tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post2546245810576219815..comments2024-01-30T22:53:34.269-08:00Comments on Musings of an Intrepid Commuter: irondadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-57335389779279360102009-04-01T14:13:00.000-07:002009-04-01T14:13:00.000-07:00If you guy cant play nice you can all go to your r...If you guy cant play nice you can all go to your rooms or for a ride witch ever comes first<BR/>; )<BR/><BR/>Old FDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09703180425994041085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-6367916717142291032009-04-01T11:09:00.000-07:002009-04-01T11:09:00.000-07:00Dan- if someone steals your catcon, then you can j...Dan- if someone steals your catcon, then you can just claim you've converted to the "loud pipes save lives" crowd. ;-)<BR/>Until then...<BR/><A HREF="http://www.pjsparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=60&products_id=485" REL="nofollow">"<B>If you think loud pipes save lives</B>, imagine what learning to ride that thing could do."</A>Dean Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312658128426614145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-34766645163858974982009-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:002009-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:00Dear IronDad and Conch:At present, I am holding th...Dear IronDad and Conch:<BR/><BR/>At present, I am holding the state bird of New Jersey on my upturned fist. I wish you guys could see it. I really do.<BR/><BR/>Fondest regards,<BR/>Jack Riepe<BR/>Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-71773905253875259572009-03-31T14:39:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:39:00.000-07:00prius owners should research how much damage to th...prius owners should research how much damage to the environment is done creating all those batteries they use....they wouldn't feel so happy about driving their "eco-friendly" cage.redlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-90015323997242381142009-03-31T14:28:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:28:00.000-07:00Dean W,Thank you for the evidence that so clearly ...Dean W,<BR/>Thank you for the evidence that so clearly supports us and makes us look good!<BR/><BR/>Some people drive a Prius in some sort of attempt to be Green. I think the worst fate that could befall a man is to end up driving a Powder Blue Prius!<BR/><BR/>By the way, don't speak too loudly about bikes having catalytic converters. Next thing you know, the tweaker meth heads will be trying to cut our pipes up for scrap value. Although I could still ride home as long as they didn't take my helmet!<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-37731806089263624282009-03-31T14:24:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:24:00.000-07:00Conchscooter,Ok, how bad can it be being stuck beh...Conchscooter,<BR/>Ok, how bad can it be being stuck behind somebody there? On an island how many miles of road are there?<BR/><BR/>I do admit,though, that looking lilke Jack Riepe would be a really unpleasant fate.<BR/><BR/>It's entirely possible that the scooter rider wasn't an employee. But you are so sexist! Maybe it was a woman rider with a man half her age. Although, in your formula they would be the same age. Note your wording:<BR/><BR/>"sitting in the nearby car making an assignation with a woman half twice his age."<BR/><BR/>Perhaps you're already more like Riepe than you care to admit.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Dan<BR/><BR/>P.S. We really do love you, Jack. What's that look you are known for? A wounded seal or something? It makes you so irresistable that we can't help ourselves. Since we guys can't bear the thought of hugging you, we express our affection by calling you names.irondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-20593950749136468422009-03-31T14:16:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:16:00.000-07:00Mr. Riepe,Drinking used oil from BMW's is so last ...Mr. Riepe,<BR/>Drinking used oil from BMW's is so last year. The crowd that's really in the know are drinking used antifreeze from airheads. As you might surmise, this is a scarce commodity and thus highly valued for it's "exclusive" snob appeal.<BR/><BR/>I don't personally sell thumbprint readers so that's a mute point. Although I am pleased to see that latex has yet another use for making an entry.<BR/><BR/>Yes, we made the sale of the lockers. I'm still amazed that the gal accepted my offer to go into the women's locker room and take some photos!<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-32917274146699209622009-03-31T14:10:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:10:00.000-07:00Bobskoot,The building proper is secured but the pa...Bobskoot,<BR/>The building proper is secured but the parking lot is free range, so to speak. If I had a moped I would name it "Killer"!<BR/><BR/>You're exactly right about not being able to ride home without the helmet. That's why I always either put it in a hard bag or take it with me. I don't even trust cables.