Where are you guys? It's a forum, people converse.

It is the end of my first full week of being retired. Lots of very high "ups," and a few very low "downs." Frigid weather, bike magazines that left me even "colder" and mundane sharpening projects. I'm also a member of a good knife forum and I did some pro bono stuff, that always makes me happy. But I also need to hear from you dirty, greasy long-haired Harley ridin' misfits.

I got a few questions. My stock Sporster 48 mufflers could be used as boat anchors for the Queen Mary. I noticed that the Screaming Beagle replacements dance around like BI63 trying to get out of bed. Are they mounted with fewer bolts, or is it the shorter design or should I be very happy my Sportie shakes like a "real Harley"?

I bought a skull gas cap for my Sportster. Not for the skull, but because of its asymmetrical design. A shiny round chrome model seems slippery and hard to twist unless I wear leather gloves, like using a rubber pad to crank open a jar of pickles. Are these new closed loop EFI bikes using that much vacuum, or is it the smaller tank or do I need to do ever-more push-ups?

Speaking about pickles, you guys know that I might not be able to take longer trips until my wife fully retires in a few years--that's just the way it is. If unused, should I "pickle" Betty and put her in long-duration storage? Is that even good for the motor?

Hey Chico. I check in here from time to time to see if'n your posting and how you're doing.

How about those Packers! Good for you and your hometown team.

Hey if you slept with 4 pillows you'd be dancing to get out of bed too,lol.

Long trips...Its about 1000 miles from my place to yours. I was gonna suggest meeting at the 500 mile 1/2 point next year so don't be putting betty into storage just yet.

In theory, a great idea. The question is "time," not the distance. Betty has new progressive shocks and mileage is now determined by errands and "the husband's weekly allowance."

As you know, there are many factors here. My wife had another bout of trying to modulate her meds from the surgery two years ago. While I'm baffled, the docs report that this is a long road--and a goofy one. Two weeks ago my wife drove to Milwaukee, cleaned her mom's house, bought her a Nook so she could read at home, and then went on a jaunt with her gal pals. Last Wednesday she came home looking like a boot-camp reject.

As a result I do my chores, I ride for a few hours, go home and feed the mutts, maybe clean the house, try to get back out on the road, and meet my wife after work. If everything goes well, I take that new headlamp out for another quick sprint.

Until her calcium levels go back to 'normal,' most likely aided by retirement and less stress, that's just the way it is. She got me through an entire year of rehab, now it's my turn.

I do day trips. In fact, I find big long loops to cruise, that way if something happens I'm always headed home. I don't think Betty got 150 miles away from home last year.

I was just throwing it out there to get the thought process started. 500 miles ain't alot but its not a ride down to the deli either so I understand. I get 4 day weekends once a month so it'd be easy to escounce the 500 miles and back in that time frame.

More importantly...I hope Mrs Tourist gets better.

John

My wife has the summer off, so it is possible. Betty is road ready, and I do have a credit card! It would be fun to post our adventures!

No photo's unless our faces are covered. No reason.

Oh, no question, I insist on it!

Yikes, there still might be some old "wants and warrants" out in the states we cross! At my age, who can remember where we have been?