Helping a pot head with his R6? Now with photo!

[atadaskew]

Ok, here's the deal...

The house next to me has some spoiled kids who live in it.  They are in their mid twenties, parents pay for everything, so all they do is spend their time smoking weed and sleeping.  Pretty harmless for the most part.

Recently though, they got a new room-mate, same age, same behaviour.  He rides an older Yam R6, which is parked out front on the street.  Registration tags expired months ago etc..
A few days ago while walking by I noticed his chain was dangerously loose.  I could pull it off the rear sprocket loose.  Now, I don't want the kid to crash so I wrote a note explaining the danger and put it on the seat.  Note sat there for a few days before it was removed.  No change to the chain.

So... should I care anymore?  I don't want to grab my tools and start adjusting a stranger's bike w/o his ok, but I hardly ever see the kid because he is on the same schedule as his loser room mates.  Seems to sleep all day, smoke all night...

But I also don't want to hear about him eating it..

[Hoochie Papa]

It all depends on your own level of Due Diligence. If you can sleep at night because you did the best you could, then let Darwin work.

Did you put in the note that you would help fix the chain or that he should take it to get fixed?  Maybe his smoking budget won't allow for a shop fee.

Good on ya for going that far anywyas.

[black hills]

sitcka note on it offereing your services (and the times you are available). If he asks for your help great, if not at least you tried

[Moto Morphin Power Ranger]

+1 on that.

[Rincewind]

Just leave it be.  If you see him and start a conversation, then you could share these observations with him.  A note on the seat is the sign of a creep.

[atadaskew]

Did you put in the note that you would help fix the chain or that he should take it to get fixed?  Maybe his smoking budget won't allow for a shop fee.

I just wrote that it was dangerously loose and should be tightened, or it could jump the sprocket.

Problem with offering to help a dope head is that he will know I'm next door.  That I am at work during the day.  And that I have a lot of tools and maybe other cool stuff in my garage.
Since they often are in need of money, this may result in problems..
(thinking of worst case scenario)
Posted on: May 15, 2012, 09:48:44 AM

Just leave it be.  If you see him and start a conversation, then you could share these observations with him.  A note on the seat is the sign of a creep.

If you had something wrong with your bike, and didn't know about it, would you find it creepy if someone left a note pointing it out?  
Personally I would be thankful.

[CosmicCowboy]

So... should I care anymore?  I don't want to grab my tools and start adjusting a stranger's bike w/o his ok, but I hardly ever see the kid because he is on the same schedule as his loser room mates.  Seems to sleep all day, smoke all night...

But I also don't want to hear about him eating it..

Let's say you go out and adjust his chain for him. Then he crashes for some other reason than a loose chain. "Dude...that creep that leaves notes on the seat was messin' with my bike before I crashed."

[Hunter]

Ok, here's the deal...

The house next to me has some spoiled kids who live in it.  They are in their mid twenties, parents pay for everything, so all they do is spend their time smoking weed and sleeping.  Pretty harmless for the most part.

Recently though, they got a new room-mate, same age, same behaviour.  He rides an older Yam R6, which is parked out front on the street.  Registration tags expired months ago etc..
A few days ago while walking by I noticed his chain was dangerously loose.  I could pull it off the rear sprocket loose.  Now, I don't want the kid to crash so I wrote a note explaining the danger and put it on the seat.  Note sat there for a few days before it was removed.  No change to the chain.

So... should I care anymore?  I don't want to grab my tools and start adjusting a stranger's bike w/o his ok, but I hardly ever see the kid because he is on the same schedule as his loser room mates.  Seems to sleep all day, smoke all night...

But I also want to pick up a cheap track bike..

fxt..you did your part or as dad say's "you can't fix stupid".

[veefer800canuck]

Problem with offering to help a dope head is that he will know I'm next door.  That I am at work during the day.  And that I have a lot of tools and maybe other cool stuff in my garage.
Since they often are in need of money, this may result in problems..

Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope.

[black hills]

Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope.

 

[axelwik]

You've done your part. Let natural selection do the rest...

[Rincewind]

If you had something wrong with your bike, and didn't know about it, would you find it creepy if someone left a note pointing it out?  
Personally I would be thankful.

I would take exception to such a note, but it would make me take notice because I take pride in keeping a well maintained bike.  It would still be creepy to me.  The person under discussion is not as concerned with their bike's upkeep and therefore is much less likely to be appreciative of what is essentially a criticism.  It could easily be taken personally or seen as arrogance, aloofness, or simply as a put-down to the younger generation.  You have already demonstrated that you are game for putting this person down so I'd just leave it be.

[atadaskew]

I would take exception to such a note, but it would make me take notice because I take pride in keeping a well maintained bike.  It would still be creepy to me.  The person under discussion is not as concerned with their bike's upkeep and therefore is much less likely to be appreciative of what is essentially a criticism.  It could easily be taken personally or seen as arrogance, aloofness, or simply as a put-down to the younger generation.  You have already demonstrated that you are game for putting this person down so I'd just leave it be.

It is a shame that you think that someone caring about the wellfare of a fellow individual is creepy.

[Flyer]

If you really want to help the guy out, call the PD and let them take care of it.
Their level of due dilignece is higher than yours needs to be.

[Windblown]

Good on ya for leaving a note.

As others said, if the chance for a conversation comes up about it and you want to help then bring it up again if you like.

Any other actions? Nah... It's his life to do with as he pleases.

[Rogue]

Forget that guy.  Come to my place and give my bike a tune up.  

[mxvet57]

Don't touch the bike. If you adjusted the chain and then something goes wrong he can come back and sue you.

[ConPilot1]

Good on ya for leaving a note.

As others said, if the chance for a conversation comes up about it and you want to help then bring it up again if you like.

Any other actions? Nah... It's his life to do with as he pleases.

+1. You did the right thing. I would have done the same. It's just showing some basic concern that a neighbor kid doesn't kill himself on a bike.

Other than that, let it be. You put the ball in his court.

[VTFatBastard]

If you really want to help the guy out, call the PD and let them take care of it.
Their level of due dilignece is higher than yours needs to be.

^^^^ This ^^^^

[greench440]

Make sure he pays you in weed.  

[Carbonero]

If you really want to help the guy out, call the PD and let them take care of it.
Their level of due dilignece is higher than yours needs to be.

I like how you think the police department/dispatch* will 1) have any idea what he's talking about, or 2) give a damn about it.  










* I'm sure individual officers and people do care, but the department, I'm sure, has bigger things on its collective mind.

[ConPilot1]

I like how you think the police department/dispatch* will 1) have any idea what he's talking about, or 2) give a damn about it.  

I think he meant the expired tags thing parked on a public street.

I wouldn't do that either because then Mr. Peaceful Pothead may turn into the sneaky neighbor from hell that the cops can't do anything about because they
didn't catch him doing anything red-handed. Like slicing tires, smashing windows. Stuff like that. Vindictive and retaliatory things that we all know never happen in real life.

[Carbonero]

I think he meant the expired tags thing parked on a public street.

My statement stands. At least around here, it takes about 50 calls for them to even drive by and think about stopping.

[Stormcrow]

I like how you think the police department/dispatch* will 1) have any idea what he's talking about, or 2) give a damn about it.  
* I'm sure individual officers and people do care, but the department, I'm sure, has bigger things on its collective mind.

I dunno about where you live, but around here a vehicle parked on the street with expired plates gets ticketed (usually on a daily basis) and then eventually gets towed.

[ConPilot1]

I dunno about where you live, but around here a vehicle parked on the street with expired plates gets ticketed (usually on a daily basis) and then eventually gets towed.

I'm pretty sure Carbonero lives around Macon, Georgia or somewhere near there.

Cops are more concerned with doughnuts and shit down there. And pulling over speeding Yankees on fast bikes.

