Posts Made By: Anthony Morse

Hi everyone,

I am looking to purchase (first-time) a used motorcycle or scooter. My ceiling is about 2,300 (but a less would of course be preferable). I am interested primarily in something that will be *reliable*, not drain me financially with repairs, and hopefully achieve fairly high mileage. I am 6ft, 187. I would ideally like to be able to use said bike on the freeways (trips or some length would be ideal, however, I am aware that with a scooter or weaker bike that's not feasible)...I'm interested in both freeway and non-freeway capable bikes/scooters. I'm not necessarily after a rocket, just something good, solid, and reliable. Any models come to mind? I also have a few questions below...

1. How many miles does a motorcycle usually go? (Less than a car I presume, do to high rpms). What mileage would you look for in a used bike?

2. Air cooled versus water...any appriciable difference?

3. In re: to scooters (many of which I know are not freeway legal)...how many miles can one get out of a dinky little Honda Elite...or a more powerful Honda Helix/Reflex?

Thanks!
Tony

I'm curious what your thoughts are regarding the media's treatment of Jessica Lynch?

Seems from a few past threads that some here have a degree of expertise with firearms. I'm interested in how Taurus handguns fare in regard to quality, durability, and accuracy.
And...is there a difference between newer Taurus models and those of say 10 years or so ago?
Just seems that they're often priced quite a bit less than other brands.
Thanks.

I've been away from AstroMart for a spell, but have found my way home =). Regarding the new format...when I bring up category of ads it seems many do not seem to have the price displayed when displayed in list format. Apparently one must click on individual ads to find the price. I wonder if it might not be better to include the price along with the other info provided in list format?

Hi,

I'm looking for an inexpensive spotting scope. Big 5 has a 'National Geographic' 65mm 30-60x scope on sale for $79. Now, I'm aware one generally gets what one pays for and it's likely rubbish...probably like the '700x scope' listed nearby. Anyone have a different opinion...familiar with this Big 5 job?
What I would like is a relatively satisfactory spotting scope (meaning it won't fall apart) for hopefully under $100 or not much over. I intend to use it for target spotting (.22s make small holes), nature observation, and possibly some simple astro use (although that's not essential).
Any recommendations on a decent used or inexpensive new one that might fit the bill? Or, is my declared price range simply too low?

Thanks for any input...
Cheers

I sold off my scopes a year or so back (C-8) and some low end refractors. I'm still a bit of a noob...they weren't used much. The C-8 was too big to move around easily.

I am wondering whether it's possible to get a good scope + eyepieces for under $500. I'll define good as...
1.) Being stable (mount).
2.) Decent optics (I know I'm not getting a $3000 scope).
3.) Ease of use.
4.) Decent enough to it will last and I'll want to keep it.

Thanks for any suggestions

I picked this up at Goodwill last night for $13. I did a quick optics check in the store and they appear to be in working order.

It came with all lens caps, 1 .965 eyepiece, and three screws in place of the original legs (they actually work fine).

An Astromart and google search doesn't turn up much info other than lack of praise for the optics and a mention that the base seems well made (actually the whole scope seems to be metal).

It is marked 'Made in Japan'.

Any insight? How bad is it?

What is a Jones-Bird Design?

Thanks for any info...

Well, for $13 how bad can a working scope be?

Does this seem like a good buy? It's about an hour and a half away.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/sys/452030222.html

Is it a decent scope?

If it's a good buy what should I check? I am unfamiliar with this model.

Thanks for any insight.

Dear Maurice,

Where do you teach?

Thank you all for such informative, wonderful responses. You're all very helpful. I haven't decided between Goto/versus traditional (for lack of a better term), I suppose the cost of what I can find will largely dictate. I live in Los Angeles, if that makes any difference. Regarding goto and other electronic items...which company has the most reliable manufacturing and most user friendly warranty/repair policy (I suppose in every case the owner is responsible for shipping)?
Also, in somehting like a ETX 90 or an ST-80 can one operate the scope manually?