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Post by Husky23 on Jun 8, 2005 7:13:24 GMT -8
...for 15 months, and for everything else, there’s ‘MasterCard’:
1. Yard grass marginally attended too – “oh my aching back re-edging the drive and sidewalks” Man hours.
2. 2004 Chrysler Pacifica – service required, tire pressures low and a small dent crease in passenger door – “oh, swell – and I wonder if oil is sludge?” $ ??
3. Outdoor shed unsecured, a couple of tools missing including my powered miter saw, spouse recalls there was a neighborhood break-in several months back – “how lovely.” EST: $500.00 loss
4. Kids and spouses computer loaded with spyware and several viruses – “Ya give em the tools and show em how to use it, how come they don’t utilize it?” Had to reformat hard drive on kids puter, and 1.5 days of diagnostics, virus and spyware cleaning on wifies. I’m considering disconnecting them from the network. Man hours
5. Front storm door askew and actuator arms bent, apparently the wind has caught it several times slamming it open against the house. New closing redundant actuators purchased and manipulating of door to right it as best as possible – it works at least. $25.00 plus man hours
6. Refrigerator auto water/ice dispenser inop and filter replace light on – water pump has a minute crack, and small puddle behind refrig. Now wood floor back there is warped and water seeped between floor and wall into basement. “…and it keeps on coming.” $90.00, still checking water damage.
7. Master bedroom door inadvertently locked, so they kicked the door in resulting in a broken door, door knob housing and busted frame. Replaced door, knob and frame. “Oh, super.” $125.00
8. Blown main speaker that runs out of my desktop puter, kids said they were ‘jamming’ to a Faith Hill CD and cranked up my amplifier I run the computer through – “Yes, indeed.” $50.00
9. Patio screen door screen ripped from neighborhood cat pawing on it that my daughter decided to befriend and torn front window screen and frame same daughter busted, breaking into house because she forgot her house key. $35.00 plus man hours.
10. Enumerable tiny odd and ends; kitchen cabinet door latch, drawer off track, cat pee stain in carpet (and what the hell is a flea ridden cat doing in my house?), dripping faucet, toilet continually running, vacuum cleaner HEPA filter wont stay attached and rotating brush inop, home DVD player not working right, TV now has high pitched buzzing noise, one burner coil on stove inop, bedroom closet door off track…yadda yadda yadda
11. And my all time very recent favorite!!! The house heat pump replacement –$1695.00 for new unit, plus $90.00 for service call - Whoo Hoo!!! All because of a $2.50 furnace filter was never replaced on schedule.
This is the best!! And I put up with this kinda shit for 20 years in the military – sheesh!!
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Post by Sailor on Jun 8, 2005 17:59:31 GMT -8
Welcome home Husky! ;D Been there, done that, and that, and that, and...  Computer speaker - $50.00 Busted door - $125.00 Stolen saw - $500.00 That first night home with Mama - Priceless  |
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 8, 2005 18:51:40 GMT -8
Welcome home Husky! ;D Been there, done that, and that, and that, and... Computer speaker - $50.00 Busted door - $125.00 Stolen saw - $500.00 That first night home with Mama - Priceless Danke Sailor Ya - the priceless part is cool I'm just bitching about the other stuff |
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Post by 101ABN on Jun 8, 2005 18:58:27 GMT -8
Danke Sailor Ya - the priceless part is cool I'm just bitching about the other stuff Home with your ass still attached... Triplee fuckin' A priceless! |
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 8, 2005 19:00:14 GMT -8
Home with your ass still attached... Triplee fuckin' A priceless! Yes 101 Ass intact is mucho cool as well |
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Post by LorSpi on Jun 11, 2005 5:07:53 GMT -8
Congrats, you're in one piece and came home to family.
Now - maybe you should consider putting a "handyman" on call next time. I use a property manager and my last bill with the multiple fix up had a hand written note at the bottom from the repair guy. Basically it said pay me a retainer and I'll only charge for parts.
I use a lawn service to get the place looking nice no matter who's there. It costs a little over $200 a year (which was the price quoted by this repair guy btw) and was well worth it. The idea of having someone already committed to making a few house calls without my preapproval (unless an emergency) sounds attractive. I'm moving back there soon (Russian almost over) and plan to talk to the guy.
TV high pitch buzzing noise - I think that might be the capacitor in the high voltage unit. It's an easy repair if you've got a technie. But nowadays - shops charge so damn much to do the simple things.
