Today I took my new bike from Columbus, to Logan, Ohio. This is about twice as far as I have ever ridden a bike before. I wanted some company, but nobody was on the board when I checked, so I went solo. I left Columbus late, and so didn't expect to see any other bikers in the hills. In fact, I arrived in the area around two and saw perhaps sixty or more bikes there and enroute. The leaves were beautiful, the roads were twisty enough for me ( I couldn't tell you which roads I took, but headed for Cantwell Cliffs, then Rock House, then Old Man's Cave. I took route 33 there and back. The temps were in the low fifties, the sunw as out almost all the time, and the skies were a beautiful blue.
I need to learn how to lighten up on the throttle. My hand was seriously hurting most of the trip.

Hopefully there is time for another ride before the weather turns.

Total mileage probably 130 miles.

Jim

Sounds like a great ride. Get yourself some Kuryakan ISO Grips with Throttle Boss, they are great on your hands. I had them on my Vulcan and now on my Harley.

I have been checking them out. I am fairly broke right now, so I won't buy them any time soon. Maybe one of my kids will buy them for Christmas.
I'm wondering, though, if a cruise control or throttle lock might be a better way to go. Then again, I want heated grips, too. I need to see them all in the flesh, and see if there is enough handle left for me.

Thanks,

Jim


Sounds like a great ride. Get yourself some Kuryakan ISO Grips with Throttle Boss, they are great on your hands. I had them on my Vulcan and now on my Harley.

I thought I'd want a throttle lock too until I got my Throttle Boss, I have full control all the time and I can relax my fingers and maintain my speed with ease. Heated grips, in my opinion, are a waste. Good gloves with a liner have kept my fingers warm down to 40 above zero, which is my riding limit.

If you decide on ISO Grips get the ones for the Gold Wing, you get about an inch of extra room and they fit great.

Now this is good information. 40 degrees is my limit only because my golves don't work in colder stuff.

Now, the ISO has a tab on it like a small throttle boss...is that sufficient, or should I get an ISO without that tab and buy the ten dollar throttle boss?

Jim





I thought I'd want a throttle lock too until I got my Throttle Boss, I have full control all the time and I can relax my fingers and maintain my speed with ease. Heated grips, in my opinion, are a waste. Good gloves with a liner have kept my fingers warm down to 40 above zero, which is my riding limit.

If you decide on ISO Grips get the ones for the Gold Wing, you get about an inch of extra room and they fit great.

That is a beautiful ride. I like even better from zanesville to logan. But the logan area is nice, you should look for the old civil war artillery furnaces. They're pretty cool.

How about Zanesville to Marietta to Logan, and back. That would be a bun burner. I have seen one of the furnaces along the Muskingum, somewhere, and a really big shovel scoop that you could park a short bus in.

Jim

That is a beautiful ride. I like even better from zanesville to logan. But the logan area is nice, you should look for the old civil war artillery furnaces. They're pretty cool.

ISO Grips do not have a tab so you must be looking at the Throttle Boss. I bought the new Contoured Throttle Boss. You hand naturally rests on it and you don't even realize it's there. Here is a pic of the new Throttle Boss:

Yeah, that's what I was looking at.
So that's about eighty or so dollars for great grips and throttle control.
Ouch.
In case you can't tell, I'm a cheap s.o.b.
Or I could just get the throttle boss for seventeen from Kuryakin or ten from the generic offering.

Jim


ISO Grips do not have a tab so you must be looking at the Throttle Boss. I bought the new Contoured Throttle Boss. You hand naturally rests on it and you don't even realize it's there. Here is a pic of the new Throttle Boss:

you can try a "cramp buster" (I think that's what they are called) for around $10. I had to get/use one the first time I rode down to the hocking hills (Nelsonville).

I have the smaller one & like it just fine. The new one is pretty nice if you've got the bucks.

http://www.bikebandit.com/assets/product_images/05KuryakynIsoThrottleBossMD.gif

You have the smaller ISO (non Goldwing) grips or you have the smaller throttle boss? Are they cheaper than the new one or is it just cheaper not to upgrade? Is the small boss still available? Do you ride with large gloves?

Thanks.

Jim


I have the smaller one & like it just fine. The new one is pretty nice if you've got the bucks.

http://www.bikebandit.com/assets/product_images/05KuryakynIsoThrottleBossMD.gif

you have the smaller iso (non goldwing) grips or you have the smaller throttle boss? i don't remember which grips i bought. I think the goldwing but only because they were the first deal i found. Definatly the smaller throttle boss. are they cheaper than the new one or is it just cheaper not to upgrade? well obviously it's always cheaper not to upgrade but if you already have the grips, $20 buck is no big deal. is the small boss still available? yes. do you ride with large gloves? only when it's cold =)


.....=)

Thanks. I went to your web page and saw the pics. Looks good. Also, tell me about the wind guards you have to protect your hands. Who makes them, how much, and how lame would they look with a narrow SpitFire windshield?
They would go a long way towards keeping my hands warm.

