Jim!

Or in between! Another person came here and was asking how can people afford their $450/mo payments on a Harley in this economy, and I said it was a loaded question, so here is the unloaded question!

Personally, I am a Honda guy, and I believe it is not what you ride, it is that you ride!

I am curious about the fuel economy of your bike, year, make and model. I think there is a trend to motorcycles getting less fuel economy over the years, and I would like to see if this is true.

My bike gets 60MPG when I am running on 55MPH roads. On the Interstate, I go down to 55MPG, holding 70MPH. I have a 1983 Honda GL-650 Silverwing complete with fairing, bags and trunk.

Thanks in advance for your stats!

How do you think motorcycles will change in the future? I figure styling will change a bit, and has for many years, but what about rideability? Honda Gold Wings have increased the duration of the riding season, and many more luxuries have found their way onto bikes, like stereos, intercoms, etc.

Will future bikes have better fuel mileage, become hybrid, fuel call, or electric?

Will future bikes be easier to ride? Maybe more auotomatic transmissions?

How about better safety, like with the recently released air bag jacket?

Will motorcycles become more accepted on American roads?

What will be the new "killer app" on motorcycles of the future?

Yes, I know you will have to dust off your crystal balls for this one (not the ones in your pants, haha)!

I am seeing statistics that 30+ percent of motorcycle riders are not properly licensed. If you are, speak up! If you are not, please tell me why, and if you have a permit etc, and if you intend to take the test(s) and/or MSF. Do you ride without a license? What do you think?

Me, I have been licensed for years.

Ok, from moped to hog, the squid to the maxi scooterist, How about the Solex people? Are they all real bikers, are there things that make a biker a biker?

How many cc's does it take to have a real motorcycle? How about dirt riders? Who are the real bikers in your opinion?

Be nice, we all ride, that is why we are here, or maybe not?

I know this would be bad, but fuel and power rationing is likely the only way to get greenhouse gases under control, considering the people that doubt the data. I would not want this to happen to anyone, but what if the gasoline ration was not enough (or just enough) to get you to work and back, what would you do?

How about power rationing? would it be prudent to put your electrical devices on power strips , and turn them off there to get rid of phantom power loads? Do you do that now (like I do) and want to tell the pros and cons?

Rationing sucks, but would it help?

I recently bought an electric scooter for my short commute to work, and people had questions about it.

Most people have determined that it's not "cool" to ride an electric scooter, when they determined it has limited range and speed, even though it has no problem doing the trip I wanted it for.

It came to my mind that this may be the thing about the global warming issue. I hear people talking about it, both for and against the theory, but I watch people driving massive SUV's, with only one person in them. Some people need an SUV, I know that, and some people are going to pick up a troop of scouts, and that is ok too, but everyone? I don't think so!

When I have to drive (weather, temperature etc.) I use my WVO running Mercedes! I have to run some diesel, because I don't always get enough WVO. Anyway, I can do it, and I do not suffer at all, so I think there is a coolness factor to not doing anything, anyone concur or disagree?

I heard recently that Al Gore's house is now very energy efficient, when previously, it was using 10X the amount of electricity as an average home. The question is: You think he can be forgiven for the transgression, or should we expect more out of an environmental spokesperson?

I won't forgive his claim about "inventing the Internet", but I am waffling on this issue.

Anyone out here got an electric Motofino scooter/moped? I am looking to see what they have problems with (if anything) I should know about, before I purchase it. I am familiar with their gas bikes, which are not too bad, but they are not Japanese either.

I only have to commute 3 miles, and it is not bumpy or hilly.

I already have 3 other bikes, I just want to support the electric vehicle route for my commute.

I come int R&S all the time, and I find so many silly questions and answers, I wonder if anyone is serious!

Would the things I hear here be said if we all knew each other, or would we be a little more respectful? Fire away! It is entertaining to me!

I see a lot of petty squabbling, how Jesus is the only path, etc. and I think how small the thoughts can be. If I see someone that I think I can help, I answer!

Have a good day!

I hear a lot of trash out here between Harley folks, and the Jap (and other) bike riders. I have owned 3 Harleys in my long time riding, and I guess the concept has escaped me as to why some, not all Harley riders are so hard core anti-Jap bikes. Why, in your opinion (and perhaps some facts) is a Harley so good. I really would like the insight, thanks.

There was a bill put forth in Florida giving stiff penalties (and confiscation) of motorcycles going more than 30MPH over the speed limit.

What is your opinion? Should these bikes be banned, or should they have special licensing, or what? You tell me!

I wholheartedly believe in wearing a helmet, that is not the question, but I believe there should no be a law to make you wear one. I am wondering if anyone else see it similar to me. Should there be a National Motorcycle Helmet Law, or should the states have it, or perhaps you might think no helmet should be forced on a rider's head. My opinion is "helmets good, infringing laws, bad"!