Kawasaki Recalls 2008-2009 Vulcan Models for Gas Tank Leak

Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2008 Vulcan VN900C8F and VN900D8F and 2009 Vulcan VN900B9F and VN900B9FL motorcycles.

Fuel can leak from between the tank filler neck and the fuel cap gasket. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

604 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Sven & Olie

Since my last post was about the change of seasons, hot and cold, and since Joker made the comment that we all talk funny here in the Midwest, this joke could not be more fitting.

Sven and Ole join an outlaw motorcycle club, and get drunker than skunks. They die in a motorcycle accident and go to Hell.

The Devil observes that they are really enjoying themselves.

He says to them 'Doesn't the heat and smoke bother you?'

Ole replies, 'Vell, ya know, ve're from nordern Minnesooota, da land of

snow an ice, an ve're yust happy fer a chance ta varm up a little bit, ya

know.'

The devil decides that these two aren't miserable enough and turns up the

heat even more. When he returns to the room of the two guys from Minnesota ,

the devil finds them in light jackets and hats, grilling Walleye and

drinking beer. The devil is astonished and exclaims, 'Everyone down here is

in misery, and you two seem to be enjoying yourselves?'

Sven replies, 'Vell, ya know, ve don't git too much varm veather up dere

at da Falls, so ve've yust got ta haff a fish fry vhen da veather's dis

nice.'

The devil is absolutely furious. He can hardly see straight. Finally he

comes up with the answer. The two guys love the heat because they have been

cold all their lives. The devil decides to turn all the heat off in Hell.

The next morning, the temperature is 60 below zero, icicles are hanging

everywhere, and people are shivering so bad that they are unable to wail,

moan or gnash their teeth. The devil smiles and heads for the room with Ole

and Sven. He gets there and finds them back in their parkas, bomber hats,

and mittens. They are jumping up and down, cheering, yelling and screaming

like mad men.

The devil is dumbfounded, 'I don't understand, when I turn up the heat

you're happy. Now its freezing cold and you're still happy. What is wrong

with you two?'

They both look at the devil in surprise and say, 'Vell, don't ya know, if

hell iss froze over, dat must mean da Vikings von da Super Bowl!

Suzuki Intruder Hand Grips

When you talk about accesories for your Suzuki Intruder, what do you think of first? I'm betting you don't think of Suzuki Intruder hand grips, do you? No, I bet you think of getting some motorcycle saddlebags, or maybe some new Suzuki Intruder handlebars, even. You probably entertain the idea of getting a custom paintjob for your gas tank, don't you?

But I would be surprised if you gave the handgrips much thought. You should though, and here's why:

Suzuki Intruder Hand Grips

There's nothing wrong with the stock handgrips that come on the Suzuki Intruder. In fact, I rather like them. They look good, they feel good, and they're comfortable enough on a long ride. But what if you want to customize your stock Intruder grips? Or worse yet, what if you find a great deal on an older Intruder (say, a 1986 Suzuki VS700 Intruder) and the rubber handgrips are torn up or rotted away? There's only thing you can do:

Buy new Intruder hand grips, of course!

But what kind do you buy? You can get replacement handgrips from a dealer, but I find that most dealer only replacement parts are too costly when you can just as easily get something with a lot more personality in the aftermarket segment.

Where do you get these new Intruder handgrips? From anywhere, really. I would look online for them, though, as you'll probably find them a lot cheaper from an online dealer than you would from your local Suzuki dealer.

What Suzuki Intruder Hand Grip Choices Do You Have?

You can get hand grips made specifically for the Suzuki Intruder. I've seen some great looking grips out there that are Intruder specific. All the way from solid chromed metal with maybe some nice, etched designs to chromed grips with rubber inserts to keep your hand cushioned from vibration and afford a little extra grip.

For that matter, if you really like them or you're trying to restore your motorcycle, then you can always go ahead and get Suzuki Intruder stock replacement grips, as well.

There are, however, other choices available. As long as the diameter is the same, nearly any grip will work.

What Grips Fit A Suzuki Intruder?

Because the Suzuki Intruder handlebars are one inch diameter, this means that in addition to the Suzuki Grips made for the Intruder, you have a huge selection of custom handle grips made for Harley's (which also have one inch handlebars) to choose from.

