Had a friend ask me about scooter parking at Thunder games and I had no idea. Please let me know if you have suggestions to pass along. Thanks!!

Before her accident. Councilwoman Salyer was working on some code to allow scooters to park anywhere a bicycle can park. I've had some problems myself scoot parking downtown, mostly with the meter maids. But once a motorcycle cop threatened a misdemeanor. I think it's ludicrous to take a full space and pay for a street space downtown.

That being said I've parked my scooters next to the park house bicycle rack plenty of times during a game with no ticket. Secrets out!

So after extensive troubleshooting on my GN250 (even replacing the solenoid), I found that all of its problems stemmed from a bad battery. I didn't start with suspecting the battery because I just bought it earlier this year, but I suppose lead acid batteries are crap. So I was trying to troubleshoot a starting problem on a bike using two different bad batteries and didn't know it.

I threw a new battery in, and she started right up. This is probably the last battery I buy from Batteries Plus, though. This is the one battery they sell that fits in the battery compartment in the GN and provides enough CCA. But even this brand new battery, I couldn't get it to charge more than 98% on my charger. Luckily it's running the bike just fine, but if it goes to tits after its warranty is up, I'm coughing up a heftier sum to get an AGM or LiFePo battery elsewhere.

On a side rant, Batteries Plus filled my new battery up with sulfuric acid, as they do, and sent me home. When I got home I opened the box to find all six of the acid fill holes were sitting wide open, because the guy failed to put the caps in them. So the whole ride home, I was one pothole away from having a trunk full of sulfuric acid, and I had to go all the way back to pick up the caps!

I've never messed with batteries plus. But interstate has just about everything. I used to use Yuasa sealed gel batteries because of their out the box crank ability and 6+ year life. But they only make them for high end and larger cycles. Then I bought a scooter and got a very expensive education in dry cell.

What I've used for the past 10 years now are "dry charge" batteries. Almost every motorcraft vehicle does because of their incredible shall life. This is a maintenance free dry(at least in the box) 6 cell with a pack of electrolytes that is easily applied into the battery. The cap is left loose to vent and the battery is charged before installation. What's VERY important to note here: the battery must be charged before installation. If you throw it into a small bike it WILL crank a few times. But the 100-200mAh your stator puts back in the battery is never going to condition it. So very soon down the line you'll notice the lights are dim and eventually your blinkers just bzzzz instead of flipping the relay.

Sounds like some joker at this store just goes in the back, opens the box, puts electrolytes in it, then hands it over to you with the seal off so it doesn't explode. I took a scooter we had bought at atomic brown into their garage half a dozen times AND even replaced the stator before I realized their tech was putting batteries in cold, right out the box, into our bikes.

Odds are autozone or o'reilly's have what you need. Just take your core in and match the fit. I charge my new ones at 1amp overnight. A simple 2amp car charger for 6 hours would suffice. Follow the directions on the box at any rate...

I know it's frustrating, at some point I stopped riding with my wife (the reason I got a scooter in the first place, she wouldn't ride motorcycles at the time) because I declared it a lemon. But hopefully a properly charged battery will get you back on the road. That particular scoot has gone 5 years 20k miles on the battery I put in it. I now use them on my italian sport bike, 1800cc Honda, vmax, various scoots, etc. the cost is about half that of a Yuasa gel, same CCA, and less charging maintenance than the Yuasa. Still need to trickle them through the winter though!

Generally they'll fill the battery, cap it, and send it home for me to charge. They have exhaust vents so exploding wouldn't be very likely.

I haven't checked O'Reilly's, but I know Auto Zone doesn't have any batteries that will fit in my bike (they're all too large), and they don't even have my bike (the GN250) in their database. But I'm eyeballing the Shorai Lithium for when this lead acid from Batteries Plus inevitably goes bad.

As of now, I'm glad I've got two running bikes.

What year is your VMax?

I've always bought my batteries that had the sperarate bag of electrolite and I put it in myself . That way I know it's filled properly, and then put it on the charger for a little while. Never had a lick of trouble. I also always made sure that the belch tube ran all the way down and hung clear of the lower frame and any obstructions.

