Members Watchdog Posted August 29, 2008 Members Share Posted August 29, 2008 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gspointer Posted August 29, 2008 Members Share Posted August 29, 2008 Not a good pic, but its all I have. FWIW, I have had several bikes, the last street bike I sold about 10 years ago, it was a BMW R1100RT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members soundcreation Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 Bring your bike down to Western NC and I'll give you a tour of the tail of the dragon to see what you've learned in the class room and what minimal safety tactics they try to teach, safety and knowledge in handling a motorcycle comes from miles and miles under one's belt,not some class room,same principle when it comes to drums,practice,practice. I agree with your ideas. I haven't ridden in a while but the course I took was a multi week (I think like 5 week) pretty intensive course that focused on how not to get killed on a bike rather than how to pass your motorcycle license road test. If his course was only a weekend thing then there is no way he learned all you need to know just so you can be aware of how to practice. I remember one of the first things they told us...it's not IF your going to fall, its WHEN your going to fall. I really didn't know how much I didn't know about riding bikes until I took that course. Things like you mentioned....always shifting your head in corners...looking at the spot you want to go WAY ahead of you....setting your speed before entering the corner...etc.....they would shove the {censored} out of you as you rode by to see how you handled a surprise...jump on the back of your bike as you came by at slower speeds..It was really fun actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members theFoot Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 I was just in Milwaukee for the week, and saw a few Burgmans zippin' around. Remember, that's THE H-D city, and this is the 105th anniversary rally (tens-of thousands of H-D riders taking over the city). If a Burgman can handle that environment, it's gotta be OK. Soundcreation, congrats on the course and looking for a bike. I hope to be there someday myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 Harley is trying to sound like Honda? I dont think so. And yes, it is a lifestyle regardless of what brand you ride. No, I'm saying that HD is pushing for quieter bikes and so on - in other words, trying to sound more like honda, etc...have you heard new HD's? They're quieter than most new cars. Of course, only HD is offering aftermarket parts that still pass emissions...but are still quiet. As for the lifestyle, I don't get into that. I guess if you bought a bike to be a biker, and soak up everything you can to try and be a "biker" in what society portrays bikes to be, then that's what you do, but, for me, I enjoy riding when I feel up to it, but, I don't try and be anything more than what I am...it's not like buying a bike was some sort of buy-in to a club... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 I'd love to go. I ride like a grandma going to church, so it won't be a big deal for someone like me. And the recap comment is because everything you said, is covered in the MSF course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 Your honda will not sound like a harley unless it is a 45 degree twin, both jugs run on the same crank-pin, and the older ones had 1 coil and fired both jugs at the same time. These are what made the sound unique. HD hasn't had consistent spec's... I've got a single pin crank. If I knock the idle low enough (or the engine cold enough), and it sounds exactly like a HD. Of course, at that low of an idle, the oil pressure isn't high enough... Here's a video I shot after I installed my pipes. The lope is there...not "OMG it's a Harley" level, but it's there enough that one could logically conclude that if i had dropped the idle low enough that it would do it. http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z164/jenksdrummer/?action=view¤t=quickbikeclip.flv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members twosticks Posted August 30, 2008 Author Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 I don't care if someone repeats what I learned in the class, it helps reinforce it. Again thanks to all for your advice! I just mostly want to ride with my wife, to work and back and save on gas. I'm not looking for a sport bike, I don't care about top speed or smoking the tires. I guess a cruiser like my wife's Kawaski 500 Vulcan. Do they make 400cc cruisers? I don't want to lay on anything or have my ass in the air. I just want to cruise. I saw a map of the Dragon's Tail at the shop where we did or first classroom session. I want the bunny hop and slow curves and nice straight aways for now. I probally would have not wanted a bike if my wife had not gotten hers. Seems that while I was always growing up drooling over drums, she was drooling over bikes when she was younger and had to make do with crappy hands me downs that didn't last. We got certified on scuba together because that's what I thought would be fun for us to do together and it is. I also get a lot stuff for my drums. It was time for her to pick somthing she really wanted to do. It makes her happy since we have been doing it together (I know, like duh, you have to be together to do IT)LOL. Right now I just have good respectful fear of the bike, not timid or scared. Much like I had of driving a car when I was 16. It's like drums though, I want to practice