| ra3boy |
Just took MSF (Motorcycle Safety Fundation) course and got my
motorcycle's endorsment. I'm getting a04/05 Honda VTX 1300C, Black.
Anyone rides here? If yes, what are your rides? |
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| Jim C |
Hey Ra3boy:
Been riding for over eight years. Started with the MSF course (like you) and got my first bike a year after that - a 1990 Suzuki VX800 (think naked Suzuki Bandit with a V-Twin). I typically ride to work and take a longish trip in the Spring from the Mid-Atlantic down to Georgia (north of Hotlanta) and back along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also usually get together with some buds on a fall ride somewhere in the West Virginia or Pennsylvania area.
Sounds like you just started out. You definitely did the smart thing by taking the MSF course. Statistically, you've improved your changes of NOT having a serious crash by about 75%. You also have a very large and powerful bike as a first ride. BE CAREFUL. Lots of folks say they can handle a large machine as a first ride. Frankly, when I owned a Yam 600R (think super fast, light sportbike), I had trouble keeping the speed down. I never even came close to crashing that bike and had a whale of a lot of fun. The guy I sold it to totaled it inside of four months - AND he took the MSF course and was warned to take it easy. Not trying to scare you, just make sure you have full respect for the power of the machine you've got.
Have fun, wear the protective gear and never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly!
Rubber side down - Jim |
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| BigRedNJ |
I ride a harley sportster 1200 custom. Also my first real bike. I tend to beleive you can learn on a bigger bike, but I definately agree you have to start out with lots of respect for the machine. I also took the msf course, and I practice u-turns and rear skids every now and then in a parking lot.
BTW that's one heck of a first bike you're getting there. Take care of it and yourself.
Ride safe. |
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| jaak |
Started Motocross riding in 1972, got my licence in 1974, had
Suzuki 80, Yamaha 100, Kawasaki 125, Kawasaki 450 motocross (2 stroke beast), 2 x Triumph 500's, 5 Kawasaki H1 Triples (500), 2 Kawasaki H2 Triples (750), and I'm sure there's a few I've forgotten. Helped build and rebuild a number of bikes as well as my own, including choppers and numerous sport bikes. Was once accused of having a Yoshimura Triumph, due to some funny lies of a friend of mine and it's surprising speed for a number of Japanese bike owners. (Plus an insane rider)
Haven't ridden one lately 'cause traffic's too stupid in Toronto these days, but always lusted after anything two stroke and fast, and a few of the sweet four stroke fast sport bikes. Love anything on two wheels really and I satisfy my jones for two riding with a sweet mountain bike.
I've had people look at the 4 piston hydraulic calipers and comlain that their car doesn't even have that.
Keeps me on two wheels, away from cars that want to kill me and gives me excercise. But I still crave 60 mph wheelies.:D
The attached pic is my first Kawi 500, a 1972 H1B before it was visibly turned into a race bike, but it's already ported and polished here.... (and for those that don't know, this was the world's fastest production motorcycle, when it was released in 1969. In 1972, they brought out the 750 version.)
The snow's still melting on the ground, there's gravel all over the roads, I had to take my buddy somewhere, and he got sick of waiting for me, so he decided to lie down....
I came out, ran back in, laughed my head off, got a camera, and took the pic. His response? " WTF took you so long???" |
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| jaak |
Oh, and it's good to practice sliding, if you can manage to do it. My motocross experience, allowed me to gas it and drift the street bike like a flat tracker, but more importantly, saved my bacon, when I hit a corner covered in motor oil.
Go rent a motocross bike and take a motocross course, if there's one available near you. The skills you learn and make habit there, can save your life, on the road, in a bad situation.
And yes, drive with respect for the bike you're on. You can be dead, or worse, seriously injured, in an instant of stupidity either by you, or another driver.
And ride like every car driver around you, can't see you. Because most of them, won't. |
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| ra3boy |
Thank you all for good words.
Well, did anyone say ,"way too big for the first bike"?
You'll have to wait till you hear what I almost got myself into.
There are very good deals on 2003 VTX 1800, like $7499 for a bike with $12, 9000 MSRP. I spent an hour at stealer digging this monster. Boy....this thing is BIG. 705Lbs (dry)!!! I'm only... 200 and 5:9.
After some research on http://www.vtxoa.com/
I've decided on 1300. It just fits and feels right.
BTW I don't get that kinda war going on between Harley's and metric bike's riders. I do respect one's choice no matter what.
