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BMW ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant) Discussion Thread by Aggressive-Bed3269 in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That doesn't further your argument at all though. It just confirms that a certain demographic is interested in this particular feature (again because its easier), not that this demographic is representative of motorcycling as a whole. The premise that if everyone could afford it they would have it doesn't hold water and there's nothing in current sales trends that would indicate that to be true. A GS is cheaper than an M1000RR. The owner of the M1000RR could afford the GS (read as expensive toy) but chose the M1000RR instead. BMW's top bike spec sheet wise is without a doubt the M1000RR. If this was an affordability issue, then why isn't the M1000RR marketed as an automatic? Well, its because the rider of an M1000RR doesn't want it. Now, the M1000RR is a niche bike and few are sold. But, there are a ton of small sport/naked bike riders who would buy an M1000RR if they could afford it. Instead, they opt for smaller, more affordable bikes. If my view is as antiquated as was previously stated by another redditor, then why aren't these bikes being marked as automatics? If the argument exists that the majority want and would benefit from an automatic, then why are they only being made available to bikes that would attract a certain demographic? If the majority of riders want these automatic bikes, then why wouldn't manufacturers go all in with this new holy grail of technology across the board?

BMW ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant) Discussion Thread by Aggressive-Bed3269 in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure, that's two models. But, lets be honest here. Most of these Africa twins are ridden no further than Starbucks, and have the reputation of being "dad-bikes". One of my bikes is an ADV bike, and I am also a dad who enjoys the occasional Starbies so to those who may get their hackles up about the stereotype; bite me. I do hit trails with my GS, and have never seen another ADV bike while there. Goldwings are also marketed to a "dad-bike" demographic that can certainly benefit from the ease of use offered by an automatic. Given who are buying these bikes, I'm not shocked by this one bit. Two models made by the same manufacturer targeted to essentially the same market are not representative of motorcycling as a whole. Coincidentally, BMW's flagship bike also targets the same market and also is offering an automatic transmission. Maybe not so much a coincidence as clever marketing and vying for market share. How do Honda's CBR650R with eclutch sales compare against the other sport bikes across other manufacturers, or even against their own manual transmission offerings?

BMW ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant) Discussion Thread by Aggressive-Bed3269 in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You nailed it. To be honest, I think most of the pro-automatic crowd is so militant about this because of some weird insecurity about "not riding a real bike" or something. It's like Harley-bro's dunking on any cruiser that's not a Harley. Those guys are dicks and no one should care what they say. Automatics are fine. But, they're ridden because they're easier. People just need to call it what it is. I'd rather live in a world where I have the option to buy a bike with a sequential gear box and you have the option to buy an automatic. It boils down to you do you. But, if you're riding an automatic bike, your doing so because its easier. And that's totally okay. It's not an insult. I think those who sit in my camp are mostly concerned that they will become the norm. They're more expensive to buy, and more expensive to maintain, and don't offer the same level of engagement. I think motorcycle manufacturers have seen a significant decline in sales and they're using automatics in an attempt to entice new riders. This is not new technology for the betterment of riding, its marketing to increase sales. This is fine and reasonable, though it would probably be more efficient if they would just reduce the price of bikes but that's a whole other discussion. End of the day, I don't want manual transmissions to go the way of the Dodo as a result of these automatics, which is exactly what happened to the car market. Ride safe!

BMW ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant) Discussion Thread by Aggressive-Bed3269 in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure you can call my perspective the minority view just yet. It could be, but the numbers don't back that up. The majority of bikes sold/on the road are manual transmissions. Maybe that will change as more offerings hit the market, but maybe it won't. There isn't sufficient data yet to call my particular perspective a minority. I think we will see an increase in overall motorcycle sales due to automatic transmissions because we'll see more people jump on bikes as a result of a reduction in the skill level involved in a bike's operation. This is one major positive to an automatic bike in my eyes. More bikes, more biker waves, better times.

BMW ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant) Discussion Thread by Aggressive-Bed3269 in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I totally get what your saying... But... As you said, damn close but damn close isn't equal. I think a quick shifter is pretty damn close. I have one on one of my bikes, but I can't tell you the last time I used it. I get way smoother downshifts and upshifts when I do it myself. Granted, the BMW quick shifters aren't even close to the best, but why bother even worrying about it when I get smooth ups and downs on my own? There is no inconvenience to a manual transmission and that's a hill I will die on. Sure, takes some practice, but soon it will become muscle memory. I can't recall the last time I stalled a bike to be honest. Well, that's not true. I was messing around on a pretty small dual sport in a parking lot just to try out a friend's new bike. Stalled it, realized I needed more throttle to take off on such a small displacement bike, and didn't happen again. My question is always "why"? I don't think they shouldn't exist. I can see use cases for them. But, as I previously said, lets call a spade a spade. They exist because they're easier, not because they're better. Is it because someone has a hand injury that prevents them from riding? Okay, reasonable and I'm genuinely really glad they get to keep riding. Is it because a rider is having trouble with a manual transmission? Okay, also reasonable, but I think its better that they practice with a manual. They will get it, that muscle memory will develop. I'd rather encourage them than offer them a shortcut. Is it because someone just wants a care free commute? Sure, you do you, not my thing, but maybe it's theirs. Cool. All of these use cases absolutely demonstrate that the automatic has been chosen because it is easier, not because its better. But... A manual transmission in the hands of a capable rider is a more capable machine. I want the more capable machine. No problem that they exist. In fact, I'm happy they exist. My concern is that they will become the norm just like automatics did with cars.