While the accessories for the Japanese cruiser market have come a long way over the last ten years or so, from what I can tell, there hasn't been much support for the older style cruisers, especially the Suzuki Intruders. It's a shame, really, but it's good to know that as you're a little bit mechanically inclined you can find plenty of Intruder accessories for you motorcycle that aren't neccessarily made for the Suzuki Intruder.

And when it comes to handgrips and handlebars, thanks to Harley there's a bucket load of them available.

So next time you're out looking for new accessories for your Intruder, make sure you don't overlook the handle grips. Take a good look around online, too. You'll find plenty of resources for your Suzuki Intruder Hand Grips.

Season's of change, and a place I call my home

As I was out riding yesterday, I felt as though I was once again where I belonged. That place I call my home is Minnesota on two wheels.With the cool crispness of the late September fall air rushing at me, I noted the fall colors starting to fire. After many years here, I know that this is only the beginning of the colorful splendor fall will bring. I belong on two wheels, as much as the sun belongs in the sky. I belong in Minnesota, as much as the fish belong in the water. I need to feel the season's of change. I need to bear witness on the beauty these season's of change bring with it each and every year. There is such beauty in all of the four seasons. Spring brings lush green colors as far as the eye can see. Summer brings warmer riding, and good times I'll never forget with friends and family out at the cabin. But Autumn brings mixed feeling for me. It is to me the most beautiful time of the year. It brings an awesome color show with the turning of the leaves. It is to me the most spectacular time to ride and enjoy the views Mother Nature paints for us. It brings milder riding temperatures, but also brings the end of my riding season. Granted, winter is the one season out of the year we cannot ride motorcycles, but I figure it to be a trade off for the one summer season in warmer climates that it is too hot to bear riding comfortably. The upside is that the white snow brings such a clean beauty that I could not live without. It brings Christmas into the right light for me as well. I grew up in Minnesota, and could not imagine life without this wonderful place I call my home.

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Bob

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery.

See Bob with his prize-winning 1982 Honda CB900 Custom. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.

If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

The Grab-it Pack version 1.5 review

Due to feedback and reviews customers have been providing, including myself, the GRAB-IT PACK has been upgraded. There is now a more durable version called the Grab-it Pack 1.5 Which features: Heavier material than before, better stitching, a metal zipper on the top pocket vs. the old plastic one, and I think the buckles are even more heavy gauge than on the old version. The newer version also has a longer waist and leg strap option (currently on RIGHT SIDE MODEL ONLY).

The newer version 1.5 has definitely changed for the better, and has lived up to what I expected. It looks and feels like the old version, and still holds the same amount of stuff, and unless you load it up with heavy things, you don't even realize it's on. It is lightweight, easily adjustable, and comfortable to wear (all day long). I took it out for a spin the other day on a long motorcycle ride. I forgot it was even there. The back side that touches you isn't like leather or vinyl, it is a soft material so you won't get sweat soaked, or chaffed. Oh, and guys, it also looks like a black gun holster so when you wear it you don't look like a complete dork with a man purse.

I own both the old and new versions of the Grab-it Pack myself, and have used both for comparison purposes. I must say, I'm even more thrilled with the newer version than I was with the original. I'd recommend it to everyone.

Son's of Anarchy Episode 4 review

The show is starting to get a pretty good base line. Each week we learn a bit more about the MC, their members, and loved ones, or not so loved ones.

The more I know, the more I like the show. I liked it from the get go though. I know some did not. If you are not into it by now, you likely will never be.

My wife has been watching since the first episode with me. She hates them all. She can't see why I like them. I guess I can't say I really like them as person's, they are kind of thug like, cold and heartless, but you get glimpses of good. Especially in Jax. I guess this is part of the draw... Hoping for the good to come out-- a hopeful hero if you will. Anyway, weather I like the people or not, I do like the show. It's good entertainment.

I won't go into any details of the show as usual, as to not ruin it for anyone who has not seen it yet.

In my family, My wife and I have always been extremely open about sex & sex talk with our kids 13 & 16. And I've been letting them watch the show with my wife and me.
Last night's episode might have left them with an eyefull or earfull, had I let them finish watching.

My kids had been watching it with me up until about 2/3rds of the way through last night, when I had to pause the T.V., and ask them to leave. I said if it was O.K. after I watched it, they could finish with the recorded version. I'm undecided as to if I should let them finish it.

I did get an education as to how some different MC's interact. I never knew about one of the things that two might do together.

I'll leave you with that.

Mr. Motorcycle

A little bipartisan political humor.

