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Originally Posted By chase45: I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By Dagger41: How tall are you @Chase45 ? The seat height on that bike is 34 inches. At 6 feet tall I don't think I could get both feet flat on the ground. Take the MSF course. I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though Dang. How far of a drive you got to get home where you can play with it? All highway or suburbs? 34” for a 5’6”er isnt the worst, but being completely green with a clutch and traffic makes it a little more difficult. |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
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I stated my peace about riding in traffic with young kids in your last thread Chase, but just to reiterate a point: target fixation is the biggest killer of new riders. It takes discipline to know danger is feet or even inches away and look the other way. Def take MSf course, and practice alot in warehouse parking lots. Get your head around, pointed where you want to go on every curve. The ground isn't going anywhere and it doesnt help to be staring at it, but I know when I started riding, it was a bad habit to be looking down all the time. |
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Originally Posted By grey50beast: I stated my peace about riding in traffic with young kids in your last thread Chase, but just to reiterate a point: target fixation is the biggest killer of new riders. It takes discipline to know danger is feet or even inches away and look the other way. Worth repeating. You go where you look. There was a Corvette thread a while ago where someone posted a picture of a C8 that had hit a tree square in the beak. I'm convinced that wouldn't happen except in the case of target fixation. |
Fantrax ARFCOM PICKERS Champion 2022, 2023, 2024
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We took the bikes for an overnight canoe trip last week. Took them out to Lincoln National Forest a few weeks ago for a bit of mountain riding. I’ve got dirt roads all around my house I can hit easily so a dual sport is perfect. Probably taking the bike to a state park about 2 hours away on Friday for another quick overnight trip Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Ulster: I would suggest a bike you can easily flat foot for your first. The TW already recommended would be a great choice.  Originally Posted By Ulster: Originally Posted By chase45: I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though I would suggest a bike you can easily flat foot for your first. The TW already recommended would be a great choice. He already bought it so it's too late. The few people I've talked to with TW 200's all talk about how they suck on the road for the most part. Seems like they are really good for ripping around the woods or a big farm. |
BikerNut:
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
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I love riding but limit myself to dirt biking. My limited time on the streets on a bike convinced me I was not only in danger on a bike, but also that I am the danger when I am in my truck. Bikes are hard to see and cars have huge “A” pillars (blind spots) so as to be a safer car. I urge you to ride a lot off road until you get some handling skills and muscle memory going for you. |
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Originally Posted By TurtlesAlltheWayDown: If you don’t have friends that ride regularly they’re pretty damn boring to do alone Attached File |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I’ve been plagued with this yearning for a motorcycle the last few years. I have never ridden a real motorcycle. I’ve puddled around with a mini bike the last few years but have never ridden anything that has gears. My family isn’t big on the idea which has weighed on me. But at 35 I’m not getting any younger. The decision to buy or not has been really messing with me. Haven’t wanted something this bad since I was a kid. I’ve found myself both daydreaming and actually dreaming about purchasing one I’m finally at peace now. I’ve decided to just use some savings and make it happen next week instead of talking about doing it for a few years and having to pay more. Tuesday I’m going to take a half day at work. Head to the bank and grab a small pile of cash. Straight to the dealer in town I’ve found this 2025 “phantom blue” Kawasaki klx300sm that has to be mine. Guess I better figure out how to get a motorcycle permit too somewhere in between all of that lol https://www.cyclenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Kawasaki-KLX300SM-Specifications.jpg This is an actual midlife crisis @ 35. Just remove the license plate. Ride it off road where you don't get run over by cars. You WILL CRASH. Wear safety gear. Have fun. You have good insurance, right? |
z - Deplorable Neanderthal Garbage
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Originally Posted By WIZZO_ARAKM14: Just bought my wife a 2025 Honda CRF300L Rally. She grew up riding and after 15yrs away, this is her entry back into it. I will admit that her bike put a bigger smile on my face than my 2022 Africa Twin ever has. Fantastic little bike and can hold 65-70 fairly easily for some highway jaunts. I was in the market for a 25’ 300 Rally, but ran across a steal on a 24’ 300 Rally with 70 miles on it. I jumped, and saved a few K. |
