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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| CA has banned Assault Rifles, they should also ban Assault MiniVans. I went to run a quick errand today only to get rear-ended at the 1st stop light by a women driving a minivan.
Luckily I had both feet on the ground when she it me and did not drop the bike. She gave me a insurance card that expired in 2001 and then told me should pay me cash, NOT !!! I doubt I would have ever heard from her again. I called the cops and hand them write up a report. People must be BLIND. I think it is time to carry a camera on the bike. The dealer estimated the damages to @ $1,700 to replace the broken tail lights and Tupperware. I hope the exhaust pipes did not muck up the engine at all from the rear impact.
Tim
Edited by TimS 2008-04-04 12:55 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Glad to hear youre ok, the rest is repairable. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm starting to look more in my rear view when coming to a stop light to judge what the idiot (yes, idiot until proved otherwise) behind me is going to do. I know folks think I'm an idiot when the light turns green because I'll hesitate until all cross traffic has come to a COMPLETE stop. We have too many runners, and I've almost got it by one or two or more, had I been quicker on the throttle as I am most times.
All of you know this, but be vigilent at all times and never ASSUME anything.
I'm glad to hear you're one of the fortunate ones TimS as I've read too many where a cyclist has been hit like you and thrown into to the traffic only to get run over. Hope it all works out for you.
Ride on! |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Glad you are okay.
Something I did in Florida was every time I stopped I would pump my brake. That way my brake light would be flashing and hopefully make someone aware I am there. I never got tail ended so maybe it worked? Of course FL is flat so you don't have to stay on the brakes to keep from rolling too.
I remember when Tom and I got to Salt Lake City. I had told him NEVER to be the first one to pull out at the light change. The very first light we were stopped at a car went through the intersection while our light was green and the cars on each side had started moving forward. When I visited the children after Sue passed away I was in SLC for 3 days and saw 5 t-bones.
NEVER be afraid to toot your horn to make sure a driver is aware of you. It's much better to have him/her pissed for the rest of the day then you be injured.
I suggest you have the dealer pull your pipes to make sure they did not get jammed. It would suck someday down the road you had to pull them and it took 2 hours to get them off. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 109
| sorry tim , itis only a motorcycle, glad you are ok tom d |
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Cruiser
Posts: 294
rhode island | After you stopped choking her, what did she have to say for herself? My condolences for your vision. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 59
| You being unhurt is the most important thing. Glad your OK. |
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Tourer
Posts: 550
Tacoma, WA | I am just glad you are all right. I agree with flashing the brake lights. I do it as often at a light as I can, also when I see a slowdown ahead, to make those behind me aware that some braking is gonna happen!-----Metalguy |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 732
Western WA | That could have been very nasty, and I'm really glad to hear that you are okay.
BlueOx USA - 2008-04-04 3:07 AM
*snip*
Something I did in Florida was every time I stopped I would pump my brake. That way my brake light would be flashing and hopefully make someone aware I am there. I never got tail ended so maybe it worked? Of course FL is flat so you don't have to stay on the brakes to keep from rolling too.
*snip*
That is one of the reasons that I used a brake/tail-light modulator on my other bikes. I believe the flashing draws much more attention than a steady light.
I don't think any of the companies are making the modulator for the Vision. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'd like to see a mod, within the law with a scrolling light on the V and a flashing on the trunk. |
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Nalcrest, FL United States | Glad you are O.K. Tim. Was your hand or foot on the brake while you were stopped? Did she say if she saw the brake lights? Maybe this is another reason why the trunk lights should be brake lights! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 74
Puyallup, Washington | Tim, like everyone else here, so glad you are okay. I too would love to hear the explanation of the driver who hit you if she has one. Hopefully your Vision will be good as new soon. Wayne |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| The intersection has a left turn lane, a right turn lane and 3 lanes inbetween. All of the lanes were backed up with traffic waiting for the stop light to turn green. There were about 2 or 3 cars and trucks stopped ahead of me. With this wall of stopped traffic in all lanes, there is no way she could NOT have seen the stop light. I don't know if I had my brake light on. Both feet were on the ground and I was in first gear. I don't remember if the front bake was depressed or not. After the 2nd cop came, I asked her how she could not see me. I asked here if I needed a bigger American flag on the back of the bike to make it more visible. I also told her that rear-ending motorcycles like that could seriously injure or kill the riders. She then told me after a long pause that she was rear ended and that caused her to rear end me. The officer asked me about the phantom 3rd vehicle. I told the cop: 1) I only heard 1 crash, not 2. 2) I did not hear any tires squealing and there are no skid marks. 3) If she was rear ended strong enough to lurch her mini-van 4-5 feet forward, there should at least be a dimple on her rear bumper. 4) Multiple colors of her paint transferred to my bike, so there should be some paint transfer on her rear buffer but there was none. 5) She should have stopped the rear vehicle if she was hit but she did not, nor did she take down any plate numbers. All, in all, I did not have eyes in the back of my head, but there is no evidence for me to collaborate her story. I believe she is making it up.