2008 Fall Flood Run Pictures

The 2008 Fall Flood Run benefiting the Gillette Children's Hospital was a huge success. The beautiful weather brought out a gazillion bikes.
The early fall weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was in the mid to high seventies by afternoon, and that's all the hotter it got. We biker's couldn't have asked for a better day for riding. As you can see the fall colors are just starting. It made for some spectacular scenery. You should see these areas in about a month or so when all the fall colors are in complete bloom. It is amazing!
Anyway, I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking as for how great of a day this was.

Yamaha Recalls XC50 and XF50 for Cracked Connecting Rod

Yamaha has issued a recall of certain 2007 XC50 and XF50 motorcycles.

A crack may develop on the connecting rod. If the engine continues to be run, the crack will develop further and the connecting rod may break. If the connecting rod breaks, the engine will stop and cannot be restarted increasing the risk of a crash.

4800 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Triumph Recalls Sprint ST1050 for Rear Suspension Defect

Triumph has issued a recall of certain 2008 Sprint ST1050 motorcycles.

There is a possibility that the single bolt that is used in the 3 positions on the rear suspension drag link assembly can become brittle and fracture.

372 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

For any local Minnesotans and Cheeseheads alike, the 43rd annual fall Flood Run is tomorrow!

I have been so busy at work, doing overtime as the weather has been perfect for the overtime. Unfortunately, this leaves little time for me to go for rides. I get out about 4 days a week, if not only for a short half hour or so, but I at least get to scratch the itch as they say. I got out for a bit longer yesterday, and thought about the ride coming up tomorrow. Tomorrow's ride is the 43rd annual Fall Flood Run. This ride benefits the Gillette's Children's Hospital.

I'll be partaking in this ride, and can't wait. It's been a while since I've been on a "real" ride. Unfortunately, I had prior commitments for the later half of the day, so my ride will have to be cut short. I'll make the most of it though.

This ride follows the Mississippi River. It has two runs. One on the Minnesota side, and simultaneously runs on the Wisconsin side of the river. More to come later. Stay tuned.

Son's of Anarchy Episode 3 review

It just keeps gettin better as the plot thickens.

It's like a good home made soup. The more you put in, the better it gets. Sometimes even better the next day after it sits a while. All the flavors start to meld.

The clown was a sicko! But I'm not sure if I could have stomached the kind of vigilante justice put forth.

'Nough said. I don't want to give away the show for those who might have missed it!

One Liner Biker Wit

Rule of thumb........ When you are working on your motorcycle, and your hands are all full of grease, it is then that your nose will itch, and you'll have to pee.

TECH TIP #8... REPAIRING SCRATCHED PLASTIC LENSES

It's been a while since I did a tech tip, so her's one for ya.

.

Did you know that if you get a scratch in a plastic lense, even if deep that it can usually be wet sanded out and then buffed back to a shine?.

Plastic buffs like butter. That means that it is really easy to buff out.

If you have a scratched lense, sand it out. Don't sand any area you won't be able to access with the buffer, or you'll have permanent sanding marks there.

Start with a coarse paper, and work your way down to a really fine grit. Then simply buff it up to a nice shine. a fine grit, to polish compound is all you need. If you have no rubbing compound, and don't want to buy any, toothpaste with baking soda will work in a pinch because plastic is so soft, that is all it will take! Oh yeah, and if you don't have rubbing compound, I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and assume you have no buffer either. Elbo grease will work here just fine.

This works, I promise. Over the years back in the body shop days, and even currently, I've saved thousands of dollars doing this on really expensive plastic headlamp lenses etc.

If you have a scratched lense, don't be afraid to try this.

You have nothing to loose!

Motorcycle Saddlebags For Suzuki Intruders

I'm going to stray just a bit here and talk for a moment not of Suzuki Intruders in particular, but of motorcycle saddlebags generally and for Suzuki Intruders.

Motorcycle Saddlebags

When your out and about riding through town on your Suzuki motorcycle (or any other brand, for that matter) sometimes it's nice to be able to stop at a store and pick up a few things to take home. Other times, like when you decide to take a long trip on your motorcycle, you need to be able to pack some personal effects to take with you. In a car, this is easy of course. On a motorcycle, not so much.

This is where saddlebags come into play.

For those of you who do not know, saddlebags resemble--and get their name from--the bags that the cowboys used to strap over their horses for the long trips. On a motorcycle, the mounting scheme is usually a bit different, but the overall idea remains largely the same.

