Category: Reviews

LITELOK X1 MOTO Review

March 16, 2025 / lnorwood10 / 0 Comments

My bike with the LITELOK X1 MOTO as security during trip. The organ cord is used so I do not happen to forget that it is on the rear wheel.

When it comes to motorcycle security, few things are more important than having a reliable and robust lock to protect your investment. The LITELOK X1 MOTO is an impressive addition to the world of motorcycle security, designed to offer peace of mind with its combination of lightweight construction and exceptional strength. After testing it out in real-world conditions, here’s a detailed review of the LITELOK X1 MOTO.

Design and Build Quality:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO stands out for its innovative design and material choices. Unlike traditional U-locks or chain locks, the X1 MOTO utilizes a composite material that blends steel, carbon fiber, and other high-strength components. This not only makes it more resistant to cutting and attacks but also significantly lighter than comparable locks of similar security levels.

The lock features a unique flexible, yet sturdy frame that allows it to be wrapped around various anchor points on your bike, giving you flexibility in how you secure your ride. It’s available in both 16mm and 19mm thickness versions, with the thicker one offering increased security for more premium bikes or high-risk areas.

The lock mechanism itself is robust and feels smooth in operation, with a weatherproof design that keeps out dirt and moisture. The keyless PIN code option is a nice touch for those who prefer a bit more convenience when securing their bike.

Weight and Portability:

One of the standout features of the LITELOK X1 MOTO is its relatively light weight, especially considering its security capabilities. Weighing in at around 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs), it’s easy to carry or attach to your bike while riding. This makes it far more portable than many other heavy-duty motorcycle locks, making it a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the burden of a bulky, cumbersome lock. It comes with a mounting bracket, allowing you to securely carry it on your bike when not in use.

Security Features:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is designed to meet the highest standards of security for motorcycle locks. With a sold-secure gold rating, this lock offers high-level protection against common theft methods like cutting, picking, and grinding. The internal steel core provides substantial protection against attacks with power tools, while the flexible outer coating makes it harder to break.

The lock features anti-pick technology, and its double locking mechanism offers an additional layer of security. Whether you’re parking your bike in a crowded city or leaving it overnight in a high-risk area, this lock provides a solid deterrent against theft.

The fact that it’s approved by leading insurance companies adds a sense of reliability, especially for those who are concerned about insurance claims in the event of theft.

Ease of Use:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is incredibly easy to use, thanks to its user-friendly lock mechanism and flexible design. The keyless PIN code option allows you to secure and unlock the bike without fumbling for a key, though it’s important to remember your code or carry a backup just in case. The combination of security and ease of use really sets this lock apart from many others that require multiple steps or keys to operate.

In terms of flexibility, the lock can be used to secure various parts of your bike, whether it’s through the wheels, frame, or an anchor point. The flexible yet strong design means you can find a way to secure your bike in just about any scenario, and the lock isn’t rigid, so it’s easier to maneuver around objects.

Weather Resistance:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is built to withstand the elements. With a weatherproof coating, it resists rust and corrosion, even when exposed to rain or humidity. This makes it ideal for outdoor use, especially for riders who live in areas with frequent weather changes or coastal environments where rusting can be a concern.

Price:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is positioned as a high-security, premium motorcycle lock, and while it is more expensive than traditional locks, its price is justified by its advanced materials, security features, and lightweight design. For those looking for a top-tier security solution, the price is in line with the value it offers, providing great protection without the hefty weight of other premium options.

Final Thoughts:

The LITELOK X1 MOTO is an excellent choice for motorcycle owners who want a lightweight yet highly secure lock that’s easy to carry and use. It strikes the perfect balance between protection, portability, and convenience, offering an innovative design and materials that outperform many traditional locks. Whether you’re securing your bike in high-risk areas or just want added peace of mind, this lock offers strong, reliable security without the weight and hassle of bulkier alternatives.

Rating: 9/10

The LITELOK X1 MOTO offers a great combination of security, portability, and ease of use, making it a top choice for modern motorcycle riders. Its slightly higher price point may be a consideration for some, but its effectiveness and convenience justify the investment for riders serious about securing their bikes.

2024 BMW R1300GS

March 16, 2025 / lnorwood10 / 0 Comments

The 2024 BMW R1300GS is a bold leap forward in the legendary GS series, offering both seasoned adventurers and new riders a thrilling blend of performance, comfort, and technology. As someone who has ridden a variety of adventure bikes, the R1300GS has left a lasting impression with its improved engine, enhanced features, and refined handling. Let’s dive into the details of this new release.