I'm out. Weather permits..... |
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| turbodog |
| My timeline is similar to jaak's, but fewer bikes. Started with a Suzuki GT500, then a Yamaha RD400, then a Honda CB400F, then a Yamaha XV920RH, then my current 1987 Kawasaki Concours. |
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| Jim C |
1300 is big for a first bike. But one thing my wife has taught me by example - you can't tell other people how to have their fun. You can caution (i.e., "respect the bike"), but you can't dictate their lives. People still come up to my wife after learning that I ride and ask "you LET him have a motorcycle?" Her response - "at 3X years old, he's old enough to decide for himself what he wants to do."
Keep the shiny side up!
ps: I'm with you re: brands/styles. Doesn't matter if you like HD's or foreign bikes, cruisers or sports bikes (or standards). We're all riders. Accordingly, I wave to all riders (although I admit the percentage of return waves from riders of a certain American brand of motorcycle is much lower than others!). |
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| BigRedNJ |
That is a sweet looking ride. How does it sound? Does it have the higher, softer metric sound, or deep throaty big twin sound?
As far as I'm concerned there's no war between metric/sportbike/hd whatever. You may get snubbed a few times more from hd riders, but then again I've seen many many more sportbike riders pulling wheelies through on-ramps and splitting lanes and such. Yeah there's a bad apple in every bunch. But don't let that make you overlook all the good apples.
I also wave to everyone on 2 wheels (sometimes 3). I even wave accross concrete barriers on the turnpike or parkway. The motorcycle brotherhood is one of the greatest things about getting a bike.
here's my ride:
Ride safe. |
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| jaak |
Sigh... I'm looking at the pictures, and that damn bug that bit me 30 years ago, is acting up. I want one! (Actually five, but that's another story)
Turbo, I had friends with lots of the Yamaha twins, so I've ridden the R5, the RD350, RD400 RD350LC and loved them all. Always wanted to ride an OW31, which was the one Kenny Roberts was shredding race tires with, in the seventies.
I think, I feel a tear come to my eye... No, better not buy one, I'd like it to much!:D |
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| hfelknor |
First machine almost 50 years ago when I was 21 years old.
Rode on the back of a Triumph up to a MC shop w/my buddy.
Bought a 48 Harley stick shift, cash.
Asked the guy how you started it and he about died.
He asked if I had ever driven a bike and I admitted that I had never ridden in the front seat, and this 50 mile trip was the first time I had ever been on one.
He told me to take it around the block.
Got on it an took off for Myrtle Beach AFB where I was stationed.
About 2 months later I took it back for servicing and the guy asked why I hadn't come back.
Well heck, he hadn't taught me how to turn the thing.
I had several bikes after that.
A Triumph Bonneville, a 750 English Indian, a BSA 500 Gold Star single, a Cuinese Yamaguchi 98 CC (In China), a Kawasaki 500 cc triple and finally a Honda Gold wing. I sold the Wing when I was 42 years old and haven't forked one since.
Love the bikes. Don't like sharing the road with the 4 wheelers.
Homer |
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| jaak |
Homer, anyone who's had the joy of riding a Kawi 500 Triple with the flexi-flyer frame get's bonus points in my book. I'm impressed!
Below, this 750 triple had the top of the tank caved in from the previous owner's helmet, a broken crank and a few other little bruises and was generally neglected and abused. Jaak gave it new life, made it very happy to be alive and here it is, just before it's reborn maiden voyage. I told the painter, who was paid in alcohol, dark red. He added white, so it wasn't long before it was repainted!
Yes, the picture's from the 70's. I told my wife I'm Eric, from That 70's Show. She says no way, you're Kelso.... |
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| mgthe3 |
Yo jaak...I remember sittin in the park in front of my high school in 72 watchin these 4 guys on their kaw 750's doing quad wheelies for 2 blocks down the street in front of the school--every day.
Later I did the motoX thing, but always dreamed of having a super bike. I got to ride an R1 one day....happy I don't own it--I'd be dead.
:D |
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| jaak |
Yeah, Wheelie, shift, shift, hmmm... how fast am I going, the speedo reads off the front wheel...
I found out after my fun, that this is considered Dangerous Driving, which is not something you would want to be charged with.
So every Birthday, my wife asks me how I feel to be this old. I tell her I'm delighted, because in my early twenties, I didn't think I'd make it past 30. Wow, 45 and still alive. I must have smartened up somewhere along the line...
But it's still fun to remember and I still love to ride. I just don't go nuts anymore. A friend of mine was run over by a car from behind when he was 17 as he was making a left turn on his bike. We're about 7 months apart in age. He's been stuck in a wheelchair ever since, but one of the most positive people I've ever had the pleasure to know. A couple years back, he got a bike with a sidecar that takes his wheelchair, and he pulls himself on to the bike and rides with hand controls. And he's done some epic rides... Keeps me grounded too, when I think about him. Feels very close to home.
