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Showing results for tags 'riding'.
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My riding season was cut short last Saturday in Woodstock, Illinois by a 71 yr old cager that didnt see me. The accident happened on Illinois 176 in Woodstock. How he didnt see me is a mystery even to the police. I was heading east and he was heading west. He went to turn left and caught the back end of my Venture which apparently caused me to wabble before launching me into the air and onto the pavement. I do not remember a thing from the night before through the following afternoon. Injuries to me were a broken collar bone, broken rib, bruised lung,7 staples to the right side of my head, severe concussion, bruised hip and a whole lotta road rash. Lucky to be alive as I was not wearing a helmet. Damage to bike is unknown right now. It was towed to a shop today for an estimate. I can only be thankful that I was alone on that ride. Hope to be healed and riding again by the fall. Stay safe and enjoy the summer everyone. I'll catch up with y'all down the road. Kevin
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Was up in Racine WS for a family reunion over the 4th. My Cousin works for Bombardier and brought home a Spyder for us to ride. It was Billiard Red, with black accents. Ok, so the color alone makes me stand out. I was a little thrown off by the lack of a clutch and front brake levers. The shifting was done by a lever on your left thumb, forward for Up, backward for Down. Also, the creature would downshift automatically as you slowed down to a stoplight. It started easily enough, although there were some extra things to do, like set the brake, touch a button on the dash, reset the kill switch, and then turn the key. Riding it was easy. I don't like the position where you put your weight on your wrists, ala sport bikes. Wifey rode with me, and was unhappy with the forward sliding of the seat, causing her to lean on me a lot. Ha! I was not used to the passenger crashing into me, either. So here we are in Racine, Wisconsin, and where do my relatives, all riding ElectraGlides or RoadGlides, want to go? Why the Harley Dealership Gathering, of course! Now there were a lot of people there. I estimated we saw over 300+ Harleys outside and around the dealership. And I am on a Red Spyder. Oh boy. Needless to say, as I was being directed where to park, a LOT of people were watching us inch through the parkinglot. You know how you swing the bike into line with others when you park? Not quite as easy with two tires out in front of you. I had to use the Reverse to make it happen. Which was quite convenient. Had an issue getting off the Spyder. Apparently you have to set the emergency brake before you can pull the key out. Otherwise it beeps incessently. Would have been nice had my cousin told me about this "feature", heheh. But after several minutes of fumbling, we figured it out. Later after the Relatives bought their Genuine Harley Replacement Parts for the ride home, (Kidding!) I was left behind trying to back out of the parking lineup. My Wifey even took off on one of the ElectraGlides ("I am not riding that thing back" she said) As I puttered it through the mass of people, someone called out "Yeah, a Spyder! We make the Fuel Injectors for those things." Aha! That is why they are not dragging me off this strange 3-wheeler... they have family that actually works for the Can-Am plant! I was not in mortal danger! (Things would have been a LOT different at say, Strokers, in Dallas....just saying) Back to the ride. Don't throw rocks, but I was riding without a helmet. The tranny noise sounded like it was red-lining, but the tach said different. I didn't like the way you went into corners. Not leaning is just...wrong. It was very stable, and shifting was really effortless. The auto downshifting...well it was a little hard to get used to. I did find one thing that I absolutely did not like. I hit some gravel on the highway, and the front wheel slung it up around and it hit me on the arm/chest. Only happened once, but that was more than enough. THoughts: I would pass on getting a chance to ride them again. Its too easy. There is no effort, and its not a motorcycle. But if you are not comfortable riding on 2-wheels, then it would be a great way to go. I found it way more stable than the Harley Trike my MIL owned. If YOU get a chance to ride one, do so. My expressions are not doing it justice.