<BR/><BR/>cpa3485<BR/>Initial purchase price has to figure in there for sure. That's the sweet part a lot of people forget about.<BR/><BR/>A lot of people seem to have pretty fragile egos. It's easy to make them feel special. Like giving them "special" parking spots. If it helps, I'm for it.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-61437677511280346042009-03-31T08:43:00.000-07:002009-03-31T08:43:00.000-07:00In the US the standards for motorcycles may be muc...In the US the standards for motorcycles may be much lower than cars, but most new bikes sold on the global market meet Euro-II or -III standards for emissions. FJRs have catalytic converters and EFI with oxygen sensors. My '04 FJR met Euro-II; I believe Dan's (with an updated ECU) meets Euro-III.<BR/><BR/>For overall environmental impact (all the metal, plastic, glass, etc.) , I suspect one would have to put a lot of miles on a Prius- with the original batteries, before it would be as green as most any motorcycle or scooter.Dean Whttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00312658128426614145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-53787017410857022312009-03-31T06:18:00.000-07:002009-03-31T06:18:00.000-07:00Oh and the helmet thing is a perfect illustration ...Oh and the helmet thing is a perfect illustration of the perception thing. All readers assume the rider was hard at work far away and not sitting in the nearby car making an assignation with a woman half twice his age. Touch his helmet and he would have been on you like irondad on a failing trainee.Conchscooterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08016331487463993200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-54239860900596442212009-03-31T06:16:00.000-07:002009-03-31T06:16:00.000-07:00Economy is a Toyota Yaris.Economy is a bus pass. I...Economy is a Toyota Yaris.Economy is a bus pass. I had to drive a van to Miami yesterday (15.7mpg 6km/liter) and the strain of being stuck in traffic on highway one all the time aged me till I started to look like jack riepe. It was horrible. And then to add insult to injury I got stuck behind a cruiser doing 50 in a 55. And I couldn't pass as I was driving that great white lump.No get up and go.Conchscooterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08016331487463993200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-18395371614129641972009-03-31T04:28:00.000-07:002009-03-31T04:28:00.000-07:00Dear IronDad:In my humble unqualified opinion, own...Dear IronDad:<BR/><BR/>In my humble unqualified opinion, owning a motorcycle for economical reasons is like heating the house by burning $50 bills in a garbage can. My 1995 BMW K75 will only burn high octane gasoline that has been run through the grotto at Lourdes. Tires are replaced at every 8,000 to 10,000 miles. The oil is changed when it deepens from the color of good champagne to the color of cheap champagne. <BR/><BR/>Since it is oil from a BMW, my inlaws drink it like it was champagne. <BR/><BR/>As far as motorcycles go, however, I'll get 150,000 on this one before I may have to get the valves adjusted. And quite frankly, if there was a parking spot close to the door that said, "Reserved for emissions-free vehicles that get 87 mpg, driven by people who only get laid by folk singers," I would still my bike there. <BR/><BR/>Regarding the thumbprint biometric, this is just bullshit from the word go. The folks on Mythbusters (the show on TV) used a Xerox machine and latex to open federal security locks requiring thumbprints. The feds and the credit card companies shut them down before the could expose the RFID chips for the bullshit they are too. <BR/><BR/>As you are aware, I ride with a Beemer crowd. You would be amazed at how many of these guys leave their helmets unattended on a bike. Many have left their keys in the bike too. Only one guy had a helmet stolen, and that was in South Dakota or Minnesota. <BR/><BR/>I lock mine to the bike.<BR/><BR/>Did you make the sale with the lockers? I have a healthy respect for any man who can talk his way into the womens locker room. <BR/><BR/>Fondest regards,<BR/>Jack<BR/>Twisted RoadsJack Riepehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07531160098262862027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-42216841020515415522009-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:002009-03-30T19:50:00.000-07:00I have saved a very significant amount of money si...I have saved a very significant amount of money since I sold my car and bought a scooter. I don't care If the scooter lasts only half as long as my car would have, or If the costs of maintenance are higher, the overall cost of operations is still way less when you consider that my scooter cost less than $4,000 and the car I sold was $21,000 when it was new. The savings in interest alone has almost paid for the scooter already. <BR/><BR/>What I think people forget is that whether it be a car, scooter or motorcycle, we are still talking about a means of transportation. The only real disadvantage of my scooter vs my car was the ability to haul large items, the ability to transport a number of people, or the ability to drive in really inclement weather. Otherwise the scooter fits the bill just as well as my car did, at less overall cost and with a whole lot more fun.