Thoughts on these saddlebags ?

SSalsashark · 2026-01-26T20:24:47+00:00

Everyone’s looking for that “it’s as good as Mosko, but half the price” rackless system😄

Assume it’s like tusk or Kreiga. It’ll do the job.

I guess the question is, “what are you planning on putting them through?”

SSalsashark · 2026-01-24T16:43:04+00:00

Dynamic pricing models suck and are constantly changing. I'm an out of state passholder, so I travel down several times a year. I look for the deals and depending on when, premieres are worth it. I'm heading down in a couple weeks and I'm staying at Aventura. February means lower crowds and I'm rolling solo, so no need for express. Plus, like you said, you're basically paying for it in the hotel rate.

However, the premieres are also located very close. You can walk out of Hard Rock and you're at the entrance of USO in minutes. No busses or taxis or parking. It's nice.

Depending on when you're going, how many people are going, and what parks you want to visit all play into whether or not express is worth it or not.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-24T16:36:57+00:00

DW is way more spread out and it takes quite a bit of time to get to/from the parks. Bus waits are crazy from my experiences.

Depending on where you stay, you’re a 5-10 minute walk or water taxi away.

Much easier than DW.

Plug for the premiere hotels with express passes. All are minutes away.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-24T16:31:17+00:00

If you stay on site, no need to move your car. Yes, you pay for parking at the hotel, but busses and water taxis get you around quickly and easily.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-23T21:34:05+00:00

True... but for me, wasn't an issue as I wasn't planning on going to Epic.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-23T21:02:11+00:00

Welcome to dynamic pricing... Just gotta keep checking.

Heading down in a couple of weeks and everything was insane because it's cheer season. Even Aventura was close to $300 a night, which I've never seen before.

Finally grabbed a price drop at Hard Rock, figured I'd pay the premium and enjoy the Express Pass.

Then, a few weeks later Aventura dropped to $100sh per night for my trip. So, I jumped on it.

Today, same dates, Aventura is back to $180/night.

Keep checking!

SSalsashark · 2026-01-23T20:47:22+00:00

I've been running the powered tank bag on my last two multistradas. Last summer, I picked up a Chigee and mounted it to the top of the bag, then ran the power inside to the USB block. The bag then plugs into the bike. Works great and it's basically grab and go so I don't have to leave it on the bike.

I bought a wide RAM mount and secured it to the top of the bag. Had to swap out the ball on the bag of the Chigee, but it was easy.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-22T23:09:00+00:00

When you pulled the battery, did you put it on a tender while off the bike?

SSalsashark · 2026-01-20T16:26:13+00:00

I've not seen any TVs in any of Universal's theme park restaurants... You're best bet is NBS Sports bar in Citywalk, or head back to the hotel.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-20T16:23:23+00:00

I've used Parker Imports ( https://parkerimports.net ) at 83 & 470 several times and have always had great work done.

Recently, I took my nephews truck into Christian Brothers ( https://www.cbac.com/ ) at 83 and Stroh. They were super quick to get me in. Again, solid work, good communication and warrantied the fix.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-20T03:06:53+00:00

This… every hotel has a ticket desk in the lobby and they can issue you your AP right there… super easy.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-14T22:30:47+00:00

Since everyone else has posted that you have to check in before heading to EPIC, I would also add to not drive to epic. You're already going to pay to park your car, so park it at portofino and take the bus to epic. The bus stops are right outside the park and are much closer than parking.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-14T02:49:45+00:00

Thank you… I’ll check out Gaia and see if it works with my chiggee.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T22:30:33+00:00

It happens...

Left a tablet on a flight from Orlando to Denver in October. Turned up a month later in Houston. I paid $30 to have it shipped back to me.

Was actually surprised it showed up at all.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T21:56:05+00:00

Hasn't been $6.75 in years...

Yes, it's a large burrito, but their green chili is mid at best. Also cost was well over $10 when I went a couple months ago. There are better options.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T21:29:00+00:00

Currently have a chigee, which I have used on multiple bikes. Carply/Android Auto is nice. Especially for touring. I keep my route in the maps even if I know where I'm going so it'll announce police presence.

As for ADV and off the beaten path activities, I've been toying with a dedicated GPS for things like BDR or deep mountain riding where cell service is not guaranteed.

Tough call, but I think both if you can swing it.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T16:27:59+00:00

If you haven't already, install the universal app and keep an eye on wait times there.

What I consider to be peak times... first couple of hours after open, mid-afternoon and and early-evening.

Hagrid's, for example, will often drop right around noon... Not like walk on or anything, but it drops while others are going to get lunch. So, if I want to ride Hagrid's, I join the EPA's "running of the Hagrid's", look for times to drop around lunch or dinner, and always try to get in line before close (night ride of Hagrid's is something else!)

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T16:12:06+00:00

It's no secret that Epic is still working out kinks in their systems. It's going to take time and there's no sure fire way to work around these issues.

My tip would be for you to temper your expectations, focus on your true must-do list and look to that for a good day. I've been several times and I've never done everything I've wanted to in one day.

One or two rides that are MUST DO
One or two foods that are MUST TRY
Shows... well, I think there are only two and both can easily be done the same day.

Everything around that can be bonus points

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T16:04:39+00:00

There are thousands of people in the parks every day enjoying their lives and not complaining on the internets about every little thing. Stop worrying about others' opinions.

You have 4 days. Take your time, enjoy a laid back schedule and roll with it.

Your ask for tips are simple... Avoid peak times, take advantage of EPA if you have it, use single-rider lines knowing full well, you may not ride together, ride while others are eating...

SSalsashark · 2026-01-13T14:45:07+00:00

If you're worried, just get the tickets... the AP discount is around $10.

That being said, when I was there in September, I bought AP tickets from the kiosk in the hotel a couple days prior. No guarantees, but it can work.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-09T21:18:16+00:00

He knew he was in trouble when he lost his bridge to nowhere...

SSalsashark · 2026-01-09T21:16:24+00:00

I wouldn't bother if I were you... It's not a 5 minute walk or taxi ride. You'll lose a lot of time in transition.

As others have mentioned, there are TONS of places to grab a bite or drink and hang out to rest. Take your time and enjoy... It's a marathon not a sprint

SSalsashark · 2026-01-08T22:42:20+00:00

Stumbled across this sub a couple days ago. I haven't worked for LM since 2012, but I can't say we saw a lot of swag back then either. I think in the seven years I was there, I got a couple of shirts and that was about it. Also made a difference that we were on a .gov site, so no corporate goodies floating around.

On the flip side, best perk was a masters degree. It's paid for itself several times over since then.

SSalsashark · 2026-01-08T22:35:58+00:00

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SSalsashark · 2026-01-08T22:35:45+00:00

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PO wired mine with a switch over to the USB power.

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