Randakk's Philosophy of Motorcycle Riding and Life:

Randakk near my Colorado R&D Skunk Werks (13,000 feet+)

(photo by Lynn Setzer)

One of my life goals is to ride motorcycles into my 90's. Not just ride, but ride them well! I'm not kidding - this is a serious endeavor that is shaping large chunks of my life.

This is not a trivial ambition. Success will require more than optimism and wishful thinking. I'm an excellent rider by any reasonable standard today (age 54 as of this writing). To enjoy the sport of motorcycling nearly 4 decades from now would be a significant accomplishment. It won't happen by accident (no pun intended). Lots of uncontrollable external factors could thwart my plan. Nevertheless, the idea of it all has captivated my attention and energy.

If I make it, lots of very positive things must happen and lots of very negative things (like premature death!) must not. I have a plan and it's working beautifully so far!

Before I get into the specifics, let me say that I've been very blessed in my life. To be able to indulge such a goal is a testament to the marvelous standard of living we enjoy in America. Less fortunates in the world must deal with poverty, hunger, disease, war and other everyday realities much more daunting.

I'm very grateful for the hand I've been dealt in life. Among my many blessings are:

Beautiful, talented, loving wife
2 great sons
Well-travelled
Good economic fortunes
Excellent health (and cancer survivor!)
Great customers

The lure of motorcycling is hard to explain to many, but probably not you. Motorcycling requires relaxed concentration that is highly engaging. By definition, riding a bike means you're not doing taxes, attending a business meeting, taking out the trash or any number of other less satisfying activities. Throw in good scenery, fresh air and exquisite mechanical art and engineering and you have something special.

Honestly, I wouldn't trade places in life with any celebrity, tycoon, politician, rock star or anyone else. The purpose of this section of the website is to share some information that's been meaningful in my life framed in a somewhat relevant context. As a GL1000 guru, perhaps my "bully pulpit" will allow me to share some useful information you might not have expected from this website.

Specific Reading Recommendations:

Workshop Manuals:

Riding into my 90's and preferring antique Hondas will require that I keep the 2 wheel machinery operational. By disposition and temperament, I've never been one inclined to trust vehicle maintenance to others. Fast forward 40 years - I really doubt if GL1000 mechanics will be working at the local Honda dealership. Heck, you can hardly find a decent one today! Self-sufficiency on maintenance is essential. It helps keep you connected to the machine and aware of subtle changes in performance and operational feedback. In my experience, all top riders are "sensitive" to the condition and needs of their bike. The machine talks a very specific language - you must learn how to listen.

To keep your bike in top condition, a workshop manual is essential. On the topic of manuals, I rely on three: the Official Honda GL1000 Workshop Manual, plus the ones from Clymer's and Haynes. Generally, the Honda manual is sufficient, but sometimes the others provide helpful cross-reference, alternative verbiage or photos from different camera angles that are often useful in understanding a mechanical procedure. I strongly recommend that you obtain at least one good manual before you delve into any repairs or maintenance.

For convenience, the books recommended here are listed via links to Amazon where you can get brief descriptions of each book and buy them at good prices. Buy them wherever you like. The Amazon referral fees to me are inconsequential. The main thing is that you have access to this information.

Clymer Workshop Manual for Honda GL1000 and GL1100 Fours (1975-1983) -

Good general purpose workshop manual. Beware of the infamous "air jet mix-up" error. See: http://www.randakks.com/TechTips.htm#11

Haynes Honda Gl1000 Gold Wing Owners' Workshop Manual -

Worthwhile addition to augment your other workshop manuals. Our friends in the UK always have a different "perspective" on things. It's often helpful to have divergent thinkers describe the procedure at hand.

A good source for the official Honda manual is: http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp

Other Valuable Technical Titles:


*How to Set Up Your Motorcycle Workshop -* Practical advice on building your own "Garage Mahal."The advice on lighting your workshop is non-intuitive and especially useful.	*Haynes Motorcycle Workshop Practice Techbook -* Nitty gritty tech explanations hard to find elsewhere.	*Motorcycles: Fundamentals, Service, and Repair -* The definitive textbook on motorcycle repair and theory. Highly recommended! My friend Mike Nixon was a contributor on this text.	*The Essential Guide to Motorcycle Maintenance -* You may know Mark Zimmerman from his witty tech column in Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader. A worthy addition to your tech library.

