Bikes and Bi's [Archive]

12voltman59

Aug 9, 2006, 9:45 PM

I do have a nice bicycle but have always liked motorcycles...

I recently saw what I thought was a small touring motorcycle but after searching out the model--found out it was a Suzuki Scooter but it is 650 cc--that is 200 cc's larger than the only motorcycle I owned many years ago--a 450 Suzuki---

Just a few days ago while having a conversation about this interesting ride he had found--the same scooter I liked--he took the thing out and said he got the thing up to almost 100 miles an hour--a speed that is faster than I need to go---

Its too late this year to make it worth buying one now--but I may consider buying one next year---

Herbwoman39

Aug 9, 2006, 10:06 PM

chook

Aug 9, 2006, 10:09 PM

G'Day Flounder, I've had motorbikes even before I was old enough to hold a licence my sugestion to you would be to start off on a small one first and later work up to a bigger one "and I am talking about motorcyles" reason being that todays bikes have awsome power and as a novice it might be a bit hard for you to handle that's if havent done any or much riding, to give you an example I started off on a Yamaha DT360 back in the early 70's and it was fast enough I now ride and love a Kawasaki GPZ1000RX and believe me it can still get nerve wrecking at high speeds.

By all means look at a Harley but if you want reliabilty you really cant go past the Jap bikes its all up to you but me I like to get to where I'm heading to without breaking down all the time.........I hope I have sort of steered you in the right direction.

Cheers Chook :bigrin:

dfwbi-cyclist

Aug 9, 2006, 10:29 PM

damn, and i thought this was a BICYCLE thread...
same here

Start another thread?? :bigrin:

yama23

Aug 10, 2006, 10:22 AM

Well Flounder i do own a motorcycle, it is a 2000 Suzuki gsxr 600, it is the limited edition corona alstare. however i am unable to ride it anymore. I have just returned to work as of last week from being off for a month. You might think wow what a great vacation, but i was off due to the motorcycle accident i had. I was riding on a road i had never ridden on before and when i crested a hill it turned out that there was a sharp bend to the left at the top of it. As you might suspect i missed the bend, rode through it and ended up breaking an eight inch pine tree that stood at least thirteen feet tall off about two feet off the ground. i was very lucky ending up in a very kind gentlemen's front yard just missing another tree when i was thrown from the bike and sliding on my back. I ended up breaking two vertebra in my neck, torn and bruised several muscles in my back and left shoulder. i also killed the skin cells in my upper back. so i now have numbness in my upper back, the same feeling as when your foot falls asleep and then you hit your foot on something, you know the pins and needles feeling. But since it has happened i have recovered from the fractures, the pain in my muscles has lessened and the numbness is something i have learned to live with.
I have ridden bikes ever since my early teens, from dirt bikes to street bikes, if i have any advise to offer you it would be to buy the bike you want, i wouldn't work my way up at all but respect the power it will have and i was wrong, it could and did happen to me. I have learned from my experience and do plan to ride again.
yama

yama23

Aug 10, 2006, 10:54 AM

Sorry Flounder, i forgot to include that the most fun i have had in a long time was when i was out on that bike, the freedom, the power, in ontario we must where helmets but even still with the visor up and the wind in your face it is just undiscribable. As well as some of the nicest people i have ever meet have been on mortorcycles. Just two more cents.

taz67156

Aug 11, 2006, 4:36 AM

I like alot of bikes but don't own one though:( but would like to some day,
Chook you know I'd still like to get yours though lol

taz67156

smokey

Aug 11, 2006, 7:25 AM

I own a 1987, 250 cc Honda Helix scooter that I ride everywhere...it gets 65 to 70 mpg and goes up to about 80.... which is fine by me.... anything faster is just asking for trouble.

biCOguy

Aug 11, 2006, 9:44 AM

Flounder, I am fortunate to own two motorcycles. Both are pictured in my profile. I have only been riding for nine years. At first, I was very intimidated by them. But, once you learn how to ride, know your abilities and limitations, they become part of you. Respect the machine! Having something hard and fast between your legs, out on the open highway, is a tremendous rush.

Before I continue, I want to wish Yama the best in a continuing, speedy (probably not the best choice in words), and complete recovery from your accident. In our passion for riding, it is never a question of IF you will have an accident, but when. Get back on and continue to ride, bud!

My first bike was a Honda Hawk 650GT. A good bike to learn on, and very forgiving. After riding it for about 3 years, I wanted a sports bike with a bigger engine and more speed. I felt the need for speed. Still do! I graduated to a Kawasaki ZX-11 Ninja. Three-digit speeds are so easily accomplished with that bike. I still have it.

Always in the back of my mind was the thought, "What about a cruiser?" I was advised by several friends that if you are considering a cruiser, check out Harleys. I did just that and found that the Harley V-Rod VRSC was the perfect fit for me. It's referred to as a sports cruiser. It has power when you need it, cruises smoothly, and turns a lot of heads with its unique style.

When checking out bikes for you, determine what riding style(s) you want to pursue. Younger riders seem to gravitate to sports bikes, crotch rockets if you prefer. Older riders tend to choose cruiser bikes. I couldn't decide which I was, younger or older, so I have both. The best of both worlds. That must be why I'm bi, best of both sexes.

