While reading a forum today, I ran across this unusual story posted at CNN.com .  It states more Marines have died on motorcycles this year than on the battlefield in Iraq.

When stopped at a traffic light, do you put your bike in neutral, or do you leave it in first gear?

A bone chilling cold front moved into Springfield this week, acompannied by a chilling drizzle.  Making residents turn their furnaces on, and build their first fires of the season.  Many of my riding buddies have stabilized the fuel in their bikes, given them a good wax, and put them to bed for the winter.  Too bad really, there’s still a lot of great riding to do.

I realize many of you like to get your Christmas shopping completed early, so here’s a few things on my list.  Cash is also appreciated.

BMW Watch $199 (a bargain)

Coolmax hood  $22 (a great value)
Cup holder $153 (a freakin’ rip off)

Oh and I almost forgot!

By the way; have I mentioned that your site is my all time favorite!

I am the only motorcyclist in the world without a GPS?

The past three summers have found me traveling extensively without the aid of a Garmin, or TomTom, and I really didn’t miss it, but then again, how would I know if I missed it or not, having never owned one?  I regress.

Let me say right out of the shoot; I am not against technology in the slightest, I embrace gadgets!  It’s just I have never felt the need to use GPS.  I know it would make some situations easier, but sometimes I enjoy finding my own way. 

For me, one of the pleasures of touring is stopping for lunch at a local watering hole with my trusty map and engaging the locals about points of interest in their area.  This is not to say I will never purchase a GPS.  I’m just not certain they are for me.  

I would welcome any comments about why I need one, their benefits to you, and which GPS you recommend.

Farkle defined: The word Farkle belongs to the vernacular of the North American motorcyclist, and refers to accessories or the act of accessorizing a motorcycle. Farkle’s may include any accessories but especially those intended to increase the function of a motorcycle — vs. those intended to glamorize (i.e. if an accessory is chromed, it is probably not a farkle.Examples include items that do not arrive as standard equipment on the motorcycle, such as Radar detectors, GPS systems, heated grips, satellite radios, highway pegs, or top and side cases.  source; Wikepedia

I am all for personalizing your ride, in fact my RT has an Aeroflow windshield, after market seat, and a Bakup backrest, but other than that it is pretty much stock.  On this topic I tend to be in the “less is more” camp, but not everyone agrees.  Especially the owner of this Ducati ST3.

notice the 2 GPS devices

I would love to know what farkle have you added to your bikes…

It’s time for a change, and I am not speaking of McCain or Obama.  I am talking about the tires on my RT.  In May I had a set of Continental Attack’s put on the bike and now, with some 8000 miles logged, and winter soon approaching, it is time for a new set. 

 I have not been particularly pleased with the performance of the “Attack’s”, as their compound seems a bit hard, and early on they developed an odd wear pattern, which made cornering a chore. This was the first time I had used Attacks, and likely the last.

view of front tire

My research, and my bike mechanic, have me leaning toward the Metzler ME 880’s.  I have never used these tires, but have heard excellent things about them. So I think I will give them a try.  Any of you ever used the Metzler’s?

 As a side note; If you are soon to be in the market for tires here’s a link full of useful  information. 

If any of you graybeards or lovely ladies, have any suggestions on a brand of tire let me know. 

This is the French Republican Guard dressed in their finest for a parade on Bastille Day. Their ride of choice; BMW RT’s. Gotta love those French!

Remember as a kid when you got your first pair of PF Flyers?  You just knew if your mom would buy these for you they would make you the fastest kid in the neighborhood.  You were confident you could “run faster and jump higher“, than anyone one else.  After weeks of begging, and pleaded, you finally got your wish.  Full of excitement, you hurriedly laced the shoes and away you went, running like the wind.  Remember that?  Well,  I had that feeling today. 

It was the early morning hours when I decided to take a ride, but before doing so, I  chose to unladen my beast of burden by removing the side and top bags.  Although she looked a little odd,  I fired her up, pointed her East, and away we went; running like the wind.  And I swear, if  only for a moment, she really did  “run faster and jumped higher!”  Really she did!

The RT without the bags.

When a novice rider gets a few miles under his/her belt, it is interesting to see how casual many become about riding and safety.  Over the summer I have had many occasions to ride with some motorcyclist who fit in this category.  Initially, they where cautious and alert to the many dangers a motorcyclist faces.  Then somewhere along the way, that cautiousness gave way to a false sense of security.  They seemed to take safety for granted,  pay less attention to what is happening around them, and over estimate their ability.   This combination equals one thing; TROUBLE!  This is not to say one shouldn’t grow in their confidence as a rider, of course that should happen, but I am speaking of the mindset some riders experience where they feel they are invincible.    No matter your experience or riding ability, let this post serve as a reminder that this wonderful hobby we enjoy can also be quite dangerous, and we should always do our best to ride with soberness of thought, and vigilance. 

Sermon over, time for the offering!