en-us Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:43:34 -0500 ATM@msgroup.org 60 All Things Motorcycle - Campfire chat http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ All Things Motorcycle for Guest http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/ http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/rss_32.png All Things Motorcycle RSS Feed 144 47 Campfire chat - Cold weather ridingkoolskinshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10953&REPLY_ID=107879Campfire chat Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:34:40 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10953 Last year I discovered the FirstGear one-piece, thermal, waterproof suit and proceeded to ride all winter long in the Philadelphia area down to temperatures hovering around zero degrees. Even more impressive is I'm usually only wearing gym shorts and a tee-shirt under the suit as it works better when your body heat can flow freely within the suit. I've ridden in this suit during rain based nor'easters and can also attest to the waterproof capabilities. This suit is absolutely phenomenal and was the best $180 I ever spent for motorcycle related gear. The only downside is that anything over 35-40 degrees outside and you'll find the suit too efficient. I also installed heated grips on the ride as they are easier to deal with then the heated gloves with the wiring issues and the heated grips work well enough. I ride all year, rain or shine, unless there is snow, ice or salt on the highways.]]>Campfire chat - '87 Wingscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11096&REPLY_ID=107871Campfire chat Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:28:46 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11096 What works for me when I get another bike is to ride the new one exclusively for a while until I'm used to it. Then I'll go back to the other one, which will often feel strange to me. But after switching back and forth a few dozen times I can then switch bikes and almost immediately adjust to the differences.]]>Campfire chat - Up (Ohio) River Without PaddleJames R. Davishttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11049&REPLY_ID=107847Campfire chat Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:27:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11049 This is certainly one of the big reasons we ride: to have great stories to tell! Glad your day was "challenging" and not a disaster. You must have had to bite your tongue about the fourth time you heard, "You can't stay here."


]]>Campfire chat - Illinois Driver Hits Two Deer in 10 MinutesNieborhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11055&REPLY_ID=107688Campfire chat Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:29:07 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11055 Scan well, master braking skills, ride at speeds you can stop witnin sight distance.

Swerves fall into the gotcha category as a bambi avoidance maneuver. [;)]]]>Campfire chat - Vntage motorcycle auctionscottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11034&REPLY_ID=107330Campfire chat Mon, 02 Nov 2009 07:23:05 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11034 That looks like mostly just a bunch of old bikes with maybe a dozen desirable ones. The Honda CBX, Suzuki RE-5, Norton, Triumph, BSA, and a few others might be worth having. I see only four bikes on the list in mint condition and none as rough, even though several are noted as "parts only".

It makes me appreciate more the motorcycle collection at the Solvang museum.

I would be curious to see which bikes get sold for how much.]]>Campfire chat - World's fastest bike--616 km/hr (383 mph)radan2http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11029&REPLY_ID=107288Campfire chat Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:16:59 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11029 Other than the great publicity for Guzzi, I think the main issue here is using photo evidence in enforcement. A police officer did not observe or clock this biker, it was entirely done through speed cameras. The reading for this biker is blatantly wrong, and he has already gotten off and hung the letter in a bike shop.

But what about the cameras and other recorders that are reading incorrectly by a smaller measure? What if they are simply adding 4 or 5 mph to your speed? You are not confronted at the time of the violation, when your memory is fresh, but days afterwards. "Last Tuesday at 4:00 p.m., you were going 52 mph in a 45 zone." Do you remember what you were doing last Tuesday at 4:00, and more specifically, do you remember what speed you were going? "Well, I normally don't go more than a couple of miles over 45 on that street because of the traffic and pedestrians, but perhaps I did go that fast."

Traffic enforcement is increasingly becoming about government revenue rather than safety. Look at the UK: studies have shown that many of the worst roads for accidents have few cameras, but many safer roads have lots of cameras because higher traffic volume makes it more lucrative for the government to put them there.

If we are serious about road safety, we need to demand clearly and strongly that safety enforcement be about safety, not money. Traffic enforcement should not be regarded as a revenue stream by local governments.