Design and Aesthetics:

BMW’s R1300GS carries forward the iconic design of its predecessors, with the same rugged yet refined look that adventure riders have come to love. The bike features a more streamlined and aggressive aesthetic, but it still maintains the signature GS feel. The larger, more robust front beak, updated bodywork, and distinctive LED lighting system give it a modern, purposeful appearance.

The size of the R1300GS is impressive, but it’s still manageable, thanks to careful ergonomic design that balances comfort and confidence on any terrain. The seat height is adjustable, making it accessible to a wide range of riders, though it may feel a bit tall for those who are shorter in stature.

Engine and Performance:

One of the most significant changes with the 2024 R1300GS is the engine. BMW has introduced a new 1,300cc inline-2 engine that is both more powerful and more refined than its predecessor. The new engine delivers around 135 horsepower, a noticeable increase from the previous generation, making it more responsive and capable, whether you’re on highways or tackling challenging off-road conditions.

The engine is paired with a quick-shifter for seamless upshifts and downshifts, enhancing the riding experience and reducing the need for clutching. The throttle response is smooth and precise, which, combined with a significantly improved power delivery, provides an exhilarating yet manageable ride.

The Ride Modes — including Rain, Road, Dynamic, and Enduro — allow the rider to tailor the bike’s performance to match road conditions. The Enduro Pro mode, in particular, is ideal for serious off-road adventuring, providing excellent throttle control and traction management.

Handling and Comfort:

BMW has made strides in refining the suspension system. The new Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) allows for on-the-fly adjustments based on riding conditions. Whether you’re navigating tight, technical trails or cruising on open highways, the suspension keeps things smooth, and the ride quality is excellent.

Despite its larger engine, the R1300GS feels surprisingly agile. The bike handles well, even at low speeds, and the new geometry makes it more stable in corners. Off-road, it feels planted and confident, with a level of handling that’s hard to beat in the adventure touring segment.

Comfort is where the R1300GS shines. The ergonomics are spot-on, with an adjustable seat height and handlebars that allow for a customizable fit. The heated grips and seat are a welcome touch for long rides, especially when temperatures drop. The bike is also equipped with a large fuel tank, offering impressive range for those long-distance adventures.

Technology and Features:

The 2024 R1300GS is packed with cutting-edge technology that makes it a leader in the adventure bike category:

BMW Motorrad Connected: The bike features a fully integrated 7-inch TFT display, which is bright, clear, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The system pairs seamlessly with your smartphone, offering navigation, calls, and music controls right at your fingertips.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A standout feature for long rides, this system maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead and can adjust speed as needed. Combined with the lane change assist and automatic emergency braking, it makes highway cruising safer and more comfortable.
Cornering ABS Pro and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC): These systems enhance safety, especially when cornering or riding in slippery conditions. Whether you’re on the street or tackling rough terrain, the R1300GS offers superior control.
Smart Key: The bike features a keyless ignition system, which is convenient for riders who prefer not to fumble for keys while wearing gloves or handling gear.

Off-Road Capability:

BMW has maintained the R1300GS’s reputation as one of the best off-road touring bikes on the market. The Enduro Pro Mode allows for advanced off-road capabilities, with fully adjustable suspension settings and improved traction control for various terrains. The larger tires and more refined suspension ensure that the bike remains stable and comfortable, whether you’re navigating rocky trails or gravel paths.

The bike’s ground clearance and robust skid plates also contribute to its durability when taken off-road, offering riders the confidence to tackle challenging environments without fear of damaging the bike.

Fuel Efficiency and Range:

With the 1,300cc engine, the fuel efficiency of the R1300GS is impressive, considering its power. Expect around 40-45 MPG on average, depending on riding style and terrain. The large fuel tank offers a range of 200+ miles per tank, which is excellent for long-range touring and remote areas where fuel stations may be scarce.

Final Thoughts:

The 2024 BMW R1300GS is a stunning evolution of the iconic GS series. It strikes the perfect balance between power, technology, comfort, and off-road capability. Whether you’re exploring vast highways, winding mountain roads, or technical trails, the R1300GS delivers an unparalleled riding experience. It’s a bike that can take on anything, from long-distance touring to hardcore off-roading, with ease.

If you’re looking for a top-tier adventure motorcycle that offers versatility, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance, the 2024 BMW R1300GS should be at the top of your list.

However it has not been without it’s problem. The inability to get OEM luggage till next year is a pain. But BMW has apologized by allowing a massive discount for those who are willing to wait.

