NOTE: ALL CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE IS PRESENTED FREE OF CHARGE TO THE VIEWER AND IS TO BE CONSIDERED SOLELY AS ENTERTAINMENT. - FSSNOC, INC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELLO FROM WESTERN, NORTH CAROLINA ... IT'S THE FORCE HERE, VIC #3701, TO YOU ALL... (11-13-25)
Hello JR and all FSSNOC'ers.
Here in Western North Carolina, we are past our peak color season. I've gone riding several times looking for nice color photos, but this just wasn't much of a year for color in our area. Best I could do was this shot of what I think are peach trees. WNC is well known for its apples, but we do have some peach orchard's as well.
Also, reached my goal of 10 miles per day for the year, so anything extra now is a bonus.
Stay safe and ride when you can. ...Vic Force, #3701, NC
(REPLY TO SENDER)
Thank You, Vic! I always enjoy looking at the Fall, errrr... Autumn, for me ... Colors, as you say, but I really enjoy feasting my eyes on that KAWASAKI KL250 (do I have that model right, Vic?)
Anyhow, DEAR VIEWER, if a Thumper like this bike is "new" to you, should one come up for sale in your 'hood, you might want to go take a look-see, or at least that is what I would do ...
This particular model of bike, of course, a Thumper, is a diamond in a box of pearls if you will, so seldom seen, so seldom listed for sale, many of us have never swung a leg over one ... You?
Gas mileage is smileage, air-cooled simplicity, garage-friendly fueling (carb) and maintenance, ie. - valves, etc. Check out the seat height and the weight as well ... bring your own checklist for the features, bring your own checkbook to make it happen (if you like it) and , again, of course, that is all only possible IF one can be located that is FOR SALE.
... I'm jes' sayin' ... Should anyone have anything to add to this paragraph, sometime this week, send it to us here at the ThumperGarage at: [email protected].
ANOTHER SUBJECT FROM VIC'S POST:
Notice his closing, "Ride when you can" ... Amen to that! In fact, of late, I've been thinking of a "motto" for our new 2026 club tee-shirt...
This is one of my possibles:
R I D E :
WHAT YOU CAN,
WHEN YOU CAN,
WHERE YOU CAN,
FSSNOC - since 1986
*** Don't spare me ... what do you FSSNOC members think?
Please critique, we would enjoy and benefit from YOUR input, eh? And while you are at it, do you have ideas of color? What would you enjoy wearing? E-mail your thoughts via our email address above ... THANK YOU! - #000.
============== From last week =================================
IS THIS A BONNIE AND CLYDE RERUN?
SPORTY #7 AND OLE #8 ... at the hitchin' rail, errr ... uuhhh, curb at the Woods & Adams Hotel - Saloon in downtown Claflin, Kansas.
That's Carrie's ( FSSNOC #000.5) Honda ADV160 on your left and my Kawasaki KLR650s (the "s" for sport, (grin) ... and btw, at the keyboard this evening is FSSNOC #000, Jack R, the practicing National Director of the Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club (FSSNOC).
So, back to my story, today's story. The "s"; some say it means "short" ... how boring, that just can't be right? ... yeah, gotta be "Sport" or perhaps "Speed", I dunno.
So my beloved Ole #8 is sans the Enduro model ADV-type windshield, luggage rack, new exciting graphics and shod with a pair of Bridgestone very pavement friendly tires that I adore.
Actually, the front tire is the street/dirt version while the back is the street/road model. That front tire is amazing, it has worn out four (yes - four!) rear tires and still looks pretty good, particularly if it's a cloudy day, zoom-in on that photo, see what you think, just a tick over 30,000 miles on it ... and I do have the front mate to the current rear in my shed, right now I'm enjoying those "FREE" miles on the front and it just keep on a-rollin', rollin', rollin' ... rawhide!!
Sorry, couldn't help myself, it's been a checker of a day and my spirits are soaring! It's amazing what an autumn day on a Thumper will do for its rider ... Wow!
