Sigh...

You're absolutely correct, Dennis.

Excuse me while I step out for a minute – I need to get a damp cloth
so I can wipe the egg off my face.

I'd like to blame that oversight on my aging brain cells, but the
truth of the matter is...... I've always been stupid!

Charles


(btw, Dennis, if you noticed an extra brain rolling around when you
checked for yours, this owner would like it back.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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What follows is a true story, Pete.

Last Wednesday (a week ago) I stopped at a bike dealership as I was
riding through Maine. The reason for the stop was to check if they
might happen to have a Versys on the floor (Kawasaki dealer).
Imagine my delight when I discovered they did! (First one I've seen.)

Better yet, being a Suzuki dealership too, they also had a V-Strom
on hand (granted, not the 650 model I am interested in, but the 1000
model instead). The sales fella I was speaking with volunteered to
take both bikes out in the yard and start them up for a better
comparison. Not being from the area, I mildly discouraged him from
doing so, but he insisted – and, suffice to say, I did not let my
objection to the idea get out of hand. :-)

I got to sit on both bikes. Please don't be offended, but my initial
impression of the Versys is that it's not a pretty bike. However, I
had a similar experience the first time I saw a V-Strom on a show
room floor. Looked at it. Thought it was ugly. Sales fella also
thought it was ugly. So I didn't give it much attention. (Looked at
prettier bikes instead.) Later discovered all the great things about
the Strom and after many subsequent views, guess what – it doesn't
look so bad now. So the initial impression of the Versys is not
important at this time – with further inspections and all the good
stuff I'm hearing about it – I'm sure it'll look a lot better with
time.

Anyway, the amusing part is that as I rode away I had the very
distinct thought that what I really needed was for Pete (that would
be Pete Cordell from the W650riders forum) to buy a Versys. That way
I would be able to get a 3-way W/Strom/Versys comparison from
somebody who would know all three very well. The thought, however,
was a fleeting one. Imaging my amusement when I was catching up on
the W650riders postings and discovered you had actually purchased a
Versys!! :-)

I am hoping that as you get to know your new friend you will pass
along tidbits of information regarding how the Wee Strom and the
Versys compare in ways that would be of interest to somebody who is
hoping to take a cross continent bike tour sometime during the next
few years. Will include a lot of unpaved roads (trans Labrador in
the Northeast and Yukon/Alaska in the Northwest) and probably quite
a bit of luggage. One of the things I like about the 650 bike size
is that if I'm out in the boonies and the bike does down on some
dirt, it's not so heavy that I can't lift it up by myself.

Delighted to hear about your new toy (though a little disappointed
to hear you are actually considering parting with the W). Will probe
further on this topic after you've had more time to get to know the
Versys.

Charles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


--- In W650riders@..., "petetibble" <petetibble@...>
wrote:

Its happened, somehow my credit card broke free of its chains, and
next thing I know I'm the owner of big orange Versys!

I borrowed it for the morning and had a long, very wet and blustery
test ride. Its very comfortable and though the little screen doesn't
really keep much weather off it does an excellent job of keeping the
wind blast at bay. None of the usual neck ache after a long high
speed blast. Its going to take a little while to get used to the
slightly snatchy fuel injection, but the next couple of days should
rack up some miles as I've managed to get it in time for a trip up
to the Busy-Bee Reunion this weekend which is doubling up as a
reunion with a bunch of old chums from my yoof.

W seems to be taking it quite well so far, no tantrums. I'm going to
put some time in titivating her, but then I'm afraid she'll have to
go in the springtime. Sob. Unless I come into some money in the
meanwhile...
Can't get over how tiny the W feels now!
Pete

Hi Gene:

A few weeks ago I met somebody with a magnetic tank bag on a
Kawasaki Concours (2000 or 2001 model with 100,022 km on it). About
2 hours earlier, near Woodstock, New Brunswick, the fella had hit a
deer (though fortunately not dead on) but was able to keep his bike
up.

I like the idea that a magnetic tank bag can, as you indicate, be
easily removed.

Re your comment about the Appalachian Trail, I met an interesting
chap where I was over-nighting near the Maine/New Hampshire border.
We chatted briefly the evening prior then had breakfast together the
following morning. In his early forties, I think. Originally from
Australia and was somewhat familiar with older bikes (Triumphs and
BSAs). Turns out he was hiking the entire Appalachian Trail for the
second time (apparently on average a 4 to 6 month proposition,
depending upon the skill of the hiker).

Charles

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--- In W650riders@..., "Gene Fitch" <cafeboy@...> wrote:

----- Original Message -----

From: "Charles Graves"
Tank Bag: ......Recognizing its usefulness now, I
am open to any recommendations that members of this group have
regarding what to get and what to avoid when it comes to tank bag
selection.

Sounds like a fun ride. I have a magnetic tank bag and like it a
lot. There's no danger of it coming loose while riding and I'm able
to take it into restaurants, etc. when taking a break. It even has a
detachable shoulder strap.
I'm careful where I lay it, as the magnets can pick up schmutz which
can scratch your tank.
I chose a small size (for looks) that zips out to a larger size in
case I decide to pack a box of donuts to the next campsite or
something.

