Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mwether on July 16, 2025, 08:22:09 PM
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Thanks to this community, on Saturday, July 26 I will fly to Kansas City, meet inditx in the flesh, give him a stack of American doll hairs, and ride a sorted (all recalls addressed) and well farkled 2004 MG California EV Touring back to Asheville.
Pretty darn exciting business.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-xZrM8Jw/0/MQg7hcCBXKZSPRNH8BfMJjfz8V3SW2vJhh5DFtHxt/XL/Mike%28R59%29%20EVT-XL.jpg)
In addition to Jack (inditx), who's been super to work with, I've got to thank:
• Steve (guzzisteve), with whose help I finally determined that an EV made sense in real life
• Mike (rocker59), who as the bike's previous owner could fill in its excellent maintenance history
• Kevin (Kev m) who here and on ADVr answered my endless Guzzi noob questions
• Matt (elrealstico), Tom (Tom H), Dave (Dave Swanson), and John (LowRyter) who all shared their EV ownership experiences and expertise
• and so many more of you who contributed to WG threads that expanded my knowledge of this amazing marque
This will be my first Guzzi, but I’ve been admiring and researching them for years. I chuckle at the contradiction between the two things you always read: "It’s a bulletproof 100,000+ mile CHP patrol bike." and "Making mechanics out of riders since 1921." Is that a koan? Can both things be true? Is it about Loops vs. bikes during Aprilia ownership? All of the above? Regardless, I'm hoping for the former but expecting at least some of the latter. 🤣
There’s nothing quite like hopping on a strange-to-you bike for an approximately 900 mile shakedown cruise; I hope it’s a good first date. But because I’m always pondering what could go wrong (dark SOB, huh?), I’ve also been thinking about Larry Grodsky’s last ride, the outcome of which many have attributed to 1) riding an unfamiliar bike 2) in the dark 3) through an area with lots of animal activity. Since #1 is a given, I’m going to dodge #2 and #3 to the best of my ability.
I don’t know how late I’ll get on the road Saturday afternoon, so I’m just looking to get a bit S/SE of St. Louis on Day One, probably a ~300 mile/4+ hour cruise across the Show-Me State. Depending on how our "date" is going, EVa and I might knock out the remaining 600 miles on Sunday. Or we might break it up with a stop somewhere around Knoxville. TBD...
Regardless, I'll document it all here. :thumb:
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GuzziSteve has been helping Guzzi riders stay on the road since 1921! 😁
Hope to see you at the NC Guzzis in the Blue Ridge Rally.
Aug 1 to 3. High Country Motorcycle Camp, Ferguson NC.
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I'm not that old yet, gave a fair amount of Guzzi people their 1st taste. Most all MGNOC guys do that nothing new!! I am so glad NOT everyone rides a Guzzi.
I find my EV to be pretty effortless & relaxing, might see ya in NC
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Consider this an official envious report filing.
There is no requirement for a response at this time, but the situation could change at any moment.
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My first Guzzi purchase (a 2003 V11 Le Mans) involved a 1700+ mile fly n ride from Florida back to the Toronto area, where I lived at the time. Other than the seller, who was a great guy, the first person in the Guzzi community that I met was none other than Guzzi Steve, who was then wrenching at Rider's Hill, in GA. What a great first impression he made, and that hasn't changed over the years. So, here I still am, 15 years later, having just purchased my 10th Moto Guzzi, and still enjoying the best community of riders that I have ever encountered.
Enjoy the ride!
Cheers,
Shaun
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Congrats :thumb:
Since you have some miles to cover. Figure on about 120 miles per tank. Should be about 3-3.5 gallons. This should keep you safe from seeing the low fuel light or running out.
Enjoy!
Tom
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This worked out perfect. That is the EV(T) I was hoping you would end up with. WG at it's finest right here. :thumb:
Make sure Inditx includes a set of red suspenders.
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...Make sure Inditx includes a set of red suspenders.
LOLed at that, Dave.
Just in case he doesn't have a spare set, do you recommend clips or buttons? :grin:
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Whichever you choose, don't, for all that's righteous, do both!