(edited for clarity)

]]>Campfire chat - Not a bad concept I thinktwchttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11021&REPLY_ID=107221Campfire chat Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:26:16 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11021 What bothers me the most about this concept is that it enables a person to ride a motorcycle without having acquired any of the discipline or skills necessary to be safe on one. It creates a false sense of security that's likely to persist right up to the point where you discover that it's possible to highside this vehicle.]]>Campfire chat - Recent fuel economy advancesWarHawkhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10987&REPLY_ID=107119Campfire chat Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:02:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10987
quote:
Originally posted by chron999x@yahoo.com

All the technology is cool and flashy. How slowing down?




That right there!!

For every 3mph over 55mph you loose approx 1%ish fuel economy

Drag increases exponentially...so the faster you go..the harder you push..the more fuel you have to use to push thru that air. Its simple physics. And yes...the optimal speed efficiency DOES vary from car to car...low aerodynamic cars get much better gas mileage than trucks, and trucks more than vans, and vans more than bigrigs.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-...stion477.htm

That's one of the methods, increase the streamlining of cars, but to have a true streamlined car (top and BOTTOM) they look kinda funny and not many people will buy them.

http://www.recumbents.com/car_aerodynamics/


]]>Campfire chat - Riding in gusty and turbulent windssportyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=11002&REPLY_ID=107095Campfire chat Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:27:56 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11002
quote:
Originally posted by twc

quote:
Originally posted by galileo

One thing I've noticed about Colorado, when I switch direction for the winds, the winds shift.
The phenomenon is geological as well as meteorological. If you observe carefully the next time you're on a bicycle, you will notice that you're always riding uphill and into the wind. [:)]


Sounds like the Iowa river when it's time to move docks...
(around Iowa City, the river flows pretty much every direction
on the compass rose, and the wind manages to follow it about
3 or 4 days a year)

-W
]]>Campfire chat - The motorcycle industry is in a slumpAxiom2000http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11007Campfire chat Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:08:10 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11007
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-...3,full.story]]>Campfire chat - The Road Thus TraveledRHayneshttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10930&REPLY_ID=106405Campfire chat Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:09:27 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10930 The foliage is great right now off the back porch in South Central Massachusetts!
Swing by for a serving of whatever strikes your fancy in our cupboard (stock changes on a regular basis. what there is is what you can choose from).

As a note, if you (or anyone [;)] )are out this way http://www.pointbreezeonwebsterlake.com/is about the best seafood 100 miles inland that anyone could ask for. This is just off exit 1 of 395 after crossing the CT/MA border on the way up to Laconia. The deck seats overlooking the lake are spectacular right now.]]>Campfire chat - NHTSA cell phone studybrooks10http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10611&REPLY_ID=106338Campfire chat Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:00:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10611 It has been conclusively shown that hands free or hand held create the same risk. Multitasking is an urban myth.

Steve]]>Campfire chat - What does this mean to you.....Night Trainhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10924&REPLY_ID=106311Campfire chat Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:54:23 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10924 I read it as cellphone use a greater hazard than DUI. I would prefer an equal sign as opposed to the greater than sign simply because I would not want to diminish the extent of the hazard that DUI presents. Providing the message that using a cell phone is as bad as driving while drunk is certainly poignant enough by itself.]]>Campfire chat - Anyone have a link to photos of older bikesrayg50http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10906&REPLY_ID=106289Campfire chat Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:38:47 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10906
quote:
Originally posted by bachman1961

That picture looks like a dirt track bike



I rode a dirt bike [:u] [88]

The body style was similar, spoked wheels, regular street tires, front fender, and a longer rear one. Leg position as I remember it was about 90 degrees. My search continues. What I am actually trying to get are the specs. I want to find out the weight and engine size.

]]>Campfire chat - How much would you spend for a bike?haithabuhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10911&REPLY_ID=106261Campfire chat Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:09:55 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10911 When I was at a Honda dealership in August I could have got a 2008 Varadero for C$12,000. MSRP I believe is C$14,000.]]>Campfire chat - Latest recall info - Honda and YamahaSloppyJalopyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10886&REPLY_ID=106190Campfire chat Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:24:28 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10886 Here's a brand new Ducati recall. under 300 units affected and a free dealer fixer. Maybe this site has the comprehensive list you're looking for?
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/09...sa-7127.html]]>Campfire chat - How did you tell your partner you were buying a bike?SkootchNChttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10557&REPLY_ID=106069Campfire chat Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:54:04 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10557 her: whose bike is THAT in the garage?
her: (next breath) Where is RED?
her: (following breath) can I take it for a spin?

of course, have bought her a new bike 6months earlier, greased the wheels]]>Campfire chat - In my saddlebag...gdickelmanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10873&REPLY_ID=105964Campfire chat Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:49:09 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10873
quote:
Originally posted by Cash Anthony

I'll be carrying a copy of the latest anthology of short stories from The Final Twist, called A Box of Texas Chocolates. (I've already read the last one in the book - it's mine!!!)

