air cooled bullet proof design like the Sherpa and Suzuki DR350/650. Personally I prefer the air cooled singles, less to go wrong. You can't go wrong with either the XT225 or the Sherpa. You may also be really happy with the TW200, but it could go either way. It's a really unique design, and you will probably either love it or hate it. I have seen the guys who take them on long trips, but they are in the minority. I've only seen one TW on one of my dual sport rides, and he did fine. (He did say he was looking for a Super Sherpa though!) I've not been around the XT225, but I've ridden a LOT of miles with the Super Sherpas and they will go anywhere and do anything. They are small and light enough to take on the most severe off road sections, and then hit the twisties and just rail. The XT has a drum rear brake, Sherpa has a disc. XT is SOHC and Sherpa is DOHC. The seat on the Sherpa is really comfortable, I have not sat on an XT. All in all I think you would be happy with either one! James

The TW200 is a cool bike, but it is pretty heavy for it's power and the big tires have some advantages and some disadvantages. It's probably a cool bike to put around the forest service roads on. A lot of people LOVE them! However, a friend recently had one and he was really disappointed in it on the street. And you can't help but end up on the street a lot when dual sporting. He sold it and bought a Kawasaki Super Sherpa from me and he loves the Sherpa. For riders under 200# the Sherpa is one of the best dual sports out there. It's an electric start 250cc air cooled bike with a six speed transmission and dual disc brakes. It has a bit of grunt as well as more power when you wind it up (as opposed to the water cooled KLR 250, you have to keep it revved up to make power). They were not available in the US from 2003-2008, but came back out this year. Not much difference in them. Here's a 2001. http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2002models/2002-Kawasaki-KL250SuperSherpaa.jpg and here's a 2009... http://www.bertsmegamall.com/motorcycles/kawasaki/2009/09_SuperSherpa_lrg.jpg My favorite dirt oriented dual sport right now is my DR350SE. '98 and '99 have the best suspension and the last year it was made was '99. http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1999/1999_DR350SE_white_640.jpg If I was going to replace the DR350 tomorrow, I would look hard at a 2009 DRZ400. Slightly heavier, only a 5-speed transmission, water cooled (I don't like having the radiator to possibly damage in a fall) but I do like the white color available for the first time since the '99 DR350. (I would also seriously consider the 2009 DR650, since it's not a lot heavier than the DRZ400 and it's air cooled and has screw type valves. See it farther down.) http://motoaus.com/images/stories/suzuki2009/white-drz400s-2009.jpg It all depends on two things. What kind of riding you want to slant the bike for, since all dual sports are a compromise bike, do you want more serious off roab ability or better street ability? And the rider, are you really young and strong? I've seen strong young men toss the 400# KLR650s around and I've seen lesser (or older) men struggle with the 250s. If you want to cruise the forest service roads and some mile off road and get there and back in comfort on the pavement, a 650 is the way to go. If you want to get deep in the hills and mud and creek crossing, then I would definately consider a lighter bike. One other big issue for some is the seat height. Depends on your inseam. If you are under 30" inseam, some of these bikes will be really tall. The Sherpa, XT225/250, DR250, and DR650 are a little shorter. The KTM, Husky, KLX, WR, and KLR are taller, but the KLR can easily be lowered. If you want a 250# full on dirt bike that is also street legal, then KTM or Husky is the bike for you. The seat won't be comfortable and you will be doing a lot of maintenance. KTM 530 http://ktm530.wr450.com/2008KTM530exc.jpg Husqvarna TE510 http://www.motorbikestoday.com/news/Images/husky_te510c_lge.jpg If you want a really good 300# dual sport that doesn't require a lot of maintenance look at the Kawasaki Sherpa 250, Yamaha XT225 (and newer XT250), Yamaha WR250x, and Kawasaki KLX250. (The DRZ400 weighs a bit over 300#) Kawasaki KLX250 http://www.backroadstouring.org/kansas/assets/KLX250S_07_R.jpg Yamaha WR250R http://dirtbike.off-road.com/dirtbike/data/articlestandard/dirtbike/282008/528392/08_WR250R_RS2_SO_AL.jpg Yamah XT250X http://www.motorcyclists-online.com/moto-essais-articles/images/illus/2008YamahaXT250_USA_02.jpg And the heavy weights, The 350# DR650, and the 400# KLR650 (pre 2008) http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/powersportsdlr/images/NewVehicles/2009_4_DS_DR650SE_wht.jpg http://www.edgeperformance.ca/kawasakioffroad-2007/images/kawasaki-KLR650_a_jpg.jpg The 2008 and 2009 KLR are around 450# and have a lot more expensive plastic to damage in the dirt, but I do still see them on all the big dual sport rides and rallys. http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/images/2009/klx650.jpg And you can get even bigger with the BMW 1150/1200 GS and the KTM 950, but that's just too much bike for me in the woods. Let me know if you have any questions. It's just my opinion, but I've LOVE dual sport riding and have owned 5-6 bikes in the past 3 years trying to find the right one for me. I'll be glad to help. James

I'm not sure about Florida (or Louisiana) but you need to check and see if either state requires the title to be notorized. I have had this problem before. Georgia does NOT require it to be notorized, but when I got a bike from North Carolina it had to be notorized. When I bought the Venture from Ohio we had it notorized, but I can't remember if it was required by OH or just good practice for me and the seller? I would call my local DMV or Tag office and ask them how to proceed to make a smooth transaction. Worst case you may be delayed and have to send some forms back and forth or get a limited power of attorny. It's much easier to do it right to begin with. Good Luck! James

Maybe it has a catalytic converter? What are the numbers on it?