That's an extra 2 bucks spent that'll blow some minds clear out of the water!
:evil:
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Whoa! Who knew they made ones with Delrin carabiners?! That's so weird, it's cool. SOLD!
https://www.amazon.com/JEMYGINS-Hidden-Suspenders-Under-Clothes/dp/B0D99H3PKX/?th=1
And "Hidden Under Clothes"?? Not a chance... :grin:
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Thanks Mwether!
Now I ordered the suspenders you recommended, hope not the same color or we’ll be twinkies!
Loved the write up and agree with the WG sentiments here.
Will pray for no accidents, break downs, illness, strange animals or whatever on your way back. IF you take Hwy. 36 east at Cameron off of I-35 it’s longer than I-70 but a great road since there are far less trucks and traffic in general. Speed limit 65 fwiw. Pass through Chillicothe, and Laclede, the latter the home of General Pershing and on into Hannibal, home of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. Stay at the Holiday Inn Express and eat at Fiddlesticks then take a dip in the hot tub and then check out the Lighthouse at the river along with the shops there. (gas is cheap there too) Next morning you’ll immediately be in Illinois heading further east on 36 then 72 and so on. Springfield IL. home of Abraham Lincoln has his museum there btw. Darn now I want a road trip!
Anyway, take your time and enjoy, it’s a great bike! I’ll have her all gassed up and ready.
Jack aka inditx
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Bring a cushion of some sort for the seat. You may find it a bit uncomfy after long stretches. Bead Rider, or my favorite Airhawk. I predict you will thank yourself.
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Bring a cushion of some sort for the seat. You may find it a bit uncomfy after long stretches. Bead Rider, or my favorite Airhawk. I predict you will thank yourself.
Given the poor reputation of the OEM seat, I was thinking the same, Dave.
I was a bit on the fence, but your recommendation has made up my mind. Thanks.
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I had to ride two-up with my brother, riding pillion. He rode with his nuts on the tank, I had the grab rail firmly and deeply recessed into my behind. We are of avedage build, about 5'11", 200 lbs and 34 in waists, meaning we should not have had any problems fitting the bike. In comparison, the Deauville 650 would be similarly cramped - if we were 3 adults.
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I had to ride two-up with my brother, riding pillion. He rode with his nuts on the tank, I had the grab rail firmly and deeply recessed into my behind. We are of avedage build, about 5'11", 200 lbs and 34 in waists, meaning we should not have had any problems fitting the bike. In comparison, the Deauville 650 would be similarly cramped - if we were 3 adults.
That's a hard post to "like," faf! :grin:
Was that on a California?!
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It's got the 1 piece stock seat, dished and made by Corbin (I'm told)for Guzzi. Should be more comfy than the 2 part seats.
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It's got the 1 piece stock seat, dished and made by Corbin (I'm told)for Guzzi. Should be more comfy than the 2 part seats.
That's GREAT news, Steve, because I logged on to https://beadrider.com/ tonight, after deciding just a few days ago that I need a 12x12, and they're closed down!
No mention of when (or whether) they'll reopen. Hope they haven't had some terrible emergency. :sad:
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I love the chrome on the tank, and I didn't realize it had an outsider (assuming its from Harpers) I am considering one for my EV, lemme know how the trip back goes!
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Better to have an Airhawk in the saddlebag and not need it than to wish you had one with 75% of the ride to go.
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If that's a corbin, you better take an Airhawk, sheep skin and anything else that help your back side. I found a wooden seat (literally) more comfortable than a Corbin! It seems people either swear by or swear at Corbin seats.
I saw that Outsider and thought someone along the way had some common sense. :thumb:
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...I logged on to https://beadrider.com/ tonight, after deciding just a few days ago that I need a 12x12, and they're closed down!
No mention of when (or whether) they'll reopen. Hope they haven't had some terrible emergency. :sad:
The news from BeadRider is not good. I reached out to them, and Chris Sakala (one of the owners) wrote back, "Yes we are dealing with a devastating disaster. Don’t know when or if we will reopen." Suddenly, whether or not my arse is sore doesn't seem so important... Chris and Nancy have supported the LD community for years. I hope they get the support they need in what sounds like a horrible time.