Click here to see it on Amazon, or you can get a copy autographed by many of the authors at my eShop, From Cash's Closet

My story is another Jessica Carr adventure, starting with a ride on her Road King. :)

So who else carries books in their bags? (I've been happy to have one while waiting for a tow truck a couple of times...)


Cash


I loved the last one, and I ordered the new one when I read this. Contrats, Cash!

Not only do I carry books, but I write the info for AAA, Moto Guzzi Roadside Assistance and Ducati Roadside Assistance on the inside covers. [:D]]]>Campfire chat - How inevitable do you feel crashing isgdickelmanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10861&REPLY_ID=105883Campfire chat Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:28:21 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10861 I have invested heavily and seriously in rider training, PLP, gear, communications, practice, practice, practice.... That said, I question the sanity of riding a motorcycle every time I get on. I think sometimes that I should restrict the activity to recreation, and only in places where roadway and highway traffic are totally absent. Trail riding, dirt riding and tracks are perhaps the only place where a totally sane motorcyclist should ride (my conscience tells me). Then I look at the millions of miles traversed by bikers who have never had an accident. To that I say, "Lucky ba***ards!"

I will, of course, continue to use my motorcycle as a primary means of transportation, and I will continue to redouble my efforts to apply more and better safety and accident mitigation strategies.

All that said - I will never be immune to a crash. My attention can never be 100% on all possibilities (especially the ubiquitous deer). But I will continue to redouble my efforts to stay safe, which is one of the main reasons why I'm here.]]>Campfire chat - Northern California - What should I see?gymnasthttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10856&REPLY_ID=105745Campfire chat Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:20:09 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10856 Oxford Biker, Google "Americade, Lake George". Note the dates for when you plan your next trip. I know people whom travel half way around the World to attend this rally every year.]]>Campfire chat - My First three "Rides." What a differenceRobushttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10718&REPLY_ID=105678Campfire chat Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:20:29 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10718 Riding with an MC is not really to be recommended for a beginning rider. Those guys spend more time in the saddle than the average rider but seem to spend most of it perfecting bad habits. They ride too fast, leave too little separation between bikes, tailgate, seldom wear decent safety gear, and often customize their bikes in ways that diminish the roadworthiness (hardtail frames, ape hangers, etc.).

A better way to learn is to get with superior riders who are willing to coach you along.]]>Campfire chat - Honda finally brings a mid-size tourer in the USvivid dadashttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10840&REPLY_ID=105674Campfire chat Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:25:04 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10840 That is a great looking motorcycle, not available south of the border. I don't understand where Honda's head is sometimes. They think they know me, but they don't.]]>Campfire chat - secret to better mpg and fpmNieborhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10825&REPLY_ID=105451Campfire chat Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:56:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10825
quote:
Originally posted by bachman1961

I figure we looked like the Apple Dumpling Gang going up the road as three on various forms of iron, steel, plastic and aluminum ...
my old school looking standard UJ bike, an aerodynamic modern looking job and a Harley .. talk about diversity !!

LOL! Quite the visual. [:D]

quote:

For a while, I had to haul around my study books so the bike wasn't an option. Two of the four books are 600 + pages ea. on Mechanical Engineering and Boiler/Steam Plant operation.
My day-pack is handy but I'll be adding some saddle bags one of these days.