<BR/><BR/>I am not sure a scooter or motorcycle needs a special place to park just because of the greater fuel efficiency. Hell, they are easy enough to park anyway. But it is sure great to see companies open up their eyes to recognizing that fuel efficiency is really important. How many times do we see large SUV's on the morning commute with only one person in it. That kind of vehicle would be relatively efficient If there were 4 people in it, but few are driven that way. <BR/><BR/>In my opinion, the $ savings is huge and then there is the FUN!cpa3485https://www.blogger.com/profile/00031439889267356735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-74269244224094244322009-03-30T19:46:00.000-07:002009-03-30T19:46:00.000-07:00I was thinking that if you are in a secured area w...I was thinking that if you are in a secured area which requires a biometric key, and if the area is also manned by a security guard in their little building at the entrance, who keeps an eye out over the parking lot, then your helmet may be safe from "outsiders". But then again, it may have been secured to the scooter in some other manner. I don't like to take the risk that my helmet will be stolen, as you won't even be able to ride home.<BR/><BR/>I think that if I saw that label on the parking space I would also park my bike there. I would presume that with both my bikes being fuel injected, and my scoot passes Euro3 emissions, that I would be able to park there.<BR/><BR/>I'm not so sure that riding a larger displacement machine is more efficient than a car, but I would be safe to say that if you had a 49cc moped it would pay for itself just in gas savings, IMHO<BR/><BR/>and as others have stated above . . . Fun factor = priceless<BR/><BR/>bob<BR/><A HREF="http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">bobskoot: wet coast scootin</A>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05258612401956399482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-35192496735747805462009-03-30T17:32:00.000-07:002009-03-30T17:32:00.000-07:00Tim,You know, I think a lot depends on how many mi...Tim,<BR/>You know, I think a lot depends on how many miles a person puts on the bike. Another factor is valve adjustment intervals. The ST is really hard to do myself. And they need checked at 16,000 miles. That comes three times in two years for me.<BR/><BR/>My old Pacific Coast had hydraulic lifters, so no adjustments were needed. Elvira's manual says intervals are at 28,800 miles. So, with doing oil changes and stuff myself, I can see the costs being lower.<BR/><BR/>Dom,<BR/>I've never been able to come up with a price for the fun factor. It's totally worth the extra maintenance and tire costs. I have noticed this weird connection between how huge the fun factor is and how high the tire costs are! What's up with that?<BR/><BR/>How are you doing out there? I heard there was some severe snow out there recently.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-23956852099397970972009-03-30T17:24:00.000-07:002009-03-30T17:24:00.000-07:00Old F Dave,I totally agree that a scooter like tha...Old F Dave,<BR/>I totally agree that a scooter like that would be perfect for all around work. Eugene is a college town of about a hundred thousand if you count all the outlying areas. For the most part, the scooter would be easier to get around on than a car.<BR/><BR/>Not sure if the helmet was secured or not. My impression is that it wasn't but I didn't look that closely.<BR/><BR/>Bryce,<BR/>After I read your question about the tags I had to go out and check. Yep, I had remembered! We're good until 2011.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure that hybrids were the actual intent of the parking spots. They look like any other car spot except for the lettering.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-61546713978493725752009-03-30T17:19:00.000-07:002009-03-30T17:19:00.000-07:00Balisada,I had a similar reaction. Who would just...Balisada,<BR/>I had a similar reaction. Who would just leave their helmet on the seat like that? Your helmet must be the reason I can't get a seat in a restaurant!<BR/><BR/>Nice credit card commercial.<BR/><BR/>I saw you a couple of times in the last few days. You probably recognized my 'Stich and Elvira Thursday night. We were getting ready for classroom.<BR/><BR/>Then I saw you either Sunday or Saturday morning. I was teaching out on the range. The heavy rain on Sunday washed away my memory. Either way, your jacket and tiger accents give you extra style!