In making alternative plans, I hear the AirHawk recommendations, but it's another $100 in what is spiraling into a Farklefest over here. Since I'm now a Guzzi rider with a certain reputation to uphold, I'm tempted to try the 2x3 version of the below for $33 (with discounts). I could hack about three seat covers out of it! That's $11/ea. :grin:
https://www.worldmarket.com/p/ivory-faux-sheepskin-area-rug-582397.html
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I found a wooden seat (literally) more comfortable than a Corbin!
Corbin Comfy Concrete.
Bony butts need not apply and having the gait of John Wayne is a prerequisite. :rolleyes:
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There are plenty of places on a motorcycle to "cheap out" if that's how you roll.
I'd be hard pressed to agree that seat comfort is one of those places.
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On my EV and Norge for long distance Seat comfort = Sheep skin, I’ve found nothing better. Good luck on your ride and purchase. Keep in mind a Fly and ride for most of us is a once maybe twice in a life time ride. Get the most out of it, stop frequently to admire your new riding partner, rest your ass ,and enjoy the moment and scenery. Make sure to get unknown folks to take pictures of you and your partner in various places.
Do Not ignore or trust the low fuel light, at times I can get 15 to 25 miles before it’s over, other times it’s been less than 10. So to decrease my stress I try to refill at 100 mile, after that I’m paying more attention to the dash than the ride. Hopefully the speedo and odometer is still functioning properly, they are known to fail, it’s nice to have a GPS or bicycle speedo as a back up, I use both as mine went out around 32,000 miles.
Above all else enjoy your Ride, good luck. That’s a beautiful bike your getting.
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On my EV and Norge for long distance Seat comfort = Sheep skin, I’ve found nothing better. Good luck on your ride and purchase. Keep in mind a Fly and ride for most of us is a once maybe twice in a life time ride. Get the most out of it, stop frequently to admire your new riding partner, rest your ass ,and enjoy the moment and scenery. Make sure to get unknown folks to take pictures of you and your partner in various places.
drdwb, I'm leaning sheepskin now (especially given the crisis at BeadRider) but, more than that, I sure appreciate your wise counsel to focus on what a special opportunity this is. Thank you for the important reminder.
Do Not ignore or trust the low fuel light, at times I can get 15 to 25 miles before it’s over, other times it’s been less than 10. So to decrease my stress I try to refill at 100 mile, after that I’m paying more attention to the dash than the ride. Hopefully the speedo and odometer is still functioning properly, they are known to fail, it’s nice to have a GPS or bicycle speedo as a back up, I use both as mine went out around 32,000 miles.
I will certainly err on the side of caution here. It's funny (sad?) that the range of the California EV "Touring" is not much further than my 155cc scooter with a 1.6 gallon tank! :laugh:
Above all else enjoy your Ride, good luck. That’s a beautiful bike your getting.
Thanks! I think so too! :thumb:
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I'm another don't cheap out on the seat, go with a real sheep skin.
As for going cheap, Walmart used to have a blowup seat in their hunting/fishing department. As for the AirHawk, I put about half a breath of air in it and let most of that out.
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+1. Airhawk needs so little air most think they're doing it wrong. They overfill and then complain. They need almost nothing.
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I get about 40 MPG on the EV, cruising at 75 ish or so, loaded. So up to about 200 miles or so. My lite starts glowing feebly at 125-130 mi on the trip odo, and is pretty much fully lit by 155. But I still have as much as a gallon if I stop at around 155-160 mi. Furthest I pushed it last long trip was 185 or so. Plus I wanted to stop anyway. Sometime I will see how far I can go before i run out, taking a small gas can with me.
Sorry to hear about bead rider, I have one for my V7III, I changed over to an air rider mesh cover because Florida heat.
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I get about 40 MPG on the EV, cruising at 75 ish or so, loaded. So up to about 200 miles or so. My lite starts glowing feebly at 125-130 mi on the trip odo, and is pretty much fully lit by 155. But I still have as much as a gallon if I stop at around 155-160 mi. Furthest I pushed it last long trip was 185 or so. Plus I wanted to stop anyway. Sometime I will see how far I can go before i run out, taking a small gas can with me.
