FOUR-STROKE OWNERS CLUB

JACK ROBINSON, FSSNOC #000 / Director

OUR DIRECTOR'S PAGE....  (now updated weekly, oh yeah!!!)

Welcome to the FSSNOC WEBSITE! I hope you'll enjoy what you see and read at this site.   This site is not designed to replace our beloved THUMPER NEWS magazine-style newsletter, however we do hope it will be a companion vehicle that will be used to inform the general public about who we are, what we're up to, and how they can join us. We are a club. We are here to enjoy one another and to  enjoy our Single Cylinder Four-Stroke motorcycles. If you view this site and like what you see, please join and support us with your membership. Tell others about us. Sign-up your friends and family. Help us to KEEP ON THUMPIN' .....   ( NOTE:  If you're new to our Site , be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this Director's Page for our mission statement and other fun stuff.... cool

        Take Note of a New Exciting Format...   This is an Online On-going Rolling Newsletter if you will - not to replace our totally unique THUMPER NEWS Quarterly, of course ... no way we'd do that ... but to give us all a weekly venue with constantly changing information and conversation ... and it's all about THUMPERS!

        Here's how it works...  Do you have a thumper or club related question or comment?  Do you have something thumper-related to sell?  Are you wanting to locate and purchase a thumper or some thumper-related part or accessory?  Do you have a short story or some tips that we'd all enjoy or could benefit from reading?  Do you have details of an event in your area to share with us?  Send your thoughts via e-mail to our club e-mail address at   fssnoc@yahoo.com  where our club Electro-Media Correspondent (EMC), "Rapid Ron", FSSNOC #1214, is standing by to respond back to you...  Be sure to put your FSSNOC member number on your subject line and indicate your name and address in the text. Generally we prefer to use only the first name, the Clubmember number and the state on our 'site.   Also FSSNOC does reserve the right to respond in whatever fashion we want or to not respond at all and any/all subject matter and information will become the property of the Club to use as we desire...  so, with all that said, Let's Get Thumpin'!   Oh Yeah, Preface your communication with " Dear Mr. Thumper" or some form thereof, okay...

...................JUNE 22,2008.............................SUMMERTIME is officially here!  Maybe we can all get out there and ... THUMP!

First of all, let me tell you all that Dennis, #4950 (WA) now should have an actual working e-mail address, due to my misunderstanding of the original address, sorry all.  See the corrected address in the second article of June 15/16,2008 below. Thanks for your patience...

WE HEAR FROM MICHAEL B. OF CANADA...  DEAR MR. THUMPER:   I'll be there for my 1st FSSNOC event (!) on the 28th. I hope to be on a Single, but technical problems may necessitate a Guzzi V-Twin.  If so, I'll happily park it out-of-sight.  Hopefully all will be well with the Honda NX650 though...   (NOTE:  Great news, Michael ... It'll make it an "INTERNATIONAL" ThumperCafe event!  See You soon, Jack #000)

Ken Conrad, #4800 (MT) writes...  DEAR MR. THUMPER:  Had to plug the ThumperCafe in Philipsburg, MT in our MTBMW Riders Newsletter, have been talking it up to members, too.  Maybe we'll get a few folks from MTBMW to attend and to join FSSNOC, as well.  Regards, Ken.   (NOTE: Ken is the Life-plus-ten President of the MTBMW (Montana BMW Riders Club) and he knows Montana like the back of his windscreen!  These hearty guys and gals ride at least once a month the year around to somewhere in Montana to Eat and Greet ... Ken is the one who suggested the Sunshine Station as a site for ThumperCafe #18... Ken, We appreciate your efforts to recruit folks for FSSNOC!!!  As this high dollar gasoline drives up everything else, we're all going to begin to squeal ... and this might have an effect (much like 911 did!!! ) on FSSNOC membership in a negative way.  Though FSSNOC membership costs LESS THAN A DIME A DAY, some may drop it in an effort to reduce their outlay of funds. To offset this, You and I will need to work all that much harder to spread the Thumper word and to bring in more new members to offset those that fall to the wayside...  On a positive side, have you noticed the increased motorcycle count in the traffic in your town like I have here in ThumperVille?  Old bikes, New bikes, Scooters... they're everywhere, and many, if not most, are ... FOUR-STROKE SINGLES!  Let's ALL view this in a positive light and get out there and tell all these new folks about FSSNOC ... make it a priority, eh?  Again, Thanks, Ken ... for all your support and help with this event, see Ya' soon! ... Jack, #000)

ON THE LOCAL SCENE:  You may recall our conversation concerning a local event for June 14, 2008 here in ThumperVille, called the 2nd Annual Salt Fest Motorcycle Tour (Scroll down to read if desired..).  It was a great success and you Thumper-riders helped with that success!  A big Thanks comes from the folks at Salt Fest for your participation in that event.  How big was it?  180 paid participants, and for this neck-of-the-woods, that ain't too bad...  They ran out of t-shirts early on, and I'm still looking forward to mine.  Most riders rode over 100 miles and many rode the maximum miles of 173!  Road bikes, Street bikes, Scooters, and Thumpers, of course ... it was a real mix of machines. A nice day. A nice ride. Thanks, Salt Fest!

BACK TO THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL SCENES:  SIX DAYS!    (Remember the ISDT?  It stood for International Six-Days Trials... In our case, it could be for the next few hours, the INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS THUMP..., Sorry, I digress. ) Anyhow, Can YOU believe it?  Be at the Sunshine Station Cafe in Philipsburg, Montana to Meet, Greet, and Eat ... and bring your Thumper ... we'd love to see it and you too, of course!  Hwy 1 ... here we come!  Here in ThumperVille, we have a small group of Montana-bound Thumperists gathering at the local Soda Fountain for our usual Tuesday morning Biscuits and Gravy session at 9:30AM, and we'll be heading-out maybe about 10:30 or 11:00, depending on the flow of conversation. (Come See Us Off... )  As a reminder to those folks, be gassed and ready to rock!  Our first nightly stop is to be Colby,Ks where we'll be camping out ... in the local Comfort Inn.  As I recall, that afternoon ride should be in the neighborhood of 260 miles..., our shortest day.

Day two is slated for a pretty serious day of 500 miles ... no big deal, you say?  Remember, we are a group and a group moves slower than a solo, in most cases.  As a rule-of-thumb, I generally add 10% for each rider over the solitary number of "one".  So, using this math, our group should require 50% MORE time to reach our destination than any "one" of us riding alone ...  So, with that being said, I usually average about 45 mile per hour east of the Mississippi, and 50 mile per hour west of the Mississippi (no I-Roads).  500 miles divide by 50 = 10 hours.  Not a bad day, including gas stops, meals, a couple of short breaks, a nap, etc...  but, factor in the math and I get 15 hours with a group of Six. Hummmm?  So, we roll at 7AM ... and we get there at 10PM.  That's a long day and we'll arrive in Rawlins, WY in the very dark of night, not good...  Back to my plan of off-setting the cost of high-dollar fuel (See June 15th ... last paragraph), hopefully we can save a bit of time by eliminating a lengthy lunch, that might buy us 30 minutes, now we arrive at 9:30PM.  On the down-side, "Poo-der" Canyon road, CO. #14, as I recall, is a 45 mph speed limit for many miles (!), that'll hurt ... we may have to eliminate the Group nap... (grin).

Day Three is to be 430 miles, ending at Red Lodge,MT ... just at the far end (from ThumperVille) of the BearTooth Pass Highway, a "don't miss" for this trip.  By now, our group skills will be honed to a higher perfection, or they won't...

Day Four ... we tried for Butte,Mt.  Then we tried Helena,MT.  Then Missoula,MT. ... and lastly, Great Falls,MT.  We found accommodations at Great falls, but ... wow!  Then , through a tip from another FSSNOCer,  (Thank You, Max & Greg!)  we tried the tiny town of Drummond, just up the road from Philipsburg ... BINGO!  The LAST two rooms! And, a pleasant day of 293 miles or so...

Those are our plans ... and plans are subject to change, sometimes as early as the first corner!  Oh well...

 Tune back in to this site through the next several days, you just might get lucky (punk)...  Motor-Mike has a new toy.  It's a 7 inch computer.  It can send very small e-mails, and stuff...  If this be true, we may attempt to update this site each night, once we get on the road, but don't be surprised if it doesn't happen, okay?  There is some concern that this hopped-up Palm-Pilot only speaks Chinese...

That's It For Tonight...  Get out there tomorrow and sign-up a new member to FSSNOC ... and if YOU aren't currently a member, Now is the time to come clean and send us yer dime (a day...), okay? $34.00 USA, ($42.00 USA if your mailing address in Out-Of-The-USA)- It's all we ask...   You faithful FSSNOC members out there ... You're the greatest! Thanks for YOUR support!  Thump On!   Jack, #000 FSSNOC/Director

...................JUNE 15/16 (Part two of June 15,2008 below)..................... WE HEAR FROM LYNN F, #1602 MT. 

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Montana has been having WILD weather, along with the rest of the country.  A record snowfall of 6.8 inches of snow two days ago, and now a 70 degree day is forecast for today.  Nice to get all this out of the way before ThumperCafe #18!  I have two websites:  A)  Montana Dept of Transportation is www.mdt.mt.gov   A good place for road construction details, etc...  B) The more exciting one of the two is  www.rideMT.com   Motorcyclists may go there to view motorcycle friendly scenic roads, etc...  even has the top ten rides in Montana for motorcycles, and of course, Philipsburg is on one such route.  The Great Falls Tribune states:  "Montana is warming up to motorcyclists."  This website is one indication...  Best Wishes!  Lynn, #1602 (MT).   (Note:  Thanks, Lynn ... for that input.  We look forward to seeing you and Montana soon!  ...JK, #000

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   I have two older Suzuki Four-Stroke Singles that I'd appreciate help with...  a model SP500 with a bad motor, and a GN400 that needs rewiring.  Anyone with knowledge of these two machines, It'd be great if I could talk to you.  Call 425-353-6651 - this is a multi-person line so please ask to leave a message for Dennis and I.D. yourself as a FSSNOC member  or you may e-mail me at...  lordeoin@hotmail.com   Thanks...  Dennis, #4950 (WA.)

That's Part two ... if you haven't read part one below, please do so...  Thanks For Listenin'... Jack, #000 Director/FSSNOC                 

....................JUNE 15, 2008.................................. THE CLOCK IS TICKING!  Less than two weeks to our THUMPERCAFE-USA #18 in Montana.  Last week brought up to 6 inches of snow in the higher elevations of that area of Montana, according to the TV Weather Channel.  Local Ski Resorts have re-opened...  What does this do to my plans?  Not much...  Weather changes faster than a speeding Thumper!  100 degrees here in ThumperVille today.  Wheat is ripe and ready for cutting to the South.  It's almost the official "First Day of Summer", June 21... 

Next week I plan to do an oil change on the DR650... more Mobil One (motorcycle) and yet another factory Suzuki filter, and I hope to be in business.  I did order my first replacement part for the DR650 last week, however ...  one of the allen-head bolts that holds on the heat-shield onto the headerpipe jumped ship at some point.  There is some sort of fiber washer under the shield, which I assume shrank due to heat and reheat cycles, allowing the bolt to rattle loose. A philips-head bolt from my stock of cycle-parts-unnecessary (cpu ... we all got'em) holds the shield on for now... My fault, should have checked it for tightness one more time. Not a big deal, except the allen wrench size is too small to allow a really tight torque using a simple "L" shaped allen-wrench, guess I need to use the "T" handle allen and some fresh lock-tite, eh?