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 11, 2005 5:19:15 GMT -8
Congrats, you're in one piece and came home to family. Now - maybe you should consider putting a "handyman" on call next time. I use a property manager and my last bill with the multiple fix up had a hand written note at the bottom from the repair guy. Basically it said pay me a retainer and I'll only charge for parts. I use a lawn service to get the place looking nice no matter who's there. It costs a little over $200 a year (which was the price quoted by this repair guy btw) and was well worth it. The idea of having someone already committed to making a few house calls without my preapproval (unless an emergency) sounds attractive. I'm moving back there soon (Russian almost over) and plan to talk to the guy. TV high pitch buzzing noise - I think that might be the capacitor in the high voltage unit. It's an easy repair if you've got a technie. But nowadays - shops charge so damn much to do the simple things. HEY! Don't get me started lady. It's a sore point - I've been putting up with this crap for 20+ years. But heck - I made a simple little checklist of routine maintenance stuff for the kids and spouse to take care of. Even walked em through it - but, noooooo!!! AS for the TV - ya, I took it to a shop for a quick free diagnostics - I can purchase a new one for the reapair costs. Oh - yes - thanks for the get home sentiments |
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Post by LorSpi on Jun 11, 2005 5:51:15 GMT -8
Congrats, you're in one piece and came home to family. Now - maybe you should consider putting a "handyman" on call next time. I use a property manager and my last bill with the multiple fix up had a hand written note at the bottom from the repair guy. Basically it said pay me a retainer and I'll only charge for parts. I use a lawn service to get the place looking nice no matter who's there. It costs a little over $200 a year (which was the price quoted by this repair guy btw) and was well worth it. The idea of having someone already committed to making a few house calls without my preapproval (unless an emergency) sounds attractive. I'm moving back there soon (Russian almost over) and plan to talk to the guy. TV high pitch buzzing noise - I think that might be the capacitor in the high voltage unit. It's an easy repair if you've got a technie. But nowadays - shops charge so damn much to do the simple things. HEY! Don't get me started lady. It's a sore point - I've been putting up with this crap for 20+ years. But heck - I made a simple little checklist of routine maintenance stuff for the kids and spouse to take care of. Even walked em through it - but, noooooo!!! AS for the TV - ya, I took it to a shop for a quick free diagnostics - I can purchase a new one for the repair costs. Oh - yes - thanks for the get home sentiments I got my daughter to change the oil in the car once a year, but tune ups still elude her. So I make her visit my brother. Keeps the transmission from dropping while she's driving which is good I guess. I don't want to take the cat with me overseas next time but I live in fear of the damn thing either starving to death or the poop in the litter box becoming a bio hazard while in the care of my soon to be EMT daughter. Just think about how needed you are. Without you, the whole place falls apart. |
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Post by FightingFalcon on Jun 11, 2005 10:07:50 GMT -8
Hey Husky - just wanna let you know that I'm getting my motorcycle in a month from yesterday  I'm not sure which one I should go with as a beginner though. I'm going to the Kawasaki dealership tomorrow to talk with one of the dealers there because I can't really decide what one I should get. I really, really want the ZZR1200 but I think that is too much bike for me - since it'll be my first one. Should I not go over 500 for my first bike? I was thinking of getting the Ninja 500R but its kinda small. Then again, I'm really thinking about the Ninja ZX-6RR. Any suggestions for a beginner?  BTW, if you get a new bike be sure to post a picture of it |
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 11, 2005 14:30:19 GMT -8
Hey Husky - just wanna let you know that I'm getting my motorcycle in a month from yesterday I'm not sure which one I should go with as a beginner though. I'm going to the Kawasaki dealership tomorrow to talk with one of the dealers there because I can't really decide what one I should get. I really, really want the ZZR1200 but I think that is too much bike for me - since it'll be my first one. Should I not go over 500 for my first bike? I was thinking of getting the Ninja 500R but its kinda small. Then again, I'm really thinking about the Ninja ZX-6RR. Any suggestions for a beginner? FF, Damn skippy the 1200 is too much bike for you! FF, if you purchase a ZZR1200 as your first motorcycle – I will come up there and kick your dumb ass, then go