BigMig

I'm looking to replace my battery - 7 yrs old (see posting from yesterday). I probably could stretch it a little by using my battery tender, except I ride with GIVI soft saddlebags and it's inconvenient to unwrap the seat to get to the battery - then re-wrap - for the spur-of-the-moment ride. M

Thanks, everyone for the advice! M

I got up this morning and with the dry weather here in Eastern PA, decided to dust off the 2000 XX. Current temperature about 45 degrees. When I started the bike, it hesitated slightly before cranking over. I warmed it up for a couple of minutes and rode off on my way to work. Since it was a little slow to start, I rode at slightly higher RPMs, thinking that it might charge the battery faster. About 10 minutes into the commute, I stopped and got cash at an ATM. When I went to restart, there was no cranking, just a slow half crank. Big bummer. The headlight was pretty bright, and I wished I could turn the headlight off, but I don't think it would have made much difference. So I tried bumping it in the bank parking lot, but my skinny ass couldn't get enough momentum in the lot. Fortunately, there was a good downgrade about a block away, so I pushed over there and got a good bump start and I rode home (10 minutes back) and parked in the unheated garage. I walked out and for the heck of it, I tried the electric start - and it started. Whaaaa? I think it's the original 2000 battery. So do I need a new battery. or might i have an alternator problem? If I need a battery, is there an alternative to the local dealers? With this beautiful weather, I don't want to give up much time waiting for a new battery. THANKS! M

What do you think is a good floor material for a kitchen? Tile is nice and durable, but I'm concerned about the grout getting nasty, plus, tile could be hard on your feet when standing for long periods... Solid wood - too easy to mess up, scrape, etc... High quality linoleum - might be a good choice Pergo / Engineereed Laminated wood - I don't like that it's such a thin veneer, but it might be in the running. Any ideas and or "war stories" about installation and or results would be appreciated. Cheers! M

Probably too obvious for you but here goes: Make sure the paint is well mixed - use a paddle on the end of a hand drill - especially if it wasn't been shaken earlier in the same day... M

A while ago I bought a set of Sears drill bits - then couldn't find them. Went out and bought a set of Black and Decker "bullet" drill bits on the recommendation of the guys in Home Depot. I have since found the Sears set. After using both- mostly in wood, plaster, delrin and aluminum, the Bullets are far superior - they have lasted longer, stayed sharper. Also, I REALLY like their pilot point. Makes for less walking on aluminum M

danielsternlighting.com 65W, 2200 Lumen, H9 burner on H7 base... Had one in my high beam for ~20k miles, and I love it! Is this a direct plug-and play replacement, no mod required? I guess it's brighter than the stock lamp? Any other considerations? Thanks! M

Thanks to everyone for very informative responses...although I didn't expect anything less. :icon_clap: Safe holidays to all ! Mike

In topping off the coolant in my 2000 XX, I mixed 50% coolant with DISTILLED water. Does anyone else use distrilled, or is this overkill. I figured that the minerals in the local tap water couldn't help... Opinions out there?

Thanks for the info and ideas. This IS a great forum. M

I have a 2000 XX and I use GIVI soft cases (that are great!) but the GIVIs are obstructed by the stock XX turn signals. So, I'm looking to find either (a) turn signals that are integrated with the tail light or ( lower profile turn signals. The link below is to an ebay seller offering an integrated light...but not "sold" on these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...mMakeTrack=true Any opinions/ideas/preferences out there?