Motorcycle saddlebags consist of two "bags" connected by a yoke. This whole setup is usually made of leather or a leatherlike material, though there are some manufacturers who use hard material, such as fiberglas or something similar, usually for the purpose of offering solid, waterproof construction. While hard saddlebags for motorcycles are okay in their place, in this post, I won't be delving into the hard saddlebags too much because they don't really fit well with the Suzuki Intruder motorcycle. An exception to this would be the big classic style cruiser of the Intruder LC1500 which works well in hard saddlebag, touring type setup.

Sometimes each of these bags contains pockets in addition to the main compartment, but usually it just one big compartent per side. Generally, a flap closes over the top of each one lengthwise and is secured by a snap on one end where the other end is sewn in. Another, larger, flap closes over this flap and is buckled into place by one, two, or three buckles.

The yoke is used to mount the saddlebags on the motorcycle, usually underneath the rear seat. This is simple enough, but you also need one other piece of equipment unless you want your saddlebags flying all over the place when you ride while getting beat up by the rear wheel. What is this extra piece of equipment? Glad you asked!

Saddlebag Supports

These are metal pieces shaped in a sort of a square "u." Each manufacturer has a specific method of attaching these so I can't go into too much detail. But generally, they either mount under the rear fender or between the fender and the fender rails. Once these are in place and you've got your yoke underneath the seat, all you have to do is tie or otherwise attach the saddlebags to this support. Now they won't sway and bounce all over the place when you ride.

Now that we know a little bit about these things and how to mount them, let's take a look the two main styles they come in.

1. Straight Saddlebags
   
2. Slanted Saddlebags
   

Straight Saddlebags

These hang straight down and resemble in profile a square. They offer a lot of usable room and work well on a monoshock style motorcycle or cruisers that have a lot of space between the rear shocks and the end of the fender. On a more compact motorcycle with exposed shocks the bottom front corner of these bags must overlap the shock thereby causing the front of them to pooch out. While functionally this may have little impact, aesthetically it is very tacky.

Slant Saddlebags

If you take the straight saddlebags and slant them backward, this is what you get. Instead of resembling a square they look more like a parallelogram. While they do not offer as much usable room as the straight saddlebags do, they are a great option for those cruisers with a compact back end and exposed shocks. The slanted style means that the saddlebag can actually sit behind the shock instead of on top of it, thus bringing it back into an acceptably aesthetic profile. On a monoshock "soft tail" style motorcycle, however, I think these might look a little out of place.

Which Style of Motorcycle Saddlebags Is Right For Your Intruder?

While I've seen each style used, I can say without a doubt that I think the slant saddlebags fit the bill here. They sit comfortable behind the shocks and help to fill out the thin, almost anemic look of the back end while still keeping with the sleek look of the chopper cruiser. For a quality set, I would look into Willie and Max saddlebags, sissy bar bags, and toolbags. I've always had great luck and pleasant experiences with Willie & Max.

So the next time you're out looking to add something new to your Suzuki Intruder, do yourself a favor and pick up some nice motorcycle saddlebags.

Son's of Anarchy episode 2 review

So what did you think of episode #2?

I thought it was better than the first. Sure there may have been a few cheesy parts, but I don't think all outlaw bikers are outlaw, bad ass all the time, so in reality, there might be a little cheese in their lives.

I think the show is picking up pace, and offered a bit more action, and violence than the first episode. I think that is what some of you might have been looking for, correct?

Stay tuned. Keep watching and let's see where this thing is rolling!

WIRED

On 9-09-08, I visited Helmet Hair MotorcycleBlog and looked at this amazing wire sculpture of a motorcycle. It was made by the artist Jin Dian Shi. His work is absolutely amazing. Just in case you don't read Helmet Hair, I just had to share it.

The information below was copied from the Andrew Bae Gallery website.

This marvelous sculpture by a Chinese artist, Jin Dian Shi, from Chengdu, China, depicts a life-size 1940’s vintage BMW motorcycle using woven stainless steel wires. This is his third motorcycle ever built, each one using different method and only one in North America. The artist’s technique here is a basic crochet-like approach using extremely simple custom made hand tools working in excruciating details. The shock spring is clearly visible as well as the tread patterns on its tires. Mr. Alan Artner, senior art critic at Chicago Tribune once says, “ This phenomenal workmanship is largely missing from contemporary art created in the west…” When asked how long his sculpture takes to build, Mr. Shi responds simply “I don’t know, and I don’t want to know.”

