WELCOME TO THE
FSSNOC THUMPER GARAGE
scroll down for our update for ... 05-17-2018
Our next routine update is expected to be 05-24-18.
NOTICE TO THE READER OF THIS WEBSITE: CONTENT WITHIN IS THE OPINION AND VIEWPOINT OF THE SUBMITTING PARTY AND MAY NOT BE THE OPINION OR VIEWPOINT OF THE FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB. ALL CONTENT IS TO BE CONSIDERED SOLELY AS ENTERTAINMENT AND IS NOT TO BE CONSIDERED AS ADVICE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, SCROLL DOWN TO "SITE DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS" BELOW...
Want to make a comment, show us your Four-Stroke Single, ask a question, whatever ... you are invited to email us at: FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com or call us at 620-663-1869 (leave a message if we are riding!) or write to:
FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks. 67504-1809 ... Thanks for stopping by! - Jack, FSSNOC #000-Director
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THUMPER THURSDAY ... It is the day each week that we all slide by the ole THUMPER GARAGE and visit with all our friends! These are special friends as we all have a commonality and that commonality is a deep appreciation of the Four-Stroke Single cylinder motorcycle ... THUMPERS, if you will.
My name is Jack Robinson, FSSNOC #000. I am the Director of the FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB (FSSNOC) and I welcome you to this week's THUMPER GARAGE:
05-17-18 UPDATE ... PHOTO ABOVE:
With much excitement and anticipation, we've all been waiting for the introduction of Royal Enfield's Himalayan 400cc Adventure Bike. It has arrived as you can see in our featured photo ... and YES, it is a Thumper! Read what the owner, Steve Oakman, FSSNOC #5266 - Nebraska has to say:
Jack,
Well, I'm slowly getting the engine ran in (the book says not to exceed 37.28 MPH at this stage, okay, I've cheated a little) but I should be able to take it in for its first service next week. I have 300 miles on it now and it just seems to feel better all the time.
The engine is much different than my Royal Enfield C5, but very smooth. The seat feels a lot better now that I've ridden it some. I had to adjust the handlebars because the riding position was a bit off for me. I found this old top box from seven or eight motorcycles back and it fits perfectly on the rack. Things are progressing well and I'm pretty excited about taking it to the mountains in July for WBD-2018.
Oh, I will add that it performs flawlessly taking EXTREME evasive action when a car happens to run a stop sign right in front of you. I'll keep in touch, Steve Oakman #5266
P.S. Yes, that's your present in the picture.
Looking good, Steve! Ready to rock and roll... As for that present on the seat. Is that pink wrapping? Oh man, you are killing me ... Ha! Ha!
A few words about that "present" for those who haven't heard of the "WBD - 2018" and the related box on the seat of Steve's Himalayan. WBD means WORLD BIRTHDAY DINNER.
Here's the deal. I'm not sure why or when it started and it doesn't always happen, but Steve and I try each year to get together at some remote spot for lunch. This year that lunch will be changed to a DINNER in Greybull, WY on the evening of July 17th, 2018. I asked Steve if I could invite anyone this year and he said, "Sure"... so I elected to turn our generally low-key lunch into a Birthday celebration, not only celebrating MY birthday, but any FSSNOC club members birthday! If a FSSNOC member has or will have a birthday in 2018, he or she is invited to join Steve and I for our dinner. WORLD BIRTHDAY DINNER - 2018
Now I'm bringing a present for Steve, Steve is bringing a present for me (see it atop the RE above), anyone else who shows up and brings a present gets to exchange with another who shows up with a present ... that present is to have little or no monetary value, just something that will bring a bit of joy and fun into a fellow Thumper enthusiast's day. What a great time to share with other FSSNOC club members...
Greybull is at the intersection of highway 20 and highway 14 in the grand state of Wyoming. It is considered to be impossible to arrive at that spot on the globe without transversing some spectacular scenery, especially if one's transport is a Four-Stroke Single, a Thumper!