Everytime I go to the Mountains, I struggle with what to take for a riding jacket...  the heavy (and toasty) 3/4 length Enduro-style motorcycle coat ... or ... the ventilated mesh-style jacket with the body-armor, actually both jackets have the body-armor.  And, do I take the electric vest or leave it at home?  Today, with the high heat (100 degrees), I'm favoring the ventilated jacket with a wind-resistant and waterproof inner liner plus the electric vest, just in case it gets cold and or wet.  Nothing feels better under a rainsuit than my electric vest!  Gloves will probably include both my lightweight leather "rancher" gloves and the Olympic Winter gloves.  Leather pants will no doubt be the order of the day, though they can get warm in city traffic out on the Plains in summer weather...  Protection from road-rash is a big benefit, tho ... I always know when I'm going to get on the bike, but I may not know the next time I'll be gettin' off... and I been there before!  Helmet?  That's an easy one ... I always wear a full face style helmet with a faceshield ... no ifs' ands, or buts!

"These boots were made for walkin'..."            Nope, not mine.  I wear leather motorcycle riding boots for the ride.  Why leather boots?  Well, in case of that unexpected "get-off" it might help to save my toes ... I need all of them for math and such...     If room allows, I try to take a set of  leather-sandels for uhhh ... evening wear and social settings, like supper and stuff.  I've worn these same boots for years and years and miles and miles, probably in access of 100K.  Same goes for the leather pants ... yeah, I know,  I look a bit "weathered", and I kinda like it that way, sets me apart from all those folks wearing the shiny, squeaky new coal-black head-to-toe leather.  Sometimes people come up to me and ask me how long I been riding?  I always assumed it was because I looked like a seasoned rider ... could it be they are asking when was the last time I had a good clean-up???

And, speaking of social settings, I generally carry a really ugly pair of lounging-pants from Wally-World.  They roll-up much smaller and lighter than blue-jeans and they can double for Long-Handles in case of cool/cold weather ... and in a squeak, they'll get me into a swanky cafe for a nice evening dinner. I constantly try to use items that have at least two uses (dual-purpose?), thereby reducing the number of items taken by one-half.  Make sense?  

Not to get personal here, but underneath the gear, I'll most likely opt for (in addition to a couple of FSSNOC shirts, of course..) the Nike "heat-gear" polyester-type t-shirts and the same for shorts...  I've found that if I take two sets of these items I can:  A) wash one set and wear the other.  or  B) wear both sets for unexpected cool/cold temps.  I have ridden down to 32 degrees with this layered-thinking using both sets of summer-wear undershirts/shorts, the electric vest, the inner liner and the mesh jacket on top ... not perfect but I've survived. I do take a full rainsuit as I don't feel the inner liner is totally adequate in a chilling mountain rain.  Oh yeah, I shouldn't forget my "short-handles"...  what is that, you ask?  Well, many years ago I discovered that the cold air could go up my sleeves due to a gap between my coat sleeves and my gloves ... and in the summer riding season, I noticed a band of sunburn in that same area, what to do?  Easy.  Invent something.  So, I invented the "Short Handles" (as opposed to the more common "Long Handles" we all know and love...). Socks became my source.  Old worn-out white work-type socks.  I cut the top off, which was still in like-new condition, and slipped them over my wrists to interface between the gloves and the jacket sleeve ... simple.  I never leave home without them...  I began a market campaign in Thumper News offering these "short-handles" for $9.95 or, as I advised in the ad, you can simply cut the top off your own socks.  Never sold a pair!  (But we had a lot of fun with that ad!)

Lastly, I take a FSSNOC  "ThumperCafe" ball-cap for off-the-bike comfort and style, and to be really cool.  And, I take a generic, bright-colored scarf to go around my neck ... it acts as a sound-buffer at the base of the helmet for wind, tire, and exhaust sounds, all of which will tire the rider, and that be me. That same scarf can act as a sun-barrier for the back of my neck on a hot and sunny ride, and I have used it, rotated 180 degrees like Jesse James (the infamous western cowboy-days one, not the chopper-guy), to shield my nostrils from dust and dirt or spring/summer pollen.  If it gets cool/cold I plan to have my winter-neck warmer stashed not too far out of reach.  This can feel real good atop a mountain pass or in the early morning in case I have to get up and get rollin', "ie ... Come on. We're burnin' daylight here!"  Bet we've all heard that one...    Why the bright color for the Scarf?  Two reasons:  A scarf , flowing in the wind, makes one appear... dashing, if you will.  And... it attracts the eye and hopefully the attention (see reason one) of fellow-motorists (safety?) and it makes it easier to locate after I've removed it at a break or for a meal or overnite. Wow, that's actually three reasons....

A helmet liner?  Nope, I don't take one ... but I do enjoy a relatively fresh haircut before the ride.  Less hair, less heat, less hassle.  So, anything else...?  Oh, here it comes... ? What am I going to do about the price of gasoline????  Read on, Dear Rider...

A neighbor said, "Gee... Yer really lucky to have that motorcycle to ride.  These high gas prices won't affect you!"   HUH?  Of course they will and do affect me (and other motorcycle riders)!  The affect of the increase in fuel costs is the same for us as for the SUV driver ... it has doubled and tripled and quad-drupled - plus, if you care to go back far enough...  "Well, Shucks ... I can remember my FIRST motorcycle trip.  My bride and I rode a 250cc H-D Sprint "H" on a 2400 mile, four-state trip in 1967.  Gas?  I can tell you this  ... $12.00 for the entire trip!" ... true story. My story.  As I recall, gasoline could have been 26 cents per gallon or so, and the ole Sprint did 50-60 mpg, even packing double...  So, back to the question. What am I gonna do???       I'm gonna eat beans.  Yeah.  Beans.   59 cents a can.  No refrig required.  A dented can, no problem.  Cooking hardware?  Sure ... a can opener and a spoon.  Beans.  Any kind. Any brand.  High in food value.  Cheap to buy. Free Entertainment later. (Pull my finger?)   Oatmeal for breakfast (in those packets ... add hot tap water). A cold bottle of V-8 juice about 10AM. A can of Beans for lunch. Lots of drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated. A nice set-down bag of micro-pop popcorn for supper.  It's the Thumpers-On-The-Road diet!  Saves time (means I get farther down the road, maybe even save one night's accommodations). Saves money (so I can pay the fuel costs).  Saves weight (I need to buff-up a bit anyway ... grin). Now this may not be a good diet for you..be sure to check with your Doctor before using this diet or any other diet.  Affects may vary.

Well ... that's my plan for me ... and I'm stickin' to it ... maybe. 

Wishing You all a pleasant evening and a refreshing nights rest!  Philipsburg, here I come...  Thump On! -Jack,#000/Director/FSSNOC.  

....................JUNE 10, 2008......................  Greetings from ThumperVille!   Hope all is well with you and yours... Today---More rain, more wind, more small hail...  but so far the weekend looks good.  Speaking of the weekend, for all you FSSNOCers within a few hundred kilometers/miles, don't forget the big "Poker Run" event in So. Hutchinson (at 810 No. Main St.) on Saturday (the 14th).  Something I thought of... the checkpoints are all accessible by about 95% dirt, should some of you dual-sport types want to get involved. There is an "early bird" sign-in, so arrive at the 1:30PM sign-in to give yourself more road time before the awards/prizes giveaway at or soon after 7:30PM ... I'm told that sign-in is slated for 1:30 to 3:00, maybe later if the demand is there.  The word on the street is for a large turnout...  Should you come, be sure to wear your FSSNOC shirt, eh? And, speaking of shirts, for your $10 entry, you are invited to receive a motorcycle t-shirt valued at $15 for FREE..!  Carrie and I are planning to "work" the event and it'd be great to see ya'. The event does have it's own website, give it a look at  www.MotorcycleFunForYou.com  (This is not a FSSNOC-sponsored event.)

.....DEAR MR. THUMPER:  A question about the club shirts... (from Matthew, #4912 (IL.)..)  The order form on this website says to add a dollar for color, does that mean I can order any color shirt I want?  Like maybe the Matchless or AJS shirts in red or green with the black print on it?  Thanks!  Matthew, #4912.       ANSWER:  Sure you can, Matthew.  Order up.  It is a good idea to give a first choice, second choice and maybe even a third choice just to cover all the bases...  Sometimes a certain color will work better than others or perhaps the company doesn't offer that particular color, then we'd give choice number two a try, rather than the process coming to a standstill.  Color shirts are "special order" so you can expect some delay over a white tee.  Take note that you may choose a cotton tee as well... tho I wear the 50/50 and find them quite comfortable.  The shirt folks say that cotton won't work quite as well with the logos, in other words, they prefer the 50/50 blended shirts, or so it seems to me.  Cotton also adds $5 to the price of the garment.   Of special note,  we can get long sleeve shirts, too.  I just got myself three new ones with the new "ThumperCafe" logo...  Add $5.00 for long sleeve version...  Why long-sleeve, you might ask?  Sun can damage skin, or so we are told.  Repeated and long periods of sunshine aren't good, so the long-sleeve helps to protect the arms when I'm off the bike.  I got one in ash, one in gold (bright!) and one in white ... they all look really sharp with the red and black logo of an Ascot and an SRX.  Should you desire to order one of these... $15.00 + $4.00 freight is the current price for the short sleeve style.  Ask for the ThumperCafe Shirt.  Order from:  FSSNOC Club Store,  P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson,Ks. 67504-1809. Make your check or money order out to:  FSSNOC,INC.     Hope that answers your inquiry, Matthew...  Thanks for asking!  ... Jack, #000

.....GOING TO MONTANA FOR THE JUNE 28, 2008 THUMPERCAFE?  (Sure!  I wouldn't miss it!  Isn't everyone going??)  The time is now to get things in order so I can go...  Number one is getting the DR650 ready to go...  An oil change for sure.  Hopefully the tires will make the trip.  A wash job would be nice after the two rain storms I rode in Sunday afternoon.    Number two is to get all the things around the house in order, you know... Lawn, etc.  Number three is to get off from work, and in my case, that means doing some club stuff ahead of schedule so as to not panic upon my return.  You clubmembers will need to be aware that I'll be on-the-road (It's a dirty job, but SOMEONE has to do it!...) so mail, etc. may be delayed a bit... Number four might be to do some route planning, though this can be subject to change soon after I ride out of the driveway.  "Rapid Ron" is planning to be back on the job, manning the e-mail  ( FSSNOC@yahoo.com ) sometime early to mid-week next week.  While on the subject of the event, we'll have a "My Favorite Thumper" bike judging, by you, the attendees.  It isn't cool to vote for your own bike so please don't do it...  There will be three classes of "My Favorite Thumper" based on the years or era of manufacture.  We'll be furnished a ballot of sorts and we'll use the license tag number to determine which bike is being voted for...  so be sure to put your license tag number on the sign-in sheet correctly and plainly so we can read it, very important!  When you arrive, look about for the FSSNOC sign-in area and do that early on, I'll most likely be manning this post myself and I'd really like to meet YOU in person. It is always great to put a face with the name and get to know you just a bit...  Oh yeah, be prepared to pay the $7 for lunch and the $5 event fee at sign-in.  Also remember that at the ThumperCafe, Jardine Products are giving away absolutely free an exhaust for a Thumper, check their website at  www.jardineproducts.com  for a fitment list and other exciting details and products. Send'em an e-mail and tell them that we appreciate their involvement in our club...

