Any motorcyclists out there?

[Rudy Jordan]

Hello from Lurkerville y'all.

I just bought my first motorcycle! I have been wanting a bike forever, and finally at 35 y.o. I was able to get one. It's a 1983 Honda VR45FD Interceptor 750. I haven't been on a bike in 20 years and the power took me by surprise. I think I'm going to take a riders course so I wont be riding up to any picnics until next summer.

Anyone got any tips for new riders?

Peace

[alex zen]

not a motorcycle but a scooter. i have a 1972 vespa gtr.

[Dj Pat]

Originally posted by Rudy Jordan:
Hello from Lurkerville y'all.

I just bought my first motorcycle! I have been wanting a bike forever, and finally at 35 y.o. I was able to get one. It's a 1983 Honda VR45FD Interceptor 750. I haven't been on a bike in 20 years and the power took me by surprise. I think I'm going to take a riders course so I wont be riding up to any picnics until next summer.

Anyone got any tips for new riders?

Peace

Allway's remember...
be carefull!
I have a crotch rocket ( katana ) and my girl hate's me on it, but i love it.
Get a helmet, and never ride with a screeming woman!lol"
Dj Pat

[Rudy Jordan]

Mine has a blue fairing instead of red.

NO WAY I'm putting my wife or anyone else on the back of my bike! I'd be more scared than her.

Next purchase is a helmet and some touch up paint. Later maybe some Joe Rocket body armor.

Peace

[Mah'chew]

I'm thinking of getting a bike for the summer...

Anything under 400 cc is tax free in Japan, I'm thinking of getting something fun and easy to fix, probably a Yamaha TW225.



Rudy, that Honda of yours looks rude :D

[Martin Red]

Just be carefell lads !
About 95% of the people I know who have rode motorbikes have had some serious injury.

[sammyrock]

Hey Rudy,I drove my wife directly into a wall,so no more motorwomen for me...lol lol nah I used to have a small Honda back in days when I was young,Im a kid anymore but somedays I sit and wish I was a kid again...lol lol,I miss that bike,soundz like you have a nice bike there,be careful and wear protective gear at all times.Especailly your nuts//lol :D

[Rudy Jordan]

Guys, a helmet will be in full effect. I rode the quarter mile to the office and back to pay my rent on Sunday but wont get out of the parking lot until I get a helmet.

Mathius - That tax free deal is pretty sweet.

Sammy! ?Como esta, mi hermano?

[Ken1015]

Congratulations on your new purchase Rudy. I hope it provides you with many years of riding enjoyment. You should have taken an MSF Rider Course before you got the bike. The lessons they teach you will definitely make you a better rider. Also, you get a break on insurance after the course and you can skip the driver's exam for your license. It's too late this year but don't miss out next year. They usually start taking applications in February and don't procrastinate one bit because classes fill up amazingly fast.

OK, now that I've gotten that out of my system, as far as advice:
· Stay out of blind spots.

· Always wear helmet, jacket, long pants, shoes (preferably boots) with ankle support.

· Ride with high beams on during daylight hours. You want to keep yourself as visible as possible.

· Remember that most accidents occur at intersections so proceed through them with caution.

· Always use both brakes when stopping.

· When turning, look where you want to go, not at the ground, unless you want to go down.

· Keep the throttle open and slightly accelerate through turns because this stabilizes the suspension.

· Sign up for the MSF beginner’s course next year then the experienced riders course the year after next.

I must say that I envy the fact that you’re 35 and your wife allowed you to get a motorcycle. I just sold mine in April under duress. Happy riding…Ken

[DeesKo]

I picked up a 2002 Ninja ZX-7R last July, first bike I'd ridden in about 8 years. I've hit 145+ on it once but I'm a sensible rider now (as opposed to 8 years ago) and I'm really enjoying riding again....





Some tips/opinions...

Its all opinions, opinions are like..... umm you know, so do what works best for you and seems to make the most natural sense to you as a rider.


It's all about positioning yourself when around cars. If you're riding on multiple lane roads try to ride in the far left or far right lanes so you only have to worry about cars merging from one side or the other, not both.

If you go fast enough, the chances of someone merging into you go down dramatically because you're never in one place long enough for someone to hit you... so go as fast as possible all of the time. [img]smile.gif[/img] JUST KIDDING!

A lot of merging-type accidents are from someone who was in front of you, like ahead of you and in the lane to your right, who merge into your lane because they didn't even know you were there. Position yourself in your lane so that you aren't completely hidden from that car by the car in front of you. Ride in your lane so that you can see the side mirrors of both the car in front of you and the car ahead and to your right (or left as applicable).