The cop checked her rear bumper and found nothing. He asked her to show were the damage was and there wasn't any. He asked the woman 3 times where the 3rd vehicle went and she said nothing. After a long pause after the 3rd question, she said they turned right. She had no description of the vehicle or plate number to offer.
I doubt very seriously if she was rear ended. I think she was trying to get out of it after I told her that there was over $1,000 worth of damage done to the bike. I don't think she had any idea of bike costs, repair costs, or parts availability on a new model year. The weather was bright sunny skies with no clouds @ 1:50pm in the afternoon. There was no no low sun glare and plenty of light and visibility. The wall of stopped traffic should have been enough of a hint.
Sincerely, Tim |
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Cruiser
Posts: 83
Lexington, North Carolina | Her story is sure frustrating! Glad you're okay. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | People driving now a days flat do not pay attention and have no concept to the damage they can cause because of it. I recalled one day when I came to a stop at a light and as I sat there I heard a screech and a bam. After about a minute of trying to figure out where it came from, it was behind me into the car that was directly behind me. So, had that car not been there, it would have been me. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 296
Central Florida | Tim, Glad you are Ok... it is only metal and plastic and that of course can be replaced.
I hope your bike isnt hung up too long as this will be #2 out of action.
Hang in there  |
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Tourer
Posts: 554
2 mi from Jim Beam n KY | Glad you're ok!! Hope your Vision is repaired quick and correctly!!!
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | I have been rear-ended four times in my car while stopped at red lights (one resulting in my car being written off). My policy now is to run every yellow light - if there is any one behind me. Should I ever get a ticket, I will take it to court. Too many people not paying attention or distracted (by cell phones, kids, reading books, shaving, etc) while driving.
I have not been hit on my bike & I'm sure it's because I have a "Back-Off" tail light modulator. Both my brake light & trunk light flash while stopping. Might irritate the person behind me, but at least he won't be able to say that he didn't see me.
http://www.signaldynamics.com/lighting_control.htm
While I was getting the link for the above website, I spotted the word 'Victory', so I checked it out. Saw some chrome stuff, but what got my attention were these bullet lights - a lot less expensive than PIAA's (if you're just looking for a way to be more recognized as a motorcycle, but don't necessarily need more light).
http://66.252.233.21/products/Bullet/bullet.asp
One of these clamps might fit the Vision (bottom of page):
http://www.signaldynamics.com/products/Misc/victory.asp
Cheers,
Reg
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Cruiser
Posts: 238
SF Bay Area | The only thing worse than a cage...is a bigger cage.
I avoid mini-vans, Volvos, and taxi cabs.
So Tim... does your cell phone have a built in camera? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1484
LaPorte,Tx. | Lifeisgood - 2008-04-07 2:14 AM
I have not been hit on my bike & I'm sure it's because I have a "Back-Off" tail light modulator. Both my brake light & trunk light flash while stopping. Might irritate the person behind me, but at least he won't be able to say that he didn't see me.
