And the numbers I stated is for the both of us, but does not include the Medicare D (drugs) premium which is a function of how many drugs you're on and the insurance carrier can be changed (quoted) yearly quite easily at Medicare.gov.

Of course, but realize they could raise my taxes by $3000 offsetting my insurance payment without my pay changing. Plus we would probably get some of the $16,000 the school pays in a pay increase while they still save money. It would also have everyone paying in through taxes getting coverage and everyone paying ahead when young and having health care as they get older. I know people hate taxes, but it seems none of you who live in countries with a nationalized health insurance system would trade it for what we have here in the US.

By the way, the health insurance industry in the US has a profit margin on par with Las Vegas casinos, at 20%. They tried to get the gov't to allow them to increase to 35% around 2012. Think about that for a minute - in the US the industry profits extremely well while trying to turn down any major claims as often as possible. It isn't about keeping people healthy, it's about making money off of them.

Oye! Healthcare is a depressing topic in the USA... it is one of the big things that keeps me from retiring!

That said, Abrams - I'd much rather talk about Versys! Do you have a 650 or 1000? We recently bought a 1000 for riding two-up. Had been looking at them for a while and in November (2018) picked up a 2016 model with 216 miles on it! While it wasn't brand new, it was a lot cheaper and i still got to run the break in on it!

Have your experiences with the Versys been good?

TC

I purchased my '08 650 new in '09 if I remember correctly. It has been flawless and a fun ride. The 1000 is a different beast but my understanding is that it has a well proven engine and should last forever. The 650 is a great backroads bike, very nimble, just enough power to keep you entertained, once I got the ergo's sorted it is a pleasure to ride.

I don't do big miles, no time between work and kids, but enjoy a Saturday or Sunday 150-170 mile loop when the weather is nice.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.kaw...76197f1f6f.jpg

aaaahhh... you posted a picture of a Ducati..... a completely different animal!

Nope... look again, 2008 Versys 650 with a $8.00 Ducati upgrade (sticker....)

After being asked for the 8th or ninth time "Is that a Ducati"... I decided "why fight it".

Now I can get front row seats at Starbucks whenever I want! :D


Note: The '07 - '09 Versys has a face only its mother could love... and it is very "Ducati-esque". Trellis frame, stainless pipes, sweet looking red paint job...LOL

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.kaw...43e3b79f00.jpg

You camouflaged it :D had everybody fooled thinking its a Duc. That's a good one Abram

Sorry to hear about the knee Mark. I really wanted to go to the Lima Half Mile but started new job last December and only have one week vacation. My 'lil brothers coming up and we're going to hit the Monongahela National Forest instead... Now should he bring up his KLR or the T dub TW200??? I can't talk him into getting a KLX...

Looking like I can tear down the 250 this summer and take that javascript class... Big chance I'm going to have to get my knee cut. Torn meniscus on the outside. I had the knee worked on in 2007, pretty sure it was on the inside, but no records showing where it was worked on, so it is likely BWC will turn down claim as pre-existing.

If anyone here has had any operations like joint work get copies of the reports and any MRI/X-ray/ etc. Seems the hospitals and doctors don't keep records beyond around 5-7 years and then there are the software changes. Get your stuff on disk and paper so you have it. I have a similar issue with no records of sleep apnea tests and prescription for a CPAP either. Fortunately the peripheral equipment can be bought without a prescription and only runs around $100. I will be getting copies of this MRI for my own records and any future work too.

Hopefully the health insurance will take care of a majority of the cost. If nothing else hopefully they can't turn down the pre-existing condition... Thank you American Healthcare Act. This has not just been a nightmare in the workman comp area, but now the summer is likely shot due to the delays and the injury. Makes me feel kind of sick and depressed. I was looking forward to making up for the past few years of no riding. Gone now and a battle to get things dealt with in a reasonable timetable.

I just got the MRI, the doctor isn't certain what and why with my symptoms and a BWC claim hearing tomorrow that will probably go against me. Then an appeal or give up and hope insurance will cover. Boy does this country's insurance system work great. How many months does it take in Canada? So far here it is two months just trying to figure out who's doing what. Then another couple months to get set up for an operation. Then back to school possibly on crutches. Maybe I'll work on my tan... Sure can't go play on the bike.

Sorry to hear that brother, wish I knew the secret to smoothing it out for you.

One of the guys I ride with totally blew his knee out dickin' around the parking area at 3mph before a group ride back in November. I think he said they rebuilt what he had, not replaced. He's just started getting around on crutches the first week of April. Just a victim of dumb luck.

As a wise man once said, "Gettin' old ain't for pussies"

Best of luck man, work your way through the quagmire one day at a time, and then a speedy recovery!