I've always bought my batteries that had the sperarate bag of electrolite and I put it in myself . That way I know it's filled properly, and then put it on the charger for a little while. Never had a lick of trouble. I also always made sure that the belch tube ran all the way down and hung clear of the lower frame and any obstructions.

Yeah, I look forward to getting a sealed battery that doesn't require the exhaust tube.

I've always replaced my battery with a seal one I get from Battery Plus and have never had a problem.

^^^ agreed. And like I said. Interstate has everything.

The vmax is 2009 #249/2500. It's got the x pipe and chip tuned on the dyno. It's funeral fast, I don't know why I keep it it. In drag mode: it manifests itself in laughing tears of fearjoy.

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^^^ agreed. And like I said. Interstate has everything.

The vmax is 2009 #249/2500. It's got the x pipe and chip tuned on the dyno. It's funeral fast, I don't know why I keep it it. In drag mode: it manifests itself in laughing tears of fearjoy.

That's one cruiser I wouldn't mind getting my hands on, even if it would probably be more terrifying than satisfying.

That's one cruiser I wouldn't mind getting my hands on, even if it would probably be more terrifying than satisfying.

They're not that bad. A definite blast to ride. They come on strong but are still very manageable. It's the only factory bike that reminded me of the old Kawasaki H2 Tripple ..... now that was a ride that could scare the sh*t out of you.

They're not that bad. A definite blast to ride. They come on strong but are still very manageable. It's the only factory bike that reminded me of the old Kawasaki H2 Tripple ..... now that was a ride that could scare the sh*t out of you.

My bike has ~90ish horsepower, and feels like I could probably hit escape velocity if I kick it down a gear at 10,000rpm, so I can't imagine how untamed the VMax must feel before you get accustomed to its quirks (not to mention the insurance costs). Sexy bikes, though. If I were to buy a new cruiser, it'd probably be between that or the Bolt. I'm not big on throwing my legs forward while riding, so I'm all about the mid controls on a cruiser.

The vmax isn't too bad to insure. They treat it by displacement so about the same as a Honda vtx or a Harley. About 300 a year for comprehensive. After the dyno tune it produces 202hp at the rear wheel. And it's not my first pick for long distance or twisties, you have to wrestle bike to make it turn. But light to light streaking down shields or Lincoln Blvd. it's home. I'd probably sell it if I could get more money out of it. I figured it we be more collectible by now.

What I've been drooling over all year is the new re-tuned and bored out aprilia tuono r1100 factory. It makes 200 horsepower but around 400lbs and with space age electronics like a rev matching down shift, abs, 7 levels of traction control, 3 engine maps changeable on the fly, city, street, and race. Which would be great because I own an older tuono and its 155 screaming track tuned horsepower at all times. A flick of the wrist in 3rd @ 40mph sends the front wheel up. Sometimes I just want a comfy cruise. But my favorite: 6 position wheelie control. Yes gentlemen, set it to 11 o'clock, power it off the floor in low gear and let all the bystanders think your evel knievel reincarnate doing perfect wheelies on a shiny new machine, devil may care. :tiphat:

Yeah, I'm happy with my fast-enough, nimble-enough FZ6. Mega bikes sound impressive but it falls into that "with great power comes great responsibility" adage, way too easy to mess up on accident.

Displacement isn't the only thing taken into consideration for insurance; not with State Farm, anyway. For example, the most expensive bike I got a quote on was a GSX-S750, which worked out to around $50/month, which was more expensive than the CB1100 by a few dollars, and about $25/month more expensive than the CTX700N. I suspect they look at a combination of displacement and frequency of crashes by bike type. Pretty much anything that starts with GSX- is going to have a higher squid rate, although I think that's a lot less for the naked variants than the fully faired ones. I'm only paying about $180/year for the FZ6, full coverage. The GN250 has liability only, and it's about $12/year. I got a liability quote for an 80s model CB900, and it too would have been about $12/year, so displacement isn't everything with insurance prices.

Is anybody else finding their seats wet for the new Bonneville T120?

The vmax isn't too bad to insure. They treat it by displacement so about the same as a Honda vtx or a Harley. About 300 a year for comprehensive. After the dyno tune it produces 202hp at the rear wheel. And it's not my first pick for long distance or twisties, you have to wrestle bike to make it turn. But light to light streaking down shields or Lincoln Blvd. it's home. I'd probably sell it if I could get more money out of it. I figured it we be more collectible by now.