.....That's it for now.  Thanks for listenin'...  write when you can, ya' hear?  Keep On Thumpin'...  Jack, #000 FSSNOC/Director   

....................June 4, 2008.........................  What A Day!  250 miles for lunch (total for to & fro).  98 degrees when I got back to the house, just in time to mow (!)...  If I pass out during this report, that's why...

DEAR MR. THUMPER GUY:   Magazine sure looks good these days. (Thank You!..JK)  FOR SALE:  Is your rear tire getting a bit worn?  I have a brand new Bridgestone Trail-Wing rear tire, 5:10 X 17, TW18 ... this is a good choice for dirt and road.  It'll fit Honda XRs, Suzuki DRs, etc.  How about $45.00 plus a little for shipping? (I think that is about half-price! ..JK)  Call Brian at 205-527-1040 or e-mail  slark8350@comcast.net   Thanks!  ...Brian. #3853 (AL)   (Note:  Brian is on staff at the Barber Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama, located at 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway ... zip is 35094.  Phone is 205-702-8733 and fax is 205-702-8700.   www.barbermuseum.org   If you get anywhere close to this "neck-of-the-woods", be sure to stop by ... it'll absolutely knock your shocks off! ... jack,#000)

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  Clocks 4 bikes.  Waterproof Motorcycle Clocks and Thermometers.  Where?  Ross B. Harjes, Owner at 601-259-1884 or toll free at 1-866-856-5825.   ross@clocks4bikes.com   632 Stokes Rd, Flora,MS. 39071.      Kansas Fssnoc member, Mike (with the chromed-out KLR!) gave us this guys card.  Mike has a clock, I've seen it and it's a beauty...  Your choice of white or black face. Mike was impressed that it was marketed as "waterproof " instead of the usual "water-resistant" ... big difference.  Everything is water-resistant, to a degree, eh?  All chrome mount, held on with a set-screw...  Can be moved from bike to bike...  FYI.

HEY MR. THUMPER:  We will see you in Philipsburg!  At this time, there are four Suzuki Savages in our group.  One Lady is actually flying in from Hawaii to ride with us.  Four ... and maybe more, we'll see.  See Ya' in Montana!!  Greg & Julie, #4666/#4667 (WA).   (Note:  Greg and Julie are reacting to the "Max-imum Challenge" put forth in the May 26th Report below ... which was to challenge all/any Suzuki Savage and/or S-40 Blvd owners/riders to show-up for the ThumperCafe in Philipsburg, Montana on June 28th for the Meet-Greet-Eat affair. Consider yourself invited!  If you aren't yet a member, act now or act then or don't act at all... it's your call.  Our goal is to have a line of LS650/S-40s of at LEAST 10 machines and hopefully maybe twice that...  Can it be done?   No ... not without YOU!  But with YOU, Yeah!!!

SPEAKING OF "MAX, #3608 (WA)... He writes-  I have a trailer I want to tow with my Suzuki Savage LS650.  At the Oregon ThumperCafe last year, one of the FSSNOC members had a trailer on behind his Yamaha 400cc Scooter and was using a hitch in lieu of the rear-seat.  I'd like input please on that (fifth-wheel) design vs. what seems to be more like what the HD?Wing folks use (a coupler at the rear axle/height).  Thanks in advance for your thoughts... (websites, experiences, etc).  If anyone would rather share or visit with just me, they may e-mail me direct at maxm@moseslake-wa.com  subject: cycle trailer ... or send it to the club for this site via "Dear Mr. Thumper"... at fssnoc@yahoo.com  or snail-mail it to Director Jack at FSSNOC headquarters:  FSSNOC  P.O.Box 1809,  Hutchinson,Ks. 67504-1809    ....See you in Philipsburg for the ThumperCafe! ....Max.

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  In reference to Don from Florida, whose question about Sprints in general and cylinder wear on a horizontal-design motor. (Next to the last paragraph on the May 19,2008 report below...)  I'm no engineer but I've mic'd my share of Sprint cylinders.  Any cylinder will be oval due to the thrust and pull effect of the rod and piston.  The weight of the piston and rod on a motor of this design will be more on the bottom.  Also, the most wear is at the top of the cylinder, this wear is taper-wear.  Chrome rings will cut the cylinder and some say "true the hole".  I don't like chrome rings as they wear the cylinder faster.  Plain steel rings wear to the hole if one is just re-ringing.  I have a machinist friend that bores my cylinders and all have only been cut once. I use Wiesco pistons (..0025 clearance) except in my first bike.  I actually found a NOS-HD piston the next size up from standard.  (.002 clearance)      The question is:  Is an oval wear pattern a product of the horizontal engine design?  The answer is "no".  All cylinders wear oval due to the thrust and pull of rod and piston in the hole. Perhaps a horizontal engine could have more wear on the bottom ... but also remember that there might be more oil resting on the bottom of the cylinder, so it may have less wear at the bottom. A good question for a Sprint Engineer, I'm sure...       I have a list of Sprint Parts sources if anyone desire it ... Call me (Dave, #4861 (LA.)..) at 337-479-1255 or   hdsprint@bellsouth.net   I do not sell parts ... I just have some phone numbers.    (Thanks, Dave ... here you go, Don ... hope this is helpful.  - Jack, #000)

UPDATE-UPDATE-UPDATE...  Two SR500 Yamaha's FOR SALE (see May 19th report, 3rd paragraph down...)  Phil comments:  I just saw the posting for my SRs on the FSSNOC website, Thanks.  My e-mail is pdollimore@yahoo.com   Phil also inquires if there are events planned for this year near his home in Ohio...  Nearest one is just a good thumper ride away in So.Carolina, the ThumperCafe event on October 4, 2008.  Stay tuned for more information on this event.  The Autumn scenery should be spectacular in that area ... I can't wait! -Jack,#000.

DEAR MR. THUMPER AND FOLKS:  Mansoor Shafi, President of Roadgear, is making an offer to all that sign-up for a newlsetter on  www.roadgear.com     From Mansoor:  The newsletter magazine offer will be sent out in early July, I believe.     From FSSNOC #4052, Ed, (OK)  I understand it will be a one-year subscription to "Motorcyclists" Magazine.  I've used his (Roadgear) products for several years. I have not been disappointed with their performance. They are some of the best and he (Roadgear) stands behind all his products, like the new coconut socks.   ....Ed.  Thought:  Remember it is only me who can ruin my day.

ON THE LOCAL SCENE:  FSSNOCers within the sounds of a Thumper's megaphone...  Saturday, June 14th, 2008.  A local event, called SALT FEST (from the Salt Mine History of the area) is offering a "poker run" ... except they are using tickets at the checkpoints, of which there are four.  Riders may ride as little as maybe 40 miles or so, and as much as 150, depending on just how many checkpoints they seek out and what routes they utilize.  Prizes will be awarded at 7:30PM ... Sign-In was to start at 2PM but due to the expected large turnout, there will be an "early-bird" sign-in starting at 1:30PM, be there if you'd enjoy an early start.  $10 per entry and you'll get a FREE $15 motorcycle t-shirt ... handed out during/after the 7:30PM prizes.  FREE refreshments.  FREE air-conditioned sign-in area with restrooms.  FREE area/Kansas roadmaps.  All paved roads (unless you decide otherwise, eh?).    Go to www.MotorcycleFunForYou.com for your own up close and personal poster which you can download and put on your wall...  What's my connection (It isn't a FSSNOC event.)?  I'm helping a friend who is putting on the event by distributing posters throughout the area ... and besides, I'm always promoting motorcycles and the RIDING of motorcycles ... guess it's in my blood!   (Event is at 810 North Main, South Hutchinson,KS  - the "old" Tractor Supply Bldg.)  Almost forgot ... there is a FREE ole-time rock-N-roll concert by King Midas at 8PM ... is that cool, or what?    Carrie and I are supposed to help the day of the event so watch for us and say "Howdy", Ya' hear? ... and "NO", I won't slip you any extra tickets! (grin)    ....Jack, #000.

RAPID RON DISAPPEARS!  From now to June 20th or so, Rapid Ron, our Electro-Media Correspondent (our e-mail guy at fssnoc@yahoo.com ) will be out-of-service so alas, so is our e-mail.  What to do?  Mail (yeah, I know... "choke!" "sputter!") your comments to FSSNOC  P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson,Ks  67504-1809  during that time frame  or go ahead and do the e-mail but Ron won't get back to you until later...  and the FSSNOC Clubhouse phone is 620-663-1869. 

Last tidbit (On The Local Scene...) :  Short notice!  This Saturday  (June 7th) at Yoder,Ks.  A car show and town-wide garage sale. Any one who rides his motorcycle to the Yoder Grocery between 8;30AM and 9:30AM gets FREE coffee and donuts!!!!  Area car-guys and gals will have their hot rods and vintage vehicles out in force.  (Not a FSSNOC event.)  I wonder if they limit the donuts to One?...  Do you suppose they are Krispy Kremes?  Watch for me and the DR... (grin).

It's JUNE!  24 DAYS!  ThumperCafe-USA!  Montana!  Philipsburg!  Sunshine Station!  You!  Me!  Fun!  Food!  Foolishness!  June 28,2008!

That's It...  Thanks for tunin' in!  Keep on Thumpin'! ....Jack,#000 Director/FSSNOC. 

.................JUNE 1, 2008...................   JUST BARELY HAVE TIME TO...say "HI!".  Check back here in a few days for some more comments and updates.  Thank You!  Keep Thumpin'... Jack, #000/Director-FSSNOC

.................MAY 26, 2008...................  TORNADO SEASON is upon us!  Windy.  Muggy.  Stormy.  Repeat.  Even had Sirens a couple of nights ago ... but ... so far, so good here in ThumperVille. 

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Just wanted to let everyone know that this years (2008) Italian Motorcycle Owners Club Rally and Motorcycle Show is on Sunday, September 7, 2008 in Sturbridge, MA ... go to www.imocusa.com for needed details.  This is America's biggest All-Italian Motorcycle event and this year is the 25th Anniversary!  Steven Rossi, FSSNOC #783 (CT)    (NOTE:  If this sounds familiar, it might be due to our 2007 ThumperCafe in CT. which was located just a few miles away from this particular event.  I and several other FSSNOCers attended this event following our own event on Saturday.  Last year was wet and cloudy weather-wise but the attitude of the participants was anything but...  a good show, indeed!  Not a FSSNOC-sponsored event. - JK, #000) Thanks, Steven, for the heads-up....

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  ( Many of you have met Max Morley, FSSNOC #3608, at past-FSSNOC event.  Max offers FSSNOC membership a challenge.. see below).

The "MAX"imum Challenge is this:  Any and all Suzuki Savage LS650 and Suzuki S-40 owners and riders who live in the Pacific North-West and in Western Canada... Make the THUMPERCAFE-USA in Philipsburg, Montana. Let's see just how many we can muster!  It'd be nice to have more than the normal one or two LS650/S-40 machines in attendance for a change.  You are welcome to overnight coming or going here in Moses Lake, WA... My Shop has a 3/4 bath and there is plenty of room for tents nearby.  Let me know...  Should you desire to contact me, e-mail is maxm@moseslake-wa.com   Be sure to put FSSNOC in the subject line so I don't toss it in the junk mail!