Did you notice the numbers on both machines? They are there for a purpose, if you'd like to know more, let me know as I've talked about this earlier and don't want to repeat myself ... email your inquiry to: [email protected] and I'll happily share with you on next week's blog.
Carrie's ADV is a Scooter ... but what a Scooter! She rides with me most days, even some days she rides and I don't ... perhaps I'm home doing the laundry and fixing dinner? (Not really, I wouldn't know where to start and that suits me just fine ....
Our day was 136 miles, the last 100 miles started after a late lunch time which we'll talk about elsewhere on this multi-page mega-site ... be sure to read them all and if you like what you read, hit the like button down below and don't forget to subscribe, ya hear?
Back in ThumperVille, just prior to sundown ... we compare notes at the gas pump, and btw, it's nye wintertime here in the center of the continental USA lower 48 so I'm running zero-ethanol, she, Carrie, is still using the 10% ethanol.
Anyway, she rode the day, all the way, on 16 horsepower and got 76mpg, I ran the same route, the same speed, the same day with 39 horsepower, I got 60mpg ... hmmmmm?
Oops ... time to head next door for the History Page ... see the navigational aids above to find your way there! See you soon...
=====================================THUMP/THUMP==========
Hello FSSNOC... (from two week's ago posting)
I found your club from reading an article in Motorcycle Classics about the Honda FT 500. I am looking for a Canadian group in the Toronto area if possible.
Thanks, Mark C...
(reply to Mark C.) --- Hi Mark! Thanks for touching base with us. I don't know that a group like FSSNOC exists in Canada. Prior to Covid 19, our club welcomed international members. At one time we had members in 14 different out-of-USA countries, but no more. When out-of-USA postage costs absolutely sky-rocketed during Covid, we had to withdraw our invitation. These days, we only mail to USA addresses. Mark, you are welcome to tune this site in weekly for free, it's our gift to the World of motorcycling ... and thank you for your inquiry! - #000
==========================================================
A NOTE TO MAYNARD, #1196 ...
Thank You for your story for Thumper News or the ThumperGarage! Titled "REAL MOTORCYCLES", it aligns perfectly with our current thinking for the Spring issue and for members in general, for sure.
Your story is an excellent read, as always, Maynard! We plan to publish it in TN#162. Thank You again!!
Thumper News #161, our winter of '25-'26 current issue/calendar, has returned from the printer and is scheduled to mail to FSSNOC members in a few weeks.
TN#162 will precede the Spring Season of 2026, perfect timing for the re-kindling of motorcycling in many areas of the USA. Those long winter evenings and the colder temperatures make it a good time to dream about a new ride for the upcoming riding seasons of Spring, Summer, and Autumn ... though many of our hardy members do get out and about during the Winter. We missed you, Maynard, at the Holton, Ks ThumperCafe, btw! Keep On Thumpin' --- #000
==========================================================
AS SEEN AT OUR LOCAL LOWES...
(Industrial-type motor powered mini-bike with ballon-fat tires, really kinda cool! - $895.00 as I recall.)
As I snapped the above photo, a smiling lady walked by at my elbow, saying, "Yeah, Just what you need...!!"
"Ya think?", I replied...
Well, it is a Thumper so I know it'd make me smile, in fact, I'm smiling as I type this, it's working already!! THUMP-THUMP-THUMP - #000
==========================================================
THE FOLLOWING EPISODE IS FICTIONAL AND IS PRESENTED IN LIGHT-HEARTED HUMOR ... DO YOUR BEST?
SIX LIFE QUESTIONS .................. see the History Page for the potential answers - Navigational aids above ... LET US KNOW HOW YOU DID? [email protected]
QUESTION #1:
If there are 100 bricks on a wall and one falls off, how many are left?
QUESTION #2:
How do you get an Elephant into a box?
QUESTION #3:
How do you get a Giraffe into a box?
QUESTION #4:
There was a birthday party and all the animals were invited, they all came except for one, which was it?
QUESTION #5: Josh, the birthday boy, on his way home, stopped at the local zoo and peered into the Alligator pit, what did he see?
QUESTION #6: Josh, the birthday boy, spotted something lying near the road as he thumped home from the party. What was it?
