Hey everyone,
I'm headin into my second season riding with my '97 GS500 and would like to know how many people in my area visit this website so that we could meet up and go for some great rides. I'm in Clarkston, anyone else near here?
I'm about 80 minutes north of you via I-75. It's as flat as a pancake around Midland -- far better riding where you're at. If you have yet to wander afar, suggest the Pinckney - Stockbridge area. Was only there once, but was a great riding day.
Um when I get my new bike, I'm in for this. I live in the West Bloomfield area so I'm like 15 minutes from you. O0
:cheers:
~Anna~
lolz i might be moving to mt pleasant b4 long so i might have to join ya's :icon_mrgreen:
Quote from: RedShift on January 31, 2006, 06:52:48 PM
If you have yet to wander afar, suggest the Pinckney - Stockbridge area. Was only there once, but was a great riding day.
I'm from the Stockbridge area and agree with RedShift, there are some fun roads around here. I work over in the Farmington HIlls area, so Clarkston wouldn't be that far out of the way...
haha i work in farmington hills too. :laugh:
14+Farmington, we must be neighbors!
I feel a road trip coming on, once we get rid of this cold, mostly white or slippery stuff. :thumb:
Anybody in favor of meeting at a coffee shop in a couple of months and riding through the Pinckney area with flyingbeagle as our guide?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/blueMCsmilie.gif)
ahoy...hopefully i will have my bike by then O0
sounds like fun, you better go slow for the noob (me) :kiss3: :cheers:
skoozi12, small world I guess. I work over by 275 and 10. :)
RedShift, A ride sounds good, I'm up for it. I've never ridden with others, and I haven't really pushed by GS too hard yet, so no knee draggin...
Quote from: flyingbeagle71 on March 02, 2006, 08:04:15 AM... I've never ridden with others, and I haven't really pushed by GS too hard yet, so no knee draggin...
... And that two of us. The only time I've ever put my knee down was to check the tire pressure. :) BTW, who ordered all this white stuff?
Anybody get out over the weekend. I didn't -- spent time with my family instead, then spring cleaning.
Still, I've officially started my 2006 Riding season with riding to work on Friday. I was the only one out there Friday when the temperature was 38-43°F, but you couldn't swing a stick without pointing to a motorcyclist on Saturday & Sunday. Cruisers & sport bikes, but narry a dirt bike. Quite pleasant to see. (Every bike caught my eye.)
If you went out, where did you ride? (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/Ride.gif)
Wow I didn't realize there were so many ppl from MI on here. I'm new, I'm in Lansing. I've been here less than a yr tho, was in good ol' Mt. Pleasant for about 3 years before that. I would love to tag along and ride with ya'll sometime. I saw ya mentioned the Stockbridge area... like Dexter Trail? Can someone make spring hurry up? I don't even really know how to ride yet but I'm dieing to get out there.
Welcome Sarah. Glad to add you to this group. Seems we're a bit spread out, but still well within riding distance. If anything, having to ride an hour to gather is part of the fun.
Stick around, and keep wishing for this cold stuff to disappear. It's always the last remnants of Winter that take the longest to loose. Patience. Patience.
Time to plan, and to prep your ride for the season ahead. :thumb:
Quote from: RedShift on March 13, 2006, 04:38:22 PM
Anybody get out over the weekend. I didn't -- spent time with my family instead, then spring cleaning.
Still, I've officially started my 2006 Riding season with riding to work on Friday. I was the only one out there Friday when the temperature was 38-43°F, but you couldn't swing a stick without pointing to a motorcyclist on Saturday & Sunday. Cruisers & sport bikes, but narry a dirt bike. Quite pleasant to see. (Every bike caught my eye.)
If you went out, where did you ride? (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/Ride.gif)
Nope, no riding for me yet. My cylinder head gasket was shredded during my valve check, so I'm waiting for it and new shims to come in. Previous owner used gasket sealent on both sides and it ripped when I removed the head cover. I found out why after cleaning things up, I found huge gouges in the cylinder head. It looks like someone tried prying off the head cover. Hopefully I'll be able to get it to reseal... I was really hoping they would arrive last week, but no luck. I ended up being a cager and going shopping. My wife kept hitting me saying, stop looking at the bikes and watch the road...Everyone was out riding!! cept me!
Quote from: st8racin on March 13, 2006, 09:03:32 PM
Wow I didn't realize there were so many ppl from MI on here. I'm new, I'm in Lansing. I've been here less than a yr tho, was in good ol' Mt. Pleasant for about 3 years before that. I would love to tag along and ride with ya'll sometime. I saw ya mentioned the Stockbridge area... like Dexter Trail? Can someone make spring hurry up? I don't even really know how to ride yet but I'm dieing to get out there.
