Wilsons Sandbox

>>> "Mike Reaves" 06/26/00 08:43AM >>>

Way is it when I change to a larger jet in the carb the milage goes down? Mike, You forgot one basic element of your scenario--you have not changed your gearing. In theory, if at 50 mph your engine turns at 4000 rpm and draws 100 cfm through the carb to use 1 gal. with say a 126 main, then with a 160 main at 100 cfm at 50 mph running 4000 rpm, you will use more fuel due to the increased fuel supply with the same volume of air fuel mixture. To benefit from increased power you would need a re-gearing to cruise at say 3200 rpm and use the same amount of fuel (1 gph at 50 mph). All the above figures are not intended to reflect actual experience and are for discussion purposes only. Rob

> > "KLR, Huh? Not too many of those around. A 50/50 tire? Those bikes > are scary off-road because they are so heavy. You need a street tire or > this pure knobby and just suck up the loss in gas mileage on the > street." > A classic and my favorite. Yeah, isolate the customer adn make them > feel like they have a crappy bike. I'll never shop there again. Ah, > customer service.

I haven't had any experiences that were bike-specific, but there's a bike dealer about a mile from my home that I just started using. The owner is kinda snooty. Maybe because he's a Husaberg, KTM & Husky dealer? I asked him about a few items I was looking for, and for some of them he said, "Well, such a thing exists, but I don't carry it." Look, buddy, if I didn't know it existed, I wouldn't be asking for it. Prices are high, too. Front tire for my streetbike was about $20 more than in the Chapparral catalog, and even though shipping would reduce the difference a bit, I think I'll only be going to this guy for emergency items. Oh, and he surcharges for the credit card, too. Even had the same problem at the Kawi dealer, with some young kid behind the parts counter. Needed a rear tube, and he didn't think they had anything that big. Look, don't you service what you sell? This is in high contrast to the guy who is usually there (older). Recognizes me and knows me by name, even though I only go there every 4-6 months, hardly what I'd consider a regular customer. Sheesh. Kids these days. As for taking crap for motorcycle type/protective gear, etc., you guys are right on about the "pedestrian" and BDC questions. My experience is that the guys who ride because they like to ride don't care what kind of bike you're on, as long as you're riding too. When I was riding through southern CO, I coincidentally passed through during the Iron Horse Rally. On my way back to Durango from Imogene pass, I stopped at a rest area to take a break, and there were three couples on Harleys there, on their way to the rally. These guys were pretty tough/hardcore, and worked in a copper mine in AZ. But, they were friendly as could be. Even offered me a beer! They rode Harleys because that's what they wanted to ride (vs. image), and were even joking about reliability problems. ("The rear disc fell right off... Must've been an AMF model!") Passed through Sturgis one year, too (in a car). Saw a pair of beautiful Gold Wings... On a trailer. (?!?!) Dang WHOREs. (We Haul Our Rides Everywhere.) Sorry, just wanted to get that one in. Chris A5 Vigilante