Motorcycles anybody?

[aris_unlimited]

Here's the 04 Honda vtx1300rs that I used to have, still miss that bike but always wished it had a little more power.



Had a vtx1800rs after that. Wanted the bigger motor for more power. And boy did it have more power, just didn't like the fuel injection as it was finicky. Guess you can't win them all lol. 1800 looked pretty much the same as the 1300.

[acudadude]

Dirt Bikes count?

[Road_Runner]

Dirt Bikes count?

As far as I'm concerned, shopping carts count as long as she's standing beside them in the pics!  She's kind of cute! 

Later, Jim

[72bluNblu]

My 2007 Triumph Speed Triple. Done a few things to it, adjustable clip ons instead of the stock flat bar, Arrow 3-1, integrated LED tail light off of a Triumph 675 with a homemade undertail. Some carbon fiber goodies.  This picture is before I added the Gilles rear sets.



I take it to trackdays too. The 1050cc triple is awesome, stupid amounts of torque. The lack of fairings keeps the top speed in the mid 150's, but on most tracks that isn't much of an issue. Lot easier to have fun on the track where you don't have to worry about all the moronic drivers talking on their cells, texting, or otherwise being idiots.

[NCtrueconservative]

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"

[RzeroB]

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. I mean how safe are the things on the road? 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"

Obviously motorcycles are inherently more dangerous than a car. They only have two wheels so they fall over. They are small so they are harder to see. And the rider isn't protected by a steel airbag lined cocoon like he is in a car. So you have to do things to mitigate the inherent risks and practice good "risk management". You have to learn to ride defensively. When I ride I don't think I'm going to wreck, Instead I think who's going to wreck me. A distracted car driver will ruin your day in a heartbeat. You have to constantly evaluate the situation and place yourself in a position to avoid potential trouble.

Another important aspect or risk management is you have to protect yourself just in case it does happen to you. By that I mean you need to wear the proper safety gear. I don't mean you need to ride in a full leather suit, but a good  helmet and some hi-vis riding clothing will help minimize the risk. A long time ago when I had only about one year of riding experience, I was riding on the interstate and a car abruptly changed lanes in front of me (they obviously didn't see me) and I went down. When I finally quit sliding and tumbling I had a broken shoulder and some serious road-rash. The only safety gear that I was wearing that day was a full-face helmet and it saved my life. The left side of the helmet took a beating and was ground flat where I apparently skidded along the pavement on my head. If I wasn't wearing that helmet I would probably be dead or seriously injured and brain damaged.

Not telling you this to discourage you, I just wanted to emphasize the importance of wearing the proper gear just in case. Even with the best risk management you can't eliminate all of the risks. 33 years later after that accident I still ride and I enjoy it very much. I just ride defensively and wear the proper safety gear and hope that I never have to use it again.

[72challenged]

Check out a MSF riding course or Abate, they provide the moto and give you Safety & Fundemental instruction.

[dutch]

 I`ve built bike frames for almost 13 yrs, but don`t care too much for `em....  That Triumph looks totally sick though 

[72bluNblu]

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"

Like already mentioned, motorcycles are not as safe as cars. I honestly think the biggest thing is that people just don't see you. At all. Ever. So, I always ride like the cars around me are going to do the worst possible thing at the worst possible time. Defensive driving- always leave yourself an out.

But no, I don't constantly think "don't wreck". After awhile defensive riding becomes second nature, and it makes you a better driver too. I also always wear a full face helmet, leather motorcycle jacket, gloves, boots, and jeans. Usually a set of riding jeans that has kevlar lining and some pads. Is it comfortable when its 100+ degrees out? Not really. But I'm used to it at this point, because that's what I always do. As a paramedic I get to see somewhat frequently the consequences of not riding with the proper gear. And yes, I've been hit out on the street. My gear saved me a lot of pain and suffering, even though it was a fairly minor accident.

I love my bike, and I love riding. Wouldn't trade it for much of anything. But, you do have to realize the safety issues, take the proper precautions, and never forget that most of the car driving public is at the very least passively trying to kill you.

Check out a MSF riding course or Abate, they provide the moto and give you Safety & Fundemental instruction.

Absolutely take a MSF course. They're awesome, even if you already know how to ride. Plus, they usually count for the riding test to obtain your motorcycle license, AND they're usually good for an insurance discount as well.

I`ve built bike frames for almost 13 yrs, but don`t care too much for `em....  That Triumph looks totally sick though 

Thanks! I've been working on getting it that way since I bought it. I wanted a Speed Triple since the originally introduced it, and when they redesigned it in '05 I had to have one. It is amazing how a few mods can really change the look of the bike.

[dutch]

I love the sound of those too 

[brads70]

Dirt Bikes count?

Best looking bike yet! 

[jordan]

If you havent ridden much or recently, definitely do a MSF course as the most basic training class.  I learned much much more from reading Keith Code: A Twist of the Wrist.  Dont blow it off as a manual for racing.  The techniques work on the street.  He teaches control, and how to do it smoothly.  He also teaches you how to think about riding, a sort of retraining your brain to do the correct response instead of using instinct.  Riding motorcycles is anti instinctual.  Knowing what to do is better than reacting and doing the wrong thing.  Some physics is explained in lay mans terms so it is easily understandable, and applicable to actual riding.  For example, Countersteering.  At speeds greater than 10MPH (variable according to chassis geometry) you have to turn the bars to the left to make the bike steer to the right.  This is physics, and cannot be changed.  Law.  If you dont know this, how would it be expected that you would be able to steer through a series of corners without going straight off the road?  Knowledge is power.   

[NCtrueconservative]

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 

[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

[jordan]

That is a nice bike!!  I admit I am partial to a big bore kawasaki.  It isnt much different than my concours 14.  Brutal fast, stupid comfortable, and able to hang out on a curvy road, or pull huge top speed.  Plus your passenger is comfortable too.  Great Bike

I am heading out on friday to Mt.Rushmore on my Kawi 1400.  Looks to be about a 2k mi ride in 5 days.  The weather forecast looks great for a long road trip.  I hope my luck holds out for nice temps too.  I am really looking forward to clearing my head and just putting miles on.  Kind of like meditation, only longer, and faster.