tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18184544325303383992024-03-05T03:34:10.784-07:00Gear ThoughtsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-85787945675262992082018-05-20T08:51:00.001-06:002018-05-20T08:51:51.764-06:00'65 Chevy to the Levy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEtROJldgBdWKSrO-vdEn6R5dq06WxAufPFkopJRAzOV59Y9frtDqfiN0taPFlvaVjxlZabrNTTC3UNW8mXB0K3AeTV9_5DSzgEQDFVIsjXnV3-ZtlM7CMEuKeLTz9xLBLZ9PWzlpW6_e/s1600/IMG_20180518_162521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEtROJldgBdWKSrO-vdEn6R5dq06WxAufPFkopJRAzOV59Y9frtDqfiN0taPFlvaVjxlZabrNTTC3UNW8mXB0K3AeTV9_5DSzgEQDFVIsjXnV3-ZtlM7CMEuKeLTz9xLBLZ9PWzlpW6_e/s640/IMG_20180518_162521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.5950581 -82.55148689999998635.181594100000005 -83.196933899999991 36.0085221 -81.906039899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-35866519209676983772017-01-04T13:00:00.000-07:002017-01-04T13:00:23.366-07:00Baby, It's Cold Outside<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmjUoLKZjU_oPEw4YiklV8tO5Yy2T35YdzYHNe_HCfyRhTlINhudaV2Pa3jI6tUFL3_K_OVS7hDM7XXgosHRq5HHIWisyogANQhJ_HBkZNKb2E-9UY6a7jCdOsc2UDwpp-BkCQ1DJYzOh/s1600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmjUoLKZjU_oPEw4YiklV8tO5Yy2T35YdzYHNe_HCfyRhTlINhudaV2Pa3jI6tUFL3_K_OVS7hDM7XXgosHRq5HHIWisyogANQhJ_HBkZNKb2E-9UY6a7jCdOsc2UDwpp-BkCQ1DJYzOh/s640/snow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Looks like I picked a good week to put the snow tires on.Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-48667123943255097042016-09-17T14:05:00.001-06:002016-09-17T14:07:25.591-06:00Review: Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7539/29745034555_132d8d6cc2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7539/29745034555_132d8d6cc2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When it's 22 degrees outside, this is bullshit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right now, an Alps Mountaineering Tasmanian 3 tent is drying in my basement. I just got back from a 3 day (night) trip in the backcountry. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my review. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Price (with footprint) delivered to my door: $261.89</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Why price with footprint and delivery? Because that's the real world price. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Retailer: REI</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can also find this tent at Amazon and other online retailers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Intended Use:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bicycle camping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Car and Motorcycle camping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hunting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Backpacking</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Pros: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Roomy, lots of space even for my 6'2" frame</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heavy duty materials</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quality construction</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lots of pockets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Large vestibule</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Cons: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Difficult to pitch and pack rain fly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Poorly designed poles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Conclusions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I really wanted to love this tent. It was my first 4 season tent and I was excited to try it out in cold weather. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I appreciated the length and width of this tent and it's robust construction. It seems to be very well built. I also learned that the four season designation mostly means tougher materials and better ventilation controls. Although the heavier weight was a concern, using a BOB Ibex or a motorized ovehicle to haul gear negated this factor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sadly, after two nights of camping at 9400' in Colorado during September, I'm returning it. Here's why: The pole tips are badly designed. They easily pull out, both in-sleeve and while fastened to the footprint/tent. This makes it difficult to install or remove the poles into the rain fly sleeves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the comfort of my living room - no big deal. When it's 22 degrees and you're struggling to keep your fingers from going numb, it sucks. Big time. Stopping to pull your gloves off to re-insert the pole tips for the 5th or 6th time is annoying. It's also aggravating when the poles get stuck in the too tight rain fly sleeves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did I mention it was 22 degrees outside? Not fun. Especially when you're trying to get camp packed and rolling quickly so you can get back to town for a client meeting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hey Alps! Are you reading this? I wanted to love your tent. You need to redesign the rain fly and pole tips. This would have been a high quality purchase otherwise. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the price, you'll find it hard to find a better deal on a large four season tent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>About the author</b>: I'm an avid outdoor enthusiast and have spent countless nights in tents in the wilderness. I hike, ski, ride mountain bikes and motorcycles, run, and love all things outdoors. Unlike many of the other reviews you'll read online, I didn't receive any compensation or freebies for this review, sadly. I make my living helping people make <a href="http://www.houseeinstein.com/">smarter real estate decisions</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> If you found this article or review helpful, support this site via the button below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" /> <input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="M8DGGKSFHZTCY" /> <input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" /> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0Boulder, CO, USA40.0149856 -105.2705455999999939.820449100000005 -105.59326909999999 40.2095221 -104.9478221tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-49033628976677721722016-09-08T08:01:00.000-06:002016-09-08T08:01:04.638-06:00Wheel Size: A Study in Contrasts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8510/28879351493_d23bcfee80_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8510/28879351493_d23bcfee80_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It boggles the mind.<br />