600+? [:u] Be sure to put those babys in opposite bags! [:u]

I should talk, I've yet to split up my tools. [V]]]>Campfire chat - MotoGP racing on Fox - Sundaybluremihttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10787&REPLY_ID=105148Campfire chat Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:59:18 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10787 I don't see how Nicky could possibly finish on the podium: he usually doesn't even get into the top five unless someone crashes out.]]>Campfire chat - Does your motorcycle have "soul"?galileohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10661&REPLY_ID=105147Campfire chat Mon, 31 Aug 2009 07:29:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10661 I've been reading a book called "Bodies in Motion" by Steven L. Thompson which may give an inkling to what would make a bike have soul to one rider and just be a pain in the butt to another.

It's based on the premise that each bike gives sensations that are embedded as pleasurable in our genetic makeup. For some reason, each of these sensations contributed to the survival of our family tree. (Pun intended as the sensations a monkey would experience are a large part of it.)

For instance, Niebor mentioned that a bike has soul when they have stared death in the face together. Maybe he comes from a group of manmouth hunters. Others, like myself, like repetitive rocking motions as one would feel in the perfect set of twisties or a large offset cone weave done many times in a row.

The book is a good read for those who like deep reading. Totally boring for those who don't.]]>Campfire chat - Vacationsgalileohttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10785&REPLY_ID=105067Campfire chat Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:48:44 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10785 Ray50,

Here are the states I've been to in the last 12 months.



It's funny how it looks like a big map of Texas. I may add North and South Dakota over Labor Day weekend.

On my last short tour, I took a 3 day trip all on back roads. It rained all the way across New Mexico. Then in Arizona, it got up to 109. Not so bad. My friend was so sure I'd arrive at 7 like I said, the steaks were on the grill when I got there. Not bad timing for 720 miles of non-interstate riding. Then the next day, I headed off to Needles, CA. My friend had told me about some back roads through Arizona. He forgot to mention some of them weren't paved. It was supposed to be 113 in Needles, but it was only 101. Then off to Laughlin, NV. and then to the Grand Canyon. After a short vist at the Canyon, I ended up in Tuba City, AZ. That is one of the rare cities that just feels good being in it. But I didn't see a tuba. That was a little over 600 miles. Then on home. One of the highlights was the Million Dollar Highway. But I don't think I'll go back there. I'm a bit afraid of heights.

Overall, a great trip. Over 1,900 miles in 3 days. Great roads, great scenery all the way.]]>Campfire chat - Bears and Harleysbzippihttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10739&REPLY_ID=104656Campfire chat Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:59:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10739 The bear must have thought the tour pack looked like a "pic-a-nic basket."

]]>Campfire chat - New Safety Wear??Jim Bhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10662&REPLY_ID=104606Campfire chat Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:56:08 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10662 Speaking of 'new' safety gear, here is a new armored outfit that looks promising. As soon as they come out with a Klingon warrior design, I will place an order.

What kind of bike goes well with this outfit? Harley XR1200? Suzuki B-King?

http://www.universaldesigns.ca/UDR/...Djacket.html

]]>Campfire chat - Enough Horsepower for the Job?CrtrTylrhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10588&REPLY_ID=103250Campfire chat Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:34:55 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10588 If she goes too hard, I just won't play. At that point I would just go home and get my Road King!

Actually , she knows she is in control of my ride, what woman wouldn't like that! She knows if she increases speed rapidly, in the heat, I would just drop. But if she does it slowly, especially on a climb, she knows she'll hurt me because the gradual increase I do not feel right away and just increase the effort to match her till I am almost ready to blow.

Another favorite of hers is, no matter how many times I tell her, she gets enjoyment out of it. On sharp turns, I am much faster, so I will pass her and get around the corner and go on. I have told her to please put the hammer down and get back around me, get me out of the wind, as soon as she gets straightened back out. Expecting her to come around in a short time, I'll keep the hammer down, just killing myself in the heat. Most of the time she'll do what I say and be right back in front of me. But every now and the, she'll hang back knowing for every ten seconds she leaves me out there, I am dying another death. I know she knows what she is doing because of the smile I get as she does come around me. She'll say, "I was just enjoying watching you" or something like that.

Back to motorcycles. We have been having a great time riding together, traveling around and looking at stuff. I think I am closer to her when on the road, even though we are on seperate motorcycles, then when riding in a car together. For some reason, I love to watch my wife ride. It is also now nice that I can have her involved in my cycling, which has been a passion of mine for many years of my life, in a way that, can I say is more intimate? Before she just took care of me as I came through during a race, but now she is out on the road with me which I think is cool.