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Andrew Bae at 312.335.8601 or info@andrewbaegallery.com 300 West Superior Street Chicago Illinois 60610

The pictures on this post were borrowed from from Helmet Hair, and from the Andrew Bae Gallery.

Suzuki Intruder Handlebars

A post about Suzuki Intruder Handlebars?

You bet!

You may be thinking to yourself, "Why is he posting about this? What's so siginificant about handlebars that they deserve their own page?" I'll you, there's plenty of significance there, as we will soon see.

Stock Suzuki Intruder Handlebars

If you're intersted in different styles of handlebars for your Intruder, than you don't really have to look any further than the past and present selection of stock handlebars. In fact, just off the top of my head, I can think of three different styles of which you can choose.

1. Drag Bars
2. Chopper Style Bars
3. Low and Wide Bars

I'll try to explain each version in a little more detail.

Drag Bars

I know you've seen this style before: The bar is either a straight or slightly bent piece of usually chromed pipe that extends out a short distance from the risers in a flat path. Generally, a different set of risers is needed when using this setup because most stock risers are too short and will cause the handgrips to hit the gas tank when turning fully.

Not many stock cruisers come with them, but sometimes you can get them as an option. I believe that unless it is a specialty or custom motorcycle then most riders would rather something a little less extreme and since the drag bars need high risers, most companies will only offer one choice. Also, like many things, styles fade in and out of fashion.

An example of a cruiser that offered drag bars as an option was the 1986 VS700 Intruder.


Ape Hanger Handlebars or Chopper Style Bars

These are my favorites and I believe it this style that suits the Suzuki Intruder best.

Ape hanger handlebars are the kinds of bars you see on all the old choppers in all the old chopper movies. You also see them on a lot of custom cruisers (including the Intruders) riding the roads these days, as well. They are tall and need no special risers--the stock ones will do just fine. Of course, if you get custom ape-hangers then you might need longer brake and clutch cables but that's a whole nother story!

Now, the stock Intruder ape hangers are not extreme like what you would see on many customs, but they do fit the chopper-esque profile of the motorcycle quite well. They can be positioned in several ways to afford a comfortable ride for most people.

This is the style that most all of the Intruders came with, including the Suzuki VS1400 and the Suzuki VS800 Intruder.

Classic Style Low and Wide Bars

Ah, my least favorite stock style. I will not dwell on these long as I feel they do not fit in line with a stock Intruder (though I have seen some nice customs that implement them well!). These are a relatively new addition to the Intruders and I believe is Suzuki's attempt at trying to appeal to the "classic" crowd.

A Handy Tip For Custom Handlebars

If you're looking for something a little different (or a lot!) then I suggest you take a look at the American made motorcycles. They have one-inch handlebars just like the Suzuki's do. And if you look up any Harley dealer, you'll find a very wide selection to choose from.

I know this only scratched the surface of Suzuki Intruder Handlebars, but I hope it gave you a good idea of what's on offer.

biker joke

God and the Biker

.
A man on his Harley was riding along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, 'Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.

.

'The biker pulled over and said, 'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.'

.

The Lord said, 'Your request is materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. I want you to take a little more time and see if you can think of something that could possibly help all mankind instead.'

.

The biker thought about it for a long time. Finally, he said, 'Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand women; I want to know what she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong, why she snaps and complains when I try to help, and how I can make a woman truly happy.'

.

The Lord replied, 'You want two lanes or four on that bridge?

.

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I Like Suzuki Intruders

Why do I like Suzuki Intruders? Let me count the ways.

1. Intruders are small but powerful
2. Intruders are excellent for defensive driving
3. Intruders have a styling all their own

Now, let me elaborate in a little bit of detail about each of these points, if you will. Of course you will, it's my site and that's why you're here, to see what's what about these motorcycles. Right? Then let's get to it.

Suzuki Intruders Are Small and Powerful

It does not matter whether you're talking the original VS700 or the mid sized motorcycle that eventually replaced it, the Suzuki VS800 Intruder. In fact, even the Suzuki VS 1400, which is nearly the same size as its mid-size little brothers but packs almost twice the engine, is still small but quite powerful. This holds true, in my experience, across the entire VS line.

Now, when you get into the classic style Intruder, the LC1500, even though it has a bigger motor than the 1400, and even though it is still classified as an Intruder by Suzuki, one would be hard pressed to call this behemoth a small motorcycle. Therefore, only those models that who fits the chopper profile are to be considered both small and powerful.

