• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Recent content by Columbia

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    Had to wear Gloves for Can Am riding course - Do you wear gloves? Why? Or why not?

    ATGATT for me.
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    998cc Gearbox knocking when cold - could it be the oil?

    My 998 doesn't like to be cold. It rumbles almost painfully for the first 2 minutes. I use the oil the manual recommends. Warming it up before putting in gear reduces the shudder considerably. A few miles and the engine is hot and the juddering is gone. Scared me the first few times it happened...
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    Anyone using Sheep Skin for Driver's Seat? If so, any input?

    Used one on two wheels for many miles. Now use one on three wheels for many miles. Warmer than vinyl on cold days. Cooler than vinyl on hot days. Win/Win.
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    Contemplating buying a Spyder - any reliability, power, and buyer's remorse issues?

    I regret owning a Spyder. Maintenance is a HUGE hassle, getting through all the plastic. Dealer service is far too expensive; independent repair shops are rare. None in my area, only one dealer who makes it clear that Spyders aren't his preference. I bought a two-cylinder, which I regret. If I...
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    2020+ SEAT Strut issues - a different solution!

    Piece of aluminum bar, approximately 7 inches long by 1.25 by 3/16s inch, rests under the seat. Pull up seat, insert bar. The strut came out long ago. I've also wired the seat release in the open position. Simple. I like simple.
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    Bickelton Ride, WA.

    Good memories of all the roads. Thanks for taking me along.
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    Looking for a good Portland, Oregon dealer - any recommendations?

    Pro Caliber in Bend needs Mr. Smoak. Service there is not great. Costs more than double what it's worth. I live near Bend. I haven't found any independent shops that work on Spyders. One guy will do oil changes, but nothing else. If I had properly done my homework, I wouldn't have purchased a...
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    Look before you leap - sometimes, not everything is in the first box opened!!

    I have been super impressed with Baja Ron, both for service and products but also for his responses to questions I've asked. Lamont is in the same category and performs identically. I suspect they share genetic material of the sort limited to People of Quality. Probably separated at birth. We...
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    How about heated gear - what's your favorite? Any other suggestions?

    Been using Warm'n'Safe for years. Except for the spelling of their name, I've been quite pleased. Wife agrees, and she's always cold. socks, pants, jacket and glove liners. All work. Simple to use. Recommended.
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    How do you secure your Helmets when leaving your bike?

    We have two "helmet hooks," one on each end of the handlebar. If I'm feeling specially paranoid I have a padlock which slips in the hole in the hook, there for that purpose. Some with a hacksaw could quickly cut through the hook's plastic. A battery powered, hand-held cutter would work even...
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    Was this a Fuel Indicator Reserve Notification?

    BRP has proven to be worthless for any information I've requested. "Go to the dealer." I already had. Dealer said "Contact BRP." BRP deserves an award for still being in business.
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    Does it cost this much for Brake fluid change from dealership?

    My "dealer" loves to sell spyders and hates to service them. Lots of push back when I call. I'm always looking for anyone else to work on the spyder: including me. the dealer wanted $550 for a brake fluid change. Nope. My barely experienced hands and eyes and arms plus speed bleeders and some...
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    Anyone here proficient in creating a GPX file for a Garmin GPS?

    NB: My Zumo is a 595. Yours may be different, but it should handle GPX files without blinking. I've been setting routes in Google Maps. Then I send it to my phone, or in my case, since I don't own a phone, to my email. There I copy the web address from Google's map message and paste it into the...
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    Any Tips for reducing road trip costs?

    Stay out of cafes and restaurants. I prepare food at home which covers breakfast. Lunch is a tortilla wrapped around a dry-ish cheese, e.g. mozarella, often with some salami or other sausage that doesn't demand refrigeration. Dinner is picked up at a grocery store, usually a small steak or...
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    Anyone used a Rivco Small Quick-Detach Hitch Rack?

    Addendum I bought the Rivco on Amazon. Nothing about Spyders there that I could find. Reading and rereading posts here I find references to Rivco and many but not all say "Don't use on a spyder." Some say it works great, but for how long is unknown. Guess I'm sending the Rivco back. I like...
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