A Vespa or scooter probably would of been better suited for motorpacing, but then she could not of rode that scooter the 750 miles we recently did in Arizona.]]>Campfire chat - More bad news from HDAxiom2000http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10244&REPLY_ID=103210Campfire chat Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:49:13 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10244 And more bad news from the Motor company.
From Yahoo/AP

Harley-Davidson deepens cuts as 2Q profit tumbles

Harley-Davidson makes deeper cuts as 2nd-qtr income falls 91 percent on lower bike shipments
By Dan Strumpf, AP Auto Writer

On Thursday July 16, 2009, 7:55 am EDT

NEW YORK (AP) -- Harley-Davidson Inc. Said Thursday it is cutting 1,000 more employees and lowering its motorcycle shipment guidance as quarterly earnings continued to fall due to weaker sales.

The Milwaukee-based maker of the famous heavyweight motorcycles said it plans to cut another 700 hourly and 300 salaried employees from its ranks as it copes with falling demand for its high-end bikes.

"It is obviously a very tough environment for us right now, given the continued weak consumer spending in the overall economy for discretionary purchases," Harley-Davidson President and CEO Keith Wandell said in a statement.

Harley, the top seller of heavyweight motorcycles, said its second-quarter income fell 91 percent to $19.8 million, or 8 cents per share. That's down from $222.8 million, or 95 cents per share, in the same period last year.

Revenue declined 27 percent to $1.15 billion from $1.57 billion a year ago.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters forecast 24 cents per share on revenue of $1.15 billion.

Harley has been restructuring since the beginning of the year as it sought to cope with weaker sales. Demand for Harley's motorcycles, which can run $20,000 or more, have taken a pounding in the recession as consumers pull back on discretionary spending.

Earlier this year, the company had said it planned to cut between 1,400 and 1,500 hourly positions and about 300 salaried positions.

In May, the company said it was weighing its options for its main motorcycle assembly plant in York, Pa. The operations at the facility aren't competitive, the company said, and a study remains under way to assess whether production will remain in York or move to another U.S. site. It said Thursday it expects to make a decision by the end of the year.

Harley said its worldwide motorcycle sales fell 30 percent during the quarter. That was still better than the industrywide decline in heavyweight motorcycle sales of 48 percent.

Harley now expects to ship between 212,000 and 228,000 motorcycles to its dealers and distributors worldwide in 2009, down between 25 to 30 percent from 2008 shipments levels.

Previously, the company expected to ship between 264,000 and 273,000 motorcycles. In the third quarter, it expects to ship between 52,000 and 57,000 bikes.

The company is cutting production to meet reduced demand. It said Thursday it will implement production shutdowns at its York and Kansas City, Mo., production facilities, as well as at its powertrain operations at Menomonee Falls and Wauwatosa, Wis.

The company's financing arm, Harley-Davidson Financial Services, posted an operating loss of $62.1 million in the second quarter, down from operating income of $37.1 million a year ago. The tight credit markets have weighed on the unit, which has been heavily reliant on the battered securitization market for funding.

Shares of Harley-Davidson closed Wednesday at $17.49. The stock has fluctuated between $7.99 and $48.05 in the last 52 weeks.
__________________
]]>Campfire chat - I love taking road trips but this one is not for meTecpatl4http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10546&REPLY_ID=102863Campfire chat Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:25:58 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10546 ADVRider had a post recently about a guy who took a heavily modified Ural sidecar rig up the iceroad. Sure sounds like fun, but I'd worry about all those trucks......]]>Campfire chat - Last night was a doozybachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10483&REPLY_ID=102407Campfire chat Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:06:46 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10483
quote:
Originally posted by jhebert


I am actually against hands-free laws because I believe they will just take away one of the clues that I use to gauge how another driver will behave.


I understand your point.
Many of the more recent stories I hear appear to identify with the idea that these 'talkers' are mentally engaged to the point they will be looking right at on-coming traffic as they continue to pull in front of them.

~Even with direct eye contact .. don't think for one nano that these drivers have their head in the game.