What I've been drooling over all year is the new re-tuned and bored out aprilia tuono r1100 factory. It makes 200 horsepower but around 400lbs and with space age electronics like a rev matching down shift, abs, 7 levels of traction control, 3 engine maps changeable on the fly, city, street, and race. Which would be great because I own an older tuono and its 155 screaming track tuned horsepower at all times. A flick of the wrist in 3rd @ 40mph sends the front wheel up. Sometimes I just want a comfy cruise. But my favorite: 6 position wheelie control. Yes gentlemen, set it to 11 o'clock, power it off the floor in low gear and let all the bystanders think your evel knievel reincarnate doing perfect wheelies on a shiny new machine, devil may care. :tiphat:

That sounds like an awesome machine. The technology these days is amazing. I must admit that I'm behind the curve on what is currently available now. I also must confess that I sold my VTX1800 not too long ago because I got tired of people trying to take me out on the road. It's getting ridiculous out there. That being said, I'm already wanting something else.

Well, my motorcycling year has not been good. It all started with her dying on I40 in April. Since then she's had an intermittent miss and/or dying problem. Without going into the whole nine hards of what I've done I'll just say that pretty much everything inthe fuel and ignition systems is new. Problem still there. Finally did the ultimate sin in my book and took it to the dealer to have them change the ECM. Problem still there. At least they took the ECM back which they didn't have to do. So today I took off the seat and tank and began removing and fanning out the wiring harness to check it out one wire at a time. Bikes can be so much fun but such a PIA.

Without going into the whole nine hards of what I've done I'll just say that pretty much everything inthe fuel and ignition systems is new.

SoonerSoftail,
Was that a "freudian slip"?
C. T.

My next bike's going to have ABS. Riding to work Saturday morning, I had to hard brake to meet a suddenly-yellow intersection, and my brakes completely locked up. I started to fishtail and swerve (stayed top-up, thankfully) until I finally came to a full stop in the middle of the intersection at 39th and Portland. Luckily it was 7:30am and the roads weren't crazy busy, but I still had to do the backward walk of shame back to the line with the smell of burning brake pads wafting up. I was pretty shaken the rest of the day. I'd never had bike brakes lock up on me before.

Not to sound like a Harley fanboy, but that's why I like my Ultra. All those comfort features like intercom and radio, plus ABS. And the trunk is nice.

Not to sound like a Harley fanboy, but that's why I like my Ultra. All those comfort features like intercom and radio, plus ABS. And the trunk is nice.

Yeah, nice bikes for sure, I'm just not big on cruisers myself. I'm eyeballing the new SV650; hopefully it has ABS when they bring it stateside.

SoonerSoftail,
Was that a "freudian slip"?
C. T.
Maybe. And since then I've taken the whole engine related wiring harness loose to check out because it's still not fixed.

Maybe. And since then I've taken the whole engine related wiring harness loose to check out because it's still not fixed.

SoonerSoftail,
Not sure you understood my post, the whole nine hards (instead of yards), in other words, difficulties of what you accomplished.
C. T.

I locked my rear this AM for one of the few times ever that wasn't by choice (rider training, practice panic stops, etc.). Just about high-sided, but managed to ride it out. Must've been a greasy spot in the road, just as I was shutting it down quickly for a turn I was about to miss. My fault. Also doesn't help that my rear tire is about done. Probably getting a new pair next week. But yeah, ABS probably wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.

What's funny is I lock the rear on my scooter all of the time. It's half the fun of riding a scooter. Not NEARLY so sketchy as doing it on a motorcycle.

I just got back into riding and looked at several bikes before settling on a F800GT. I chose it over others because of the ABS and traction control that provides a comfort margin as I regain and sharpen my riding skills. (It's been over 25 years.) I am really looking forward to taking the next MSF course at OSU-OKC next spring.

Of course I chose to test ride and buy on a couple of very windy days. Had a death grip on the bar in a crosswind until consciously making myself relax!