Don't put all your weight on your hands, use your back/stomach to support your body, not your wrists/hands. Aside from the fatique factor, if you put a lot of weight on your hands and hit a bump, your more likely to twist on the throttle and get out of control/shoot the bike out from under you.

Always give yourself a couple of cars leeway between you and the car in front of you. You need more stopping time and more turning time in case of there being something in the road, etc.

If you're going to hit something in the road like a big pothole or some other sizeable object and can't avoid it don't just stand on the brakes until you hit it, hit the brakes but then right before hitting it, twist the throttle. The acceleration will help lift the front end making the initial contact with the object less severe.

NEVER completely focus on a car or any specific object on the road, especially oncoming cars when you're in a corner because you will end up hitting that car. Your body will end up going where your eyes are looking. Concentrate on everything going on, but don't focus completely on one thing.

Trying to remember/memorize too many rules won't ever work so just ride nice and easy until you're confort level and skills are appropriate.

Get ready for SERIOUS cabin fever come winter time. [img]smile.gif[/img]


Peace and enjoy!

Rob

[ June 03, 2003, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: DeesKo ]

[Bold Soul]

I'm making one a present to myself after my first studio feature.

[DeesKo]

Good website with some stories/hints :

http://www.msgroup.org/DISCUSS.asp


Peace

[Koffy Brown]

My boss rides this...and I'm envious of her...if I ever got anything this would be it...

[ June 03, 2003, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: Ashaki ]

[Koffy Brown]

I absolutely love this

[House]

BMW 1100RT

will probably add a honda cbr or triumph this year

[CG63]

Congrats and welcome to the club.

I'm pushin a customed Suzuki TLR 1000.

Be Safe because these mofos out there see a bike and think we all do freakin tricks on it.

[alex zen]

by next summer i want a moto guzzi. classic italian bikes are the shit.

[alex zen]

although i like these norton and cafe racers are real dope.

[Rudy Jordan]

Thanks everybody.

Hey Soulful, I picked the bike up early because one of my customers in Effingham sold it to me and after I paid for it I didn't want to leave it down there. That ISU program looks good and FREE is better than the $295 they want in Chicago.

Deesko, that Ninja is sweet!

Ashaki, I'd pay good money for a picture of you on one of those bikes. TOO DAMN SEXY!

Peace

[Rudy Jordan]

Originally posted by alex zen:
although i like these norton and cafe racers are real dope.

There was a faded yellow Norton at the spot where I bought my bike, Heartland Peterbilt in Effingham, IL. It's a truck dealership, but the owner also sells old cycles, cars, and even has a boat in there. If you want the contact info, let me know and I'll get it to you.

Peace

[alex zen]

[quote]Originally posted by Rudy Jordan:

]

There was a faded yellow Norton at the spot where I bought my bike, Heartland Peterbilt in Effingham, IL. It's a truck dealership, but the owner also sells old cycles, cars, and even has a boat in there. If you want the contact info, let me know and I'll get it to you.

Peace [/QB]

sure. post it or pm. thanks.

[PhatBoy]

Some good tips here already. I've been riding since I was 16, never had an injury or crash. But it has been close many many many times.

Just remember, that if you crash with a car, you'll die or get a horrible injury. You'll suffer a lot anyway. Also remember, that you're the weak one. If you drive correctly, but the other car is being a jerk and violating the traffic rules, you'll always end up paying the high price. No fender benders... No matter whose fault, you'll be the one flying, so make sure you develop an eye to these folks who are likely to bump you. There are lots of those folks, I know!
It wouldn't be a bad idea to join for a course or something like that either.. It's a powerful piece of work, and you want to be able to handle it, and not the other way around.

Once you really get familiar with your bike and riding it, it's piece of cake and you don't have to worry too much. Just remember: you're the one who pays someone elses mistakes too.

And then just... have fun!

[Rudy Jordan]

Peace [/QB][/QUOTE]sure. post it or pm. thanks. [/QB][/QUOTE]

Heartland Peterbilt
1901 W. Evergreen
I-57 Exit 160
Effingham, IL
800-852-7661

Parts Dept always answers the phone, just ask for Sales. The salespeople are Steve, Christy, and Jack, really nice people to deal with.

Peace

[Rudy Jordan]

Just found 2 courses with openings for July 8th. It's on now!

Peace

[ June 03, 2003, 11:50 PM: Message edited by: Rudy Jordan ]

[Koffy Brown]

Originally posted by CG63:
Congrats and welcome to the club.

I'm pushin a customed Suzuki TLR 1000.

Be Safe because these mofos out there see a bike and think we all do freakin tricks on it.

So do i get a ride when I come back next weekend?