[Carbonero]

I'm pretty sure Carbonero lives around Macon, Georgia or somewhere near there.

Macon is a metropolis of epic size and stature compared to where I live.  

[atadaskew]

I like how you think the police department/dispatch* will 1) have any idea what he's talking about, or 2) give a damn about it.  

They'd refer me to AAA

[squeezer]

I think you did the right thing. You let him know about the problem, and that was a decent thing to do. Acting on it is his choice.

[Fourstring]

In my experience, give up.

My neighbor has a beautiful Duc 748 with all the carbon bits and Ohlins/Brembo.  It's in horrible shape and he's rashed it while drinking/riding.

I've offered help a couple of times and lost tools in the process.  Just move on.  

[Mr.Black]

Kick it over and piss on it.

[squeezer]

Kick it over and piss on it.

Always the voice of reason.  

[Mr.Black]

Always the voice of reason.  

As always, I'm here to help.  

[mxvet57]

Kick it over and piss on it.

The first intelligent answer.

[davenay67]

If he never rides it, consider making him a 'steal of a deal' offer to help him fund his 'baccy habit....then clean and flip the bike for a profit.

[mxvet57]

If he never rides it, consider making him a 'steal of a deal' offer to help him fund his 'baccy habit....then clean and flip the bike for a profit.

And if your lucky you'll find his stash to. Win Win

[atadaskew]

If he never rides it, consider making him a 'steal of a deal' offer to help him fund his 'baccy habit....then clean and flip the bike for a profit.

He rides it.  It seems to be his only method of transportation.
It's actually all stock - no loud pipes etc - and to the eye the only thing wrong is the chain.

[Scratch33]

If I was on any kind of speaking terms with the rider or his housemates, I would've just said something like "I heard you/him ride by the other day and it sounded like you/he's got a loose chain."

[Kneescrubber]

On my way to work and back I pass a fairly run down apartment complex. I noticed about 8 weeks ago a guy unloading a Hyosung GT650R. Some rash and the seat cover was completely missing. As in, only foam showing on the seat.    I see it every day but it's parked in different places from day to day so I'm assuming it's getting ridden, somewhat.

We've been getting a fair amount of rain the last 2-3 weeks.     After the first week I noticed the Hyo was still moving but it wasn't covered. One thing I hate to see is a bike uncovered when it's raining. Yes, I ride in the rain. In fact I'm legendary in certain small circles for my wet riding skills. But I still hate to see bikes just sitting in the rain. My '86 K100 was a rescue bike from someone who'd let it sit out for multiple years, uncovered.

Anyway, I decided last week that I'd had enough. I took an old bike cover with me last Monday and stopped on the way to work. Mind you, I'd had this cover for probably 20+ years and it had a few holes/leaks here and there and it's not like I don't have another half dozen laying around being unused. I put the cover on and went on my merry way. The Hyo still moves from spot to spot but it's covered. And that's all I wanted.

[coho]

That was really nice. Good for you.  

+1 for random act of kindness. He would probably have refused the offer of an old cover out of pride, but getting one anonymously is always all kinds of welcome.

[turbo.mp]

Meh, you've done your part.  Like others have said, the ball's in his court.

I had a similar situation where someone works in the same office building I do and they ride their cruiser to work all the time.  Last fall I noticed that the rear tire looked practically flat; as in, I'd be surprised if it had 10 psi in it.  Recognizing it as a blatant safety issue that he wasn't taking care of, I left him a note about it a week after I had noticed it, just pointing it out.
Well, it's now spring and I'm seeing the bike at work again.  Appears that he still hasn't put any air in it and I'm actually quite impressed that he can ride it like that.  He must have a short commute to not have wrecked the thing yet.

Does it make me cringe?  Yeah, but if he's aware of the issue and can't do something so simple as to address it, he'll eventually get what he's asking for.  Sucks, but it's not my life.