(NOTE:  Okay ... there YOU have it...  the MAXimum Challenge!  Bring your friends.  Guests may attend for the $5.00 fee but they cannot win any awards or perks ... unless they join FSSNOC. Lets see just how long a row we can do with these great four-stroke Single machines.  Hope to see YOU there...  And, should you live in the PNW (or anywhere...), show up with your own Thumper (of any model-year-make), eh?  It'd be fantastic to meet Ya'...  #000. P.S.- And, in his note, Max did mention Idaho 12 HWY as a scenic road...)

THUMPERCAFE T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW ... but hurry!  $15.00 + $4.00 shipping. (Add $5 for cotton if needed)  Order by sending bucks to FSSNOC at P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson,Ks  67504-1809.  Also, expect a special item to be available AT the event - nice!  Be sure to include your size in that shirt order...

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   From Chuck (KS),   HEARTLAND PARK (RACEWAY) ADDS TWO AMA GNC FLAT-TRACK RACES IN 2008.   Friday, July 4, 2008  and  Saturday, October 4th, 2008.  Chuck didn't give us a website for this location but I'm sure you guys and gals are savvy enough to get past that...  (These events are not sponsored by FSSNOC)...

THUMPERCAFE #18 IS COMING FAST!  June 28th .... in Philipsburg, Montana, as advertised on the outside backcover of your last issue of THUMPER NEWS...  We eat as a group at high-noon,  enjoy a Cowboy Cheeseburger Plate with all the trimmings.  $7.00 per person for your food and $5.00 per person for the event fee.  Our plans are to collect these fees prior to the meal, so be watching for the FSSNOC Sign-In Area near the Restaurant.  Generally we'll be setup by 10:30AM or shortly thereafter so you may choose to arrive before 12:00 to get signed-in and to see who all is there to meet and greet... and I'm sure the parkinglot area will be packed with lots of cool Thumpers to inspect and enjoy. So ... it's time to make YOUR plans. We hope to see you in beautiful Montana!

AND, SPEAKING OF PLANS...  October 4, 2008 will be the date for THUMPERCAFE #19, held somewhere in South Carolina.  One can't begin the trip too soon... start now to make this one happen for YOU.  It'll be real nice down in that part of the USA in October...

A WORD OF APPRECIATION... for those of you who are supporting the awesome COLOR COVERS on our Magazine by sending a donation to FSSNOC. Some arrive with payment of yearly dues and some just arrive...  These Covers are fairly expensive and wouldn't be possible without those extra bucks... so in a word, THANKS!

That's It For Now...  Have an awesome week!  Keep On Thumpin'... Jack, FSSNOC #000/Director  Thanx for tunin'-in....   

..................MAY 19, 2008.................... 92 degrees yesterday!  Summer has arrived in ThumperVille...   Had a quick chat with Big Ed from New York state this afternoon.  Big Ed tells me the high today in his town was 48 degrees ... AFTER having a couple of days in the high 80's!  Thanks for the touch-base, Big Ed ... was fun to hear from ya'.

I wanted to share this note from long-time FSSNOC member, Eric, #0905 (C0)...     PHILIPSBURG!  A Terrific Choice! ... says Eric. There used to be a wonderful old Hotel in town, wonder if it's still there.  That is incredibly beautiful country... I am planning to ride my ole BSA B50 to the Ralley (my Honda XR650L was stolen two weeks ago!) and it should be a memorable ride, as it will be for all who attend. See You All Soon!  Eric, #905 (CO)...        (Looking Forward to seeing you and that BSA again, Eric.  Maybe this will set the tone for other FSSNOC members to break out the old iron.  I'd be really fun to have several Thumpers from the "past" as well as those from the present day... it'd be a good mix, don't you think? ... Jack, #000)

HI MR. THUMPER:   I've purchased another SRX since becoming a member (#4892-OHIO), so I'm selling a few SR500s...  If you know anyone who is interested in SRs  (Yeah, I know a whole bunch of guys and gals who love SR500s - really, who doesn't, right? ... JK)     FOR SALE... a 1978 Black SR with 21,000 miles for $1650.00 and a 1978 Red with just 7500 miles for $1850.00.  Both in very good working order.  Why the sale?  I'm considering buying a BMW F650?  Any Thumper members here in Toledo?  Phil, #4892      (Dear Phil...  Thanks for your note. As for a list of members in your area, we (the Club) do not make this info available ... due to the "times", I guess.  Matter of fact, I can't find your phone number or your e-mail in this note (grin)...  I would predict that someone out there in ThumperLand will want to contact you about those SRs...  Get back to me and I'll add your phone/e-mail to this posting, okay? ... Thanks, Phil.  Oh, one more thing, our latest and greatest club t-shirt features not only an SRX but a Honda Ascot, as well... and it isn't on this website either ... so if you, Phil, or any member who is reading this, would enjoy this newest addition to your Thumper wardrobe, order it from our headquarters at  FSSNOC,     P.O. Box 1809,  Hutchinson,Ks  67504-1809  $15.00 + $4 shipping and add $5 for 100% cotton... Ask for the "ThumperCafe" shirt.  JK #000)   (Note:  pdollimore@yahoo.com  is Phil's e-mail)

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Lynn , #1602 (MT) writes...  A friend who runs Mr. Salvage Motorcycles here in Great Falls, MT says that the Philipsburg area is a fine destination.  For those with a sweet-tooth, drop in at the candy store (the best in Montana?).  We are still seeing a little new snow on the mountains here but also have a forecast for later in the week for 80 degrees!  Should be great riding next month for the ThumperCafe...  Best Wishes!  Lynn, #1602 (MT)              (Lynn...  It was really a pleasure to meet you last ear at the Oregon event.  I'm looking forward to continuing our conversation. I'm thrilled to hear that you agree with our chosen location.  It was a tough call as the whole state is one huge motorcycle playground! I think I'll go north from ThumperVille (ks) while still in the low country, to avoid the snows of this past winter and spring, maybe go up through the Black Hills and turn left...  Whatever the route, I can't go wrong on the scenery side of things, it's all good.  Anyway, hope to see you soon in Philipsburg!  ... Jack, #000)

CLEMENT SALVADORI writes...  Loved Neil Forsyth's story on the Continental Divide Ride.  I did it in 2000  (with considerably less rain) and it was the best ride I have ever taken in North America. Every dual-purpose Fizz-Knocker should plan on doing at least part of this ride... it is great!!   Clement, #1866 (CA)   (Dear Clement...  From you, that is tall praise ... and well done, Neil, on the ride and the article!..JK)

Now for a bit of "internal" business...  Chris, #3220 (MO).  did you receive your Thumper News #91 at the "new" address?  If "NO" ... we probably need to send another as the Postal Dept. doesn't usually (or at least always) forward this type of mail to your new address...  You may luck out if your postman is really kind or is having a really good day ... but more times than not, TN is headed for the dumpster!

Should YOU  (Anyone in the Club...) be planning a move, please, please let us know ASAP...  It is very expensive for the club to mail the original to the "old" address ... and then have to mail a second copy later to the "new" address.  Just how expensive?  Generally $7.00 to $8.00 for two copies of TN and the double postage, and we can't afford that very many times... Now Chris, don't feel like I'm picking on you, I just used your situation as a good opportunity to explain what we are faced with when this happens... We expect to have the expense of sending the original so the additional expense is probably about $5.00.  Chris, you can call 620-663-1869 or you can contact us through Rapid Ron at our e-mail address, whatever works for you... and for the record, we here at FSSNOC definitely don't want you (or anyone...) to miss even a single issue of the world famous Thumper News either...  Keep Thumpin', Jack,#000)

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  (Via Electric Medium) THE QUESTION:  I have an old H.D./AMF/Aeromacchi Sprint 350.  I have noticed that the piston is worn in much ovality, as is also the cylinder.  (Don ... my spellcheck didn't like that word, ovality... JK)   Is this due to the cylinder being horizontal and exposing one side to the effect of more gravity, as compared to a vertical cylinder?  I believe Mr. Jack (#000) has dealt with such matters in the past...  Thank You.  Don, #0118 (FL)     ( THE ANSWER:  Well sort of...  WHAT ABOUT IT, CLASS?  What say Yee? For starters, I didn't know pistons had sides, mine were generally round! (grin)...   Doesn't that same gravity pull more oil down to the bottom, or maybe did the wear occur at the top and this added to the problem? (I'm bettin' the wear is at the bottom ... JK)  I know who might help us with this!       DAVE...  YOU SENT PICTURES OF YOUR XR750 REPLICA SPRINT 350... What's your call on this question?  Anyone else out there know about this situation?  Send your answers ASAP to Rapid Ron at FSSNOC@yahoo.com)

Is this fun or what?  That's it for now...  Keep On Thumpin' ... Wear those Thumper/FSSNOC t-shirts! ...Jack,#000-Director  See Ya' next week...  (If YOU aren't a FSSNOC member, send us YOUR application tomorrow, okay.. YOU are missin' THUMPER NEWS, MAN!)

...................MAY 10, 2008 ...Uhhhhh, No .... try May 13, 2008!  Sorry 'bout that... 

     Hope You All Are Well and gettin' in some Thumpin...  It's Springtime here in ThumperVille.  Nice, almost balmy one day ... and cold ... or windy ... or all three ... the next.  Nice thing, we gone several weeks without heating OR cooling the house, saving on those ole utility bills, and that's a good thing.

     Thumper News might be at your house by now...  I had planned to put in that particular Issue #91 just what broke on the KLR650.  So here tis...  After about 120,000+ miles it did break, not so bad it wouldn't get itself home, no trailer-time yet!  But it was stuck in 3rd gear...   The little spring that moves the ratchet back up to grab another cog broke, a five-dollar part!  And it didn't even break all the way, just enough to lose it's "spring" ... so no little piece of spring floating about in the motor, and that's a good thing!  So now it's back running just fine, Step-son John rides it all the time ... chuff - chuff - chuff.

     The other day, I guess a week ago tomorrow, I was blissfully motoring west on  4th street here in Town.  As I neared the edge of town, which I guess in this case, it would be the edge of the country, anyway I see a dot in the road ahead...  As I rode nearer I could see it was an O'Possum, 'bout that time ...  bu-bump.  bu-bump.  I ran smack-dab over it!  No problem, it was already pretty flat...  I peered down at the tires, etc... all seemed to be alright, so on a motored, just a bit disgusted with myself for running over something right in the middle of the road!

     FSSNOC member and friend, Ron tells of his buddy who rides REAL fast in the Ozarks where curves and twisties abound.  Ron says when he pulls up to stop after a particular quick stint through a crooked section, should one look at his buddy's tires, there are rolled-up little gooey looking rubber balls all along the outer edges of his tires!  Ron tells of the advice his friend gives ... four things to NOT forget if one is to ride this way (which I'm not!...JK)...  Number one is- EYES!  And so is number 2, number 3 and number 4!  You are going to go where you look, says his fast-riding friend ... and in my case, even if you are looking at an O'Possum!  That was on a Tuesday...