<br />
Why do bros do this? They take a perfectly useful pick-up and spend thousands of dollars to make it far less useful: slammed suspension, gigantic damage-prone wheels with low profile tires. Maybe I'm getting old, but I don't get it. It's like taking a NFL player and forcing him into pimp shoes and a zoot suit and then asking him to take the field. <br />
<br />
I'll take the Honda Element, thanks.<br />
<br />
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-44516970159952684802016-08-01T20:41:00.001-06:002016-08-01T20:41:21.772-06:00Fisker Karma - It's Back?GT spotted a gorgeous Fisker Karma in downtown Boulder this evening. <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8652/28677799036_91d0341049_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8652/28677799036_91d0341049_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<div>
Only 2400 or so of these were produced, making it a very rare vehicle. The company description: "Karma’s vision is to inspire. To offer timeless design with technology that creates an ecologically sensitive product; so distinct that it forms an emotional connection between buyer and brand." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8588/28710451135_5e25881106_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8588/28710451135_5e25881106_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
According to Car and Driver, "the Fisker Karma is the lewdest wedge of car porn to hit the pavement since the onset of the 5-mph bumper. From one 22-inch wheel to the other, the Fisker is a heartthrob, a design spectacularly unchained from the shackles of practicality and brand identity that enslave other automakers. It is an auto-show concept car before it has been horsewhipped into bland banality by the finance, marketing, and engineering departments. It is a car built by a company started by a designer." </div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8828/28604511572_203ddae507_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8828/28604511572_203ddae507_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After the company failed to repay $192MM in loans from the DOE, the company's assets were seized and the automaker declared bankruptcy. it's assets were later acquired by Chinese investors and supposedly the vehicle will be reintroduced. We're not sure if this is a new 2016 or an older model, but it remains a rolling work of art. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-85222750634655006272016-07-21T17:06:00.002-06:002016-07-21T17:49:19.714-06:00Size Matters : Dollar Shave Club vs. Gillette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSoUt_WVyTIICfXUcg2Nm1-o0_bZXPoXDw5ZenlnBspnoP0aizrxICiTIdjhcfDpzkdwVEbCU9XGo7kdFXCLIih2d7T38eurRCZh2P4RP71dQ_EEfPUmbGGSGdffvaFRtn_uLFhHq4Dbh/s1600/blades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSoUt_WVyTIICfXUcg2Nm1-o0_bZXPoXDw5ZenlnBspnoP0aizrxICiTIdjhcfDpzkdwVEbCU9XGo7kdFXCLIih2d7T38eurRCZh2P4RP71dQ_EEfPUmbGGSGdffvaFRtn_uLFhHq4Dbh/s640/blades.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few months ago, I decided to try Dollar Shave Club. What can I say? The relentless advertising got to me. Plus, I was on my last Mach3 blade after blowing through another supply from Costco. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One late night, after a few pints of beer, I clicked over to the Dollar Shave Club website and signed up for an order. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First - I don't normally review hygiene or beauty products at GearThoughts. I'm much too busy with my day job. But the DSC experience, and subsequent let down, is worth sharing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You should also know that I don't just shave my face. I usually have a beard, so I shave a portion of my face. I also regularly shave my entire head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Cartridges</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The first cartridge I ordered was the DSC Executive. At $9 for 4 cartridges, it comes out to $2.25/cartridge. This price includes shipping to your door but doesn't include tax. It's marketed as DSC's premium product with 6 stainless steel blades per cartridge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next cartridge I tried was a step down, the DSC 4X. It costs $6 for 4 cartridges, or $1.50/cartridge. The 4x refers to 4 stainless steel blades. It's marketed as DSC's mid-level product. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I compared the DSC Executive and 4X against my old Mach3 blade, pictured above (at least a month old). At a recent trip to Costco, I paid $32.99 for 14 cartridges, or $2.36 per cartridge before tax - the most expensive of the three cartridges reviewed in this article. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note: I did not order or test the DSC Humble Twin, the entry level cartridge. I also did not test the uber expensive Gillette Fusion ProGlide. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-v7MGIgHF8GkQsLvuQV63cyubadR3WBtUvc-8uDfbJTkfG7cLpEHRoAW7CMJr0Tb6F-ruQGtE2dTqZLjg_jiCfDEJO_KzYOU_N26qMppVQUjN2OSvzTdu5tANHAP0pjDmqHsQqn2fCvW/s1600/blade1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-v7MGIgHF8GkQsLvuQV63cyubadR3WBtUvc-8uDfbJTkfG7cLpEHRoAW7CMJr0Tb6F-ruQGtE2dTqZLjg_jiCfDEJO_KzYOU_N26qMppVQUjN2OSvzTdu5tANHAP0pjDmqHsQqn2fCvW/s1600/blade1.