what did Gary Buy???

Henro · Sep 24, 2003

Man! After reading all this about what bikes have today I feel like I should crawl back under a rock or somethin' /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

When I rode...

I didn't have a windshield...

or a radio...

or a face shield for my helmet...

or even a rainsuit!

But I did have my grandpa's old police motorcycle jacket...

My bike sat outside year 'round...

I rode it in the snow and rain...

In winter the seat got hard because the moisture in it froze...

I leared to shake for a while till I got cold thru and thru, then I could stear easily again...after the young body settled down...

I became good at the "rag doll" method of crashing and bouncing along the road without breaking any bones...

I will confess that once I tried using a transistor radio and earphone...but the ignition noise trashed the signal so bad it was useless... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I didn't have a car at all...not until I was married and turned 25...

Man I gotta thank you guys for bringing back all these fond memories!

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 25, 2003

Bird,

I had to smile about the increasing engine sizes line. Here Honda's current big bike is 1832cc's and I think Yamaha (maybe Kawasaki) has something around 2000cc's for their 2004 bike. In the spring Triumph will begin shipping their new cruiser (not even a touring bike) powered by a 2296cc three cylinder power plant. At this rate I wouldn't be surpised if my GL1800 was replaced by a GL2500 in '05 or '06. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I remember thinking years back that 1000cc's was a HUGE bike. Now I wouldn't even want to tour on a bike that small. To be fair, I'm a little bigger than I was when the 1000's were the big bikes, but I'm NOT 80% bigger. And I'm absolutely not triple the size I was when I had a Triumph Bonneville 750, either. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

There are so many things like the increasing power on bikes, though. I actually remember standing in the computer store when I bought my first PC and uttering the words, "Why would anyone ever need a hard drive?" and that was a lot more recent than when I had the Triumphs or my first Goldwing. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The nice thing with the bikes is that while they've certainly gotten bigger and more powerful, they've actually gotten a lot better, too. I'm not talking about just things like on board global positioning systems and MP3 players, either. The handling on the new Goldwing is very much akin to a sport bike. The balance is phenominal. Not only can a professional ride actually scrape an engine guard in a high speed turn, but an old guy like me can drag his pegs or floorboards at a very moderate speed and be in full control all the way through.

While I'll freely admit I have no intention of testing the top end on my 1800 (variously reported as in the 130's stock and the low 140's with different exhaust and a couple other minor changes), I do like the idea of being able to have all the power I'll ever want when I need to get around someone on a two lane road.

The "go" is only one part of the equation. I've always wanted a good "whoa" on a bike, too. The Goldwing now actually has an automated braking system (ABS) on the 1800's. The ability to brake and steer effectively at the same time is a huge improvement in motorcycling. I think it's probably even more of a plus here than with cars and trucks, though I like it with those, too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Golfgar4 · Sep 25, 2003

( I remember thinking years back that 1000cc's was a HUGE bike. )

Gary,

I couldn't resist finally making a reply to all this talk about motorcycles.

You see, I rode a bike in high school and college, until one day a fellow in a nice new shiny car decided to turn directly in front of me. No details - let's just say that I've never had the urge to ride since then. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Anyway, here's my comment.

You mention that you remember when 1000 cc's were considered a HUGE bike? Well, I remember standing in the parking lot of our high school when I was a senior and I was talking with the other guys that rode "bikes". Our bikes at that time (late 60's) consisted of Honda 50's, 65's, and my really big 90! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Anyway, we were standing there when this guy rides in on a Honda 300 Dream - remember those?? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Our commnets were something along the lines of..."Why would anyone need a bike that large?" And..."Only a hoodlum (for you younger fellows, that means a gang banger!!) would ride that kind of bike!"

So I had to laugh when you said you remember thinking 1000 cc's were big! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Sep 26, 2003

Gary, I didn't even know they were coming out with engines of the sizes you mentioned. I bought one of my daughters a 50cc scooter when she was 15, and for myself, I've had 250cc, 305cc, 400cc, 650cc, 800cc, and 1200cc. But I guess in addition to engine size, I'd be concerned about the weight. A big, heavy bike like that 1200cc was definitely the best ride, and I never crashed it, but did let it lay over on its side 3 times, and it was just about all I could do to lift it back onto its wheels; figured about another 5 pounds and I'd have needed help. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif So when Honda first came out with one bigger than 1200 (1500cc, wasn't it, with electric reverse?), I think it was 100 pounds heavier than my Aspencade.