Mt. Pleasant huh, did you go to CMU? I grew up in the Stockbridge area, so yep, I know Dexter Trail. There are some good twisties on it, pretty flat though. I haven't rode it on a bike for about 10 years. I just got back into riding last summer when I got my GS.
It sure felt like spring yesterday, today though... :o
Yup I'm a Central girl. Still have 3 pesky classes to finish up to get my degree. I'm starting to think about moving back up there to get those done and out of the way once and for all. Who knows tho, I like Lansing way better than Mt. P, not sure I could handle going back there.
Quote from: flyingbeagle71 on March 14, 2006, 09:06:03 AM
Nope, no riding for me yet. My cylinder head gasket was shredded during my valve check, so I'm waiting for it and new shims to come in. Previous owner used gasket sealent on both sides and it ripped when I removed the head cover. I found out why after cleaning things up, I found huge gouges in the cylinder head. It looks like someone tried prying off the head cover. Hopefully I'll be able to get it to reseal... ...
It's sad to see this. Shows a basic lack of thinking about the consequences of using hardened steel objects on aluminum. The only way to fix this is to fill in the gouges (or grind the entire head down -- hard to do). Due to the temperature swings, the only sure-fire fix is to use metal -- perhaps there is an aluminum-based hardening paste that could be used for this purpose. Unfortunately you may need luck to avoid using Liquid Gasket again to get a good seal.
Roy...
Quote from: RedShift on March 15, 2006, 04:44:05 AM
It's sad to see this. Shows a basic lack of thinking about the consequences of using hardened steel objects on aluminum. The only way to fix this is to fill in the gouges (or grind the entire head down -- hard to do). Due to the temperature swings, the only sure-fire fix is to use metal -- perhaps there is an aluminum-based hardening paste that could be used for this purpose. Unfortunately you may need luck to avoid using Liquid Gasket again to get a good seal.
Roy...
Yep, I agree, I don't as much as I would like about wrenching, but even I know better than that...Anyway, I didn't think about trying to fix it, I was just going to regoop and assume I would always screw up the gasket getting it off. I checked JB Weld's website and they say that's supposed to work on Aluminum, maybe I'll try that first...
HI Yall!
Just logged back into the web page after a long cold season. I am located in Canton. Just off the 275, M-14 area. Between livonia and Ann Arbor. Been riding since I had my license. I would be interested in riding in a group. Kinda tired of riding with all the honda, kaw, yamaha riders. That would be cool if we could start our own riding group.
I attend a few bike nites a week, and know some good riding (twisty, not too fast for those who havent riden in groups, and great scenery). Take the Huron River Ride all the way. I usually ride with my Dad, Brother and thier friends, but they all ride cruisers. They dont have that enjoyment of leaning into a turn and dropping a knee.
If any are interested, Tuesday nights, in Ypsilanti (Go EMU) at Aubree's in Old Village is bike night. Tends to be more of a European, cruiser, sportbike, odds and ends bike night. Great place, half off pizza too!
I ride at every opp. only cause gas prices are going crazy, and the GS gets great mileage, yet can beat any car!
If any are looking for an good riding buddy, hit me up, I am 23, still a student (milking it), Have ridin since I was 16, and love riding in groups. :cheers:
Dang, I had no idea this many people in the area have GS 500's! I was lucky enough to go out twice this past weekend (once friday and then after work on Sunday) Sunday was MUCH colder but still worth it. I have a small loop I ride from Davisburg road into Holly up and around on to Dixie Highway again. I've been up to the Midland area once (a friend of mine went to Northwood). Just give me a time and place and I'll be there! I can't WAIT for spring to come (it can't come soon enough)! If anyone wants to chat on AIM any time my S/N is abronco1 drop me a line sometime!
hey y'all there are three of us over here in muskegon. maby we can meet and ride to the bleassing of the bikes in may,there are tons of all kinds of bikes that go. see y'all.
This cold crap is killing me. Can someone please make it get warmer out??? :dunno_white: I was going to get a heated jacket liner so I could ride when it was a little colder out but the transmission on my car convienently just crapped out so there goes my tax return money.
I've heard and lived the term "Chillin" but four months of it is a bit much. I'm with you -- even 45-50°F looks good right now.