^^^^^
If you have your endorsement I would consider skipping the regular MSF classes - which are focused on getting you endorsed - and instead to the "Ready to Ride" course, which focuses more on real-world riding situations. Best part is, it is FREE.

http://www.osuokc.edu/motorcycle/readytoride.aspx

Not to sound like a Harley fanboy, but that's why I like my Ultra. All those comfort features like intercom and radio, plus ABS. And the trunk is nice.


Yes I am looking at a Victory Cross Country. All the comforts

^^^^^
If you have your endorsement I would consider skipping the regular MSF classes - which are focused on getting you endorsed - and instead to the "Ready to Ride" course, which focuses more on real-world riding situations. Best part is, it is FREE.

OSU-OKC Ready to Ride (http://www.osuokc.edu/motorcycle/readytoride.aspx)

I took it a couple months ago to get the endorsement and a little seat time in a controlled environment. But you are right - the "Ready to Ride" course is the one I'm looking at next.

I locked my rear this AM for one of the few times ever that wasn't by choice (rider training, practice panic stops, etc.). Just about high-sided, but managed to ride it out. Must've been a greasy spot in the road, just as I was shutting it down quickly for a turn I was about to miss. My fault. Also doesn't help that my rear tire is about done. Probably getting a new pair next week. But yeah, ABS probably wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.



The Bonneville T120 would be something to look into, then. It's like Triumph listened to all the complaints about the Bonnie, and actually did something about it.

I just got back into riding and looked at several bikes before settling on a F800GT. I chose it over others because of the ABS and traction control that provides a comfort margin as I regain and sharpen my riding skills. (It's been over 25 years.) I am really looking forward to taking the next MSF course at OSU-OKC next spring.

Of course I chose to test ride and buy on a couple of very windy days. Had a death grip on the bar in a crosswind until consciously making myself relax!

I put a Cee Bailey windscreen on my FZ6. It looks a bit ridiculous, being so tall, but it cuts all the wind off my body, and if I tuck slightly, I get a zone of absolute silence, where I hear no wind at all...just engine and road. It's fantastic, goofy as it may look.

The Bonneville T120 would be something to look into, then. It's like Triumph listened to all the complaints about the Bonnie, and actually did something about it.

Yeah, I've been watching the rollout. Water cooled, 1200 CC, ABS, lots of creature comforts. Gotta say though, while I may own one someday, I don't think I will get rid of my T100 Bonnie anytime soon and a second bike would likely be a different style altogether. Probably adventure bike.

The T120 has got me thinking. Or the thruxton depending on the power band. If it's smooth and linear vs having to keep it wound up for the extra power. And I'm too old for clip ons so that would have to change along with the cables. Honestly I think anyone over 30 is too old for clip ons unless you're at the track.

I'm excited about the small bike they are advertising as a low seat, it's driving me crazy that they're not posting the specs though. I've been searching for a low seated sporty street bike for my wife for years. Even the moto guzzi v7 has a 30".

I don't think I will get rid of my T100 Bonnie anytime soon and a second bike would likely be a different style altogether. Probably adventure bike.

There are so many bikes that I really want, including something like a V-Strom or Versys, but such limited garage space. I believe the T120 will be cost prohibitive for me, that's why I'm hoping the SV650 keeps its ABS when they bring it Stateside.

Now would be a good time for Kawasaki to bring the W800 to the States. Hipsters have made retro-modern as trendy as can be.

The T120 has got me thinking. Or the thruxton depending on the power band. If it's smooth and linear vs having to keep it wound up for the extra power. And I'm too old for clip ons so that would have to change along with the cables. Honestly I think anyone over 30 is too old for clip ons unless you're at the track.

A Thruxton without clip-ons is basically just a Bonnie with a café seat cowling. I agree about clip-ons: not comfortable. That's why I tend to prefer naked sportbikes over fully faired sportbikes; the naked variants tend to be more upright.

^^^^^
And rearsets. And a different seat, under the referenced cowl. And 2>1 exhaust, different suspension setup and a few other goodies. But true that it is essentially a Bonneville.