     Wednesday.  I'm riding out west 4th street.  A beautiful clear day ... motor sounds good ... bike feels good ... I feel good.  Uhhh, something up there in the road...  Wow, it's that same stupid O'Possum!  ...   Bu-bump!     Bu-bump!     I RUN OVER IT AGAIN!!! Unbelieveable!

     Thursday.     I DIDN'T go out west 4th street...

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  For Sale ... Under 3000 miles!  Yellow!  MZ660 Traveller.  All original except the carbon-fiber M-4 exhaust, and the original is included in the sale.  This particular Traveller was purchased new without the "factory bags"... so no bags.  This is a beautiful machine!  Call Kelly at 620-663-7166 days... (KS)  2002 model...  Tell her you read about it on the FSSNOC website.

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  I have a NEW Single!  A Suzuki K-8 Burgman ... not as refined as the Honda ... but it sure goes fast.  I just got rid of the Single I rode while in Korea, a 125cc Daelim Scooter.  Was air/oil cooled.   Was better than a Honda, I could not break it!   Yes, still NO Singles on the USA market that really suit my riding style...  No centerstands, no luggage or carrying abilities, etc, etc...  Maybe one more stint, this time in Germany. Money is good.  I've even bought a car or two...  New BMW coupe, a piece of junk.  Yesterday I bought a Miata just because I could and have the garage space (?)...  See Ya',  John Grinsel, #460 (WI and elsewhere,,,)          (Note... Some of you long-time members have kept track of John for several years...  John rides a bike for it's warranty period then as a rule, trades for another new bike ... always riding under factory warranty.  I know of several years when he would ride 25,000 to 40,000 or more in this usually one year time frame.  Never more than one bike at a time but a new ride every year ... an interesting concept.  Generally, as it seems to me anyway, John usually purchased something about 250cc to maybe 650cc, kinda mid-stream stuff...  Put the pencil to it... Does this make sense for You and I?  Is it an economical way to go...?  Hummmmm.......  JK)

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  Please add my phone number ( 970-887-1023 ) to my Thumper For Sale listing ( SR500 Yamaha ) on the club website...   (Scroll down to April 21, 2008 to read the FOR SALE ad...)  I hope to make it to Montana!  Thanks! ... Rich, #4869 (CO)

ON THE LOCAL SCENE...  We had a whole bunch of guys for Biscuits and Gravy this morning ... what fun!  Join us any Tuesday morning here in ThumperVille (Hutchinson,Ks) should you be in the area, on a bike or not...  (Yes, Mike ... go ahead and ride your Seg-Way at least once...but it better have a FSSNOC sticker on it! (grin)...   This weekend is the nearby THUNDER IN THE SMOKYS Rally at Marquette,KS.  Some 4000-5000 riders are expected. Starts with the Cafe opening at 7:30AM and goes all day Saturday, then maybe it'll be back on Sunday ... but last year, I went on Saturday, hung-out most of the day, went back after Church on Sunday ... and the streets were empty.  My thinking is I'll plan to be there on Saturday ... just in case Sunday doesn't happen ... but who knows, maybe it will...  Be sure to visit the KANSAS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM while you are in town!  It has a fresh addition with restrooms and everything.  If you, dear reader, are from some distance away, In my view, this is a worthy road-trip, even with fuel at $3.67 a gallon (driving/riding ten mile slower makes my gas mileage SHOOT-UP, it's amazing!) ... the Museum has a website, I'm thinking it might be www.Ksmotorcyclemuseum.org   (Not a FSSNOC sponsored-event.)

Last week I talked a bit about a local "Poker Run" of sorts, called the Salt Fest Motorcycle Tour in So. Hutchinson (our sister-city just across the river).  Now you can download a flyer for yourself and your friends...  Go to www.MotorcycleFunForYou.com and follow the directions ... and you'll get to meet "Moto" Simons, too!  Date for this event is June 14, a Saturday, starts at 2PM - wraps up shortly after 7:30PM, just in time for us to get to the FREE King Midas Concert, oh yeah!....  It'd be really cool to see a "sea" of Thumpers at that Salt Fest Motorcycle event, eh? Of note, the event offers a FREE $15.00 motorcycle t-shirt for your and my $10.00 entry fee ... where can you get that investment percentage rate nowdays???  Also, the route is variable distance, anywhere from maybe 50 miles to 150+, you pick your pudding...  Check out that flyer - and tell your friends!    (Not a FSSNOC sponsored-event.)

Well, that my story... for now.  Keep the next ThumperCafe on your Radar screen ... June 28 in Philipsburg, Montana.  And you seen it on the back page of Thumper News, #91 ... Indeed, ALL ROADS LEAD TO MONTANA!  Make YOUR plans to be there, eh?  Good Night and Good Thumpin' ------ Jack, #000 Director/FSSNOC

...................MAY 4, 2008................................SAY "HEY", IT'S MAY!   THUMPER NEWS #91 is in the Mail ... watch for your copy soon!  DEAR MR. THUMPER:  The Kansas Shortgrass Motorcycle Club (KSGMC) originally started in 1910 ... is being re-organized Sunday May 4,2008.  Must be 18 years old to participate.  sades@sunflower.com  for information.  Take note that this notice to too late for anyone to attend this event, but one could still get involved if you like...  All makes and models are welcomed.  First tour will be May 18,2008.  This notice is for your information only, this is not a FSSNOC sponsored group or event. No phone number given...

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  Missing The Mark(et)   An article by Steven Rossi.  Thanks, Steven...  I plan to use this in the next TN.  Very interesting stuff...  and I sure can't argue with your content.    Thumper News is a magazine, well, of sorts, anyway...  it does reflect what we hear from our membership.  In other words, send us your views, your tips, your stories, whatever ... as long as it is "thumper" in content and storyline.  Want to read more about Vintage Bikes?  Best way to make that happen is to send TN your own story about Vintage Bikes, and generally others will follow, same goes for just about any subject...  Don't be shy!  This is your game, be a player.  Send your input, views, comments, stories, tales, etc... to:  FSSNOC  P.O.Box 1809,  Hutchinson,Ks 67504-1809  or e-mail to fssnoc@yahoo.com and Rapid Ron will forward it to FSSNOC Headquarters.  Go for it...

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   I just ordered and received a FSSNOC Sweatshirt, the one with the Norton #48 on the front.  Who is the rider?  Is it a generic picture?  Mike, FSSNOC #4928 (UT).   Thanks for the question, Mike.  And a very good question it is...  This is an artist's drawing depicting a famous rider from the '50s, aboard his Norton Manx 500cc Single, at "full chat" during the 1951 Isle Of Man.  It is none-other than... Geoff Duke!   Mike ... How did the Legends event go..?  I hope you'll send TN a photo CD with a few words of description, etc.  I would have enjoyed being there (!) but it wasn't to be, so ... that photo CD would be awesome, if you can...  If not possible, no problem, tho...   And, Mike (and other FSSNOC members), if you enjoy this excellent drawing on the Sweatshirt, you ought to see a print!  Go to Harry Miller's website   Motographix.com  or call 800-746-4278/fax 719-636-2499   Harry has amazing talent, his drawings are fantastic! I think you can e-mail him at info@motographix.com , as well.  (Colorado)  Give Harry our regards...  and order-up a print or two!

ON THE LOCAL SCENE (here in or near ThumperVille or if you are passing through...)   I know its early, but that's why we give you places to write in our FSSNOC calendar...  JUNE 14, 2008  SATURDAY  SALT FEST MOTORCYCLE TOUR   Sign-In is 2PM.  Ran just like the old school "Poker Runs" but without the arguments...  Pick-up a ticket at each checkpoint, and I understand that the checkpoints are going to be manned by live and real people, now that IS old school!  These tickets will go into a big container at route's end, and a drawing for some really worthwhile prizes will be held onsite about 7:30PM that evening, so plan on being back a little bit earlier.  The route is a variable length route, go as little as 35-40 miles or as much as 150+, it's your day and your ride.  The more checkpoints you go to, the more tickets you get for the drawing ... simple, eh?  Why am I mentioning this?  It'd be really cool to have a major number of  Thumpers at this event...  It's on a Saturday, so should you wish to overnight, then thump back home on Sunday, hey, it's a ROAD-TRIP?  This is not a FSSNOC event and it is not sponsored or underwritten or whatever by the club...  I mention it again before the date arrives, Carrie and I are definitely planning to be there. Oh yeah, did I mention there is a FREE Concert at 8PM ... by King Midas ... good stuff!  maybe some Ice Cream, too!

SCROLL DOWN  (or is it up?) ... Anyway, go to the posting of April 21, 2008  titled "Whatta Day???"....  See the paragraph that reads... "Well, I'm about out of time...   Read the ensuing paragraphs ... 'cause I'm going to continue, as ... isn't it Paul Harvey who says, ...the Rest of the Story?      Here we go...

17 MILES?????  WITH THREE STOPS????? .....  I got Mark aside and whispered, "BentonVille BMW is having their Open House just a few crooked miles south of here, and they might even have some FREE food.  Sound good?"   "Sounds good to me!", smiles Mark .... off we go, headed south. Long story short here, we attended the Open House and enjoyed it very much...  but it WAS a beautiful day, and the open crooked road was calling our names.  We were now in the state of Arkansas, where good motorcycle (or just about anything else that'll turn...) roads abound.  We gambled about like a baby goat in a junk pile, having a great ole time...  Highway 74 perhaps, going mostly east over to Jasper..., maybe 20 or so miles without intersections and it is solid double-yellow and crooked as a dog's hind-leg, even has a staircase section,  we turn onto it, noticing a large group of sport-bikes being ticketed (apparently) by a couple of Sheriff Patrolmen...  not good!  We meet yet another Sheriff Patrol car within a couple of miles of turning onto this road.  I'm beginning to suspect that they are "working" this section of crooked asphalt ...

A few miles later, Mark pulls up behind a bright yellow Honda SUV, it was going maybe 40ish...  Up ahead of it, probably a quarter mile, is a black Chevy Blazer following closely behind a black Avalanche Chevy.  Thinking back, it was odd that the yellow SUV never seemed to run up behind the two black vehicles, which is not common for normal traffic.  We all have places to be at certain times, etc,,, so no one paces a slower-than-need-be vehicle without pulling-up close behind to encourage the rolling road-block to pull off the shoulder and let them go on by...  it should have been a clue!

What?  That looks like a Ford Crown Vic in my rearview mirror ... and I remembered that as we met the Sheriff Patrol car earlier, the driver appeared to be talking into a hand-held microphone ... hummm.  I studied the blurry image in my mirror  (remember the old joke, "Objects In My Mirror are fewer than they appear...), as I rolled into a fairly tight left-hander.  I took a quick peek and sure enough, it was "the Man!"...

How could I warn Mark, who by now, after many miles of this senseless pace, was almost leaving black marks on the yellow SUV's bumper ... and just as I cleared the curve, Mark made his move ... over the double yellow he went..., turns out he had seen the car behind me and chose that particular moment when he was out of the car drivers line of vision to make his move ...  and within seconds the sirens wailed and Big John Law blasted by my left elbow!  Of course, Mark immediately pulled over onto the side of the road, the Sheriff Patrol squeezed his car in-between Mark and the still moving SUV...  The SUV pulled-up alongside of the Patrolmen and addressed him ... the Patrolman's reply was, "Yes, Sir. I'll do that!"...  Of note, the Blazer had somehow stopped short immediately in front of Mark's cycle, but now ... pulled away without waiting for the Patrolman to "excuse him"... odd.  I rolled by and stopped a hundred feet or so up the road...

