zupatun

Excellent commentsTim C.  Thanks for adding to the discussion!

Just for precaution's sake, always leave a trip plan with a friend or family member...whether you're riding, looking at a bike, hiking or on business.  That way, if something should go wrong someone knows your plan--heck you may just run out of gas in an area with no cell coverage...or your cell battery died along with your charger.  

Taking a buddy is a good way to split up tasks so you can be objective AND observant.  What is the owner nervous about when you ask questions or poke around on the bike?  People will give you clues.  Also, a friend can keep you from being too "rosy" or too down on one thing and help you evaluate the overall value for the bike at which you're inspecting.

Lastly, if you choose to exercise your second amendment rights, responsible people practice, carry concealed and, generally, don't make a big deal about it.  It's like breathing, you don't notice it nor do your friends...but when you need it it's there.  IF you decide NOT to exercise those rights, that's OK too.  Personally, I've ridden with a friend who carries 24/7 (He's a cop) and you don't even notice it.  BTW it is useful riding around with a friend who is a LEO...just saying.  

Personally I grew up around hunting, practicing shooting at a young age--shotguns, rifles and handguns and I've served in the military so I don't get freaked out by the mere presence of a firearm, ammunition or the like.  I take people on how they behave.  My father and grandfather instilled respect for tools--he had no tip of his index finger from mis-using a table saw as an example and instilled a respect for the proper care and use of firearms as well as many other tools.  NO one here really bashed anybody about carrying, that's good, just expressing and questioning. No one should bash people who choose not to either--should flow both ways.

I'll amend my blog to add in the precautions above.

Matt