Disqus - Latest Comments for Bryan Townsend

Re: Build ‘em or Buy ‘em

Bryan Townsend — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 14:07:52 -0000

Do any of those custom chopper's handle worth a damn? I ride pretty much every day to work in Portland, and in the summers a 1/2 dozen others do as well. One of our salespeople bought a custom chopper, and brought it in once and let me take it for a ride (while he rode my Tuono).
Almost killed myself on the first turn, the damn thing just wouldn't negotiate a 90 degree turn near my work at more than 15 mph (5 less than the posted corner speed). Seemed to be a problem with the overly long wheel base, limited lean angle, bars so high that leverage was difficult to apply, and ridiculously fat tires, even in front.
My question to riders is do any of you who get in at least 20K miles a year and ride a custom chopper find they handle OK (not well, just OK)?

Re: Motorcycle Traffic Stop Etiquette

Bryan Townsend — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:11:09 -0000

Personally I get off the bike, remove my helmet and my sunglasses, and start removing the seat to retrieve the registration and insurance proof they're gonna ask for. Once they see I'm not some young kid they usually let me go with a warning.

Re: Author Intends to Drink and Ride Motorcycle Across the USA

Bryan Townsend — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:52:27 -0000

Yet another excellent contribution to the public perception of motorcyclists. Hope the guy doesn't sell a lot of books, arguing in favor of drinking and riding is like arguing in favor of, well I can't think of anything that stupid.

Re: Everyone Waves - No One Stops

Bryan Townsend — Wed, 02 May 2007 16:18:28 -0000

I always carry a blank piece of paper and a pen to write what I need if broken down or out of gas. If I'm in a rural environment I'd always stop for a rider by the side of the road, but on the interstate they better be signaling problems. It's both too dangerous and often not possible to stop for someone you catch out of the corner of your eye. I've circled around using exits to help a stranded biker who clearly needs help on the interstate.
Who rides without any tools?

Re: Oh, Odessa

Bryan Townsend — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:25:54 -0000

Don't know if this is the event they used to call the Vantage 100 in the old days, but I once rode that on my KLR and it was tough! Big rocks, narrow trails with 2-way traffic, mud, steep hills etc. I had knobbies, so probably stayed up right a bit more, but definitely a challenging event on that bike.

Re: GPS = Global Pantywaist System?

Bryan Townsend — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:21:34 -0000

While I'd disagree, thinking that both items are very nice to have on a motorcycle, I certainly don't see solving them with after market components as a drawback. Anyone who rides much below 45 degrees or so can appreciate heated grips. Any anyone who has to navigate a complex route on a time schedule can appreciate a GPS (try doing 500 mile days on a complex network of dirt forest roads without a GPS, you might get the mileage, but less likely is getting to your destination). There are plenty of options to get lost and explore, but a motorcycle is good for more than one thing. Just because I have a motorcycle mounted GPS, it doesn't mean I use it every time I ride. It's a good option, but one that the aftermarket meets admirably.