~brian]]>Campfire chat - New Cause for Global Warming DeterminedRedbeardhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10490&REPLY_ID=102379Campfire chat Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:58:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10490 That reminds me of this: http://xkcd.com/552/]]>Campfire chat - David Hough Inductedbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10313&REPLY_ID=102293Campfire chat Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:10:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10313
Thank you Scott.

That is good news. I'll ramp up my time line on getting to it for certain.

Your point about committing the skills and strategies to memory hits home with me ... very applicable.
In my case, I need to review things of that nature and I do find it sinking in all the better after more experience. Reading of those situations or threats in the first read was more hypothetical.
Now that the rubber has met with road for a few thousand miles, I have almost instant and vivid recall to apply some of those situations to.

~ brian

]]>Campfire chat - Finally! A reason to pull a trailer behind a motorcycleWarHawkhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10416&REPLY_ID=101900Campfire chat Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:34:43 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10416 Whoah...talk about being prepared..never heard of bringing a spare!]]>Campfire chat - Thanks to the Patriot GuardsPKGuy323http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=5637&REPLY_ID=101841Campfire chat Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:26:34 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=5637 Thanks!

I've been out practicing. I'm over the emotionals about it and ready to use it to make a difference...it's what Jerry would have expected.

I would pull up the Patriot Guard website and utilize the contact info. In our case, it was done before I got to Houston, so try the website.

G-Bo

quote:
Originally posted by Cash Anthony

Glenn Bolton wrote
quote:
I'm Glenn...Jerry's brother.

It's coming up on the second year since Jerry died
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother.

Now that you have completed your MSF course, Glenn, I hope the Dallas heat doesn't prevent you from developing your riding skills slowly in parking lot practice and on deserted roads, especially if you have an emotional reaction to the idea of riding (good or bad). I wish you many safe miles.

I know that the families of military personnel have to request that the Patriot Guard Riders attend the funerals, but does anyone know how that option is made available to those family members? Who lets them know that this is a possibility, and when?


Cash

]]>Campfire chat - These are some of the findings of the latest Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey,Axiom2000http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10423Campfire chat Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:32:31 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10423
http://motorcycledaily.com/051909pressrelease5.htm]]>Campfire chat - Harley seeking federal bailout help for its financial arenaCash Anthonyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9527&REPLY_ID=101821Campfire chat Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:53:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9527 Rioguy wrote
quote:
I can tell you, he (Warren Buffett) didn't spend a lot of money on the limo. Some CEO's pay more for their trash cans.
To some of us, that sounds like a very good thing. [8D]

Last week's edition of The New Yorker had an article on Carlos Slim, and it appears that he's in the same category as Buffett (despite a different view of The New York Times). Stretching out those haircuts, wearing that pair of shoes a little longer (then re-soling them), saving up for something special -- like a new motorcycle -- was the way people used to develop a sense of relative values.

Easy credit has not been a friend to many.


Cash
]]>Campfire chat - Tire tread ringbachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10388&REPLY_ID=101656Campfire chat Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:36:48 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10388
quote:
Originally posted by Deseret Rider

P.S. we don't see enough water in this part of Utah that we would recognise a dry waterfall if it walked up and slapped us on the side of the head. [:)]


We are having a time of here lately with rainfall but the usual is more like a drought. We are now being taxed for storm water fees due to run off so it's based on our square footage of property.

I find this issue to be contradictory to the fact that if 'we' catch run off to collect for watering plants and gardens we are outlaws because it interrupts the flow to the 'system'. Some rain barrels are designed to attach with eve-troughs to collect. My house has a sump pump piped off the side of house into the ground with the outlet at the curb. It has a handy T fitting with a cap where 'one' could catch some water there if they were so devious and inclined to criminal behaviors ... I'm just sayin ...

~brian]]>Campfire chat - To carry or not?bachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10365&REPLY_ID=101653Campfire chat Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:52:19 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10365
quote:
Originally posted by rayg50

I feel that walking towards a car with a tow strap in hand is a great example of a visual cue.


Also a good way to make friends! [:D]
I thought of it because I keep one in both my 4 X's and use it to assist winter travelers out here.

Lately, I find the summer season offers many overheated cooling systems or car troubles and now, I just keep it with me ALL year.

~brian]]>Campfire chat - Something for the future-Bone PuttyCash Anthonyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10316&REPLY_ID=101515Campfire chat Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:08:40 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10316 It's totally amazing what medical science is starting to do!

