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 the US Mail, or call our humble Director at 620-663-1869,
or e-mail our club e-mail address at
fssnoc@yahoo.com where
our club Electro-Media Correspondent (EMC), "Motor Mike", is
standing by to respond back to you...
Be sure to put your
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name and state. Please preface the items intended for use on
the website with the phrase, "Dear Mr. Thumper:".
Should your needs or question concerns a contact
back by our Director, please include your current phone number in
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mail, or on the website ... or to not respond at all if the subject
matter is inappropriate. Any/all subject matter and
information may be used in-part or edited and will become the property of the Club to use as we
desire...
Okay ... Let's get Thumpin'!
.....................MARCH 3, 2010.............
60 DEGREES HERE IN THUMPERVILLE TODAY! First time since
sometime in November of 2009, and most days haven't warmed to much
over 40-45 degrees and then only for a short time then the Sun heads
for the horizon and the temps go down hill from there.
Motorcycles were out and about..., including my DR. Didn't get
to go real far, maybe 30-40 miles, but at least I did get out and as
always, it felt good....
Also today prior to
the ride, I installed a fresh countersprocket, part #15335 from
SunStar on the DR650. The old one had been on for just a tick
over 10K and it should have been replaced earlier judging by the
wear of the teeth. After it was installed I bumped-up the
adjustment two positions on the chain adjuster (one of those
eccentric ones that have a series of numbered bumps), too tight, so
I moved it back to one position, put it down on the sidestand and
"Viola" ... too tight again. So it wound up back on the
original position which surprised me due to the type of use that
chain has been through this winter. Second surprise was when I
looked on my service log and discovered I had ridden in excess of
1000 miles on the DR since the first of 2010 ... I thought maybe it
was 500 miles or so. This doesn't include the daily miles of doing
errands, etc as most of this type of riding gets done on the Piaggio
Scooter. No wonder I've had a good winter!
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
I had a chance to look at a 2009 BMW G650GS, really liked it ...
until I sat on it. I was interested in the note from Terry in
CO. (in TN#98-pg.30/31) mentioning the seat. My hips are as
old as I am and not too flexible. My XT225 works very well in
that respect but has other obvious limitations. So, does
anyone make an aftermarket narrow seat for the BMW G650GS? Can
the stock seat be altered to make it more narrow? Or is the
frame such that the bike has to have a wide seat? No dealer
near, so I can't go look at one again. I'd appreciate any
comments or thoughts that anyone might have... Thanks!
Still cold here in the UP of Michigan and lots of snow. Doug,
FSSNOC #2562 (MI)...
REPLY TO DOUG... My
first thought goes to Sargent Seat people or perhaps Corbin, you
might send them an e-mail and inquire? Both companies have a
loyal following and are established companies but hurry as time may
be of the essence due to Spring coming soon... BMW usually has
a lower seat available but I don't think it would be narrower, and
that is indeed going to be the hard part as most new bikes including
the BMW usually conform the seat to the frame in such a way that one
might go with a wider seat but a narrower one is tuff. Anyone
out there in ThumperLand able to add to this, please let us hear
from you with your input. Another thought that comes to my mind is
the Suzuki DRZ bikes, they feature narrow saddles as do the Yamaha
WR250 and the Kawaski KLX250 as well. Thanks, Doug! - #000.
ROK YOUR WORLD...
Page 6 of TN#98 - Spring Issue of 2010. FREE ROK Strap as our
inventory allows to any clubmember who writes the words, "Reserve My
ROK-strap" on a piece of paper and (snail) mails it to: FSSNOC
P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809. To take
delivery of your strap you must attend the ThumperCafe in VA. on May
22, 2010. Only one strap per member number and per
reservation. Multiple members may reserve in the same envelope
if desired. I must ,... repeat... I must receive your letter
BEFORE I leave for the ThumperCafe so I can UPS or whatever the
straps to the ThumperCafe. DEADLINE for my RECEIVING
your ROK-strap reservation here at FSSNOC is MAY 12, 2010.
Should one reserve a strap but be unable to attend the ThumperCafe,
no ROK-strap will be awarded ... you have to have reserved your
strap in the manner described AND be in attendance at the
ThumperCafe. FSSNOC member #2497, Mr. Rolf - Immo Gabbe has
provided these straps for our enjoyment. Thank You, Rolf! Now,
should one strap like this not be enough, you may wish to purchase
additional straps from our friends at
www.aerostich.com/riderwearhouse.store or
www.soundrider.com/store
. (NOTE: We have a bunch of these babies ... but
...first come, first served as supply permits. -#000)
Also it is very important
that we ALL let FSSNOC know that we are planning to attend the
ThumperCafe as we are being served and fed by ONE very nice person (JoAnn)
who we don't want to provoke ... you know that saying, "Never, never
make the Cook mad!" ... so we need to know how many are coming to
this event. This is a very unique setting and it will require our
cooperation to work smoothly. Failure to do this may result in
not enough food to feed those who didn't tell us they planned on
coming and we flat don't want that to happen.
While on the subject, and
this is on page 25 of TN#98, the cost per person to attend this
event is only $20.00 which is to include the pre-determined and
ordered food, ( To make it possible for such a small staff to serve
us, we all eat the same thing ) ... members and non-member guests as
well. We will have membership forms onsite for those who wish
to join while at the event. If you are considering doing just
that, why not join now and be up to speed for the ThumperCafe. See
applications elsewhere on the site...
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Thumper News #97 made it to my mailbox. It (the one that
included the 2010 calendar) was a great issue with recaps of all of
the ThumperCafes for the year, 2009. In the picture for March,
there behind the featured BMW F650 from Florida, covered by a Hi-Viz
jacket, is my own BMW F650. Hope I'm able to attend the 2010
ThumperCafe in Colorado! Ty, #4929.
REPLY to TY... August
14th is the date and Colorado is the State ... for the mid-summer
ThumperCafe. More information will be available as
things firm-up for this sure-to-be-awesome gathering. Hope to
see you there, TY! - #000, and Thanks for the comments. - #000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Spring is coming to WI. My DR650 Suzuki is ready and waiting
with 28,000 miles on it. Doug, #1131 (WI). I just renewed my
FSSNOC membership and did I miss the Calendar Issue? If so,
can I buy it?
REPLY to Doug...
You're in luck, Doug. We have a very short stack left.
I'll get it in the mail for you... -#000. (And that project bike in
the picture you enclosed is very cool, how about doing an article on
it for TN, eh? Who knows, might sell some product, etc... -
#000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Haven't received my TN yet? Talked to my friend and he has
his... John, #3590 (OH).
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Came home for lunch and there it was, Thumper News #98! Please
disregard last nights e-mail. I'm looking forward to seeing
you all at the ThumperCafe in VA. this summer. Thanks! --
John, #3590 (OH).
REPLY TO JOHN... Yep,
we're fast. Sometimes... See Ya' soon, John! - #000.
TIRE TALK (SEE DIRECTLY
BELOW ON THE FEBRUARY 24 POST...) :
**** Director asked for miles thumped in 2009 ...
here it tis: Buell Blast - 12324 mi. / MZ Skorpion
Traveller - 2674 mi. / Savage Suzuki 650 - 673 mi. =
15671 miles total. Clyde, #4766 (KS).
**** 11,172 is my answer to miles thumped in 2009.
Five bikes, all Thumpers. My last multi was an air-head BMW,
sold in 2005. 1997 was the last year that I put more miles on
my multi than on my thumpers, prior to that, it was 1993. My
total two-wheel miles since 1986 now stands at 212,902 miles of
which about 75% have been on Singles. Me and the "Hatchet", an XT350
Yamaha, intend to do lots more riding this year. I'll be
adding another FSSNOC 500 sticker to my bike in May at the Virginia
ThumperCafe, see you there. Vic, #3701 (NC).
**** 2008 KLR650 Kawasaki. 14,000 miles in
2009 in 16 states, mostly on a Kenda 761 rear tire and the OE Dunlop
on the front. The narrow front rim makes me reluctant to try
other 90/90-21 tires. They're designed for a wider rim. I'm
happy with the rear Kenda. I ride almost exclusively on
pavement - below 5000 rpm on highways and at sane old-guy speeds in
the twisties. I ride to the nearby m/c service shop
where I remove the wheel (on the centerstand) in the parking lot.
They will mount/balance a tube-type tire for $20, tubeless for $15,
and don't insist on selling me tubes when I don't need them. I
buy Kendas (about $55) online where I get free shipping on orders of
$75 or more. I can always find something to bump the order to
that figure. By the way, no matter how sanitary or even
elegant my balance weights are when I hand the wheel to the
mechanic, the wheels come back with ugly lead wrap-around weights
with toothmarks from the pliers jaws in them. What do they do
with my lovely chrome weights? Maynard, #1196 (CO).
THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED TO OUR REQUEST ON MILES
THUMPED IN 2009... Send us YOUR miles thumped in 2009 and
we'll add them to the list. Comments, etc may be included and
are appreciated. We enjoy hearing from our members!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE MAGS IS... TRAIL RIDER MAGAZINE.
Paul Clipper is a cool guy and is definitely a dirt-ridin' guy,
mostly on some sort of Thumper ... as well as "Bossman"/Editor of
Trail Rider.
www.trailrider.com is
where you can find this compilation of all two-wheeled things dirt,
particularly in the North East area of the USA. (But trees are trees
and dirt is dirt and hills and spills are the same all over, so it
is relative and informative...) Anyway, in this Issue,
March 2010, on page 8, is what looks to be a major cool
fused-electrical block with multiple terminals, it is made by
Fuzeblock at
www.fuzeblocks.com And as for TRAIL RIDER MAGAZINE, send
Paul a small sum of American large and he'll mail on of these little
literary gems to your mailbox every month ... what a deal. and this
mag even includes the latest and greatest stuff from Ed Hertfelder
who is rumored to be camping somewhere in Arizona. -
#000.
THAT'S IT FOR NOW ... HOPE
YOU ENJOYED THE THUMPER THURSDAY SHOW! E-mail us at
fssnoc@yahoo.com or
write us at FSSNOC P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks.
67504-1809 or you can call the FSSNOC Fone at 620-663-1869.
CIAO - #000/Jack/Director.
.........................FEBRUARY 24,
2010.....WOW! IT'S ALMOST MARCH! TIME CHANGE IS MARCH
14TH!!!! YEEHAWWWW!
LET'S GET CRACKIN... FIRST CALLER IS:
STEVEN ROSSI, #0783 (CT)
... What's up, Steve?
"What's all this talk about dual-sport tire wear? Just
as a comparison, my daily commuter, a Kawasaki KLR250, has 8400
miles on the original Dunlop K750s... I'm sure I'll be able to
baby them to 10,000 miles. Light is right!", says Steve.
"Of Course, I won't be riding it to Alaska either..."
REPLY: Thank
You, Steve, for those comments. Excellent question ... let's
get to it!
The National average for
miles ridden annually for a motorcyclist living in the good ole USA
is reportedly somewhere around 2000 miles per year ...
In cases like this, tires probably aren't a big deal.
This "Joe-average" motorcyclist just purchases a new bike every year
or two and it will come shod with fresh new tires, so no problem.
Same deal for batteries, cables, brake-pads, etc.
However, it seems in
our group, we have a number of not so "Joe-average" riders
(including you, Steve, eh?). Hey, I just had a thought... It
would be interesting to hear from you members as to how many miles
you rode your Thumper last year ... care to let us know?
E-mail us at FSSNOC@yahoo.com
or drop me a note at our mailing address which is: FSSNOC
P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809 and bring us up to speed,
whether high or low miles ridden, it'd be fun to hear from ya'...
All we need is: First name, FSSNOC number, State, plus brand
and model and year of your Four Stroke Single and miles thumped in
2009, and you can add a few comments to sweeten the deal if you
like... and as per the instructions above, preface your input with
"Dear Mr. Thumper" so we know where it goes...
Now, back to our subject,
which is tires. Now-days, with the quality of motorcycles being what
it is ... and with the exception of gasoline and oil/oil filters,
purchasing fresh tires for our favorite ride is something we all
have to deal with at some time or another. First thing out of
the box, we find out that there are so many choices in brands and
types and treads ... that calls for at least one decision. And
this decision is usually a $55.00 to $155.00 doozie, sometimes
more... and sometimes that tire may only go 3500 miles! One
time I wore-out a brand new Bridgestone TW-whatever in 16 days!
My check had hardly cleared the bank... to its credit, I was in
Alaska at the time and I did ride 5000 miles and a lot of these
miles were on what they call "dirt" or "gravel" roads, and quite
often, really muddy, as well.
Then, after we have
selected a tire, who do we get to put them on or do we do it
ourselves in the garage or the backyard if no garage is available,
or alongside the road with the sun sinking at a dive-bomber rate ...
or do we contract it done at a nearby or sometimes a not-so-nearby
dealership, and this avenue, of course, drives up the cost
dramatically, sometimes up to two hours shop labor X what, maybe $60
to $80 per hour, plus the generally needed balancing which adds
another $15 to $25, all this plus the original cost of the
replacement tire. "Oh, did you buy your tire from us?' The
right answer to this question can sometimes make a big difference in
labor costs, to our favor...
If, perhaps, our Thumper
uses traditional tube-type tires, most if not all shops refuse to
re-install an old tube for fear of the liability of a possible
blowout. Tubes can be $12.00 to $30 dollars, depending on
brand, standard weight or heavy-duty, etc... And to add
fuel to an already burning fire, on the bottom of your ticket will
quite likely be a charge for disposing of your hazardous material
rubber tire, this can be as high as $5.00 or more ... several
decisions later, anyone got a calculator? $$$.
So I try to do it myself...
however, that's not free either. Sometimes at least one bloody
knuckle or "ouchie", (Apparently this computer has never changed a
motorcycle tire, it doesn't recognize the very familiar word, "ouchie"...).
We've been talking lately at the FSSNOC members local gathering for
Biscuits and Gravy here in ThumperVille ( Every Tuesday
9:30AM at First and Main in the Soda Fountain area of the Wiley
building ... well, we started there but one day we came in to find
that they had moved our big table out into the dimly lit and drafty
hallway ... I have no idea why we have been treated this way, at
least that's my/our story and I/we are sticking to it... grin ),
anyway, Tall Bill, FSSNOC #4255, has recently installed a set of
Kenda K270 tires (via Richard's comments earlier on this site) on
his BMW Paris-Dakar with the able assistance of fellow FSSNOC
friend, Dennis, FSSNOC #4589. The process was a success,
however, It would seem that both came away from the experience with
a new found respect for motorcycle tire changing...
Bead-breaking was a hot
topic at the table this Tuesday morning. Several alternate
ways were discussed, including using the bike's own sidestand,
providing the affected machine has a centerstand ... which quite
frankly struck me as an accident looking for a place to happen.
Mike, FSSNOC #4504 (a practicing bike mechanic) taught us all about
the using of the two "real" tire irons inverted and used
back-to-back to pop the tire off the bead and he cautioned us to
watch our thumbs! This steered the conversation over to the
entertaining concept of using camels for transportation and what it
takes to make that work in today's environments ... and you have to
appreciate the fact that camels do not get flat-tires. Later I
shared about my use of the "Bead-Breaker" clamp made of cast iron.
It has never met a tire it couldn't break but the downside is, it
weighs a portly 8 pounds or so and takes up lots of room in my
storage-challenged DR650's limited cartage, but I'll leave my
underwear at home before leaving that clamp. It cost me almost
$50 but I've changed probably 35 tires or so with it and if you
remember the costs incurred by taking your tire change to even a
reasonable priced dealership, I figure it has re-paid for itself
many, many times ... a good investment for me.
So, Thanks again, Steve for
your question ... that's why all the talk and we may talk further as
we haven't covered air pressures, balancing, chain alignment, etc,
etc... It is fun stuff and it is pertinent to those who have
an active riding lifestyle. I tell myself and others, it is a
positive thing to wear-out a tire ... it means that I (and you) have
been riding and that is a good thing! One last comment... and
I shared this with the Biscuits and Gravy Tuesday group. It
was at a FSSNOC rally in California in the Gold Mining country. I
had ridden the KLR650 to the rally from ThumperVille and was
planning to purchase a tire on the road, and it was the one and only
time I did that... After the late-late night conversation in
the parkinglot faded, I went upstairs in the Motel to my room to hit
the sheets. Next morning, as is my ritual, I arose early and after a
morning shower and a bite or three (okay - a dozen!) of breakfast, I
rambled outside to view the day and to inspect the KLR and ready it
for the day. On the sidewalls of my admittedly well worn rear
tire were the words, "NO HUNTING" and "KEEP OUT",
distastefully scrawled with a messy white substance. I heard
laughing nearby... Cameras were clicking... Out of seemingly
nowhere came several grinning FSSNOCers, none of which would own-up
to this riotous act. I have to admit, it was funny...
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Thought you guys might want to see pics of my new baby... says Ron,
FSSNOC #4995 (TX), who sent same of his latest Thumper, a black
Suzuki 650 (S-40/Savage).
REPLY:Looks good, Ron.
Hope you will plan to come show it to us in person at a ThumperCafe
this year. It'd be fun if you would write us some details
about it for Thumper News, as well. Your impressions, etc...
Bet it is almost Spring down there in Texas, eh? -#000.
