Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)

Subject: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: WyoWoman
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 06:47 PM

Ok, just in case anyone wants to actually talk about "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" in THAT thread, let's move the motorcycle and cars-we-have-really-loved thread over here.

AnnaP -- that is so utterly cool that you got your very own Harley! I guess rebuilding a motorcycle from the ground up is about the best way to really get to know the machine. I used to do all my own routine auto maintenance (yes, it WAS during the 1970s, as a matter of fact, and yes, I WAS being "empowered." Why do you ASK???) and I enjoyed the confidence it gave me, knowing at least a little bit about what was going on under the hood of my car. I got tired of having grimy fingernails for the next week or so after each Mechanical Moment, however, and decided that I was supporting the economy by hiring someone to change my oil and replace my points and plugs. But, hey, fellas, how many women do YOU know who can actually gap your plugs?

At any rate, I'm filled with admiration for your Harley adventure, AnnaP. You'll have to head out on the open road once you get it up and running -- and if I get a bike, we'll borrow from Sourdough's story and meet somewhere halfway between Jersey and Wyoming! And write a wonderful magazine piece about the venture!!! I can see it all now!

And yes, all you who've suggested it -- Wyoming does have good courses in motorcycle safety, and I ALWAYS drive sober and wear a helmet (except when I'm driving my truck -- that would look just too, too dorky!)

KC

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: LEJ
Date: 03 Jul 99 - 08:09 PM

Got caught coming home in the dark AND in the rain the other night. Now I have a windshield, and I have sunglasses but what I would have liked was something in the line of goggles with clear lenses, or maybe sunglasses with dark and clear lenses. Any suggestions? The dark/clear glasses would be great, kill two birds w/one stone y'know.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: WyoWoman
Date: 04 Jul 99 - 04:54 PM

LEJ--When I was a devoted bicyclist, I coveted some way cool goggles that had clear lenses, AND had dark lenses you could interchange, as the need arose. They were perfect for those evenings when you get caught out later than you expected and still need something to keep the wind and bugs out of your eyes.

Performance bicycling catalog features them. They may have an online catalog as well. Would those be good for motorcyclists as well, d'ya think?

KC

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: LEJ
Date: 05 Jul 99 - 01:43 PM

I'm sure they would. I'll check out a bike mag and see if I can find'em.

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 12:29 PM

I suppose you could take a good pair of avation goggles in and have custom lenses made. I used to use goggles when I rode a motorcycle. I still like them in bad weather. However my BMW K75RT has an extended windshield. If there isn't a big crosswind, it works just find. I hunker down behind the windscreen and carry on. I'd love to see a helmet visor made from the photo gray stuff that I have on my glases.

Next step, an 'lectric ridding suit. Ah, warm and tostey. Works fine if your electrical system can handle it.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Bert
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 12:58 PM

They already made a vehicle with all those features. It's called a car.

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 03:04 PM

Awwwwww, I stopped being the "macho" type when I was sliding through an intersection in Chicago one November day.

Now I'm older, fatter, and don't need to prove nothin to nobody. I like my windshield, saddle bags, leathers, and big gloves. Did all my macho stuff 20 years ago on a bobtailed Harley.

The R75 has 130,000 miles on it. It had 15,000 when I bought it, and it was motorcycle #10. Been riding sence 1966. Started in Washington state. Road year round.

How 'bout you?

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 03:59 PM

I Don't want a pickle...

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: annamill
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 04:15 PM

"JUST WANNA BE ON MY MOTORCYCLE"

ANNAP

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 06 Jul 99 - 04:16 PM

Don't mind the bugs in the teeth. When something fuzzy hits you in the mouth at 70, all you can do is swallow. (gulp!)

But, damn Sam, dem junebugs hurt!.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: WyoWoman
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 12:08 AM

Ok, ok. This may be the appropriate place to ask a thorny question having to do with social mores in a society with which I'm not familiar: To wit, I live in Wyoming and have gone to Sturgis a couple of times by car. I'm not really interested in doing the whole, rowdy, down and dirty Sturgis thaing, but I think it would be fun to take a couple of days and go over there riding on the back of a bike with someone. HOWEVER, I don't presently know anybody (except one man who makes my skin crawl) who has a bike. I was thinking about maybe posting a card or something in the local motorcycle shop asking if someone would be willing to let me ride with them...

(Yeck...the more I talk about this, the stupider it sounds.) Anyway, I don't want it to come off like a singles ad. I'm not looking for a honey, and I"m not looking to start sumpn,' if you get my drift -- I'd just like to ride with someone who'd be fun AND respectful and, of course, safe. What do you guys who ride think about such a thing? (I pay my own way, I'm pretty good company and don't talk all that much when I'm traveling.) I hope that made at least a little sense... kc

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Sourdough
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 03:05 AM

I once put up a sign in a youth hostel in Nice and found a lovely young German lady who was willing to wander with me for what turned out to be a year by bike. It started out to be companionship but our visits to the romantic cities of Rome, Venice, Athens, and adventures in the deserts of Turkey all "conspired" to change our relationship into something that would not surprise anyone but it was sure a special time for us.