Mt Washington: Wow.

The White mountains are definitely beautiful. I backpacked (or
rather attempted) the Appalachin Trail through there in 1980. We
made it up one side of Mt. Moosilauke and down the other before
giving up as the mosquitos were so fierce. Found out later we should
have gone later in the year. It would be much better on a bike. ;->

gene in OR

Ouch - I'm always terrified of that one happening (well, stop
signs/yields more than roundabouts here, but the inattentive driver
rear ending me when I'm stopped)

Glad to hear you weren't hurt too badly. Hope the bike thing gets
sorted out to your benefit!

- phaedrus

My daughter-in-law has a Burgman 400. My son loves riding it so much
that he sold his 3 year old Harley dresser.--- In
W650riders@..., Laura <laurauk.rider@...> wrote:

I'm getting a real Burgman, no unfortunately not these massive ones

but a

125. Street cred galore :cool:



On 27/09/2007, Laura <laurauk.rider@...> wrote:

Well the CBF250 is going back and being swapped for a real

'scooter'!! All

the other bikes are too high. We went through 2 other scooters

first, 2

yamahas but they turned out to be as high or even higher.

The cbf wat too high, missing the left mirror and teh clutch was

too

loose.

Now I've never ridden a scooter before. How difficult is that

going to

be?? My front brake is going to be where the clutch lever is I

believe and

the rear brake where the front brake is (right hand).

deary me, the life of a biker who wants to touch the floor

properly.

laura


On 27/09/2007, Laura <laurauk.rider@...> wrote:

yeah hit from behiind and the side, he drove the indicator off

(which is

connected by a steel pin which was bent) and scratched the

exhaust pipes on

the right. The mudguard was completely crumpled up at the top

underneath the

mudaguard and the backwheel was stuck. I attach a picture. Bike

has gone

yesterday for inspection etc.

Laura


On 26/09/2007, Craig < ckrollins1@...> wrote:

Laura,

Sorry top hear about the accident, but at least most of

the

damage was limited to the bike, and not you.
You say you were waiting to enter a roundabout: does

this mean

you were struck from behind?
Are you still riding the Sportster?
Heal well and quickly,

Craig



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delivery.
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Does anyone have any experience with the Rifle Nightflight fairing?
I'm looking for either a half fairing or something similar to deflect
air from my hands and chest. Any suggestions?


&DID=9&Product_ID=1904&CATID=10&Product=Nightflight_Fairing_for_Round_H
eadlight

Willyboy

Right lever = front brake like a motor or push bike, left lever =rear brake like a push bike.? You won't have an issue.? I've ridden a scooter twice in 6 months and it was completely intuitive, apart from the distance you have to move your feet to put them down!

?

?

----Original Message----
From: laurauk.rider@...
Date: 27/09/2007 11:56
To:
Subj: Re: [W650riders] Re: accident - NWC

I'm getting a real Burgman, no unfortunately not these massive ones but a 125. Street cred galore? :cool:

On 27/09/2007, Laura < laurauk.rider@googlemail.com> wrote:

Well the CBF250 is going back and being swapped for a real 'scooter'!! All the other bikes are too high. We went through 2 other scooters first, 2 yamahas but they turned out to be as high or even higher.

The cbf wat too high, missing the left mirror and teh clutch was too loose.

Now I've never ridden a scooter before. How difficult is that going to be?? My front brake is going to be where the clutch lever is I believe and the rear brake where the front brake is (right hand).

deary me, the life of a biker who wants to touch the floor properly.

laura

On 27/09/2007, Laura < laurauk.rider@googlemail.com> wrote:

yeah hit from behiind and the side, he drove the indicator off (which is connected by a steel pin which was bent) and scratched the exhaust pipes on the right. The mudguard was completely crumpled up at the top underneath the mudaguard and the backwheel was stuck. I attach a picture. Bike has gone yesterday for inspection etc.

Laura

On 26/09/2007, Craig < ckrollins1@netzero.net> wrote:

Laura,

???? Sorry top hear about the accident, but at least most of the
damage was limited to the bike, and not you.
???? You say you were waiting to enter a roundabout: does this mean
you were struck from behind?
???? Are you still riding the Sportster?
???? Heal well and quickly,

???? Craig



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<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
????

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<*> To change settings online go to:
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__________________________________________________
Tiscali Broadband only ?7.99 a month for your first 3 months! http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband/

Laura,

I've driven a scooter twice in the past year, and had no problem with it.? If you ride a bicycle it's the same, so it's OK...? The front brake is on the right liek a push bike and motor bikes.? The left is the rear brake.

----Original Message----
From: laurauk.rider@...
Date: 27/09/2007 11:56
To:
Subj: Re: [W650riders] Re: accident - NWC

I'm getting a real Burgman, no unfortunately not these massive ones but a 125. Street cred galore? :cool:

On 27/09/2007, Laura < laurauk.rider@googlemail.com> wrote:

Well the CBF250 is going back and being swapped for a real 'scooter'!! All the other bikes are too high. We went through 2 other scooters first, 2 yamahas but they turned out to be as high or even higher.