(Remember that Ron has his SR500 Yamaha for sale... see the posting
for February 10th below)
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
The HIGHLAND MOTORCYCLE , see last weeks post..., has an address
of 610 West Needles, Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 with a phone number of
918-366-8850 and according to MapQuest, it is 280 miles from
ThumperVille. Thump On! BIG ED, FSSNOC #0342 (NY).
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Steve Rossi's (#783) article in Thumper News #98 struck a chord with
me and I share his views of the Moto-mags, which I have cut my
subscriptions to three- BMWON (Life Member #50354) and Thumper
News (Member #2364) and The Sidecarist (USCA #5965). Hal,
FSSNOC #2364 (OR).
REPLY... Great to
hear from you, Hal! It made me grin and recall the fun we had
at the Oregon ThumperCafe a few years ago and all the other fun
stuff through the years. We hope to see you again at a future
ThumperCafe and if you motor through this part of the woods, be sure
to give FSSNOC a call, we can get a burger or somethin', okay?
Keep On Keepin' On and don't you even think about bumpin' ole
Thumper News off your mailing list, eh? Thanks for the comments on
Steve's excellent article in TN#98. - #000.
BZZZZZZZZZZ!
We're done for another Show. Thanks for being there for and
with us... Thump On! - #000/Jack - Director of FSSNOC.
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
........................................FEBRUARY
17, 2010....WELCOME TO ANOTHER THUMPER THURSDAY SHOW!
BEFORE WE TAKE OUR
FIRST CALL ... I gotta tell you about my day, and what a great day
it was...!
Phone call yesterday, "Hey,
Wanna ride to Yoder for lunch on Wednesday?" It was Jim, a
fellow FizzKnocker and longtime friend. "Sure. That sounds
like fun!", I replied without a moments hesitation. So we were
on...
Wednesday morning (today
... this Show actually takes place on the day before it is
aired on Thursday, just like the Tonite Show, etc... - #000),
anyway... I get up on the rosey side of 9AM but I reason that by the
time I get around to leaving to run the club errands I might not be
back in time to be here to meet Jim for lunch ... so I just
goof-off, not a real problem.
In fact, it was good ...
because I had the opportunity to put the sprocket cover back on the
good doctor (DR650). I'd had it off to remove the
counter-sprocket to assess what 10,000 miles of about 50% dirtroads
had done to the SunStar Aftermarket sprocket ... it was looking
not-so-good. The teeth had a decided "lean" to the eye so it
was indeed time to replace it, which I took care of on Tuesday,
well, at least I have one on order from Barb at the parts-counter at
our local Suzuki Shop, Great Plains Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki
(620-663-7166)...
As a sidenote, I generally
go with the factory sprockets and chains but this time (July 3, 2009
- 33478 miles) I couldn't get a continuous-link chain from
Suzuki so I went with a chain that has the same number of links but
is for a Honda 1998 XR650L. I am not fond of "master-links" as
they are genuinely the "weak link" and the 1998 Honda replacement
chain is continuous, but it is a 520 instead of a 525, which means
it is a tick narrower and that meant I needed a 520 sprocket set
which I was able to source from SunStar. So how do I rate this
chain and sprocket set? Well, not too bad, in fact 10,000
miles of minimal lubing due to riding in mud, sand, gravel, dust and
whatever ... this isn't bad at all. The chain still seems to
fit the rear sprocket pretty good so I ordered only a
counter-sprocket, we'll see how all this pans out...
Back to my day...
About 11AM or so I get a call from Jim and the plan is scrapped due
to situations beyond our control ... so I hop on the Super-Fly
(150cc Piaggio Italian Red Scooter) and do my route to the Bank, to
the Post Office, to the Shirt People, etc, etc and I complete this
all by about 1:15PM. It is a beautiful sunny day, now about 35
degrees, up from about 17 degrees this AM. I pull the DR out
of the garage and call my wife, Carrie. She agrees to meet me
for lunch at Yoder so I head-out, taking the scenic route which was
longer due to my choice of route that included several miles of
backroad. Yoder is about 15 miles by macadam, I made it in
about 22...
Pepper-Jack Cheese.
Japoleneos (hot peppers ... sorry about the spelling, my Spanish is
a bit remiss -#000). A fist-full of saurkraut.
(whoa ... I'm batting 1000 in spelling today, guess my German leaves
a little to be desired as well...), all this on a 1/3 pound beef
patty and an order of tator-tots and, of course, the obligatory Dr.
Pepper. Whatta lunch, eh? And, I had Carrie's company for
dessert!
As I start to mount the
bike, another FizzKnocker/ friend arrives... Kip has stopped
to get a bite for his late lunch, or perhaps it was an early snack
as he is still just a pup and probably eats all day. The warm
sun is shining, we visit a bit ... fun stuff.
I ride out of Yoder, which
isn't hard to do as Yoder is very small... By now it is about
2:45PM and I have club work to do at the house.
Nawwww!
Instead, I ride aimlessly about, seeking out the lesser traveled
roads. I have my camera in the tankbag and even have occasion to
squeeze-off a few pics. Finally, as the sun is sinking in the West,
I find myself approaching ThumperVille from the south so I stop in
at the Shop to see if by some miracle my sprocket that was ordered
yesterday came in today ... "You're too early!" ... was the reply.
"I'll check in tomorrow or the next day..", I promised and rode
north toward the house. The temps were in the high 40's, the
sun, though dropping rapidly toward the horizon, still bright and
warm. The air had been crisp all day and was becoming more so,
I could sense that my day was ending quickly.
I rolled into the garage
and put the mud-spattered DR up on the Racer's Stand. I lubed
the chain with 90wt hypoid oil and took a quick look over the bike
so as to head-off any surprises on another day. Everything appeared
good... Nuts and Bolts. Lighting. Tires.
Etc...
I have to say it ... this
bike is one fun Thumper! As I recall noticing when I put it
upon the stand, it has about 43,434 miles ... that's close if not
correct.
I step back and with
a smile I admire the bike, standing tall on the stand while being
bathed by the soft golden rays of a beautiful Kansas sunset. I
take a deep breath. I'm refreshed. I'm relaxed.
I'm happy.
What an awesome day...
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Looks like there are very few corners or out-of-the-way places in
this land that someone on a Thumper hasn't been to... I got a
grin out of reading Eric M.'s comments last week about the Paint
Bank General Store. Mike (Driller on KLRWorld.com) and I
stopped and had supper there last fall on our ride to the Maryland
ThumperCafe. The thought of a ThumperCafe there occurred to us
while we enjoyed our meal on the front porch. Eric, if you
know that area you know of the campground about 3 miles outside of
town. Should you stop in there, keep your eyes open for what
was a brand new Columbia River pocket knife, check in the river
extra well, I think that is where it is/was... (grin). See You
thumper Guys/Gals at the ThumperCafe in Virginia on May 22, 2010.
FSSNOC #3701, Vic (NC).
REPLY TO VIC...
Thanks for your note, Vic. Paint Bank was considered as a
ThumperCafe but upon my call to secure an area and food for our
group the nice lady assured me that they could take care of us
without making plans like that as there would probably be two
hundred other motorcyclists there at the same time ... so we
continued our search. Should anyone come through that area it
is a beautiful facility and it is worth a stop... -#000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
I picked-up an issue of DIRT BIKE magazine and there is a story
about HIGHLAND MOTORCYCLE. They're making THUMPERS in
350cc-450cc and 507cc. There's a BIG v-twin as well with
100hp! Also a 950cc dirt-tracker. The company has an
office in Ola, NY, maybe a "look see" is in order? (Yep ... go
take a look and give us a report, okay? - #000) I received my
Thumper News #98 and it is way-cool. Never had to turn a copy
sideways before!! Think Spring... FSSNOC #342, Big
Ed XT & TT FAN!!
REPLY TO BIG ED... I
suppose you've never turned your thumper sideways either???? - #000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER... A
little something for someone's 2010 Spring motorcycling calendar?
STEVE ROSSI's 2010 TIDDLER TOUR... Starts and ends at 123
Landing Hill Road, East Haddam, CT. 06423. Open to any and all
pre-1969 and under 305cc Tiddlers. Sunday, May 30,2010. Starts
at 10AM. Has some dirt sections. For info, contact Steve
at 860-873-2999 or
SLDMROSSI@aol.com Event is held in conjunction with
the Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC)
FEBRUARY 28, 2010 ...
SO-CAL CYCLE SWAPMEET (ALL BRANDS) LONG BEACH STADIUM
Call 800-762-9785 or go to:
www.toppingevents.com for
info. Call before you "haul"...
IN OUR MAILBOX... Strat
Cannon, Skybiker. a book by John M. King (Author)
jmichaelking@hotmail,com
"Lightning strikes more than once when Stratford Cannon wakes up in
a hospital, takes a turn for the nurse, develops a paranormal
ability, and survives a biker gang war, a kidnapping, and his
friend's Italian wedding..." (Uhhhh ... you are on your
own here (grin) - #000)
IN OUR MAILBOX...
