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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject: 2005 R1 long version, sorry |
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I know it’s not a new bike, but it is to me so here it is. Only the second litre sports bike I have ridden, but what a difference after the TT600 I have just traded in for it.
Overall nice styling, sleek, sporty looks and two colour fairing in Silver and a subtle Blue. The rear end finished to a point with flush rear light, in a clear plastic. The front end sloping down to an aerodynamic nose cone, finished off with bug eye headlights with clear glass, hopefully giving better night vision than the usual diffused glass.
The dash looks great with the blue back lighting of the digital display Speedo and Odometer/Trip meters which are symmetrically set either side of the rev counter, as the necessary information for progressive sporty riding. Of course it is a good idea to have the occasional glance at the Speedo, to ensure you keep your licence.
With 2 trip meters the odometer and a lap timer on the right display, the Speedo, clock reset and select buttons on the right, everything is very easy to use and self explanatory.
Being of a slightly shorter stature, it was nice to swing my leg over and touch the ground on both sides of the bike, albeit only the toes. It feels comfortable enough as the bike is narrow at the front of the seat allowing me to feel more confident when manoeuvring the bike.
So I disarm the fecking Data tool alarm, turn the ignition on and all the lights momentarily illuminate, the rev counter needle swings round to max and the sensors (or whatever) do all the things they should do, making the right noises...apparently.
Hit the start button and the straight four fires into life, like it wants to leave without me, eager or what? The exhaust tone through the two under seat cans (aftermarket) is sweet and makes me smile or perhaps grin, like a Cheshire cat. (Why is it only Cheshire cats grin?)
With a new set of Michelin power tyres (hopefully securing the beast to the ground) on I need to go easy till they are scrubbed in. Pulling the clutch in, I notice that unless you have particularly long fingers it’s a bit of a stretch to say the least. I will be getting some Hong Kong Shorty’s! The front brake leaver on the other hand (now there’s a pun) is no problem. With a little hesitation, I gently pull away expecting the throttle to be difficult to control at slow speed, not at all. It is very easy to control.
So the riding position is of course focussed as it’s a sports bike, I feel my knees are bent a little tighter than I’m used to as my leathers are gripping my kneecaps, like shit sticks to a blanket. Having warm weather really isn’t helping! With the focussed position, I find that when riding slow I’m constantly sliding to the front of the seat and leaning too much on the clip-on’s, balls pressed tightly against the fuel tank I will try to avoid bumps, like a Chav avoids work (at all cost). I have to make a concerted effort to grip the bike with my knees and use my stomach muscles to take the weight of my wrists. This will improve as I get used to the bike and not be a problem when riding at a reasonable pace.
Trying to find my through typical weekday traffic to find some decent A and B roads to enjoy. Initially flicking up through the gears at around 5k as I don’t wish to find myself in any trouble with the front wheel in the air, not my thing! The gear box feels very smooth, so clutch less changes are a breeze going up through the box. Just as well given the distance the clutch lever is from the bar.
With a bit of flicking the bike side to side, I warm the tyres and head down some twisties and slowly open the throttle, enjoying the roar from those aftermarket cans, (whatever they are). Slowly but surely I get the nose tipping in with ease into every corner, the bike feels planted and I don’t notice any loss of grip from the Michelin’s. Where ever I point the front of the bike it goes almost like it’s controlling me. I can feel the potential to be over zealous with the throttle and take the R1 hedge trimming and ploughing some un-expecting Farmers field, (if you have no self control).It is however very easy to keep in control, much easier than I was anticipating. With endless power on tap, there is no need to rag the life out the lump in any gear. Higher up the rev range the power bands kick in, somewhere around 10K I think and then she flies, awesome, giving the feeling that you will never run out of bhp, but could easily run out of road first. The blue LED gear change indicator is glowing brightly at me, regularly, that said I never had the need to hit the rev limiter.
After 120 miles, I had to deliberately select 6th gear to make sure it was there, as I hadn’t used it till then. The tyres are almost minus Chicken strips; about 1mm left on the rear, so all in all a confidence inspiring ride. Something tells me I am going to enjoy this and may feel the need for a track day soon. A phenomenal bike, not suitable for slow riding in traffic but immense for a progressive ride and probably more fitting for a taller rider for the reach to the bars but what the heck I will deal with that for now. Happy days!!
_________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Wivvy GrandCnut
Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 10928
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 3:42 pm Post subject: |
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muhahahaha!!
shorty's yep! I have the same problem on R1 clutch levers.
Power Commander 3 and Quickshifter is also highly recommended!
you can alter the shift warning light - mine comes on at 12.5k - check the manual
it won't be long until you're pleading for more than 172BHP
glad you like it chap! |
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Taz MotoGP Racer
Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 3995 Location: As far away from reality as possible
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:12 pm Post subject: |
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more than 172 BHP?
