April 26th, 2009, 04:17 PM | #1 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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DIY: SW-Motech mirror extenders
coaxed a bit by KKim, I am going to attempt to do a DIY on the SW-Motech mirror extenders. Ran into some snags that I will point out. Sorry if I took too many pics.
I first learned about them from Zail. Py2e later posted some pics and so I decided to buy myself a set. Additional items needed: #6 allen wrench blue lock-tight I put blue lock-tight liquid on the bolts. It was too hard to do with one hand, so I didn't take a pic of it. Here is a pic of the contents. As some of you know, one of the bolts were defective. I have e-mailed them about the problem but have had no response yet. I went out and bought a replacement. I didn't use the ones in the kit. Start by removing only the top foam bolt covers. I took off the bottom also, but found that it wasn't necessary so I put them back on. Remove the bolt with a #6 allen wrench. Remove the mirror assembly. Here is the order the washers are in. deviation from picture... Initially, I had the supplied washer on the top of the extender. After I installed it, it seemed like it should be on the bottom instead. I switched it, but didn't take a pic of it. Holding the supplied washer in place on the bottom of the extender, put extender in stock location and secure with stock bolt, nut and washers. Holding the top and bottom washers in place on the mirror assembly, bolt in place with supplied allen bolt: Cover the bolt heads with supplied caps: One side finished: Comparison shot: yeah, i know i have rusty handlebar bolts (that is next) extended side with arm in riding position: stock side with arm in riding position: Repeat same for other side and you are done (included a gratuitous shot of my HID) : Impression: Seems like a good kit (except for that defective bolt). I haven't ridden it yet since installing it, but I can definitely see more directly behind me than before. Seems like I won't have to tuck in my arm as much to see what is behind me. |
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April 26th, 2009, 04:55 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org dude
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Good work! Looks like they could be pretty useful...
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April 26th, 2009, 05:12 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org member
Name: James
Location: Ontario
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Looks like a good Idea...might have to do this, right after I finish the other 10 things on my list
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April 26th, 2009, 06:46 PM | #4 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Hooray!!
Thanks, Gary! |
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April 26th, 2009, 07:02 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: mike
Location: tucson az
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what web site did you order them from i will have to do this aswell
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April 26th, 2009, 07:05 PM | #6 | |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
thanks guys. i gotta give credit to the people who do those complicated DIYs. this one was pretty easy, but taking the pics easily doubled the install time. |
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April 26th, 2009, 07:11 PM | #7 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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btw. i took my bike for a ride. i feel more confident that i have a better idea of what is going on behind me now. i didn't have to tuck my arms in anymore to see behind me. at freeway speeds, the mirrors were as stable as they were stock.
i kept messing with one of them trying to get it "just right" and it became loose at one of the joints. i guess the lock-tight wasn't dry yet? idk. |
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April 26th, 2009, 07:21 PM | #8 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Pete
Location: Clifton, NJ
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 BLACK Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 164
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excellent diy sw. i didn't use loctite, but it seems to be holding up.
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April 26th, 2009, 07:22 PM | #9 |
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howzit gary!
good job on the DIY! the shots you took of the rear view with extended then the older mirror really illustrates the difference between the two. i shall expect this forum to benefit from MANY more DIY's you'll produce in the future!
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May 1st, 2009, 10:42 PM | #10 |
ninjetter
Name: Craig
Location: Los Angeles
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Would be nice to see around my arms. Just wondering if this would cause any probs splitting lanes. Gets tight in there sometimes, wouldn't want to smack some mirrors along the way!
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May 2nd, 2009, 02:23 AM | #11 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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oh, just an update. the vendor did send me 2 new bolts by UPS second day air. don't know what to do with them, but i wanted them for principle's sake. i am happy with their customer service.
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May 2nd, 2009, 12:45 PM | #12 |
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Name: Sam
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Gary, Way to go! This is an excellent DIY. Thanks for posting it. I just ordered a set of extenders today. TT is really funny. I called them months ago (Nov '09) and was told these won't work on the '08-'09s! ha ha That's why I installed the spot mirrors. Now the extenders will really enhance the spots!
Thanks again! |
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May 6th, 2009, 02:36 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
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Installation complete. These are definitely the way to go!!!!
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May 6th, 2009, 03:25 PM | #14 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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May 6th, 2009, 03:27 PM | #15 |
Ms. Personality
Name: CB
Location: Murvill, TN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.
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Are these worth it or will the convex mirrors work ok?
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May 6th, 2009, 04:10 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
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$65 + S&H was pretty steep, but they are well made. I already had the spot mirrors installed, the same as Gary. Now, I am able to see past my shoulders and directly behind me via the OEM mirrors. The spots are enhanced by the extenders, because they give even greater coverage of the blind spots on both sides.
