Motorcycles anybody?

[HP_Cuda]

It's basically not something to take lightly. The only way I can describe riding on the street is that you are invisible on a cycle and everyone is out to get you. You always have to leave yourself an out in every situation.

I have seen almost every cycle accident you can image which it's not something you want to remember when getting ready to ride. I rode street in my younger years and then switched to the dirt as the only one could get me in the dirt was me.

I will definitely look into the course. I know there's like a day long course offered at the community college nearby where you pay like 150 bucks and they teach you the ins and outs of motorcycle riding, provide the bike, and you do a road test and essentially get your license (even though it will have the same restrictions as a permit for a while)....We may be talking about the same thing. Definitely thinking about it. Like I say, I'm not a speed demon, or a crotch rocket type of guy. I realize the risk involved, that's why I'm asking these questions haha 

[Racer57]

I just now saw this post and hope my reply isn't too late. Since your use to being on the dirt, I would strongly suggest you get a dirt bike before you get a street bike for a year or so and head for the woods/trails. Even though the two seem vastly different, there is a lot of skills that are very similar and will help on the street. I rode mini-bikes, scooters and dirt bikes from the age of 6 until I was 19. I'm now 59 and have been on two wheels every summer since I was 6 and have yet to wreck or drop my street bikes. Presently I have a 2012 H-D FatBoy and a 2010 Goldwing. Btw, when I got my license my Dad who had ridden in the 40's and 50's with equal success said " Just pretend that everyone else on the road is a no good bastard that's out to kill you." It works.

Lemme ask y'all something on the topic of motorcycles. I been thinking about getting one as it would be a huge saver on gas (daily driver now is a Dodge Ram) and I can park motorcycles anywhere on the college campus.  I don't want anything ridiculous, or wanna go fast. I'd probably get an old honda shadow or rebel or something along those lines.  BUT, I don't have too much experience with the 2 wheeled beasts. Unlike my dad's generation which grew up with dirtbikes, my generation grew up with 4 wheelers (Got 3, ride em all the time. Best trip is to go to west virginia and ride all you want!)....Had a little experience with dirtbikes just around the house but nothing more.  You can go and get your learners permit in NC without a ridden test and the only limit is you can't have someone ride with you, which I wouldn't do when I got my license. I mean how safe are the things on the road? I live in the country pretty much, with a decent sized town nearby, no interstates or anything like that.  I mean, when ya ride, are you constantly thinking "don't wreck"? Know alot of people who had one or do have one, but it seems like some people say "its not a matter of if you wreck your bike, but when"

[jordan]

Im taking a little time off of work and working on the car to take a little motorcycle vacation in Utah with a friend that lives out there.  Im flying out and then Im riding some of his bikes.  He has a well stocked stable of bikes.  Planning on some sport touring to the state parks, then maybe some on road/off road riding on the fire trails on some BMW GSs.  My biggest excitement is that I may have the opportunity to ride on the Bonneville salt flats on a current Kawasaki ZX14.  Stock it has 195 RWHP!!!  The goal is 200mph!!!  Im keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out.  I will let everyone know if I did it next week.  Wish me luck so that everything works right. 

[BS CUDA]

Here's my new ride although it is still in the back of the Ram awaiting its out of province inspection this week. My daughter and I roadtripped 3500km's in 36 hours this weekend to bring it back from Utah. It is a 2002 Kawasaki ZZR1200 with 7800 miles purchased from the original owner - who is 67 years old. The bike is in beautiful condition and is still like new in every aspect. This bike is known as the fastest carburated production bike built - but will never see the top end in my ownership. It is also possibly one of Kawasaki's best kept secret as not many were sold, and as I found out while looking there aren't many with low miles in fantastic shape. I can't wait to get this bike on the road and enjoy some open air - I think the 'Cuda is going to be a bit jealous spliiting the nice days

 Well with the 'Cuda and its valve seal issues and my lack of determination to fix it right now - it is now on its wheel dollies up against the wall in the garage. Finally put the ZZR on the road yesterday and decided it gets all the nice days for awhile till my ambition returns to work on the 'Cuda - this bike is just way too much enjoyment and I have a lot to learn. BTW I took a bike course and was simply the best decision I made in regards to owning this bike.

[jordan]

I just found out, Bonneville is out.  Too hot, and the bike needs more mods to get up to 200mph.  It needs the speed control disconnected and more power.  The bike is electronically limited to 186mph, per gentlemen's agreement in Japan and Europe.  It already has a titanium pipe and fuel injection programmer.  Must make over 200 hp at the rear wheel.  Its still not enough to go 200 mph on salt.  So, we will end up going to the AMA races at Miller Raceway in Utah, and then some mountain riding for a few day.  Still not a bad vacation. 

[aris_unlimited]

I just found out, Bonneville is out.  Too hot, and the bike needs more mods to get up to 200mph.  It needs the speed control disconnected and more power.  The bike is electronically limited to 186mph, per gentlemen's agreement in Japan and Europe.  It already has a titanium pipe and fuel injection programmer.  Must make over 200 hp at the rear wheel.  Its still not enough to go 200 mph on salt.  So, we will end up going to the AMA races at Miller Raceway in Utah, and then some mountain riding for a few day.  Still not a bad vacation.

Too bad I got stuff to do, I could've met up with you at the races and said howdy lol. Got a car show I am going to saturday though, and I got to plan a camping trip we got scheduled. Have fun watching the bikes!

[wagesofsin]