So, check that birth certificate ... if it shows that there is a birthday scheduled for sometime in the year of 2018, whether it has already occurred or is slated to occur on or by December 31, 2018 ... well ... there's an invitation for WORLD BIRTHDAY DINNER - 2018! ..........#000.
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Hello JR... (Howdy to you ... Vic, #3701 - North Carolina)
Glad to see someone here is already putting miles on the Himalayan. That bike hits a lot of the right spots for me. As mentioned by you, Motorcycle Consumer News has a report on that bike in the current May issue, right after a full road test on the BMW G310R.
Did you also notice on the back cover that MCN will do a comparison test next month of the BMW G310GS versus R E Himalayan? (Yes ... the media seems excited!) Really looking forward for that test. The GS is out for me, way too tall for a short fat man but the RE? Will have to do some reading about it.
Probably no new bikes in my near future since I've only had the BMW G310R for about a month now. Still doing break in miles. (That is one beautiful bike you have, Vic! That would fit into my garage very well! )
As for the Honda CB300F that I only kept for 201 miles. There was nothing wrong with the bike, it was me and my limited range of motion in my neck. I found that leaned over in a tight turn, I couldn't tilt my head back far enough to see where I was going. Hoped to install handlebar risers but alas, not enough slack in the cables to do that. I had a chance to sell it for $600 more than I paid for it so decided to let it go. (Wow! How do you do that?? $600.00 profit! Nice...)
On the BMW G310R, I sit slightly more upright so don't have the problem with my neck that I did with the Honda. So far all is well with the bike. After I get a few more miles on it, I'll let you guys know what I think.
Victor Force, FSSNOC #3701 - N.C. (Great to hear from you, Vic! Keep us informed on the Beemer...- #000)
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MR. THUMPER speaks... ("thump-thump-thump")
THUMPER NEWS #131 - SUMMER ISSUE ... is going to press as we speak! What can I say? Well, ya' gonna love that cover, for starters! And ... there is some late-braking news about our ThumperCafes in August:
The AMERICINN Hotel and Suites has offered to block off a selection of rooms in anticipation of our event there in Anamosa, Iowa. Phone 319-462-4119 to get the jump on lodging and to take advantage of the special pricing offer as well. (I've already done that - grin!)
The Museum has extended a group rate for us. Now days, as I understand, the at-the-door walk-in ticket is $15, we'll get to slide through for a measly 10-spot AND we can request a free entry pass for the next day!! They will likely ask for some verification of your FSSNOC membership so be prepared for that, okay? I suggest you take your FSSNOC membership card. If you've misplaced that, perhaps a mailing label off the upcoming Thumper News would work... (I always carry FSSNOC cards next to my heart...)
So, wow, eh? Is all that cool or what? I hope to arrive in time to do a museum trek on Sunday afternoon, summer hours are 9AM - 5PM daily, that way I can operate the FSSNOC sign-in on Monday without wanting to be in the museum, as least somewhat - ( ...another grin! )
As you know, this year (2018), our events are within the same week on the calendar. Anamosa is on Monday, August 20th and four days later on August 24th, a Friday, we plan to meet at FREEMON's GENERAL STORE near Creede, Colorado. And, "YES" ... we are doing a FREE commemorative decal again this year FOR those FSSNOC members who advise us of their plans to attend prior to July 15th!
Back to TN131 ... Not only will you read intel from the head desk here at FSSNOC, but you'll get some really good stuff from members across this great land: Indiana - South Dakota - Kansas - Colorado - California - Ohio - Michigan and Arizona are all represented. If you don't see your home state represented, no problem ... you can fix that ... you are invited to submit an article for the next issue of Thumper News, #132.
