Bikermole said:
Ha
Hahaha
You Americans wouldn't last two minutes in the UK. We're supposed to be basking in sunshine at this time of year.
We've had an 8 month long winter. It was snowing today in the south - the warmest place in the country.
You have no idea what its like to own a motorbike you can't use for 3/4 of a year because of the weather.
Oh you make me laugh.
Some of us ride even if it gets a little chilly or rainy. But you keep on being super proud of having a bike in the garage 3/4 of the year! LOL. Usually Americans are the Xenophobic ones! Nah, just messin' with ya, but I have to say that's the first time I've seen someone gloat about their countries BAD weather! LOL
I'm in Missouri; and here are my thoughts;
PROS:
A good 8-10 month riding season if you're not a total wuss and have some decent gear. Although I know a lot of folks only like to ride on sunny warm days. But a good 8-10 months out of most years it's above 45F at least a couple days a week. I ride 12 months out of the year, myself. It's still above 60 several months of the year though for you Sunday riders.
Rural! I must be different but all I see is vloggers in bumper to bumper traffic in the city. Blech. Rural twisty roads and wide open spaces is fantastic.
Close to some of the best roads in the country. The Ozarks in MO, some of the roads in Arkansas, and on east to Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Good people for the most part. Folks will stop if you're broken down on the side of the road, strike up a conversation with you while you're getting gas, etc.
Missouri is a state that, in response to it being one of the deadliest states for motorcycles, is ramping up efforts to better cater to bikers. From a statewide "watch for motorcycles" ad campaign, to more motorcycle officers, to stricter enforcement when cagers enter the right-of-way of a motorcycle. Missouri cops have, in fact, used video evidence to issue steep tickets to drivers who cut off or pull out in front of motorcylists! Recently I read in the paper of a guy submitting video from a helmet cam to his local police, and they issued a 'Careless and Imprudent' ticket to the driver. In MO, a CNI ticket automatically suspends your license until your court date, so the judge can determine if you get it back, or if it stays suspended for a year. NOT a slap on the wrist!
We get 4 full seasons. Beautiful leaves in the fall, gorgeous spring days, hot summers, and even some snow in the winter (but not so much it puts you out of commission for months, but enough to enjoy for a couple days!)
CONS:
One of the more dangerous states (statistically speaking!) for motorcycles. I chalk it up to bad drivers and the fact that motorcycles seem to be an occasional weekend pleasure for most folks, so drivers aren't used to seeing motorcycles. You really only see bikes on sunny warm days.
You only see bikes on sunny warm days!
Weather can be unpredictable. If you say "I don't ride in the rain" and you live in Missouri, that translates into "I do not own a motorcycle". Ride long enough and far enough, and you'll get caught in an unforecasted torrential downpour.
Humidity in the summer is rough. Sometimes you step outside and you feel like you're swimming. You sweat the instant you step outside. Not bad when moving though; get away from the city and enjoy some wide open roads for a while!
Wouldn't have it anywhere else, myself.
Oh- on the question of the K&N filter... generally high performance filters filter LESS particles than OE, which allows better airflow. Generally speaking, your OEM filter is the best filter in dusty/adverse conditions.