This is all really helpful, Matt. Thanks!
I'd like to conduct the "ride it to empty" experiment too. Just not on the way back from KC! :laugh:
Sorry to hear about bead rider, I have one for my V7III, I changed over to an air rider mesh cover because Florida heat.
Yeah. Their situation must be horrible, whatever the specifics. I'm sad for them.
In terms of the product, I had one on my Multi. It was great, and I foolishly let it go with the bike. In retrospect, I don't think you should ever sell farkles that are universal fit. You don't make your money back, and there will almost always be another bike!
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What an exciting adventure! I just purchased my first Guzzi, as well. But I'm waiting on shipping before I can receive mine. My advice, for what its worth, echo others: Do not ride an unfamiliar bike after dark. Critters and semi trucks are your worst enemies (my son was just blasted by a truck semi truck that blew a tire just as he was passing it. Result, broken femur (but fortunately he kept the bike on two wheels). Stay off I-70 as much as possible. Road surface ranges from so-so to absolutely gutted with pot holes from winter and heavy trucks. The US highways are slower, but more scenic and probably more suited to you Guzzi. Have fun and ride safe!
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What an exciting adventure! I just purchased my first Guzzi, as well. But I'm waiting on shipping before I can receive mine. My advice, for what its worth, echo others: Do not ride an unfamiliar bike after dark. Critters and semi trucks are your worst enemies (my son was just blasted by a truck semi truck that blew a tire just as he was passing it. Result, broken femur (but fortunately he kept the bike on two wheels). Stay off I-70 as much as possible. Road surface ranges from so-so to absolutely gutted with pot holes from winter and heavy trucks. The US highways are slower, but more scenic and probably more suited to you Guzzi. Have fun and ride safe!
Racer, congrats on your new Guzzi! Please be sure to post pictures when it arrives.
I'm glad to hear your son survived what has to have been a truly harrowing incident. Truck blowouts/tread separation are incredibly dangerous to motorcyclists. I'll be sure to give semis as wide a berth as I can and not linger in the passing lane.
From what you and others have told me, it sure sounds like I-70 is best avoided. My first day will be Kansas City to Hillsboro MO (SSW of St. Louis). I'm thinking either the straight shot on 50 through Sedalia and Jefferson City. Or, if I have a bit more time, I was looking at 49/7 toward Lake of the Ozarks, then 5 to 44—figuring I might get off and travel some of The Mother Road. :thumb:
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I'm a little confused. I thought the buyer wanted a Guzzi with the Plexifairing ?
Perhaps that was another thread?
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I think he (OP) had a thread like that or maybe someone else with an EV.
Maybe this one
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=123497.0
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I'm a little confused. I thought the buyer wanted a Guzzi with the Plexifairing ?
Good memory, John! I was indeed wondering about folks' experience with different fairings.
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=123448.msg1904729#msg1904729
In the end, I realized that you can pretty much wait forever looking for the "perfectly" outfitted California. Ultimately, I decided that the base bike is what matters. There are a lot of folks who feel that a sorted Hydro is the pinnacle of this era. Pete Roper, whose opinion I value a lot, wrote the following on another forum:
"The Hydros are LOVELY. If I was a Cali sort of person I'd have a Hydro over any of the others. Preferably an EV with tubeless wheels and all the bling. The motor is the one they SHOULD of put in the Norge!!!!"
When I found "an EV with tubeless wheels and all the bling" with a serious Wildguzzi pedigree AND excellent upgrades, it seemed like a no-brainer. If the OEM fairing is a disaster, I can try a Plexifairing in due time.
Given that I'm 5'8", I tend to fit most bikes reasonably well, and the factory wind protection usually works. Fingers crossed it's the same for the EV-T. :thumb:
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Given that I'm 5'8", I tend to fit most bikes reasonably well, and the factory wind protection usually works. Fingers crossed it's the same for the EV-T. :thumb:
The EVT fairing has its share of haters, but I always thought it was quite good just as the factory designed it. Never did I contemplate changing anything about it. I hope your experience is the same.