Jim



you have the smaller iso (non goldwing) grips or you have the smaller throttle boss? i don't remember which grips i bought. I think the goldwing but only because they were the first deal i found. Definitly the smaller throttle boss. are they cheaper than the new one or is it just cheaper not to upgrade? well obviously it's always cheaper not to upgrade but if you already have the grips, $20 buck is no big deal. is the small boss still available? yes. do you ride with large gloves? only when it's cold =)


.....=)

They worked great & I made them. You can't buy those bad boy's any where. But since I put my new fairing on I'm not using them. PM me, I'm sure we can work something out. As far a how they would look with a splitfire, well they mount in minutes & you use them when it's cold. Who cares! lol Seriously, I'd think they would look alright. The split fire is similar in width to what I had if I'm not mistaken.

That is a great part of the state. Stayed in and drove through the Hocking Hills area three years ago on the way back from PA to MO. I have the Throttle Boss and it works great. I also had the Crampbuster for a while. I didn't like it nearly as much. It always felt like it was in the way. OK on the highway, but not good for in-city riding. For some reason the Throttle Boss doesn't have the same problem. This is good since the bolt-on throttle locks don't work well, or at all, with the Kuri grips. I know the Vista-Cruise doesn't. It is made to attach to the grip itself, and the flare at the top of the Kuri grip is in the way. I bought one and had to take it back.

If you still have the stock grips the Vista-Cruise throttle-lock might be the way to go.

The Vista Cruiser was what I was first interested in. It looks like it would take too much of the handle, and not give you a comfortable grip. I need to hold one in my hand to see. After seeing the Kuryakyn OSI, though, I kinda got stars in my eyes. I just looked at three crampbusters online, all for about ten bucks. One was long and narrow, the other two were wide and short. Am I right in thinking that the wide ones will interefere and the narrow one is better?

Jim


That is a great part of the state. Stayed in and drove through the Hocking Hills area three years ago on the way back from PA to MO. I have the Throttle Boss and it works great. I also had the Crampbuster for a while. I didn't like it nearly as much. It always felt like it was in the way. OK on the highway, but not good for in-city riding. For some reason the Throttle Boss doesn't have the same problem. This is good since the bolt-on throttle locks don't work well, or at all, with the Kuri grips. I know the Vista-Cruise doesn't. It is made to attach to the grip itself, and the flare at the top of the Kuri grip is in the way. I bought one and had to take it back.

If you still have the stock grips the Vista-Cruise throttle-lock might be the way to go.

Today I took my new bike from Columbus, to Logan, Ohio. This is about twice as far as I have ever ridden a bike before. I wanted some company, but nobody was on the board when I checked, so I went solo. I left Columbus late, and so didn't expect to see any other bikers in the hills. In fact, I arrived in the area around two and saw perhaps sixty or more bikes there and enroute. The leaves were beautiful, the roads were twisty enough for me ( I couldn't tell you which roads I took, but headed for Cantwell Cliffs, then Rock House, then Old Man's Cave. I took route 33 there and back. The temps were in the low fifties, the sunw as out almost all the time, and the skies were a beautiful blue.
I need to learn how to lighten up on the throttle. My hand was seriously hurting most of the trip.

Hopefully there is time for another ride before the weather turns.

Total mileage probably 130 miles.

Jim

I love the Hocking Hills! this is the best time to go down there too!
as for seeing other bikes down there? every time we go down there, we see more and more bikes! it's the best for riding. there are some real twisty roads down there.
as for what roads you took....RT.33 to SR.374 to SR.180 back to SR.374 to SR.664 back to RT.33, that is a nice ride!
did you stop by the HOCKING HILLS MOTORCYCLE RANCH? it's at the flea market on the North side of RT.33. it's a great little store and if you want to know what roads to ride on or best bike friendly places to eat or stay at, just ask Michelle. she will will give you all the info you need.

Actually, I turned into that Motorcycle Ranch. I thought it was my turn to Rockhouse(?) or some other site. Traffic was terrible in the driveway. I saw it was a fleamarket sort of place, and turned around to leave. One the way out I saw the sign that said Motorcycle Ranch. Daylight was too precious to spend shopping. Maybe next time.
I took some other roads, too. No idea what they were. I didn't take a map with me and gps is ineffective in twisties, hard to read and dangerous to obsess on. Maps are easier to get my head around.
I have Thursday free and the weather is supposed to be wonderful. I had planned to visit my mom in Lima, but I could be talked into another ride to the hills. But don't tell mom.