about vandalizing your ride so you won’t be able too – I fucking kid you not! It’s foolish, idiotic, senseless, displays a lack maturity, responsibility, and a lack of desire to live beyond 30 days. Salivate if you wish, but be tempering your desire with some down to earth common sense. Even if you are lucky enough to live – and experience a nasty tumble or accident on that ZZR monster – it could turn you away from bikes for good. Trust me here, you’ll live longer, learn better, and enjoy the experiences gained that will allow you move up to larger machines with more ability and confidence. Let me ramble on a moment more, I know I’m sounding like CRW, but bear with me dammit! FF, 600cc bikes today put horse power to the pavement that 1000cc bikes did not 7 to 10 years ago – it’s amazing how the engineers have milked that kind of power and torque out of just over half liter engines. So, the question here becomes whether these powerful machines are ever good first bikes, and if so, under what circumstances? To use my military aviation analogy once again, starting with one of these machines is like trying to learn to fly in combat. The most typical accident for the beginner on a new 600cc sport bike is caused by a loss of control the very near the first time the bike is ridden, and usually within a couple miles of the dealership from which he or she bought the bike. This is not an encouraging statistic. These are not machines for the youthful arrogant or immature rider. Alright, with that crap outta the way, lets get into the bikes, shall we? Since you’re considering Kawasaki, I only researched those – because nearly all middle weight class bikes are so damn close these days in performance and ability – it’s really riders choice of mount. Besides, Kawasaki makes bullet proof transmissions and has worn the power leader in class badge for the majority of years. And, I’m fond of Kawai’s also . The bikes: Ninja 500R - $4999.00 Vertical inline twin - 498cc Dry weight – 388 lbs Seat height – 30.5 in Rake/Trail – 27 degrees / 3.6 in Appox 50HP @ 9000 RPM Approx 31 ft/lbs TQ @ 8000 RPM ZX6R - $8699.00 Vertical inline 4 cyl – 636cc Dry weight – 362 lbs Seat height – 32.3 in Rake/Trail – 25 degrees / 4.2 in Appox 113-117 HP @ 12,500 RPM Approx 50 ft/lb TQ @ 10,500 RPM ZX6RR - $8899.00 Vertical inline 4 cyl – 599cc Dry weight – 361 lbs Seat height – 32.3 in Rake/Trail – 25.5 degrees / 4.3 in Appox 108 HP @ 12,500 RPM Approx 46 ft/lb TQ @ 10,500 RPM Ya, ya I know you can get all this poop off web sites, but I needed to also have it before me to comment – so tuff. Also, note that the HP’s and TQ’s are approximates, couldn’t gather hard figures for all of them and it varies on a number of conditions. I’d like to see you get the 500R for starters – a good condition used one. The 500R has got a snappy engine with not scary power that you could unintentionally loose yourself in it and the bike. A max HP and TQ within 1000 RPM of each other – allowing you to develop slight throttle manipulations playing with putting down HP and TQ to the pavement. A front fork rake and trail that allows for good stability and control, but also fairly quick handling response. Good starter machine, especially for someone that hasn’t ridden before. The only negatives to the 500 for you in my opinion is 1) It’s an inline twin, not 4 cyl so the engine will be abit more jerky to throttle as opposed to smoother responding inline 4’s. 2) Single front disk brake – dude it’s amazing what another disk will do for braking performance – it’s good to get used to dual disks. Ask 101, I think he added another rotor to his Harley and is most pleased with the increased braking performance. 3) That you’ll grow out of it within a year, or sooner. I bought one of the first Ninja 600R’s when Kawasaki revolutionized the entire middle weight class with that machine – but within a year of constant riding I was ready to move up. But note too – I owned a Kawi 750 also, and had 4 years of riding under my belt. And I kept the 600R until 1995 – it was still a fun bike. 4) Its widely known as a “starter” bike for adults, like the Ninja 250 is for younger teenagers. Suck it up, use some of the savings to get yourself enrolled in an advanced riding class, determine if motorcycling is for you, if sport machines are your “thing” or not, or if inlines are your thing. All of my bikes have been inline three’s or fours with the exception of my last bike; the Suzuki TL1000S V-twin sport bike, and I gotta tell ya – I dig hefty torquey V-twins, combined with great handling. Yum yum. But I don’t think your gunna do that – nope you want the real middle weight class machine with all the looks, performance and gizmos too-boot. I would too. So I recommend go for the ZX6R. The R and the RR are near identical, with the RR being cc’d down to 599 to qualify for the race track and a number of race ready modifications. So for $200 less you get 37 more cc’s about 10 more