Regarding the clip-ons (which I think is now just a down swept bar), I have sort of an in-between solution. I bought a Norman Hyde M bar, and a one inch riser. I get a stance that's a little bit more aggro without having to lay on my tank. Now I just need to find the time to install it! :D

The thruxton is said to have a different engine map to go with its lightened crankshaft and unique air box. 88 torque at 5,000 vrooms, saweeet. The R version comes with brembo mono block fronts and what look like ohlin's suspension. The prototype shows a rear fender delete that looks so, so slick. It's funny out the clip ons, they are still clip ons but with a 3+ inch riser built in. I still want more height though, dirt bike bars on a riser for me. It's an easy kit. Hardest part is removing the top triple clamp and taking it to a machine shop to have it drilled and tapped for riser clamps. Come to think of it, I could just buy the clamp for the Bonnie. I'm seriously thinking about this one. I'd have to ditch a bike to make room though, ugh!

Does anyone here own a Ducati Hypermotard? I've been looking at one but heard the 2013's in particular had electrical issues but I'm leaning toward a 2008 - 2012 model. Are there any systemic issues with the early models?

I am saving my pennies for a 1198 in matte black. Very glad the Ducati dealership reopened.

That place is going to cause serious damage to my bank balance. I'll probably go for the triumvirate - already have German, so Italian and British must follow! The Hypermotard looks like an absolute blast for some urban hooliganism and the Street Triple reminds me of my VF500F - quick and agile.

I owned an used 1100 non s as the S package added serious dollars when combined with the termi tax(termignoni mufflers, which, don't even bother owning a Ducati without termignoni mufflers) made for a nearly $16,000 ride before paying tax, title, un-crating, etc.

I owned it for one season then sold it for what I paid for it minus a few hundred on some sweet rizoma aluminum parts for it. My impression: it didn't have as good of a suspension setup as it should have for being a supermoto, not enough travel. I just wheelied it all over town and got a few tickets. It's crap for long rides. 120 mile range...that's not before you hit reserve, that's before you run dry and push. IF you're not hot rodding too much. I wanted a hooligan bike but what I got was somewhere between a monster and dirt bike. I should have spent less money and gone for one of KTMs "racing dirt bike with lights and street tires". But alas I'm too old for that now. And the dirt bike crashes of my youth still haunt me.

They've been making the bike for almost a decade now and they've put new engines and new suspensions, computers, brakes, all kinds of stuff so I'm sure a lot has changed. I bought a 2007 aprilia tuono rr factory after the Ducati and have loved it to death, especially after the gel seat. It's a perfect blend of race, street, muscle and style. It still looks good, like an rc-51 or a 996.

Definitely try to ride before you buy.

Oh and the maintenance is expensive and often with the cam belts. but I hear the new engines get serviced every otheroil change now. ;)

Oh and the maintenance is expensive and often with the cam belts. but I hear the new engines get serviced every otheroil change now. ;)

Thanks - great info. My BMW doesn't require much in comparison. Since I was probably going to buy used, maybe the Hyper isn't the best choice.

For ripping around town feeling like you're wide open I'm looking forward to riding the new G310R coming out this spring.

Coming up in a couple weeks - this is the closest the IMS will get to OKC.

Dallas, TX | motorcycleshows.com (http://www.motorcycleshows.com/city/dallas-tx)

A friend and I took a ride up to Guthrie on Sunday, and at a stop sign my boot came down on a large bolt, causing me to slowly roll my foot to the side until my bike was on the ground. There was no stopping it once the roll had begun, so I had to put it down with as much grace as I could muster in the face of irreversible momentum. Thankfully only the handlebar slider and side mirror took any damage, and that was just some light scraping.

A friend and I took a ride up to Guthrie on Sunday, and at a stop sign my boot came down on a large bolt, causing me to slowly roll my foot to the side until my bike was on the ground. There was no stopping it once the roll had begun, so I had to put it down with as much grace as I could muster in the face of irreversible momentum. Thankfully only the handlebar slider and side mirror took any damage, and that was just some light scraping.

About 6 months ago I had a car run a light and cut me off in the middle of a right turn. Since I stopped suddenly while turning, I ended up laying the bike over. Just too much weight to prevent it. It happens, and glad you and the bike came through relatively unscathed. The scrapes add character!

For my incident, similar scraping. I also can't lift my bike on my own, so I was lucky a couple of good samaritans hopped out of their cars to give me a hand. That's the problem with large cruisers!

