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« Last post by johnwesley on February 11, 2026, 10:56:23 PM »
I guess I just see it differently. I’ve got some of the best riding in the country right out my front door too — but that’s not really the point.
I always enjoy going to rallies. Not because the roads are “better” than home, but because the ride there gives me a reason to explore. I don’t just hop on the interstate and grind out miles. I take the small roads, the out-of-the-way towns, the stretches I might never see otherwise. A rally gives the miles purpose.
I enjoy crossing state lines heading west, watching the landscape slowly change, then settling in for the weekend and listening to all the lies. I like looking at other people’s bikes — what they’ve changed and why. I like meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Sure, you can find great roads at home. But you won’t find new perspectives, new conversations, or the shared experience of showing up somewhere together.
I’ve done plenty of solo touring over the years, and I still love it. But the “first time” awe fades eventually. You can’t see the Rockies for the first time twice. What you can do is ride with someone who hasn’t — and watch it hit them.
As I get older, I’m less interested in proving I can stack miles and more interested in connection. Showing someone a road they’ve never ridden. Listening to their story and reliving parts of mine.
Rallies aren’t for everyone. But for me, they’re about exploration, camaraderie, and keeping the spirit of riding alive. That’s reason enough.
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« Last post by John A on February 11, 2026, 10:52:53 PM »
If you want to, can you tell me why you think the heavier flywheel contributed to the greater longevity of the drive train ?
If I can jump in I’d say it was because the heavier flywheel dampens power pulses and the clutch can be let out with a minimum of slippage. I get better mileage on driveline components when I keep the driveline ‘tight’ by running in a gear that allows throttle control ie a minimum of coasting. A lighter flywheel makes that more fun.
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« Last post by guzzisteve on February 11, 2026, 10:52:22 PM »
It's the only item different. All the loop sidecar rigs I experienced in going to sidecar rallies & friends rigs since early 80's never had issues.
I ride it like a sports bike. It'll pull rig over 100mph!! I don't baby it at all. Can't really say, maybe like you said it spreads the torque out more. That may be less stressful on components. It has lasted 3 times longer. I put in deep spline hub & plates & auto adjust timing chain adjuster at same time in 93, I don't think that made it last longer. That just came available at the time.
sorry, you said it evens out the distribution of torque------------got to be extra correct on here, sorry
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« Last post by TN Mark on February 11, 2026, 10:43:58 PM »
One of the reasons I bought gloss pearl white Victory Cross Country Tour
in March of 2013 is because nearly all those I knew and road with were
on black Harley’s.
I really don’t like group think and/or herd mentality.
That Victory still garners more positive attention than
any Harley CVO owner could ever hope for. I love it.
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« Last post by Huzo on February 11, 2026, 08:58:59 PM »
Yeah, been up and over the Stelvio and Transfagarasan multiple times and the two most important things are these I reckon…
On the climb as you are entering the turn, look right around over your shoulder before you commit to the turn and have your bike up around 3 or 4 thousand rpm.
On a big twin, if you hesitate mid corner at low rpm, you will go arse up…!
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« Last post by MikeP996 on February 11, 2026, 08:57:54 PM »
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« Last post by Huzo on February 11, 2026, 08:48:08 PM »
True enough. Neither can be debated, cause we're 100% right, and the other guy is 100% wrong!! Just like 2 + 2 = 4! True by definition!
Hopefully it will always be like that. Imagine a world where everywhere you go, all you meet are clones of yourself.
How would you find your bike in the parking lot when everyone is riding identical machines?
Dunno… Ask Perrazimx…. 
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« Last post by Huzo on February 11, 2026, 08:46:25 PM »
OK Huzo, changed my wording in thread to reflect your explanation of torque, I hope you like it. I am just a farmboy, not an English major. I also have a hard time explaining things that I feel.
I had trashed the drivetrain on the Cal2 in 30K mi running the sidecar:Clutch, ujoint, driveshaft splines, rear drive.
I also wondered why loop bikes didn't in my experience, so, thought it may be the heavier flywheel, I was correct. This set-up has gone 100K and now needs pretty much same thing. One reason it doesn't travel far from home, cuz I don't want to haul it back that far.
If you want to, can you tell me why you think the heavier flywheel contributed to the greater longevity of the drive train ?
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« Last post by TN Mark on February 11, 2026, 08:43:34 PM »
Mark, this statement you just made makes you seem a little out of touch,
"Someday there may be a small block in my future, but most certainly not now. I’m only 65 and still fit for riding."
Your notion that a sub 1000cc bike is for the old, or riders who just can't handle a liter bike is misguided. I'm 6'6 240Lb and 59 years of age, and I have chose to ride 853cc bikes the last few years. I can easily handle much bigger bikes, and I'll give you, there is something to be said for big time cc's, but to conclude that sub 1000cc bikes are for those who can't handle or enjoy the big stuff is absurd. I get the idea that you don't know what you're missing? But I'm happy your happy, but I suggest you keep an open mind to the possibility of the excitement and enjoyment that a smaller motor can provide.
You have your notions Chad, I have mine. Are you saying my preference of motorcycles isn’t valid because they don’t align with yours? Our preferences and our experiences are quite different. I only hope you enjoy your motorcycles as much as I enjoy mine. Ride what you like and I’ll do the same. Carry on.
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« Last post by Huzo on February 11, 2026, 08:41:33 PM »
The description was for the general (I hope), information of those who find it interesting. I do not presume to know who understands certain terminology and who does not, but I constantly hear mashed up descriptions of real world stuff and just like to shine a light if I can..
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