Even so, in retrospect, I have to say that this young woman was crazy to take off with me. A trip by motorcycle has a number of aspects: There is the possibility for misunderstnding about the motivation for the trip There is a possibility that the person you choose has some mental defect not obvious on meeting (not all that unlikely among motorcyclists but an outbreak of paranoia for instance, is not a pretty picture) Unbeknownst to you, the person may abuse drugs. (Even if he used them in moderation, when they came out you wouldn't know that so you would, at best, be uncomfortable) He may be a terrible rider You are going to be in some very lonely places, he may have to deal with a great deal of frustration such as a breakdown, flat tire and how he deals with frustration will have a lot to do with how good a time you have.

You get the idea. You can probably fill in more items. If you don't have a friend you trust to go with, then try for a friend of a friend but at least make sure it is a real friend of a friend not an acquaintance who seems OK. How about getting a bike, taking a year to learn to ride and driving yourself to Sturgis?!

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Sourdough
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 03:24 AM

I once put up a sign in a youth hostel in Nice and found a lovely young German lady who was willing to wander with me for what turned out to be a year by bike. It started out to be companionship but our visits to the romantic cities of Rome, Venice, Athens, and adventures in the deserts of Turkey all "conspired" to change our relationship into something that would not surprise anyone but it was sure a special time for us.

Even so, in retrospect, I have to say that this young woman was crazy to take off with me. A trip by motorcycle has a number of aspects: There is the possibility for misunderstnding about the motivation for the trip There is a possibility that the person you choose has some mental defect not obvious on meeting (not all that unlikely among motorcyclists but an outbreak of paranoia for instance, is not a pretty picture) Unbeknownst to you, the person may abuse drugs. (Even if he used them in moderation, when they came out you wouldn't know that so you would, at best, be uncomfortable) He may be a terrible rider You are going to be in some very lonely places, he may have to deal with a great deal of frustration such as a breakdown, flat tire and how he deals with frustration will have a lot to do with how good a time you have.

You get the idea. You can probably fill in more items. If you don't have a friend you trust to go with, then try for a friend of a friend but at least make sure it is a real friend of a friend not an acquaintance who seems OK. How about getting a bike, taking a year to learn to ride and driving yourself to Sturgis?!

Sourdough

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From:
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 09:31 AM

KC,

Believe me when I say that I know the need to ride. To keep your knees in the breeze as Harley likes to say, and I have ridden with strangers. Every single time they had an ulterior motive. It is almost expected that you know there is something expected in return. Lot's of disappointed strangers. ;-) I just gave them my number and told them to call sometime. You never know when you might want to ride again. This. of course, was before my honey came along. Now I can't ride at all, because Glenn doesn't like bikes.

You're sitting behind someone pretty up-close with your arms around the waist and legs next to the hips. It's going to be pretty hard to even pretend to feel nothing. To enjoy the excitement of riding with someone is an intimate experience.

I could always remain stable, but I found it was pretty hard for whoever I rode with.

That's one of the reasons I'm getting my own bike.

I hope this helps with a decision.

Ride on. annap

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 09:57 AM

KC, Sourdough has the answer. Get a bike and go yourself (or with a club). There are all sorts of good bikes out there in the $1000-$2000 range. Put a windshield on it, and your all set. For learning, most states have some sort of motorcycle course. As for clubs, well there is the AMA. (American Motorcycle Assoican) They have road ridding clubs. You will see all sorts of Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, etc. all rigged for long distance riding.

BTW here in northen California, I have seen Goldwings going for well under $3,000. Ok, so they are a few years old, but they are still comfortable. Look for an 1100 in a used Goldwing. The 1200 seems to have some generator problem that pops up from time to time.

BTW, my Wife Cathy, has a Honda Shadow, with windshild and leather saddle bags. It's 600cc and puts along just fine. It looks like a Harly that got wet and shrunk.

BMW's can be a good buy too. They seem to hold their value. And you have to respect someone that puts a six digit odometer on their bike. (roll that one over...dude.)

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: WyoWoman
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 10:30 AM

Thanks, y'all. The more I thought about it last night, the more sketchy the idea seemed, so I will bow to your and my greater wisdom and drop the idea for the time being. However, I am continuing to think seriously about getting my own bike. Again, the concerns come up about being strong enough to keep one from falling down at stop lights -- and I'd like to get that question settled before I actually bought a bike. But I guess it's time to get my friendly neighborhood bike shop involved in the issue and see what they say. There are good classes here, evidently. But I don't know how I could take them before I actually bought a bike. (I did try to drive a motor cycle once and scared myself half to death with a bit of over-exuberance on the throttle. I guess that gets better with experience?) KC

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 10:52 AM

KC, Just how itsy bitsy are you? My Cathy is about 5'4" and she used to ride my big Harley. She can't ride the BMW because her legs are too short. (I have talked to her about that...) You should be able to get both feet on the ground. Wear boots. Sometimes a thick sole on the boot will help. (you don't want your feet to slip either.)