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjqjybCLC9a-_KOeW03JpaR3RMRNnvjI_7rFqV6myePw8z_uXgYG8krAZt4-EyUOeet3fcU8pPdUkrIIZeZOoRAoX_6aDZOaJfwveLhZC9l9iiHUkGtkjjAjacAhr4FC0gi_LQEZz2nzQ/s1600/blade2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjqjybCLC9a-_KOeW03JpaR3RMRNnvjI_7rFqV6myePw8z_uXgYG8krAZt4-EyUOeet3fcU8pPdUkrIIZeZOoRAoX_6aDZOaJfwveLhZC9l9iiHUkGtkjjAjacAhr4FC0gi_LQEZz2nzQ/s1600/blade2.png" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Performance: </b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Forget about the number of stainless steel blades. Size matters more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All cartridges shaved about the same on a relatively flat surface but the experience was very different when it came to tight areas such as beneath the nose or next to the ear. <b>Maneuverability</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> is your friend.</b> The smaller the cartridge, the more easily you can shave hard to reach places. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsHiNB75HyTLtKHEhaERY8RQSH0r8ufvJJ4g0y4vj7OvupLW9VVmGtB5K3gl_AX4nzN2_VzIcFZpkl033wwKZ8wi-E2aT6GwfPUy_fHwpziIPpWM-ZM79u50ozcowbCzeQsTzC4KTkYcB/s1600/bladecomparo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsHiNB75HyTLtKHEhaERY8RQSH0r8ufvJJ4g0y4vj7OvupLW9VVmGtB5K3gl_AX4nzN2_VzIcFZpkl033wwKZ8wi-E2aT6GwfPUy_fHwpziIPpWM-ZM79u50ozcowbCzeQsTzC4KTkYcB/s1600/bladecomparo.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gillette's cartridge is 31% smaller in height (top to bottom measurement) than the DSC Executive and 17% smaller than the DSC 4X. It is far more agile. This is a critical difference. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After struggling with both DSC razors for some time, I gave up on shaving the tiny nook above my ear with either DSC product and resorted to using my month old Mach3 to finish the job. The DSC cartridges are too wide. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Ease of rinsing</b> was the 2nd biggest factor when it came to shaving performance. Because the blades are so narrowly spaced in the DSC cartridges, hair would frequently jam between the blades. This happened routinely with the DSC 4X and completely clogged the even tighter spaced blades on the DSC Executive. To keep clear the hair, I needed to run my thumb against the cartridge (downward motion) under running water to dislodge the stuck whiskers. On the Gillette March3, rising the blade under water alone was enough to dislodge all hair from the blade surface. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It gets old to need to run your thumb down the blades with each and every swipe, dramatically slowing how quickly you can shave. Look carefully at the photo above and you'll see hair still stuck between the blades of the DSC cartridges. Even a finger rubdown doesn't easily dislodge hair stuck between the blades. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Conclusions</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You'll save only about $20 a year if you switch to the DSC 4X. It offers a similar shave quality to the Mach3 and you'll also get stuff in the mail, sometimes including a free sample of shave cream or lotions. That's kind of cool, but it doesn't make up for the poor rinsing performance and the difficulty in reaching hard to shave areas. For the $20, I'll gladly spend less time getting ready in the morning. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bottom line of this two month experiment? Unless you enjoy primping in the bathroom, stick with the Gillette Mach3. Despite being a decades old product, it still shaves cleanly, rinses cleanly, and the cartridges last a surprisingly long time. If you want to extend the life of the cartridge, rinse the blades in alcohol when you're done shaving. It's the evaporation of the water that dulls the blades faster, not your whiskers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As for the DSC Executive, I recommend you skip it entirely. It offered no better shave than the 4X. In fact, it was actually worse because of the huge size and tightly packed blades on the cartridge. </span><br />
<br />
Note: Unlike many other product reviews you'll find online, I did not receive any free samples or products from either Dollar Shave Club or Gillette. This is not a paid endorsement or paid review. If you liked this article, feel free to donate via the button below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="M8DGGKSFHZTCY" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-84944837077386299022016-06-13T06:38:00.000-06:002016-06-13T06:38:13.780-06:00Logo Compensation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RKcLt41U-3fi7GeqakbAyWbtBSw3sUBV4LWu20yeVA8whxKmS62wu0hkyW76CqpC0InJUD8wv5B80r-fabvN-EaQ_iEuRp535ZZoraVgMbIEd2hR8gFBo3V2mK4Hfdt3mguztPclpsJ7/s1600/26920414314_26e43c1e99_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RKcLt41U-3fi7GeqakbAyWbtBSw3sUBV4LWu20yeVA8whxKmS62wu0hkyW76CqpC0InJUD8wv5B80r-fabvN-EaQ_iEuRp535ZZoraVgMbIEd2hR8gFBo3V2mK4Hfdt3mguztPclpsJ7/s640/26920414314_26e43c1e99_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-48776328925372590622016-06-08T05:38:00.001-06:002016-06-08T06:41:00.266-06:00Strapped<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7566/26931097733_b10c6f2968_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7566/26931097733_b10c6f2968_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr">
If you're tall, this just might the best Miata mod ever. I'm 6'2" (with a 34" inseam), and I've always struggled to fit in my NA. No longer. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Two words: game. changer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-27006568592660560702016-06-05T07:37:00.003-06:002016-06-05T07:37:48.285-06:00Diesel Truck Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZQA5Riulrz-R9Ivd275xNCFjFxUxhxN8gBXUmxEY38BP6Wjf79_gXrr4h68nBsNrmtw8ppLwDlbIO9L60FHpo_nZwWMLIu8_vFCQVNiQa4kr8wOB9pLWd9a42_BU9cHeXsc55erzWh0T/s1600/27341965262_b2871e3d6b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZQA5Riulrz-R9Ivd275xNCFjFxUxhxN8gBXUmxEY38BP6Wjf79_gXrr4h68nBsNrmtw8ppLwDlbIO9L60FHpo_nZwWMLIu8_vFCQVNiQa4kr8wOB9pLWd9a42_BU9cHeXsc55erzWh0T/s640/27341965262_b2871e3d6b_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since when is it OK to leave your diesel pick-up idling (at a gas pump!) while you sip coffee inside? We finished pumping, paid, parked and bought a coffee. By the time we left, there was a line 3 cars deep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...And we're not even complaining about the fumes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-27333094897899522942016-05-13T17:00:00.001-06:002016-05-13T17:00:12.784-06:00Who you winking at?