Incidentally, when I was a young cop on the streets, and the police department was using Harleys, more than once I've heard a motor jockey call another jockey on the radio to come help him set his bike back up. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif At one time, I had a partner who was 6' 5" and a former motorcycle officer and he told me when you let it fall over in the garage, you had to have help to set it up, but when you let it fall on the street, you're so embarrassed you can grab it, jerk it upright, and take off. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

And of course, I've seen the method done where you get the engine running, put it in gear laying on its side, then rock it up onto the wheels with the front wheel turned left (if it's on its left side), and when the spinning rear wheel hits the ground, it'll jump right up; don't think I'd ever have the nerve to do it myself though.

MossRoad · Sep 26, 2003

Bird,
My rule for bikes was I'd never ride one that I couldn't pick up if it fell over. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

How many folks remember when the tax on imported bikes over 700CCs went into effect. Wasn't this some sort of measure to help save Harley Davidson? Is that true? Is it still in effect?

Bird · Sep 26, 2003

( How many folks remember when the tax on imported bikes over 700CCs went into effect.)

I sure do remember because it cost me when I bought the Aspencade.

( Wasn't this some sort of measure to help save Harley Davidson? Is that true?)

Yes, it was, just one of several reasons I would never buy a Harley product.

( Is it still in effect?)

It's my understanding (can't say for sure) that it is not; that it was repealed after Harley got back on their feet and bought the Holiday Rambler Corporation.

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 26, 2003

Bird,

You were right about the GL 1500 with reverse following the GL1200 in the line. My GL1800 totally stock weighs 880 lbs. 'wet' and ready to ride. It doesn't take a whole lot of accessories to get that up to half a ton, really. Admittedly, quite a lot of bike to handle.

I had to laugh out loud when I read about the difference in the methods for righting a bike in the garage and on the street. I can relate to that adrenaline rush that allows you to pick on up to avoid embarrassment. I only had that experience once and it worked just that way. Other times I had to use the proper method for lifting a downed Wing. It's not nearly as macho but one heck of a lot easier and it doesn't involve starting the bike, either. I've seen gals barely over 5' tall in their sixties do it with a loaded wing, full trunk and saddlebags. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 26, 2003

Golfgar,

The first bikes I saw up close and personal were Honda Trail 50's and one guy in the neighborhood had a Honda Trail 90. Then I think someone broke the 100cc barrier with maybe a 110 (I don't think it was anything so large as a 150). /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

This was all before I was old enough to ride a bike, though. By the time that happened (and probably for a while before that) something like a 50cc or 100cc bike wasn't a viable option. At sixteen years old I was 6'-6 or 6'-7 and probably 235 lb. so I needed a bigger bike. I went with a Triumph Bonneville 650 (later went to the Bonneville 750). I think it was leftover from that 'British Invasion' thing. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I'd always like the Honda product from seeing the early 50's, etc., but the Triumph was here first so I grabbed one. When I got my first look at the 1000cc Goldwing (no fairing, no windshield, no trunk, no saddlebags), I was sold. I've been a fan of them ever since. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

And, BTW, all it took to be called a 'hoodlum' around here was a leather jacket and a pack of cigarettes. The gang bangers of today are a whole different breed. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Golfgar4 · Sep 26, 2003

( And, BTW, all it took to be called a 'hoodlum' around here was a leather jacket and a pack of cigarettes. The gang bangers of today are a whole different breed. )

I hear that! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I rode a Triumph 250 when I was in college until I had my 'encounter". That was really fun, considering that it was my only transportation and I was going to school in Madison, WISCONSIN!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Gary_in_Indiana · Sep 26, 2003

Moss,

You probably already read this, but if you do it the right way, you'd have no problem picking up a downed GL1800 Goldwing. I've seen people do it you'd never believe would stand a chance of pulling one up. The correct method is to turn your back to it, squat down with your lower back against the seat, grab hold of the bars, lean back, push with your legs and she'll come right up for you.

If you're down on the right side it's easier because you lower your kickstand before you start and can take the bike right over to the stand. If it's on the left side you need to get it almost straight, lower the kickstand and then let it back on that. Either way, it's doable so now all you need to do is go get yourself one. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif