New member

Hello,
I am a new member to this forum but have owned a TW for about seven years now. As a military member who moved a lot, I have used it in the coastal California area, Colorado area, and now in southern New Mexico. I have found the bike very good in loose sandy soil, but not so great in the higher mountains of Colorado (power to weight ratio thing at altitude I think...). It is great for NM desert riding and the tires stand up to the long thorns here very well, which has surprised me since they go through almost all tires without discrimination.

Couple quick questions:

Has anyone else noticed that your butt gets numb on long, stable rides (more than a couple hours)? I have pondered whether it is the seat design and am looking for any advice on how to counter it before I go on long bike camping trips with my sons.

Also, does it improve the power issue if I take the California emissions filter off now that I am not in California...?

I am also considering a kick starter after my battery died out in the desert on a long ride (not many hills to push start it there), but it seems very complex. Would appreciate any insight on whether to have a qualified mechanic install it or recommendations for self-install.

Thanks for letting me join your forum...

Doogie

Most of us fall into one of these catagories

You can wear bicycle shorts with butt padding

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=padded+motorcycle+shorts#q=padded+motorcycle+shorts&hl=en&safe=off&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=shop&ei=DoFdT9TVO6OuiQL8j4yrCw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=6&ved=0CGUQ_AUoBQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=36039f6e2eaf2863&biw=1024&bih=629

You can install a padded atv seat cover

http://www.cabelas.com/atv-accessories-coleman-atv-seat-protector-1.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=1331571&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=EA20FA7F-515F-E111-88CA-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla

You can purchase a new tw200 specific seat cover and foam kit http://seatconcepts.com/

Airhawk makes a nice cushion

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=airhawk+seat#q=airhawk+seat&hl=en&safe=off&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=shop&ei=NIJdT4njOvPJiQKW8oGRCw&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=6&ved=0CGMQ_AUoBQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=36039f6e2eaf2863&biw=1024&bih=629

Or pickup an original Alaskan buttpad

http://www.alaskaleatheronline.com/servlet/the-template/Buttpads/Page


The emissions canister does not hurt performance.