We, myself included, all assume that every FSSNOC member out there is enjoying Thumper memories, telling Thumper related stories, hanging out with Thumper buddies, doing Thumper things, going places on a Thumper, fixing a Thumper, restoring a Thumper, shopping for a Thumper, selling a Thumper, riding a Thumper, reading about a Thumper, cleaning a Thumper, touring on a Thumper, dreaming of a Thumper, dirt riding on a Thumper, trials riding on a Thumper, adventure trekking on a Thumper, moto-crossin' on a Thumper, or just lookin' at a Thumper in your garage, you get the picture? ... let us hear about ALL THAT STUFF ... didn't yer Momma teach ya' to share? Step up to the pump and Email your bit to: FSSNOCthumpers@yahoo.com
That's it for today, my good Thumper-lovin' friends! Be sure to visit the other pages on this site. If you aren't currently a FSSNOC member, NEED I SAY ... " U B MISSIN' OUT ! "
YOU CAN CORRECT THAT OVERSIGHT TODAY BY GOING TO THE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PAGE AND DO THE UPGRADE. BECOME A FSSNOC MEMBER NOW...
Keep On Thumpin! - Jack, #000/Director
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05-10-18 update from last week:
GOOD MORNING, THUMPER ENTHUSIASTS! WE START OFF OUR WEEKLY UPDATE WITH SOME REALLY EXCITING NEWS:
THE HIMALAYAN IS HERE!
It's finally here! After months of waiting, Jeremy from Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa called and I picked it up on Friday! ... Steve Oakman, #5266 - Nebraska
It's quite unique and not at all like any other motorcycle I've owned. I've only ridden seventy odd miles so far so I haven't formed any real opinion yet except to say it's very smooth for a long stroke Thumper, the suspension is really great, and you can flick it around like a racing bike.
Also, I'm not really sure about the seat yet. I'll have to take it on a hundred mile ride to see if I can sit on it all the way to Montana this summer (I did discover you can readily stand up on it at any speed which might help if my rear end gets uncomfortable). Anyway, it's resting in the garage after this morning's spin up the river road, and I might take it out again later this afternoon, if I get all my chores done.
Steve Oakman #5266 - Nebraska
Congratulations, Steve!! Wow, this is so exciting. Can't wait to hear more about this new entry into the "Adventure Bike" category. Motorcycle Consumer News magazine has an article on it in the May 2018 issue. Rider Magazine shares a trip on the Himalayan in its natural habitat as well. Hope you'll do an article for our own magazine, Thumper News as the miles add up and your impressions become viewpoints. Enjoy this time, Steve, enjoy this time... #000.
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Hi Jack (000),
Attached is the last photo taken on my trip from the Salton Sea. In a couple more hours, I would be home. The sky in the background was some rain and hail waiting for me. Otherwise it was a sunny trip.
Alan Smith (5286) - California
Hi Ya, Alan ... Didn't have room for that photo here but the good news is that your excellent article on the Salton Sea is slated for print in the upcoming Thumper News #131, Summer of 2018, mailing in late May or early June. Thanks much for your efforts. It was really interesting to learn of an inland sea in California that is THREE TIMES MORE SALTY than the Pacific Ocean, as well as all the other little "gems" of information that you included in your report. Well done, Lad, well done... - #000
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Sent from my iPhone ... "That looks awful complicated to me. I go west or another direction and when the sun goes down I know I have arrived where I was meant to be." ...Steve Oakman , #5266 Nebraska.
Steve's comment here is in response to last week's post about a route sheet article I did for FACEBOOK and they scolded me for having too much information (!) ... see post below ...
And back to you, Steve ... yeah, you are right. There is a time for what I call "dead reckoning" and I do plenty of that. I recall one time I rode completely across Pennsylvania without having a map. I was headed for New York state so I just followed my front wheel. It turned out great, in fact, I "bumped" into some beautiful roads and scenic places that I likely would have missed if I had planned a route.
When I see an "Adventure Bike" with all that electronic wizardly stuff, it almost makes me smile ... how did the early day Adventure Riders do it before satellite navigation, GPS, etc? - #000
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THE FOLLOWING POST IS IN RESPONSE TO LAST WEEK'S PHOTO OF THE TWO MATCHING KLR650 KAWASAKI motorcycles ... you will recall that Bruce had challenged us to find something "wrong" with the photo (post is below)...