WHITEHORSE GEAR - for motorcycling enthusiasts. Winter/Spring
2010 ... a catalog. For your own catalog you may call
603-356-6633 or slide by their site at:
www.WhiteHorseGear.com .
Some pretty nifty stuff, even a section devoted to the KLR. Oh yeah,
here is a 800 number: 800-531-1133 for ordering. E-mail
is
CustomerService@WhitehorseGer.com
IN OUR MAILBOX...
Jeff Williams Promotions Inc of P.O.Box 543, Blue Springs, MO. 64013
is planning a SwapMeet at the FairGrounds at Sedalia, MO on March 7,
2010. Call before you "haul"...
We are fresh out of time
once again... If we didn't get your call answered tonite, call
again another Thursday, okay? (Actually, the isn't really a
radio show, but you knew that...) Contact us at
our e-mail at fssnoc@yahoo.com
where you can converse with our very own "Motor Mike" and, if so
directed by you, he'll pass anything you want FSSNOC to know
on to me, your humble Director (Jack, FSSNOC #000). Be sure to
preface anything you want considered for our Thumper Show by the
words, "DEAR MR. THUMPER...". Not everything we get winds up
on this show but we'll try... Also you may write to us (and
that comes directly to me, your humble Director ... still and again)
at: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809,
Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809. Use this address
for your submitted materials for Thumper News, as well. Should
you send an article with a CD with photos and/or text, please
include a paper copy. This speeds up our processing of your material
throughout the utilization in Thumper News. Photo CD's are an
excellent way to assist us in maintaining the quality of your
photograph but do include a paper photo as well, and this can be on
regular paper but to be honest, it is hard to beat a real photo so
that we can determine the merit of that particular photo. Please be
aware that this is an excellent way to advertise your Thumper or
Thumper-related items FOR SALE and it is FREE to members of the
Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club, that be you... (If not,
what's keep'n you??? Only a dime a day! Call it FSSNOC
change, spend it for membership in FSSNOC... C'mon - You're worth
it, eh? A dime? )
KEEP ON THUMPIN' and THANKS
FOR TUNIN' IN ... TO THE THURSDAY THUMPER SHOW. See YOU next
week! - #000/Jack.
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
....................................FEBRUARY 10,
2010............SPRING IS COMING! ENJOY THESE COOL (?) DAYS
AND NO BUGS WHILE YOU CAN...........
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
(We hear from Pat - see 3rd topic in the posting from 02-03-10
below..) I am using the KOSO Model XR-SA which my
motorcycle dealer got from Parts Unlimited. Here is the link
to KOSO:
http://www.kosonorthamerica.com
REPLY: ...Thanks Very Much, Pat .... Pat's
e-mail is
http://us.mc824.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=patrickmcbrien@verizon.net
(whew ... hope I got all that right...) - #000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
FOR SALE: 1979 Yamaha SR500. I just purchased an S-40
Suzuki... Price is $1100.00. Also, I thump alone
presently, if anyone thumps in the North Dallas area, call
214-212-0327 or e-mail at
tribrock@yahoo.com
Ron, FSSNOC #4995 (TX) Kindest Regards...
DEAR MR. THUMPER... After a
brutal December, we had a two week long chinook with temps as high
as 50 degrees. I was able to get out the Honda Ascot 500cc
Single for some rides and I finally got to ride a Honda CL90 that I
recently got running ... I bought it complete and un-restored but
with a seized motor. Still not sure if it is a keeper,
Tiddlers are nice if traffic, especially commuters, are not a
factor. Best Wishes from Great Falls, Montana. Lynn,
#1602.
REPLY to Lynn: One thing about winter
time, it makes 40 -50 degrees feel like a great day to ride, eh,
Lynn? 25 degrees here today in ThumperVille.
I did take out the Super Fly Scooter for a few errands and lunch ...
and a haircut. The Barber commented that he could feel the
cold coming off me... more cold than hair? Yeah, I really
should get a discount. - #000.
OKLAHOMA MOTORCYCLE SHOW
FEBRUARY 20-21, 2010 at the State Fair Grounds Park in
Oklahoma City, Ok. in the Travel, Transportation, and Modern Living
Buildings. Visit JWSWAPMEET.COM or call
816-228-5811 or 816-456-4415. Call before you
...uh, haul? -#000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Sorry I missed a chance to nominate one of my favorite places for
the upcoming ThumperCafe in Virginia ... the Paint Bank General
Store. Located in the Allegheny Mountains right on the VA/WVA
border, it is only an hour west of I-81 and it's a different world
than the Blue Ridge Parkway. Approaching from any
direction, a rider will find a lifetime supply of exciting backroads
and gorgeous scenery to explore without the intrusion of automobile
traffic. This isn't a "Cracker Barrel"... The restaurant is in
the back with a huge screened-in porch ideal for a large group, with
a fully stocked hunting and fishing store just above the dining
room, even a herd of Bison nearby and on the menu.
Eric M. , FSSNOC #3593 (VA).
REPLY: Thanks, Eric ... for your
excellent suggestion. I plan/hope to drop by this place for a
visit when in the area for our ThumperCafe, in fact, this very
location was considered long and hard as the location for our
ThumperCafe and the location that we chose isn't very far from this
site. See Thumper News #98, either in the mail or in your
mailbox as we speak... I'm very excited to be going to this
particular area for the May 22nd event. This is gonna be a
good time! Hope to see you, Eric, at that event and all you
other FSSNOCers, as well. - #000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
In response to your response to "Richard, FSSNOC #1977 - tire wear"
(Original post was 12-16-10)... I still have my original
Dunlop K750 front tire on my KLR, it now has 12,591 miles on it.
The rear was switched out at 5000 miles. The front shows wear
but not dangerous, but what do I know, I'm new to this stuff.
I plan to get a new one before the serious riding weather hits here
in Oregon. We're on our second rain shower here, and it only
rains twice a year in Oregon ... once for two months and once for
three months! I don't do dirt or gravel and as little wet as
possible. I'll be putting on my second rear Metzler Tourance,
the third rear tire overall. I've had no problems with the stock
Dunlop but would entertain another brand, etc. I've just
joined you guys and I think you all are RIGHT ON! Gary, FSSNOC
#4204, gave me some previous issues of Thumper News, the article in
TN#92 by Maynard Hershon, "To Philljpsburg for a Burger" ( A
ThumperCafe held in Montana...-#000) says it all... I hope to
meet you guys at the ThumperCafe this year (August 14th) in
Colorado. Bruce, #5078 (OR)
REPLY TO BRUCE: Great to hear from you, Bruce!
Sorry we didn't get this on last week. I used my original Dunlop on
the 2000 model KLR a total of three different times and for a grand
total of, as I recall, 21,000 miles, subject to some error due to
faulty memory, etc.. I ran a number of sets of the Avon
Distanzia front and rear on my KLR, usually getting 11,000 miles on
the rear (one went 14K!) and replacing the front every-other time.
Great looking and easy to mount and dis-mount alongside the road, I
was extremely pleased with this set-up until I had the opportunity
to install a tire called the Gripster by the same company, Avon, on
the front. Now , in my opinion, I was better equipped for the
unplanned venture onto a dirt road or trail, though it's not a
dirt-bike tire, but a better-than-a-highway-type dual-purpose tire.
This particular combination seemed to be a very common sense
compromise for me and my riding style. Of course, I am
currently impressed with the Continental TKC80s, but I do more dirt
roads through the winter months. They do wear fast but
oh-so-sweet while they last, I say, "they", when actually the front
still looks almost new. They, and the Avons, too, do not
"sing" on pavement like so many tires are prone to do... and I like
that. So, that's my story ... maybe someone else will tell us what
they've used and their own results.... Welcome to FSSNOC,
Bruce! Thanks for your membership and interest in Thumpers and
in the Club. Keep On Thumpin'... -#000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
This is my first year to renew. Do I get a renewal form in the
mail, or what? I had a great time at the ThumperCafe in
Maryland (the WET and WILD one, as Steven Rossi so aptly
called it in TN#98 - grin! - #000). I plan to make ALL THREE
THUMPERCAFES IN 2010 ... Looking forward to seeing you and other
FSSNOCers in May in Virginia. George, FSSNOC #5007 (KY).