horses, 5 ft/lbs of TQ and a more ergonomically riding position. Then use the 200 bucks saved to attend: www.rider-ed.com/courses.htmFrom NJ, FF? I can’t fully recall. $225 smackers for beginners course then an additional $75 for the advanced. Check here also, a listing by state: www.moto-directory.com/safety.aspThen, after you get enough nuts, hit a road racing school, for the cream of your training – dude, it’s a rush. You’ll wanna go rent track time after that and get off those dangerous roads with those pesky idiot inconsiderate 4-wheeled drivers – ROFL: marrc.nova.org/html_docs/rrs.htmlLastly, FF – you may wanna score some books or research riding techniques, emergency handling; panic stops, breaking during cornering, counter-steering, riding in weather, appropriate lines, la la la. |
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 11, 2005 20:07:38 GMT -8
Ya know Lor, that’s a great start, minding maintenance and all, even slightly - hell, it’s better than what’s happen around my place at the moment. But, I’m thinking oil change once a year may not be enough – I dunno, could be just me, but normally it’s recommended around every 5 grand or so one the ole mileage counter gizmo – and if city driving, possibly earlier. Just a thought. Oh man – Cats. You had to bring that up. You saw the little piece about my second daughter befriending a cat, yes? Ya, well check this out – it is a female. Now guess what? No, really guess……………………..Uh, huh – you got it. But, on the plus side – the mouse population in the neighborhood is dropping, but so is the bird. Nothing like a beak and a ripped up wing on the patio in the morning – think their telling me their hungry? Say, you where in S. America – yes? Columbia was it, or some other corrupt dictatorship? I recall some of your posts at THC and how fondly you thought of many aspects of those countries. OK, maybe not so fondly. Now, how long does it take for kitty poo-poo to become a bio-hazard? And will your daughter’s upcoming EMT status provide any related training for rapid response? Oh ya, swell, let me hold on to that sentiment tightly - ROFL |
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Post by FightingFalcon on Jun 11, 2005 22:29:55 GMT -8
Husky - wow dude, thanks for all the info. Yea, I'm doing an RENJ offered course to get my motorcycle license. After I finish the beginner course I'm gonna probably go back to take the Experienced Riders course next summer. I have to take the RENJ course to get my license anyway because I don't know anyone who owns a motorcycle. If you take the course RENJ will give you a waiver approved by the DMV to get your license. Also, RENJ courses save you 5% on insurance and some dealerships offer rebates when you get a bike within a certain amount of time of getting your license.
Haha yea, me getting the ZZR1200 was just a joke - there's no way I could handle that bad boy. I'd fall off within a few days and would be screwed for the next three years of my life as I had to pay for a giant paper-weight. As you said, the 500R is probably the best bet for me but I will grow tired of it rather quickly. I'm sure it won't be hard to master it and it's kinda small. Ultimately I'm most likely gonna go with the ZX6R because its kinda inbetween the two. I'm goin to the Kawasaki dealership tomorrow to look at bikes and pick out which one that I want. Next month I got my RENJ courses so hopefully by 12 July or so I'll be riding on my brand-new bike.
I still haven't decided if I'll be bringing my bike down with me to DC. I'd only have it for a month before I have to go to school and that's a difficult drive to be doing so early. However, my parents already told me that if I went ahead and got a bike, they'd sell my car (they currently own it) and wouldn't even let me park the bike at home. I'd have to park it at my friend's house down the street. Needless to say, they are 100% opposed to the idea.....
BTW, how old were you when you got your first bike?
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 12, 2005 6:35:37 GMT -8
Good, good on the course – excellent, in fact. Does the RENJ provide a mount for the training? Or do you have to scrounge one up? I think I had to convince a friend to let me use his bike for testing.
I was probably going on 20 years old when I purchased my first rig – but rationalized that since I had spent some time on those, if you wanna call em, “dirt bikes” with rigid frames and lawn mower engines, combined with my cat like reactions, and an aptitude and ability for operating things of this sort; that I could ride anything. I didn’t buy new either (which was fairly smart), but bought way over my young ass experience level (which was real dumb), on a bike (1972 Kawi 750 H2 triple) widely know to get even experience riders in trouble (which was really really dumb), and not understanding much of any of the complexity’s, dangers, and physics regarding street riding (which was ignorant).