Most motorcycle schools provide the motorcycle. You would be expected to provide: Boots, Gloves, helmet, and wear jeans and a jacket. Something that could take a bit of wear. There are riding suits that you can get that have built in armor. They have heavy teflon strips installed inside the garmet. So if you fall off at any speed, the armor protects your elbows, spine, butt, etc. I plan on getting that, when I get my 'eletric riding suit. Untill then I wear heavy jeans, and a $99 leather "bomber" jacket. Not the best, but far better than skin.

Let us know what you find. Take saturday and cruise your local motorcycle shops. Don't let them give you any crap about "oh, your too little, lets try you on this Honda 175". If they tell you that, well just jump up on a chair, and kick them in the knee. (just kidding.)

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: WyoWoman
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 06:30 PM

Oh, I'm not that itty bitty. Five feet, five inches, 145 lbs. And I work out, so I'm actually stronger than most women of my attenuated age. But ... motorcycles just look big and heavy. And my sister got this horrific burn on her leg when we were teens and her boyfriend's cycle fell over and she got toasted on the tailpipe. I guess it made a lasting impression on me (as well as on her right calf) and ever since I've been afraid of doing the same thing to mine.

KC

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 06:49 PM

KC, Understand. Well, it's not the size of the bike so much as how it's ballanced. For example, a Harley has a fairly low center of gravity. I have seen women your size take a full dress Harley, lay it down, pick it up and ride away. (This was a demo) The trick with the Harley is how you do it rather than just grunting.

Most of the modern bikes have the exaust pipes well away from legs. I have got toasted on old Hondas and Harley dirt bikes. It also looks bad for some of the new "cruisers" that I see. The Goldwing hides that part quite well. The twin BMW's have the exaust down and away, however the jug can get quite warm. It's hard to hit with your feet, but you do feel the heat in the summer time. In winter, it dosn't to provid much heat for the feet. :o(

I would suggest looking at lots of bikes. (The fun part) Don't let them talk you into anything less than 500cc. Smaller than that have problems keeping up in traffic. (Yeah, I know about 350's that have gone around the world, but...) Both of my bikes are 750's. Light and get good milage. I get about 45 mpg. My friend has a Honda Valkri (1500cc) and he gets about 30 mpg. His bike is very heavy and very comfortable.

Honda makes a bike called the Pacific Coast. Sort of an all in one. They are quite reasonable on the used market. Should be a good touring bike.

Good luck, and let us know what you find. Perhaps I can get a pic posted of me and my scooter.

The Mudcat Motorcycle Aux.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 10:30 PM

KC...I would highly recommend Yamaha as I have had two and experienced terrific reliability. More specifically, the Virago is an excellent cruiser with a very low center of gravity, and a low, comfortable seat allowing you to get both feet firmly on the pavement at stoplights. The older 500's are affordable and lighter weight, but have a small tank and short cruising range. The 750's are heavier, but have the greater range and are much more solid in windy or high traffic conditions.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: WyoWoman
Date: 08 Jul 99 - 11:57 PM

This is so cool! Never in a million years did I dream that I'd get on this music site and find out the stuff I've been wondering about MOTORCYCLES! It may be BS, but it's really GOOD BS.

KC

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Fadac
Date: 09 Jul 99 - 10:05 AM

Most highly refined BS. More than just grass and water. This El Toro, comes pre packaged and wrapped in a bow.

Say, do you know why men like women in leather?

They smell like new cars.

-Fadac

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Em
Date: 09 Jul 99 - 07:28 PM

Wow! Ther's those of you out there into 'sickles AND folk music - I think I died and went to heaven! If anyone would care to trade e-mails about either subject its; [e-mail] I ride a Harley 883, but I have a healthy respect for ALL God's motorbikes. Incidently, (purely incidently) I am a female age 40 formerly obsessed w/folk music and other music too... Dylan, is tattoo'd on me brain, and "Twist to Open" is tattoo'd on me right leg. P.S. I'm not lookin' for love, just to chat (as it were)

Subject: RE: Much-needed motorcycle thread (BS)
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 10 Jul 99 - 12:27 AM

My first machine was a Harley 74 flat head. That was in the late l940's (no speed limit in Michigan back then). After the Navy, College, and marriage I finally got my second bike ~ a 550 Honda. The only bike I have now is a Honda CT-90. It seems that the heavier I get the smaller the motorcycle I ride. I like the CT-90 because I can putt along trails in the spring looking for morels.

The big problem now is how to keep the grand kids from completely destroying my marvelous machine.

Cap't Bob