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May 6th, 2009, 08:55 PM | #17 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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alone, the convex mirrors did help a bit, but i still had a pretty big blind spot. plus, those things are pretty much useless at night. i agree it is expensive. to me... it is worth it. |
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May 8th, 2009, 08:37 PM | #18 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Just got through installing mine. 30 minutes... more like 15 to install these.
What a difference in field of vision! These are what rear view mirrors should be! With this DIY, there's no guess work at all to installing them. I'm glad I coaxed you into these, Gary... mahalo, brah! |
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June 3rd, 2009, 07:51 PM | #19 |
self wrencher
Name: john
Location: houston
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250r and 07 600r Posts: A lot.
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oh darn it...looks like i'll have to buy a set...spent too much money already
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June 4th, 2009, 06:35 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: zail
Location: Bristol, UK
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250r Posts: 156
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Nice DIY there! Easily the most useful mod I have put on my bike - just want to update you all and say have done about 1000 miles with them on now and have had no vibration issues (have checked the bolts a couple of times and they have remained solid) - I didn't use locktite - just the washers and bolts. Have only had to adjust the mirrors when they've been accidently knocked while bike stationary and that's been easy to do - not the endless faff that adjusting the stock mirrors for the best elbow view was
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Bristol, UK - R&G Tail Tidy, Exhaust Hanger, Bar ends & Crash Protectors, Skidmarx Hugger & Double Bubble, SW motech mirror extenders, Scorpion Exhaust, Cycle Control levers & Rearset Adjusters |
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June 4th, 2009, 03:13 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Brion
Location: Rochester, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2016 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom / 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 Posts: 133
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May have to get a set of these myself!
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June 5th, 2009, 05:40 AM | #22 |
self wrencher
Name: john
Location: houston
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250r and 07 600r Posts: A lot.
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couldn't pass up the safety mood so i oooorrrrdddeeerrreeddd
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June 9th, 2009, 09:42 AM | #23 |
WHEE!
Name: Andrew
Location: VA
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Black Kawi 250R Posts: 91
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oo i got recommended on these.. i might take it up on that offer.. thanks petter!
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June 20th, 2009, 09:52 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Scott
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (Blue) Posts: 167
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I ordered and installed a pair of these...LOVE them! Only one problem - on the R side only, the mirror moves too easily at the outer pivot point. At interstate speeds, my mirror folds in, and I get a fantastic view of my gas tank. Is this something a bit of Loctite would take care of, or is this a case of a defective part?
The L side works fine. When I get the R side working the same, I'll be very happy. Last futzed with by Anteraan; June 20th, 2009 at 10:09 PM. Reason: spelling and clarification |
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June 20th, 2009, 09:54 PM | #25 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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can't you tighten the allen a bit more?
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June 20th, 2009, 10:08 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Scott
Location: Indianapolis
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (Blue) Posts: 167
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Ok, I'm a dumbass. I misjudged which axis the mirror was spinning on (after all, I was on the bike, at speed, when it was happening - so I just pushed the mirror back into place and kept my eyes on the road). The bolt out by the mirror was tight as all get-out (considering I had tightened it about 3 extra times)...then I checked the other one (closer to the fairing). OOPS! It had a bit more to go.
I think they'll work just fine now. <laughs at self> Are the extenders a fair bit pricey? Yes, I think so (their margin must be killer on these), but how important is visibility? For me, it is well worth the $65. |
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August 16th, 2009, 05:23 PM | #27 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Dave
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Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Im going to post my Pics before/after of my install of these SW-motech mirror extenders too! |
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August 16th, 2009, 05:27 PM | #28 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Dave
Location: Michigan
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.
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Also i wanna note. If you check out http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/223/
Most of the Prices on all the difference types of Bikes... like BMW,etc... they ALL are $65.00 plus S&H! Afew are alil cheaper. IMO these are well made and so far im very very pleased with them! |
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August 16th, 2009, 05:38 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Dave
Location: Michigan
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.
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Ok heres My Pics of before & after with the SW-Motech mirror extenders on.
Heres the box they come in, also you get a Free Twisted Throttle (reflective yellow) Sticker! IMG_0098.jpg IMG_0097.jpg Heres both on stock vs mod, side by side... IMG_0099.jpgIMG_0104.jpg Left sides Compared... IMG_0101.jpgIMG_0106.jpg Right sides Compared... IMG_0100.jpgIMG_0105.jpg Front Views Compared... IMG_0102.jpgIMG_0107.jpg Closer front views, Compared... IMG_0103.jpgIMG_0108.jpg And heres Close views from the Sides (SW-motechs on) so you can see that my mirrors are Straight, not bent. If you played around with the bends and angles you'd get a different view... Left side Right side IMG_0110.jpgIMG_0109.jpg Now just a angled view of the bike, to show Looks! IMG_0111.jpg Last futzed with by ScorpionNinja; August 16th, 2009 at 08:58 PM. |
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August 16th, 2009, 05:46 PM | #30 |
Ramen Rider
Name: Gary
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 BMW R1200R, 08 Honda VFR800A (sold), 09 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: A lot.
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yeah, after a few days, they mirrors were on tight. i didn't have a problem with them shifting around after that. i think also the fact that i used chrome bolts instead of the included ones may have contributed to them slipping around at first.
did you end up putting the bolt caps on? i see you put the foam bolt caps on the mirror arms. nice touch. hehe. i think if you mess around with the joints more you may get a bit better results as far as getting your arms out of the reflection and still seeing behind you. |
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August 16th, 2009, 08:32 PM | #31 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
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Quote:
Ooohhhh wait... i see what you mean.... lol, yea the foam caps i stuck on the arms ONLY cuz i didnt want to lose them and i put em back on once i was all done! heheee Yes, i didnt adjust the mirrors to get a 'perfect' view, but you get a general idea! Note: I rode to royal oak thursnite (my pictures thread post) and going down I-696 i was doing 80-100MPH and the left mirror (i had moving problems weeks ago b4 i put on the SW-motechs) it moved like 1/8" not much but enuff to change the angle a tad. Thats due to not letting the loc-tite 24 hrs fully cure, also i have to Keep the bolts abit looser. I keep my bike in a Shed and going through the 32" wide door... its a Squeeze but i manage to get Nate in there, due to Folding in the Mirrors for that extra few Inches! So if i tightened down the bolts a 1/4 turn more... they wont move! (when i took Nate out for a 20 min test ride, up gratiot and onto I-94... i had the mirror bolts REAL TIGHT and everything adjusted how i like. They never moved but when i got back home to park Nate in teh shed, i couldnt move the damn Mirror arms or extenders.. ) HEEE-MAN!!! :flex: |
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August 17th, 2009, 11:39 AM | #32 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Z
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356
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Does add more horsepowerz?!?
They look good but $65 is assrape for what amounts to 4 bolts and a couple brackets. |
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August 17th, 2009, 01:05 PM | #33 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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so, what's your solution for less?
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August 17th, 2009, 01:20 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Z
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356
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Unfortunately my solution is the 'chicken move'....
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August 17th, 2009, 03:09 PM | #35 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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yep, did that long enough and to my knowledge, this is the only alternative. Though it may seem expensive, for now, it's the best way to get a better view of what's behind you. Even with the chicken move, I had a hard time seeing what was behind.
I'd like to see some enterprising ninjette member w/ the equipment and skills turn out an equal quality kit for less. |
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December 25th, 2010, 11:56 PM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bob
Location: CA
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I just got, installed, and did a wiki DIY for the other style mirror widener that SW-MOTECH makes. I made another DIY because the install is totally different than the original model shown in this thread.
Come check out the other model HERE!
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December 26th, 2010, 12:02 AM | #37 |
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February 5th, 2011, 03:25 PM | #38 |
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A little update, warning, and question for others....
First off, I am still loving my extenders (the other style, but same result). Yesterday I almost got into an accident, and it was MY fault. I got a little lazy and/or distracted in my own head, and did a drifting shoulder check. I didn't come out of my lane, but nearly swerved into a Civic that was in my left blind spot. The shoulder check would have caught him, or a closer look into my mirror (the convex spot), but like I said, I was sloppy and not paying close enough attention. Fortunately I did see him before crossing the line. He obviously saw what a noob I was being and quickly moved out of the way so I wouldn't be near him (score one for Civic defensive driving). Here is a thought, and I'm wondering about others' experiences... I am wondering if the added visibility the extenders have provided has actually contributed to a bit of complacency. I am wondering if I have not been as careful in the degree and timing of shoulder checks, and also in overall situational awareness.... I know I have no excuse, but I want to understand the contributing factors, so I can be careful to remain vigilant, and not be another statistic. Of course the same thing could have happened before I got the extenders too; I can't claim to have never been distracted before them either. Does anyone else suspect your extenders have contributed to any over-confidence, laziness, etc.????
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February 5th, 2011, 03:35 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
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I completely agree, these things are definitely not worth $65 imo, I'm sure I could rig up something else with some spare parts in my shed and have the same results.
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February 5th, 2011, 03:49 PM | #40 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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