Motorcycle Advice

[hr3]

OK..Rob & Reg 16% of a Harley is made offshore,,someone here said,, When I say buy American to help America Companys.. If you buy a "Metric" 100% of the parts are offshore and the only money that stays here is the stores profit on the item. At least when an Americam product is bought the money stays here at home,,

Now see what you started Eddie..lol

 

[Frosty2]

Eddie,
Understand your desire to be "out and about", but I have to agree with most of the grayhairs . GET YOUR SELF A CAR!
It really doesn't matter if you are the BEST driver in the world,what you have to be concerned with is some teenager
with about three hours driving experience driving a raised 3 ton pick up truck, trying to impress his girlfriend.
Let's see, you 225+750lbs for the bike=1000lbs
Pick up truck=6000lbs
Get my point?
You know what we used to call motorcycle riders(particularly those w/o helmets.)
Body part donors on wheels

Hey, How many bikes have you owned? The thread started out as what kind of bike should I get because I'm interested in getting one. Not why I'm scared to ride a motorcycle. Remember everyone dies, but not everyone lives. Live life to its fullest. if you don't want to do something don't do it, but please don't try and change peoples dreams because your scared. As a Biker these stories do nothing but make me realize that some will never enjoy what motorcycling has to offer. That's a shame. Heck, maybe we should wear a helmet while driving a tractor, or walking down the street. Never know when that out of control driver will get you. Eddie, I hope the replies from the killjoys will not sway you from enjoying your life....

 

[Dozernut]

Eddie,
Understand your desire to be "out and about", but I have to agree with most of the grayhairs .

Hey, I resemble that remark! This "Gray-hair" still rides a bike although it is not as easy with arthritis in my hips and knees. I am seriously thinking about a trike, then I can put my "biker Chick" on the back and go . I am not so concerned about the younger drivers as I am about the large trucks. Out in AZ. a couple of weeks ago a garbage truck ran into the back of ten bikes at a stop light. Last I heard five had died, the driver had been checking his paperwork. If it was a small car or cars they would have been just as dead. I try to avoid the routes with big trucks and heavy traffic.

 

[CurlyDave]

SkyPup's adventure is why I don't commute or ride much in town.

I quit riding in my late 20s when I was almost killed by a station wagon full of nuns.

Getting on a freeway at a very complex intersection, the sister driving the station wagon was inexperienced and confused and stopped at the end of the on-ramp right in front of me, instead of merging with the traffic. I was completely absorbed in looking at the traffic I was going to have to merge with...

"There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots." Same thing for bike riders.

 

[FallbrookFarmer]

Hey, How many bikes have you owned? The thread started out as what kind of bike should I get because I'm interested in getting one. Not why I'm scared to ride a motorcycle. Remember everyone dies, but not everyone lives. Live life to its fullest. if you don't want to do something don't do it, but please don't try and change peoples dreams because your scared. As a Biker these stories do nothing but make me realize that some will never enjoy what motorcycling has to offer. That's a shame. Heck, maybe we should wear a helmet while driving a tractor, or walking down the street. Never know when that out of control driver will get you. Eddie, I hope the replies from the killjoys will not sway you from enjoying your life....

Let's see, first one was a 67 Honda CL160 Scrambler
,Suzuki 185Dirt Bike(?) Honda Silverwing(before it was a scooter)
So, I'm not necessarily anti-bike, Heck, there a blast,
Used to pull my daughter and all her friends on sleds across the fields, great fun.
BUT, one of the reasons that I do have these grayhairs, is that you learn that if you continue to bet against the house, eventuality you going to lose.
IMHO I'd like to have a little steel around me if I'm going to play bump-em cars

 

[EddieWalker]

No need to worry about those who are advising caution. I appreciate everones view and haven't decided what to do just yet. My divorce won't be final for another month, and I'm not to doing anything until I'm legally single. It's not about her, but it is about keeping on taget and focussing on ending that part of my life before staring a new chapter.

I realize that crashing is a part of riding, and that the odds are higher on a bike then in a car. I also know that some people have had allot of accidents, while others go their entire life without ever having an accident. I like the idea of a helmet, gloves and leather. It just makes sense to me.

As for what to by, I know more today then I did yesterday because of everyones recomendations and suggestion. Overall, a few things are coming out again and again. Type, size and brand information. These are all things that I'm ignorant of, and without those suggestions, I wouldn't even know what questions to ask, much less make an intelegent decision.