Basic Rider Skills:

To make my goal, my riding skills must remain sharp. I will need to have physical and visions skills not seen in most 90 year olds. I'll also need the mental sharpness necessary to use these skills and thoughtfully manage the real risks associated with riding. Rather than recite all the necessary riding skills and resources to improve them, I thought a reading list approach would be more useful. There are a number of great writers who've written excellent books on motorcycle riding skills. I've read each of these books and highly recommend them to you. I guarantee you will become a better rider by reading them. Apply thoughtful reflection to the methods and techniques detailed in these books. Practice the recommended skills on each ride. As your skills improve, your confidence and enjoyment of riding will increase.

For convenience, these titles are listed here via links to Amazon where you can get brief descriptions of each book. Buy them wherever you like. The Amazon referral fees to me are inconsequential. The main thing is that you read and absorb this information.


*Proficient Motorcycling* -David Hough's masterpiece! If you can only buy one book in this category, this is it. This book will help you understand and master these vital skills: Countersteering Braking Vision Skills Mental Approach By the way, if you don't know how to counterteer - don't ride another inch until you understand this vital skill.	*More Proficient Motorcycling* - Excellent continuation and extension of the original book. David Hough reinforces the original concepts and adds much valuable new material.	*Street Strategies* - A different approach and format by David Hough (as you can tell, I like his work). Targeted at the urban warfare we politely call "traffic."	*Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Guide to Motorcycling Excellence* - Well written, practical and useful.

Advanced Rider Skills:

As your skills improve, you will benefit from these titles.


Sport Riding Techniques: How To Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety, and Confidence on the Street and Track - Nick Ienatsch (with help from Kenny Robers, Sr. and Tom Morgan) has written what I consider to be the best book ever on high performance riding. A must read!	*Total Control High Performance Street Riding Techniques* - This is a fabulous book by Lee Parks. Take some time with this one. Best takeaway for me: learn to steer with your "inside" arm!	*Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way -* Reg Pridmore has a unique method of teaching advanced riding skills that's time tested. His "body steering" concepts are a bit controversial but worth considering. Lots of solid information here in a reader friendly format.

Endurance Riding Skills:

These books were written by my friend and mentor Ron Ayres. Many of you may know Ron as the founder and owner of Ayres Adventures - which specializes in motorcycle tours to South America, Africa, Europe, New Zealand and beyond. For details: click here

A legend in BMW circles, Ron is quite famous for his exploits as a long distance, endurance rider. He's penned these great books which are must read information for anyone contemplating long distance riding.

Ron has credibility galore. A few years back, Ron set the Iron Butt Association record for traveling through all 49 states in only 7 days!

Against the Wind -

The best book ever written about long distance riding.

If you have Iron Butt aspiratons, you must read this!

Against the Clock -

Ron's fabulous accomplishment of setting the record for riding 49 states in 7 days!

Amazing stuff!

Going the Extra Mile - Insider Tips for Long-Distance Motorcycling and Endurance Rallies -

Read this and extend you riding range and comfort!

Physical Health:

This is perhaps the biggest bogey of all. Good habits and genetics will help, but there are no guarantees in life...especially when it comes to health. Ordinary health is one thing, but the degree of "health" necessary for an advanced "senior" to operate a motorcycle skillfully is fairly daunting.

This book will definitely help!

Younger Next Year -

The best book ever written about men's health. Targeted at men at or approaching age 50. I know the demographics of my clientele...this is for you!

The premise is that you can make simple but profound changes in your lifestyle that will permit you to live as well at age 80 and beyond as you can at age 50.

The negative effects we usually associate with aging such as memory loss and declining strength are really a type of decay brought about by bad habits and bad choices. They are not the inevitable outcomes of aging and can be managed.

Financial Health:

Assuming I'm still around at 90, I'll need to avoid poverty to make my goal. Poverty sucks! I implemented this plan long ago...it really works:

The Millionaire Next Door -

Fantastic book! The overarching idea is that "it's not what you make, but what you keep."

It's never too late to implement the strategies in this book.

Besides, you need a plan to afford all the motorcycles you need in your garage!

Be an "Angel:"

"The Measure of life is not its duration but its donation" - former US Senate Chaplain Peter Marshall

Everyone needs purpose in their life. Myself, I've been blessed in many ways that are hard to square with some of the choices and decisions I've made earlier in life. My view is that everyone approaching maturity needs to define a reasoned plan to "give back" something for posterity. You must figure this out for yourself. Do it!