(https://i.postimg.cc/sDP4zGjs/846.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Yh9Wf9Ls)
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If you like to go fast(over 100mph) often the mount tabs will break. I had to weld on pieces of small angle iron for mounts on the solid bar. Mounts are not made for wind velocity that high. On the factory EVT faring.
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I did add an extender to the top, after the seat was redone with 3" of memory foam. Works great, a little too great in the heat, I often sit up straighter to get airflow thru the helmet
(https://i.ibb.co/4wzFbK3P/matt-totd-06262025.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4wzFbK3P)
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When I got my bike, it had one of those deflectors attached to the shield. Always felt like it would blow loose and get me in the nose.
Clearview Shields makes the shield in stock or taller/wider versions in clear and smoke (perfect smoke, not too dark to see the road close at night. I DO look over the shield though, not through). I bought the tall and to fit me perfect I had to cut about 3/4" off the top. If you know the height you want, they will cut it down for you. Also ask about a blem as it will save a few bucks.
Tom
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The EVT fairing has its share of haters, but I always thought it was quite good just as the factory designed it. Never did I contemplate changing anything about it. I hope your experience is the same.
Thanks, Dave. I hope so too!
And great picture, BTW.
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If you like to go fast(over 100mph) often the mount tabs will break. I had to weld on pieces of small angle iron for mounts on the solid bar. Mounts are not made for wind velocity that high. On the factory EVT faring.
Steve, too funny you mention that! I haven't held the EVT manual in my hands, but I'm almost positive that one I found online said you shouldn't exceed 80mph because the fairing wasn't designed for it.
I think in that case they were talking about a headshake or wobble problem, but it might have been the mounts as well?? I'll see if I can find it...
I don't know what I think about a touring bike that shouldn't go faster than 80mph? :grin:
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(https://i.ibb.co/4wzFbK3P/matt-totd-06262025.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4wzFbK3P)
Matt, that is a GREAT picture! Killboy?
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I think so, it was one of those guys out there on TOTD a few weeks ago.
I recall somewhere dimly--maybe in the manual, that the 80mph suggestion applied to the cases, when on. Much like changing fuel maps and exhausts and tyre sizes, everybody does what they want. I have never had problems going up to 100+ loaded, but generally cruise at 75-80 on 2-4 lane US highways, traffic and posted limits permitting.
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Congratulations. Awesome bike!
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I’m just looking to get a bit S/SE of St. Louis on Day One, probably a ~300 mile/4+ hour cruise across the Show-Me State.
My first day will be Kansas City to Hillsboro MO (SSW of St. Louis).
After some additional planning and critical thinking, the above statements about Saturday are completely false. :laugh:
First, given that I'm connecting through O'Hare, I have no idea when I'll actually get to KC. The flight is scheduled to land at 10:30, but that's really just a story United tells us. I have no way of knowing whether or not I'll get on the road before noon.
Second, I was allowing the location of Bunk-a-Biker hosts to have an outsize influence on my decisions about stops. Free lodging is great, but taking unnecessary risks to get there is dumb.
After an obligatory stop at Harper's (it will only be a shot of the sign, they're closed on Saturdays), the trip to Hillsboro is about five hours ride time, but that's on I-70, which MANY people smarter than I have told me to avoid. Click "avoid highways" and you're up to six hours, plus stops.
The only thing worse than being in a hurry on a motorcycle is being in a hurry on an unfamiliar motorcycle, so Hillsboro is out. Instead, I'm just riding about three hours to a nice inn in Versailles MO, north of Lake of the Ozarks. Versailles is the county seat of Morgan County and looks like a lovely little town. There's a brewpub a few blocks from the inn that I have my eye on for dinner.
I'd much rather put in a big day on Sunday, when I can get a proper early start. :thumb:
In other news, North Carolina won't issue me a temp tag without the title in my name, and the DMV in Kansas won't be open on Saturday. Therefore, we'll be proceeding with no tag and hoping that the title, proof of insurance, and story of what I'm up to is enough for the gendarmerie. Not ideal, but there don't seem to be any other options...
