rickeieio

Dang, I wish we could come take you up on the offer. We know first hand how well you treat guests. Maybe we'll catch up with you next winter.

Where there's a will........ I agree on the idea of backing the bike down in gear, motor off. Our toy hauler has a rather steep ramp. Last year we took two moderately large bikes (BMW R1100R and R11250RT) with us, and I used that method. I was pleased with the ease of unloading. Only possible issue is the aforementioned time at the bottom of the ramp when the feet almost touch . But, since my bride decided the BMW is too big, she got a smaller cruiser style, and hates it. Sez it handles like a truck. So we're bike shopping again.

Did the person who told you the 50% thing show you a regulation, or refer to a regulation? Ask them to site it so you can double check, or go to another office.

I hope that's a typo.......

So Bronc..................didja get that tractor?

For the ultimate in safety, unplug and remove anything electrical. Perhaps a bit unpractical, but safe. That said, I built my bed with everything hooked up and functional. I didn't even unhook the batteries. I was very careful to always put my ground lead very close to the work area, and hooked directly to said area, not causing the electrons to wander about, looking for the path of least resistance. I know several truck builders who do the same, none has EVER had an issue. Welding approved flame suit on..................

In my misspent youth, I spread manure with an old New Idea spreader, behind a Farmall "M". Don't spread with the wind to your back..................

I have little experience w/ Little Girlie Tractors (sorry, I couldn't resist), but I've never seen a PTO w/ reverse. A pry bar in the u-joint is the only reverse I've ever used.

There's plenty of manure being slung about, even without a spreader.

And Happy Birthday, a few weeks late?

In the real world, hp isn't that important, as long as you're reasonably close. I pull a 15' bat-wing Bush Hog with a little 2030 Deere, rated at about 60ish pto. When in tough conditions, I go pretty slow. I've also pulled that same mower with 180 hp. Drive shafts can be fragile............... PTO hp typically is about 80% of engine.

<<They all offer 0-60 month financing which I normally would pay cash but why not and let my $$$ stay in investments?>> Figure the value of the money (time and interest), subtract that from the asking price, and offer them substantially less. Free interest is rarely free. Offer them $18k and see watch the look on their face. You might be pleasently surprised.

And don't be afraid to buy used. If not in a hurry, haunt the various "for sale" sites, looking for estate sales, auctions, etc. And some of the older stuff can give years of service. My main mower at my shop is a 1949 Farmall that Grandpa bought new. Armstrong steering and horrible comfort, but I only use it an hour a week.

Charlie, I agree with the advice above, go with the dealer with which you're most comfortable. Ask others about service and how well the parts dep't is stocked. That said, I run Honda mowers, Versatile/New Holland loader, and the big stuff is JD. Last new piece I bought was one of the Hondas in '94. The idea of renting things you won't use a lot is good. Why trip over things that you only need occasionally?

We have used Good Sam. Currently, we're expired, and I'm not sure whether I'll re-up. The one time I really needed assistance was on a Friday afternoon, 250 miles north of Whitehorse, Yukon. It was about 60 miles to the nearest cell tower. My bride went ahead with the smart, found a pay phone, and tried to arrange a tow. Nearest tow was in Whitehorse, Yukon........ She tried to explain that we needed the big truck, to tow our rig. Kid didn't understand, so she told him we pull with a road tractor. After that, he just kept saying they don't cover commercial vehicles. So, the emergency service is only as good as the person who answers the phone. Good luck.

I was lucky enough to catch Budd and his bride as they were leaving. Had a brief chat with them. Then I got to meet the PEI Family as well. We're now at Cummins Ferry RV in Kentucky with Paul&Paula, Spindrift, and another couple. Fall camping is the best.

PEI, if you are at Indian Springs, you are about 2-3 miles from my house. Give me a holler, 513-284-6927

Welcome to the Dark Side. Just be careful with that trailer, as most states only allow 45' for an RV.

Dave, The Cannonball Bike rally will arrive in Bloomington this afternoon and the bikes will overnight at the Harley dealer there. 95 pre 1917 bikes riding coast to coast...... I'm riding the Guzzi to a Cincinnati lunch stop to see them here today. BTW, Erwin "Cannonball" Baker was born about 10 miles from here.

Paul and Paula, I'm gonna guess you'll stay in Medora while visiting Teddy R. NP. Don't miss the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedora.com%2Feat%2Ffamily%2Fpitchfork-steak-fondue%2F&source=maps&cd=1&usg=AFQjCNHPKLKjGza72spmb_WH3tEilEzb7Q&ved=1t%3A3443%2Cp%3A1RLKV-TwE4PImQHZ86XoBg Yes, it's a tourist trap, but the musical is decent and funny, foods okay and entertaining. Besides, there ain't much else to do in Medora..........

Dang. We came past there last evening. We live about 20 miles away, near Lawrenceburg. You're welcome to stop by. My cell # is 513.284.6927.

Paul, If you can make it work, going out of Yellowstone through Lamar Valley and riding the Bear Tooth Highway is something you'd not soon forget. Leave lots of time to stop in Lamar and watch the wildlife. As you come into Red Lodge, Mt, there's a decent ice cream place on the right, right along a creek. There's a red caboose across the road as a landmark.

Today, however, we plan on starting off real slow and then tapering off. I wanna be like you when I grow up.

Yes, our visit in Woodland Park was too brief. Perhaps next time......... We're now in Lake City, CO, enjoying the scenery, and swatting mosquitoes. Headed back to Indiana and the humidity in a few days.

x2 what Peety said. If you want to emphasize the word, just make it bold or in italics.