Serow, I called myself an old timer, which makes me an expert in some categories, even though I don't like being a former drip.   If you'll notice, the old hands are dropping out of discussions. I too, feel the site is losing steam, but I also feel that it will come back when the Noobs figure out the advice they are getting is usually wrong. What we want is answers from a mixture of those who can think, read, AND wrench. We lost our core of experienced rider/wrenchers. I have been called stupid, misled, panicked, and other unpleasant names simply because I finally, after two years switched to a Raptor petcock and I use Seafoam. Also I was misstated and accused of not knowing about vacuum lines, etc. I stated more than once that I took my petcock apart, changed vacuum lines, used clamps, and did what I would do with any malfunctioning part. I advised anyone with similar problems to do the same and switch if they wanted to. I use Seafoam as a continuous cleaner...not a purge for dislodging large parts of varnish that can stop the carb altogether. It is well known that Marvel Mystery oil can, in some cases free stuck rings by filling the cylinder with a good sized dose and leaving it a few days. I did it regularly while working at my uncle's boat repair shop in the late 60s. It was our aim to save an expensive tear down, and it usually worked. I welcome questions of why or how, but I don't appreciate personal attacks from someone who has wife/family problems or an IQ of 80, or is just plain mean. Though they are lurking now, the good folks will hang around and help the Noobs and each other. I suggest the PM until the no-it-alls slack off. It still helps without drawing fire. I am conservative in my answers and do not have the money some have, but a little patience and some forethought can save money, time, and anxiety. Enjoy the Savage. I just did the cap plug and chain adjusted with no trouble just by reading up on this forum for the last couple of years. Think before you speak and offer your advice with a teacher's heart--not that of an egomaniac. Sorry, Serow, for the long post, and thanks for the help You guys and gals have given me. JMO    Boofer

I need another catagory, I am more of a regular lurker.

Dad gummit, I could've been "expert" by now if I actually still had a Savage!  

There's a DR650 forum but I don't stop by there nearly as often as here.  It just takes a while for a forum to "catch" I guess.  Maybe by the time I start hanging out at the DR forum I'll have moved on to a scooter.  A mobility scooter.

If you are in doubt,.. be cocky, and pick the more advanced category...
You'll be there soon, if not already... ...

I'm a noob, starting to become a regular, and hope to hit expert soon... I've gotten more useful help here than I have from many cycle shops I've been to, so my loyalty rests with the "old timers" and "experts" at this site...  

I marked Regular, because I'm not sure how long you have to be around to qualify as an Old Timer.  I'm certainly no Expert, and won't ever be.  But like others, have learned alot about my bike and other bikes from this site.  I don't answer too many technical questions, not because I don't know the answer, but because I'm not always "sure" my answer is correct.  But I find more often than not, that it is right.  haha.   I also try to always be polite and would never intentionally offend anyone.  Just my nature and I hate it when I see it.

I come for a break almost every day.  I started the Scavenger Hunt thread which whizzes along at times, and dies at times.  But mostly, I guess I try to keep the female presence here.  I don't get into the wars, especially the politics, but it still can be interesting reading to me sometimes.  I sure have learned alot about oil.  LOL   

I also wonder about people who disappear... like where the heck did Wolfman go?  And Paladin?  etc, etc.  

Well,... we've got two refusers,... but, at least nobody's holding their breath... yet... ...

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