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Originally Posted By ALASKANFIRE: Can't buy something that doesn't exist It will, it just takes longer than everyone, including Buell, thought it would to come to market with a new design. They have a shit-tonne of orders, just got 18 million in grants from the .gov, and the important parts of the bike have all been stolen from existing parts they use on the 1190SX and RX. The hard part is done, buying or making frames isn’t hard and buying tins isn’t either. They will have to do something about that dash though, it was dated when EBR first used it on the 1190RX….., and they better start looking at ABS and Euro5 if they expect to grow-Europe was Bull’s biggest market. (I’m an 1190RS Carbon owner, and want to see this go even if Erik Buell is nothing to do with any of it) |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By sq40: I want this thing so bad. But I’ve never been on a bike and I’m too old to learn i think. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/49447/IMG_0898_jpeg-3581200.JPG @sq40 Well, definitely don’t go and look at one at a dealer, the build quality is awfully good for a beginner bike. Triumph is doing a lot of the right things at the moment and those bikes are damned nice. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: It will, it just takes longer than everyone, including Buell, thought it would to come to market with a new design. They have a shit-tonne of orders, just got 18 million in grants from the .gov, and the important parts of the bike have all been stolen from existing parts they use on the 1190SX and RX. The hard part is done, buying or making frames isn’t hard and buying tins isn’t either. They will have to do something about that dash though, it was dated when EBR first used it on the 1190RX….., and they better start looking at ABS and Euro5 if they expect to grow-Europe was Bull’s biggest market. (I’m an 1190RS Carbon owner, and want to see this go even if Erik Buell is nothing to do with any of it) Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: Originally Posted By ALASKANFIRE: Can't buy something that doesn't exist It will, it just takes longer than everyone, including Buell, thought it would to come to market with a new design. They have a shit-tonne of orders, just got 18 million in grants from the .gov, and the important parts of the bike have all been stolen from existing parts they use on the 1190SX and RX. The hard part is done, buying or making frames isn’t hard and buying tins isn’t either. They will have to do something about that dash though, it was dated when EBR first used it on the 1190RX….., and they better start looking at ABS and Euro5 if they expect to grow-Europe was Bull’s biggest market. (I’m an 1190RS Carbon owner, and want to see this go even if Erik Buell is nothing to do with any of it) I've wanted one since I saw the first teaser. It's what Harley should have built 30 years ago. I'm just tired of their advertising after bumping the production date several times. I hope it works out too it just seems like they are having a lot more trouble than they anticipated. |
BikerNut:
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
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Originally Posted By ALASKANFIRE: I've wanted one since I saw the first teaser. It's what Harley should have built 30 years ago. I'm just tired of their advertising after bumping the production date several times. I hope it works out too it just seems like they are having a lot more trouble than they anticipated. Buell Motorcycles is trying to make the transition from being an assembler of motorcycle parts from EBR to being a manufacturer. I’ve been in their plant and seen the production line-it’s a good college effort but they need to grow, retain talent, develop native manufacturing capability, and do it in a timeframe that allows them to meet success before money runs out-because it always does and there just isn’t much of a market for decade old V-twin based bikes. If I were Bill Melvin, I’d hit this Super Cruiser hard and then go talk to China about that 900cc three cylinder they came out with last year. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By boolzi: Dang. How far of a drive you got to get home where you can play with it? All highway or suburbs? 34” for a 5’6”er isnt the worst, but being completely green with a clutch and traffic makes it a little more difficult. Few miles from the dealer to my house. Can take a few different ways to make it a lot less traffic Gunna be a little traffic at the get go either way though Ive had a few manual trans cars several moons ago. Hoping itll translate a bit I was planning on perhaps taking it out away from everyone on the backroads for a few hours. Rain might ruin my fun. Ill check again later. |
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There is a dealer a few hours away in IL that has the exact one 500 cheaper Trying to decide if thats worth the hassle for 500 that I might be able to beat the local dealer down Also how does that work on something like a motorcyle I pay the tax in the state I buy it in and then pay just the registration for IN when I register it? |
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My first bike was a 500cc 1984 Honda Interceptor. I was only 140 lbs back in HS. Rode it like I stole it. Gout out for years. The in my 40 s I picked up a Yamaha Virago 750cc, sld that after 2-3 years and now I have a 2002 V-Rod for the past 6 years. My theory when riding- People WILL do something, stupid expect the unexpected. You won't be disappointed. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: There is a dealer a few hours away in IL that has the exact one 500 cheaper Trying to decide if thats worth the hassle for 500 that I might be able to beat the local dealer down Also how does that work on something like a motorcyle I pay the tax in the state I buy it in and then pay just the registration for IN when I register it? Support your local dealer, you might need them someday-bike shops come and go. Definitely mention it, but $500 isn’t a ton of money. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By Warspite: I'm in the "I really want to buy a motorcycle and have never ridden" camp. Also in the "wife says it's a no-go" camp. This sucks. Do you live for your wife, or yourself? ETA: They get over it-mine got over me buying a helicopter, sorta. |
Never make another person a priority when they merely see you as an option...