Been riding to work for the last two days -- can handle the 15 minute trips, but these 24°F mornings bite. :mad:
Hey everyone,
I agree with you on the "chillin" aspect of f---ing Michigan! I rode my bike to work last sunday (about 29 degrees outside) coldest I've ever rode in! Before I attempt a temperature like that again I'll wait for my new Teknic Sprint jacket! I'm up for going riding virtually anywhere in the "general" S.E. michigan area. Heck maybe we can try to organize a ride up to Traverse City I'm sure there are some great roads up that way! :cheers:
Good roads near Traverse City -- you got that right!! :thumb:
Spent a weekend up there and drove up into the Leelanau peninsula, then down the Lake Michigan side. Sweet -- 22 is a twisty two-lane road, lots of scenery and very enjoyable all the way down to Frankfort.
You'd be hard-pressed to make it there, ride it and head back in one day. Would be fun, just a very full day.
As a possibility we could try to organize a 2-day ride, one to get up there and ride around and then stay over at a camp ground or a motel and head back down the next day. The cherry festival will be approaching as well. Oh yah and as a side note I noticed one of the other members goes to Central, I graduated from Western in 2004, GO BRONCOS!!
Western SUCKS! Fire up Chips!!!
Sorry had to do it.
A Traverse City trip sounds cool. I like the camping idea. I stayed at a pretty nice campground in that area last year. Interlochen (sp?) I think it was, real nice place right on a lake. One question tho, being a new rider and all, how do you transport camping gear when you're on a bike?
Quote from: st8racin on March 23, 2006, 02:46:20 PM
... One question tho, being a new rider and all, how do you transport camping gear when you're on a bike?
Traveling light, strapping down bigger things with Bungie Cords, a Backpack for clothing and other light stuff and Motorcycle Luggage for all the little stuff.
Quote from: RedShift on March 23, 2006, 04:12:55 PM
Quote from: st8racin on March 23, 2006, 02:46:20 PM
... One question tho, being a new rider and all, how do you transport camping gear when you're on a bike?
Traveling light, strapping down bigger things with Bungie Cords, a Backpack for clothing and other light stuff and Motorcycle Luggage for all the little stuff.
I C. I guess my first time doing this is going to be one hell of a learning experience. :o
Another option for the possible T.C. trip is to find a camp ground that offers cabins for relatively cheap then you wouldn't have to worry about a tent. Just a thought....
Quote from: st8racin on March 23, 2006, 07:23:42 PM
Quote from: RedShift on March 23, 2006, 04:12:55 PM
Quote from: st8racin on March 23, 2006, 02:46:20 PM
... One question tho, being a new rider and all, how do you transport camping gear when you're on a bike?
Traveling light, strapping down bigger things with Bungie Cords, a Backpack for clothing and other light stuff and Motorcycle Luggage for all the little stuff.
I C. I guess my first time doing this is going to be one hell of a learning experience. :o
There's always a chance to plan, purchase and practice. :)
I've never had a need to do more than a day trip, so I can't be too instructional. All I've got for luggage is a tail pack:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/redshift/5771af76.jpg)
that's normally used for a 1/2 cover and my lunch bag for trips to work. But others have packed the back end for camping, most noteably ManOfTheField (in his Upcoming Trip... pics! (warning, lotsa pics) (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=20179.msg189012#msg189012) thread):
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v213/manofthefield/bikepacked2.jpg)
Now that's a bike packed for camping!!
So this is a bit off topic but...
YAY I passed my riding class this weekend. Going to the SOS tomorrow to do the written part and I'll be good to go. :icon_mrgreen:
Props to Sarah! Good job! Did you take the weekend long MSF course? April 3rd will be the one year anniversary for me since I passed the MSF course. (Even though you go to Central) CONGRATS!! :thumb: p.s. i'm just playin about the "Central" part....good job though!
Ok so I officially have my endorsement now but I'm a bit nervous about actually going out on the roads. At least by myself at first. My neighbor had been helping me with everything but just had to move for a job so I don't really have anybody to help me out now. Anybody have any tips for the trip on the road?
My brother in-law helped me out and took me to a school parking lot to practice U-turns, braking, and slow manuevers in general. I plan on practicing all of those again this summer....start off slow. Go to a school parking lot and practice for an hour or so. When you feel comfortable enough stroll around your neighborhood then when you're ready try more traffic. I also recommend reading some books on motorcycling I'm reading "More Proficient Motorcycling" buy David Hough (reading doesn't improve your skills but opens your eyes up to new possibilities and does teach you things). It's then up to you to practice what the book teaches.
I recommend starting off by riding around your neighbourhood. Usually not busy on the roads. You practice clutch, throttle and brake control and don't travel more than 30 MPH. Another benefit is low-speed control and plenty of opportunity for countersteering.