Speaking of the seventies, I remember four guys streaking on their bikes in front of our High School. Well, OK, they weren't completely naked, they had on helmets and shoes.
I Like the R1, but never got to ride one... Yeah, you have to have respect for it's abilities or it will trash you. I remember being told that by a girl in my class who raced. Her dad owned one of the local Motorcycle dealers... Every guys dream date! She was very cute too! |
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| hfelknor |
Geeze. A two stroke girl. No wait. That didn't sound right.
Sum guys have all the luck.
Homer |
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| BigRedNJ |
Better than a 4-banger I suppose...
Hey jaak much respect for your friend in the wheelchair. I've never heard of such a thing. I think that's great he doesn't let anything stand in the way of the wind. |
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| Jim C |
Then there's the shorthand that sounds bad unless you know engines:
Suck
Squeeze
Bang
Blow |
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| jaak |
| Ah, yes, a classic... The four stroke cycle. |
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| hfelknor |
A REAL classic was the Arial Square Four.
Homer |
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| ra3boy |
As usual, dealer had Candy Red only in stosk. So now I'm killing myself doing slow u-turns and emergency braking in 95F weather.
All gear is on: Joe Rocket's Hard Drive jacket, Nolan Outlaw( 3/4+ shield) helmet, boots, gloves .. an extra pare of underwear???
Boy, this thing is BIG and Fast!!! Frankly, I'm intimidated...
I'm trying to take it as easy as I can.
Somebody was asking about how this thing sounds...
Sounds like slightly muffled Harley or loud sewing mashine
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| jaak |
Yes it is big and fast and it will hurt you bad if you do something stupid. But it's beautiful and as your riding skills develop, you'll come to love it.... It's like getting bit by a bug that never leaves you. The craving is always there to go for a ride.:p
Homer, I knew a guy, many years back, that had an Ariel and a Vincent. He used to tell other riders he had Vin-Ariel disease...
They were both beautiful bikes! |
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| BigRedNJ |
Be sure to take the time to break that engine in properly.
I might be taking a ride down to the shore tomorrow with the wife. Installed the sissy bar thursday night. |
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| zeddic |
| Been riding for 5 years now and still on my beginner bike. Suzuki Katana 600, bought it used off a buddy who I convinced to buy a GSX-R 1000 and sell me his Katana. 2 weeks later his brother and another friend bought GSX-R 1000's... go figure. I took the MSF course around here also, and it was probably the best $300 I ever spent. I have to say tho, after getting my MO this Feb I haven't been riding that much... |
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| Jim C |
| Ha ha!! I'm noticing the same thing. Used to ride into work all the time. Now its the Mo that carries me in most days!! That may change with cooler fall weather coming. Still, lots to be said for the comfort and convenience of the Mo. At least there's no full face helmet to strap on! |
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| PrincessK |
I've been riding since I was 9 years old (41 now). Currently ride a 2002 HD Sportster Custom. Bought it 2 years ago brand new, just paid it off this summer.
Oh yeah, this is PrincessK's husband. Just call me KrustyTC (Krusty The Clown).
later,
KrustyTC |
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| cmy004 |
I've been riding since '96. It was prompted out of necessity...parking hassles at college.
I have an '84 Yamaha Virago and usually go riding with my dad and brother. We try to have a "family" ride on New Years day as a way to start off the year.
Not bad for a girl! :D |
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| jaak |
| Here's my current bike... |
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| ra3boy |
I went to Sandy Hook, 75 Miles one way, on last Sunday,
and I met lots of MUrano's on Garden State Parkway.
There were at least 12 cars going my way in 40 minutes time period.
I was looking at every car hopping that someone will
recognize me. But then I realized that all they could see
was holding on to his life dude in a helmet:D
I didn't see any in oncoming traffic-had to hold on
to the bars:D Who invetnted speed limit signs?
Does anyone keep posted speed?
BigRedNJ, how do you keep with the flow on GSP at 80 plus Mph?
Here is the latest pic of my baby
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| Murano27 |
I ride and race every chance I get. Soon I will be adding the hidden hitch to my MO so I can go to the races in style!
Be safe and enjoy! |
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| Überbiker |
Motorcycles? I love motorcycles!
I ride a BMW R1200C.