" You passed the JUDGE!", stated the Officer, this according to Mark.  Did Mark get a ticket?  Yes.  Who was he to pay?  The guy in the yellow SUV!  Mark asked, "Is this a sting?"  Again according to Mark, the Patrolman said, "Oh ... no!"   Mark disagrees...

In hind-sight, the black two vehicles were "in" the operation, or so it would appear.  Why and how did the black Blazer stop so fast in front of Mark?  He knew what was going down, via radio, quite possibly from the yellow SUV as the Patrolman wouldn't have actually seen Mark make the pass, and the Blazer's job was to block Mark's immediate path, should he bolt ... and on that twisty road, he'd been real hard to catch...  except (!) the now disappeared black Avalanche was probably up the road a sufficient distance to allow him time to position the longer-wheelbase vehicle across the road, should Mark have successfully eluded the Patrolman and the Blazer. 

Tidy, huh?  Possibly practiced every nice weekend?   Newton County ... be aware, they don't play fair.  Was this entrapment?  Was Mark provoked on that beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon by the slow moving SUV driven by the county's own Judge?  Would it "pay" to fight the ticket?  It'd be expensive, even if the case was thrown-out...  Mark would have to go in for his court-date to plead ... then he'd be told that the Judge was busy, his docket full, and he'd need to come back on yet another date to have his day in court.  Let's see...  that's 400 miles down and 400 miles back home = 800 miles plus another 800 miles at a later date... and four days off work, geee ... that's a tuff call.  Now he could hire a Lawyer, who in turn would hire another Lawyer in the area, thus saving Mark a trip down to plea, but would Mark save any money that way?

That group of Sport-Bikes that were stopped by Newton County's finest at the west end of that stretch of highway were probably the result of this... "Oh no, this ain't a sting..." in the opposite direction.  Not a bad Saturday afternoons work for the Judge and his Boys, eh?

The shame of it all is that Mark and I were riding responsibly and at a legal, even a tourist, pace.  Had  the drivers of those three vehicles, possibly or probably working in tandem, not  provoked him into passing by their senseless slow speed on a clear road on a clear day, I feel sure that we'd awaited the next passing zone or Jasper, whichever came first...  Commonly, slow-moving area traffic will pull over after an opportunity or two to allow other vehicles to go on up the road. This is the general rule-of-thumb...  They are happy to allow that vehicle to go by them in the interest of safety, both theirs and the vehicle behind them... 

So ... be forewarned.  Watch for the signs (reread this if you ask yourself, "Huh - what signs"...).  Of course, we are to obey the law, don't get me wrong... and generally, the Law Enforcement Folks are honest and fair ... but on this day, that slow-moving car was a danger.  Ride Careful out there...

That's it for now...  Thump On, Thump On...  Jack, FSSNOC Director/#000 

....................APRIL 27, 2008............................BIG NEWS!  We're currently working on the FSSNOC 500 Program.  What is that?, you might ask.  Should you or any other FSSNOC member ride 500 miles or more to attend a ThumperCafe event, you would have just qualified for the elite FSSNOC 500 Club, a club-within-a-club...  A really cool decal is being designed as I write this ... commemorating the achievement of those members who have qualified to date and of those who will qualify in the future.  Our next event is June 28th, in Montana (the next Issue of Thumper News will give you all the details as to where it'll be ... think really nice scenery!) and we look for alot of you members to ride that 500+ miles.  Eight members qualified in Ola, Arkansas in March despite the threat and forecast of high water and flooding.  Our goal for the decal is to signify that the member has qualified for FSSNOC 500 and where and when he or she achieved this prestigious feat.  Then as other events follow there will be a "bar" added to the original decal indicating when and where these events were held...  Over the months and years, the member will have an ongoing record and testimony of all the ThumperCafes attended where, of course, he or she rode 500 or more miles (yes, only Thumpers...) to participate.     Affix this decal to your Thumper ... or Put it on a plaque for your den or shop wall, or stick it in your trophy scrapbook, it's your call ... I'm excited about this Program!  (And it's FREE to members!)  Make your plans now......

....................DEAR MR. THUMPER:  Well, I just rode the newest Yamaha Dual-Sport, the WR250R!  It's big, for one thing.  Also has LED lights.  Plastic muffler guard.  Two-Up seat.  Starts right up ... my first ride on a EFI bike!  Runs very well...  rode it 25 miles on dirt roads and back-streets.  Goes right up to 55mph with my 300 pounds.  Headlight is very good.  Handling is very good.  Hit some pot-holes, kept going straight, forks are big, maybe 48mm?  Rear shock works good, as well.  Quiet muffler, I got back to my friends garage and he didn't even hear me coming!  I said, "Trade You for my SR500?"  "No Way!", he said!  That's my two cents worth.  I'm hoping for a 450cc or a 600cc model???  See Ya,  Big Ed, FSSNOC #342 (NY)    rwaterst@rochester.rr.com   (XT & TT600 Fan!)

.....................DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Thanks, You Guys,(Mark & Jack) for dropping by our little get-together at BentonVille BMW on April 19!  It was interesting that such a small non-denominational gathering would have at least SEVEN FSSNOCERS in attendance...  Kevin, #3627, Akansas.   (Hey, Kevin...  It was the free food!  That pecan pie was the best... an those brats, too !!!   We Fizz-Knockers can smell free food...  JK,#000     And by the way, we had a great time. Everyone was friendly and smiling and the sun was warm and blue skies... nice, Thanks for having us!)  (Bentonville BMW is a current advertiser in TN, starting with the next Issue, coming soon to a mailbox near you, contact them for your needs and desires ... they are grass-roots folks!!!)   www.BentonvilleBMW.com

.....................DEAR MR. THUMPER:  (In reference to whether James Fenimore Cooper wrote "The DeerSlayer" on an earlier posting), Yes, it was written by Mr. Cooper.  One in a series of such books...says Mike, #3509 (TX)   (Mike ... I got lucky on that one!  I was delighted to get your comment and I was bragging to Carrie about being able to remember that from my childhood.  We used to play a card came called "Authors" , where the idea was to connect the Author with the book, as I recall.  Carrie told me that it wasn't a big deal,  She said that when people get old they can remember things from long ago but can't remember short term... "BANGGGG!"...went MY balloon!!!!!! ...JK)

THE FIRST ANNUAL MIDWEST SPORTBIKE RALLY ... FRIDAY ...JULY 4 & SATURDAY ...JULY 5TH.  Malibu Bay Lounge, Route 45, Urbana,IL.  217-560-2596  or  217-721-9201  Vendor Space available for both days.  $20 per person (each day?)  Stunt teams performing. Awards, Contests, etc...  (This is not a FSSNOC event...)

JEFF WILLIAMS PROMOTIONS,  P.O.BOX 543, BLUE SPRINGS,MO. 64013  is having a Swap-Meet on May 18, 2008 at the Twin Drive-In, Kansas City, MO.  wwwjwswapmeet.com  or call 816-228-5811  or  816-456-4415.  See their lengthy schedule...  (This is not a FSSNOC event...)

..........................That's it for now.  Send us your stuff via the mailbox or the e-mail (fssnoc@yahoo.com) , addressed to DEAR MR. THUMPER.  For Sale, Wanted To Buy or Trade, Tips and Ideas, Viewpoints, whatever...  If it concerns Thumpers, we'd like to hear from you, and you,  and you,  well ... you get the idea, eh?  If you're not currently a FSSNOC member, whatcha waiting on?  Send us your application today...  don't let the Thumper world pass YOU by.   And, as always, Keep On Thumpin'..JK, #000/Director-FSSNOC.

P.S. -  Just back from Nebraska.  Rode "up" there to visit the really big museum (26 buildings housing over 50,000 items!) called Pioneer Village Museum, located in Minden,NE.  We started at 8AM, rode about an hour, took a 1 1/2 hour break at a Kawasaki Shop in Great Bend, had a nice visit with Ted, "the King"... (grin ... Ted and I go way back!) then enjoyed a super breakfast at Perkins ... finally got back on the road, three Thumpers and a friend of Mark's on a Suzuki V-Twin.  We stopped again in Osborne for fuel and foolishness ... 45 minutes went away there ... and it now had began to RAIN.  On we splashed, toward Nebraska.  3:30PM, we arrived.  Museum closes at 4:30PM and tickets are $9.50.  Hummmmmmm...   Jim and I decided to nix the Museum due to the cost per time available issue and enjoyed yet another lengthy stop at the grounds cafe, heavily involved with a "Super Cheeseburger" - $3.75 as it was listed on the menu.  Then it said... With Cheese - $4.00.  On to Kearney,NE for the night ... Movie $7.75 (Stop Loss) then a couple of large chocolate (Is there really any other kind?) Frostys... (Do the math ... $7.75 + $2.00 = $9.75  We spent just as much as the Museum???!)   Very cold the next AM, weather channel said 31 degrees.  We left about 10AM, after it had warmed some... The bikes were a mess and the chains were bone-dry.  Out came the 90wt!  Soon were hummin' down the road...  We hit ThumperVille about 5PM, vowing to go back to Minden and THIS TIME, we'll actually GO to the Museum... (350 cars.  100 farm tractors.  and yes, even motorcycles ... so we're told! ...JK)

....................APRIL 21, 2008.............................WHATTA DAY????   THREE TIMES.  NOT ONCE.  NOT TWICE.  BUT THREE TIMES!   I was snoozin' good.  About 11:00AM.  I dream I hear a Thumper pull-up outside... "BING"  "BONG".   I jump up, my eyes hardly open, and stumble toward the door.  It was our newest FSSNOC member, well, actually our next-to-newest FSSNOC member, Dave.  Dave introduced himself to me, politely ignoring my still napping face ... sorry 'bout that, Dave!  Dave is the proud new owner of one of the sweetest Thumpers on the planet, the new-for-2008 WR250R Yamaha.  I'd been down to our local shop to see the companion model, the WR250X, which is a motard version, but I hadn't seen the built-for-the-dirt WR like Dave's...  I hope to get Dave to give us an ongoing report on this street legal beauty. We plan to go out soon for a photo shoot before it gets too many mod's or dings ... (grin).  Welcome to FSSNOC, Dave.  Earlier, Dave had e-mailed "Dear Mr. Thumper" asking if we included the smaller Singles as he had noted that most input on the website concerned 650cc machines...  Let me assure you, if it is a four-stroke Single Cylinder Motorcycle, someone in our club has one, no matter how small ...  In fact, as gas prices and other goods prices increase, a move toward more fuel efficient motorcycles may happen and we may indeed see more 250cc bikes in our group.  More on this really cool 250cc street-legal dirt bike on down the line...

Later, I was reading the latest issue of City Bike www.citybike.com that came in today's mail. My eyelids get heavy... Soon, I'm snoozin'.  "BANG"  "SLAM" ... in through the stormdoor comes stepson John, home from his day at school and his job at a local Sign Company. "Hey, what's up?, he shouts, as teenagers are prone to do...  I get up from the sofa, we chat...