To end this, for you and any other rider, new or experienced, take an accredited safety course. PLEASE! The time and money spent will make you a better, safer rider and possibly save your life. Keep your shiney side UP! Good luck.

yama23

Aug 11, 2006, 10:06 AM

Thanks man, see what i was sayin, the nicest people you will ever meet will be on two wheels...oh and by the way biCOguy, nice rod you have between your legs.

valkerie

Aug 11, 2006, 1:41 PM

hello flounder .. if you want a bike , go for it ... if you can do a safty foundation course ( they should have them in every state ) do it .. as for a first bike , get what you want .. i've had over 20 motercycles , including six sidecars , and never regreded a moment .. i don't ride as much , but to go on a evening ride , take your time and enjoy the view , what a way to travel ..

biCOguy

Aug 12, 2006, 7:12 PM

Hehehe! It's always hard, hot, and fast, Yama! Might say the same thing about your equipment, too. Oh, and the bike, too. Wish I had been the mirror!!

Thanks man, see what i was sayin, the nicest people you will ever meet will be on two wheels...oh and by the way biCOguy, nice rod you have between your legs.

Flounder1967

Aug 22, 2006, 7:08 PM

I was going ot buy a 1966 HD s-90. $200 It needs lots of work.

14fun

Aug 22, 2006, 8:44 PM

well i have owned a bike since 79 and i luv it the performance is outstanding since i canout afford a vette or porche and fuel is great.bty i own a jap bike harley is too much money and they are not that fast and way too heavy for me
,well have a good one
Dennis
:flag2:

12voltman59

Aug 23, 2006, 1:24 AM

I recieved the brochure from Honda the other day--they have the Silver Wing--it is another scooter in the 600 cc range--it looks like a scaled down Gold Wing--it has a CVT automatic transmission and even can be outfitted with an ABS braking system.

I think I will look at either this Honda or the Suzuki scooter I mentioned in the earlier post in order to get back into biking---I agree with BiCo--I do like the cruising style of bike and I also like the touring style as well--I would love a BMW tourer or maybe a Moto Guzzi tourer as well---

I like the looks of the choppers that they build on "American Chopper" and the "Biker Build-off" shows but I don't know if they are really bikes one could live with day in and day out--they are mostly for shows and such and they are way out of my price range as a rule--at least the ones from the Tuttles and people like that--one of those custom bikes they feature on "American Chopper" can run in excess of $100K.

That is a lotto dream to get one of those, but if I did win the lotto or otherwise strike it rich--- I would probably buy a "go fast" boat like a Donzi, Baja or Cigarette first if I ever have that kind of scratch before I would buy a custom made chopper ----those things can satisfy "the need for speed." When I was kid, we had a couple of Wellcraft Novas and Scarabs--we had one much like the one they had on "Miami Vice" back in the '80s...--man was that a rush---hell--it was almost better than sex to be in control of those roaring engines--damn near a thousand horsepower moving along at like 80 or so on the water, jumping seas of three or so feet--the original "zoom-zoom-zoom!!!!! LOL

Jennz

Aug 23, 2006, 1:36 AM

I own a bike but its the crotchrocket type its a 04 ducati ss its pink and yellow, my brothers bought it for me for my B-day

kinsey_3

Aug 23, 2006, 1:44 PM

Was briefly fond of Hogs when younger - going through my Physique Pictorial pin-up stage in the early 90s, my first flowering of bisexuality :) - but latterly became interested in Italian motorscooters, because that's what the non-racist straight Skinhead scene is heavily influenced by in the UK. I became a Skin in the middle 90s, didn't do it very well, kept trying to "subvert" it, which just looked awful in retrospect. Over all that very quickly, I devoted myself to doing Skinhead style very hard and smart, which is where I still am now, only I often do casual. Never owned a bike, but for me the Lambretta LI or the Vespa 180 SuperSport are so redolent of that time, the weird "back-in-the-closet" time, which was miserable really, but now I think on it, there were compensations. Yes, I don't think I could have stuck it out otherwise.

bruce

Aug 23, 2006, 2:13 PM

Hey Flounder. Bikes and gay here. I have two bikes, both Hondas. One is a 2000 Nighthawk 750 that is my commuter bike every day to work and the other is a 1983 Shadow 750 that I got off of ebay at a great price. Due to a big pay rasie at work I'm getting ready to get a new bike, probably a Triumph America or Triumph Speedmaster. I have a question for you now, why a Harley?

Flounder1967

Aug 23, 2006, 7:27 PM

Why Harley?

One reason. It's the biggest symbols of American Might and Inviduality in the world.

Lyon1369

Aug 23, 2006, 8:20 PM

My first bike was an old Honda CBR750 vintage 1974. ran that thing into the ground. but had a blast on it. wasnt much to look at but it boogied when you needed it.
I now own/in the process of buying (or is that BIing? LOL) a 94 Kawasaki Vulcan 750.
I love bikes and wish more people rode them. I am looking to put to gether a BI Bikers group here in CO.
So there you go.
Bi4now
:flag3:

curious1also

Aug 23, 2006, 9:00 PM

my turn to chime in!
i do ride a harley and love it. i also teach people to become riders, and very strongly suggest you locate a motorcycle riders course in your area. best place to do that is to got o a motorcycle dealer and ask!. the training will teach you good basics from someone who is a semi-professional rider themselves. and you may learn a skill or 2 that just may save your life! riding is like nothing else!....`cept maybe having kids and what leads up to them! :tongue:

