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Topics - carlson_mn

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1
General Banter / Road conditions 2013
« on: April 29, 2013, 09:38:22 PM »
Whattup, for those who are curious I rode on Sunday overall road conditions were really good.

Cr O - Not much sand about average

Cr A - pretty good shape

Cr AA just south of Maiden Rock - I know some people like to ride this one I'm glad I skipped it because everything within site of 35 was covered in sand.

Cr SS - perfect, no sand, fresh blacktop on the last part of it made it the best time I've ever ridden it.

Cr N from SS back down to 35 was perfect.

The only roads that had a fair amount of sand were 37 and 88 had some expansive nasty areas but a lot of the fun twisty bits were very clean. 

I didn't get south of there and came back on 60 and 11 which were spotless, along with Welch which was perfect for now. 

Happy riding.

2
General Banter / Those damn saddlebags
« on: December 03, 2012, 08:53:00 PM »
lol.... probably saw this on Yahoo too. 

Yamaha FJR 1300 falls into sea on harbour




4
General Banter / Be glad you're in MN
« on: June 11, 2012, 05:58:41 PM »
I'm in San Antonio, TX for 2 weeks with my bike.  It is so hot here that it is absolutely miserable to be on a motorcycle, even mine which is a relatively cool running bike - engine heat is not the problem.  It is so hot the pavement is slippery from I have no idea what - when you are at a stop light your boots slide on the pavement and your tires are always sliding.  It gets dark earlier and it is still extremely hot at night.  The last 2 days are both over 100 in the shade with dew points in mid-60s.  You cannot ride with the face shield open during mid-day as the hot wind will burn your face, eyes and nose. 

So while they may be able to ride in January it's still no tradeoff to nice northern summers.

5
General Banter / An offer on tires (installation)
« on: March 30, 2012, 08:19:56 AM »
I want some practice installing tires and balancing.  I've got a new tire changer and balancer.  I just put my 180/55 rear tire on this week but would like more practice. 

I'm willing to do a set of wheels/tires for free to two forum members as I could use the experience.  Please hand carry your wheels over unless its an easy bike like mine with a centerstand, I've got torque bars and tools.  PM me. 

6
General Banter / How old can one ride?
« on: March 26, 2012, 10:22:09 PM »
First of all.. No this does not have to do with any current discussions starting with 'Back in the day.... "

I know tons of riders in their 50s.  Many riders enjoying themselves in their 60s.  Maybe only one older than 70 though that I know?? 

So that is my question ... how old do you plan, or hope, to be still actively riding a motorcycle?  I'm talking be capable of going out and enjoying at least a half a day ride, say a couple hundred miles or so.  There's about ten thousand variables that could be brought into this discussion, I know.

Sometimes I think and expect that my best riding years may be after I retire, when time is ample.  However, I have no idea what age that will be.  Lets just say it is a long ways off.

7
General Banter / I like it when this happens
« on: March 25, 2012, 08:46:37 PM »
27k miles and all 16 were right in the middle of spec.  Sometimes the bikes are nice to you.





 Nice Sunday project done.


8
For Sale/Wanted to Buy / HJC FS-15 XL 2011 model
« on: March 22, 2012, 06:59:10 PM »
This is a great helmet, I just made the mistake of picking it up online and it is just a tad too big for me.  It has less than 1,000 miles of use, used it for about 2 weeks and realized it is too big for me, my earphones would not stay in without some pressure that I am used to from a size large helmet..  It seems like a fantastic helmet, and I am going to buy a size large when I sell this one.  I was able to try on someone's broken in size L and it fit me similar to my old KBC.  XL is listed to fit 7.5 - 7 5/8.  I am a 7 1/2 hat size but size L helmets fit me better I guess.

It's the metallic silver model and very attractive.  $100.  I always wear a silk helmet liner so this helmet is like new, smells like new.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/16852/ITEM/HJC-FS-15-Solid-Helmet.aspx

9
This is a heck of a jacket.  I just ordered a 2nd one as I always wished my jacket was a bit bigger when bulking up for colder rides.  I paid a lot more 2.5 years ago for my jacket and it is still in great condition and I love it. 