Thanks to everyone who's offering advice. There is no bad advice when the guy asking for it doesn't know anything.
Eddie

 

[IH3444]

Having started on mini bikes, and progressed up to a Honda V65 1100cc, V4, twin overhead cam, water cooled street bike, took a total of 42 motorcycles. 70s, 90s, 100s, 125s, 160s, 250s, 350s, 400s, 550s, 650s, 750s, skipped 900s, finally a few 1100cc. Hop up kits, tuning kits etc. Whatever you get Eddie, please be very safe. I now only ride the Suzuki DR650S Dual Sport. A buddy just got hit while on his Harley....lucky feller only has his left leg broke in 3 places. His wife just dumped her 883 last November. No injuries, just shook up quite a bit. Remember that our reflexs slow down also as we age, and that saki and Kawasaki don't mix very well. I also had the motorcycle safety course. One of the best classes I ever attended. Never had a bad street accident. Had a few bad dirt bike ones tho. Nothing serious, or lasting.

Glad you are OK Skypup!

Oh yea Eddie.....you need Japanese steel.

 

[Frosty2]

FallbrookFarmer, Sorry if I came off too harsh. One of the things I hear when I'm out on the road is how someones Uncle (insert name here) was hit by a (insert vehicle here) and died young. I remind them of my Uncle (well not really an Uncle but a friend of the family) that lived to be 97 but was afraid to come out of his house for the last 30 years. I tell them that their relative had a better life. Life is funny like that. I'm 50 now with a little gray and I'll have some great stories to tell my grandkids when I have them lol. I plan on living life and having fun. Motorcycles are that for me.

 

[Ray_Fort_White]

I've got a 2000 Honda ST1100 and a 1999 BMW R1100RT. Those are 2 of the best long distance bikes. I prefer the BMW for long camping trips because it will carry a lot of weight, tent, stove, and such stuff. The Honda seems better for riding 2 up. I treat those bikes much like a car, put in gas, change the oil every 6,000 miles and wash them once a year whether or not they need it. Both go about 12,000 miles on a set of tire and get about 42 m.p.g.

The BMW folks and the Honda Gold Wing riders seem to be the real long distance champions. Both groups think a Sunday Lunch ride should be several hundred miles.

I've had Harleys. They're just too hot for Florida. The BMW doesn't toast you when you stop at a light. I can put my hand on the cylinder head for several seconds without a burn. I always enjoyed showing that to Harley riders and dare them to do that on their bike.

Ray

 

[RobertN]

Oh, I agree. Been riding HD for years; my wife has been riding(solo, not passenger) on Harley's since late 70's. My bike is an early EVO, and is getting old by all these whippersnappers, but I like it and will keep it for a long time to come.

In regard to Metrics though, I would call them that instead of imports. Kawasaki has been building their larger bikes in Nebraska for a long time. Honda makes their big bikes here. Engines, frames ect are made here just like my beloved Harley. Kinda like the Toyota Tundra; although it is not my cup of the, it is built here. Of US made components.

I still try to buy here, support US companies.

There is just getting to be more and more of a gray line there though.

OK..Rob & Reg 16% of a Harley is made offshore,,someone here said,, When I say buy American to help America Companys.. If you buy a "Metric" 100% of the parts are offshore and the only money that stays here is the stores profit on the item. At least when an Americam product is bought the money stays here at home,,

Now see what you started Eddie..lol

 

[arrow]

Aren't those the bikes that you have to pull the exhaust header to change the oil? I might be confused--never owned one myself. . . .

Jim

Yes they are but is quickly remedied with a remote oil filter kit that takes less than a half hour to put on and makes an oil change about a 5 minute affair.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Ok Eddie, I've been riding bikes all my life. I don't like to ride at night or in a bunch of traffic(like Austin freeways). I know that you are on the upswing in your life and you'll soon be playing the dating game. So with that said, I'll show you the current bike of my dreams (if I hit the Lotto).

You will need a pair of smelly mops to keep the women off of this thing.:laughing:
Here's to your new life...

Ducati

You don't have to bend forward for crotch rocket push ups and it does seat two for when the opportunity arises to take a beautiful gal for a "ride in the country".

PS, I don't recommend anything bigger than a moped if you are the type to drink a bunch and feel bulletproof. If that's the case, get another car.

2nd PS, I like the red one...

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

PS #3, If you get one, I'll have to live vicariously thru you...

 

[SkyPup]

SkyPup that's like a scene from a B movie; glad you are ok. I would probably load my pants if it happened to me.
How did you feel getting back on the bike? My wife and I, freshly married went down on my Honda 750 and skidded cca 100 yards middle of the road with cars on both sides. Gotta say I was very careful driver for a long time after that.

I've got five motorcycles and ride all the time, everyday for 40 years now.

I always wear a full face Shoei or Arai helmet, heavy boots, heavy gloves, Aerostitch Crash Jacket with extra Spine Protector all the time throughout the year.

Worst wreck was two weeks after I graduated from college, I'd gone to a job interview and on the way home a semi-tractor rig ran a red light and T-boned me @ 50mph, his truck jacknifed into a large ditch and he died, I was in a coma for 12 days with severe internal bleeding but docs could not operate due to unconscious. Had lots of physical and mental therapy after that but went on to finish graduate school.

I also race go-karts competitively on the national scale in the Road Racing series on the big tracks (Daytona, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, etc.) at speeds of 115mph for 30 minute races.

