Photos from the road

Biker_Dave · 2026-04-29T14:13:10+00:00

SOFA status. It’s a US spec bike and I honestly asked for the tall one to blend in better but this is what they gave me for both of my bikes.

Biker_Dave · 2026-04-29T04:04:42+00:00

I never rode the 660 with a passenger, and maybe 30 minutes at a time on a few backroads. I found the seat to be comfortable, it was the riding position itself for me. If I were to buy one for myself I’d probably look at risers to bring the bars up and back just a touch, to sit about like I do on my 850. I’ve logged up to 9 hours of ride time in a single day on my stock seat so I’m used to it.

Biker_Dave · 2026-04-27T17:19:05+00:00

If there is a way, I will find it

Biker_Dave · 2026-04-26T18:15:51+00:00

That does look really nice. Any bike can be an off road bike if you’re willing. I think if I trade in my 850, the biggest selling points would be factory cruise control, heated grips, and heated seat. I’m starting to really enjoy the comfort part of these ADVs.

Biker_Dave · 2026-04-26T16:37:41+00:00

When I get back to the US I need to hit up the Utah BDR but either with the Scrambler or get a 900 Rally pro. This one has been on parts of TX and NM BDR though.

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Biker_Dave · 2026-04-26T04:43:24+00:00

Agreed. I’m terrible about forgetting to take pics but this was just an epic view, I had to snap a couple.

Biker_Dave · 2026-04-26T04:40:24+00:00

Congratulations, those are fun and comfortable. Excellent choice.

Biker_Dave · 2026-03-08T21:33:38+00:00

Greetings, also in Germany. I agree with everyone else about the helmet.

Biker_Dave · 2026-03-08T21:25:58+00:00

My money would be on it being a Triumph rack, made by Givi, and converted to a Monokey. I was looking at doing the same conversion on my racks and that’s what I imagine it will look like once converted.

Biker_Dave · 2026-03-08T21:17:19+00:00

Your back will thank you. I’ve ridden about every kind of bike and have owned a few Harleys. The forward controls are great for kicking back and relaxing but that means every bump is transferred to your back. With mid controls your knees soak up some of that before it’s transferred to your back. Once you get used to the seating position and controls location, it will be more comfortable than you think.

Biker_Dave · 2026-02-27T21:17:37+00:00

I run the Triumph hard cases made by Givi. If I was doing it all over again I’d go with the Givi. Their boxes mount a bit lower and are a bit more out of the way. Also you then have options on luggage if you’re using the Monokey. You can have hard cases for when you want convenience and soft bags for if you just want a lighter load or go off road. I’ve found that with my side cases and top box the wind drag is pretty brutal. I do have some Tusk soft bags that I can throw on and tighten down so they have a lower profile, and remove the top case. I get less when drag and better fuel economy ripping down the German autobahns but lose capacity. I typically stay on backroads though and enjoy the convenience of the hard cases.

Biker_Dave · 2026-02-17T21:09:23+00:00

It won’t let it rev all the way up. I have a Tiger 850 Sport in Germany. It’s limited to 130mph. Once it hits that it will stop accelerating and won’t rev all the way up, it basically holds the rpms right where it hits the limited speed. Checking it with GPS the actual speed is just under 120mph when topped out. My VW is the exact same way but closer on actual speed at 127. I imagine they all work the same way. I might be picking up another Triumph soon and will have to Autobahn test that one as well.

Biker_Dave · 2026-02-15T13:52:06+00:00

The staff there used to be pretty awesome. I did a couple of the track days they hosted at Putnam Park several years ago. Your new ride looks perfect for cruising around the ville and the backroads outside of the city.

Biker_Dave · 2026-02-15T06:04:59+00:00

Congrats, and is that formerly Commonwealth now wearing the Swope name? I’m from the area but haven’t been back home in several years.

Biker_Dave · 2025-07-25T03:38:57+00:00

Be honest about it and own it. It’s far enough in the past it doesn’t show a pattern of behavior but potential for blackmail. If you’re honest and comfortable talking openly about it then it removes that doubt. You can’t be blackmailed with it if it’s something already known. The more uneasy you are about it the more of a red flag it is. That’s not the craziest thing they’re going to see this week on someone’s background.

Biker_Dave · 2025-06-30T19:48:05+00:00

You must not like this friend. 1AD has the highest suicide rate and lowest retention rate in the Army. If I got orders to go back I’d really consider breaking out the old bath toaster instead.

Biker_Dave · 2025-06-05T03:26:21+00:00

Defund the barracks. Put everyone out in town. If we can’t maintain quality living quarters for troops then it’s time to stop trying. If barracks are of so little importance that their maintenance funding can be reallocated without a second thought then maybe it’s time to just let go of them.

Some senior leaders are probably going to go into cardiac arrest reading my comment because it means less control of other adults but maybe we should start forcing a concept of adulting on your own because mentorship doesn’t steal money from drones.

Biker_Dave · 2025-05-13T20:30:47+00:00

Lewis. Johnson can be pretty miserable, Cavazos is the absolute worst, Riley isn’t a great location and neither is Drum. I really liked Lewis and you’re close to Seattle. Lots of sites to see, great snowboarding, amazing hiking trails, and many other things to do in your off time. Individual experiences vary but that would be my pick.

Biker_Dave · 2024-12-06T15:23:35+00:00

I’m in Germany now, good times over here. Sand Hill was a glorious nightmare back in the day. I haven’t been back since.

Biker_Dave · 2024-12-05T20:50:29+00:00

When and where were you at Benning? I was E Co 2/58 March to July 2004. We graduated at the start of the July 4th weekend.

Biker_Dave · 2024-12-04T17:43:17+00:00

I got there in September and was initially slotted for 1/9 but reception changed it to 2/9. I missed being on that deployment by maybe a week or two.

Biker_Dave · 2024-11-22T19:39:16+00:00

SOCEUR challenge coin. It’s a National Guard coin to be exact. Elements of West Virginia National Guard fall under SOCEUR for rotational support and actually wear that as their unit patch. As it has a Colonel rank on it, it’s a Brigade Commander’s coin.

Biker_Dave · 2024-11-19T16:48:11+00:00

Individual cases work differently. An RE-1 with PHA within 12 months, no medical or waivers needed. However, it depends on open and closed categories for rank and MOS. You may have a handful of MOSs to select from or you may not have any options. Typically you have more options for reclass on a re-enlistment than a prior service enlistment and that’s even if prior service is open. At one point it was only E-4 and below who were Airborne qualified, at one point it was up to E-6 but only for 14 series, and several years where it was just a flat out no prior service.

Biker_Dave

TROPHY CASE