more, but just like I don't care about double bass at 180bpm, I don't want to race any motorcycles either. So I will start looking for anything from a 250-600cc and test drive or at least sit on as many as I can. And when it's right, that's what I'll get. But I will start with the choices some of you have offered here. Thanks again guys. ANY tips or commets are always welcome to me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Carminemw Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 Well you've all seen my ride before...a 2000 Fatboy with 115,000 miles on her and still going strong...But check out a few of these as well...The VStars (Yamaha)http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/21/0/specs.aspxThe Honda Shadows...http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/cruiser_standard/model.asp?ModelName=Shadow+Spirit+750+%28VT750C2%29&ModelYear=2008&ModelId=VT750C28All the Kawasaki cruisers..http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=7Keep in mind Stix...power in reserve...not to spin the tires, but to get the hell out of the way, or climb that hill effectively. Don't cut yourself short in the long run...play on words I think... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members gspointer Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 HD hasn't had consistent spec's...I've got a single pin crank. If I knock the idle low enough (or the engine cold enough), and it sounds exactly like a HD. Of course, at that low of an idle, the oil pressure isn't high enough...Here's a video I shot after I installed my pipes. The lope is there...not "OMG it's a Harley" level, but it's there enough that one could logically conclude that if i had dropped the idle low enough that it would do it.http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z164/jenksdrummer/?action=view¤t=quickbikeclip.flv Yep, I concede. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members zildjian@consol Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 To me bigger is better for one reason,you can get out of the way from the guy that doesn't see you- loud helps too. People don't see bikes unless your crazy or loud.have fun!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted August 30, 2008 Members Share Posted August 30, 2008 My '06 HD Street Bob. I also have a Ducati 749 Dark. I'm to old to spend a lot of time on the Duc... Brutal on the old wrists!Of course, I'd like to have a garage-full of different bikes!Find something that fits you and your riding style. Don't worry about brand, just shop around and sit on as many as you can. Don't be afraid of a little extra displacement especially in a cruiser. Good luck!' alt='>'> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 I don't care if someone repeats what I learned in the class, it helps reinforce it. Again thanks to all for your advice! I just mostly want to ride with my wife, to work and back and save on gas. I'm not looking for a sport bike, I don't care about top speed or smoking the tires. I guess a cruiser like my wife's Kawaski 500 Vulcan. Do they make 400cc cruisers? I don't want to lay on anything or have my ass in the air. I just want to cruise. I saw a map of the Dragon's Tail at the shop where we did or first classroom session. I want the bunny hop and slow curves and nice straight aways for now. I probally would have not wanted a bike if my wife had not gotten hers. Seems that while I was always growing up drooling over drums, she was drooling over bikes when she was younger and had to make do with crappy hands me downs that didn't last. We got certified on scuba together because that's what I thought would be fun for us to do together and it is. I also get a lot stuff for my drums. It was time for her to pick somthing she really wanted to do. It makes her happy since we have been doing it together (I know, like duh, you have to be together to do IT)LOL. Right now I just have good respectful fear of the bike, not timid or scared. Much like I had of driving a car when I was 16. It's like drums though, I want to practice more, but just like I don't care about double bass at 180bpm, I don't want to race any motorcycles either. So I will start looking for anything from a 250-600cc and test drive or at least sit on as many as I can. And when it's right, that's what I'll get. But I will start with the choices some of you have offered here. Thanks again guys. ANY tips or commets are always welcome to me! Bikes are like firearms. In the wrong hands, someone can get killed. The only difference, is that it's usually the user. That said, with crusiers, engine size has a different meaning than with sport bikes. A crusier, I would start with at LEAST 600cc...like the Yamaha V-star. The only bugger on those is the oil filter is located behind the exhaust, so it's a PITA to change. I'm not sure if the 1100 or 1300 is the same way. Honestly, if you're just getting your feet wet - find a used Kawasaki Ninja 250. Granted, it's a crotch rocket, but it'll get you some experience under your belt, and as long as you stick with backroads, the lower-end performance shouldn't bother you too much. Sell it when you want to move up and not lose anything, or very little if you damage it... I went with a 1300 for my first bike. I debated between it (Honda VTX 1300), a VTX 1800, a Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan, and a Honda Sabre 750. The Vulcan is HUGE (chassis) by comparison - too big, 1800 was top-heavy by comparison, and the 750 I felt I was going to outgrow too quickly. So, I have my 1300. Now, after