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My '83 Yamaha Venture is my 4th bike I've owned - last year I commuted 10,000 miles between Park City & Orem. I've never had a motorcycle accident, always wear my helmet, armored jacket, gloves, clothes (no shorts, flip flops - I don't get it when I see others riding bikes like that). I've made great efforts to be educated, practice riding skills, and be extremely aware when I ride. I'm embarrassed to say that I apparently wasn't careful enough today - it happened a block & a half away from my house- It felt good to be getting off to work on my bike. I had barely turned Left onto 400 South into the Center Turn Lane from 1000 West. I had checked everywhere for cars, moving & parked, and was actively monitoring the West-bound, 400 S lane to merge going west onto 400 south. I noticed a green blur to my right as a green Kia executed a U-turn from the far curb, turning in front of me - I knew there was no way I could stop fast enough (I did get in some braking) & I didn't have the space to evade. I t-boned her car right in front of her left, rear wheel, and her momentum brought my bike down onto it's left side (happened 60 feet from 1000 West, so I was starting to accelerate and wasn't going very fast - I've had worse snowmobiling accidents). I can't lift my bike, so some people helped get it up on two wheels again. I got a bump on my forehead - not sure how that happened with my helmet on -, my right thumb was jambed some, and my right elbow might be injured - I need to have an orthopedic doc or radiologist look at xrays I got from my chiropractor. The police officer didn't issue any citations; he said we were both at fault..Her for turning in front of me, and me for moving in/trying to merge from the left turn lane (Center Lane). She was looking in the traffic lane for on-coming cars, and not the center turn lane, & I hadn't realized there was someone ready to drive who was parked on the far curb - I was paying attention to possible traffic I would have to merge into. I don't know yet how much damage my bike sustained - the front suspension took the brunt of it, and the handle bars took the brunt of stopping my mass from moving forward, and the fairing glass in front of the headlights broke from hitting her car. Her car has 3 or 4 dents and some exchanged paint. I did ride the bike home with the handlebars askew to the right. I'm most concerned about my front wheel, forks, fork tree, and frame. I'm pretty ticked off at myself - I just finished getting my bike riding ready, and I was very excited to ride today, commute this week, and go on the Provo chapter ride this Saturday. Now I have to assess the damage, find parts, fix damage, and drive my cage in the mean time. I also missed out on a couple hundred dollars of work today. This was a minor accident, and I'm fine (just shook up this afternoon), so I guess life is good, and now I know how to be a little more aware/careful of an unusual, Left Turn situation - kind of a double left turn situation, since my turning left & trying to merge right distracted me from noticing the other left turner/U turner. I could have also been a little easier about my acceleration. I'm bummed out to have to deal with the frustration & stress of working through this (instead of riding). Anyways, live & learn, and hopefully it won't be too expensive - I hope Progressive is good to deal with. $100 deductible is good news (instead of $500 + deductible). Doug Nordin
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I just read the post from flyinfool, didn't do any of that! It's been three years and Leslie finally agreed to go for a short ride with a couple of friends of ours. We went out last night, staying on secondary roads, riding for about an hour. I wouldn't say she is a big fan, but said she may go out again. Her friend Ann mentioned taking a trip up island.
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i post in other club rallies about a rally we are having in birmjngham,Al this 2011. anyone is welcome to attend this event. we started it off another forum for the 96-01 standard royal stars, but all are welcome to come. we're riding to little river canyon area and hope to visit barbers museum and race track. check it out, don.
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Just came home with a 2011 Blue RSV. Still trying to get used to everything. It is not as friendly as my wing was but will be a great ride. I am just having the riding lights added for now. What do most people do to light up that back end of the bike? My wing was loaded with lights on the back.
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I took off on my RSTD to the Smoky Mountains for a week of riding. This was the first extended (multi day) trip for the RSTD. I quickly discovered a few things I need to upgrade/change on the bike, such as: Seat - my seat is too small (or my butt is too big). My seat is not long enough front to back. It became VERY uncomfortable after 250+ miles but after 600+ miles in a single day. I began to wonder if I would ever be able to sit again. At 600+ miles even the seat beads were non-effective. Thus far my search for a larger (longer) seat has been unproductive. I can find wider seats but not longer ones. Any suggestion would be appreciated. Lighting - I need more lighting on the rear of the bike!! In the mountains with early morning fog (thick as pea soup), on a couple of occasions the folks behind me could not see me until they were just feet away. I'm thinking a set of Hyperlites may adequately address this issue. Rider awareness - When riding the "Dragon" double yellow lines and curvers don't matter to some, so be prepared to be passed on the left and RIGHT by other bikers. Obviously the group I was with were not sport bike riders but we were not poking along either. Some guy blows by us passing on the left and right. Glad he was fast because if I could have got my hands on him, well I'd be in the pokey writing this. Preparation - In six days of riding we encounted heavy rains on three of the days. It goes without saying good rain gear is a must! We found chartreuse colored gear was noticably more visible than any other color.
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Hi All, Currently riding a 2001 Honda ST1100. I love some aspects of the bike, but my aging back isn't liking the riding position as much as it might when I was younger. Also, after about 200km, my lovely wife was somewhat 'sit disadvantaged' when she got off. So, I'm checking out the Venture. Around these parts, they seem to be a great deal compared to a GoldWing - and I've never warmed up to wings. Any one else make a similar change? Thanks all, Keith
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Going to the White Mountains, NH to ride tomorrow, anybody in the area wanting to go riding. Planning on doing the Cangamangas, and then camping somewhere around Mt Washington and riding up to the summit on Sunday morning. Leaving out of Laconia in the morning. ANyone interested, call me at 561 706-6097.
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Hello Everyone: Can anyone make a suggestion on hot riding gear for my wife? When it gets hot, she refuses to wear long pants and will not wear her leathers. She enjoys the sun and would rather wear shorts. I prefer she not get on the bike without proper protection. Does someone know of a lightweight protective riding pant that allows good airflow that she could wear over her shorts and then remove easily during stops?