Daviecurious

Aug 24, 2006, 9:11 PM

Flounder, good on ya! Have been riding since 1966, from a Honda CB160 to 650 BSA's to HD FatBoy to a Buell. Love all of it; a wonderful sport and nice people.
You have the helmet, now get gloves, boots, and a good mc jacket. Then check w/your local DMV or bike dealers, and find and take a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) basic course. You will learn good basics, will have an idea of how to keep yourself safe, and will (probably) only have to present your certificate to qualify for a bike license (no road test!).
Start reading mc magazines (like Cycle World, ect, if you don't already) and visit the bike shops to see what's available. Look at the manufacturers websites for demo bike schedules; most of them do that. When you decide what you like, look for a GOOD used example that is a couple of years old, and ride. You will make friends, have a good experience, and then you can get the bike of your dreams. I don't think there are any bad ones out there now. I'm partial to Harleys, but that's a personal choice.
Then, perhaps, we can go cruising, er riding, er never mind. ;)
Be safe, have fun!!!!!

miss_understood

Aug 25, 2006, 6:21 AM

Mmmmm...I LOVE the rumble of a nice bike. Wish I owned one but I promised my Mom I never would.

When I was 9 she was in a horrible motorcycle accident. I'll spare you the details but suffice it to say that she still walks with a limp. :(

I promised my mom the same thing. I did want to ride a motorbike, but then I heard so many grisly horror stories that I decided not to.

bitravlinman

Aug 25, 2006, 7:54 PM

If you have to ask, "Why a Harley"?, you won't ever get the answer! I'll try anyway......It's a Harley!!!!!........The classic American motorcycle (forget about the forgettable AMF period). The Look.....the Looks you get, the rumble nothing can duplicate the sound of a Harley! And there is something to that frequency of the rumble.....it will make your woman's panties wet!!!!! Start looking at Harleys.....no two are ever alike, part of the fun is customizing it, making it truely your's. Resale value, it's like a Corvette....they age well.
Unfortunately my 1999 Custom Soft Tail was stolen, I'm bikeless for now.

fxd2250

Aug 25, 2006, 10:08 PM

Flounder:

I've ridden since 1970 and have had 6 motorcycles over the years. I'll spare you the details, but my latest is in my profile...'02 H-D FXD (gee, what a coincidence...same as my screen name!).

Indeed, there are grisly stories to be told, but the majority are due to 2 factors:

1. rider stupidity

2. driver stupidity

I've had my fair share of rider (my stupidity) but, fortunately, only close encounters due to others. The key is to be ever vigilant and not to put your head where the sun doesn't shine.

Unless you feel that you're God's gift to 2-wheels, I would highly recommend taking an approved motorcycle safety course. Even old fossils like myself can learn a new trick or two. Good luck!

kinsey_3

Aug 26, 2006, 12:37 AM

...symbol of American Might and Inviduality

American Might, certainly. But there's nothing very individual about owning a Harley - thousands of other people own them, too. And those owners, very very few of them are suntanned, sunbleached one-per-centers. most of them are fat, balding Dentists with too much money.

People ride a Harley because it's a Harley. Like people wear Levi's because they're Levi's, or drink Jack Daniels because it's Jack Daniels. They're buying a dream of history, authenticity and masculinity.

But they're also buying the cock-and-bull story the Admen thought up to sell it to them.

bivision

Aug 26, 2006, 10:22 AM

Greetings I have been on two wheels and in the wind ever since I was 15 and I am staring at 40 now. I love my motorcycle I ride it almost daily as long as the roads are clear and it's above 35 degrees in other words I try to ride it year round as far as make that.s a personal choice up to you, I have had Yamnaha, Harley, Suzuki and Honda, but dont be fooled by a name really think about how often and when and what type of riding you will be doing and decide what type of bike you need a standard, cruiser, sportbike, etc. I am currently hooked on Honda Magnas with two in my stable a v45 and v65 I like them for the blend of speed peformance, agility and comfort of long rides. I am considering a Victory to be added next or a honda vtx. If you are new to riding I would start out with a mid level bike about 600-800 cc's and as light as possible the more powerful larger bikes are considerably heavier and are sometimes cumbersome for new riders.

just my two cents :2cents: :cool:

Flounder1967

Aug 26, 2006, 11:06 AM

But there's nothing very individual about owning a Harley - thousands of other people own them, too. And those owners, very very few of them are suntanned, sunbleached one-per-centers. most of them are fat, balding Dentists with too much money.

But they're also buying the cock-and-bull story the Admen thought up to sell it to them.

Just a minute have you looked at my pic. I may not be bald, i have to admit i have a few extra pounds. I want a harley becuse i like them alot.

Just to let evreyone know. I have looked at the Yamaha, Honda, Victory, and Trimph. THey all have very nice crusiers i just wasn't satified with them. I have to admit they all look good.

danospc

Aug 26, 2006, 4:24 PM

Get the Harley. Ive own jap bikes also. They run forever. Ive worked on honda cars for almost twenty years. But I still have a Harley. Im trading mine in monday for an 07 Fatboy. The wife has an 06 883 Custom . Just my :2cents:

windsor_couple

Aug 26, 2006, 4:57 PM

I've riden for about 20 years and had numerous bikes, but as far as I'm concerned the best one by far was my first Harley....as much as I loved and enjoyed the other bikes they just can't compare. I am out on it every chance I get nd when I'm not on it, I am busy polishing and shining it up for the next ride. :cool:

biCOguy

Aug 26, 2006, 8:45 PM

I think our "right honorable friend" from the UK is either jealous or misinformed. Maybe some of both. Please view my profile for pictures and physical makeup. Balding? Fat? I just happen to be involved in the dental profession. I sell equipment to those Harley-buying dentists. And, when they buy my equipment, I can eat and afford to by a Harley. Please also note that I have a quality-built Japanese sports bike, too. Consider the bike-ER rather than just the bike.