So we got 1 fairly smart move and 3 real dumb moves – 1 minus 3= -2. Yup, I was all set up to be a statistic. And damn near did, on more than one occasion. Fortunately God wasn’t finished with me yet, even though I tried, through my actions to convince him differently. No, but really, I very very quickly discovered my error in judgment, and just how inadequate my experience level was for my precious new mount, and slowed the train down. Then began very slowly training with it – Taking it to empty parking lots, and practicing. It got dropped it at very low speeds a hand full of times, sometimes alone in practice and a few in public. The only thing the bike had really going for it was its engine – the braking and handling were atrocious. I’m not sure atrocious is the correct expression, let’s say, more like; horrendous, vicious, and evil. The frame flexed like a rubber, so ones line through a corner may spontaneously change upon the whim of the machine, then if you caught the power-band on throttle roll-on the front end would just (sometimes smoothly, and other not so) – rise from the pavement (and this is while cornering – Oh, boy!). The brakes would fade, the front forks weak, and at certain lean angles the bike wanted to continue to lean (I think this was due to tire selection though). Not a forgiving rig – and made only for straight line acceleration. I rode it carefully for 4 years, and also bought a 125 enduro (for on and off road) and trained with that as well. Then came the 1985 Ninja ZX600R!!!
Parents, damn them – ROFL. My Mom and Pop were against it too, but hey – I was a (legal) adult, neither under their roof nor charge anymore. I didn’t have anything they could manipulate to motivate my decision - – so screw em, was my thought. But you can empathize with their concern and desire to keep you breathing -especially at your experience level, go easy on them. Possibly outline your whole training plan, and safety equipment you’ll purchase. I saw a statistic a while back – it indicated that, by in large, motorcycle riders are some of the safest and better auto drivers then your run of the mill 4 wheeled mounted idiot.
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Post by FightingFalcon on Jun 12, 2005 9:47:34 GMT -8
Actually, RENJ gives you everything - bike and helmet included. I think the only things I need are (myself obviously) gloves and boots. So I'm gonna use my ROTC boots and gloves for that They may make you bring protective eay-wear so I gotta check up on that. But yea, they give you a helmet and bike. They make it really easy for you. Since you brought it up, should I go new or used? Not like "used" used but one that has a few thousand miles on it? The only thing my parents have over me now is my college tuition. Even with my ROTC scholarship, my tuition is still like 20K a year (GW tuition is 45K total), which is way more than I could ever hope to pay. However, whenever my dad threatens to stop paying for my tuition for anything (when I wanted to switch to Army ROTC for example) I just threaten to drop out of school and Enlist in the Marines. I think we understand each other now... They don't want to hear any of it. Obviously they can't stop me from getting a bike (I'll be 20 in 10 days and I pay for all my own bills) but they've made it clear that I will have to do this all on my own. I have to purchase the bike on my own (my padre won't even show up for the lease agreement), pay for the bike/insurance and ship all my supplies to school. My parents already told me that they are taking my car away when I get a bike and that they won't help me move my stuff down to school. So that should be fun  I'm done with 4-wheeled drivers. They are absolutely retarded. I'm really sick and tired of sitting behind someone going 20 in a 35mph zone. Why aren't they pulled over just as much as fast drivers are pulled over? IMHO, slow drivers are so much worse... |
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Post by Husky23 on Jun 12, 2005 10:17:34 GMT -8
It’s quite pragmatic to consider it FF. A simple well maintained mid-sized previously owned machine that fits your style – hell, even the generic bikes (non-specialty) of the past few years are hands above the performance level even sport bikes of ten years ago – and economical and not wallet drains because of insurance. Besides, a used generic bike will not lock you into fright of dropping it (you know how much a new fairing runs for the race replica’s?). You’re gunna have growing, and ‘spill’ pains – why get your dream machine now only to have busted mirrors and turn signals, cracked fairings, and case damage? Do that to your training bike. Possibly ponder it.
Ahhh, nothing like a relationship built upon mutual threats. Sounds like my marriage the last few years. See? So it’s not the best thing going – playing like that. I’d maybe look at how you can accommodate their wishes also, you may be able to work out a compromise. The less costly and risky generic bike, you study and evaluation of two wheeled riding, the training program(s), the insurance reduction, let them see your adult mature rational. You may be surprised – then again maybe not.
Ya, but 4-wheels does come in handy when it a blizzard outside, or when those big ass rain drops smack your chest at 80 MPH – Ouch!!!
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