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Riding my bike home from work yesterday I came across a maroon / black venture with out of state plates. I thought it might be someone from here riding in for the meet at Randy's tonight so I waved at him and we pulled in to a gas station to chat. He was actually riding around the southeast just seeing sights and stopped over here to ride the 421 Snake. We talked about the bikes, mods I have done to mine and of course I had to tell him about Venturerider.org and that here is where I got the info to do the stuff I've done. Maybe we'll see him around, I'm terrible with names, but I believe he said his name was Rich.
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Made it home to Texas from MD last night around 11:30pm. We took it easy on Sunday and just did 300 miles on back roads down to Lexington, KY. But Some family issues came up that I need to take care of, so yesterday we just kept riding - ended up doing the full 1,000 miles straight through in exactly 16 hours. It got prretty darned hot in the afternoon coming through those nasty rice fields in Missouri and Arkansas, but not really all that bad if you keep drinking lots of water. I've been riding long distances for 40 years, so the occasional 1,000 + day is no big thing, but Al has only been riding for the last six years since we bought the Venture, and this is the third unplanned iron but she has done - quite a few 500-700 mile days, but we do try to avoid the 1,000! I'm continually amazed at how she happily sits on that bike for 16 or even 24 hours straight and always wants to ride more when I suggest we stop for the night - what a partner!! It was great to see y'all in Ohio - lookin' forward to next year. Now, who wants to ride to Phoenix with me tomorrow? Gosse (and Mother Goose)
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Rolled in about a half hour ago. Gee, it's over already! Had a SUPER time! Once again thanks Squid for helping out this old geezeer to gwet some work done on the scoot! Clutch works supurb! I discovered that guys sharing tools is a form of male bonding! So glad to run into everyone I knew already and to meet a few new people as well! As usual it was a hot day and it didn't rain! I'm really surprised there was that much left over ice cream. Kudos to Hummingbird for coming up with this, it was YUMMY!!! Great to havfe Pioneer Motorsports set up a tent, and they must have done alright because they are already talking about returning next year and adding riding gear to what they bring. That Midnight RSV they picked up along the way sure looked nice, and I know several of you were interested in it! Very pleased with the hotel accomodations for the price, and we were treated very well! Offering free rags was a nice touch! At first we weren't going to do next year but on the way home we decided it is waaaaay too much fun to miss! See ya all down the road!!
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My wife and I went to Quincy il today and sitting at a stop light we had about 20 bikes, all harleys, pass by. We are on the RSV chilling at the red light and they had the green. I waved as I do to ALL bikes. Not a one would lift a finger, not even to flip us off. They looked at us, then turned there heads. Even the wives on the ones riding 2 up turned their noses up I would hate to thing that a piece of equipment made me have such a complex that I would be ashamed to wave at someone riding something not labeled a harley. Next time I get the chance I think Ill ask one of them hard core harley guys to grab a standard tool set and work on his "hog" cause unless it is old school with a springer front end I am betting it has as many foreign parts as my Yamaha
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Yep, another "wave" thread. I've been riding since the only choices were Harley Davidson, Indian, Cushman, or Schwinn. Didn't always own one all that time, but have had one or more for around 50 years now. Street, off road, quads, three wheelers, dirt bikes, drag racing (1/4 mile street modified 119 mph, 11.7 secs. back in the early 70's). I have ridden lots of different brand names, most of the years the major ride was Yamaha. Harley in middle 60's, but also BMW in the 60's and again in the 70's. GL 1000 early Gold Wing, '79 XS1100 got traded for a '84 Venture Royale new off the show room floor rode it until 2004, just to name a few. Never knew I was obligated to wave. SO WHAT? most of you are asking. Some of you have more experience than I, some a lot less. Let me tell you, folks, it's about the riding that pleases you, not what seems to be proper in someone else's eyes. Why do some of you think it's an obligation to wave? We all enjoy riding, and for a wide variety of reasons. Some are strictly in town cruisers, some canyon carvers, some cross country high mileage fanatics. Do I have to wave because you think it's a sign of comraderie? I don't see Dodge Charger drivers waving, or Mustang drivers. I'm sure some of them do, but it's not an obligation. If you are feeling friendly and aren't too busy driving, and want to wave, for cryin' out loud, wave! But there may be times when it is not easy or convenient to wave, so don't! I just don't think anyone should be judged innocent or guilty of proper motorcycle protocol by the act of waving or not waving. It's about the journey. How's this for wasting time on Sunday morning?:2cents: (I doubled up because this looks like about 4 cents worth)
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Anyone ever been to The SC Railroad Museum north of Columbia. Thinking about riding up there and checking it out the website makes it look interesting. http://www.scrm.org/
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hey,gonna go for ride sat morning,anyone up for it let me know,thinking of riding towards hiawassee ga,or that aera.