About 6 months ago I had a car run a light and cut me off in the middle of a right turn. Since I stopped suddenly while turning, I ended up laying the bike over. Just too much weight to prevent it. It happens, and glad you and the bike came through relatively unscathed. The scrapes add character!

For my incident, similar scraping. I also can't lift my bike on my own, so I was lucky a couple of good samaritans hopped out of their cars to give me a hand. That's the problem with large cruisers!

I remember you posting about that. Glad you didn't get hurt and the bike was still useable. Mine was just embarrassing because it all came down to me putting my foot on something that rolled. Hopefully it's the last time that bike ends up on its side; it's no giant cruiser, but it sure wasn't as easy to get up as my 250 was. I still needed help propping it.

Anyhow, the ride was damn nice. We took highway 74 to 33 instead of going the I-35 route. Lots of nice rural scenery on that path.

Anyhow, the ride was damn nice. We took highway 74 to 33 instead of going the I-35 route. Lots of nice rural scenery on that path.

Riding weather this weekend really was incredible. You were on part of my favorite riding loop. When I want a nice ride, I take rt 66 to 177, north to 33, then to 74 back to Edmond. It's such a nice ride.

Riding weather this weekend really was incredible. You were on part of my favorite riding loop. When I want a nice ride, I take rt 66 to 177, north to 33, then to 74 back to Edmond. It's such a nice ride.

I like riding on 66 to El Reno; I might go full circle with the route you described sometime. Sounds like a good day trip.

It is, and you're close enough to Stillwater on that loop to make a quick detour, visit the Harley Shop (if so inclined) and grab lunch at Joes.

I do the 66 to El Reno now and then to hit Don Serapios.

(All my trips seem to involve restaurants... maybe that explains the waistline?)

It is, and you're close enough to Stillwater on that loop to make a quick detour, visit the Harley Shop (if so inclined) and grab lunch at Joes.

I do the 66 to El Reno now and then to hit Don Serapios.

(All my trips seem to involve restaurants... maybe that explains the waistline?)

I tend to ride to destinations that have good food as well. For me, it's Sid's in El Reno, or a delicious mocha from Rick's in Guthrie.

I had a friend killed in a bike wreck on Sunday. He was riding too close to the edge of 240 and hit something that made his front wheel turn. Keep your eye out for stuff on the road.

Sorry to hear.

Sorry to hear about your friend Ozmondo.

Not saying this what happened, but there's a phemonenon that riders face called " target fixation" in which your eyes lock onto an object in the road and you actually steer right into it instead of steering around it. Trainers teach you to look past the object immediately and pick a line around the object.
It's just like turning. you look in the direction that you want to go. If you look at the ground while you're turning, that's where you'll go.

Very sorry to hear Ozmondo. I've driven over stuff in the road lots of times. Thank God it has always been on four wheels. I'm pretty good about practicing avoidance when I'm alone on the road. I'll be thinking more about it now. Maybe other will too and some good will come from your friends death.

Very sorry to hear. My two wipeouts over the years on street bikes that have involved debris. Scary stuff. Fortunately came through both with minor fractures. The last one I was wearing a turtle cage and full leathers. Saved my a**.

I had a friend killed in a bike wreck on Sunday. He was riding too close to the edge of 240 and hit something that made his front wheel turn. Keep your eye out for stuff on the road.

Rowdy?

Rowdy?


Yep, I take it you knew him. Pretty sad, he was a hell of a nice guy.

Yep, I take it you knew him. Pretty sad, he was a hell of a nice guy.

Yeah, only in passing. I used to spend a lot of time at the hog. Several of my friends know him quite well, and have good things to say as well. I always hate this time of year... seems like we have several of these. Ride safe everyone.

Yeah, only in passing. I used to spend a lot of time at the hog. Several of my friends know him quite well, and have good things to say as well. I always hate this time of year... seems like we have several of these. Ride safe everyone.


We may have met because I've spent my fair share of time at the Hog too. I miss that place.

After a year of my baby not running right and a winter of having everything electrical that has to do with the best engine apart and replacing an arm-long list of stuff I FINALLY have her running right again. I got a pretty good sunburn last weekend and am adding to it today. I am one happy Harley owner.