http://www.signaldynamics.com/lighting_control.htm
Reg, you have the "Back-Off" installed on a Vision? If that is the case can you give more details on the installation, etc.......I'm not sure I want to flash the V lights, but would like to flash the trunk lights. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Yes it does. I forgot it has a camera in it because I never use it. I have decided to take my Canon Digital PowerShot on my bike now. It is a 5 mega pixel camera that takes good pictures and is smaller than a pack of cigarettes. Tim |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Can we also ban the UAW, (Urban Assault Wife, I know you guys thought I was getting all uniony on ya)? I wasn't on mine when it happened thank goodness. Glad to hear your still standing. Neatest thing about it is that all the parts come pre-painted and bolt right back on. It didn't take to long to get all the parts in either for it. I wouldn't think more than two weeks for parts. I was impressed that they could even order them that quick. You gotta love the expired insurance card and the I'll pay cash. I have come to the conclusion that if I am hit, that they can hand me their expired insurance card and tell me that it's valid and then I will call the insurance company immediately to verify of its validity. I tried to get my wife's insurance card, but then tears started falling and I decided it'd be cheaper out of pocket. Take pics we like to see carnage. |
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Tourer
Posts: 354
20 miles west of Chicago. | Add me to the request for info on wiring in the brake light modulator. I put one on my Kingpin years ago and swear by it, especially since it flashes three short, then long; Morse for "V". I don't have a clue as to how to wire in the Signal Dynamics one to either the brake lights or the trunk lights n the Vision and it would be great to know. I can't help wondering why the trunk light didn't come wired as brake lights. I'd also to do a headlight modulator eventually; talking to my mechanic recently and he said changing out a headlight is a bear of job. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC |
Reg, you have the "Back-Off" installed on a Vision? If that is the case can you give more details on the installation, etc.......I'm not sure I want to flash the V lights, but would like to flash the trunk lights.
No, don't have a Vision yet. Going for a test ride in a couple of weeks on the mainland. But it works great on my Burgman 650. Easy to install and I can't see why the Vision would present any problem. The Wig Wag model is awesome on the GoldWing.
Mine is the kind that flashes so many times, then pauses and flashes every so many seconds as long as the brakes are applied (like while waiting at a traffic light). I like that because it notifies any vehicles coming that I am stopped.
My Friend has the other version that does a series of quick flashes, then stops. With his, the LED's on the rear trunk flashes so quickly, it's almost like having a red strobe. But once you have stopped, you have to remember to reapply the brakes when vehicles are coming up behind you.
We've never had any problems with either product. Both were easy to install.
Reg
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | Mudge - 2008-04-07 8:47 AM I'd also to do a headlight modulator eventually.
I am a big fan of headlight modulators. I know they bug people, but that just means we've got their attention. I have never had anyone do a left turn in front of me when it was activated. I think they must of thought that I was a cop. That's fine with me. 
I think on the Vision, I am going to add those Signal Dynamic LED fork lights first, to see if they get the required attention. If that doesn't work, then I will definitely add a modulator. Neither option takes much electrical power.
Cheers,
Reg |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 619
Southeast Iowa | Tim - Glad to hear your ok..........sorry about the bike. Hope the bike parts come quickly, hope the lady has money to pay for them. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 136
CALGARY ALBERTA | After more than 40 years of accident free riding. Last year I was hit from behind in slow moving rush hour traffic while on my HD Street Glide. The guy got out of his car and threatened to hit me. I told him that would be the last thing he did before viewing the sky from his back. He swore quite loudly and made a scene for all to hear. I noticed a 14 year old boy in the car and said look at how you are acting in front of your son. I then asked for his insurance. He said no. I phoned the police and he suddenly became cooperative. Ok he said here is my I license and pink card. When I looked at his wallet, I noticed his POLICE BADGE. I was P.O. I told him to get some anger management and left it at that. No damage other than a scratch to the paint and his ego. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | I'd install the back-off lights as well. I haven't come close to being hit from behind yet, but I do the same tapping of the brakes when getting ready to stop. I started doing it on my '04 Kawasaki because it had this little brake light in the back and I wanted to get people's attention. Guess it just stuck with me. I was almost t-boned today though. I was turning off left off a small highway and there was a car getting ready to make a left. I somehow knew that he might pull out in front of me so I made the turn wide, and as soon as I started to turn he came out. Luckily I had taken it wide and he saw me before pulling all the way out.
My favorite though was 2 years ago while leaving Myrtle Beach. It was raining pretty hard and the highway we were on had on-ramps with yield signs and no merge lane. I was leaving a lot of distance, but this lady decided to be nice and let an on-ramp car (at a stop already) come out onto the highway. She decided it was best to make a dead stop in a 60mph zone and let the guy out. I got stopped in time, but not before looking like a dirt track rider with the tail fishing left and right. I get pissed, as does eevryone when somone about hits me, but with my last bike I figured a lot of it was the size and just one headlight. That was part of the reason for getting a tour bike that was nice and big with big 'ole headlights. Guess it doesn't matter much though. My buddy is learning to ride and the first thing I told him was act like your invisible, because to most people you are. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Please look out for one of the other common killers of motorcyclist. The Left Turners!
Never assume that driver of the vehicle turning left facing you knows that you are there. Never trust that they can see you!