It's now 5:13PM, the sun is bright.  No wind.  I decide to wait on Carrie to come home. I decide to wait on the Sofa.   ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ ....  "H E L L O O O O....", Carrie sings as she comes through the door from the garage, awaking me from my nap. We decide to walk to the store to get a can of black beans.  We have no black beans because the last time she needed a can of red beans, she substituted black beans. So ... at the store, I suggest we not only get a can of black beans, but perhaps we should get a can of red beans...  It didn't fly.  We come home with one can of black beans which is for supper, which will leave us totally out of beans. Does this make sense to anyone out there in ThumperLand??? 

Anyhow, was this a good day, getting roosted-out of a nap three different times?  Or was it a bad day?   It was a GREAT day!

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Newly purchased Super Single. (Do you know what this is?  It's a Quiz...) Stored since 1999. 56,000 miles. I got the bike from an older Japanese gentleman, along with a service manual, for $150.00!  Too cool, you bet!  Where do I go for parts?  What tires would work good?  I plan to join this Thumper club when I get the bucks...  Dave Whitfield   dwhitfield@tatertv.com   (Do you suppose Dave could be from Idaho?  Check out that web address ... "tater"tv?  Could it be?)  As for what Thumper was called the Super Single, it is the 1986 Yamaha SRX-6, but you may have already known that...    www.thumperstuff.com  comes to mind for parts.  Give Dave a shout if you have additional info and/or parts that he may be able to use, and remind him to send in his FSSNOC membership, eh? ....JK)

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   I just bought a Cagiva Canyon 500cc.  Who made that motor?   Eric.Trosper@motorola.com   (Eric is not a FSSNOC member, but should you elect to be kind enough to help him, please do so...  He is needing parts, info, etc. ...JK)

DEAR MR. THUMPER:  SR500 FOR SALE.  Rich, #4869 (CO)....   $2250.00  I can help with delivery, perhaps.  9000miles.  Has dual discs on front. Stainless steel brake lines.  White Bros. pipe w/removable baffles.  Custom seat.  Custom paint.  Flat bars.  Metzler tires w/less that 1000 miles.  Engine rebuild in 2006, w/.030 Wiseco Piston, 3/4 cam, 36mm Mikuni, hand-ported and 5 angle valve grind.  Is jetted for 7000 ft.  Has external oil line to exhaust valve area. Oil cooler and temp guage.  K&N air-filter.  Is a sweet machine, in the family for years, and only "ridden on Sundays"...  I would enjoy finding it a good home with a FSSNOC member who would appreciate the merits of this bike. Phone Number is 970-887-1023...

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Mick, #4923 (France) writes...  I look forward to receiving Thumper News and the Thumper t-shirt will be worn with pride. Not so sure that I will be making too many ThumperCafe-USA meetings ... but I can live in hope.  Regards, Mick      (Mick ... Thanks for the e-mail and the address confirmation.  Your package arrived at FSSNOC. Thanks and Keep On Thumpin'...  I was in Paris last week and didn't see too many Thumpers but it was a bit chilly.  I did see several motard-type Singles, though some were two-stroke ... and lots and lots of scooters. Carrie and I had ridden the train that goes under the English channel (the "Chunnel?") over from London to spend a day in Paris, what fun!  So, what did we have for lunch?  Well, French-onion soup, of course ... You'll be happy to know I was wearing a FSSNOC sweatshirt the entire day. Thump-Thump! ...JK)

LOCAL FSSNOC MEMBERS OPEN A BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER SHOP ...  Larry and Gemma Rickner have opened the doors of RICKNERS CYCLE, located at 214 North Elder in McPherson,Ks. 67460  ricknerscycle@live.com  if you'd care to give them a shout or call 620-241-4311 or www.ricknerscycle.com  .  They are currently factory authorized by the SCHWINN MOTOR SCOOTER folks to sell and repair Schwinn Scooters.  I dropped in the other day to wish Larry and Gemma well and was very impressed with what greeted me as I walked through the front door.  I'll leave it a surprise for you, but whatever you are expecting, double it...  PRE-OWNED MOTORCYCLES (with a refreshing nod toward Thumpers of any kind...)are available and Parts and Accessories are offered as well... I even noticed a Harley Davidson!  They plan to be open 11-6 Tuesday through Friday and 9-1 on Saturday. BUY-SELL-TRADE?  Give them a call....  and tell them you are a FSSNOC member ... I did (grin) and it got me a cold Dr.Pepper!  Should you ride by, locate the Chevrolet dealer on the main drag east and west, which is Hwy56, go a couple of blocks North on Elder street and watch for the red & white sign.          Larry and Gemma are having a ball, and it's my bet, you'll have a great time, too.....

DEAR MR. THUMPER:   DARE TO BELIEVE.  Dare To Believe is having an outreach ministry in which you are invited to be a part of... On July 31 -- August 2 of 2008, we'll be in Raton,NM. providing a rest-stop for those riding toward Sturgis for the Sturgis Rally. Free hamburgers, hotdogs, sweets, and a cold drink will be offered those travelers who choose to stop. Literature will be available on a table should anyone choose to take one...  We are asking for your prayers for this ministry. We will be needing many workers prior to and during this ministry to prepare and then serve the food, etc. We expect to visit with up to 2000 visitors. We will locate on I-25 at the Clayton Highway. We are in need of volunteers and financial assistance. For more information or questions, contact Ed, #4052 (OK) at  ridered2003@juno.com  or  Dare To Believe Ministries, P.O. Box 1273, Plainview,TX. 79073-1273   Should you elect to send money, make checks payable to Raton Biker Pit Stop.  Contact Dare To Believe at  dabbott@windstream.net  to visit with David Abbott, event coordinator. There are tenting spaces nearby for cheap, but let us know as soon as possible...   (Thanks, Ed ... for the heads-up on your efforts. ...JK)  This is not a FSSNOC-sponsored event...   Ed says, "Life is uncertain, Eat your dessert first!"

Well, I'm about out of time...  I had a story to tell you, perhaps next week, eh?  It would have started like this... A friend and fellow FIZZ-KNOCKER, Mark, and I rode down to the Ozarks to attend a Poker Run on Saturday morning.  We had a great ride down (275 miles or so..)with a wind at our backs the entire ride...  We pulled into Neosho,MO. at the Honda-Suzuki-Kawasaki-Polairis shop just as darkness fell...  A gentleman was locking the door as we dismounted. "Are you all here for the Poker Run?, " he queried.  "You bet!", we replied.  After a bit of small talk, I asked him how long the route for the Poker Run was?   Uhhhhh, maybe about 45 minutes.... was his answer... He turned to walk toward his car, leaving me somewhat confused... I did the math in my head,  30 mph average in these hills, that's a mile every two minutes at best. 45 minutes divided by 2 = 27.5 miles ... for a Poker Run?  On paved roads?  Maybe he mis-understood my question, I told Mark.  We fired back up and rode over to a nearby motel.

Next morning, we wiped the bikes down (a good cowboy always takes good care of his horse...), ate a bit of motel breakfast, and putted across the street to the dealership. 9:30AM.  It was/is a huge shop, neat and clean ... with a foodbar inside.  Quite a few bikes were parked in no particular order around the parking area, many were those really big machines called Gold Wings, some were made into Three-Wheeled Gold Wings.  This is looking pretty good, I muse to myself.  Some of these guys and gals are bound to be high-milers, for sure.  One rig even sported a small enclosed trailer behind a Gold Wing.  Gee ... hope this isn't an over-nighter. Mark had found the information on the web and didn't seem to have too much information... which isn't unusual.  Mark and I take a certain measure of delight in leaving an amount of mystery in our ventures. I began to amble about the shop and parkinglot, enjoying the anticipation of a neat route through the hills of Missouri, and the dogwoods were beginning to bloom...  

"Ya here for the Poker Run?"...asked a short heavy-set man with a face full of hair and a decorated leather vest, his booming voice shattering my day-dream...  "Uhhh ... Yeah, we are.", I answered back.  "We've already got maybe 50-60 people!", he beamed.  "Most are parked over in the other lot.  They're waiting on the first wave to leave at 10AM", he continued. "Wave?", I asked...  "Oh yeah, we all go out in waves, every half hour.  Someone will lead you around the course...", he said in a reassuring tone, the morning sun glinting off his white teeth as he smiled, momentarily parting the massive growth of hair covering his lips. "And " ... going for the clincher, he adds, "We serve lunch at 1PM, too!" 

Grateful for all this information, I ask, " Wow!  Just how long is this Poker Run?"...

He countered cheerfully with, "17 miles!" (Deep Breath) "With three stops!"....

That's how I would have started my story if I'd had time to tell you ... but since I don't, and the nice lady is headed my way, I'll bid you "adeu" (not sure on that spelling...) but you get my drift. See you next time. Keep the Faith. Keep On Thumpin'  Tell the world about FSSNOC, THUMPER NEWS, THUMPERCAFE-USA and the rest of our story ... if YOU don't, who will???

Thump-Thump-Thump-Thump ... Jack, Director of FSSNOC / #000    

.....................APRIL 13, 2008............................. A THUMPER GOOD MORNING TO YOU, MATE...  Get your knickers on and I'll ring you up and we'll get crackin'...   Jet Lag!  So far I can't tell it, but I'm sure it's coming!                Saturday morning, 7:30AM England-time and 1:30AM Kansas-time, Carrie and I were having a British breakfast in downtown London just a short walk from Buckingham Palace.  We'd stayed the night in a hotel owned by the Duke of Wellington.  Bentleys, Aston Martins, Rolls Royces at the curb.  Skinny girls with shorts and a suit-coat tops with black lace leggings and a floppy hat with knee-high patent leather boots or spike heels ... very chic!  People everywhere, in a state of constant movement as was the traffic. Long live the flow!  That night Carrie and I grabbed a quick bite in Wichita , Ks( about an hour drive from ThumperVille) at 10:30PM Kansas-time ... a big day, almost 24 hours by the time we hit the sheets ... tired puppies, for sure.

I haven't gotten the mail.  My phone hasn't been answered.  I don't know who won Nascar at Phoenix (and don't tell me, I'm hoping to borrow a tape from Vinnie...).  We did get to Church this AM, but it's been a quiet day so far...   So, with all that said, don't look for much in the way of important information this go-around.  One note, should you be in or near Hutchinson,Ks on Tuesday morning in time for Biscuits and Gravy, I've talked to Mike earlier today (who was in Florida at the time, but due back in time for the Tuesday get-together) and he is planning to bring his Computer and I'll be doing a little show-and-tell, so come and join-us if you can, at the Wiley Building at First and Main in downtown Hutch... Tuesday morning, 9:30AM.  Bring a smile and money for biscuits ... Look for the Thumpers curbside.

A hint for the location of the ThumperCafe in Montana?   Okay, that's fair, and you'll be able to get the full scoop in the upcoming TN#91. Anyway, if we were to scribe a line top-to-bottom in the exact center of the state, left-to-right ... T/C #18 is to the left of that line and the scenery is really cool... (Are those Mountains over there???)

That's it ... Thump On!  Jack, #000 FSSNOC/Director    Keep On Thumpin', Ya' hear...   See you next week!    Meantime, join us if you are not currently a member, we need YOUR support...

...................APRIL 5. 2008...............................HEY..HEY.....  ANOTHER WEEK HAS THUMPED BY!   I trust you all got in some miles, hopefully...   Here we go with more "DEAR MR. THUMPER...