In 1968, I rode from Pittsburgh PA to San Francisco CA on a Yamaha 305! My butt is still sore! |
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| TonyD(90Z32TT) |
| Ive been bikeless for 3 years now and I am dying to go for a ride. Have had KX80, 80 something 250 SX 3-wheeler,'89 Husqavarna 500 CR (Da Beast), '79 KZ650 (first street bike), (2) '89CBR 600 Hurricanes, '93 Katana 600, 94 CBR 900RR and want a V-Rod!! BTW Uberbike I work in Reston :) |
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| Trev |
Nice to see some other riders here! I always start aching to get my bike out this time of year. Still lots of sand and slop around but it shouldn't be long now.
I just have to do a valve service and sync the carbs and should be ready to go.
Planning a couple of trips through the Rockies to some great twisties in southern B.C. this summer. |
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| SiriusDriver |
| I started out with the MSF course and then bought a 94 Kawi ZX-6, loved that bike. I've since done a military MSF, on and off-road course which were very similar to the civilian course, just slightly more aggressive, hehe.:D This was done on a Kawi KLR250. Now I own a 96 Kawi Vulcan 800, which has been on the road already this year. That is all... hehe |
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| Dalite |
I have an '81 Ironhead Sportster with 8K actual miles.
It is one of those AMF 997cc models
I have been riding since the early '70s. |
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| jaak |
Still have a brochure for a 1972 Kawi 750, the "Widowmaker"... My favourite all time adrenaline rush. First ride of the season, I'd go for a short 5 minute drive, stop, and see how still I could hold my hands.
It was usually not possible to make them shake less than an inch up and down.
:D |
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| Trev |
I had that Kawi 750 2 stroke triple (and the 500). With that rubbery suspension and peaky powerband you pulled the trigger , held on and hoped for the best. :eek:
I also remember the AMF/ Harley era. Every year at the bike show in the antique section there sits an old purple AMF/Harley Enduro with scrambler pipes w/o the front fender. Very nostalgic perusing those old bikes. |
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| jaak |
Yeah, I had two 750's and 5 500's... Slightly in love with them.
500's cg was lower so it threw people off, less than the 750, which if you didn't know what you were doing and rode beyond your skill level, could high side you into the air.
The 500's rode like there was a rubber hinge in the middle of the frame. Swingarm reinforcement or replacement and additional bracing between the frame tubes under the tank, helped eliminate that. But if it didn't bug you, you could still go fast through corners.
I kept wearing down the pegs. Good thing they folded!
Ahhh... Memories... K&N's for that nice howl on the intake, Denco chambers for less weight and that nice crackle off the exhaust, cut the pistons to change the intake timing and port the transfers and exhaust and polish the whole thing. The 750 pulled nicely, until it hit the powerband, felt like you've just been rear ended by a speeding truck and all heck breaks loose with the front end floating into the air. And that's at 60 mph.
Sigh... I miss it. But I suppose I'm still alive and have a licence, because I no longer have it!:D
One day a "friend" of mine sprayed some nice silicone coating on my seat to give it a nice shine. Looked great!
Got on the highway, gassed it and almost slid off the back! There I was, with my butt on the tail, my fingertips on the grips and the bike still accelerating. Had to "walk" my hands back on to the grips so I could reduce throttle and pull myself forward again.
So every year I have a birthday, I'm happy to still be alive. That was just one of a number of "exciting" episodes!:D |
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| jaak |
quote:
Originally posted by Trev
I also remember the AMF/ Harley era. Every year at the bike show in the antique section there sits an old purple AMF/Harley Enduro with scrambler pipes w/o the front fender. Very nostalgic perusing those old bikes.
Reminds me of one of the Triumphs I had with scrambler pipes....
Both me and my neighbour were into bikes. I kept my bikes in his garage, as I didn't have one. At one point, we had 14 between the pair of us. When the bug bites, it bites hard. And you never lose it.
I would be surprised if there's someone here that could honestly say they would never want to ride again. (safety concerns aside in heavy urban traffic) It's like the craving is always there.
Makes me understand addictions.:p |
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| ra3boy |
Here is an update:
Buddy of mine made me sell my VTX1300C to him(he kept on begging for a few months) so I bought hm...VTX 1800C.
Same color, a bit bigger :) Fuel Injected,Linked Brake System, Radial Tires, 97Hp/114Tourque and lot's of other goodies.
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| Trev |
| Sweet ride ra3boy. :4: Some stump pulling torque there!! The VTX is one of the few cruisers that I am able to get a comfortable seating position on. |
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| dejongj |
| And there was me getting all excited, talking about horses, just to find out another difference between UK and US english :D |
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| Dalite |
| I'm new to image posting here..... |
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