Recent content by na1g

OK, that explains it. I walked into my nearby BMW shop wearing my Brooks Brothers 3-piece suit. I had parked the 5-series right in front. Checked the time on my Rolex Oyster several times for effect. The salesman couldn't have been more helpful. pete :rolleyes:

When you get that turbine cranked up there may be just a little bit of a heat issue. Even a Gen I will seem air conditioned in comparison. Roasted chestnuts, anyone? And that radial engined cruiser looks great, but what a wimpy little motor! I was just looking at a 28-cylinder (four banks of...

Here's some perspective from a guy who just traded his FJR for a 2011 R1200RT. Why you ask? First, the BMW is significantly lighter (compare the wet weights) and has a better suspension. I'd say the RT is the best handling sport-tourer around. I'm always surprised at the number of folks who...

Love 'em! Yes, a little stiff when new, but that's not unique to Sidi. I thought the brand new lug sole (like a hiking boot sole but not as thick) made it harder to slide my feet back and forth on the foot pegs but that went away as the corners of the lugs got rounded off. Walk around on...

The "touring" screen will probably wobble more on the highway, too. Don't sweat it. "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down." :P pete

Then let us know if it made any difference. There seem to be some differing opinions on which position is for what temperatures. I never found much difference. Even the Yamaha owners manual doesn't specify, so I think they don't know either. pete

+1 on the BS. Carbon build-up will not prevent the engine from starting. Gunk in the fuel system will, but it won't be carbon; it will be gum and varnish from old, un-stabilized gas, or some really bad gas. (Or diesel fuel) Today's ethanol-added gasoline starts to go bad in a month. Either...

The DynaBeads aren't going to be touching the rim while the wheel is spinning. centrifugal force keeps them against the tire. When the wheel stops spinning the beads will collect at the bottom, also against the tire. As suggested, try smushing a few black beads and see if they are black all...

According to the May 2011 Motorcycle Consumer news, Suzuki is recalling some 2008-2010 models due to an electrical defect. The defect "...can lead to engine stalling and/or a no-start condition. Engine stalling while riding can increase the risk of a crash." Sounds a whole lot like the...

It's a comparison of the bikes, not a set of individual reviews. So how does a senior citizen FJR/ST1300 compare to more recent designs? If you aren't going to include the older sport-tourer designs in your comparo, you are pretty much left with the Concours 14, the new Triumph Sprint GT and...

Join the folks over on the ST1300 forums. They have the same complaint. The problem is the designs are almost ten years old. But hold onto your twistgrip: for the next two years you'll get your fill of BMW K1600 tests. Until or unless Honda/Yamaha puts out a new sport-tourer. pete

Note: It's Friday. In my household I'm the "Plunger Control Unit". When the crapper gets plugged-up, I get the trusty plumber's helper and plunge away with complete control. I have no idea why a motorcycle needs one. pete :rolleyes:

As I mentioned above, I just got the Airhawk Cruiser Medium on my Gen II. I got the Airhawk from Aerostich along with some other stuff. After about 50 miles I think I don't like it. It is quite comfy and maybe I'll get to like it on a longer ride. What I don't like is the way it responds to...

Somewhere (can't rember where) I saw a magnetic retriever with an LED on the end so you could actually see what you are retrieving. Wish I'd bought it when I saw it. You may be able to find those spring-clip nuts ("Pal nuts") at your nearby bigbox home center. Take one along to match them up...

I just installed the Airhawk Cruiser Medium on my Gen2. It fits perfectly. Sorry I can't give you more of a review than that since winter is still in control around here and riding days are scarce. pete