When you feel comfortable with that, head out onto more busy roads and do a lot of Right Turns until you get comfortable with traffic. Use your mirrors a lot, get used to the movement of traffic.
Progress at your own pace. Don't be in a hurry. It's a jungle out there, but the Riding class has given you have the basis to survive. Just practice and get used to your bike.
Agree that reading will help give you strategies. David Hough't books are great -- have both.
Yah i agree with the comment about David Hough so far....I also have Lee Parks "Total Control" book which I enjoyed quite a bit. Not to mention the "binding" on the David Hough book is practically falling apart on me! But, I do recommend the "Complete Idiots Guide to Motorcycling". There are a few sections you'll already have knowledge of (i.e. the type of bike you like hence you have a GS500) but there is ALOT of good info in that book. I'm still a Novice when it comes to actually riding a motorcycle but I've been exposed to MANY safety tips that I feel I will benefit from down the road.
I have both the Proficient Motorcycling and the Idiot's Guide so if you wanna borrow them, I have no beef with that. (note they might have been chewed a little by the resident chinchillas but they are in good shape). Anything I can do, let me know. :thumb:
Interesting coincidence. I also have the "Idiots Guide".
Got it before my bike & explained a lot of stuff to consider about riding. Good book, but in browsing it a copule of weeks back I came to the conclusion that I'm not an idiot anymore. :)
Quote from: RedShift on March 29, 2006, 04:11:40 AM
Good book, but in browsing it a copule of weeks back I came to the conclusion that I'm not an idiot anymore. :)
Well that would make one of us. :laugh:
I think I'll have to check into a couple of those books. My attempted ride didn't go very well yesterday. :cry: So until I can get a lot smoother on the the take off I think i'm stuck tooling around my parking lot.
I dont know about the book idea, reading a book is completely different than riding the bike. Try to remember some key points, but mainly bike time is the most valuable time.
When i started out, i did the parking lot thing. Slalom between the ends of parking spaces, doing everyother. Remember to hold that clutch. The clutch on a motorcycle is durable, much different of that of a cars. You can ride a motorcycle clutch all day long. :icon_lol: Dont worry about taking off so much. Just keep practing a quick start stop process. HOLD THAT CLUTCH. Dont be afraid to rev it up before letting out on the clutch slowly, its pretty hard to throw the front wheel up on the GS, although simple once learned. :nono:
Once you have the basics down, and you dont really think about it when riding.. The most valuable information I can give you is "WATCH FOR THE OTHER DRIVER!!" People just dont see motorcycles, that and they dont care. We are a "menace" on the road. Too many people have almost "got" me, but scanning the road has "saved" me every time. I thank the lord. honestly. Please be a smart rider. :thumb:
Lookin to ride soon in the Wayne/Washtenaw/Oakland county area. If interested let me know! Huron River here I come!
P.S. I do a Canada ride as well if any interested. www.pd13.com
I live in Dearborn (pretty obvious I guess) so I know a few good rides in the area. A fun ride is to take Michigan Avenue west off US-23 to the Irish Hills. My buddy and I do that a few times a year. Mildly twisty with some good restaurants along the way. Avoid the MIS weekends, though -- traffic is bad.
My wife bought me a great book -- Motorcyling in Michigan. It's full of scenic 1-2 day rides. I intend to take a few this season. You can find it at Borders.
Good to see all the GS500'ers in the area. I've got 7400 miles on my '04. It's been a fantastic bike. I will look for all of you, although with my schedule I ride mostly weekend mornings. Went out to Huron River Drive and came back North Territorial this AM. A bit chilly, but otherwise nice.
Just want to say hi!
I live in Clio (about 15 minutes north of Flint). The roads here are pretty much flat and broken up into 1 mile squares - not too much fun, but there are some twisties here and there. I did a great trip out west two years ago to the Black Hills and Colorado. There's nothing like 15mph "S" curve switch backs, now that's fun!
Keep me posted on any upcoming rides - see you on the road!
:thumb:
I really need to try venturing into traffic one of these days. Still been practicing in my parking lot. If it's nice tomorrow I might try going around my little block area. I did pick up a book today, Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch, so I need to start reading that to see what kind of tips I can pick up. I wish that it would get a little bit warmer tho, that would make me way happy.
I agree with ya about the temperature....that should be a good book to read. I too want it to warm up can't wait to go for my first long ride!
Quote from: jonny5neal on March 29, 2006, 10:07:55 PM
I dont know about the book idea, reading a book is completely different than riding the bike. Try to remember some key points, but mainly bike time is the most valuable time. ...