Rating: 9.5/10

The only potential downsides are the premium price tag and lack of OEM luggage, but given the bike’s performance, versatility, and advanced features, it’s well worth the investment for serious riders.

Voodoo Doughnut

September 2, 2022 / lnorwood10

My first thought about Voodoo Doughnut is oh my Lord that’s a big doughnut. These thing are huge and they are awesome

These were so good with so much filling. I really wish there was one near home.

New laptop and Smartwatch

June 5, 2022 / lnorwood10

For a while now I’ve been struggling to get my laptop to connect successfully to the internet. This has caused me to be very slow in posting to this side. As I would have to wait to get home for my trips in order to successfully post anything up. Now that is changing I recently ended up getting a Samsung Galaxy book 2 360. I wanted something lightweight and portable that I can take with me when I travel and then make it easier for me to post and transfer pictures from my phone. As part of the package I also ended up getting a new smartwatch, a Samsung Galaxy 4 Classic. Now I have been a long time user smart watches usually those made by Garmin. But it is nice to have an alternative to what I’ve been used to and again this will give me an interesting opportunity to give you guys some feedback on how the two day battery life works when you’re trying to get to see exciting and new experiences. Stay tuned and I will keep you updated on how both of these are working and as always don’t forget to bring your towel.

Wife’s new Toy

April 2, 2022 / lnorwood10

So my wife has been using a Fitbit for I can not remember for how long. No matter the fact that I am using a Garmin watch. She refuses to change. Well her Charge 4 finally gave up the ghost the other day. So we went looking for a new Fitbit. We looked a just about every model they make to see what would fit on her arm. I thought the Samsung Galaxy 4 looked pretty good, but she thought it was a little over priced for the battery life. Well I have to agree on that but we might be trying to get one for review down the road. Anyway we ended up on the Sense since the Versa 3 is a cut down Sense where you only save $60. Not really worth giving up all the possibilities. So the Sense joined the family.

We took a few picks of unboxing which are below and we will do a full review after a few weeks of use.

Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café

April 2, 2022 / lnorwood10

Did a quick trip out around town. We finally ended up going to Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café. It’s a cool little restaurant around town. We have been waiting till Covid had settled down some. We are so glade we did. The staff was stuffing people in on top of one another just like pre-Covid.

For the food it was good but it is over priced for what you get. I keep thinking that I could actually make this at home. It might not look as good but what I cook would taste better. Her are some shots of what we got.

So it looked small but it weighed way more than it looked like it would. I really felt sorry for the delivery guy. Anyway getting it up the stairs was a struggle and took a lot of effort.

Oh I also mentioned that the we got sheets, pillows, and mattress cover. The pillows are king size

After a lot of work we finally ended up getting the mattress on the bed, sheets on the bed, and pillows in place.

The first night was so much better but we will be back in a few months to tell you how the mattress is standing up.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

March 9, 2020 / lnorwood10

For those of you not aware Lucky 32 has been around a long time. It provides a unique twist on southern food, which is always a treat to go too.

Recently I had the opportunity to go to the Lucky 32 in Cary, NC. I thought this was great as it would give me an opportunity to give everyone here some feed back on a great eatery.

The night we were there was a busy but they were able to fit my party of 2 in without waiting. The service was good. The server was engaging and shared information about the specials and some of there favorites. I ended up going to with one of the specials sea scallops and a side. This was great because I always get a fried grit cake when I go there. I would suggest going to Lucky 32 just for the fried grit cake and red eye grave if you ever want a snack.

The meal came out quickly and was very tasty. I was extremely pleased. In fact I was so happy with the meal I had to order desert, bread pudding with caramel souse.

Yes, that is ice cream you see in the picture, and it was an excellent addition to the warm bread pudding.

So if you are in the area drop in and give Lucky 32 a try. They have great food and a menu that changes with the season.

LG Gram 17 (2020): The Little Giant

March 9, 2020 / lnorwood10

LG gram 17 (2020) review: The best big Ultrabook around just got even better

We recently obtained a LG Gram 17 (2020) for a long-term review due to the excellent buzz that is going around about the topic. As it turns out this is one of the smallest 17-inch Ultrabook you can get. Basically, you get a 16:10 17-inch display in effectively a 15-inch notebook that weighs just 2.95lbs (1.35kg).

This first post is going to be short as we have not had much time to actually use the device, but I wanted to post a few pictures of the packaging and what comes in the box.

Gram Accessories. The USB-C to Ethernet dongle is nice.

More info to come as we gain experience and try to answer the question on should we buy this for our travels?