There are as many reasons to buy a Harley as there are individuals who own them. And, bi the way, we number in the millions world-wide. Notice, I said individuals, not lemmings. Half the fun of owning a Harley - hell, owning ANY bike - is making it OURS! Customize it to your taste and style. That's the individuality! The other half of the fun is riding it.

Does Mr. Kinsey ride and own a motorcycle? I would love to hear about it. Levi's are quality jeans. Jack Daniels is a quality bourbon whiskey. A Harley-Davidson is a quality motorcycle for individuals to customize.

We have bought and LIVE the dream. The history, tradition, and authenticity are there. So is the masculinity or femininity of the rider. To borrow the slogan....we "Live to Ride and Ride to Live".

fxd2250

Aug 26, 2006, 9:10 PM

As with sex (et al), everyone has a personal preference/opinion/like/dislike. Unless you're given to bowing to peer pressure, do what you feel is right for you.

Generally speaking, we two-wheelers have a tendency to consider ourselves modern day cowboys. Consider this. 1873...2 cowpokes that have been riding alone for several days just happen to run into each other out in the boonies. Do you think they really give a rat's ass as to what the other is riding to the point of not riding together to the same destination? I think not.

I ride a H-D. I could care less what someone else rides. I might decline because they're idiots (jack rabbiting between stop lights, wheelies, etc) but otherwise, if it will do the speed limit and we're going to the same place, let's cruise! IMHO, life's too short to quibble over inane personal egotistical issues...

Flounder1967

Aug 27, 2006, 12:57 PM

IS there anyone else out there that likes motocycles.

taz67156

Aug 30, 2006, 1:26 AM

if I could ever get a bike that I've wanted it have to be custom built by OCC cause I've watched some of the shows and they have some wicked bikes on there but I could never afford one though.

Flounder if you have wanted a harley they I say you should go for it

Mrs.F

Aug 30, 2006, 6:46 AM

taz67156

Aug 30, 2006, 1:27 PM

I agree mrs.F cause those bike are not cheap at all new or used they cost to much even though they are good bikes

Kuragxo

Aug 30, 2006, 1:57 PM

We own two motocycles...

Flounder1967

Aug 30, 2006, 7:08 PM

Finially got my permit. This means i can ride within ear shot of another rider.

It never said they had to be on a bike.

Flounder1967

Feb 1, 2007, 1:24 PM

I bought my bike the other day. 1999 HD 1200 Roadster.

Check out the pics

budinc

Feb 1, 2007, 2:22 PM

Im 19 and bought my first bike last spring its a 1990 katana GSX 600 i love it i rode it untill it snowed and i cant wait to get back on it they nailed me on insurance though so i'd look into that before you buy a bike the first bike i was going to buy was a 1985 ninja 500r and they wanted 11000 a year for insurance i couldnt believe it but thats waht i get for being a teenage boy.

ghytifrdnr

Feb 1, 2007, 2:37 PM

I'm presently with my sixth motorcycle. It's a 1984 Honda VF1100S Sabre that I bought new and currently have 115,000 miles on it. :bigrin:

but that's my name!!

Feb 1, 2007, 7:11 PM

When I was very young my parents would get me to go to sleep by leaving a bike running on idle, it only worked with old Brittish and American bikes. We always had bikes around and bits of engine in the oven or on the kitchen table. I was taught from an early age how to rebuild them from old wrecks.

You'd think I know a lot about bikes, well not really, don't get me wrong I know a little about the mechanics of the old ones and can appreciate them, I've even had a few but I would be stretched to name them.

A friend lent me a Harley once I think it was called a "Fatboy" or someone may have made a joke about that, it was baeutifull to look at and had that kinda thumping purr but I'm rather small and it was rather big which wasn't a problem when moveing but I couldn't stop on my own cos I couldn't touch the floor without leaning which meant I had to hold the bike up which I couldn't cos it was too heavy, luckily he was there to grab the bike when I stopped.

They're certainly not a racing bike but they are very pretty and infinatly kewl and although I can't ride them I do like to sit and sort of lay over the petrol tank with the engine running. If Harleys were a lot cheaper I would have one to look at and to lay on and read a book and mabe doze off.

Bikes as a means of transport are for the most part pretty crap (in my oppinion), they're not that practical unless what you want to do is dart through traffic. That pretty much makes it a toy so just get whatever gets you off, if thats a Harley then get a Harley just be careful and assume everyone else on the road is out to kill you.

Reading this and looking at the pictures makes me sound really pathetic I know but the Harleys I've seen are bigger than that looks in the picture. I feel rather inadiquate now.

codybear3

Feb 1, 2007, 7:32 PM

Why Harley?

One reason. It's the biggest symbols of American Might and Inviduality in the world.

Hey babes...Check out the following site...Their prices are reasonable and the people are cool... :paw: :paw:

www.flyritechoppers.com

Doggie_Wood

Feb 1, 2007, 9:11 PM

I bought my bike the other day. 1999 HD 1200 Roadster.

Check out the pics
Congrats on the HD purchase Flounder - a good choice for a starter bike

I'm an old time HD rider of 30+ years - have had 17 bikes (15 HD, 1 Honda 750cc with an 850 over bore and 1 Yamerhamer RD250). I loved them all!

My first 3 HDs were Sportster based - the rest were big V-Twins. I sold my last scoot (99 Heritage Springer) about a year ago. Got my eyes on my next one though. A Road King that I'm eventually gonna trike out with a Leighman kit that has a mechanical reverse.