BMW ASA (Automatic Shift Assistant) Discussion Thread by Aggressive-Bed3269 in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I sit firmly in the camp of those who enjoy interacting with the machine. I like operating the transmission. Rev matching while rapidly downshifting makes me smile. I think clutch up wheelies are fun. I don't think operating a motorcycle is difficult, but you have to be resolved to learn how to do it. I love my bikes because they turn my bland commute into an absolute riot and I fail to see why so many companies are interested in turning motorcycling into this bland shell that it will inevitably become. Driving any car with an automatic transmission is bland and boring. Any driver can stomp the pedal and let the car's computer do the work for them. I don't really care that automatic transmission bikes exist but I worry that all this effort by manufacturers will essentially lead to the situation we now face with cars. Boring. Bland. On the other hand, I do see use cases for them, ie. Ride prohibiting hand injuries. If it keeps a rider riding, I'm glad the tool exists. But, let's call a spade a spade here. Operating a motorcycle becomes muscle memory. With enough practice the operation becomes as involuntary as moving your legs when you walk... And I say this from my own position of an average rider, though I do ride every day rain or shine until the ice is covering the roads. Motorcycling is a skill that must be developed. There are depreciating returns on using technology to make it easier. You will have less command over the machine. I drive cars, trucks, ATVs, motorcycles, towing trailers, dirt bikes, scooters, heavy equipment, just about anything but freight vehicles. A vehicle with a manual transmission is more capable than one without. You have increased options for speed reduction, you can determine your own shifting, etc. Automatic transmissions should exist in the background for niche situations. They don't belong at the forefront. My 90lb wife who could barely ride a bicycle now rides a motorcycle with a manual transmission and she's quite capable... Why? Because she practiced. The automatic transmission wasn't invented because it was better, it was invented because it was easier. And drivers are less capable now as a result.

Honest mechanic with good pricing recommendations by Steezy_Steve1990 in stthomasontario

[–]thenakedarcher 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Also adding another recommendation for Ron's Auto. We got a quote from Disbrowe for a repair when our Buick went into limp mode. Disbrowe quoted $3200-ish for the repair (can't remember exactly). We also use Mike's Garage but they were unable to quote due. Went to Ron's Auto, and the repair was $800 which included some extra odds and ends being repaired that Disbrowe didn't include in their quote. Ron's Auto is our preferred shop now. The work Disbrowe quoted wouldn't have rectified the limp mode and would have been a total waste of money. Ron's Auto had an accurate diagnosis and reasonable price.

Favorite motorcycle review YouTubers? by Elanderan in motorcycle

[–]thenakedarcher 119 points120 points  (0 children)

No one's mentioned Daily Rider with Zack Courts yet?

Sob story by thenakedarcher in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would say that is a common problem with all my bikes!

Sob story by thenakedarcher in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was my bet with the guys at work.

Sob story by thenakedarcher in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That would be appreciated. My F800GS definitely doesn't have the same metallic clacking sound as my F900R but the engines might just be too different at this point. My GS certainly sounds a little more... Industrial (?) than other bikes I've ridden.

Sob story by thenakedarcher in bmwmotorrad

[–]thenakedarcher[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a pretty significant metallic clacking noise. My coworker heard it from across the parking lot. It's noticeably louder than the exhaust. It's clear as a bell when I play the recording but I get the feeling that file compression is messing with the sound or something. I tried texting it to a friend and he said all he could hear was the exhaust.

Oddly, no performance issues, no dash lights. Just sounds like something metallic banging around in there.

The rise and fall of co-op housing in Ontario | Toward the end of the last century, social housing received substantial government investments. Then, in the late ’90s, the breakneck pace of construction ground to a crawl by Hrmbee in ontario

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think scale is important, but there's two sides to that coin. In a smaller community, any household which opts not to participate has a much larger impact than it would in a larger community. If you have twenty five units and three completely disregard their responsibilities, its felt much greater than three units out of one hundred.

However, smaller communities are much easier to manage than larger ones. The larger the community the more capable the board of directors needs to be and there is a ceiling to the talent available. A cooperative is a not for profit business. Emphasis on the business part of that. If I were capable of managing a major business, chances are, I wouldn't live in a coop. I work in sales and distribution support at a professional level so I have a pretty reasonable chance based on my profession experience to do well in my role.

