I think I went over the line driving a figure 8, but passed anyway. Georgia gives a waiver of the motorcycle road test if you've taken the test. So I just need to go to the DDS (MVA for all y'all in Yankeeland) to get my official license.
Yay, me. Adult beverages will be next.
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That's good! You've taken your first step into a larger world.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. Have fun and be careful.
Congrats!
ReplyDeleteNow, on to the purchase!
Congrats! Now put that head on a 360 degree swivel and ride safe!!! Remember, they truly ARE out to get you on a bike!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteYay!
ReplyDeleteBikers are tired of paying for Americas right to drive like idiots.
ReplyDeleteCongrats and be safe.
Bravo Zulu sir, and welcome to the club. Now, like my MSF instructor said, "Ride like you're invisible, because to many drivers, you are." I would add, "Not all of them, but you can't tell which ones."
ReplyDeleteSo are you going to get a beater to practice on first, or are you going to go right for the big money? My first was a Suzuki GS-450 I got for less that a grand. It was enough for tooling around the city and the back roads, and it got me to work comfortably. It was a bit underpowered for the Interstate though. I won't tell you about my current bike though, because it sucks and I ride it wrong.
Dave H, I'm not sure. It'd be nice to find something in the $3k - $4k range to start. Probably not too hard to do. Nice used Sportsters at the dealer for $5, but I'm not sure I like them. Need to ride some and see what I like.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, your bike does suck and you do ride it wrong. ;-)
Post-2007 sporties have rubber-mounted engines. Earlier, and the engine will vibrate the fillings out of your teeth! Hard-mounted and not counterbalanced.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought...
I owned a 2007 XL 1200 Custom and LOVED it. Gave it to my son when he got his license and got myself a 2007 FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic. The XL was new; the FLSTC was pre-owned but low mileage.
Nothin' wrong with pre-owned Harleys. I'd have no problem buying one, as long as it was fully checked out by the stealership and they gave you some kind of written short-term warrantee (3 months should be enuf for you to figure out what works and what doesn't).
Congrats, Borepatch! Enjoy the open road! Remember: on evening rides, keep your mouth shut - night bugs taste horrible....
ReplyDeleteI currently ride an '82 GS-450 and I can vouch for its utility. It is just a wee bit underpowered for the interstate; at 65 MPH the engine is screaming at 6,000 RPM and while it's got more, it's not got a lot more.
ReplyDeleteBut it's still a "cold, dead fingers" bike. Even though it sucks and I'm riding it wrong. ^_^
Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could make my '77 BMW Airhead more of a priority.
You probably already know this, but there's a Honda facility on Morrison Parkway (it might be called Westside Parkway now). They offer a motorcycle safety course for what I understand is a very reasonable price, and have a nice facility in which they teach their course.
ReplyDeleteDirk, that's where the class was. Nice facility, and they have a dirt bike course as well.
ReplyDeleteRULE on used-bike sales: Aftermarket doo-dads add ZERO-NADA-ZILCH of real extra value to YOU the buyer. Chains and tires matter, maybe a good set of handlebars that indicates a savvy rider (stock bars are mild-steel and bend), but a $100 MadCow Exhaust or a $95 BangPow Hyper-clutch and seven $25 ColdFusion Sparkplugs are the gold-tipped Monster Cables of motorcycling, the Lures that caught the Fisherman.
ReplyDeleteThey are distinctive trappings of engagement and badges of commitment, and are significant mainly in the mind of the seller - it's like a house with a swimming pool let alone one that needs extra cleaning. You don't need no steenking badges. Stay away from system alterations in the airbox-carb-intake-exhaust pathway unless the re-jetting is perfect. Stock is best until YOU decide otherwise.
My recommendation is an XR650L - it falls-down go-boom no problem plastic is cheap. The lowering-link is an easy mechanical swap and takes it slightly out of nosebleed height. Nothing has changed since the '93 intro and they're pretty indestructible so just get the cheapest one you can find: http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/3853617049.html
Yeah, I realized that you had taken your class at that very place after I posted and I'd read some older posts. :) I should really read in order.
ReplyDeleteAnother one into the ether...
ReplyDeleteBuying used: all the doo-dads don't mean squat and the fashion decisions of the previous owner,don't and shouldn't add to the price - IOW beware the gold-tipped Monster-Cables of motorcycling: lures that catch more fishermen than fish.
BP,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on passing the test! Your path to mastering the beast has only just begun, though.
A piece of advice I have given to many new riders,(and some experienced) is to buy and read Kieth Code's book "A Twist of the Wrist: The Motorcycle Road-racer's Handbook".
Don't be fooled by the name, it contains lots of information, tips and advice to make you a better road rider. There are tips to help you gain understanding of how and why the bike acts the way it does, and lessons about resource management (the $20 analogy).
I found it when I began riding 30 years ago, and credit it with saving my life on more than one occasion.
Good luck, have fun and keep the shiny side up!
Phil
Twist of the Wrist is an excellent book.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on passing.