You may be thinking that there are a lot of cruiser motorcycles with engines in the same class as these, so what makes the Suzuki Intruders different?

I will tell you.

The difference between most of these cruisers is exactly what makes the Intruder so strong by comparison. While most of these other motorcycles are big and bulky with extraneous cosmetics to make them appear bigger and badder than what they are, the VS series, with its stripped down, lean and clean profile, is as light as can be.

How does this make a difference?

If you take two engines that are identical and put one of them on a motorcycle that weighs 400 pounds and the other one in a motorcycle that weighs 600 pounds, which one do you think will perform better? That's right, the one with less weight to carry.

You'll see why I like this setup in the next section.

Suzuki Intruders Are Excellent For Defensive Driving

Have you ever been riding in bumper to bumper traffic and had a car driver cut you off because they either did not see you (because they did not look) or they didn't care? Well, if you've been riding a motorcycle for longer than a week, I'm sure this has happened to you at least once.

I know first hand that it does not matter how big the motorcycle you're riding is, these car drivers still think they can push you around, and that's why you have to ride defensively. And what's the best kind of motorcycle to be on when you have swerve instantly away from a car?

A light, responsive one, of course.

And unless you want ride a plain jane street bike or a crotch rocket, then your choices are limited.

Good thing the Intruder gives you a lightweight cruiser with plenty of punch, perfect for evasive, nimble maneuvering in sleek, cruiser style packaging.

And speaking of style...

Suzuki Intruders Have a Style All Their Own

Boy, do they. I could go on and on here about how utterly awesome these rides are, but when it comes down to it, you've just got to see one in person to appreciate the true beauty and attitude it possesses. But since you can't put an actual live object on the internet, here's a photograph of this steel steed, just to whet your appetite.

And there you go, three reasons why I like Suzuki Intruders.

Victory Recalls 2008 Vision Motorcycles for Engine Stalling

Victory has issued a recall of certain 2008 Vision motorcycles.

The terminal nuts that secure the main power supply wires could be loose at the circuit breaker, which can cause an unexpected loss of electrical power to the motorcycle and the current fuel ignition map pre-programmed into the electronic control module (ECM) can cause engine stalling.

2444 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Thanks to my behind the scenes Blogger buddies

I try to be as original as possible and try not to re-post as much as possible.
I do take credit for most information on my blog, and if not mine, I try to credit the source I found it at. But sometimes a good joke that is posted here was shared to me by one of my good buddies who read my blog, but don't blog themselves. Thus, they are friends which I like to refer to as behind the scenes Blogger buddies. Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to them. Any time they think of something that they feel would be motoblogable, they are always good for sharing a great biker joke, story, or Youtube video, etc.

Thanks,
Daren, Randy, Jeff, and anyone else who sends me random stuff.
I hope I did not forget anyone important.

Motorcyclist dies in Utah speed record attempt

Passing on some sad news that I read at Keep the Rubber Side Down.

Last Thursday, Cliff Gullett was trying to set a new two stroke motorcycle land speed record on the salt flats of Bonneville. He was going 237 MPH (385 kilometers per hour) when he crashed and died.

2008 Minnesota State Fair

This year's Minnesota State Fair was no let down. There was an enormous sea of people. This is like this each and every day the fair is open, and like this each and every year. There was good eatin, baby animals (chicks) and such, very large vegetables, nice melons, and generally a good time was had by the Mr. Motorcycle clan, Oh yeah, and don't forget, ther was some spectacular people watchin as usual.

I promised I'd post some pics, but took so many, I put together a little slide show.
There is sound, so If you are at work, or if you can't stand the song Svefn G Englar by Sigur Ros, then turn the sound off before clicking on the show.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Suzuki VS800 Intruder

After the success of the last two incarnations (the Suzuki Intruder VS700 in 1985 and the Suzuki Intruder VS750 in 1987, to be exact) Suzuki stepped it up a notch and released the Suzuki VS800 Intruder in 1992.

Entering the 800 Class

After the 750 had a good run of five years Suzuki decided to step it up a notch. They added another 50 cubic centimeters or so to the proven 45-degree v-twin and found that they had a real contender for the mid-size cruiser class on their hands.

Like the previous models, this Intruder featured four valves per cylinder (a pair of intake valves and a pair of exhaust valves). This innovation (which may have been somewhat common in the sport bikes of the time but was virtually unheard of in any of the chopper-style v-twin motorcycles) allowed for a smaller engine to produce more power by using its fuel more efficiently, thereby utilizing all of its available power to drive the pistons, crankshaft, gears, and finally the drive shaft and rear tire.