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
"Some People Are Like Slinkies. They're Not Really Good For Anything, But They Bring a Smile To Your Face When Pushed Down The Stairs."
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Originally Posted By Warspite: I'm in the "I really want to buy a motorcycle and have never ridden" camp. Also in the "wife says it's a no-go" camp. This sucks. I knew how that conversation would go. I bought mine, then told her about it. She was less than impressed, but it was only a week or so of being in the doghouse lol |
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I did this many years ago. Had a very little bit of experience on a dirt bike in my teens, but for the most part had no real road riding. Took a motorcycle safety class (two days long) and they provided the bikes for us to ride. Believe it was either fully paid for or partially paid for by the state of Texas when I lived there. Gave me the experience, and more importantly, the confidence to get out on the road after I completed it. Bought a Harley Fatboy- at the time Harley would sell to active duty military coming back from an overseas tour at cost so it was way cheaper than buying through a dealer. Then added a Honda VTR1000F a year later. Sold the Honda after a year as I just never really rode it much. And when I did ride it, I found myself going way, way, way faster than I should have been. Sold the Harley when I moved to Michigan due to the major difference in riding weather between Texas and MI. I'm a pansy when it comes to cold weather. So, in short, it can be done and you'll have fun. I'd recommend a good used one first to make sure you'll like it. And more than anything, take a rider class. |
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One word of advice after riding for 30 years - learn how to stop effectively. Some of the worst things I have seen newer riders do could have been avoided if they understood how to stop the bike. Hint: the majority of the braking power is on the front end, just a matter of physics. |
If I edited the post above it's more than likely because I suck at typing. If I didn't, I was either in too big of a hurry or just missed it.
An OG CR500 would be a better starter bike for you OP. Super easy and forgiving to ride. Trust me on this one. 
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Somewhere in the United States is a little girl…whose mother is a stripper, her father is a crack head, and her grandfather WAS President of the United States.
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Hey OP - looks like a great choice. I hope you enjoy. I rode on the street for 20 years, then decided to get rid of them and buy another dirt bike after a 13 year break. I've been back on the dirt for 25 year. I do some cross country (aka Hare Scramble) racing in the 60+ class. I've been eyeing getting back on street, but I keep talking myself out of it. Maybe after retirement! |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I’ve been plagued with this yearning for a motorcycle the last few years. I have never ridden a real motorcycle. I’ve puddled around with a mini bike the last few years but have never ridden anything that has gears. My family isn’t big on the idea which has weighed on me. But at 35 I’m not getting any younger. The decision to buy or not has been really messing with me. Haven’t wanted something this bad since I was a kid. I’ve found myself both daydreaming and actually dreaming about purchasing one I’m finally at peace now. I’ve decided to just use some savings and make it happen next week instead of talking about doing it for a few years and having to pay more. Tuesday I’m going to take a half day at work. Head to the bank and grab a small pile of cash. Straight to the dealer in town I’ve found this 2025 “phantom blue” Kawasaki klx300sm that has to be mine. Guess I better figure out how to get a motorcycle permit too somewhere in between all of that lol https://www.cyclenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Kawasaki-KLX300SM-Specifications.jpg What if you don't like it? Do you have a family? |
Atypical Millennial
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Originally Posted By djkest: What if you don't like it? Do you have a family? Im going to love it Ive probably put a 500 miles on that mini bike in the last year or two. To be honest Ive be ridding that thing around illegally on backroads and such I do have a family. They are not going to be thrilled. My kids will love it though. My youngest always tells me to go ride my mini bike when I get home Worst comes to worst(assuming I dont die) Ill sell it for a slight loss. But I think Im gunna have this thing for a decade |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Im going to love it Ive probably put a 500 miles on that mini bike in the last year or two. To be honest Ive be ridding that thing around illegally on backroads and such I do have a family. They are not going to be thrilled. My kids will love it though. My youngest always tells me to go ride my mini bike when I get home Worst comes to worst(assuming I dont die) Ill sell it for a slight loss. But I think Im gunna have this thing for a decade Oh, it's you. I didn't recognize you without your old avatar. Now definitely get a CR500 instead! 
