Posts by Andy Hatch

Glad I checked this thread out. Where I live when in my SUV people tend to do a one finger off the wheel wave (not the middle one) as we pass by, just being social. I usually go with two fingers, a peace sign, just my style and no problem ever.
Now, when in the SS people most often don't respond, which I read as probably checking out the ride and not being unsociable. I have the following observation to make about other bike riders, who traditionally side wave fellow riders. When I do my usual peace sign I get as follows:
Harleys-10% side wave, 90% either give the stink eye or pretend not to notice. My friends who have Harleys love this thing.
Sport bikes-about 50% wave.
BMW riders-75% wave.
Gold Wing and other cruisers-about the same.
Tanom, Can Am, and other trikes, including HD-99% smiles and thumbs up.
About a year ago I had one kid who didn't look old enough to drive whip a U-turn and get on my tail. I was young and stupid once so I just pulled over and let him go by. Most people who start to tailgate me back away when I look in my side mirror with my OK, I know you're stupid glare. Had one guy who must have had a very bad sunburn on his neck keep his jacked up wannabe monster truck way too close. After about a half mile of this I figured he came from a multiple genealogical background (sister is also his aunt, mother, etc.). I pointed at my helmet, then back at him then held up a hand pistol like we did as kids-he backed off rapidly.
Until they come up with a cure for mean and/or stupid I will have my CC. Be interested to hear observations from other owners and bikers.

Stock tires. Front tires look like they have half their tread left at a little over 12k miles. For some reason the rear doesn't have as much. I did do a 150 mile run on Wednesday over the mountain on RT 211 past the entrance to Skyline Drive on the same settings-6 front and 5 rear as the day before because it just felt good, although for my normal driving style I will try 4 on the rear. I must say that on the 25 MPH switchbacks on the mountain I was expanding my comfort zone doing 45 and it was just planted. Now I keep looking out the window for the UPS/FedEx truck bringing my new PRP seats. I told a buddy that the seats were probably the last mod until I won the lottery and he looked at me and said "yeah, right."

Just got back from an 80 mile run with the rear set on 4 clicks. No sharp curves, just main roads on a circuit to Warrenton and then to Culpeper and home. 4 on the back was nice for this type of road so I think I will go down one click to 5 on the fronts. When The Rock helps lead me out of my comfort zone with higher settings I will keep you posted, as I hope you update with your knowledge.
When I got home there was a big box from PRP in front of the garage so when I get back from canoe camping Sunday I have full Gen 11 mats and the SS seats to put in. You horrible people, the things you make me do.

I want at least that much from the bottom of the front lip to the road. Last year my right front tire went into a groove in the road made by an 80,000 pound tractor trailer and my black plastic screamed. Couple of other minor scrapes are on me.

Remember that it is not the amount of water on the road but the timing and conditions. When the rain has been coming down a few minutes is loosens the oils on the surface and causes the first tricky slicky condition. Dead dinosaurs and water don't mix. Hydroplaning is the stage 2 threat condition and as a SS owner I might buy stock in Depends.

Because I had to make occasional trips into NOVA/DC Metro area I have owned vehicles with auto trans for a couple of decades or destroy leg muscles in bumper to bumper traffic. Driving the SS for 1 1/2 years now has been a joy, especially on the winding roads around my house in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Having said that, my ideal SS would be one with the new Camaro base 2.0 turbo and a paddle shift. Henry, you have it close enough for me. Waiting to decide between your turbo or supercharger (and saving my hard earned retirement nickels).

Like the rest of us I'm glad you are OK. As the recipient of more than my share of "I told you so's" in 50 years of licensed driving I would like to add my own. It would seem that insurance rates are high enough on the SS and as the claim record grows we are all subject to the bad luck/choices of a few. Having made some lasting friendships through wrenching with fellow owners, I truly agree with the saying about strangers are just friends I haven't met yet.
Please,
DRIVE TO CONDITIONS

Finally got a quick 40 mile run in today. Fronts were set at 6 and rear at 5. Took a not so smooth road (E Pluribus Unum around my house) and felt much better absorption and handling. Will do close to 150 miles tomorrow and will try different settings.
Thanks again to my known friends who did a will work for food (and beer) install and the friends I haven't met yet for sage advice on settings.