REPLY TO GEORGE... Thanks for your note,
George ... and your question. Yes, we do mail out a postcard,
currently a golden-colored one, that gives you various ways to renew
your membership in FSSNOC. These cards generally are mailed in
such a way that a member usually receives it early in the month
prior to the renewal month. The renewal month is the
anniversary of your join date which is on each mailing label that
you receive from the club and it is also on your membership card
that you may or may not be able to lay hands-on. As for your
personal goal of attending all three ThumperCafes in 2010, that
would be major cool. It has been done before but not very many
times! I look forward to greeting you at each event and I
remember our original meeting down in Kerrville, TX where we were
both enjoying the Hill Country and I also remember you riding-up at
the ThumperCafe in Maryland in a pretty good downpour, and you're
right ... it was a very good time! - #000.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
The local motorcycle club, the Prairie Pups Motorcycle Club (PPMC)
is planning a Saturday lunch at Burrton, Ks ... If anyone in our
area needs or wants to join a local club, this is an opportunity.
$20.00 special price right now, instead of the $30 previous, so you
can save some $. Meet the PPMC at the local Donut Shop (and
you'll meet quite a number of local FSSNOC members within that group
... I've been a member of PPMC since 1968 - #000) on Saturday
morning between 9AM and 10AM for some nourishment and conversation
(both may contain high content of fats! - #000 - grin!). We'll
plan to meet again at the Cafe on Hwy50 at Burrton at 11:45AM ...
for lunch. Ride the dirt back roads or ride the pavement or
,"shoot", come in your car, if you like... questions, just show-up
at the Donut Shop on 3rd and Main in ThumperVille this
Saturday (and most other Saturdays, as well ... #000). NOTE:
This info was delivered in the form of a phone call so if I've left
anything out or messed-it-up, a thousand pardons, okay?
ATP ... I'll See Ya' Saturday and I'll have the good Doctor (DR650)
gassed and my knobbies standing tall, well ... half-tall, anyway.
-#000. (This is not a FSSNOC event.)
Happy Trails! Ace Thumper Pilot, FSSNOC #4681 and the newest
most active member of PPMC.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Also from ATP (above):
A CHALLENGE FOR THOSE WHO GO...
A DREAM FOR THOSE WHO STAY BEHIND.
I thought you might be able to use this somehow, it
seemed to hit the nail on the head. Thanks! ATP, #4681
(KS).
OH, OH! The light
just changed from green to yellow! Means I gotta wrap this
edition of the Thumper Thursday Show... Thanks to all who
contributed, interesting stuff! If you'd like some air-time,
send us your thoughts, comments, ideas, views on anything
Thumper-related and address them "Dear Mr. Thumper" and tell us what
YOU have on YOUR mind, we'd love to hear from you! E-mail us
at fssnoc@yahoo.com or
write us at: FSSNOC P.O.Box 1809, Hutchinson, KS.
67504-1809 or throw caution to the wind and call us at
620-663-1869. We never close, we're usually always open, and
if we're not, we thought we were when we started but we must be down
at the Donut Shop, never fear, we'll be right back and we'll share
with YOU! Thuumppp Onnnn! ...Jack, Director &
FSSNOC #000. BYE!
P.S. --- Sign-Up a new member to our Club today!
And if you aren't currently a member, do the right thing, okay?????
-#000. (Hint: It is less than one dime a day, repeating... ONE DIME
A DAY ...)
8888888888888888888888888888888888888888 (this is tire
tread...)8888888888888888888888888888888888888
....................FEBRUARY 03,
2010.......ANOTHER RENDITION OF THE THUMPER THURSDAY SHOW!
WELCOME...
I JUST TURNED THE
PAGE IN THE 2010 FSSNOC THUMPER CALENDAR. --- It's a great view and
a great Thumper and, of course, a great FSSNOC member and supporter
as well. Very cool...
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
FOR SALE: GIVI BAGS and HAPPY TRAILS BAG HOOPS for a BMW
F650GS. $200.00 Call Ken, FSSNOC #3709 (WI) at
920-735-6194 Thank You!
DEAR MR. THUMPER: I
am interested in replacing the stator in my SRX600 Yamaha and wanted
to know if anyone makes an upgrade version? Thanks, Pat, #5077
REPLY TO PAT: ricksmotorsportelectronics.com might be a
good place to check. Also Pat, if you could get us the brand
name and source for that cool little speedometer, we can pass the
word on to the clubmembers. Sorry, my copy of your e-mail
doesn't show the e-mail address for you (Pat), so if anyone out
there in Thumper-space can help with the stator, e-mail or call
FSSNOC, okay? Thanks! -#000.
GOTTA RUN ... Sorry this is so
short. We didn't get to address all the topics we wanted to
but we'll get to that next Thursday. Thump Safely and Thump
when you can. Watch for slick spots on those winter-time
roads, okay? See you down the road! - #000
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
........................................................................STILL
JANUARY? YEP, THE 26TH... WELCOME TO THE THUMPER THURSDAY
SHOW, and I know I'm a bit early this week...
GREETINGS TO ALL...
Wow, time is flying by this winter! And that's a good thing
'cause it means I am having fun! How so?
Well, Thanks to Ace Thumper
Pilot, who we call ATP ... the last couple of weekends, Saturdays in
particular, have been super times. As you may recall reading
in last weeks program here on TTS (Thumper Thursday Show ) ...
ATP invited us to follow him out and about on the dirt-roads here in
our home-county of Reno County, Ks. in search of all the old
town-sites/unincorporated towns that have been and still are
recorded on various lists. Now this wasn't ATP's original
idea, rather it was a "Presidential Challenge" issued by our
President... No, not that President, ...by President Mark
(also a fellow fizz-knocker) of the local motorcycle club here in
ThumperVille.
No rewards. No
trophies. No nothin... So what did we get for
doing this task that involved over 250 miles and two winterized
Saturdays? Big smiles! A sense of history. Some
beautiful back-road scenery. Quite a bit of mud and high
weeds, etc. A few miles of two track and some abandoned
railroad track-bed. Lots and lots of sunshine and awesome
clear sky that was so blue it almost hurt my eyes. Some old
buildings long-since empty of life but no doubt chockfull of
memories and people experiences, if only they could talk. And
an old grouch or two ... we witnessed one property where the perhaps
socially-challenged owner had made a sign out of about a half-sheet
of plywood. It didn't say, "Private Drive". It
didn't say, "Restricted Access" or even simply "Keep Out"...
Scrawled on the unpainted plywood leaned up against his dwelling was
this rather firm directive, "KEEP YOUR A_ _ OUT!"
I told my fellow riders, "If I had a problem right here
someday, I'd walk home first before knocking on THAT door!"...
(Perhaps this guy or gal needs a Thumper, eh?...) One thing
about it, I bet he isn't bothered with walk-up traffic...
The point of all this is
that it feels good to get out on my Thumper! We don't go far,
we don't go fast, but we do go... Does it need to be a perfect day?
No, not at all. The ride on my four-Stroke Single and time spent
with fellow FSSNOC members/friends can go a long way toward making
any day a perfect day.
Next Saturday, as per
a call awhile ago from ATP, we're planning on going for lunch
leaving from the Donut Shop between 10:30AM and 10:45AM, weather
permitting. Where we going? Ya' gotta come on Saturday
morning to find out ... 'cause we don't know and we don't care, we
pick a spot and thump that direction. The forecast, speaking of
weather, looks do-able with a low of 11 degrees and a high of 32
degrees, but here's the good news, it is to be SUNNY. This
isn't a ride put on by any club or group, it's a common point as a
destination for lunch ... so if you ride a street-Thumper or a
dirt-road Thumper- bomber, you are now aware of our plans and if you
choose to be invited or tag along, be at the Donut Shop on Saturday
morning with some warm gear and a big place on your face for a
smile... Take any route you wish, ride any speed you deem
prudent, it's your day ... and it will never return.
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
(from various e-mails last week...) Where we going in
Virginia? (for the May 22nd ThumperCafe) Where you
guys staying on Friday night? Can I bring a friend who
isn't a club-member? Do you know the price for the food?
Can I get there on a paved road? Does this place, if you
have one yet, accept credit cards or should I bring cash? Can
I join at the event if I just show-up? Are there any
2010 FSSNOC Thumper calendars available and if so, how do I get a
couple extra? Will you ride all the way from ThumperVille to
Virginia? Do I have to ride my Thumper or can I haul it in or
just come in my car?
REPLY TO THE ABOVE
QUERIES... (Hopefully I can get and keep these in order! -
here goes... -#000)
#1 Yes, we are going
to the awesome state of Virginia. Exactly where ... will be posted
in the upcoming Issue of Thumper News, which at this moment is at
the Printers and his "printer" is broke ... but hopefully not for
long... our goal is to mail out in very early February.
#2 We don't know yet
but we do have a possible site and just up the road is a renowned
restaurant that we hope to go to on Friday night, the night prior to
the ThumperCafe. When things definitely firm-up, you'll be the
second one to know...