I enjoy being "a bionic woman," and the advantages over the old treatment method - fusing the vertabrae in the neck - have been great.


Cash]]>Campfire chat - ABATE sponsors a racergdickelmanhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10369&REPLY_ID=101369Campfire chat Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:55:12 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10369 Hold on, now. I looked at the referenced flier. There are no full-face helmets being roasted! Do you think that there's an underlying message?]]>Campfire chat - New Ducati - But what does it mean?scottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10311&REPLY_ID=100990Campfire chat Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:58:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10311 The photo was from a road test that was online, cropped to show just the brakes.

If you look at a bike like the V-Max or B-King, you can get a better idea of the market that the Streetfighter is aimed at. Except that the Ducati is very light weight (300 pounds lighter!), handles extremely well and has Italian styling.]]>Campfire chat - How to get the light to changeNieborhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10282&REPLY_ID=100880Campfire chat Fri, 29 May 2009 18:30:51 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10282
quote:
Originally posted by scottrnelson
Crankshaft, connecting rods, camshafts, valves, most flywheels, and gears in the transmission are all made of steel. That's quite a few pounds of moving metal. The pistons are the only significant moving part made of aluminum in most engines.

True. Vibration is also induced into the frame, perhaps also steel. The thought also occurs to me that each inductive loop in the same area has a unique carrier frequency. Any harmonic of that frequency from an engine would almost certainly be a plus.

LOL, Now we have a fun new game to play. Find out what specific engine RPM a given lane is most responsive. [:D]]]>Campfire chat - Rolling Thunder 2009 PicturesIndiana Randyhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10270&REPLY_ID=100609Campfire chat Sun, 24 May 2009 22:47:01 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10270 Nice pics. Thanks. I especially liked the WWII original.]]>Campfire chat - Waiting at a stop signMystic Redhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10201&REPLY_ID=100563Campfire chat Sat, 23 May 2009 14:54:38 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10201 My bike DOES have self cancelers and I push the button manually with obsession.[:)]]]>Campfire chat - GPS system close to breakdown?biocoachhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10248&REPLY_ID=100542Campfire chat Fri, 22 May 2009 18:57:10 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10248 Actually NASA raised a stink soon into the first term of George W's administration when he cut the funding to both GPS, weather satelite and air traffic controller programs.]]>Campfire chat - Getting a taste of the 'dark side'bachman1961http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9915&REPLY_ID=100037Campfire chat Tue, 12 May 2009 13:33:22 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9915
quote:
Originally posted by Jim B

This morning, the Dad was telling me that he (Dad) took his son's GSXR out for a spin.
What surprised him was how quick its acceleration was. He was in third gear, got the engine up halfway towards its redline, and looked down to see the speedo reading 120MPH while on a road with a speed limit of 45. He could not believe how quickly it got up there. Now he is concerned for his son. He hopes his son will eventually get tired of it and get a less aggressive bike.



Maybe 'DAD' will get a good talkin' to by his son !

Good lord .... anybody twisting a throttle even on a fast bike should not accidentally get to 120 mph before they come to their senses..

I know when I see 120 on a bike,, it'll be one -elluva hot day !
Maybe the 90's this summer though - - [:)]

~brian]]>Campfire chat - You can't ride a wavescottrnelsonhttp://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10202&REPLY_ID=100025Campfire chat Tue, 12 May 2009 08:00:13 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10202 I would have waved to him, in a motion to move along...]]>Campfire chat - Where does all the rubber go?David13http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=9981&REPLY_ID=99852Campfire chat Fri, 08 May 2009 17:05:56 -0500http://www.msgroup.org/forums/mtt/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9981 The tires wear down into tiny particles that are along the road, and also float into the atmosphere, and become part of the pollution in the air.
Leave your car outside for 1 week, then wash it, rinse it down with water. You will see black dirt (which includes tire particles) washing off it.
All things do that.
In the same manner, a blood hound can track you. As you walk, you shed tiny particles in a path, and the blood hound can smell them, and track you whereever you have gone, under certain circumstances.
When the police bring the dog, and the dog sniffs out where you have gone to hide, that is how he does it.
dc]]>