I've found a very satisfying opportunity that fits the bill for me. I've become an angel investor in a start-up pharmaceutical company that's attempting to launch a new treatment for Alzheimer's. My contribution to the endeavor is small, but if we're successful, millions of lives will be improved in a significant way. My own father suffered from a type of dementia in his later years. I've seen how overwhelming this disease can be for families.

The Purpose-Driven Life -

Everyone needs to connect to a higher purpose in life. This book can help.

Zen:

This book covers everything else important in life.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance -

A personal favorite. This one-of-a-kind effort is classic American literature.

I consider Pirsig to be a kindred spirit. When you can explain this book to a casual acquaintance at a cocktail party, you have mastered the art of small talk!

More Good Advice from Randakk:

Some of this is "old wine in a new bottle." Some is original. Ignore at your own peril!

Protect yourself and your very valuable classic bike. Take a safety course! MSF offers excellent beginner and experienced rider courses throughout the country. I'm a big believer in these courses. Even though I've been riding for 35+ years, I'm still learning how to be a better rider. I recently took the ERC course and learned quite a bit. See: http://www.msf-usa.org/

Always wear a helmet.

Wear the best protective riding gear you can afford on EVERY ride.

Use on electric vest in cool weather. Wear a ventilated jacket in warm weather. Add an evaporative vest when it gets really hot. Keeping your core body temperature regulated is vital for safe riding.

Ride at least once a week to keep your skills sharp. If your climate does not permit this - ride indoors or move to a better climate.

Read everything you can get your hands on regarding riding skills and safety.

Find a good woman and keep her happy. This takes real work - do the work! Here's a tip: women are different from men. The obvious differences are easy. The subtle ones are not easy. Make it your studied purpose to listen and understand. A partner who understands and tolerates your motorcycling passion is an absolute minimum requirement. One that actually enjoys motorcycling as a shared pursuit is a real plus! Plus, married men are healthier, live longer, eat better, sleep better and are measurably happier compared to single men.

Don't be an embarrassment to yourself and other men. Learn how to fix things. Get happy with your hairline. Know something useful about politics, sex and religion. Read beyond the Sports Page. Don't eat crap. Drink fine spirits in moderation. An occasional cigar won't kill you. Don't curse unless you can do so with flair.

Get a good physician and have a annual physical. Follow your doctor's advice. Be sure to have him designate a PSA test (prostate cancer screen) as part of your blood work.

Get a comprehensive eye exam every year.

Get your eyeglass prescription filled by an optician who rides motorcycles...getting the "sweet spot" adjusted on "progressive" type lenses can make a huge difference in your vision performance.

Wear earplugs when you ride.

Don't ride when angry or upset, over-tired.

Ride a bicycle often to improve balance, fitness and 2 -wheel handling skills. Important - convert your bicycle's front brake to right lever activation. This is an easy conversion. Get a bicycle shop to assist if necessary. This is critical! You don't want to confuse your brain with extra processing to decide how to operate the front brake!

NEVER ride after drinking.

Outfit a good workshop.

Buy some good hand tools. Life's too short to use junk tools!

Don't put loud exhausts on your bike. The usual amateur result is a bike that runs poorly, makes more noise, makes less power and will cause rider fatigue much sooner. Worse, loud pipes reinforce negative stereotypes about bikers among the non-riders. There are large factions that would perfectly happy if motorcycling were regulated and legislated out of existence. These folks don't need any more ammunition. I'm about as pro-motorcycling as anybody you're apt to meet, but few things upset me as much as straight pipes outside my open window at 3 AM.

Other Great Books - Written By My Wife Lynn Setzer:

My wife Lynn Setzer is a highly regarded travel writer. These books make excellent gifts.

Do the right thing - support my family unit!

A Season on the Appalachian Trail -

One of the best books ever written about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Critically acclaimed "must read" for anyone contemplating this grand adventure.

North Carolina Weekends -

I guarantee your wife will love this book. It's not aimed specifically at motorcyclists, but it provides a quite useful "what to do" guide for NC visitors.

Great Adventures in North Carolina -

Not for couch potatoes! If you're an active "outdoorsy" person, you'll love this book! I really enjoyed participating on the research for this book - highlight was the Richard Petty Driving experience at Lowes Motor Speedway!

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Raleigh, NC -

Very useful guide to hiking trails in and near Raleigh, NC

Reprint of article written by my wife Lynn appearing in the Sept/Oct 2004 issue of Blue Ridge Country featuring one of my GL1000s...Click here

^top^

For more information on the use of material from this website, click here.