Hello Mr. Prez,
Check out the STOP sign in the photo (upside down). You could also say my pickup is parked on the wrong side of the road (small town), I haven't received a citation for it.....yet.
And by the way, I've received some interesting comments (and looks) on that BMW like sticker. One guy said, "How do you like your BMW?" Another said, "That's not a BMW......is it?"
One time I was in a convenience store with my bike parked outside. A guy on a BMW rode up, parked, and I saw him look at my bike. He came inside the store and we were the only people with riding gear. He made no eye contact with me. I said hello to him and he didn't acknowledge me. Some people just can't take a joke.
Bruce #5078 South Dakota
Good stuff, Bruce! I have yet to see a BMW with a KLR logo on it, that would REALLY shake things up! One of the guys that is in our local m/c club has a KLR with a BMW/KLR emblem like that, it never fails to get a comment, some good and some not so good. Thanks for the fun! - #000
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A NEW WORLD RECORD ... This site contains other pages, please check them out ... and invite your friends to visit our site as well. It is our gift to the wonderful sport and lifestyle of motorcycling. Assure them that no password is needed and that they are welcome to return each week and enjoy the funtastic world of Four-Stroke Single Cylinder Motorcycles.
This past week, thanks to all of you, this site eclipsed our old benchmark and set yet another personal best record for the number of "hits" in a one week period with a count of 2133 "hits"! Keep spreading the word, let's make that number even larger!! - Jack, #000/Director
(Sorry, gotta run! I'm due over on the History Page in just a few minutes ... #000)
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(Website Details and Instructions: )
Hello Thumper Enthusiasts...
I'm Jack Robinson (FSSNOC #000), your club Director. It is an honor to introduce you to THE THUMPER GARAGE. This mini-venue is in addition to our legendary hard copy THUMPER NEWS quarterly magazine. After enjoying this page, please visit our other pages on this site. Go to the masthead above to make it happen...
You are encouraged to thump by the THUMPER GARAGE weekly. This is a FREE site for you and your friends.
Members may contact us anytime 24/7 with comments, conversation, stories, or questions via a mailed letter, a phone call or an e-mail. When you E-mail, please give us your first name, your FSSNOC member number, and your state. You'll receive a courtesy confirmation E-mail back. Our actual response to your E-mail will generally be posted on the following Thursday's THUMPER GARAGE posting so be sure to tune back in then... (Address-phone number-email address is below... **)
We encourage you to join our club: Complete the application found elsewhere on this site (click on "more" above) and mail it to us with $40 dues for a 12 month membership or save a few bucks by sending $75 for a 24 month membership. Include your shirt size so we can gift you a FREE club t-shirt if this is your initial membership.
A subscription to THUMPER NEWS magazine, mailed to your mailbox, is included in your membership as well.
Our U.S. POSTAL address is: FSSNOC P.O. Box 1809, Hutchinson, Ks 67504-1809.
To call our club, phone 620-663-1869 or you may send an E-mail: FSSNOCTHUMPERS@yahoo.com
NOTICE: Please understand that your E-mail will likely be reproduced on this site. Any/all subject matter and information may be used in-part or edited and will become the property of the Four-Stroke Singles National Owners Club and FSSNOC,INC. All included content in Thumper News or The Thumper Garage is solely for entertainment, not advise....
THE CLUB STORE ... CLICK ON IT WHEN YOU ARE DONE HERE?
The Autumn season means awesome riding for many areas ... time to get some new club gear, eh? Order yourself a bright new yellow and black club cap, a couple cotton t-shirts, and at least one sweatshirt to wear under your riding gear. Remember, every day is FSSNOC gear day. Tell the world about our club ... Thanks!
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YOU'VE JUST VISITED THE THUMPER GARAGE. PLEASE CLICK ON THE "MORE" ON THE MASTHEAD ABOVE ... AND CHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER PAGES OF THIS SITE. PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE FOUR-STROKE SINGLES NATIONAL OWNERS CLUB (FSSNOC) TODAY ...Thank You! - Jack, FSSNOC #000/Director
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