#3 Yes, you may bring
non-member guests. Their costs to attend will be the same
amount as a current clubmember, however they are not eligible to win
any awards or prizes. We will work hard to make your guests
feel welcome. Our hosts ALWAYS want to know how many they are
expected to feed ... so let FSSNOC know how many will be in your
group ... and ... get the word to us before I leave from
ThumperVille, that way I can get your head-count to the facility in
time for them to react with more food, etc.
#4 The price of food
and the rally donation usually runs about $25.00 per person.
This is getting harder and harder to do but we always try to make
these events a bargain for the participant but not at the expense of
the welfare of the general club. The actual price will most
likely be in the TN#98 Issue ... and, of course, all the
late-braking news and details comes to us via the Thumper Thursday
Show ... so continue to stay tuned.
#5 Paved roads?
While we can't guarantee the condition of any road surface at
anytime or anywhere, we generally pick a location that affords a
highway or paved asphalt-type road at least to the drive-way.
As for the drive-way and parking areas, gravel is always a
possibility and grass areas are as well... It isn't a bad idea
to bring some sort of stiff supportive pad to park your stand on to
improve your chances of your Thumper still being in the upright
position when you are ready to leave the event.
#6 Always bring
cash ... we seem to frequent the lesser populated areas and venues,
and they don't always have access of credit cards and the like.
Cash always works, or at least it has to date...
#7 Yes, you may
join at the event. But ... it'll be more fun and you'll feel
more connected if you join now ... so why wait, eh?
#8 Yes, thank
you for asking! We have several, not a ton, but several
original Issues of TN#97/2010 FSSNOC Calendars left on the shelf.
Send FSSNOC your requirements along with $5.00 plus $$2.00
postage/handling for each Issue. You may reduce the postage a
bit for multiple copies. These are full color Calendars
featuring real Thumpers in real settings, possibly the only one such
calendar available, and you can get yours now from FSSNOC (but ya'
gotta be a FSSNOC member, right?...), send a check made out to:
FSSNOC and mail to: FSSNOC P.O.Box 1809,
Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809.
#9/#10
Yes, I plan to ride all the way and then some, it's what I do.
As for anyone else, how one gets to the ThumperCafe is solely up to
the individual. Fly-In, Drive-In, Haul-In, Walk-In ...
whatever works for that person is what that person is open to do ...
but, and I've said this before, for me ... it is a package deal and
that "package" includes the awesome pleasure of mile after mile of
ever-changing scenery, a mobile history lesson, an on-going car
show, an art festival of treasures that pleasure the eye, a sense of
motion and travel, an array of faces, smiles, and words, a glorious
feast at least three times a day with an ice cream stop or two
thrown in for good measure, time spent with companions while
enduring a constant tirade of comments, stories. some are perhaps
even true, (Grin!)... all this and more from the seat of a
Four-Stroke Single Cylinder Motorcycle, my face in the wind and a
song on my heart. Of course I plan to ride, it's a choice and a
privilege of which I never seem to tire...
Thinkin' about your
first (or your 15th) road-trip to attend a ThumperCafe?
Talk to us... We'd enjoy
knowing YOUR plans and/or your questions/comments... drop us a note
at the P.O.Box above or send us an e-mail at
fssnoc@yahoo.com (be sure to
preface it with those three little words, "Dear Mr. Thumper...")
or call me at our FSSNOC number which is: 620-663-1869.
We never close, we're always open here at FSSNOC... There is no such
thing here at FSSNOC as "Winter Hours", we go all day everyday...
that's how we are. Up before the Sun and we chase the
moon back to bed. It's all we do and it's what we do.
We're "thumper" to the bone ... and proud of it. Join Us?
Are you perhaps a past member that comes to this site to catch-up
and see what's happenin' ... re-join us, we'd love to have you back
onboard.
Just 9 cents a
day is what you pay... As they say, "if ya' gotta dime, you
can do the time ... FSSNOC time, that is!"
That's it for this week,
THANKS FOR SLIDING BY THE THURSDAY THUMPER SHOW!
-#000 JACK/DIRECTOR CIAO!
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
.......................JANUARY 20,
2010....................... FSSNOC ROCKS!
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
I retired last month so will have more time to ride, but less cash.
Would like to sell my 1972 Harley Davidson Sprint SX350. I
would like $2500.00 for this stock bright yellow bike that has had
many new NOS parts, new tires, etc installed over the years.
Call 503-378-0877 and we can talk about this Thumper or go to:
jdkneppy@comcast.net
Hope to see you all this Summer, I plan to make the Colorado
ThumperCafe in August, 2010. John, FSSNOC #2908 (OR)
Thanks!
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
My name is Marc, FSSNOC #2166 and I live in Colorado. I have a
500cc Single for sale and thought I would offer it to FSSNOC
clubmembers first. 1982 Honda FT500 Ascot. Runs
great w/no problems, has new tires and battery. Has steel brake
lines as well. Cosmetics are in fair condition and seat is
good. The Speedo has been taken apart and the odometer
removed, don't know why anyone would do this but wanted buyer to
know. Has clear title. You can look at it and hear it
run before purchase. Asking $1800.00. Also have a spare Ascot engine
without a cylinder or head, asking $100.00 for it.
mdefur@msn.com for more
info. Thank You!
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Happy Trails to all. What a great ride we had last Saturday
with big smiles all around. Would like to put in my two cents
worth here and invite anyone that rides a Thumper in the
ThumperVille area to go for a ride this Saturday ... nothing better
than getting together with a bunch of Thumper-Pilots and enjoying
the great outdoors on dirt or pavement. Good Luck everyone on
your journey. ATP, FSSNOC #4681 (KS).
REPLY TO ATP... Yes,
Last Saturday was a hoot! Finding all the old townsites (21)
in our county as shown in the Kansas Gazateer (I think that is
spelled wrong, yes?) was quite a challenge and the 150 miles
of mostly dirt road route you led us on was grand. Put me down
for next Saturday, I'm looking forward to finishing our quest.
I'll see you (and whoever else wants to go...) at the Donut Shop at
3rd and Main in ThumperVille about 9 or 9:30AM, and we can be ready
to leave at 10AM or shortly after... I'll be sure to be gassed-up
and have my knobbies on! Thumpers Rule... - #000.
NEWSFLASH ... OF SORTS!
FSSNOC #3756 (AZ), famed Dual-Sport Rider/Enduro Competitor
(self-proclaimed to be the World's Worst!) and writer of all things
that can go amiss while riding a dirt-oriented motorcycle ... MR. ED
HERTFELDER HAS WRITTEN A "FINAL" BOOK. ---- 80.4 FINISH CHECK
----. A press release sent to us reads, "All good things must
pass..., so it is with mixed emotions that our long time friend Ed
Hertfelder has released his final book." It continues, "The
emotions, of course, are joy and sadness. This 356 page
hardbound book is Ed at his best, serving up wit and insight like
only Ed can. Ed saved his best for last." "If YOU love
riding and enjoy a great laugh, you NEED this book!" This
report was written by GETR Editor/Publisher, Jim Miller.
REPLY TO NEWSFLASH...
Wow, Ed! I received my copy yesterday and it looks great. It
will make a great armchair adventure on some of these snowy and cold
days here in ThumperVille! Everyone else out there that would
enjoy our fellow FSSNOCers efforts, all ya' gotta do is send Ed
Hertfelder a check for $29.95 (total - Ed pays the shipping and
handling!) to: Ed Hertfelder, P.O.Box 17564,
Tucson, AZ. 85731 Congratulations on this book, Ed! Keep On Thumpin' and drop by a ThumperCafe sometime, ya' hear?
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Wow, time is moving right along! I would like a ThumperCafe
cap, how much, etc? And, I would also like a ThumperCafe
shirt, my Sons have them and the "Ole Man" needs to keep up, right?
What day of the week do you guys there in ThumperVille go for the
Biscuits and Gravy and where is it? Kansas isn't too far away
from Oregon and I need to start planning some trips.
Speaking of Kansas...
in 1998 my wife and I were westbound on a ride and stopped in
Coffeyville, Ks. The young lady in the gas station asked
where we were riding from and I said Oregon. She asked where
is Oregon? I said, "On the west coast". She said, "No,
that is California, where is Oregon?" I compromised and told
her it was west of the Rockies and south of Canada. She was
impressed that we had ridden so far.
Another time, I was riding
out of Texas, across Oklahoma and into Kansas. It was
mid-morning and time for coffee. I spotted a donut shop and
went in ... sitting at a table across from me were three local
geezers having their morning break. As I peered over a Kansas
map, one asked me, "What you looking for?" I said I was
looking for a scenic route and he responded with a loud "Scenic
Route?" "Man, You're in Kansas!" With that I picked up
my coffee and joined them at their table for an enjoyable hour.
I was told where to find the type of road I was looking for and it
was most enjoyable and I crossed into Nebraska many hours later.