They're on closeout now for $118 shipped so if you can find a color / size that is left, get on this if you are thinking of upgrading to leather.  This jacket is tough and has worked well in rides from 30-90 degrees.  I really find the neck to be comfortable and it gives you the option to button it so it stays away from hitting you in the neck. 

Anyways, here's the link just passing it on.  Order 2-4 inches above your actual measurements.  example I am a 44 chest with the tape but a 46 is a good fit with a t-shirt on and I just ordered a 48 to be more comfortable with my heated liner in.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/joe_rocket/blaster_4_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html

10
damn do I feel sore.  Rode about 100 miles today.  Lower back and back of my shoulders especially.  I did not have any of this at the end of last season, but I think I feel like this after my first couple rides each season.  Commuting today on the bike and rush hour doesn't help though.  I also think I have been tense on the bike since I've been uncomfortable with my heated liner stuffed under my already-a-bit snug size 46 riding jacket.  I have a 48 on order.

After a few months of down time I think the body takes a while to re-adjust to being back on the bike.  Anybody else have this same feeling the first few rides of your season?

11
General Banter / This is cool
« on: February 28, 2012, 10:45:18 PM »
This is actually an advertisement for the Nikon D800 camera.  Pretty impressive for a $3,000 camera.


Oh, and cool motorcycle riding too.

Nikon D800 HD Video: “Joy Ride” by Sandro Miller

12
General Banter / Insurance rates
« on: February 22, 2012, 12:33:48 PM »
I recently looked up insurance rates for a Kawi Ninja 1000 out of curiosity.   :o  $1600+/year for comprehensive with $500 deductibles.  I'm 29 married with clean record (within past 5 years  ;D )   I was surprised how expensive.

Right now for my 2008 FJR I pay $250/year for comprehensive with $175 collision deductible through Progressive who I've been with for years.   During the winter I reduce it to the minimum and actually save about $70, so a net cost of $180/year.

Sometimes I think about a 2nd bike but it would have to be one with insurance I could afford.  If you don't mind, post up what you pay for your bike for comparison and who you go through.

13
General Banter / 2011 Mileage report
« on: November 29, 2011, 09:17:37 PM »
Between 2 FJR's about 12k miles.  I commuted to work 28 miles round trip much of the summer,  but most miles were put on joy cruising and WI day trips.   Never left the state of MN or WI except for a couple skirmishes through NE Iowa.  Hopefully Arkansas next year, but would also like to visit family in CO and ride some of the great roads there or do another trip somewhere to the mountains west or east.

How many lucky miles did you rack up this year? 

14
General Banter / What's your favorite road of SW Wisconsin?
« on: November 13, 2011, 10:25:47 PM »
There was the other thread about your favorite road anywhere, but with the ABC's of Wisconsin in close proximity for a ride for us in MN, what is your favorite road in this region?  It was tough for me to pick one because each road I like is typically just a few miles before switching to the next.

I narrowed it down to the heart of CR. DD heading north between 54 and D.  Scenic, twisty, and good road quality there.  I did not get to ride that section as many times as I would have liked, maybe 3 times, but I always remembered wishing I had time to turn around and run it again. 


I really need to get to Arkansas where roads like that are 80 miles long and all over. 

15
For Sale/Wanted to Buy / 1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200 $1400
« on: September 28, 2011, 10:02:38 AM »
Needs new float jets, cheap K&L kit I received the new parts don't seat so the carbs will leak gas out the drainage tubes.  Some OEM Mikuni parts would fix that right up.  New clutch has 2k miles, new emulsion tubes, pod filters and Factory Pro jetted, Dale Walker pipe.  Engine runs like a champ, burns zero oil, is really a hoot to ride.  GSXR1100 shock installed and stock shock included.  Progressive fork springs installed.  Quite a few nice little pieces on the bike.  Has PIAA driving lights and a fly screen.  Good tires, good chain, good sprockets (+2 on rear).  36-38mpg. 

With my new daughter and 2 jobs I just don't have time for two bikes.  Spend a couple hours fixin' the carbs and have yourself a great bike.  I've ridden this bike cross country in 2007 and only lightly ridden each season since then.  I have all stock airbox/jetting pieces should someone want to return it to stock.   Body work is in good condition all around. 

59k miles.  Asking $1400.








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