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWz9la8eZtfRSdb9ngcLuYjfIfa3eTKkgBCJtoGf5_VWlxWIE8mAQW4qcBuGsihBJtcmd7AyHWtxm3z2Z7UPxV53pVFOjM7BI-NgOPjdbZ-pi7ewXAp9uwlPU2vhs-zGjsgQR7lK8id3Q/s1600/20160513_165816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWz9la8eZtfRSdb9ngcLuYjfIfa3eTKkgBCJtoGf5_VWlxWIE8mAQW4qcBuGsihBJtcmd7AyHWtxm3z2Z7UPxV53pVFOjM7BI-NgOPjdbZ-pi7ewXAp9uwlPU2vhs-zGjsgQR7lK8id3Q/s640/20160513_165816.jpg"> </a> </div>Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-75977493416079809062015-12-20T14:07:00.002-07:002015-12-20T14:17:50.913-07:00Abaxo Pannier Initial Review<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last time I bought panniers, George W. Bush was still in office. I was living in Boston and needed an easy way to haul stuff for my daily commute into Cambridge. I bought a Blackburn Expedition rack and a set of used Cannondale branded panniers on eBay.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/658/23870571275_b01a4e5b82_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/658/23870571275_b01a4e5b82_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the last thirteen years, the bags survived countless trips to grocery stores. I regularly overstuffed them with six packs of beer and jugs of milk. They endured years of being left outside in the salt air when I lived on Nantucket. The bags held up to the harsh sunshine of Colorado, although the fluorescent orange faded. They held up to being towed behind cars, literally thousands of miles of whipping wind gusts. They've lasted longer than my first marriage. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5730/23502678009_08d1333c78_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5730/23502678009_08d1333c78_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackburn Expedition EX-1 After 13 Years of Abuse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bags needed a few repairs along the way. The built-in elastic bungee fasteners failed, replaced with galvanized fence wire which permanently mounted them to the rack. When holes in the nylon fabric appeared, I used a glue gun to patch them together. But the journey is now reaching an end. They're falling apart. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My primary use for panniers is to provide onboard storage on a townie bike. I mostly haul groceries and sweaty yoga mats, beer and layers of clothing, and of course water bottles. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Although tempted by nice, highly rated products from Ortlieb (among others), I'm not about to go touring on this machine. I also don't want bags so expensive that I would be upset if they were stolen. In this college town, theft is a real possibility. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Surfing around the web, I found a company called Abaxo selling what looks like decent quality panniers for a very reasonable price. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> The description sounded good: "</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Waterproof nylon canvas with quick-attach mechanism with </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">highly reflective safety patches on front and back, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">extra thick heavy duty material and construction, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tapers at the bottom for extra heel clearance, h</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">andle with rubber grip for easy carrying, and a p</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">atented no-rattle attachment system plus </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">bottom spoke protection shield."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At $35.87 each (including shipping), the price was less than half comparably sized Ortliebs. Abaxo also seems to maintain high quality feedback ratings on eBay and a reasonable return policy. What did I have to lose?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Initial impressions: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/739/23574528520_ece6458b18_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/739/23574528520_ece6458b18_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still wrapped in original packaging. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5670/23502742389_09cbba5730_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5670/23502742389_09cbba5730_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick release is intelligent and intuitive. Pull up on release strap to open fasteners.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/776/23574677400_6b05a79f17_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/776/23574677400_6b05a79f17_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bottom fastener has an adjustable slide to position the bags fore/aft on the rack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5679/23870344525_533039aedb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5679/23870344525_533039aedb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fastener mechanism and locking tabs appear well made. Rivets might rust. We'll see. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5746/23787796721_60f6a4ea12_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5746/23787796721_60f6a4ea12_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Single needle stitching doesn't appear particularly durable but time will tell. The nylon is heavy material.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5682/23761934622_4c642a6ea7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5682/23761934622_4c642a6ea7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside: spoke guard and heavy plastic, riveted. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/724/23574995090_2b30fc6a70_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/724/23574995090_2b30fc6a70_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installed and ready for a test ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can find the <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/WATERPROOF-BICYCLE-REAR-PANNIERS-BIKE-TOURING-BAGS-HEAVY-DUTY-YELLOW-LARGE-/191436979012?hash=item2c92887b44">Abaxo panniers on eBay</a> in a choice of three colors. My initial impressions are that the quality is acceptable, especially for the price. I'll post an update after I put some miles on these bags. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">p.s. If you're looking for a rack to pair panniers with, I recommend the Blackburn EX-1 Expedition Rack. It has held up even better than the Cannondale panniers. I've loaded the rack with almost 3x the 45lb duty rating (buzzed girlfriend) for short rides without any issues. </span></div>
Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-61083921777383510782015-10-29T09:44:00.003-06:002015-10-29T09:44:52.847-06:00Sidi Crossfire vs...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Years ago, when I bought my first dual sport, a (now re-sold) KLR 650, part of the deal was a big discount in the store on anything they carried or could order. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first thing on my list? A proper pair of riding boots. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why boots? Because riding off road means a high risk of injury to your feet and legs. Although I had been lucky wearing just a pair of hiking boots, I've seen several riders break bones and end up on crutches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No thanks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I chose a pair of <a href="http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots/sidi-crossfire-boots/">Sidi Crossfire Adventure Boots</a> - the top of the line, albeit pre-Gore Tex version. Now, years later, I've ridden with these boots all over the country and logged tens of thousands of miles without any complaints. Although not advertised (back then) as waterproof, they've proven to be heavily water resistant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At $500+, they're my most expensive piece of kit but I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. They've performed well and proven their value. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shopping today, there are more alternatives available. I recently ran across this review of Forma Adventure Boots. At $300, a serious competitor. It's worth a read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.adventuremotorcycle.com/reviews/25-reviews/gear/1078-gear-forma-adventure-boots-review#.VjI7T7erSUk"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adventure Motorcycle Forma Adventure Review</span></a>Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-92165565495225033642015-10-14T23:46:00.003-06:002015-10-14T23:46:31.166-06:00Costco Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/656/22183730845_e5240f77bd_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/656/22183730845_e5240f77bd_k.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's adventure: a Costco run. Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-2347973065313235292015-10-08T17:22:00.000-06:002015-10-08T17:22:02.183-06:00Adventures with Blitzen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5662/22017443766_a70b14fce3_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5662/22017443766_a70b14fce3_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took a quick jaunt up Flagstaff today on Blitzen, my '75 R90/6. It was a beautiful October evening for a ride.</span>Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-75968941828451722382015-09-12T20:22:00.002-06:002015-09-12T20:22:31.860-06:003rd Gen 4Runner Maintenance UpdateBefore my recent trip to Black Rock City, I performed a major service update on my 1999 4Runner. <br />
<br />
The work included new front and rear oxygen sensors, spark plugs, spark plug wires, an oil change (Mobil 1 10w-30, Mobil 1 oil filter), new ac belt, ps belt, and alternator belt. I also bought and installed a new oil fill fill cap because the old one had begun leaking. I noticed some oil seeping from the valve covers too (it didn't occur to me later that the oil fill cap and valve cover gasket leaks were related.)<br />
<br />
And for good measure I installed an OEM roof rack and Yakima roof top box.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5669/20634603188_8ca5b008a4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5669/20634603188_8ca5b008a4_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parking lot of the auto parts store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On route to the Playa, the motor threw a Check Engine Light (CEL). I pulled over at an auto parts store and borrowed their OBD II diagnostic reader. It registered P0171 Lean, Bank 1. I noticed that I had forgotten to tighten a vacuum clamp on the intake. So I tighted it up, replaced a cracked vacuum line, and reset the code.<br />
<br />
The CEL came back. At the next auto store I am across, I pulled the MAF and cleaned it. I also replaced another questionable vacuum line. <br />
<br />
The CEL came back. I bought a new PCV and replaced it. This was the clearly contributing to the leaky oil seals. The PCV was shot.<br />
<br />
I also bought a new (remanufactured) MAF. I tried resetting the CEL with just the PCV replaced, but the CEL came back so I went ahead and replaced the MAF. The CEL no longer comes on (with about 1,100 miles of driving). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/737/20635866829_0fb858ec93_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/737/20635866829_0fb858ec93_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This MAF sensor has not been cleaned in at least 130K miles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/730/20635994550_208ef9668d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/730/20635994550_208ef9668d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remanufactured MAF sensor in front, cleaned but still faulty MAF in background</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Working on a vehicle during a road trip isn't a lot of fun. One reason to not do a major service just before a trip.<br />
<br />