I might even make bike week in Daytona this year. If I do, I stop in and see ya.

:doggie:

Flounder1967

Feb 1, 2007, 10:13 PM

Hey BTMN

Fatboy is a real bike made by Harley so you weren't lead on. That is the bike i want to get. Working my way up slowly.

To all others:
I going to name my bike little boy. To referance the atomic bombs that were dropped. Fat Man and Little Boy. Guess which one I am. (check out my pick) I do plan on customizing my bike some more like take off the double seat and put on single. (perferably a saddle style), and maybe a mini apes or fatboy handle bars. There are a few others but maybe next year for those. They only thing i'm doing now is adding front controls and rack on the back for my work stuff I need to carry (a computer).

Other things like helmut, i already bought, I signed up for a riding class, glasses (night and day). I have already had a offers to go riding from guys from work to help me. ( i have riden a bike befroe just not fast on a highway.)

Mrs.F

Feb 2, 2007, 6:41 AM

OH LORD..... :eek:

I looked at your picture.....I'm guessing your the FAT MAN! :bigrin:

jamiehue

Feb 2, 2007, 3:09 PM

I own a bike but its the crotchrocket type its a 04 ducati ss its pink and yellow, my brothers bought it for me for my B-day
ducati's rule!

Flounder1967

Feb 2, 2007, 4:26 PM

I myself don't believe what kinda of bike you own. Just get one a ride it. I just happen to ride Harley's. You never know what i will own next.

valentino

Feb 2, 2007, 7:17 PM

Hi I own a 2005 harley and a 2006 zx10r. :bigrin:

onewhocares

Feb 2, 2007, 8:46 PM

Well, Flounder and all who wish to listen, I am a virgin ( oh. my, YES, it is true)

I went to buy a gift for Flounder to signify his transition into Harleydom......

Well a strange thing happened when I walked into the store. There, on the show room floor, I saw a world of adventure and opportunity awaiting me. Yes, me Belle, the most conservative of women. Imagine being presented to a world of...tall, sleek chrome bikes, or sturdy, well heeled proven bikes. Then there were those that were uncommon....special additions and commerative bikes (leftovers since I believe the anniversary was a while ago). It was like a dream, walking into a world of such diverse and most distinquished of American motorcycle culture. I, being a novice and there just to get a token gift for a dear friend who took the leap to ownership (dispite the concerns of his DEAR wife). WELL people, let your self go and slide into the culture that is pure HARLEY. Man, I topped a V-ROD( thank you to that Special Colorado MAN for turning me ON, in oh so many ways to a V-Rod). Then to Yama whom I have thought of so often and who has given so much advice to Flounder. But most importantly to DAVID, yes that intense, thought provoking man from TEXAS with a Road King. Never have I personally thought that one would gain so much from the freedom and exhilerations from two wheels. Yes it is true...Harleys RULE. I may even think to ride again. You changed my perception.

Flounder, NOW that YOU are amoung the very priveledged, be mindful of all the important things you must consider when getting on the road. I know YOU, you are smart and on the ball so I know you will be right on the mark about riding. Take Care.

Belle

wanderingrichard

Feb 2, 2007, 11:16 PM

[QUOTE=onewhocares]Well, Flounder and all who wish to listen, I am a virgin ( oh. my, YES, it is true)

I went to buy a gift for Flounder to signify his transition into Harleydom......

Well a strange thing happened when I walked into the store. There, on the show room floor, I saw a world of adventure and opportunity awaiting me. Yes, me Belle, the most conservative of women. Imagine being presented to a world of...tall, sleek chrome bikes, or sturdy, well heeled proven bikes. Then there were those that were uncommon....special additions and commerative bikes (leftovers since I believe the anniversary was a while ago). It was like a dream, walking into a world of such diverse and most distinquished of American motorcycle culture.

belle,
it is a different world there , isn't it?? and, dear, you failed to mention all the cool dual purpose clothing that they carry too....
Rich :bigrin:

12voltman59

Feb 3, 2007, 4:04 AM

Congrats Flounder--ride safe and have fun.

I would like to get another motorcycle again.

Maybe I will get one in the future.

Now that the Tuettles are going to be making a line of production Orange County Choppers instead of only one off custom bikes that had hefy price tags (well over $100,000 each)---I might wait to get one of those----

callig77

Feb 3, 2007, 12:23 PM

Congrats Flounder!

The pics look nice! Keep your head on straight, don't exceed your skill level, and don't ever drink and drive! Cycles are dangerous enough when you are sober...let alone when you are drinking. It is not so much your driving...it is all the 'other' people that are not paying attention to what they are doing.

I have been riding for years. My current ride is a '05 Honda VTX-1800.

I have seen some people suggest taking a state safety course...I also highly recommend that. It will help build your confidence when maneuvering your bike at slower speeds and just generally how your bike handles. Also, (in Florida anyways!) my bike insurance company give me a break on my insurance.

Let us know how it goes!

...keep the rubber on the road!

12voltman59

Feb 3, 2007, 10:20 PM

Flounder1967

Feb 3, 2007, 10:32 PM

I do plan on taking an ABATE training course thru the community college. I have already checked with my insurace and they don't offer a discount. Not the I can't later on find some insurance company that might give me one.

I already bought a helmut back in June or July. I have speical riding glasses for day and night. I have a leather coat and vest. I know a vest dosen't offer any real protection. My leather coat fits like a bike jakcet and is real leather.

