7 thoughts on “Episode 154: A Garden Gnome?”

1. James and Chis,
   I’ve been enjoying your podcasts since I’ve discovered them a couple months ago. In episode 154 you mentioned purshasing pants from the clearance portion of motorcycle gear.com. I looked it up and also found a section called “customer’s closet”. A great way for someone to sell slightly used gear at a great price.
   It seems to be a new addition to the site, and I plan to use it and report back.
   Again thanks for your great insight on the podcast.
   Shawn

2. I am always interested in your thoughts on different bikes. I’m curious what you think of the Honda CB 500 X versus the Honda CTX 700? I have been riding since about 2005, but I really like a smaller bike and looking for one with larger tank. M Currently have a new Suzuki S40 where I raised the seat for more leg comfort. I read that the cb500 motor HSS a higher redline and is more like a typical motorcycle engine (8500 rpm vs 6500 rpm) But I hear the Ctx700 engine has a flatter and more drivable torque curve…..I like the slightly larger tank and better looking plastic (IMHO) of the cb500x…..any thoughts or opinions?

3. What are the procedures for obtaining a riders licence in the USA? In Australia you must complete a 2 day course prior to sitting a theory exam to obtain a learners permit. During this time you may only ride a LAMS approved motorcycle .( which has a lower level power to weight ratio ) After 12 months of this You have to sit a full day practical test which involves slow riding manoeuvres and a road ride. After passing this exam you can obtain a provisional riders licence but are still restricted to a LAMS approved motorcycle for a period between 12 months and 3 years.

   Love the podcast I’m a new listener and I ride a 2011 hayabusa

4. Shawn,

   Excellent point about the Customer’s Closet section of MCG. My girlfriend actually scored a full set of track-day leathers, barely used, made by Dainese for about $200. You can find some kicking deals in there. Hope it works out.

5. Quentin,

   After having finally had a chance to fully check out both bikes – the CB500 family and the NC700X – I find both very, very appealing. If someone handed me money and said “make a choice right now between them”, I’d probably go with the fully tour-dressed CB500 (naked)… but it’s actually a very difficult change having not ridden either yet. I like the built-in storage of the NC700X and on paper, I LOVE the lower-revving, flatter-torque of its engine. Without a test ride, I’d probably go for the more traditional powered CB series engine. I really enjoyed the X and the 500’s naked dressings. The red, white and blue 500 with the touring options bolted on definitely spoke to me.

   I reserve the right to do a complete 180* change on my answer after I finally get to ride the NC700-X.

6. Daniel,

   Here in the US the traditional procedure is to take a written exam to get a rider’s permit attached to an existing driver’s license, then (optionally and hopefully) take the MSF course which is generally a 3-4 half-day thing with some class-room and some range time (this is slightly varied from state to state). Each state has different requirements and may range from mandatory training to “see you out on the road” during your permit time. All of them do require some form of test to pass and get the “M” endorsement, as I understand it.

   The MSF class was fun and instructive, but I found the overall attitude of licensing a driver in Pennsylvania and Delaware to be rather after-thought-ish and not terribly challenging. Other states may be different.

7. Regarding the “Neverwet” product, a woman on our local motorcycle forum had this to say about her recent purchase of the stuff:

   “I bought some. I sprayed it on my boots. It does not dry clear.
   I followed the direction. I sprayed with part one and let dry. That dried clear.
   After letting dry for half hour, I sprayed with part 2. It went on white and stayed white. It made my black boots look blue.

   Although I usually use the heel shifter, I did use the toe shifter as well…and yes.. it comes off easily with just a few uses of the toe shifter.
   I don’t recommend this for boots.
   I wouldn’t use it for gloves either given the colour change and the wearing off.
   It is definitely suited to something that does not get any rubbing.”

   Sounds like it has limited practical uses. I was hoping it would be “the solution” for my rainy Vancouver winter commuting, but if it wears off that fast I can’t see it being worth the effort. I don’t really care about the color change, it’s the longevity I’m concerned about. My 2 cents.

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