My good friend's brother was on the way to work riding his 100th Anniversary HD with a helmet on to a civilian job at Lackland AFB in San Antonio last Friday, when a left turning Toyoda Tundra Truck stopped his motorcycle. He went over the truck and he slammed into a stopped car waiting to turn right from his right.
He remembers the wreck. He can even describe the "Black greasy undercarriage" of the car he slammed into.
He has a broken ankle, pelvis, one hip, some ribs and vertebrae and other issues. He had his first surgery Friday and had another today. Lucky for him there was a Military Level 1 trauma center (Wilford Hall) less then two miles away. He is not out of the woods yet but he is much better then Friday.
Do not let a Left Turner get you, keep a sharp eye out for these clueless drivers.
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | radioteacher - Do not let a Left Turner get you, keep a sharp eye out for these clueless drivers.
That's why God invented the headlight modulator!!!
Nothing like a flashing high beam in your face to wake you up to reality.
Should be standard feature on every street bike.
Reg |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Lifeisgood - That's why God invented the headlight modulator!!!
Has anyone put a headlight modulator on a Vision with the HID headlight installed?
Edited by radioteacher 2008-04-08 12:53 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I can attest, fortunetly to the Left Turner, I have had one to be so bold as to act as though he was going straight and then cut a path directly in front of me. I hit my brake so fast that I didn't even disengage the clutch and stalled in the middle of the intersection, but I stopped before T-boning. I started to pursue but the traffic was too much and kept on my journey. I almost think he was high and wasn't aware of too much around him, because I hate to think he did it on purpose. He doesn't even know me... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | radioteacher - Has anyone put a headlight modulator on a Vision with the HID headlight installed?
Since light is produced by a high discharge arc between two electrodes in a HID light, I would guess that it would be impossible to use a modulator on the HID.
However, Comagination makes a great dual headlight modulator that should work for the Vision.
Here is a review: http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/headlight-modulator/dual-modulator.h...
Comagination's website:
http://www.comagination.com/default.htm
Hope this helps.
Reg
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| Well, her insurance company finally stopped dicking around today and accepted liability for the accident. Supposedly, the check is getting cut today and mailed on Monday (... no dear, it really was just a cold sore). They finally decided to pay when they received the police report that placed blame on the minivan driver, cited the law that she broke, and reported that there was insufficient evidence to collaborate her story about the phantom 3rd vehicle. <begin rant> If the cop would not have written that up in the report, her insurance company was going to welsh out solely on her claim of a phantom 3rd driver that rear-ended her, with no plate numbers, no vehicle description, left no damage or paint transfers and sped away with all lanes blocked at least 3-4 cars deep. In short I HATE INSURANCE COMPANIES and THANK YOU OFFICER !!!
</end rant> |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | TimS - 2008-04-11 1:55 PM Well, her insurance company finally stopped dicking around today and accepted liability for the accident. Supposedly, the check is getting cut today and mailed on Monday (... no dear, it really was just a cold sore). They finally decided to pay when they received the police report that placed blame on the minivan driver, cited the law that she broke, and reported that there was insufficient evidence to collaborate her story about the phantom 3rd vehicle. If the cop would not have written that up in the report, her insurance company was going to welsh out solely on her claim of a phantom 3rd driver that rear-ended her, with no plate numbers, no vehicle description, left no damage or paint transfers and sped away with all lanes blocked at least 3-4 cars deep. In short I HATE INSURANCE COMPANIES and THANK YOU OFFICER !!!
Rant on. My son got stuck with a driving record because the police believe a lie of a young lady who explicitly admitted fault to my son at the time of accident. This had nothing to do with a motorcycle, but the traffic was back up in the lane they were in, my son pulled out to the clear lane and accelerated up the lane some. The lady pulled out at the same time and looked down, over or whatever and did not see my son stopped and ran into the back of him. When she got out the car she was profusely apologing to my son for running into the back of him and that it was her fault. When the police arrived and took statements seperatley, she apparently told the police officer that he cut her off, therefore causing the accident. At the time my son did not know this. Being with a damaged car that he needed to get fixed, he followed up with his insurance company who told him that she was paid, and because it was "his" fault and only had liability, he didn't get anything, with no recourse. Go figure. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Hey Tim, how are things with the Vision? Hope all is going well. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 810
| The insurance check is suppose to arrive tomorrow. I had the dealership order the repair parts, but I don't think they will arrive before the Laughlin River Run. I didn't want to take the bike to the show with the rear-end damage on it, but I may have to.