Debating on weather to get no tie boots, and gloves.

FalconAngel

Feb 3, 2007, 11:44 PM

I have owned 11 bikes of most makes in the past 26 years.
I own a 1984 Honda V65 Magna and my wife owns a 97 Honda Shadow VLX. I try to stay away from Harleys. Got no interest in buying a bike that gets mediocre mpg (for a bike) and really is less reliable than any of the Japanese bikes. Not that there's so much wrong with harleys, if that's what you really want, but most of the serious riders consider the latest generation of Harleys to be yuppy bikes.

Even some of the old-timer Harley guys that I have hung out with consider the newest generation of Harley (and rider) to be inferior to the old dogs. Less "personality" I guess.

bigregory

Feb 4, 2007, 1:43 AM

I have never liked steet bikes.
All the a-holes in the cars and truck scare the pee out of me.
Just over 2 years ago I saw a biker 25 feet in the air because a car pulled out in front of him.

Now dirtbikes thats a diffrent story.
LOVE THEM
I have 3 now and soooo many over the years.
I am surrounded by forest here so I have lots of places to use them and have yet to have a tree cut me off (there was one Moose) .

I know of no person under 55 that has a Harley... :2cents:

NakedBike

Feb 14, 2007, 10:10 AM

Congrats on a new bike. As my board name professes-I like Naked Bikes!
Were it not a safety as well as social issue I'd go that route myself-I would still however wear a full face helmet.

Both myself and the misses ride. We go naked standards-Yamaha FZ1 and and Suzuki SV650. I also own another FZ and a CR125 dirtbike that I share with my son. I love 2 wheels and mountainbike and streetbike.

I've ridden for 30+ years with a few missing years in-between when circumstances didn't allow ownership but at least 20 have seen me owning a bike. From here to the grave I plan on riding until I'm too blind or weak to pick the bike back up. We tour together and love it. Lots of biker buds to ride with but there is nothing better than a solo run all day for 300 or 400 miles of twisty backroad hooliganism. I alway dress full gear-leather jacket, pants, boots, gloves and helmet. I suggest that to do otherwise raises your risk of injury to long-term pain and suffering for something that you may be able to prevent.

Remember as a motorcyclist on the road you are INVISIBLE to 90 percent of all auto drivers. Loud pipes don't save lives but good training MSF and advanced rider courses will prevent many stupid noobie accidents as well as for people like myself that refresh and practice.

I don't have a prejudice on the "kind' of bike people own but I hate seeing people helmetless, wearing cutoff shorts, flip flops etc etc and chicks who don't have a clue what kind of roadkill they'll look like when they fall of their boyfriend/girlfriend's bike. This year I crashed while avoiding a deer in a blind corner, I was full geared and got up off the ground without a scratch-not without a few sore joints and bones but I would have looked pretty ugly missing part of my skull, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and feet. Thanks to about $1500 in gear I saved myself about $20,000 in surgery.

Riding is a blast and the next best thing to sex or flying. Thank god I can at least do 2 of the three.

fishfry29

Feb 20, 2007, 2:04 PM

Im ageing myself by saying my first bike was a 68 Ducati 350, single cylinder that would put you over the handlebars if you tried kickstarting it while on the compression stroke. Then a 73 Honda CL 450., In 1976 I bought 76 Honda CB 750 for the redicously expensive price of $1800. 50,000 miles later I still ride this bike, altho it has rusted in the garage for 10 of its 30 years. I dusted it off when I retired, cleaned the snot out of the carbs, and last Oct, took a 2000 mile trip from Mo. to Phillidephia, returning via the blue ridge parkway. :bigrin: I was tempted to stop at some of the Adult Video Stores when on the interstate part of the trip, but didnt. Perhaps a point is that I suggest dont ever attempt a 2000 mile ride on a 30 year old Harley, with 50,000 miles on the clock.

fxd2250

Feb 21, 2007, 12:07 AM

Nice ride, Flounder! You even picked my 2 favorite colors for a bike...black and chrome... :tongue:

jedinudist

Feb 21, 2007, 12:15 AM

Does anyone here own and enjoy the motorcycle?

Alsohow many own Harley's. I'm looking at getting one. I gone as far as buying a helmut and riding glases. I don't evan own a bike though i really, really want one.

I was just wondering.

I used to race rice burners - interstate races when I was younger. Looking forward to getting another one soon.

Be careful though - they demand skill and attention

jedinudist

Feb 21, 2007, 12:21 AM

I used to race rice burners - interstate races when I was younger. Looking forward to getting another one soon.

Be careful though - they demand skill and attention

To add to this, good leather gear is a must, good maintenance is a must, and above all, proper training is a must. Any vehicle with more than 2 wheels will not yield to you (they usually don't even know you're there) and they almost always win in a crash.

I don't know how many punks I've seen rashed and broken because they jumped on a bike, spent a few days screwing around, and figured they had it mastered.

There's an old saying - 20 grand and 20 miles don't make you a biker. Take it slow and easy, take the safety courses, allow your skills and confidence to develop slowly and naturally and ...

Have a BLAST! It is awesome.

secret_fantasies

Feb 21, 2007, 4:46 PM

the nicest people you will ever meet will be on two wheels... great statement yama ;)
I don't have a bike for now; but i'm plannig to start with a Honda CBR 125 R the next summer (I know it is a rather small bike, but im also a fit small-frame guy lol). I'll start saving money for the equipment (the most vital things, clothes, and protection!) and for the bike as soon as I close my debts.
I believe that, the bikers gotta be smart and responsible to survive and to enjoy more riding on longer routes ;) After all, all nice things also bring in the responsibility with it, if car drivers look around 1 time u gotta be looking 5 times before u act on the road;)

wolfcamp

Feb 21, 2007, 11:49 PM

IS there anyone else out there that likes motocycles.