<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Danirondadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17821323482397075170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-27462331636353491692009-03-30T17:04:00.000-07:002009-03-30T17:04:00.000-07:00At one of the data centers I work at, there's a sp...At one of the data centers I work at, there's a special spot (due to the intrusion of a light pole) that's by default for motorcycles....real close to the entrance. You gotta be early or determined to get it.<BR/><BR/>Lately, it's been mine...all mine.<BR/><BR/>About low emissions, lets just say my 1987-vintage V8 "sucks gas while parked" surely is worse for the environment than my motorcycles. As to maintenance and operating costs....tires will eat up your budget everytime, plus expendables for services. So really, not that much cheaper as you say.<BR/><BR/>However, there's the fun factor....redlegsrideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10927757855921321097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-76400117367992217312009-03-30T16:46:00.000-07:002009-03-30T16:46:00.000-07:00I really hope that helmet is secure...Honestly I d...I really hope that helmet is secure...<BR/>Honestly I do believe that a motorcycle is cheaper than a car to own. My maintenance on my bike coast maybe 200 bucks a year. Gas mileage is better. It's just more fun.-Timhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08481370069244244570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-32477986310112693532009-03-30T16:18:00.000-07:002009-03-30T16:18:00.000-07:00As tothe low emissions vehicle, low as compared to...As tothe low emissions vehicle, low as compared to what?<BR/><BR/>A Toyota Prius would fit that slot, or <BR/>a Honda Insight either the older style or the newer sub-compact.<BR/><BR/>Somehow I don't think they meant the <BR/>scooter.<BR/><BR/>Mind you was thinking "the lady that allowed Dan into the lady's locker room is the owner of the yellow scooter." Guess not, eh?<BR/><BR/>And no doubt the D40 was more than adequate for the assignment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-55796860566403789922009-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:002009-03-30T16:15:00.000-07:00"reality versus perception?"Your header photo Dan...."reality versus perception?"<BR/><BR/>Your header photo Dan..<BR/>Did you renew your license sticker?<BR/><BR/>Maybe take a photograph and post it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-9862802381211707022009-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:002009-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:00Hey DanThat looks like one of the low cost import ...Hey Dan<BR/><BR/>That looks like one of the low cost import 250s scooters<BR/>There not a bad buy if you don’t mind doing your own wrenching <BR/>To get the bugs worked out. <BR/><BR/>They fill a niche the big name bike boys have all but forgotten .<BR/>It should do about 75 MPH an get around 70 MPG.<BR/><BR/>They are good for short to medium commute<BR/> I heard of some being used on 100 mile round trips.<BR/><BR/>There good in stop an go traffic easy to park an can be loaded like a pack mule for throes quick shopping trips in to town an are a blast for throes weekend back road ramblings <BR/>I think you are going to see a lot more of them <BR/><BR/>After seeing the full face helmet on the back want to bet if you pop the seat you would find a good riding jacket an maybe some rain gear <BR/>Cant tell by the pic but the helmet could be locked to the grab rail <BR/><BR/>Old FDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09703180425994041085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20666162.post-32857793162340206712009-03-30T15:10:00.000-07:002009-03-30T15:10:00.000-07:00[Begin Tangent]How can someone just leave their he...[Begin Tangent]<BR/>How can someone just leave their helmet on their seat?<BR/><BR/>I paid $500 bucks for my helmet and for that price it gets it's own seat in the restaurant.<BR/>[End Tangent]<BR/><BR/>On a Honda Rebel Newsgroup that I belong to, the economics of motorcycles came up.<BR/><BR/>Just how economical are motorcycles?<BR/><BR/>One of the more accounting minded members actually took the time to figure it out and, for the Honda Rebel, discovered that motorcycles are economical only if you were going to buy another car anyway.<BR/><BR/>Otherwise, all the extra's, like maintenance (which is more often for motorcycles), safety equipment, tires, training if you choose to, and any other necessities, actually outweighs the cost of a car.<BR/><BR/>However, the person who posted noted:<BR/><BR/>YOU DO HAVE THAT WONDERFUL MOTORCYCLE FEELING, which is the biggest and best advantage, and one cannot really put a dollar value on this!<BR/><BR/>And while I do believe that my motorcycle generally costs more after factoring everything, I also sincerely believe that if I could have one single vehicle parked in my driveway, money no object, then my choice would still be a Honda Rebel.<BR/><BR/>So it's like a Mastercard commercial.<BR/><BR/>Honda Rebel MSRP: $3399<BR/>Arai Quantum II Helmet: $525<BR/>That wonderful motorcycle feeling: Priceless<BR/><BR/><BR/>Ta!<BR/><BR/>BalisadaBalisadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08836878587693331978noreply@blogger.com