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Somewhere in the United States is a little girl…whose mother is a stripper, her father is a crack head, and her grandfather WAS President of the United States.
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Originally Posted By Warspite: I'm in the "I really want to buy a motorcycle and have never ridden" camp. Also in the "wife says it's a no-go" camp. This sucks. Last year our 19 year old son said he wanted a motorcycle. I had not been thinking of a motorcycle but after a week or so of thinking I decided I needed one. I told my wife that when our son took the motorcycle class I was going to take it too. I expected her to call me stupid or say I didn't need a motorcycle but instead she said she was going to take the class too.  My wife or son had never even ridden a scooter. We all took the class and bought motorcycles. Our son has a Ninja 400 Wife (56) a Yamaha R3 Me (58) a Yamaha R7 My wife likes riding to lunch or ride a short trip to lunch, dinner, hotel.  It's been a fun thing we never expected. Attached File Attached File Attached File |
Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap.
"Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.
"Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.
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Originally Posted By pukindog: One word of advice after riding for 30 years - learn how to stop effectively. Some of the worst things I have seen newer riders do could have been avoided if they understood how to stop the bike. Hint: the majority of the braking power is on the front end, just a matter of physics. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Going to purchase one with the bike Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By Scrote: Do you have a helmet yet? Going to purchase one with the bike |
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Originally Posted By chase45: Going to purchase one with the bike Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By Scrote: Do you have a helmet yet? Going to purchase one with the bike Cool. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount since you're buying the bike from them. |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
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Originally Posted By Whippet06: It's crazy the number of videos that show riders pulling in the clutch to rev bomb instead of using their brakes to avoid hitting a car. Those are just the attention whores that post their video. I wear a gopro every time I ride. I've never posted a single thing lol. None of the close calls are THAT close, because I saw it coming and took steps to mitigate. Never anything worth posting. |
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Originally Posted By grey50beast: Those are just the attention whores that post their video. I wear a gopro every time I ride. I've never posted a single thing lol. None of the close calls are THAT close, because I saw it coming and took steps to mitigate. Never anything worth posting. Originally Posted By grey50beast: Originally Posted By Whippet06: It's crazy the number of videos that show riders pulling in the clutch to rev bomb instead of using their brakes to avoid hitting a car. Those are just the attention whores that post their video. I wear a gopro every time I ride. I've never posted a single thing lol. None of the close calls are THAT close, because I saw it coming and took steps to mitigate. Never anything worth posting. Most of the near miss/crash videos (for cars and bikes) it is painfully obvious what is about to happen, but the car filming takes no steps to avoid until the last minute. I rarely have close calls while driving, and I drive very aggressively. Keeping your eyes up, watching your mirrors, and tracking every car around you goes a long ways. Anticipating what others will want to do can save your ass. My wife has waaaay more close calls than I do. She drives just fine herself, but is terrible at predicting what everyone else is going to do. Drives me crazy, I always drive unless im totally sleep deprived. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I’ve been plagued with this yearning for a motorcycle the last few years. I have never ridden a real motorcycle. I’ve puddled around with a mini bike the last few years but have never ridden anything that has gears. My family isn’t big on the idea which has weighed on me. But at 35 I’m not getting any younger. The decision to buy or not has been really messing with me. Haven’t wanted something this bad since I was a kid. I’ve found myself both daydreaming and actually dreaming about purchasing one I’m finally at peace now. I’ve decided to just use some savings and make it happen next week instead of talking about doing it for a few years and having to pay more. Tuesday I’m going to take a half day at work. Head to the bank and grab a small pile of cash. Straight to the dealer in town I’ve found this 2025 “phantom blue” Kawasaki klx300sm that has to be mine. Guess I better figure out how to get a motorcycle permit too somewhere in between all of that lol https://www.cyclenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Kawasaki-KLX300SM-Specifications.jpg I say good choice. Go for it. kwg |
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Originally Posted By Rope-A-Dope: Worth repeating. You go where you look. There was a Corvette thread a while ago where someone posted a picture of a C8 that had hit a tree square in the beak. I'm convinced that wouldn't happen except in the case of target fixation. Look down, fall down. Look ahead, go ahead. |
Obedience is not patriotism. Patriotism is love of your country, not of your government.