Camping photos:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/695/20703644844_7884341efc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/695/20703644844_7884341efc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/670/20822504275_659823febc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/670/20822504275_659823febc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A video that would have been helpful to watch BEFORE I was on the road.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ue2MVg2Wdk" width="640"></iframe>Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-86926423913031022152015-07-06T09:16:00.000-06:002015-07-06T09:16:36.935-06:00Scenes from Cars and Coffee<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few scenes from Cars and Coffee this past weekend. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/466/19280138078_0b54a327a2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/466/19280138078_0b54a327a2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">From the boot of a gorgeous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XK150">Jaguar XK150</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/339/18790842703_5f9090c735_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/339/18790842703_5f9090c735_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just a friendly reminder from a concours quality E28-M5. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/19416308461_b41ba91e43_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/334/19416308461_b41ba91e43_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's true. The typical Rolls Royce Phantom owner probably never opens the hood. Yet for $263,200 MSRP, I'd expect a little better than this. You're looking a cheap plastic cover made to look like the top of a motor. It doesn't even sit on top well, there are huge gaps around it. It's horrible and a little sad to see so little authenticity in a marque with such a long history of the very opposite. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-7008157681203862052014-11-07T08:36:00.000-07:002014-11-07T08:36:06.059-07:00Repainting a 4Runner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6185/6131005955_eb817b3aa6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6185/6131005955_eb817b3aa6_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After 16 years of being on the road without a garage and over 180,000 miles, my 4runner was starting to look a little shabby. The clear coat had peeled completely off the roof and was mostly gone on the hood. It was also starting to peel on the top edges of the doors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What to do? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked into having local body shops here in Boulder repaint the truck. Their estimates were between $5,000 and $6,000 - an outrageous amount given the value of the vehicle. I explored having it wrapped in vinyl, which would provided a tax advantage (advertising cost), but the local wrap shop said that I'd need to have the rest of the clear coat removed prior to doing it. Plasti-dip was by far the cheapest option, but results were uncertain and it required a ton of my labor. Neither wrapping or plasti-dip would fix the rust bubble that was starting to form just above the windshield. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the end, I chose Maaco. I was hesitant, but I toured their facility in Denver (on Federal) and their higher-end paint seemed acceptable. The el-cheapo Maaco options weren't very good and the highest end "Platinum" package didn't offer any further advantage in terms of warranty or real quality. I chose their 2nd highest end "Performance" paint work with DuPont paint, a 5 year warranty, and a base cost of $1,200. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, like all warranties, there is a lot of legal language and carve-outs. Maaco's 5 year warranty is really pro-rated after 3 years and it doesn't include the rust repair, only the paint. See the table below. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFW5cfUJDhrpor2x63_NjKZc-GcPnWKF3jpSfvxeRsx-wVPCUYnIe0Zpwx5Tlvnnf_lK5B1P6fMVl9dnEs3J0AbCVbXhU7b7oWb2jMWSK7b_zmJrvv_-tsi2IKG8GKIOllCzACW5FszON/s1600/Maaco1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFW5cfUJDhrpor2x63_NjKZc-GcPnWKF3jpSfvxeRsx-wVPCUYnIe0Zpwx5Tlvnnf_lK5B1P6fMVl9dnEs3J0AbCVbXhU7b7oWb2jMWSK7b_zmJrvv_-tsi2IKG8GKIOllCzACW5FszON/s1600/Maaco1.jpg" height="290" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The paint ended up costing $1469.85, the bodywork to fix the rust bubbles was $451.20, and a new windshield was $240. With taxes, my final out the door cost ended up being about $2,206.75. Here's the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-r4Cxt3PD-DUVRxcjdnd1hVWTA/view?usp=sharing">detailed invoice</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How'd they do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the price, they did a pretty good job. I expected minor imperfections and my expectations were met. Take a look...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/15109165444_1e2b03dd99_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7538/15109165444_1e2b03dd99_b.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Paint chips in the hood are all gone. The white line above the grill is a reflection.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/15108428633_bf8c404482_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/15108428633_bf8c404482_b.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A paint drip near the side mirror. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/15542371318_340590769c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7484/15542371318_340590769c_b.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">slight over spray near the window molding</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A paint drip or two, slight over spray along window moldings. Minor imperfections that are only visible when you look closely. I expected it and can live with it. I was surprised that they painted the door handles and the mirrors, these were always just colored plastic (not painted) but they look pretty darn good. I hope the paint on these parts holds up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The only clear disappointment (so far) is that under certain light, there appears to be a very light mist of clear coat visible on dark plastic pieces of the dashboard, as if someone opened the door while there was still a clear coat mist in the air. It doesn't rub off with a fingernail, but I haven't tried a cleaner yet. I'm not sure what, if anything Maaco can do about it. I'll follow up with them and see what they say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Overall, I'm satisfied. It's a 4/5 star review with one star being deducted for barely visible mist of interior clear coating. </span><br />