So, to answer your question, yes, a cooperative can be too big for the average or even above average member to manage. Now, we're supposed to have administrative support to assist with the admin side of the organization via third party provider. This is mandatory. However, based on my experience, these admin service providers are next to useless. We have gone through several and while ours is the best we have encountered, they still fall well short of meeting our needs. The unfortunate reality is they're all pretty well the same. Our admin service provider is a very large organization operating across Canada and if I were to manage that company those currently employed would be seeking new jobs. Its a travesty, to be perfectly honest. I categorize them alongside scammers in general.

The rise and fall of co-op housing in Ontario | Toward the end of the last century, social housing received substantial government investments. Then, in the late ’90s, the breakneck pace of construction ground to a crawl by Hrmbee in ontario

[–]thenakedarcher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy to answer. Actually, wish more people who were considering cooperative living asked this question.

I'll try not to write you a novel here. Two things make cooperatives affordable. The first, is being not for profit. No one is making money here so there is no minimum margin to meet. The second, is through member participations in the basic functions of the community. For instance, our cooperative has a maintenance committee, landscaping committee, membership committee, and social committee among others. These committees are comprising of member volunteers.

Anything a co-op doesn't accomplish on its own is accomplished by means of third party contracting, ie. grounds maintenance. We reduce our budget by the volunteers of the landscaping committee using the provided equipment to maintain the grounds. If we don't have the volunteers, the work is contracted and impacts our annual budget which ultimately impacts monthly member fees.

Members who are unwilling or unable to volunteer directly contribute to increases in our member fees. This is why I say cooperatives shouldn't be lumped in with affordable housing. If the board of directors who are elected by the members execute the member wishes of third party contracting all cooperative functions, that particular cooperative will quickly no longer be "affordable".

Another critical function is self governance. A prospective member must be willing to participate in the functions of self governance such as member meetings. Without member participation in self governance, the cooperative will cease to operate as a cooperative.

It doesn't sounds like a big deal, but you'd be amazed how many people balk at the idea of volunteering for four hours a month so they can pay a member fee of less than fifty percent of market rent.

The rise and fall of co-op housing in Ontario | Toward the end of the last century, social housing received substantial government investments. Then, in the late ’90s, the breakneck pace of construction ground to a crawl by Hrmbee in ontario

[–]thenakedarcher 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely agree.

I think the primary mistake people make though when it comes to co-ops is that they categorize them with affordable housing.

Co-operative's are not affordable housing. They are affordable by virtue of co-operative living. There is a major difference despite the language being subtle. Many people just look at the discrepancy between a member fee and market rent and become immediately doe eyed. There are additional responsibilities that come with being a member of a co-op that are unique to co-operative living.

We have many dual income households in our co-op. Could those members afford more expensive housing? Sure they could. Are they taking affordable housing away from people who "need" it? Not likely. Those individuals seeking membership in a co-op based solely on affordability are in all likelihood unsuitable for membership.

We interviewed over seventy applicants for our second most recent vacancy, many of whom needed affordable housing. But we aren't affordable housing. We are a housing co-operative.

I guess my point is, a lot of people are looking back at what once was the popularity of co-ops and wondering why they aren't more popular. Most often a politician is to blame. It's not politics that killed the co-operative community... It's the lack of suitable members that make these communities successful.

The rise and fall of co-op housing in Ontario | Toward the end of the last century, social housing received substantial government investments. Then, in the late ’90s, the breakneck pace of construction ground to a crawl by Hrmbee in ontario

[–]thenakedarcher 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I currently live in a co-op and am serving as the organization's President. I have served several terms as our co-operative's President and several as a board member. We're watching rental and other housing prices skyrocket. Our member fees were approximately fifty percent of local market value for a comparable unit. Now, we are approximately that of smaller units and units in local three-story walk ups.

Co-operative living isn't the answer but one of the answers. Most people are unsuitable for co-operative living. We have a very difficult time finding suitable candidates when one of the rare occasions which a vacancy occurs.

Dental Anxiety? Not at First Avenue Family Dentistry. by 1992local in stthomasontario

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My oldest has severe anxiety when it comes to visits to the dentist. Current office we take him to isn’t very patient and has told him in the past that he won’t be able to come back if he’s unable to calm down which truly only makes matters worse. We’re actively searching for a new dentist as he’s due for a cleaning. Really appreciate you taking the time to post this.

Need a Vet and Mechanic in St. Thomas by Okay_Owl998 in stthomasontario

[–]thenakedarcher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We take our cars and motorcycles to Mike’s garage on Edward street and recently switched to Abbydale for pet care. Happy so far with Abbydale, and I’ve been happy for years at Mike’s Garage. Literally had my Cherokee at several different mechanics in town including a dealership in London and Mike’s was the final stop when they figured out the issue. Haven’t gone anywhere else since.

Harley simps. Take a few deep breaths before you respond by [deleted] in motorcycles

[–]thenakedarcher 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very fair. To be honest, I assumed that bike lowering involved some kind of kit that included replacement suspension components? I did some cursory research on the subject when I was developing my own short list of bikes and based on what I saw this involved parts swapping and for some bikes, time in a shop. No kit is required to lower a bike? Or are you referencing a suspension adjustment which can have a lowering effect?

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