Big deal, you might be thinking, after all, all motorcycles put their power to the rear wheel!

That's true, but not all motorcycles are able to harness as much useable power as this might VS800.

In fact, for a shaft driven and water-cooled motorcycle (the water system adds more overall weight and the drive shaft takes more power to operate than a chain) that only possess eight-hundred cc's, it packed a big punch when it came to acceleration. Indeed, given the right circumstances, it could even out perform its big brother, the Suzuki VS1400 Intruder!

A Few Changes

Aside from a few minor tweaks made to the cosmetics of the Intruder that are not worth dwelling on, the new 800 version received two significant changes. One is the aforementioned increased engine size. The other is purely cosmetic but in many riders' opinions takes the Japanese cruiser from okay to perfect. The change? Suzuki increased the diameter of the front wheel from 19" to 21". (This would change again years later when Suzuki decided to change the Intruder brand and replace the name with a letter and a number, but that's neither here nor there right now.)

This Intruder Remains the Same

As I said, other than the two big changes mentioned previously, this particular line remained largely intact with the introduction of the VS800. The engine stayed water-cooled; the narrow, clean, uncluttered profile remained unchanged; no new changes were implented to the exhaust system. Likewise, the intake system kept the traditional carburetors as opposed to going fuel injected. By and large, this new cruiser was the same motorcycle albeit with a larger engine and bigger tire.

But then, when you have something that works, why fix what's not broken? And judging by the amount of these cruisers you see on the road there are many riders who feel the Suzuki VS800 Intruder needs absolutely no fixing.

God really does care. Here is an inspirational photo as proof of God's love for us all.

This almost put a lump in my throat...
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I seldom pass along inspirational or spiritual stuff, but this one really got to me.
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I believe, in these difficult and mean-spirited times in which we live, there needs to be a message of hope.
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We can all use a single image that speaks to us of love, harmony, peace, and joy.
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I have been sent that image, and I want to share it with all of you.
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All I ask is that you take a moment to reflect on it...
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See,
He really does care!

Son's of Anarchy review

I watched the season premier of Son's of Anarchy last night, and boy oh boy was it good, I mean really good. I'm hooked for sure. I can only hope the rest of the show will be as good as the season premier.

I'm not going into any details about the show, just in case you missed it. If so, hopefully you'll find a way to see it if someone recorded it, or maybe they'll replay the premier and you can watch it for yourselves. If you need details, let me know via e-mail and I'll be happy to fill you in.

The show was just as good as they had built it up to be.

What about my suzuki VS700 intruder?

I was asked a question the other day by a motorcycle rider friend of mine that I had not seen in many years. He asked me:

What about my Suzuki Intruder VS700?

Did I still ride it? Did it still look the same? Was it still a hot looking customized Japanese cruiser?

Yes, yes, and yes, I answered him.

But those three answers weren't quite the truth... You see, while my Intruder still looks the same and is still a hot looking customized Japanese cruiser, I unfortunately haven't been able to ride it lately... Why? Because the last time I tried to take it out for a spin, it wouldn't even start. I looked at the engine and discovered the rear carburetor was just spitting and overflowing with fuel. Turns out I need to replace the diaphragms and possible the needles as well. Unfortunately, this is a long, time consuming and not altogether inexpensive project.

Now, it wasn't an entire lie... I still ride, just not this particular custom Suzuki Intruder at this particular point in time!

Still, the question did get me thinking: Here I am telling all of you about these great motorcycles but I haven't told you anything at all really about mine. For all you know, I might not even have a ride, let alone a cool one!

So where were we? Oh yes, what about my suzuki VS700 intruder? I'll tell you: it's awesome.

The Suzuki Intruder Handlebars

It's a 1986 model and while it originally had the drag bar I replaced it with the ape-hangers handlebars (not true ape hangers, mind you, but styled after them--in fact, these have the look but are much more manageable) that came on other models of the same motorcycle. Many people prefer the dragbars but I myself like the look and feel of the chopper-style bars.

The Wire Wheels

It also has the true aluminum wire wheels as opposed to the mag wheels made to simulate wire wheels. While this makes for more expensive and labor intensive tire changes (because not only do you have to the tires but you need to also replace the innertube as well), I feel the trade off is much more than worth it when it comes to the aesthetics of the overall package. Afterall, you don't put mags on an old school styled chopper/cruiser!