My advice if you want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, get a 250cc two-stroke or a 450cc four-storke motocross dirt bike and head out into the woods, you'll either become an excellent rider or die trying!

Here is a nice video of my last race at the Daytona International 500 track back at Christmas, it is a 450MB download, but if you love RACING, you will love this video, I can guarantee that!

http://www.phossil.com/thom/Road Atlanta/Daytona/Daytona 2009 Open Sprint 1.wmv


Tell me that is not awesome......

 

[tjc1989]

.

I also want comfortable over flash or speed. I'm not in any hurry to get anywhere, and I don't want to be beaten up by the ride either.

The smaller and sportier you go, the less quality of ride. The really heavier bikes ( such as mine, a Yamaha Royal Star Venture ) are really heavy and hard to maneuver in slow and tight spaces. But the heavy rides are great for distance riding or commuting. I agree with your assessment of Honda motorcycles. I have had several. But, I really think that Yamaha has really been making a quality motorcycle for several years. And I believe a Yamaha model was suggested earlier. That would be a good one, especially since you haven't ridden in some time.

BMW is a great bike, just ugly in my opinion. But to be honest, I have always wanted a Harley before I die, so been thinking of a full dress Road King ror myself. Its too pricey, and most likely will not deliver the comfort of ride my Yamaha gives, but...........:licking:

 

[Frosty2]

BMW's are ugly for a reason. They are built to perform not for looks. At 55-60 mph everything gets quiet and the wind goes around you, not through you. Hard to describe but neat when you experience it the first time.

 

[B7510HSD]

Well Eddie looks like you have many idea's on whats a good bike for you....but in the end it's you that has to try them and make the choice....I would HIGHLY recommend you take the class on the provided bike get the feel of riding before looking at anything ,cheaper to spend $200 than make the mistake of buying one and changing your mind...easpecially with the resale on some of the models I see recommened...I have been riding for many years and have riden most that are out there and all I can say is there's nothing like the freedom of the ride!!!!
Good Luck with whatever you find and ride safe!! :thumbsup:

PS I now ride an Ultra Classic Harley and have never looked back!!! I call it my Road Sofa!!

 

[Reg]

Funny thing about putting both feet down flat.
After a couple of hours you realize that you don't need to, but by then you also figure out that you are on something that is hopelessly low to the ground, so there is no lean-over clearance and/or your knees are up under your chin.
I think that is why there are so many people riding around on their backs with their feet out in front of them - best explanation I can come up with (-:

QUOTE]

I ride a cruiser with a 26" seat height. There isn't much more twistier a road than the hills of West Virginia. Skyline Drive is another fun spot. Did not scrape the pegs once doing 65mph in the above mentioned area. Guys writing in cycle magazines about low clearance when riding cruisers ride all kinds of bikes and what they just got off of in terms of a race rocket and jump onto a cruiser and try to lean one as they did the sport bike and then complain about the lack of turning ability is meaningless in this context. Drive a cruiser as a cruiser and the low seat height becomes advantageous especially for someone just getting on a bike

Since you are in RI maybe we've seen each other at Laconia ?
I'm in Mass.
So VERY FEW of the folk on those bikes actually get ON THE TRACK, either for races or track days.
So I don't know if it is seat height, peg height, or what (-:


They hang out around Weird Beach, and that is it.

 

[Reg]

Hey Eddie,
Somewhere back there you said this;
"One thing that really has me baffled is how much power do I need? and why?"

It is almost impossible to answer and "power" comes in different flavors (despite the engineering definition as a rate of doing work).
There is the Sports car type, the tractor type and a lot of variations in between.
Two things for sure; 1) a 250 will feel WAY powerful at first 2) After a very short period you won't want LESS power (however defined).

"need" is another four letter word, 35 rear wheel horse power is probably all a guy of your (current) weight NEEDS.

I have a little over 140 at the rear wheel, even as a gray beard I would like MORE (-:

==================================================

Something implicit in the fact that a lot of us have had MANY bikes is that the first one helps you discover what you want for your next one.
Right now I think there are five in my garage.
They don't all "wear out" we just want something different.
Some of this is influenced by who we ride with, or at least hang out with.
SAFETY NOTE: Riding with others can be a danger all its own.
Don't get sucked into keeping up with other riders, they may not be deliberately trying to drop you or embarrass you, but it takes some experience to anticipate where others will slow and where they will accelerate.

Anyway, I don't think you should try to buy your "Forever" bike right away.
Get SOMETHING, almost ANYTHING to ride for a while and help you figure if you want into this long term and which direction you will take with your NEXT bike.

I know I said it earlier, but a beater dual sport might be the best choice for that and will have ADEQUATE power for your first year or so.

 

[ToadHill]

I rode an old 1938 Indian myself, then a 450 Honda but these things look like they might be fun, a trike in reverse.

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