Bike time is the most valuable -- no question. However, do not underestimate the power of being reminded of riding techniques, situations, etc., that are not otherwise obvious or advertised. This is the power of the written word -- to store information for future reference.
It predated the hard drive by a millennia or so. :thumb:
hey just a thought....anyone else have a Myspace account? Is anyone (other than myself) willing to post their address or maybe just PMing eachother with them? Just a thought....one more way we could communicate.
I'm on myspace...and I have address :thumb:
Did you want to start at MI GS group or something? I would if I knew how.
Sure why not? I'll look into it for the next few minutes then bed time! :cheers:
It's created!! Let me know if this link works for you all! Since I created it I am the "moderator" but that's not a big deal I'm online each night so I'll be checking it nightly. For all those (including sarah) interested in joining go to the link below and I'll make sure to approve you for the group. I did limit it for ONLY Michigan residents AND GS 500 owners to make it quite exclusive.
If "significant others" would like to be part of it as well I have no problem with that. :cheers: to everyone!
here's the link: http://groups.myspace.com/migsog
I just realized something...in order to keep this "exclusive" only I can invite people, would anyone rather I change this (keeping in mind that if I do than ANY body can join). With that said "if" I should leave it the way it is you can email your screenname and I'll add you to the group? or you can PM me via GSTwin.com either way. Give me some suggestions please! :)
I joined the group, seems to be set up just fine to me. I tried to get things going a bit on there but idk how well it will work. :thumb:
I just joined the group too. I think this is a great idea! Now lets go ride!! :cheers:
Woohoo there's 4 ppl on there :icon_mrgreen:
It won't seem to let me join. It says there is an error in when I sign up, but it doesn't say what it is. I don't currently belong to myspace -- I must be missing something. Either that or I am too old...
I'm pretty sure you have to have a myspace account to join the group.
im up for a ride tomarrow (may 20th) if anyone is interested.. I live in howell here. Sounds like evryone is in the same genral area.
for those of you who don't know...abronco1 mentioned about a demo ride and a triumph dealership out in roseville that is on the 20th. I'm thinking about taking a ride down there possibly meeting up with him on the way. it starts at 10am and goes till 2 or 4pm...forgot the exact time. and not really sure when i'll be going down. I just love this last minute planning. In howell here so i'd prolly be taking 96 to 696 down there and meeting up on 75 prolly in the madison heights area.
hey sarah...im in howell...if ya need some help or instruction on how to ride id be glad to be of service. I'm still very new at it myself but drove my bike home the first day i got it. But being a semi-noob myself i might be able to help you in what helped me.
bump :thumb:
Me and bronco were thinkin about a meet n ride this sunday...If anyone else is interested or still even comes on this board anymore let either opf us know or post on here. It's amazing I first come on here and there is atleast 5 ppl talking away...now noone...whats the deal...we need to get something going here. nice weather is here lets enjoy it!!!
Silverback speaks the truth....we're thinking (possibly) in the area of Waterford, White Lake area, but if more people are interested and have other ideas we'd be open to those too!
Sorry all, work has been crazy lately. I'm still up for a MI group ride. Any ideas about when and where???
next ride were thinking of possibly the howell/pickney area. Some decent twisites...unless anyone else knows better?
I was just in that area last Thursday, got a few friends in that neck of the woods. I'm just getting ready to move back up to Alma tho so it will be a bit further for me to meet up with ppl. I would like to meet up for a group ride sometime, just don't know when.
Howell/Pickney area is perfect for me. What date are you thinking? Maybe ride for a bit, then lunch somewhere? Saturday's work best for me...
saturdays are fine...this comming weekend is a no go...but alos depends on abronco (stupid nail).
Also i'm going down to bike night in royal oak tomarrow evening if anyone is interested.
my cell number is 517-614-2870 call me around 5 or so if your interested.
Ok I am itching to go ride with a group but I have national guard this weekend. :cry: Anybody have any free weekends coming up we could plan a group ride for?
Good news (well kinda) I ordered my tire last night it's being shipped Next Day and should be shipped out tomorrow! Won't make it to Bike Night this week, but maybe next week? Let me know.
if weather holds im down for bike night thursday :icon_mrgreen:
I'm interested too, I've got nothign else going on.
hey man if noone has told you, check out tsbr.com (Toledo Sport Bike Riders) its not a site full of assholes, noone disses on you for having a small bike or shaZam! like that, people on there apreciate all bikes, even harleys. We have Bike NIGHTs every twednesday and sunday nights at both JEDs in toledo. check out there forum...
Here's another weekly gather by me that I might go check out this week.
http://www.2feathersroadhouse.com/
anyone up for a ride this weekend in the howell/pickney area?