Hey Flounder,

Yeah, I ride. I have a Triumph Speedmaster. It's a great bike and a kick to ride. It draws a lot of attention. Just today a guy pulled into the gas station where I was filling up and yelled, "Nice bike". Then he just drove away. He didn't even get gas. He must have just pulled in to take a look.

I was seriously considering a Superglide, but when I saw the Triumph I was smitten.

Have fun on your new Sporty, and be careful. Ride like you're invisible.

biupstateny

Feb 22, 2007, 12:25 AM

I own a Harley 1200 sportster custom , I enjoy it very much , nice to cruise the back roads and cheap on fuel 50 miles per gallon . Iam looking to sell it and get a Road king so I can travel in more comfort , with leather saddle bags , the sportster was my first bike I owned , great starter bike if want a Harley .

robert194811

May 24, 2010, 6:25 PM

I am 62 and just bought a new harley street glide,had harley's all my life,since i was 16,but in 2006 i bought me a Big Dog (pittbull)they are custom made bikes and they are sweet,sold it to get my new one......loved it tho.....wish i could have kept it tho.....anyone in this group or what ever you call it from ohio?

Bluebiyou

May 24, 2010, 7:21 PM

I was going to buy a 1966 HD s-90. $200 It needs lots of work.

Don't do it Flounder!
for the love of God and all that is holy...
...unless you're uber rich and can easily afford to pay someone 3-9 thousand dollars to restore it.
RESIST the Harley charm as much as you can. Do you want to ride or worship a brand name?

As an American novice, naturally I began with Harley Davidson, then after maturing...after a few short months of riding a Harley... with advise from Harley riders not to get a Harley... I determined I wanted to ride, more than I wanted to support mechanics and Harley Davidson Inc.
Harley is, only now producing bikes that are dependable (the last 10 years perhaps). Expensive, but finally dependable (for the first time in decades - but still high maintenance).
If you want to ride, buy a Honda, or a Yamaha, perhaps a Suzuki if your tastes go in that direction.
Anything but a f****** Harley!
Many years ago... Harley maintenance was $90/hour while Honda was $45/hour and the same went for price of replacement parts.
You pay through the ass for 'Harley' parts... twice as much as the equivalent part for most any other bike.
On the other hand, Harley is so highly worshiped (moderate engineering, steel, plastic, wire, chrome and paint?!?)

Metaphor: Does a Rolex or Cartier really tell time any better than a Timex? Wouldn't an elegant Citizen or Seiko more than amply meet the decor of necessity, if meeting with any head of state? Isn't overpriced/overworshiped - crap/stuff - garish/gaudy?
If you are rich, or you really don't want to ride a motorcycle, you just want to repair and own a status symbol... then yeah.
Nothing can match the romance of an old Harley (one of my closest friends rides a 2003 and owns a functional 1945, 1945 ridiculous for practical purposes - an external shifter totally unlike anything in any modern cycle - relative (very) poor power to any similar sized modern engine - but people say "OOOOh, a 1945 Harley!" and are impressed ).
After my - very brief - love affair with Hardly... I mean Harley... I'm with Japanese. I leave out Victory motorcycles at this point because I have not spent enough time analyzing.
The engineering aspect of the 45 degree Harley engine (delivering that Harley sound "potato-potato-potatoe") is one of WWII machine shop manufacturing convenience. It requires a heavily counter weighted crankshaft. It vibrates (which might be attractive to lesbians... for 20 minutes, 30 minutes maximum); aside - we need to send one to Fran. Who in their right mind would design a motorcycle around a vibration? No one, but Harley Davidson did! If Harley Davidson made aircraft, no one in their right mind would fly in one!
If you've got money, Flounder, or you need something to occupy your time... wait... that's it! Flounder, you've already had a terrible accident. The bills piled up. You'd be much better off in your garage for years, bringing that Harley up to streetable snuff, than actually riding and again risking your neck.
[B]Harley is the right choice for you Flounder!
Restoration is the perfect idea!
I love you and want to see you alive for years to come.
Your friend who really cares,
Blue

FalconAngel

May 24, 2010, 9:41 PM

Taking one of those courses-if not mandated by your state is one heck of a good idea. The American Motorcycle Association has many such sessions and they have chapters nearly everywhere in the US---I don't know their website but I am sure if you Google them the address will pop right up.

The American Motorcycle Association is right here:

http://www.ama-cycle.org/

They have a great magazine as well as the AMHM right by their HQ in Ohio.