I just picked up my Ness Retro Chrome master cylinder covers and Ness Rocket highway pegs. I now have matching Ness Rocket brake, clutch and highway pegs. They match the striping on the jugs and look good IMHO. When the bike goes in for the rear-end repair, I will have them place the rest of the chrome panels on it except for the fairing access cover which I am having painted Midnight Cherry to match the bike. Hopefully, that will be it for a while unless that 116 cu in kit comes out =). Tim |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 904
29 Palms California | The only reason you haven't been hit is due to luck! If you think a blinking gadget is going to pull some ding bats head from her orafice, your on the crack pipe. By the way, I'm doing fine. Kiss my butt you bunch of old buzzards! Poot, DesertJim,CJ, and gang, I miss the banter, but work and granchildren have been keeping me occupied and near insane. My wife hid my fire arms, and I haven't stopped drinking for three months. Buuurp. .. Next month, midnights. I will fillet you bunch of old ladies, next month....TimS, they can't hurt you brother! Next time, punch her in the ovaries! |
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Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Aaaw, the love is back. Kum-by-ya group hug with BUCKEYE everybody!
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Tourer
Posts: 496
Scottsdale AZ | BUCKEYE - 2008-04-17 1:35 PM
The only reason you haven't been hit is due to luck! If you think a blinking gadget is going to pull some ding bats head from her orafice, your on the crack pipe. By the way, I'm doing fine. Kiss my butt you bunch of old buzzards! Poot, DesertJim,CJ, and gang, I miss the banter, but work and granchildren have been keeping me occupied and near insane. My wife hid my fire arms, and I haven't stopped drinking for three months. Buuurp. .. Next month, midnights. I will fillet you bunch of old ladies, next month....TimS, they can't hurt you brother! Next time, punch her in the ovaries!
OH NO! Can't believe (song by Cher) that he is alive, not well, but alive. Button down the hatches, were are the patches Poop? Where ya been Bucknkd? Lost in the Palms? How many miles on the V? Almost got to 100 here Sunday - Bottoms up! |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | NO, NO, No, It can't be, I had to put down my patchwork to make new ballots for VRA (Vespa Riders Association). El Presidente is back and he wants his wand back too. Dangit. Gettin' Closer with the stitching, found the right font that should work, we shall see. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buckeyes back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was begining to wonder if you were a victim of a faulty ignition switch. Glad to hear your still at it. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 904
29 Palms California | My ignition switch is bogus! I know I ranted like a maniac about my voltage, and that the bullcrap of battery charging was pissing into the wind. Why doesn't my posse' back me when I'm right? I'm just at 6k. Did my own oil change at 4k, and couldn't believe how easy it was. Took me longer to find my oil filter wrench than to change it. I could tell you I was on a secret mission to kill a high profile politician in a foriegn land, but then it wouldn't be a secret. I could tell you I had my body cryognically preserved for the year 2030, so I could be brought to life and kill the demons running the earth, but then how could I be typing this? I could tell you the Chuck Norris and I were in a life or death karate match on a secluded island in the pacific, and now he's just my bitch, but that wouldn't be the truth. I could also tell you I was on a roll in Las Vegas, and after winning 1 trillion dollars, I purchased the United States back from the privately owned, Federal Reserve Bank, and then got rid of income tax, the IRS, and the rest of the money changers, but we know they would have already assisinated me by now. The reality is, I was on tour with Van Halen as the lead guitarist. Eddie got mad when he found out about me and Valerie, So I went down to Cabo with Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony and rocked out with them and stayed drunk the entire time. O.K. maybe thats a lie also. I was really in my subterranian lab, creating a new laser missle to be fired from the Vision. The tracker beam locks on to mini vans. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 174
Edmonton, AB | BUCKEYE - 2008-04-18 10:15 AM
...I was really in my subterranian lab, creating a new laser missle to be fired from the Vision. The tracker beam locks on to mini vans.
He's alive....He's alive. 
Welcome back Buckeye....we've been suffering withdrawal symptom from your caffiene induced, off the wall, funny as hell, ramdom banter. Glad to see you back online. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1324
So Cal | Buckeye..... DONT EVER DO THAT AGAIN without leaving a note. Your mother and I were sick with worry. Do you have any idea what we've been going through? Thats about all I remember....... I stopped listening after that. Glad your back and everythings OK. |
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Beware the Urban Assault Vehicles