[DogBoy]

The correct STN response is:

Step 1: Wait to speak with him and suggest he sell the R6 and get something more expensive with a shaft drive; preferably an FJR, R1200RT or Moto Guzzi (if he has lost all hope of regaining his youth).

Step 2: Bore him for at least 30 minutes with tales of your amazing riding skills. Be sure to mention that you "pass squids on sportbikes in the twisties" several times.

[county]

I let the chain get so loose on my first bike that it started jumping teeth on the sprocket...  

So, I am riding at speed on the beltway around Memphis and it does, made a helluva racket, kinda lurched...I thought, what the hell is that...

[Bounce]

Problem with offering to help a dope head is that he will know I'm next door.  That I am at work during the day.  And that I have a lot of tools and maybe other cool stuff in my garage. Since they often are in need of money, this may result in problems..

the problem with stereotypes is that they're seldom right. in one post you say their folks pay for everything. then you say they need money. WTF?

pot smokers aren't strung out and looking to roll the first guy they see. to present a different stereotype i'd suggest they're smart enough to know not to bother a neighbor who would consider them a first suspect when things go wrong. to break all stereotypes, perhaps a positive influence in their lives is something they would appreciate.

[Turbo810]

You've done your part. Let natural selection do the rest...

I agree with this 100%. Remember you lead a horse to water well you know the rest.

[ToadRide]

But I also don't want to hear about him eating it..

Ya, I bet he ate the note. Or smoked it.

[Orson]

or Moto Guzzi (if he has lost all hope of regaining his youth).

I've informed UFO that this thread is in dire need of some heavy handed moderation  

The actual correct answer is to do nuthin

An R6 to a twenty year old is like a box of cleanex to you or me.

Adjust the chain?   Shirley you can't be serious

[DogBoy]

I've informed UFO that this thread is in dire need of some heavy handed moderation  

Is there any other kind?

[atadaskew]

the problem with stereotypes is that they're seldom right. in one post you say their folks pay for everything. then you say they need money. WTF?

pot smokers aren't strung out and looking to roll the first guy they see. to present a different stereotype i'd suggest they're smart enough to know not to bother a neighbor who would consider them a first suspect when things go wrong. to break all stereotypes, perhaps a positive influence in their lives is something they would appreciate.

The tennants that were already in there have their parents pay for everything.
I don't know what the deal is with the new room-mate.

You can make judgements of stereotypes, but well, these doods spend all their time sleeping and smoking.  Oh, and the front yard is full of trash.

[mxvet57]

  Oh, and the front yard is full of trash.

Call the cops.  If that were my neighborhood the village would of had then evicted by now.

[atadaskew]

Call the cops.  If that were my neighborhood the village would of had then evicted by now.

The cops in Venice do not show even for an altercation call.   Even though the dispatcher promised a car is on the way.  Ask me how I know...

[Kneescrubber]

The cops in Venice do not show even for an altercation call.   Even though the dispatcher promised a car is on the way.  Ask me how I know...

Next time tell them you "think" you heard shots being fired.

[ConPilot1]

Next time tell them you "think" you heard shots being fired.

Drop a couple lit Black Cat firecrackers on the sidewalk when you're online with 911.

[rgbeard]

But I also don't want to hear about him eating it..

Why not let the shallow-end of the gene pool get cleaned a little.???

[Ralf]

You need to buy him a new motorcycle.

How about some pictures for the curious?

[Dragonknee]

I too left a note on a guys Gsxr 750, old school and never saw the bike again.. I ran into him a couple a months later and we talked about it.. it was loose as loose could be... he said that he liked it that way cuz he had race suspension and needed the slack... I said, OK... that was the last I thought about it...

[county]

I've informed UFO that this thread is in dire need of some heavy handed moderation  

The actual correct answer is to do nuthin

An R6 to a twenty year old is like a box of cleanex to you or me.

Adjust the chain?   Shirley you can't be serious

People on here are dissing Guzzi's left and right....and this is the best you got...???