So ... some young Kansas
girl may not know where Oregon is, but the Kansas geezers know
Kansas! But then, I am speaking to the choir. You, #000,
have undoubtedly found similar incidents and people all over this
country, I know I have. Looking forward to 2010! Enough
rambling... Gary, FSSNOC #4204 (OR).
REPLY TO GARY (from where
was that again???).... Hi Gary! Thanks for the letter,
great stuff! You'll maybe enjoy some Kansas lore in the
upcoming Issue of Thumper News, currently at the Print Shop.
Caps are $15.00 with $5.00 postage/Shirts are $15 plus $4.00
postage. We have both in stock so let me know and I'll fire you back
some official FSSNOC gear. Also we have another neat shirt,
called the "Wheelie Tee" and it features a bike with the phrase, "Thumpin'
In The USA" ... is a very nice looking club tee. Neither of
these shirts are on our website. See the ThumperCafe shirt (on
Gary's son with Gary in the background, photo is on the lower right
of the page) in the double page of photos from the ThumperCafe in
Nevada in TN#96 and you can see the artwork for the Wheelie
Tee on page 12-B as I recall, both great shirts. OOPS ... here comes
that mean lady, I must be out of time! Oh yeah, Biscuits
are every Tuesday at 9:30AM at first and main in ThumperVille in the
Wiley building at the Soda Fountain ... really! Best food in
town...
Gotta run! See you all next Thursday here at
the same spot on your dial. Keep Thumpin!
-#000/Jack/Director of FSSNOC Remember, we never close... and
we never stop appreciating YOU, our finest member! CIAO.
888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888
...........................CHECK OUT THE FOR SALE ITEMS
BELOW................................................
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Thanks for putting the SR500 FOR SALE (Dec. 2, 2009 posting below).
My e-mail is
tech@zembugroup.com and another link to the photo is:
http://tinyurl.com/yz8qwep
Thanks again. Bill (CA)
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Thanks ... Please pass the word that the Yamaha SRX and the TT500
Yamaha have been sold. Richard. (This was a November 25th posting...
Thanks, Richard, for letting us know... - #000)
DEAR MR. THUMPER...
Need to sell my 350cc H-D Sprint Cafe. Go to
www.italmotion.com Don
, FSSNOC #118 (FL).
FOR SALE: HONDA FT500
ASCOT SINGLE. Bike is in Miami, Oklahoma. $950.00 gets
it. The bike is in good shape. Contact Rex at
Buell@gmail.com for
additional info or to purchase.
FOR SALE:
Honda FT500 ... the bike is RED and is in Miami, Oklahoma (NE
corner ... north of Tulsa on I-44 and near Joplin, MO.)
I live in Arizona so the bike gets started only 3 or 4 times a year.
Overall, the bike is in good shape. I just had a local shop go
thru it, cleaning the carb, etc... $950.00 for a quick sale
and to a FSSNOC member. Electric start works fine. Fork
seals do not leak. Tires are in good shape. Body and Seat look
good. No top-end oil leaks around the valve cover.
FSSNOC #4536, (AZ) Rex E-mail me at
Buellv@gmail.com REPLY:
Hey, Rex ... Good to hear from you. We missed you at the Gate,
Oklahoma event, thought maybe you might get to come say "Hello"...
The Ascot sounds like a good deal to me, I appreciate you listing it
with us ... Thump On! - #000.
FOR SALE: Kendon Bike
Single Rail Stand-Up Trailer. Double frame construction.
Torflex Suspension. E-Z lube Axle Spindles. Chrome 13" wheels.
Powder-coated loading ramp. 2" coupler. With tie-downs.
Weight is 250lbs with a capacity of 1000 lbs. Stand-Up height
is 80", width is 64", depth is 24". Used very little.
$1100.00. Call Ed at 405-842-8579 ... FSSNOC #4052, (OK)
Is great if you have limited storage space for a conventional
trailer... call now. Thanks!
FOR SALE: BMW G650GS,
2009 model with only a few hundred miles. ABS brakes, Red
paint, Centerstand, Sargent seat, 3-year warranty, Tour box, Two
windscreens, Heated grips, 4.6 gallon gas tank. 600 mile service
already completed. Is a sweet ride, give me a call at 405-501-0125.
Lists new for $8800.00, buy now for $7400.00! Mike, #3118
(OK). P.S. I thoroughly enjoyed the day at the
ThumperCafe in Gate, Oklahoma. A really good bunch of folks!
FOR SALE: Needs
loving home: 1989 G80 Matchless, candy apple red. Some
assembly required, have 2 extra tires, an extra chain, and
windshield. Asking $3500.00. Purchaser pays shipping.
Call 254-854-2899, leave message. Selling due to health
issues. Thanks! Jill, (TX) ... We would be willing to
bring this to the ThumperCafe in Gate, Oklahoma if anyone would be
interested.. call us.
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO
SELL THEIR COLLECTION OF SR500 JOE MINTON ARTICLES ... contact us
here at FSSNOC. We have a possible buyer named Ross...
fssnoc@yahoo or
620-663-1869.
FOR SALE... KENDON
BIKE SINGLE RAIL STAND-UP TRAILER. Double frame construction.
Torflex Independent Rubber Torsion Suspension, E-Z Lube Axle
Spindles, Chrome 13" Wheels. Powder-coated 44" Anti-Skid
Loading Ramp, 2" coupler, includes tie-downs. Weight is 250
lbs. Capacity is 1000 lbs. Stand-Up dimensions: H=80",
W=64" D=24" I am the second owner and a friend of the
first owner, the trailer has been used just 6 times total. $1100.00.
Call Ed, FSSNOC #4052 (Oklahoma) at 405-842-8579 or
405-255-3498. Thanks! I'm looking forward to cooler
weather. "Never ride faster than your angel can fly.."
FOR SALE: Just
completed. Aermacchi-HD 350 Cafe replica. Inquires to
italmotion@comcast.net
Digital fotos available...
Old Don Black, FSSNOC #0118 in S.W. Florida. (Note:
I'll bet you a donut this is a sweet machine, eh, Don? - #000
MR. THUMPER: FOR SALE
... one K&N air-filter that was used for about 50 miles, fits
the stock airbox on a XT500 Yamaha. $15.00 plus shipping. Also
have one set of Progressive 14.5" rear shocks, black & chrome, 5 way
adjustable, used for about 100 miles, are in the box for $40.00 plus
shipping. Contact me at
JWGAB@prodigy.net or
call 775-331-3114. I would rather have someone using
these items instead of them just gathering dust. James, FSSNOC #4707
(NV).
THANK YOU ALL FOR SENDING
YOUR POSTS ... AND WE WOULD WELCOME YOUR POST AS WELL ... IF YOU ARE
A MEMBER OF FSSNOC, OF COURSE .... and that is easy to make happen!
Go to our membership application, download it and mail with the
$34.00 annual (12 month) fee for membership, it is that E-Z!
Be a part of all this... instead of a spectator, join us now, okay?
DEAR MR. THUMPER: FOR
SALE ... 1982 Honda FT500 Honda Ascot. Red. Good
condition w/13,300 miles. Located in Maryland. $1200.00.
Ask for Bjorn. 301-662-6042 I hope to attend the
ThumperCafe in September here in Maryland, let me know when you
determine where in Maryland it will be held... Many Thanks!
Denis M. REPLY to Denis: Thank you, Denis
... for the ad. The event in Maryland will be featured (info)
in the upcoming Issue of Thumper News, usually mailed early in
August. Circle the date of Sept. 26th, that much we know now
and we'll know more before too long. Nice to hear from you! ...
#000.
FOR SALE: (
Note: I think this is a SR500 Yamaha... #000) Full
frame-up restore. 7600 original miles. Clear title.
Zero miles on rebuild except for roadtest. Tapered steeringhead
bearings. New swingarm and wheel bearings. Wheels repainted.
Top-End rebuild w/Venolia piston, rings, is one over-bore at 505cc.
33/35hp estimate/was 25/27 stock. Exhaust valve oiler system.
Clubman bars. New battery. New fork seals. Progressive
Springs. Braid brake lines. New Avon Tires. KR
paint-job (Kenny Roberts?). Sudco Exhaust. Redwing
Shocks. I'm parting with this bike due to problems with my leg.
Should someone buy it from FSSNOC or a referral from FSSNOC, I will
donate 5% of the selling price to the club. Can deliver up to
150 miles from central NJ. Asking $2950.00 OBO. Thanks!
Stan, Former FSSNOC #4877. Call 908-208-3735. Pictures
available...