Go for a Blackbird then ) _________________ "Deja Moo" the feeling you have heard this Bullshit before |
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Wivvy GrandCnut
Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 10928
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:19 pm Post subject: |
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Taz wrote: | more than 172 BHP?
Go for a Blackbird then ) |
why, when they only make low 150bhp |
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Taz MotoGP Racer
Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 3995 Location: As far away from reality as possible
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Wivvy GrandCnut
Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 10928
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject: |
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dont know what dodgey sites you're looking at (my AV blocks that link) but no 'Blade has made more than 178BHP (2011 model) which is still shy of every +180BHP R1 since 2006
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Road Runner TT Racer
Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 1112 Location: South Coasters
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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180 BHP plus R1 on a stock motor in yer dreams _________________ Still fixing bloody motorbikes for my sins ! |
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Rossi Bird Forum Chavette
Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 2476 Location: In the garage, polishing the garage ornaments
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:21 pm Post subject: |
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oooooh theres another one around now , excellent choice of bike if i may say so myself. in fact the only bike ive liked and hung onto for more than 2 weeks
Really glad you like it, and as somebody used to say "there is only one" _________________ Trackdays.................... Because golf is for faggots! |
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Sharky TT Racer
Joined: 06 Dec 2009 Posts: 1163 Location: At bloody work probably!
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:49 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: | I have to make a concerted effort to grip the bike with my knees and use my stomach muscles to take the weight of my wrists |
Get a pair of clear stomp grips on it mate... I had the same problem and it's much easier to cling on under braking etc without your body weight braking your wrist when riding slow.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STOMPGRIP-TANK-PADS-Grips-YAMAHA-R1-04-06-Stomp-Grip-/270691075911?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f06720747
Quote: | Pulling the clutch in, I notice that unless you have particularly long fingers it’s a bit of a stretch to say the least. I will be getting some Hong Kong Shorty’s |
First thing i did on mine.. It's amazing what a difference it makes!
Glad you like it - have fun and be safe _________________ Not man enough for an R1....... FZ1's are cooler anyway |
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Sharky TT Racer
Joined: 06 Dec 2009 Posts: 1163 Location: At bloody work probably!
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Posted: Wed May 30, 2012 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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Oh yeah... and....
_________________ Not man enough for an R1....... FZ1's are cooler anyway |
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Wivvy GrandCnut
Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 10928
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:38 am Post subject: |
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Road Runner wrote: | 180 BHP plus R1 on a stock motor in yer dreams |
a bit more realistic than a 'blade putting out 215bhp tho |
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JimBo Pedantic Cnut
Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 5394
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 11:47 am Post subject: |
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What, what... you mean motorcycles can produce more than 100bhp? _________________ So many roads, so little time. |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 12:02 pm Post subject: |
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djSharky wrote: | Quote: | I have to make a concerted effort to grip the bike with my knees and use my stomach muscles to take the weight of my wrists |
Get a pair of clear stomp grips on it mate... I had the same problem and it's much easier to cling on under braking etc without your body weight braking your wrist when riding slow.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STOMPGRIP-TANK-PADS-Grips-YAMAHA-R1-04-06-Stomp-Grip-/270691075911?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f06720747
Quote: | Pulling the clutch in, I notice that unless you have particularly long fingers it’s a bit of a stretch to say the least. I will be getting some Hong Kong Shorty’s |
First thing i did on mine.. It's amazing what a difference it makes!
Glad you like it - have fun and be safe |
Cheers chris I will have a look at the grip things, could be useful _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 12:04 pm Post subject: |
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Wivvy wrote: | muhahahaha!!
shorty's yep! I have the same problem on R1 clutch levers.
Power Commander 3 and Quickshifter is also highly recommended!
you can alter the shift warning light - mine comes on at 12.5k - check the manual
it won't be long until you're pleading for more than 172BHP
glad you like it chap! |
Hmmm, power commander maybe later, the quick shifter may have to wait as well. I guess they would bump the insurance premium up though.
I think I will be happy with it for a while, but lets see .
Most definitely like it _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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andi Polishes his nuts
Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 1828 Location: Basingstoke
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 12:28 pm Post subject: |
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Congrats on the new bike! Is there any pics? _________________
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Sharky TT Racer
Joined: 06 Dec 2009 Posts: 1163 Location: At bloody work probably!
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 1:26 pm Post subject: |
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Bacon wrote: | djSharky wrote: | Quote: | I have to make a concerted effort to grip the bike with my knees and use my stomach muscles to take the weight of my wrists |
Get a pair of clear stomp grips on it mate... I had the same problem and it's much easier to cling on under braking etc without your body weight braking your wrist when riding slow.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STOMPGRIP-TANK-PADS-Grips-YAMAHA-R1-04-06-Stomp-Grip-/270691075911?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f06720747
Quote: | Pulling the clutch in, I notice that unless you have particularly long fingers it’s a bit of a stretch to say the least. I will be getting some Hong Kong Shorty’s |
First thing i did on mine.. It's amazing what a difference it makes!