*Potential answers are posted next door on the History Page... - #000
==========================================================
Good Evening, Jack and all FSSNOC Members...
I spotted a Thumper on the way to dinner this evening in Matera, Italy. Initially I thought it was a Kawasaki based on the green-yellow color. Closer inspection revealed it to be a Benelli 125. It’s a 4-valve SOHC water-cooled EFI Thumper rated 12.8 HP @ 9,500 rpm. Weighing in at 145 Kg, approximately 320 pounds. Cute bike, but a bit on the heavy side, I think (my opinion).
Flying Fran, #1440 - CA.
Hi Ya, Fran ... Whoa, that baby is bright! Not a bad idea in city traffic or anywhere for that matter. Typically, unless the rider is "on the lamb", being seen should be a good thing, safety-wise. I'm curious if this model is the Italian-built Benelli or a product of the "new" Benelli, owned and built in China (as I've read) ... any clues, anyone? And, many "Thanks" to you, Fran ... so fun to see motorcycles from "across the pond" ... #000.
Ha! Ha! I just now noticed the oily back wheel on that Benelli in the pic! How good to see ... his/her chain is being oiled! This rider either has a good teacher or has some experience, at least enough to oil that chain. And, it is likely real oil, 'cause most "Chain-Lube" products don't sling off ... personally (grin), I LOVE to see the "sling-off", that is what takes the dirt out of my chain, think spin cycle in a Wash Machine, eh? Make sense? Way to go, Italian Dude or Dudette!!
We had a local gathering at nearby Sterling, Kansas on Wednesday ... a small group of 7 around the table for breakfast, six bikes were parked against the curb across from the restaurant. One was a new Royal Enfield 450 Guerilla Roadster, the one with the candy blue paint ... someone curbside brought up the question, "Why is the back wheel painted black and the front wheel painted blue?" ... Silence from the gallery.
Now I know the answer! ... back to the photo above, a black wheel won't show the thrown-off chain lube!! Genius! And, remember, you read it here... #000.
======================================================>
OKAY, LET'S GO TO THE HISTORY PAGE ... see navigation aids above on masthead, click and enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELLO FROM WESTERN, NORTH CAROLINA ... IT'S THE FORCE HERE, VIC #3701, TO YOU ALL... (11-13-25)
Hello JR and all FSSNOC'ers.
Here in Western North Carolina, we are past our peak color season. I've gone riding several times looking for nice color photos, but this just wasn't much of a year for color in our area. Best I could do was this shot of what I think are peach trees. WNC is well known for its apples, but we do have some peach orchard's as well.
Also, reached my goal of 10 miles per day for the year, so anything extra now is a bonus.
Stay safe and ride when you can. ...Vic Force, #3701, NC
(REPLY TO SENDER)
Thank You, Vic! I always enjoy looking at the Fall, errrr... Autumn, for me ... Colors, as you say, but I really enjoy feasting my eyes on that KAWASAKI KL250 (do I have that model right, Vic?)
Anyhow, DEAR VIEWER, if a Thumper like this bike is "new" to you, should one come up for sale in your 'hood, you might want to go take a look-see, or at least that is what I would do ...
This particular model of bike, of course, a Thumper, is a diamond in a box of pearls if you will, so seldom seen, so seldom listed for sale, many of us have never swung a leg over one ... You?
Gas mileage is smileage, air-cooled simplicity, garage-friendly fueling (carb) and maintenance, ie. - valves, etc. Check out the seat height and the weight as well ... bring your own checklist for the features, bring your own checkbook to make it happen (if you like it) and , again, of course, that is all only possible IF one can be located that is FOR SALE.
... I'm jes' sayin' ... Should anyone have anything to add to this paragraph, sometime this week, send it to us here at the ThumperGarage at: [email protected].
ANOTHER SUBJECT FROM VIC'S POST:
Notice his closing, "Ride when you can" ... Amen to that! In fact, of late, I've been thinking of a "motto" for our new 2026 club tee-shirt...
This is one of my possibles:
R I D E :
WHAT YOU CAN,
WHEN YOU CAN,
WHERE YOU CAN,
FSSNOC - since 1986
*** Don't spare me ... what do you FSSNOC members think?
Please critique, we would enjoy and benefit from YOUR input, eh? And while you are at it, do you have ideas of color? What would you enjoy wearing? E-mail your thoughts via our email address above ... THANK YOU! - #000.
============== From last week =================================
IS THIS A BONNIE AND CLYDE RERUN?
SPORTY #7 AND OLE #8 ... at the hitchin' rail, errr ... uuhhh, curb at the Woods & Adams Hotel - Saloon in downtown Claflin, Kansas.
That's Carrie's ( FSSNOC #000.5) Honda ADV160 on your left and my Kawasaki KLR650s (the "s" for sport, (grin) ... and btw, at the keyboard this evening is FSSNOC #000, Jack R, the practicing National Director of the Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club (FSSNOC).
So, back to my story, today's story. The "s"; some say it means "short" ... how boring, that just can't be right? ... yeah, gotta be "Sport" or perhaps "Speed", I dunno.
So my beloved Ole #8 is sans the Enduro model ADV-type windshield, luggage rack, new exciting graphics and shod with a pair of Bridgestone very pavement friendly tires that I adore.
Actually, the front tire is the street/dirt version while the back is the street/road model. That front tire is amazing, it has worn out four (yes - four!) rear tires and still looks pretty good, particularly if it's a cloudy day, zoom-in on that photo, see what you think, just a tick over 30,000 miles on it ... and I do have the front mate to the current rear in my shed, right now I'm enjoying those "FREE" miles on the front and it just keep on a-rollin', rollin', rollin' ... rawhide!!
Sorry, couldn't help myself, it's been a checker of a day and my spirits are soaring! It's amazing what an autumn day on a Thumper will do for its rider ... Wow!
Did you notice the numbers on both machines? They are there for a purpose, if you'd like to know more, let me know as I've talked about this earlier and don't want to repeat myself ... email your inquiry to: [email protected] and I'll happily share with you on next week's blog.
Carrie's ADV is a Scooter ... but what a Scooter! She rides with me most days, even some days she rides and I don't ... perhaps I'm home doing the laundry and fixing dinner? (Not really, I wouldn't know where to start and that suits me just fine ....
Our day was 136 miles, the last 100 miles started after a late lunch time which we'll talk about elsewhere on this multi-page mega-site ... be sure to read them all and if you like what you read, hit the like button down below and don't forget to subscribe, ya hear?
Back in ThumperVille, just prior to sundown ... we compare notes at the gas pump, and btw, it's nye wintertime here in the center of the continental USA lower 48 so I'm running zero-ethanol, she, Carrie, is still using the 10% ethanol.
Anyway, she rode the day, all the way, on 16 horsepower and got 76mpg, I ran the same route, the same speed, the same day with 39 horsepower, I got 60mpg ... hmmmmm?
Oops ... time to head next door for the History Page ... see the navigational aids above to find your way there! See you soon...
=====================================THUMP/THUMP==========
Hello FSSNOC... (from two week's ago posting)
I found your club from reading an article in Motorcycle Classics about the Honda FT 500. I am looking for a Canadian group in the Toronto area if possible.
Thanks, Mark C...
(reply to Mark C.) --- Hi Mark! Thanks for touching base with us. I don't know that a group like FSSNOC exists in Canada. Prior to Covid 19, our club welcomed international members. At one time we had members in 14 different out-of-USA countries, but no more. When out-of-USA postage costs absolutely sky-rocketed during Covid, we had to withdraw our invitation. These days, we only mail to USA addresses. Mark, you are welcome to tune this site in weekly for free, it's our gift to the World of motorcycling ... and thank you for your inquiry! - #000
==========================================================
A NOTE TO MAYNARD, #1196 ...
Thank You for your story for Thumper News or the ThumperGarage! Titled "REAL MOTORCYCLES", it aligns perfectly with our current thinking for the Spring issue and for members in general, for sure.
Your story is an excellent read, as always, Maynard! We plan to publish it in TN#162. Thank You again!!