[JonS]

The most that I would do is put the same note on his bike again.Do not let him know who wrote it either. Adjusting a chain is so basic, if he can't get it done, or have it done, it's not your problem.

[gritsngravy]

You live in Venice, smoking weed is a requirement for residency man!    


You've done the neighborly thing, that's enough.   It's a great thing to be thoughtful and considerate but don't waste too much time with people who don't appreciate a solid gesture thrown in their face.  

[Kraz]

We were all young and dumb at one point - I'm sure we all needed something told to us more than once.

I certainly would not call the cops for menial crap (not that they'd do anything anyway) - that's the surest way to burn a bridge, and this guy's trying to help - remember?

The only other thing I might consider doing in this situation is leaving the guy a phone number saying that he can shoot you a text if he wants help adjusting it, but unless you're motivated to do that, I'd leave it be.  He should be able to just look up online (or in the manual) how to do it, but maybe he lacks tools or motivation.

Yes, it can cause a problem for him and others on the road, but you've tried, and he may have the aforementioned notion that his race bike with race suspension needs to be extra loose - and thinks you're just a moron.  Good on you for saying something - if all our neighbors were genuinely concerned for us we'd prob be a lot better off.


And pics please - when you get a chance.  

[boogeyman]

Oh man.  I'm a creep.  I left a note on a fellow Bueller's bike at a motel one time just to say hi.  Really, how many times do two Buells that aren't together end up at the same motel?  I couldn't not say hi.

If the kid is a pot head, he might need a reminder.  Hell most kids that aren't these days would need a reminder.  Okay, I might need a reminder, well probably not about that.  I don't have any motorbikes with chains, yet.   I'd offer one more time if I could catch him in person, but as you said, that's difficult.

[veefer800canuck]

You could axe him where he stashes his w33d!  

 

[atadaskew]

You could axe him where he stashes his w33d!  

 

Here in Venice you could walk into anyone of dozens of legal pot dispensaries, ask to see the Dr (the Dr is always in) and they'll write and fill your prescription for whatever ails you.

Anyway, saw the bike this morning.  Note was gone, bike was obviously used (parked in different spot on the street). Chain is untouched and crazy slack.

[naustin]

Well, if you're worried he may hurt himself, you could remove the master link.  That would effectively immobilize the bike until he gets his head out of his ass.

[atadaskew]

Photo taken this morning.  I could pull the chain off the sprocket.

[CLAY]

You should talk to him about lube too.  Some of those links do not look right...  

[Dave.TX]

If you're not willing to offer your mechanical expertise then you've done the best you could. Some obviously take an anonymous note different ways. I wouldn't fault you for not going any further on this. Bet he never cleans and lubes the chain either. Expired tags, he probably doesn't have a motorcycle endorsement or insurance.

[falconati]

I love this thread.  

[Kraz]

I could pull the chain off the sprocket.

Not that you would...

 

[CanSwiss]

What's needed is a clandestine nighttime operation.  4 guys and a truck and or trailer. Wait till about 3am, then quietly roll up, snatch the bike and wheel it off to a garage. Do the adjustments, maybe even an oil change. Then bring it back, of course parking it facing the other direction. Leave a note on it made from cutout letters from the newspaper saying: chain adjusted and whatever else you did, in the interest of rider safety. Signed, Your friendly neighborhood Motorcycle Man.

And leave a mint or a chocolate on the tank (wrapped of course). Might save a life. Or just mess with their heads a bit. :

[naustin]

Dude would trip balls if you did that!  

Just pull the chain off the sprocket and the back the axel out so he can't put it back on without tools.

[Dave.TX]

Just pull the chain off the sprocket and the back the axel out so he can't put it back on without tools.

Nooo...

Looking at the chain, eh. Dry as the Gobi Desert. Surprised it doesn't squeak like Debo's bicycle coming down the street. Shoot, the rest of the bike in the pic looks fairly clean. Now I'm rememorized how long it takes things to get dirty in CA. In TX if it sits in a closed garage you still have to clean it weekly.