Pass the Old El Paso

February 4, 2020 / lnorwood10

Hello again. I would like to thank you for reading my blog. It has been a fund and challenging experience starting to get it off the ground. But I am happy to bring to you the first real travel post.

I just recently got back from a trip to El Paso TX, and it was a remarkably interesting place. El Paso is located on the border of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. Within 20 minutes you can see two states and another country. This leads to a very divers and interesting culture. On advice from some local friends I did not venture into Juarez, Mexico but I did go to New Mexico. I did go to the Mexican border. Where I saw the boarder wall (let’s be honest, it’s a fence) and the mass of people moving back and forth between the two cities. It was like something I saw in history class of the checkpoints in Berlin during the Cold War.

Anyway, it is a sight but do not go during rush hour. Big mistake on my part. It will take you forever to get away from people trying to get home after a long day at work. I would suggest that if you want to drive down the interstate that follows the boarder wall do it during the middle of the day. There is significantly less traffic.

Is El Paso Safe?

Before I go to far let me address the elephant in the room, “Is El Paso Safe?”. I would have to say unequivocally, YES. El Paso on a whole has a very low crime rate for a city it’s size. You need to remember that El Paso is the home to many local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. That gives a medium size city a disproportionate police presence to its size. So, go visit El Paso. See the people and experience the culture of Texas westernmost city.

What is there to do in El Paso? If you enjoy the outdoors there are tones of hiking trails in the Franklin Mountains State park, which is less than an hour outside of town. The Wyler Aerial Tramway which takes visitors up 4,692 feet for a view of the city was highly recommended as a must do activity. If you want something a little low key. The oldest continually operating parish in the State of Texas can be found there along with two other Spanish Missions. This is a great chance to see authentic Spanish mission construction in person.

While in El Paso I had the pleasure of staying that the Hotel Indigo: El Paso Downtown. This hotel provided good accommodations as well as excellent views. The downtown location provided numerous eateries within walking distance. So after a day of sightseeing you will not have to take the car out again to get dinner.

Speaking of food I should really mention some of the different place that I tried while there.

Mamacitas Cafe and Cantina the restaurant in the Hotel Indigo

This was my first dining experience of the El Paso week and to be honest I did not anticipate much out of a hotel restaurant. I wish I could say that the restaurant made me want to eat every meal here, but it did not.

Let us start with the décor. I think they are going with an art’s, eclectic feel. Or they furnished the restaurant on a very tight budget. The table had mis-matched chairs, or the chairs were so low to the ground you more reclined in them than sat. The service was not the greatest. We had excessively long waits to have our order taken, which was followed by another long wait to get our food. (Later in the week we found out the restaurant waiters were also responsible for taking up room services so that might have contributed to the long wait times) One last note on the service. I really do not think it is acceptable not to be able to tell the customer what beer you are trying to sell them. I asked two different staff members, and neither could tell me the names of the beers they had on tap. They could tell me the styles but that was it.

Now we come to my real problem with the restaurant, the food. It was good. I would even go as far as to say it was really good. If the food had been bad, I could have written this place off and never looked back, but the quality and flavors of the food they served sort of made the experience a wash. Maybe on another night the service would have been good as the food and I would be writing a glowing review but as it is, I can only suggest it as a fallback to other places.

Park Tavern

The next night tried the Park Tavern. The food was a little on the pricy side, but of excellent quality. The restaurant is designed to give semiprivate booths to allow for conversations without obstructing views of the entire restaurant. The decor is done up well with tastefully done furniture that is comfortable to sit in. It was a pleasant change from the day before. As for the food, I went with the Chicken Piccata followed by the Peach & Blackberry Tart. This meal was great. The food was wonderful. The server was helpful and friendly, while not being annoying. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

State Line Restaurant

The next place I would like to mention is the State Line Restaurant. The restaurant is in New Mexico which is about 15 minutes from downtown El Paso. This barbecue restaurant came highly recommend and for good reason. The food is reasonably priced and is full of flavor. I selected the ribs and brisket plate for my meal. I was not disappointed. Now let me interject something here. I am a self-proclaimed banana pudding snob. I prefer the traditional custard approach to banana pudding as opposed to the Jell-O or non-cook style. As the State Line does not cook their banana pudding and uses only whip cream as a topping I passed. Memphis I will be back. Sorry flash back. Anyway, I grabbed some of their excellent apple cobbler which came with a scoop of ice cream and caramel drizzle. Let us say I ate to much that meal but did not regret it at all.