.............................DEAR MR. THUMPER: .... British Biker Cooperative (BBC)  is presenting their 28th annual BBC Motorcycle Rally and Show, featured motorcycles is Norton.  40 Years of Going Commmando.    July 18-20,2008   At Eagle Cave Natural Park, Blue River, WI.   2008 Triumph Demo Rides provided by Team Triumph.  All m/c enthusiasts are welcome.  Registration is $45.00 at the gate or $40 if you pre-register before 7-1-08.  No Day Passes!  Kids under 13 free/ Kids 14-17 $30.  All participants must be 21 or with a legal guardian.  Rally hotline is 262-514-2073  or  www.britishbiker.net   This is not a FSSNOC sponsored event.  This message is FYI....BBC.

..............................DEAR MR. THUMPER:   Thought you might enjoy page 24 of the enclosed Motorcycle Times Motorcycle Magazine, March/April Issue  (www.motorcycletimes.com).  Hope everything is going well for you!  The roads are FINALLY free of ice (W.V.) so I'm getting a lot more miles in...   Take Care, Joe Gilmore, #661 (WV)     Editor Note:  Joe ... Was  the book, The DeerSlayer written by James Fenimore Cooper?  Probably not...  Your article brought it to mind.  And Carol, you are a MOST patient and understanding lady! ...JK.

..............................DEAR MR. THUMPER:        LEGEND OF THE MOTORCYCLE 2008        Greetings...  As we fast approach our 3rd Concours we wanted to let you know about some of the event highlights...   MV Augusta is a featured marque with the greatest display of MVs ever to be assembled in America.   Norton is also a featured marque, with notable Norton judges George Cohen, Ken McIntosh & Kenny Dreer.   Giacomo Agostini is to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.  Special Guest Musician to present the Elvis award.   Chad McQueen & special guest to present the Steve McQueen Award.   Cigar & Spirits Lounge to feature a photo exhibit of Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman's recent trip, "Long Way Down".   Dainese plans to display archive racing suits from Ago, Sheene, Roberts, Spencer, Schwantz & Rossi.   Participation from Legends such as Phil Read, Erik Buell, & Malcom Smith.   Custom builders include Jesse James, Paul Cox, Billy Lane, Goldammer & Shinya Kimura,   Bonhams Auction to include bikes from the Corbin Collection and bikes once owned by McQueen & Knievel.    This world event takes place on SATURDAY, MAY 3rd, at the Ritz-Carlton, Half-Moon Bay, California (just South of San Francisco).  Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 on the day of...  We urge you to buy tickets now.  http://www.Legendofthemotorcycle.com    Mike, FSSNOC #4928 (UT).    Editor Note...  Thanks, Mike!  Okay, if this sounds like a don't miss event to you, Mike is saying to act now ... enjoy!   This is not a FSSNOC event. ..JK.

...............................OF NOTE:   Our local Yamaha dealer here in ThumperVille (Hutchinson,Ks) has the new WR250X  YAMAHA  on the Showroom floor.  Very nice!  Very light, at least it certainly feels light!  This is the Super-Motard version and it is fully street legal, or so it appears...  GREAT PLAINS HONDA-YAMAHA ,  620-663-7166  or stop by your local Yamaha dealer.  With gas going up everyday, we may all be riding 250cc machines before too long, eh?    While there I took a test ride on the Yamaha Vino 125cc Scooter.  Kelly says this is the most popular (selling) Scooter in the USA.  It is pretty snazzy with a retro-style static big chrome headlight and 50's two-tone paint.  The day wasn't too windy but it posted a top speed of 45 mph fairly easy.  I suspect some sort of electronic rev-limiter as the moment I hit the 45 mph (speedo-reading) it leveled-out and I could still rotate the throttle farther open but nothing happened...  Rated at 96 mpg, Kelly says her own personal Vino gets about 80mpg and it can haul up to three bags of groceries in the optional basket mounted on the rear rack.  Her Vino goes 50mph, but I weigh more and the day was a bit breezy and lastly, this demo unit had less than 30 miles on the clock.  It does have screw & nut valve adjusters and the valve inspection interval is a surprisingly short 2000 miles.  Air cooled with a carb, as opposed to some Scooters using both water-cooling and Fuel-Injection, this design appeals to me from a "K-I-S-S" viewpoint.   My 6'1" frame was not really all day comfortable while on the ride and the seat was dished too far forward for my tallish statue, no big surprise there.  Like many such vehicles, it seemed to be pretty twitchy, as in when I looked right I tended to go right, but that might disappear with some additional saddle time.  This Scooter is made in Tiwain.  Quality of fit and finish seemed good.  I suspect this is a solid performer and would probably be a value in the rapidly expanding scooter-USA world...  Anyone out there in ThumperLand got one?  Details?  Comments? ......JK, #000

................................OF FURTHER NOTE:  Thumper News,  Issue #91,  Summer of 2008 is at the Printer.  We still have a few TN#90, which include our Club Calendar, available as a backissue now for $3.00 plus $1.00 post.  Yes, to all those eager THUMPERCAFE go'ers... We have selected a location for the upcoming event in Montana.  The people there seem thrilled that we are coming...  Those details will be featured in TN#91.  (June 28,2008)    Thanks to all of you who submitted articles, information, whatever for possible use in Thumper News.  We tend to regard our Thumper News as a magazine, which I guess it is, but it is also a newsletter, fueled by the input and efforts of our membership.  Keep those articles,etc coming in...  Also in this upcoming Issue we have several new advertisers, which thrills our budget.  Please welcome these new (and our ever-faithful) "old" advertisers to our corner of the motorcycle world.  Believe this, how much they value their ad in TN is based on the reaction that they get from US, that be ME and that be YOU.  In this age of instant communication (E-mail), we have an easy and effective way to say "Thanks for your interest and support in our Club and I will consider your products"...  so why not give your Club a leg-up, okay?  Also I think you will continue to enjoy those awesome new Covers!  This one is a knock-out!  The folks at Wayne's Printing here in ThumperVille have been doing an outstanding job... Need some printing done here in the Hutchinson area, check them out, and tell'em FSSNOC sent you...             Now get out there and sign-up some new members, Ya' hear...? (It's my job to say these things ... and growth is important, we all know that....JK)

................................That's it for today!  Keep On Thumpin' ... Jack, #000 Director/FSSNOC   "Thump-Thump-Thump-Thump-Thump"

.....................MARCH 30,2008..........................

..Greetings All!  Home safe and sound...  Always good to get out of "Dodge" but it's always good to get back.  Strange, huh?   First off, I'm still excited about the ThumperCafe Meet in Arkansas... what a great time and ride.  We did catch a weather window but it was closing fast when I got back to the house about 7:45PM on Monday.  Cool thing, too ... I made it back in time to set in on the Biscuits and Gravy meet at the Wiley Bldg here in ThumperVille on Tuesday morning (each Tuesday 9;30AM ... if you're in the area, stop by..). Haven't cleaned up the DR yet, despite the flood warnings for that area, the Big Thumper stayed pretty clean for the duration of the trip. Just one more good thing about riding in the winter season... fewer bugs!  My trip was 1368 miles, just a nice putt.  I lubed my chain with Lithium out of the tube and applied it with a very soft used toothbrush. I squirted a bead on the toothbrush and then brushed it onto the chain as evenly as possible. Using this lube and this method of application, the chain stayed greasy throughout the trip. I did note that while I was on the road the grease would  be almost a liquid, then overnight it would turn back into a grease. So far, so good... just short of 17,000 miles on the DR650 Suz.

...................................DEAR MR. THUMPER:  I would like to know if there are any FSSNOC members in Louisana,  If so, my e-mail is deuceholeshot@bellsouth.net  and my phone is  337-580-1776 , should anyone wish to contact me.  Thank You. Nolton Picard, #4905 in Eunice,LA. 70737....

...................................DEAR MR. THUMPER:   You asked about a Whizzer. (page 41-TN#90 Coast-To-Coast On A Whizzer?)  I have a friend that has two RE-pop and one original Whizzer.  I have worked on both of the re-pops.  One would start, but not throttle-up.  I e-mailed Whizzer and they told me to check the intake-valve seat.  It was loose and going up and down with the valve. The fix was to stake it in place and it now runs fine.  The other re-pop ( re-pops are a modern day version... not made in USA anymore, or so I'm told ...JK) had a knock in the motor. I replaced both main-bearings and it still knocked. After a long hard look, I found that the flywheel was not seating correctly on the taper, so I changed the flywheel and the knock went away.  Whizzer Co. will work with you and help with problems as much as possible. Jack, If you do get a Whizzer, get a newer one as the first re-pops have issues that seems to have been taken out of the later versions.  They ride rough and bang hard on potholes. Scares you on bicycle tires...  Keep Up the Good Work,  Rick W., #0335 (MI)

Thanks, Rick ... for the info.  This idea kinda got put on the back burner.  I did learn that they (Whizzers) do not like steep grades or even grades at all. It was suggested by that party that if this Coast-To-Coast thing happened, we should go the southern route to eliminate as many hills and mountain grades as possible.  This would dictate the possibility of undertaking this trek in the early winter months...  Anyone else out there got one of this little dudes?  120 miles-per-gallon?  Maybe we ALL should have one...  Get back to me with whatever info you can provide, okay?  And ...Thanks, to you', Rick ... great to hear from ya'!

...................................DEAR MR. THUMPER:  In a future issue of Thumper News, could we cover things like what to bring when riding a Thumper on a trip.  Or, how to pick out a Motel where your bike will be safe, What raingear is best?, Does raingear work okay over a leather jacket?  Is leather water-proof enough without the raingear?.  Carrying a bunch of stuff on a Thumper sort of defeats the purpose of traveling on one, it seems to me, since lightness and good handling is what they are all about...  Randy J. #4890 (FL)

Great Suggestion, Randy!  Thanks for the good questions.  I'll address them briefly here in the order of your inquiry ... and more in detail in future Thumper News, matter of fact, I am currently working with Thumper News #91, and I am addressing in that upcoming issue the possibility of a flat-tire on your or my Thumper while on a roadtrip and I share what I take with me so that WHEN (not if...) it happens, I can continue on my trip without a major delay...

 Okay, on with those questions:  What to bring?  Firstly, I can't take it all, and that's a good thing as our possessions always represent a fair amount of responsibility, such as maintenance, keeping it safe and clean, etc... ie, baggage. Each person will require different things so I'll probably tell what I take and let each reader add and/or subtract as they see fit. One thing I used to do, back in my early days of traveling by motorcycle, was to make a list of each thing I took with me. Then upon my return, if I used the item, I put an "X" beside it on the list. After several trips, if an item didn't have an "X", I'd leave it at home. Carl Malden (not sure of that spelling...) said it best on those TV ads,     " -------- brand credit card. Don't leave home without it!"  Still good advice for me, though perhaps nowdays a debit-card linked to a special account without too many $$$ would be a better bet...

How To Pick A Motel?   Besides the basic things like lighting, area, and so on ... that's a tough one.  We can feel perfectly safe and take every precaution ... and wake-up without a motorcycle (or car, for that matter..) in the morn.  We'll try to cover that in more detail as well... Raingear? The answer is Yes...  I buy plastic cheaper ones, from motorcycle stores or sources.  They generally DON'T have a "fly" which in the rain, is a good thing.  Ditto on more detail later...  Leather will hold off the wet for a few miles if it is pro