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As long as it's currently registered, you should have no problem with the sale paperwork with you. You might check your Ins. Co. to see if a new to you is covered, or if you need to get a policy BEFORE bringing it home, this is provided you NEED to have Ins. like in Ca or feeling better knowing your personal assets are protected by Ins.. Cars policies normally will cover a new purchase, bikes may not?
Have a nice trip,
Tom
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...if you need to get a policy BEFORE bringing it home...
Thanks, Tom!
I've added it to my current policy, effective Saturday. So it will be covered by my insurance, as soon as I take ownership. :thumb:
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Farkles are starting to roll in.
First, the potential Rump Saver 3000.
I would have preferred a BeadRider (only b/c I've used one and have no experience with sheepskin), but this handsome hunk of wool may prove me wrong...
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-MKrzSCj/0/M753xMsXwdT8w34mvQff3Jb4p6m9QZpBrq5vxb86V/X2/PXL_20250722_175232927-X2.jpg)
Seems like sound advice. The world is not ready, and it certainly wouldn't be ATGATT.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-QJRsLFB/0/Ld38zmFS6dmxMZFV45Xn9CVDVHb9FZ2LFkzwD3BWq/X2/PXL_20250722_175338274-X2.jpg)
I've had great luck with the OG molded polymer version of this. Stone simple and effective.
Since I wasn't positive about EV grip diameter, I upgraded to the Fancy Dan adjustable 6061 alu. model, complete with Black Broccoli Band™ (not really).
Andiamo!
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-m6gK5Kp/0/KQ7D6ztJLt2PqMGK6v864b4kDL3gbncPQ6z9QtckP/X2/PXL_20250722_175213190~2-X2.jpg)
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Never had good results with either of those.
Bead rider is it. Too bad about them. Hope it works out for you.
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Never had good results with either of those.
Bead rider is it. Too bad about them. Hope it works out for you.
Thanks for the good wishes, Jim.
I will learn the hard way whether I have a sheepskin arse or not. It could become a literal "trial by fire." :laugh:
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The idea of riding 900 miles without a license tag of any kind is making me slightly crazy.
I've done it within NC for roughly 150 miles (and had police behind me once or twice during the trip) but never on a multi-day jaunt across six states.
As you might imagine, the Internet is awash with folks who will print just about whatever you want on a 4x7 plate. The trouble is I'm up against a time crunch, since I ASSumed I would stroll into the DMV yesterday and get a 10-day NC tag. Wrong again.
First, I thought about this. Simple. Captures the origin story. Nice souvenir of the adventure. Matches the bike! :grin:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-Z5qbz9c/0/MMxSCr3BcKNmcrmL9Dn6PpnD5c5VSgLV8PNwLj42b/M/Screenshot%202025-07-22%20at%203.45.35%E2%80%AFPM-M.png)
But then I figured I could convey a little more information. So I considered this.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-6PkxHJW/0/L9bXJvRHbDNwRPw7GgGp4BPjjP2ZcWvfKfZgBSNCF/M/Screenshot%202025-07-22%20at%203.55.54%E2%80%AFPM-M.png)
The more I thought about this, the more it seemed an argument could easily be made that I was trying to create a facsimile of something official and therefore running this plate was fraudulent. That could be bad.
Version three was my favorite of the things I came up with. Clearly not state-issued. More information than the previous version. Just an honest attempt to convey what's going on. Also color-matched! Unfortunately, the vendor could not ship in time, and I couldn't reproduce it anywhere that could.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-zMfB32s/0/KcbNKM35Qvqrvc5h4v24NzrDGtRjkvwjqMRTvgzxT/M/Screenshot%202025-07-22%20at%203.54.07%E2%80%AFPM-M.png)
So here's what I wound up with given the constraints. A "50-State Plate" may actually make me more conspicuous, but (at least until I'm pulled over) I'll feel better that there's SOMETHING back there, and there's no effort to deceive LE.