No DocG, had electrician or rain all day and my brother the drywall expert will be here tomorrow. My plan is to visit a lady friend in Harrisonburg on Wednesday, a fine forecast being called for.

Demons shocks are poly bushings. FYI they also came with the spanner wrenches.

Demon's price is $899 for the single adjustment powder coated red and I think he is 889 for black. Free shipping and seems like a good guy to deal with. When I called to order I didn't realize he was in a different time zone but he answered the phone (forwarded to his cell) and asked me to call back noon my time when he would be in his shop.

Thanks and keep the settings coming. I already like that Spudinator has a higher setting than I was going to start with. I didn't want to be so soft on the rear that on a big bump or pothole the bottom of my tag might contact the top of my rear fender. With the powder coat I can't see any numbers on the coils as suggested so I will contact Demon's Speed Shop today to find out the rating. If it ever stops raining I can't wait to check it and the new Slingwingz and brake brace out. Still waiting on Santa to bring my PRP seats that shipped last Wednesday from CA.

Stands for District Maryland, Virginia, general for the DC region rather than entire states. Culpeper County is a little over an hour from DC if you vaporize all traffic, and I live in the very northwest part, almost in Rappahannock County, the local gateway to Skyline Drive, and the place where slingshots get very muddy in the rain if you go past my driveway (kudos to DocG for riding in the rain and Rock and Jdin for driving 1 1/2 hours to do some serious mods for us.)

I bought direct from Demon's Speed Shop. I will check at first light tomorrow to look for the number on the coils. My thanks to all who responded for your feedback

Thanks BryanL, exactly the info I was looking for. I will have to check with the supplier Monday to see what the spring rate is but for test purposes on my many back roads your response is appreciated.

The Rock, Jdin and DocG are here wrenching and after installing the QA1 shocks we realize we don't know which valve settings to use F/R for the single adjustable ones. I would appreciate any and all input since none of these guys are running them. I just want a good starting setting to use and any other do's and don'ts.

I bought mine is December of 2014 and as an early owner I know how much I have benefitted from the knowledge and friendships gained through the forum(s). The reluctance of Polaris to remedy some of the quality control issues, or to even reveal them, to me makes it imperative that the knowledge base we all share be wide open to all. Great ideas become great products, and the more people we have speaking with one voice can only benefit us all. I don't know what user name Polaris uses here but I know damn well they are listening to what we have to say, despite the fact that at times I think their hearing is worse than mine.

I had the same junk as Kenny when Jim at Metricks drained and filled with the Royal Purple I supplied last year around 5000 miles. Interesting thing I found out just yesterday when talking to a tech rep from Royal Purple-he gave me the OK to try the 140 weight since I remembered the crap from the first change and want to see if the heavier stuff will quiet it down even more. Funny thing is that when I decided to go ahead and try RP in the tranny too there was no weight listed for it in my manual. While we were on the phone the RP guy went online and found it on the online manual. My vin is 0262, one of the early ones and it would seem even the owners manual is a work in progress. Can someone verify if their manual lists the spec for the trans?
Anyway, I have used RP motor oil in the sling, in my little Mokai jet boat with a 7 hp Subaru, and my tractor and am very pleased with the product. No complaints with Mobil 1 which I have used in the past.

Tripod,

Thanks for the reminder and helping me realize that I still can remember something from the 70's, however vague.

I thought I was only 15 minutes from town here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Why does it take two hours round trip to make one stop? Wasn't there a book or movie years back called "The Long Way Home" or something like that?

Very nice. With a base model I might go different color but the style really rocks.