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Originally Posted By CDW4ME: Last year our 19 year old son said he wanted a motorcycle. I had not been thinking of a motorcycle but after a week or so of thinking I decided I needed one. I told my wife that when our son took the motorcycle class I was going to take it too. I expected her to call me stupid or say I didn't need a motorcycle but instead she said she was going to take the class too. My wife or son had never even ridden a scooter. We all took the class and bought motorcycles. Our son has a Ninja 400 Wife (56) a Yamaha R3 Me (58) a Yamaha R7 My wife likes riding to lunch or ride a short trip to lunch, dinner, hotel. It's been a fun thing we never expected. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003296_jpg-3582075.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003293_jpg-3582076.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003439_png-3582077.JPG Originally Posted By CDW4ME: Originally Posted By Warspite: I'm in the "I really want to buy a motorcycle and have never ridden" camp. Also in the "wife says it's a no-go" camp. This sucks. Last year our 19 year old son said he wanted a motorcycle. I had not been thinking of a motorcycle but after a week or so of thinking I decided I needed one. I told my wife that when our son took the motorcycle class I was going to take it too. I expected her to call me stupid or say I didn't need a motorcycle but instead she said she was going to take the class too. My wife or son had never even ridden a scooter. We all took the class and bought motorcycles. Our son has a Ninja 400 Wife (56) a Yamaha R3 Me (58) a Yamaha R7 My wife likes riding to lunch or ride a short trip to lunch, dinner, hotel. It's been a fun thing we never expected. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003296_jpg-3582075.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003293_jpg-3582076.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003439_png-3582077.JPG That's awesome it turned into a family activity. My wife's dad got into a bad accident riding a Honda Goldwing when she was young and it nearly killed him. So she has some mental hang ups about motorcycles. She got upset that I wanted to at least take a rider's course. I can't complain too much, since she fully supports my gun hobby and Corvette addiction. But, I would like to ride a motorcycle. |
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I’ve been riding bikes since I was 18. I wrecked a few time. Once pretty bad. Okay really bad. But it was also my doing being a dumb ass riding miles of wheelies everywhere Have fun. Be safe. I rode 50k plus miles in probably 2 years on my brand new GSXR 600 exploring every road I could find. I have a KTM 250 and a triumph Daytona 675 currently. Both aren’t even on the road this year. I’ll get the itch again eventually to ride more. |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
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Originally Posted By dangerranger61007: Most of the near miss/crash videos (for cars and bikes) it is painfully obvious what is about to happen, but the car filming takes no steps to avoid until the last minute. I rarely have close calls while driving, and I drive very aggressively. Keeping your eyes up, watching your mirrors, and tracking every car around you goes a long ways. Anticipating what others will want to do can save your ass. My wife has waaaay more close calls than I do. She drives just fine herself, but is terrible at predicting what everyone else is going to do. Drives me crazy, I always drive unless im totally sleep deprived. are we the same person??? Don't drive safe, drive predictably... |