Glad you like it - have fun and be safe |
Cheers chris I will have a look at the grip things, could be useful |
If you wanna have a play on mine to see if they make any difference mate your more than welcome... I'm a bit limited as to what i can do this weekend but gimme a shout and we'll have a chat! _________________ Not man enough for an R1....... FZ1's are cooler anyway |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 6:58 pm Post subject: |
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djSharky wrote: | Bacon wrote: | djSharky wrote: | Quote: | I have to make a concerted effort to grip the bike with my knees and use my stomach muscles to take the weight of my wrists |
Get a pair of clear stomp grips on it mate... I had the same problem and it's much easier to cling on under braking etc without your body weight braking your wrist when riding slow.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STOMPGRIP-TANK-PADS-Grips-YAMAHA-R1-04-06-Stomp-Grip-/270691075911?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f06720747
Quote: | Pulling the clutch in, I notice that unless you have particularly long fingers it’s a bit of a stretch to say the least. I will be getting some Hong Kong Shorty’s |
First thing i did on mine.. It's amazing what a difference it makes!
Glad you like it - have fun and be safe |
Cheers chris I will have a look at the grip things, could be useful |
If you wanna have a play on mine to see if they make any difference mate your more than welcome... I'm a bit limited as to what i can do this weekend but gimme a shout and we'll have a chat! |
Cheers mate, I might have a look, sit on the bike maybe but I won't ride ya bike coz knowing my luck that would be the time something happens and I would feel soooo baaaad.
I'm working all the Bank Hol except sat but if you are around from thurs let me know. _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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So I went out to get petrol and go for a bimble on the R1, but spontaniousley ended up hooning to Rye and doing the Camber Bends .
Really starting to get a feel for this bike, that has to be one of the best rides I have had for a long time, especially considering it was a weekday.
Not going to get bored again for a while _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:03 pm Post subject: |
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andi wrote: | Congrats on the new bike! Is there any pics? |
Cheers mate, there will be at some point but I have to clean all the bloody flies off it first. _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Road Runner TT Racer
Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 1112 Location: South Coasters
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:06 pm Post subject: |
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Wivvy wrote: | Road Runner wrote: | 180 BHP plus R1 on a stock motor in yer dreams |
a bit more realistic than a 'blade putting out 215bhp tho |
Yer not wrong there _________________ Still fixing bloody motorbikes for my sins ! |
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summerman British Superbike Racer
Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 1269 Location: Pound Hill Crawley, West Sussex
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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andi wrote: | Congrats on the new bike! Is there any pics? |
+1 mate, I'll never be able to keep up with you now...
not that I ever have anyway.... _________________ The road to success is always under construction.
Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?
How Many Roads Must A Man Walk Down Before He Admits He's lost? |
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Wivvy GrandCnut
Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 10928
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 7:45 pm Post subject: |
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Bacon wrote: | So I went out to get petrol and go for a bimble on the R1, but spontaniousley ended up hooning to Rye and doing the Camber Bends .
Really starting to get a feel for this bike, that has to be one of the best rides I have had for a long time, especially considering it was a weekday.
Not going to get bored again for a while |
One does not "bimble" on an R1 dahling! |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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Wivvy wrote: | Bacon wrote: | So I went out to get petrol and go for a bimble on the R1, but spontaniousley ended up hooning to Rye and doing the Camber Bends .
Really starting to get a feel for this bike, that has to be one of the best rides I have had for a long time, especially considering it was a weekday.
Not going to get bored again for a while |
One does not "bimble" on an R1 dahling! |
Your telling me dahling _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Bacon bacon© Lil Mush
Joined: 04 Jul 2009 Posts: 1637 Location: "In a microclimate"
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 8:28 pm Post subject: |
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summerman wrote: | andi wrote: | Congrats on the new bike! Is there any pics? |
+1 mate, I'll never be able to keep up with you now...
not that I ever have anyway.... |
Don't worry about that Cleber, you ride your own ride, that's what matters. You do alright mate _________________ Comfortably Numb
WooHoo, feck you job centre...I'm offski?
"One man can't make a riot, a one man riot is a tantrum"!
R.I.P Marco Simoncelli |
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Wivvy GrandCnut
Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 10928
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:13 am Post subject: |
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Bacon wrote: | Wivvy wrote: | Bacon wrote: | So I went out to get petrol and go for a bimble on the R1, but spontaniousley ended up hooning to Rye and doing the Camber Bends .
Really starting to get a feel for this bike, that has to be one of the best rides I have had for a long time, especially considering it was a weekday.
Not going to get bored again for a while |
One does not "bimble" on an R1 dahling! |
Your telling me dahling |
one must use the correct terminology and associate oneself with those of equal stature!
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