The Custom Paintjob

The factory paintjob was black and let me tell you, when I say it was black, it was black! The gas tank (obviously); the frame; the radiator cover; the front fender; the rear fender; the side covers--all a glossy black. There's nothing wrong with this color scheme, but I wanted something a little more "me," a little more "custom." So I took it apart, sanded everything down, repainted it a nicer colored-black and then added traditional flames to the front fender, side covers, and gas tank. On the rear fender, I added my own little logo using the same color-scheme as the flames. All in all, it turned out to be a real looker!

The Chrome

Now when I bought this motorcycle it wasn't in the best of shape, but it wasn't bad, either. Like most older model motorcycles, though, the chrome left something to be desired. It was pitted and the bare parts underneath were either rusted or corroded. The chromed plastic pieces left something to be desired as well. After fixing everything else, these parts looked even worse! Unfortunately, as you all know, refinishing chrome motorcycle parts is not an inexpensive adventure by any means.

So I had a bit of a brainstorm.

Instead of refinishing them, I painted them flat-black! The engine cases, the valve covers, the triple trees, the risers... Much to my surprise, it started to look so good that I continued the theme and customized the rest of the Intruder in midnight accents whether it needed it or not. I think this more than anything made the ride stand out from the crowd!

The Extra Stuff

I got rid of the ugly back fender and replaced it with a unique fiberglas one from Highway Hawk. I don't know if they make it anymore, but instead of having one huge breaklight, it's got two nice round ones that tuck in under the fender. I also removed the sissy bar. I changed out the square mirrors for some oval mirrors. I also got rid of the two-into-two stock exhaust and threw on a two-into-one DG/Hard Krome guarnanteed never to blue slashcut system. A new seat and a set of saddlebags and a toolbag later and I was in imported hog heaven!

Until I can get my camera working and get some pictures up, from now on, whenever anyone asks me, What about my suzuki VS700 intruder? I can point them to my Suzuki Intruder Resource blog and they can compare this post with my stock Suzuki Intruder VS700 post to get an idea of jsut what can be done to a not so ordinary cruiser with just a little imagination.

2008 Minnesota Renaissance Festival

This year Just before going to the Minnesota State Fair, I took my wife and kids to the 2008 Renaissance Festival.

I went once as a child, and went again once as a teenager, and waited untill this year to go again.

My wife and kids had never been. My wife and 13 year old daughter had fun. (Lots of shopping). Even my 16 yr old Son had a good time.
There was lots to do and see.
See for yourself.

You know how at a Star Trek Convention, the Trekies dress up like Characters form the show?
Well, It's can be like that here too. This Gal did not work here, but got in on the spirit of renaissace. Many more folks dressed the part as well.



Comedian jugglers and knife throwers


A comedian and magician all rolled up into one.
"A pirate goes into a bar and the bartender says to the pirate... Excuse me mate, but did you know you have a steerin wheel in yer trousers? Yes, I did, and it's been drivin me nuts all day!"


Great shops




A bit of archery for the young lad Mr. Motorcycle Jr.


Awesome weapons, all hand crafted. These are REAL!






Not only are all of these weapons real, hand crafted, originals, and duplicates of originals,
they will sell them to the general public, and will let any old Mr. Motorcycle Joe handle them.


Great costumes. These remind me of Mardi Gras!


Jousting took place.

Look at the dents in this guys armor. These guys really whack the sh*t out of each other!


Cool artwork, fitting for the Renaissance, and for motorcycle blog, and motorcycle lovers.

The artist who had done the painting started freaking out on me while I was trying to take this picture. Artist: "Excuse me, what the Hell do you think you're doing taking a picture of my artwork?" Me: kinda dumbfounded say... "Um, I'm not going to try to duplicate it or sell it or anything. I just thought it was really cool., I have a motorcycle blog, and thought I'd share it." Artist: "Cool. go right ahead. " Whew! Me: "Thanks!"

See what I go through for you folks!


A guy with a twisted sense of humor like me.
Water bottle shoved up a stuffed animals Ass.


My son and daughter (Micky Mouse looking characters) having a sword fight duel.
First one to pop the others two ballons wins.

It was a close battle but the victor was the boy.
My daughter did an excellent job bleeding and twitching for the crowd though!


Finally, on the way out, I spotted this t-shirt. Way funny!