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nhchris

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Posts posted by nhchris

  1. Installed an adventure-bike-type splash guard to try and contain the shower coming off the rear tire.

    Now... I already know some of you naked bike guys abhor this look, so you don't need to comment and tell me so!

    The unit looks pretty rugged and well made,  and fits perfectly into the swing arm, replacing the aluminum chain adjuster block.  And at $66 it's a lot cheaper than the R&G extended rear fender I originally wanted. I 'm a pensioner after all!

    cb

     

    IMG_1049.JPG

  2. 25 minutes ago, norcal616 said:

    HD just needs to close up shop... I'm not even remotely convinced HD understands motorcycles anymore...

    I think there's still a place in the American motorcycle scene for baggers, "bikers" and HD motorcycles.  I thought their 750 flat tracker was even cool.

    We riders are a rapidly aging demographic going the way of the Dodo.  To sell bikes to our younger offspring, many of whom have $100k in student loans, you gotta be realistic. A thirty grand scoot isn't realistic.

    I wish this surviving American motorcycle manufacturer well, but...

    cb

  3. Maybe Harley is factoring in a U.S. government energy credit (such as E cars get) to soften the sticker shock. I think Tesla and Toyota rely on that to some extent.

    I want to see E bikes succeed and I think they will... eventually. From a brute performance point of view they are already there. Now they need to solve the distance limitations and long charge times.

    cb

  4. It would be interesting to know what data the marketing folks used in pricing the E bike.

    In general the 20K-plus prices of most gas Harleys are cited as a barrier to entry for new and younger riders. So the logic behind 30K begs credibility.

    I remember talking with a Motus sales guy at Americade last year as he told me his bikes were "not for everyone." True!!  And snob appeal didn't get that company too far. RIP Motus.

    cb

  5. I think part of the issue is also the wide spectrum of use the FJ fulfills. For some it's an out-n-out canyon carver, for others a commuter platform, for others a distance touring bike.
     
    Designing to completely meet all these specific end cases is really impossible. So design tradeoffs are made and owners do what they can to compensate.
     
    I believe the longer swing arm is an attempt to optimize the design for touring. We'll see how the hooligan set feels about the GT's handling as time goes on.
     
    On an ST or Concourse there is no confusion about how the bike will be ridden and used. With the flexible FJ platform.... all bets are off.
     
    Pity the poor engineer designing for that scenario!
     
    cb
  6. Not so much a motorcycle test, more of a travelogue with mobike touches.   But interesting. smiley.png
    In this era of shrinking ad revenue and page counts, it must be difficult to get a critical bike review past the Editor in Chief and Publisher.  Plus, these guys want to keep the bike for a year! 
    I usually look to Motorcycle Consumer News for unbiased reviews (they don't accept advertising) but lately their content has gotten watered down and a bit weird.
     
    The long slow demise of the print media I guess...
     
    cb
     
     
     
    • Thumbsup 1
  7. I've been looking for a new helmet with a dropdown internal visor. Any suggestions, reviews? Looking at the high end Shoes GT-Air down to a AGV. Thanks!
    I recently bought a Bilt modular model with a drop down visor. I love the visor feature and find it works well and is easy to use. Does not seem to fog as long as you are moving. 
    The helmet itself is OK for $119. It has loosened a bit after 50 hours of use but fits me well and seems a good value for the $$.
     
    I had Shoei modular previously, but I am now replacing helmets after a few years of use.
     
    cb
  8. They got me at 57 in a 30 zone right at the western exit of the Dragon near the lake.  He was sitting in the parking area on the right.
     
    Cop told me to call an 800 number to take care of it when I got home.
     
    I did. $300 fine, AAA driving class, and ticket wiped from my record. TN never notified my ins company or home state. Painless!
     
     
    I think they ticket in Blount County mainly for revenue, not to be mean!
     
     
    cb 
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