Jim


I love the Hocking Hills! this is the best time to go down there too!
as for seeing other bikes down there? every time we go down there, we see more and more bikes! it's the best for riding. there are some real twisty roads down there.

as for what roads you took....RT.33 to SR.374 to SR.180 back to SR.374 to SR.664 back to RT.33, that is a nice ride!
did you stop by the HOCKING HILLS MOTORCYCLE RANCH? it's at the flea market on the North side of RT.33. it's a great little store and if you want to know what roads to ride on or best bike friendly places to eat or stay at, just ask Michelle. she will will give you all the info you need.

The Vista Cruiser was what I was first interested in. It looks like it would take too much of the handle, and not give you a comfortable grip. I need to hold one in my hand to see. After seeing the Kuryakyn OSI, though, I kinda got stars in my eyes. I just looked at three crampbusters online, all for about ten bucks. One was long and narrow, the other two were wide and short. Am I right in thinking that the wide ones will interefere and the narrow one is better?

Jim

Actually, wide and short might be better than narrow and long. For me it was too long. It stuck out too far. It worked good on the highway, just not for in town stop and go riding. I gave it to my friend and he loves it though.

Actually, I turned into that Motorcycle Ranch. I thought it was my turn to Rockhouse(?) or some other site. Traffic was terrible in the driveway. I saw it was a fleamarket sort of place, and turned around to leave. One the way out I saw the sign that said Motorcycle Ranch. Daylight was too precious to spend shopping. Maybe next time.
I took some other roads, too. No idea what they were. I didn't take a map with me and gps is ineffective in twisties, hard to read and dangerous to obsess on. Maps are easier to get my head around.
I have Thursday free and the weather is supposed to be wonderful. I had planned to visit my mom in Lima, but I could be talked into another ride to the hills. But don't tell mom.

Jim

you might have thought it was the turn for the "Rockbridge" which is right there too. when we were looking for the "Rockbridge" we passed the turn many times before finding the the place to turn. if you go to the "Rockbridge" check out the the little cabin/store right a the entrance. it's part of "AT BOULDERS EDGES CABINS" the couple who own it are bikers.
as for the fleamarket....yes, the traffic can be bad. just take your time getting in or out of there. I also agree about the day light, you don't want to be riding (or driving) after the sun sets down there. it gets really dark and there are NO street lights on the back roads!!

My wife read this over my shoulder, and wants to know what kind of people I hang out with. She says wide and long should be better!

Jim



Actually, wide and short might be better than narrow and long. For me it was too long. It stuck out too far. It worked good on the highway, just not for in town stop and go riding. I gave it to my friend and he loves it though.

You are right. Wife and I drove down there today. I stopped at the store, but it is closed on Wednesdays. Looks like the kind of stuff I would buy online, but I will check it out, one day.

Jim



you might have thought it was the turn for the "Rockbridge" which is right there too. when we were looking for the "Rockbridge" we passed the turn many times before finding the the place to turn. if you go to the "Rockbridge" check out the the little cabin/store right a the entrance. it's part of "AT BOULDERS EDGES CABINS" the couple who own it are bikers.
as for the fleamarket....yes, the traffic can be bad. just take your time getting in or out of there. I also agree about the day light, you don't want to be riding (or driving) after the sun sets down there. it gets really dark and there are NO street lights on the back roads!!

My wife read this over my shoulder, and wants to know what kind of people I hang out with. She says wide and long should be better!

Jim

that's great! LOL ......although I have no idea what you're talking about!

Maps are easier to get my head around.
I have Thursday free and the weather is supposed to be wonderful. I had planned to visit my mom in Lima, but I could be talked into another ride to the hills. But don't tell mom.

Jim

I know that at the "Ranch" you can pick up (for free) a "Hocking Hill visitors guide" and in the middle of the of the guide it has a map of Logan, OH. and shows all the roads and parks.

I would love to take a ride with you to the "hills" on Thursday! but I gotta work and my vn750 has been "put up" for the winter. so I will have to take a rain check on that ride. but I can tell you this, we will be riding down to the "Hills" next May. so mark your calendar for May 16th & 17th, for "bike weekend". on May 16th is the "Hocking Hills Poker run" and on May 17th the "Hocking Hills Motorcycle Ranch" will be having the "Round-Up". so maybe could get together (in the Hills) that weekend and go for a ride?
besides, you don't want to upset "Mom"!

That sounds like a plan!
But remind me when the time approaches.
Jim

I know that at the "Ranch" you can pick up (for free) a "Hocking Hill visitors guide" and in the middle of the of the guide it has a map of Logan, OH. and shows all the roads and parks.

I would love to take a ride with you to the "hills" on Thursday! but I gotta work and my vn750 has been "put up" for the winter. so I will have to take a rain check on that ride. but I can tell you this, we will be riding down to the "Hills" next May. so mark your calendar for May 16th & 17th, for "bike weekend". on May 16th is the "Hocking Hills Poker run" and on May 17th the "Hocking Hills Motorcycle Ranch" will be having the "Round-Up". so maybe could get together (in the Hills) that weekend and go for a ride?
besides, you don't want to upset "Mom"!