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-69795183277315459352014-10-19T19:02:00.004-06:002014-10-19T19:02:59.897-06:00Dually Ford Explorer? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15392743697_1003d3222c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15392743697_1003d3222c_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
You betcha. Spotted somewhere on I-80 in Pennsylvania.<br />
<br />
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-39708547962147354962014-09-16T11:18:00.001-06:002014-09-16T11:18:38.889-06:00Meanwhile in Russia<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's how one Russian biker handles litter bugs.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Xbs6eMxa5ds?rel=0" width="853"></iframe>Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-82960965415002923422014-07-01T15:36:00.001-06:002014-07-01T15:39:25.036-06:00BMW R1200GS Starter Grenade<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7Cv3Xfj7qO9MGnouLR78cvFBBCBG7aL1bZXAFQ6ky2KvcuiJKdbbuLlRBIsgyc6w4A8BfvJtns2TOiiEeFy-RRX9TrG-OO3sYxFvXYOHA6L90siheHiETMG-ykE5CxQh2JH3de5g_r7m/s1600/14366908000_000c011a7f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7Cv3Xfj7qO9MGnouLR78cvFBBCBG7aL1bZXAFQ6ky2KvcuiJKdbbuLlRBIsgyc6w4A8BfvJtns2TOiiEeFy-RRX9TrG-OO3sYxFvXYOHA6L90siheHiETMG-ykE5CxQh2JH3de5g_r7m/s1600/14366908000_000c011a7f_o.jpg" height="348" width="640" /></a><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was at my local BMW dealer for new tires </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and noticed a new R1200GS in the service bay. It was quite clearly missing a few choice bits, most notably its fancy new water cooled motor. </span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I asked what happened. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The starter motor failed," the service adviser replied. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Wha.... you had to remove the entire engine just to replace the starter?"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No, when the starter failed it injected pieces of itself into the motor. We have to take the motor apart to remove the pieces of the starter." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a running joke among Beemer enthusiasts. First year owners are beta testers. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't be a beta tester. </span></div>
<div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-17868221565656737312014-06-16T23:59:00.002-06:002014-06-16T23:59:58.613-06:00Fiat 500 vs. New Mercedes SUVPerspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ykM3_g8TIk27kXWjHN6lSmz_Jo9NARk65PGT5txZZx7a3VJ3rjtk13g7ygTkNcjPrU1uO01ZQ5tFNacnz_QLBWiOwXnLjUlc09zRfDB1UnjPj7wS0Y_uLQEq9zcgTdZ1UZ4ItmGmEHXc/s1600/20140614_142536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ykM3_g8TIk27kXWjHN6lSmz_Jo9NARk65PGT5txZZx7a3VJ3rjtk13g7ygTkNcjPrU1uO01ZQ5tFNacnz_QLBWiOwXnLjUlc09zRfDB1UnjPj7wS0Y_uLQEq9zcgTdZ1UZ4ItmGmEHXc/s1600/20140614_142536.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-21690222098576995882014-04-22T22:01:00.003-06:002014-04-22T22:01:43.840-06:00Wr250R Chain GuideTime for a chain guide replacement on the WR250R. Old vs. new pics...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/13998012813_437d0c89c8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/13998012813_437d0c89c8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/13978445984_5fe9640160_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/13978445984_5fe9640160_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-82727557406770831532014-01-26T15:20:00.002-07:002014-01-26T15:20:49.001-07:00The Shelby American Museum<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little visit to the Carol Shelby Museum. Here's a few pics...</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><object height="450" width="600"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Foparvez%2Fsets%2F72157640193175575%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Foparvez%2Fsets%2F72157640193175575%2F&set_id=72157640193175575&jump_to="></param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=138195"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=138195" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Foparvez%2Fsets%2F72157640193175575%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Foparvez%2Fsets%2F72157640193175575%2F&set_id=72157640193175575&jump_to=" width="600" height="450"></embed></object></span>Osmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07275842841635282715noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-24968534321395450552013-10-20T12:43:00.004-06:002013-10-20T12:43:56.121-06:00TGB Hook 50 [Quick Ride]<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I called it Enzo. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rented on the island of Bermuda for about $80 ($50+$30 insurance), the Taiwan Golden Bee Hook is 50cc of two stroke fury. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrydYQlt7X1WFWstE0tnKD01sJltYT5UIMp14fKZ0oIXoMTwBhscd6neCc7Cg5zV6mOvm93xPxWrR4fLpdC1ywctbUxp8F_2KyIKJse4w1KT_iX2YB_hqOWqJvdycMUa8EVxAk2kMzI5O/s1600/XU7A1512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrydYQlt7X1WFWstE0tnKD01sJltYT5UIMp14fKZ0oIXoMTwBhscd6neCc7Cg5zV6mOvm93xPxWrR4fLpdC1ywctbUxp8F_2KyIKJse4w1KT_iX2YB_hqOWqJvdycMUa8EVxAk2kMzI5O/s640/XU7A1512.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The single cylinder motor produces 4.5 HP and drives power to the rear wheel through a covered belt. Like most scooters, there are no gears to shift or clutch to feather. It features a continuously variable transmission. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just twist the throttle and pick up your feet. Brakes? A bit grabby but functional. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The suspension, after 20,000 KM, was noticeably shot and the body showed signs of past encounters with stationary objects. Still, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enzo was surprisingly fun to ride. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Leaning forward into the wind, on a slight downhill, I managed a top speed of an indicated 55km/h or about 34 mp/h. On Bermuda's twisty single lanes, it was thrilling speed on 12 inch wheels. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fuel efficiency? No clue, but I'm guessing about 250-300 km out of the 1.8 gallon tank. Plus, the smoke from the back will keep the mosquitoes at bay. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJSXUTX24sk-Nnix1oTPAKSZCyATea3bKXKY35G_65wfZPfuCrNFaAwgue4wSxHu4wX8nxjrM-7BmIBN49YLqDJvVTCGuuneb8Lc85P3OFWrsJsiGBzAfCnCtwFa6_9qkJTWunTMYNRrb/s1600/XU7A1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJSXUTX24sk-Nnix1oTPAKSZCyATea3bKXKY35G_65wfZPfuCrNFaAwgue4wSxHu4wX8nxjrM-7BmIBN49YLqDJvVTCGuuneb8Lc85P3OFWrsJsiGBzAfCnCtwFa6_9qkJTWunTMYNRrb/s640/XU7A1513.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The controls and dash on Enzo are basic, but well laid out. Despite living in the sea air and humidity, plastic and metal were also holding up well. The speedometer for example, was sparkling clear. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Overall, I was impressed. This scoot is well designed, aesthetically pleasing and reasonably durable. Believe it or not, it'll even carry two adults. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818454432530338399.post-60904384641275432892013-05-12T10:30:00.002-06:002013-05-12T10:30:41.540-06:00Jnscaggs Slim Rack Installation (WR250R/WR250X)One of the first farkles you'll probably want to add to your WRR is a cargo rack. The bike is now in its sixth year of production, so lots of options are available. <br />
<br />
I chose a slim rack made by a WRR forum member. It's billet aluminum, well designed, and looks perfect on the bike. It also weighs very little. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2MH2VkufXELRCp_z0lMpKiaGMIsMzjCtv2dcSPQPATDWjqH9xX_chTieJh55sR0gAzPfeYYYgVRGPS2KW3N42fHJE3Mbh26NIAgxhOaY8dxxwUhHR0o8LWmQ3-8jXxp3D-HjoG5vB1pX/w645-h363-no/20130511_155041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2MH2VkufXELRCp_z0lMpKiaGMIsMzjCtv2dcSPQPATDWjqH9xX_chTieJh55sR0gAzPfeYYYgVRGPS2KW3N42fHJE3Mbh26NIAgxhOaY8dxxwUhHR0o8LWmQ3-8jXxp3D-HjoG5vB1pX/w645-h363-no/20130511_155041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the years, I've learned that lighter is better with dual sport bikes - especially if you plan on serious off road riding. Larger racks are available, but they look clunky and they don't really increase cargo capacity. Remember, anything you're carrying gets strapped down. <br />
<br />
A few days after ordering the rack, it arrived in the mail. In the box: the rack and mounting hardware, <b>but no instructions</b>. I'm not sure if that was an oversight or not, but here are a couple of notes for those who follow.<br />
<br />
1. Remove the seat and side covers. The side covers each have one bolt. The seat is held on by two bolts beneath the fender. <br />
<br />
2. A single rubber band holds down the computer.<br />
<br />
3. Two black 10mm bolts hold the rear cover in place<br />
<br />
4. Four bolts to remove the tail light assembly from the subframe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl4LKhyphenhyphen9zm1jnh4KXlcPfAG9kEY-J0zEQEIdSpGOFAUu6HSlvWQQJ549_di7_jz0mCXcVKkso9HD3eF9IqCLJjtu2jHXRuBWlwMNeUxFG4NUJIR7Hhr1BNStSMLRmCL41YK0_hnRPY552/w645-h363-no/20130511_144600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl4LKhyphenhyphen9zm1jnh4KXlcPfAG9kEY-J0zEQEIdSpGOFAUu6HSlvWQQJ549_di7_jz0mCXcVKkso9HD3eF9IqCLJjtu2jHXRuBWlwMNeUxFG4NUJIR7Hhr1BNStSMLRmCL41YK0_hnRPY552/w645-h363-no/20130511_144600.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
5. The mounting points are pre-marked on the cover. They are dabbed with white out in the picture above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdymzbbgbb3sjwT4k2fD-4t-CD0W0adXeSylSGWNk2yok9MVMDGYqebfU8_qmxw3stxuZxmS2noi2-GQ5qIjpDu-cW77Qv5L1lgjeJ7Mw8-Pjj57XDkHFQwu9n1YRpeJm8Fdo39fZz2rAM/w645-h363-no/20130511_151821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdymzbbgbb3sjwT4k2fD-4t-CD0W0adXeSylSGWNk2yok9MVMDGYqebfU8_qmxw3stxuZxmS2noi2-GQ5qIjpDu-cW77Qv5L1lgjeJ7Mw8-Pjj57XDkHFQwu9n1YRpeJm8Fdo39fZz2rAM/w645-h363-no/20130511_151821.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
6. Yamaha uses extremely soft plastic. I recommend drilling a small pilot hole and then working your way up in size. The aluminum sleeves are slightly larger than 12mm. Use a 12.5mm bit. I only had a 12.0mm bit, so I widened the holes slightly be angling the bit and turning it by hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh_badcGcSf-ib1gSlSXo9lF8STO_LOK1h2rDI3C1r1xp44dad-oEvZsABi5m-RK7i7RW32_CYwWsHtOBAtr7onFbOmfQkiwcxxyM3E7XlLmP3BKY_OcpflAc0UsG4v6kz_CFJZy4KRYN/w645-h363-no/20130511_155036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh_badcGcSf-ib1gSlSXo9lF8STO_LOK1h2rDI3C1r1xp44dad-oEvZsABi5m-RK7i7RW32_CYwWsHtOBAtr7onFbOmfQkiwcxxyM3E7XlLmP3BKY_OcpflAc0UsG4v6kz_CFJZy4KRYN/w645-h363-no/20130511_155036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
7. The sleeves go through the plastic and the rack will sit slightly above the plastic cover (pictured above). This will make it easy to slip hooks or tie downs around the slots in the rack. <br />
<br />
8. Don't forget to use loc-tite on all your bolts when you reassemble. Oh, and double check to make sure the cover is seated correctly. There is a small rubber mounting point at the end of the cover that is easy to overlook. <br />
<br />
<b>Additional Resources</b><br />
<a href="http://wr250rforum.forumotion.com/t6867-the-new-slim-big-racks-billet-cargo-racks" target="_blank">Jnscaggs order page</a><br />
<a href="http://wr250rforum.forumotion.com/t6640-new-billet-cargo-rack-available" target="_blank">Discussion thread (with lots of pics)</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0