having it two years, I've "outgrown" it, but hell, there's not much bigger in the way of bikes. I've considered trading it for a Kawasaki 1600 Nomad...might do it if the pipe-laws kick in. Oh, and why not Harley? I looked. First, my budget was 10K. Only thing HD offered was the 883 Sportster - a great classic bike in it's own right...but a VERY stripped down basic model...it was like sitting on a bleacher sideways, no real room for a passenger, and accessories, like the bikes, were fairly high-priced. Sales guys couldn't care less if they sold the bike to me, they figure if I don't buy it, someone else will...losers. Same with one Honda dealership, they didn't want to sell the bike I guess....Another dealer did seem to care, so I bought my bike there. Kawasaki dealership was being hardasses, plus the bike I was checking out I knew was too big, and they knew it too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members soundcreation Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 My '06 HD Street Bob. I also have a Ducati 749 Dark. I'm to old to spend a lot of time on the Duc... Brutal on the old wrists! Man....show us the DUC! I LOVE the 748's and 749's...I hear they are a pretty firm ride though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members devinw Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 I had a '05 Suzuki SV650s and sold 'er a few months back. Great bike! If I ever get the money I swear I'm gonna pick up one of the new Ducati 848s. What a sexy machine. :love:You just can't go wrong with a twin! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 Man....show us the DUC! I LOVE the 748's and 749's...I hear they are a pretty firm ride though...Here you go... I haven't had a chance to do any nice pics yet. Summertime in FL makes it tough. Too many thunderstorms and way hot. The bike is an absolute rocket ship. It is all about performance. Aggressive seating position, low bars and the exhaust does a nice rotisserie job on your legs!That said, it is FUN!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Carminemw Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 OUch!!! very Nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 1001gear Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 Are those back pegs for the rider? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 Are those back pegs for the rider? Nope, It's a biposto. I can also convert it to mono by replacing the seat with a cowling and removing the rear pegs. My wife actually likes riding with me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 1001gear Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 Weird position. I'm even more confused. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ckcondon Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 The rider rearsets are the ones that kind of cover the swingarm in the pic. The passenger pegs are high up under the passenger seat. (top of the rear tire in pic)Riding these bikes is like a jockey on a race horse. Feet are up and behind you and you lean fwd on the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 The rider rearsets are the ones that kind of cover the swingarm in the pic. The passenger pegs are high up under the passenger seat. (top of the rear tire in pic)Riding these bikes is like a jockey on a race horse. Feet are up and behind you and you lean fwd on the tank. Or you just pretend you're Superman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted August 31, 2008 Members Share Posted August 31, 2008 My wife actually likes riding with me! Fetal position is comforting for some people... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members snaresmacker Posted September 1, 2008 Members Share Posted September 1, 2008 sweet thread.I just signed up for my m/c instructional course on sep. 9 and 10 and am super-excited. My mom just got a Shadow 750 that she'll let me practice on before I buy my own (probably next spring). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members twosticks Posted September 2, 2008 Author Members Share Posted September 2, 2008 sweet thread. I just signed up for my m/c instructional course on sep. 9 and 10 and am super-excited. My mom just got a Shadow 750 that she'll let me practice on before I buy my own (probably next spring). Sounds great Smacker! They told us to have jeans, boots that covered the ankles, long sleeved shirt, some kind of full fingered gloves ( I used my diving gloves) and some type of eye protection. I wore an old sweatshirt, I would reccomend something lighter. The sweatshirt got to be too hot during this time of year. Get ready to be kinda good nervous like when you learned to drive a car. Our instructors were really encouraging, treated us like adults, stopped us when we were doing stupid but took the time to help us out! It was really just a very good "hands on" course. THey basically show you what they want you to do, watch you do it and give you pointers, let you do it again and work with you on any rough spots. It's really like Driver's Ed with attitude! Biggest thing is you really learn the primal things about riding: Safety, Seeing and being seenIf you're taking yours in two days, also get ready for about at least 5 hours each day riding. Which felt like playing two drumming gigs each day by the time we were done. In a nutshell, just be well rested and pay attention, otherwise is very fun and exciting! Good luck dude and let us know how it goes!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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