FOR SALE: MZ SKORPION SPORT CUP RACE
BIKE/TRACK BIKE. Big-bore race motor, Dual flat-slide CR
carbs, Beardsley Fiberglass, Custom sub-frame, Race Stand, Manual
and other misc. items. All for $2600.00. Call Kurt at
520-544-2512 or e-mail me at
Horex640@yahoo.com for info/pictures,etc. FSSNOC
#949, Kurt, (AZ). REPLY: Wow, this thing
looks good! I see what looks like some carbon-fibre. It
Red, very Red ... and appears to be very clean. I know what
all this stuff can cost, this appears to be a VALUE. Check it
out... and Thanks, Kurt, for making this available to our
members. Note Kurt's FSSNOC #, he's a twenty year member! -
#000
DEAR MR. THUMPER... FOR SALE OR TRADE
(three Thumpers!): 1982 Honda FT500 Ascot with 13,240 miles.
Excellent condition and all original. $2000.00.
also 1982 Honda Ascot FT500 in good condition for the
very reasonable price of $900.00. and 1978
Yamaha SR500 in excellent condition with 15,009 miles for $1800.00.
also Extra Ascot parts: four motors, frames, wheels,
forks, seats, tanks, plastic pieces ... make offer or trade for late
model dual-sport 650cc. I live in N.W. Florida and could help
with delivery. Thanks! Robbie, FSSNOC #4239 (FL).
Call 850-623-1675 or e-mail at
TomKat@bellsouth.net
I can do pictures upon request...
FOR SALE (DUE TO
INJURY...): Bar Stool Racer with 6.5hp motor (fourstroke-single)
with less than one hour on the engine. Must sell! Call Dick,
FSSNOC #005, (WA) at 253-564-4680. (Note... This Bar Stool has
four-wheels/tires.) REPLY: Wow, Dick! You
don't look so good ... hope you recover really fast. I've never seen
so much tape! Thump On, my friend! ... #000.
FOR SALE: 1978 HONDA
XL175. Excellent condition. No dents. New tires
and drive-chain. All stock except for mirrors. Collector
License Plate. $1500.00 253-564-4680 Dick Marshall,
FSSNOC #005, (WA). ( Note: Dick sent us a photo of this example ...
very nice, give him a call, eh? - #000
WANTED: WANTED:
Small and reasonably inexpensive 1960's Italian or European Single
in relatively close proximity to Connecticut. Thanks for your
help! Happy New Year! Steven, #0783 (CT)
860-873-2999 or cell is 248-470-5788 or
SLDMROSSIE@AOL.com
Lots of Four-Stroke Singles
for sale to FSSNOC members... Interested? Call Rocky at
810-750-6848 (MI). Honda Ascots and GB500s with varying
mileages and conditions are just a couple of examples. Rocky
has recently joined our club so if you call, welcome him into
FSSNOC. This is not a "wolf-at-the-door" deal, just one
clubmember willing to consider selling some of his personal
inventory to other clubmembers... so be nice.
Dear MR. THUMPER:
FOR SALE - 1975 Yamaha TT500, has fresh top-end, never started.
Also a KLR650 Kawasaki that has a page full of upgrades. Call
Tommy at 918-510-2827 in Tulsa,OK. - this information comes from
FSSNOC #162, Phil Schreck (OK), who requested that we put this info
on our website...
Dear MR. THUMPER: I
need some DUCATI THUMPER parts... 870-269-4103, call me if you
have wheels, exhaust, seat, etc for a RT450 Ducati ... Thanks!
"Ducati Dave" (AR) #4990 Winter is here, I need some
pieces to finish my project..
Hi MR. THUMPER: I
have FOR SALE a classic 1978 Yamaha SR500E in mint condition.
Purchased new in 1978, it has only about 5000 miles on it. It
needs a new home and someone to ride it rather than having it sit in
my garage. Price is $2100.00. It is in Marietta, Ohio. Contact
Dan at 704-350-6418 or e-mail at
dannyjjones@suddenlink.net Thanks
MR. THUMPER: No luck
yet moving the SR500 Yamaha and winter is here. My phone is
970-887-1023/970-531-9536 cell. MAKE ME AN OFFER...!
LETS TALK! I have no winter storage space
available for this machine. And I might be able to assist in
delivery. Richard in Granby,CO. Call me today... Thanks!
DEAR MR. THUMPER:
2001 KTM LC4 640cc Single ... FOR SALE. Original. Showroom
clean. Low miles. It's yours for $3500.00. Interesting trades
considered. 941-468-0135 Call Marty, #0286 (FL)
today
DEAR MR. THUMPER:
FOR SALE - 2006 ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET SIXTY-FIVE. Is red in
color with less than 200 miles. It has a brown leather seat,
with brown Royal Enfield Saddlebags. Also has a sidestand and
a large headlight. Has current tags but owner hasn't been able
to ride it this past year due to health situation. $3500.00
OBO. Sorry, no e-mail available. Phone is 918-488-9028
Ask for Dennis. FSSNOC #1931 (Tulsa,OK.)
FOR SALE: 1996 KTM
Duke 620 ... 11,400 miles. See the ad at
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/842096122.html .
Listed at $2750.00, but I'd make a significant DISCOUNT for FSSNOC
members. Thanks very much. John, #3817 (CA)
"Twenty years from now, you will
be more disappointed by the things you DIDN'T do than by the ones
you did... Explore. Dream. Discover." -Mark Twain-
SCOTT, #4779 (CA):
Wants a copy of Issue #52-Summer of Thumper News.... Write
Scott at P.O. Box 290, Springville,CA.93265 if you can
be of help. (Be careful as there are TWO Issue #52 of Thumper
News. Be sure it is the Summer Issue... Jack,#000)
FOR SALE: Honda
Ruckus Scooter. 50cc. See more details below in the
Sept. 10,2008 posting. Mark, #4625 (KS)
I can be contacted at 620-960-3787 or
mwnisly@yahoo.com
Happy Riding... FSSNOC #4625.
FOR SALE: 1986 Yamaha
SRX-600. 15K miles. Red. Original, very nice
condition. $1750.00. Act now or you'll
miss the riding season...
mbudd@hsc.unt.edu or call 817-281-2758 in Fort Worth,
Texas. Mike Budd - #3509 (TX) Additional details
include... a fresh tune-up and tires, a carb clean/check, a new fuel
petcock. I'd be happy to answer any questions...
Thanks!
REPLY: Wow ... take a second look at this one, yes? I've
owned three of these excellent Yamaha examples over the years,
always had fun. Nimble, good handling and brakes, and only
sold in the states for the year of 1986 ... surely a collect-able
Thumper! .... Jack, #000
.......OUR MISSION
STATEMENT AND OTHER FUN STUFF.... ( SEE BELOW ) JACK
ROBINSON,#000 DIRECTOR.......
Various updates, bits of
sage wisdom, whatever, may appear on this page. Ideas, Tips, etc can
be mailed to: Director's Page c/o FSSNOC, P.O. BOX 1809, Hutchinson,
KS 67504-1809 or you may use our E-Mail Correspondent, Mr. Rapid Ron
Hampe at
FSSNOC@yahoo.com or you may
call 620-663-1869. Your comments and suggestions will be welcomed,
appreciated, and encouraged. While I have you attention, here are a
few details about our club:
MISSION
STATEMENT ... Dedicated to the appreciation and utilization of
the Four-Stroke Single Cylinder Motorcycle
THUMPER NEWS ... is a quarterly publication
generally mailed in February-May-August-November. The deadline for
submitted material is the 10th of each month just prior to mail
date. Any material contained within cannot be reproduced in
any manner without prior written permission from FSSNOC. Any opinion
expressed or implied by contributors does not constitute the opinion
of FSSNOC, INC. or FSSNOC staff or FSSNOC membership. The content of
THUMPER NEWS is solely for entertainment and is NOT to be considered
as advice.
ADVERTISING ... in THUMPER NEWS is available
on a limited basis. Please request a rate quote from FSSNOC.
Personal club member ads in the MAILBAG Buy & Sell section are free.
Non-member ads are $25 per insertion. FSSNOC,INC. cannot be
responsible for any products or services advertised or mentioned in
THUMPER NEWS.
FSSNOC, INC. ... does not and cannot assume
any responsibility for your personal safety or sanity before,
during, or after you have read THUMPER NEWS or have associated with
a FSSNOC member or staff. No Insurances are offered or maintained or
provided for any club member or non-club member. FSSNOC (FOUR-STROKE
SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB) and THUMPER NEWS are the property of
FSSNOC, INC. at P.O. BOX 1809, HUTCHINSON, KS 67504-1809
Phone: 620-663-1869
FSSNOC E.M.C. ... (Electro-Media
Correspondent) ... is FSSNOC #1214, Mr. Ron Hampe at
FSSNOC@yahoo.com - give "Rapid
Ron" a shout!
Thank you for reading the Director's Page. Please
tell others about this site and about FSSNOC. If you are presently a
member, we thank you for your ongoing support. If you aren't
currently a member, we encourage you to join our ranks
Jack Robinson,
FSSNOC #000