The cbf wat too high, missing the left mirror and teh clutch was too loose.

Now I've never ridden a scooter before. How difficult is that going to be?? My front brake is going to be where the clutch lever is I believe and the rear brake where the front brake is (right hand).

deary me, the life of a biker who wants to touch the floor properly.

laura

On 27/09/2007, Laura < laurauk.rider@googlemail.com> wrote:

yeah hit from behiind and the side, he drove the indicator off (which is connected by a steel pin which was bent) and scratched the exhaust pipes on the right. The mudguard was completely crumpled up at the top underneath the mudaguard and the backwheel was stuck. I attach a picture. Bike has gone yesterday for inspection etc.

Laura

On 26/09/2007, Craig < ckrollins1@netzero.net> wrote:

Laura,

???? Sorry top hear about the accident, but at least most of the
damage was limited to the bike, and not you.
???? You say you were waiting to enter a roundabout: does this mean
you were struck from behind?
???? Are you still riding the Sportster?
???? Heal well and quickly,

???? Craig



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Send an email to W650riders-nomail@yahoogroups.com to stop email delivery. ::
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<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
????

<*> Your email settings:
????Individual Email | Traditional

<*> To change settings online go to:
????
????(Yahoo! ID required)

<*> To change settings via email:
????mailto:W650riders-digest@yahoogroups.com
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<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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__________________________________________________
Tiscali Broadband only ?7.99 a month for your first 3 months! http://www.tiscali.co.uk/products/broadband/

I agree Pete, great item.? I got two, one to carry on each bike.? Do you see any reason that they wouldn't work on paint also?........Leonard

Peter Cordell wrote:

I ordered a few of these after reading the review....all I can say it's absolutely the best thing I've ever used to clean a visor.? No soaps or detergents, just water and the little sponge; works fantastic.

?

?

Good service from the distributor, too...in my mailbox in three days.

?

Pete C

?

?

?

?

Re: [W650riders] Re: Your bike says a lot about you ...

What, Britiron no good?? Nonsense!? Get?a grip!? Dennis, bring my drink!

----- Original Message -----

From:

To:

Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 4:16 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Re: Your bike says a lot about you ...

Most unfair to British bikes, I thought :-)

?

----- Original Message -----

From:

To:

Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 11:55 PM

Subject: Re: [W650riders] Re: Your bike says a lot about you ...

Pete You could have added a Thatcher warning.You have put right off my
supper
Dick

?

?????????

---

Be a better Heartthrob. from someone who knows.
Yahoo! Answers - Check it out.

Being from the UK, where we have a graduated system for learners and so my initial response was that I consider a 420 lb machine a little big for a first bike. The biggest issue with bikes, once you get past the basic handling issues is to do with how easy it is to travel at speeds exceeding that of a typical car driver, and yet how different the way it brakes is when you need to stop fast or find yourself rather too committed to a bend.

The W however is an extra-ordinarily well-balanced motorcycle, it can be ridden 'feet up' at walking speed and the throttle response is very smooth.

If you have had experience of dirt bikes, and have completed the course, I'd say a W would be about perfect. It's easily faster than all but the most nimble of classic Brits, possibly only a very good Commando would be quicker ( and lets not forget that the speed of a bike is down to how fast the rider can cope with the flow of information going into his head, not how fast the wheels could go round!)

Many of us have been riding for 30 years plus and find the W650 ticks every box.

Prices range from around $2500 to $4500 depending on condition and the buyers perception of his bike's value!

Jon


I recently completed the MSF rider training and looking to get my
first bike. I have rode dirt bikes and ATV's before, but no real
street driving. I feel fairly comfortable driving a motorcycle, but I
am afraid of getting a bike that is to big. I really like vintage
bikes, but don't really want to deal with all the problems that come
with a motorcycle that is 30 to 40 years old. I am mostly interested
in driving around town and do not really plan to drive on the freeway,
but it would be nice to be able to if I wanted to. Do you all think
that a W650 would be a good bike for a beginner. I would like a bike
that is small enough to develop my riding skills and not out grow in a
few months.

Also what is a fair price to pay for a decent W650?

Thank you,
Dan


Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1025 - Release Date: 23/09/2007 13:53

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Finally - A spam blocker that actually works.

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Ancient Chinese proverb: BEFORE PEE ON TREE ALWAYS CHECK FOR BEE.

Pete C


--- In W650riders@..., "Dennis J. Guggemos"
<djguggms@...> wrote:

I posted that on another forum, and a member there remarked that

once he was taking a leak against a tree knothole and got stung by
13 wasps.

There's a moral here, somewhere.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Salvyrider
To: W650riders@...
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:32 PM
Subject: [Norton AntiSpam] Re: [W650riders] Interesting bike-

related article...

OUCH!



On 9/25/07, Karen Bunker <jakkofhearts@...> wrote:

,23599,22478633-13762,00.html

I believe he took the MSF course.
When I took it, I think doing so put one in the accident rate of
somebody with 2 years experience, versus a person who trained
themself or was trained by a friend. Pretty good deal for the
little amount of cash invested.

Jake