READYUC238

May 25, 2010, 5:35 AM

I M BI AND I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR 26 YEARS, 14 HARLEYS, A BMW AN ON MY FIFTH HONDA GOLDWING. I DO ALOT OF TRAVELLING ALL OVER N.C. AND OTHER STATES.
RALLYS ARE ESPECIALLY NICE, WE HAVE A GROUP OF BIMEN THAT MEET FOR THE RALLY, SPEND THE WEEKEND IN THE SAME MOTEL AND IT TURNS INTO A WONDERFUL, AND MAY I SAY ACTIVE WEEKEND. WE ALL ARE DISCREET AMONG OTHER BIKERS, BUT WE HAVE ALOT OF FUN.
ONE SUGGESTION IS FOR YOU TO TAKE AN APPROVED MOTORCYCLE RIDING CLASS IF YOU ARE WANTING A HARLEY. IT IS A HEAVY PIECE OF MACHINERY, AND IS NOT FORGIVING AT ALL. WHEN YOU GET IT AFTER YOU HAVE TAKEN YOUR RIDER SAFETY COURSE, FIND YOU A PARKING LOT AND FIND OUT THE QUIRKS OF THE BIKE, PRACTICE YOUR TURNS AT SLOW SPEEDS AND YOUR STOPS, SLOW SPEED MANEUVERING IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS YOU WILL HAVE. LEARN TO DO THEM WELL AND ALWAYS
REMEMBER, THAT TWO SECOND RULE WHEN FOLLOWING OTHER VEHICLES, THAT WILL GIVE YOU TIME TO REACT TO THE IDIOTS IN THE FOUR WHEELERS THAT WILL PULL OUT IN FRONT OF YOU, OR CAUSE YOU TO TAKE DRASTIC MEASURES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT.
DRESS APPROPRIATLY, ROAD RASH ON YOUR ASS, LEGS AND ARMS TAKES A LONG TIME TO MEND....
LIVE LONG, RIDE SAFE, AND ENJOY THE RIDE........
JACK

Flounder1967

May 25, 2010, 8:24 AM

Boy this is an old threar of mine.

I bought an HD 99 1200 Sportster and customise it totally

I had an accident serious but still want to ride

darkeyes

May 25, 2010, 9:53 AM

Wish the gett at top of our road wud bloody smash his Harley up...or jus get shot.. don mind 'im havin a bike.. but do resent it wen 'e an 'is m8s roar in an worse.. out.. at 4 in mornin in middle a week.. the noise is bad enuff... but wen its dark the flashin lites an woo woo noise r gettin rite up me nose an all... no its not often.. but often enuff 2 make me a tadge ratty...:(

Still nev mind.. 'e dus hav a luffly plonk cella an keeps gr8 Cognac:bigrin:... AN 'e is a Jambo...:tong:;)

lv69cpl69

May 29, 2010, 6:18 AM

been riding since I was 8, goldwing now am 55. rode a m/c from vegas to dover de. and back. love them. remember folks in cages (cars) drive like they want to hit you (a lot not all) don't think they don't see you think they do and are aimming for you, slao there are 2 kinds of m/c riders those that have crashed and those that will. be as safe as you can. you will love it!! :male:
p.s. I thought you were talking m/c's:):male:

lv69cpl69

May 29, 2010, 6:32 AM

Oh as for "HOGS" I have ridden a few you couldn't give me one. don't like the way they feel and they vibrate too much. ride a few bikes as dirver or on the back and see what you like. my 1100 suzy wsa a better ride and more power my goldwing is better than a recliner my 850 Moto Guzzi and (650 & 850)BMWs were beter all round bikes. with the guzzi faster (top end) and best ride of all. for around town I would stay about 650cc

shock3

May 29, 2010, 11:31 AM

2003 Heritage. 95", ported, gear drive cam, PCIII, 2-1 pipes. It'll run...

718caveman

May 29, 2010, 2:57 PM

i had a 04 spotry but now its time for something faster. i rode my friends wide glide and it was uncomfortable, i did not like the air filter on my knee. i am looking to get a new bike something faster then a sporty but not as big as a wide glide. so i am thinking either a nightster done up or a street bob

lv69cpl69

May 30, 2010, 3:47 AM

FalconAngel

May 30, 2010, 7:30 PM

I thought I was the only that still knew Ducati made small bikes like 350 and a lot of dirt bikes remember Bultacos? had 1 :bigrin: also a Jawa c/z

And don't forget Huskies (Husqvuarna). Very popular up north for their dirt bikes and enduros.

I have an online buddy that has a Ridley in his garage. It's an automatic transmission bike, similar in appearance to the Harley.

cddm50

May 31, 2010, 12:01 AM

Hey Flounder, Congrats on your MC purchase. Take the advice from others about taking a MC driving class. It will be $$ well spent. And think about taking a refresher course every few years too.

My first bike was a '76 Kawasaki 400. I let a friend store the bike in my parents garage and then purchased it off of him for $250. I ran into quite a few people who claimed that was their first bike too. It was in great shape and I kept it real clean. I gave it to my best friend as a Thank You for paying for a concert for me, basically he paid $50 for it. What a deal for him.

My next bike I purchased in 1992 was an '82 Honda CB900C with the full Vetter fairing package w/side luggage and trunk. Got it for $1400. I still have it today and it looks great. Has less than 30K miles and gets about 40+ mpg. And boy does it go fast. I still get looks from people that are familiar with this model. It has a timeless look about it. Built very well.

I am definitely into touring bikes, not crotch rockets. I am looking at Goldwings for my next bike but have spied a couple of BMW bikes as a possibility. I am not really a Harley fan but if the right HD came along I would consider it.

If you can, add a real loud horn. I installed a set of air horns that gets people's attention. Too many stupid people that just don't see you till it's too late. I've had my close calls and I'm sure there will be others. Those loud horns certainly wake those other drivers up.

You may have loud pipes on the bike, many people customize their HDs for that loud, distinctive sound. The saying goes "Loud Pipes Saves Lives" but my experience is that if you are behind the driver of a car your "pipes" are pointing back and all the sound is going to the rear. Until you are right on top of them and past them will they hear your bike so make yourself as "visible" as possible and stay out of people's blind spots.

Good Luck and stay safe riding.

HJ