L and J Café

Ok if you can eat in only one place in El Paso make it L and J Café. It is a hole in the wall located next to a cemetery. I was told do not be afraid it looks like a dive, but the food is great. They were so right. This is the kid of place you would not find if you were not a local. The food is authentic, reasonably priced, and very tasty. I got their chicken enchiladas. I have to say their approach to enchiladas is different than what I am us to. Instead of putting the chicken in the enchiladas. You are given two cheese enchiladas with shredded chicken piled on top. I though it was a great idea. If I every get back to El Paso I will be going back to eat here.

There were other stops on my trip that I might get around to posting about. We will see. Anyway, I’ll be back soon till then don’t forget to bring your towel.

Volt : December Update

January 20, 2020 / lnorwood10

Hello everyone one and welcome to my first report on the 2017 Chevy Volt. Over the first month of ownership I’ve been formulating my opinion of the Volt. I should add some information of other cars I have been driving recently. I am coming off of a 2013 Nissan Leaf. The family has a 2013 Chevy Volt plus the 2013 Toyota Prius that is also part of this long term review. To start off, the Volt is definitely different from the Leaf that I was driving but after a couple of days of use it has become extremely comfortable car to drive.

Overwhelmingly, the 2017 Volt is a fantastic car that will fit into many people’s lives and probably was one of the most functional mass-market electric cars a US manufacturer has produced in recent years.. It is a shame the 2019 was the last year for this car. It’s mix of electric and gasoline make it a great option or ares of the country where the electric car infrastructure has not matured.

I think we are still a few years away from having good electric infrastructure in the US to be as convenient as gas – at which point it will become more convenient to use all electric. Sure, almost every house, building and structure has an electrical outlet which can charge on level 1 or 2 (and the 2017 Volt does both levels of AC charging), meaning you wake up every morning with a full 53 mile “tank” of electricity. But to finally close the convenience gap of gasoline and frankly beyond, pure electric cars need to be outfitted with high power DC chargers and long range batteries which are not here yet.

As a former pure electric car owner, there were a lot of times I had to modify my plans to go everywhere I needed to go on my Leaf’s 50 mile range. It was virtually impossible to travel to my parents’ house and back in a single day. They did not have a level 2 charger so I could only use level 1 charging which would have required an overnight stay to have enough charge to get home. The Leaf was suffering from substantial battery degradation and the battery replacement cost more than the value of the car. Which eventually culminated in the purchase of the Volt.

Speaking of the Volt, every morning when you wake up with the 2017 Chevy Volt can be ready to go with a 53 real miles of EV usage, which is a significantly more accurate estimation than the Leaf provided. If you have a huge commute (over 25 miles), you can opt to charge at work and drive 53 miles of pure electric back. Some people will never finish the tank of gas that comes with their Volt. In fact that is what I have been doing for this first month. I have a charging station at work which allows me to charge for free. As such I charge there most of the time with only occasionally charging at home on the weekends.

The best part of the Volt is when you need to take the “off the beaten path” and switch into gas, the Volt does so elegantly and seamlessly. The internal combustion engine kicks in and you get a very respectable 42 miles per gallon and over 400 miles of total range. Chevy should be applauded for their efforts in building a car that makes the transition to electricity 100% totally painless for just about anyone.

Chevy has somehow fit two separate powertrains into a mid-sized car and still has respectable room in the trunk and back seat. The car also performs as well as any sudan. The EV acceleration will get you to highway speeds in under 7 seconds while lugging a dormant ICE powertrain along for the ride. The acceleration will surprise and delight you if you’ve never driven electric and the sports mode make the car more responsive and fun to drive.

Chevy has also toned down the “look at me, I’m a weird EV” factor in the 2017 Volt design. The 2017 Chevy Volt looks a lot like other sporty mid-sized cars The interior is also extremely nice, highlighted by the captive touch center console display which works great with Android Auto. The seats are comfortable, there are cup holders where they need and the inside experience is fantastic. I would also like to point out that the internal cabin space for the rear seat has improved over the 2013 model.

So far the Volt has performed better than anticipated. There are a few bells and whistles that I miss from the Leaf but that is to be expected since I moved from the top of the line to the middle range entry but where it counts there has been only improvements. The improved range, comfort, and handling out way the gimmicky 360 camera views that were only used in rare occasions.

Finally, what has it cost to operate the Volt for the first month? NOTHING. That’s right I have not had to send any money on the Volt in the first month of ownership. All the electricity I have used has come from free charging stations. Additionally, I still have about nearly a full tank of gas which the dealership provided when I bought the car. As ongoing cost go this is great.