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Is anyone riding up to Freebirds MD and going through or by Olive Hill or Grayson,Ky around 4:30 pm this Friday evening ? I will be going that way and my riding buddy JD had to cancel out on me due to his work schedule. So if anyone needs a riding pardoner then I will be ready at 4:30 pm kick stand up. I have traveled this route many times and usually just go to Grayson and take the AA HWY to cross bridge into Ohio and 104 to 386 over to 23 north and 270 west bypass to 71 north to Mansfield. I will stay with friends there and then on to Oberlin the next morning early. So if you need a riding friend to at least Mansfield ? PS: I was up that way just last Thursday, and want to let everyone know to please be aware of the roads up that way. Especially I-71 north, they are rough and down right dangerous for a motorcycle in a few places. Please take your time and I would not ride this route after dark. Fuzzy
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I have a '99 RSTD with a 2 year old new factory rear shock. No matter how hard I try, I can't get it adjusted so it won't bottom out when I'm riding 2 up. This is the shock that sits horizontally so if the bike settles down or I'm riding and I go over a bump the piston comes out as opposed to a vertically mounted shock where the piston would go in. There are no markings on it to tell me which way to turn to adjust the preload or how much to turn it. Any suggestions? Thanks
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Yesterday was the day of absolute fear while I was riding home from getting my RSV inspected. While riding down an interstate in the left lane, I was passing a Jeep who at the last second as I was right next to his vehicle decided he wanted my lane. There was no indication or turn signal on the jeep that he was going to change lanes. That section of the highway has a concrete divider about 5 feet high and about a foot and a half from the edge of the left lane. I missed scraping the wall by less than a foot and the front bumper of the jeep was less than a foot from my saddle bags the last time I saw the situation for what it was. Have no idea how I got out of it, but I am very glad my clutch did not slip when I opened the throttle to get the hell OUT of that situation. I cannot imagine the mess I and my RSV would have made had I hit the brakes, the wall, or the jeep. Guess my life insurance would have been paying the claim shortly. In 40 years of riding, that is the closest I have ever come to dying on a motorcycle. Must have been pure instinct, experience, and training that kicked in, because I had no time to think. Time to put the loud pipes back on the RSV!!!!
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Hello Everyone: It is so early in the riding season here in Nebraska, been cold and wet. I heard last weekend about a biker from a nearby town that struck a deer while riding his motorcycle. I am saddened to learn he passed away due to his injuries. Although I did not know the biker, my heart goes out to his family. He was one us. Ride safe...
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Yesterday evening at Myrtle Beach, Sleeperhawk got an early Father's Day present that he has been wanting for a long, long time! A Mustang seat! After riding home from Myrtle Beach today, we both decided we really liked it!!!
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I'm near Kingston ON, and I'll probably head over the bridge in Gananoque and be riding thru NY along the north shore of Lake Ontario. I have a membership in a campground near Lewiston NY so that could be a potential stop. (I'll never make an iron butt rider!) Is anyone planning on riding down to Don's and passing by or near this way? It's always more fun to ride with company rather than solo. ( my wife won't be making the trip either) LEt me know....maybe we can hook up. It could be possible to go by way of Toronto around to Niagara...but that is a couple hours longer for me.
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My friend and I are planning on possibly riding to the Veterans Memorial Wall (Arlington,Va.), and I have never been. Just wondering if anyone else has made these plans here in our general neighboring states or in our area. We would be leaving here, Olive Hill, Ky. on Friday, May 27 at 2:00 pm to ride to Arlington,Va. From here it is about 7 hrs none stop. We would like to take our time and be there for the Sunday morning trip to the wall,then start back for home that evening. Must be back home on Monday, May 30 th by 12:00 noon. Would love to meet up with some of you folks if you have made plans to go. I told my friend JD, that I would check to see if any of you all are going/or making plans before we make any final decisions. I have looked at RFTW site and information. But I think we are a little to late to get any of the discounts and so on. I feel like we would maybe be intruding on a good thing by not making plans in advance. We decided that we would become members next year and try and meet up with them. Their deadline for hotels and so forth was in April. This would be a nice annual event if someone would like to take on the responsibility of such a plan. Or maybe someone has. I did a search and came up with nothing. I think it is really good to honor those/and their family, who have paid such a great debt for our freedom. James Darrell Fultz 437 Reeves Branch Olive Hill, Ky. 41164 (606) 356-7797
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I have been thinking about cutting a windshield down to 3-4 inches for a summer windshield on my 2000 RSV. Anybody try anything like this? Would like some more wind to keep me cool for summer riding. Bob
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