Thumper News #161, our winter of '25-'26 current issue/calendar, has returned from the printer and is scheduled to mail to FSSNOC members in a few weeks.
TN#162 will precede the Spring Season of 2026, perfect timing for the re-kindling of motorcycling in many areas of the USA. Those long winter evenings and the colder temperatures make it a good time to dream about a new ride for the upcoming riding seasons of Spring, Summer, and Autumn ... though many of our hardy members do get out and about during the Winter. We missed you, Maynard, at the Holton, Ks ThumperCafe, btw! Keep On Thumpin' --- #000
==========================================================
AS SEEN AT OUR LOCAL LOWES...
(Industrial-type motor powered mini-bike with ballon-fat tires, really kinda cool! - $895.00 as I recall.)
As I snapped the above photo, a smiling lady walked by at my elbow, saying, "Yeah, Just what you need...!!"
"Ya think?", I replied...
Well, it is a Thumper so I know it'd make me smile, in fact, I'm smiling as I type this, it's working already!! THUMP-THUMP-THUMP - #000
==========================================================
THE FOLLOWING EPISODE IS FICTIONAL AND IS PRESENTED IN LIGHT-HEARTED HUMOR ... DO YOUR BEST?
SIX LIFE QUESTIONS .................. see the History Page for the potential answers - Navigational aids above ... LET US KNOW HOW YOU DID? [email protected]
QUESTION #1:
If there are 100 bricks on a wall and one falls off, how many are left?
QUESTION #2:
How do you get an Elephant into a box?
QUESTION #3:
How do you get a Giraffe into a box?
QUESTION #4:
There was a birthday party and all the animals were invited, they all came except for one, which was it?
QUESTION #5: Josh, the birthday boy, on his way home, stopped at the local zoo and peered into the Alligator pit, what did he see?
QUESTION #6: Josh, the birthday boy, spotted something lying near the road as he thumped home from the party. What was it?
*Potential answers are posted next door on the History Page... - #000
==========================================================
Good Evening, Jack and all FSSNOC Members...
I spotted a Thumper on the way to dinner this evening in Matera, Italy. Initially I thought it was a Kawasaki based on the green-yellow color. Closer inspection revealed it to be a Benelli 125. It’s a 4-valve SOHC water-cooled EFI Thumper rated 12.8 HP @ 9,500 rpm. Weighing in at 145 Kg, approximately 320 pounds. Cute bike, but a bit on the heavy side, I think (my opinion).
Flying Fran, #1440 - CA.
Hi Ya, Fran ... Whoa, that baby is bright! Not a bad idea in city traffic or anywhere for that matter. Typically, unless the rider is "on the lamb", being seen should be a good thing, safety-wise. I'm curious if this model is the Italian-built Benelli or a product of the "new" Benelli, owned and built in China (as I've read) ... any clues, anyone? And, many "Thanks" to you, Fran ... so fun to see motorcycles from "across the pond" ... #000.
Ha! Ha! I just now noticed the oily back wheel on that Benelli in the pic! How good to see ... his/her chain is being oiled! This rider either has a good teacher or has some experience, at least enough to oil that chain. And, it is likely real oil, 'cause most "Chain-Lube" products don't sling off ... personally (grin), I LOVE to see the "sling-off", that is what takes the dirt out of my chain, think spin cycle in a Wash Machine, eh? Make sense? Way to go, Italian Dude or Dudette!!
We had a local gathering at nearby Sterling, Kansas on Wednesday ... a small group of 7 around the table for breakfast, six bikes were parked against the curb across from the restaurant. One was a new Royal Enfield 450 Guerilla Roadster, the one with the candy blue paint ... someone curbside brought up the question, "Why is the back wheel painted black and the front wheel painted blue?" ... Silence from the gallery.
Now I know the answer! ... back to the photo above, a black wheel won't show the thrown-off chain lube!! Genius! And, remember, you read it here... #000.
======================================================>
OKAY, LET'S GO TO THE HISTORY PAGE ... see navigation aids above on masthead, click and enjoy!