If I'm a cop and I see NO plate, I'm probably pulling you over, especially if it's a slow day. If I see this oddball attempt at an explanation, I may still pull you over, but I'd give the rider credit for trying.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-kDG3HgD/0/Ngv54XpWwhBtSspw3mR3wwgrQt6GsG7Ds9BThxCZ3/M/Screenshot%202025-07-22%20at%202.41.47%E2%80%AFPM-M.png)
If later I post one of those classic over-the-shoulder shots with flashing lights and an officer returning to his car, while I hold up a performance award, we'll know it didn't work too well! :grin:
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Piece of cardboard with LAF written in large letters with sharpie. (Though not technically true).
Or, just In Transit written in sharpie.
I think you'll be fine with nothing as long as you have a title and bill of sale in your possession.
-AJ
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My wife demands a wrist saver on both her 04 Stone and her baby Breva, I tend to take them off whenever I ride either of her bikes,they just seem to get in the way and to me dangerous. At least it’s not a permanent attachment.
The bike probably already has an adjustable throttle lock, combination bar weight, which fit in the end of the handle bars, on multi day long drives,it’s great to be able to relax your right wrist. I think ours are called throttle meisters , perhaps someone will confirm, but they were seen on a lot of Californias at rallies, probably one of the best farkles you can add,in my opinion.
How does the sheep skin attach to the seat? For ours I put grommets in the four corners and ran a small bungee cord under the seat, one in front one in back. Sometimes they need a little persuading especially near the latch in the rear.
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...How does the sheep skin attach to the seat? ...
Just a single strap and Fastex-type buckle under the seat.
https://www.alaskaleather.com/cdn/shop/products/Buttpad_Strap_SM_a310e4fc-73a7-47fe-8208-79c06503017f.jpg?v=1748531136&width=5000
If you're a dual sport rider and up on the pegs a lot, they recommend adding their "nose strap."
https://www.alaskaleather.com/collections/buttpad-add-ons/products/nose-strap
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I used the AK sheepskin for years during testing of seat covers prior to any new design. I already knew the results but my guarantee was 100% waterproof 'cause 99% ain't.
Anyway, a sheepskin under on of my covers, then 500 rain miles-not hard to do in the northeast. ANY water leaks will be present, and that was my testing method. Nebver had a failure-ever. It was a great ride while it lasted-but on to new ideas and products.
We shall see................
Oh, yea. After 100 miles or so the buttcheeks sort of compressed the skin and left a rather uncomfortable "ridge" in the center. No need for further explanation, no?
I did sell over 1000 covers over the years to sheepskin users so plenty like them-some swear by them.
Best, Jim.
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After 100 miles or so the buttcheeks sort of compressed the skin and left a rather uncomfortable "ridge" in the center. No need for further explanation, no?
Oh, lordy! Reminds me of those drug commercials that talk about side effects "in the skin of your perineum." :shocked:
I did sell over 1000 covers over the years to sheepskin users so plenty like them-some swear by them.
Hope I'm one! :thumb:
Either that, or I'll be sitting on the knife's edge of a wool ridge that formed over 900 miles. Egads!
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Or ask the seller if you can keep the original plate on and mail it back once you get home. I did that with a bike I bought in Tucson about 1.5 years ago and rode home to Houston, and mailed the plate back via a FEDEX letter package the next day.
I hope the fairing works out well…the barn door fairing on the California I bought…identical to yours in color and bags was Intolerable above 60 mph…unbelievable buffeting. Hopefully your setup is good…I took it off for riding and it was much more comfortable as a naked bike.
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Thanks for the ideas, Paul.
The current screen on the bike has had major efforts applied. If I understand correctly, it's been trimmed, fitted with a removable top section, and drilled/vented.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Ride/Gootsi/i-Xw2Dzcm/0/M4cXkBWjQ5m8k2kJtvxJRHxRwvcLdNz2FxsTqSzwV/X2/20250705_143504-X2.jpg)
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Just have the seller get a notarized sale agreement dated the day you pick it up. That should satisfy them.
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Why not get the tag and title done before you fly to get it. Bring the new plate and registration with you on the plane.
I did this two times for fly and ride purchases I have made. I also got insurance ahead of time too.