[ChrisZRX]

What's needed is a clandestine nighttime operation.  4 guys and a truck and or trailer. Wait till about 3am, then quietly roll up, snatch the bike and wheel it off to a garage. Do the adjustments, maybe even an oil change. Then bring it back, of course parking it facing the other direction. Leave a note on it made from cutout letters from the newspaper saying: chain adjusted and whatever else you did, in the interest of rider safety. Signed, Your friendly neighborhood Motorcycle Man.

And leave a mint or a chocolate on the tank (wrapped of course). Might save a life. Or just mess with their heads a bit. :

I don't care who you are, that's funny right thar.  

[CanSwiss]

I don't care who you are, that's funny right thar. 

Was that always in your sig? Checked your profile. Rofl

[ChrisZRX]

No, just put it there.  

[Stripes]

I like this answer!  

The correct STN response is:

Step 1: Wait to speak with him and suggest he sell the R6 and get something more expensive with a shaft drive; preferably an FJR, R1200RT or Moto Guzzi (if he has lost all hope of regaining his youth).

Step 2: Bore him for at least 30 minutes with tales of your amazing riding skills. Be sure to mention that you "pass squids on sportbikes in the twisties" several times.

But seriously, you brought it to his attention, I'd move along.

[Rogue]

Photo taken this morning.  I could pull the chain off the sprocket.

I have never seen that many kinks in a chain....ever.  That bike must ride like a bucking bronco at anything below 25 mph.

[Warchild]

Chains has reached the end of it's service life long ago.... sprockets are extremely bad as well.

I have never seen that many kinks in a chain....ever.  That bike must ride like a bucking bronco at anything below 25 mph.

Perhaps the 420-oriented rider has exceptionally smooth skillz after partaking of the Devil's Lettuce, and thus it's not an issue for him.    

[CanSwiss]

No, just put it there.

Perfect!! Lol

[Tango59]

My statement stands. At least around here, it takes about 50 calls for them to even drive by and think about stopping.

A parking violation is a reason to call the police ???

[PatM]

From the looks of it, a chain adjustment wouldn't be enough. The bike needs a new chain and sprockets.

[Rogue]

That's $200.

Chain and sprockets?  Pot?  

Tough choice.

[JonS]

Photo taken this morning.  I could pull the chain off the sprocket.

It's not your bike, or anyone you know. You did a good deed. Now it's time to let go.

[CLAY]

From the looks of it, a chain adjustment wouldn't be enough. The bike needs a new chain and sprockets.

+1.  That rear sprocket looks pretty hooked.  

[turbo.mp]

Anyone else notice how nasty the rear wheel is, from either brake grime or his deteriorating chain and sprockets?

And I have to admit, I honestly didn't even know you could have such a kinked, jacked up looking chain.  Guess I don't get out to many bike nights at the local Chevron...

[clyde]

that's one saggy ass chain.

[Mr.Black]

[Carbonero]

He's also got some kinked/seized links. Awesome.  

Photo taken this morning.  I could pull the chain off the sprocket.

[Windblown]

He's also got some kinked/seized links. Awesome.  

Well, it's a pretty sad sight and given the overall condition they may be kinked but I've seen plenty of o-ring chains in great shape that that appear at a glance to have forzen links but they aren't.

[custodian]

Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope.

Somebody remembers the Fabulous Furry Freak Bros.

[Dewey]

You've done your part. Let natural selection do the rest...

+1

[Dewey]

Chains has reached the end of it's service life long ago.... sprockets are extremely bad as well.



Perhaps the 420-oriented rider has exceptionally smooth skillz after partaking of the Devil's Lettuce, and thus it's not an issue for him.    

 

[Silverbird]

Squid or no sqiud if you prevented an accident that could have hurt someone else by helping him, good for you.  Spend your karma points wisely

[Bounce]

Somebody remembers the Fabulous Furry Freak Bros.

Some of us still around.