Any Riders here?

Rangerguru · Post by **Rangerguru** » March 21st, 2007, 4:42 pm

ANGRYCivilian wrote:Anyone ride a vintage or classic bike?

Yup, John Deere only made 100 of these back in 1974.

GSXRanger · Post by **GSXRanger** » March 22nd, 2007, 7:50 am

Rangerguru wrote:
ANGRYCivilian wrote:Anyone ride a vintage or classic bike?
Yup, John Deere only made 100 of these back in 1974.

HOLY SHIT R.G.

How the hell do you ride that thing? I have to admit, it looks pretty cool, but I can't imagine how it handles.

Another question for the cruiser crowd... WTF is up with the really high bars they call "Ape Hangers"?

Color me ignorant, but that looks as stupid as a tennis helmet, and can NOT be safe... I see them all over my area here.

Is it reserved for the cool kids?

Rangerguru · Post by **Rangerguru** » March 22nd, 2007, 8:25 am

actually the apes felt better on my shoulder and neck, riding with my arms down hurt like a bitch. I rode that bike from Ft. Benning to Ft. Campbell and back, and to Savannah numerous times.

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » March 22nd, 2007, 11:15 am

I had my first experience on a motorcycle today. I took a class that teaches the basics and gets you started on riding. I have to say, it was a hell of a lot of fun, although I'm not very good at all. I seem to have a problem of letting go of the clutch too quickly, something to work on tomorrow at the second and final day of class.

Man, I wish I got into riding years ago. I can't wait to get a bike now.

ANGRYCivilian · Post by **ANGRYCivilian** » March 22nd, 2007, 11:29 am

Thursday wrote:I had my first experience on a motorcycle today. I took a class that teaches the basics and gets you started on riding. I have to say, it was a hell of a lot of fun, although I'm not very good at all. I seem to have a problem of letting go of the clutch too quickly, something to work on tomorrow at the second and final day of class.

Man, I wish I got into riding years ago. I can't wait to get a bike now.

Is it the MSF Rider's Course? I took it about a year ago. It was the best $175 I've ever spent.

Ranger Guru,

That thing is awesome! I love vintage, classic, old skool, bobber, '70's choppers, etc.

Rangerguru · Post by **Rangerguru** » March 22nd, 2007, 11:34 am

ANGRYCivilian wrote:
Thursday wrote:I had my first experience on a motorcycle today. I took a class that teaches the basics and gets you started on riding. I have to say, it was a hell of a lot of fun, although I'm not very good at all. I seem to have a problem of letting go of the clutch too quickly, something to work on tomorrow at the second and final day of class.

Man, I wish I got into riding years ago. I can't wait to get a bike now.
Is it the MSF Rider's Course? I took it about a year ago. It was the best $175 I've ever spent.

Ranger Guru,

That thing is awesome! I love vintage, classic, old skool, bobber, '70's choppers, etc.

It can be yours for a phenominal fee my back won't allow me the PT of riding it anymore.

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » March 22nd, 2007, 6:29 pm

ANGRYCivilian wrote:Is it the MSF Rider's Course? I took it about a year ago. It was the best $175 I've ever spent.

Thats a negative Vet AC, it's run by a company called Ride Chicago. They have mainly 250cc imports, Yamaha and Honda, but they are perfect for learning.

They have a website www.ride-chicago.com

ANGRYCivilian · Post by **ANGRYCivilian** » March 23rd, 2007, 5:18 am

Thursday wrote:
ANGRYCivilian wrote:Is it the MSF Rider's Course? I took it about a year ago. It was the best $175 I've ever spent.
Thats a negative Vet AC, it's run by a company called Ride Chicago. They have mainly 250cc imports, Yamaha and Honda, but they are perfect for learning.

They have a website www.ride-chicago.com

That's pretty much what my MSF course provided for bikes. When you pass that Ride-Chicago course, do you get a waiver or certificate for your motorcycle license?

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » March 23rd, 2007, 12:40 pm

They give you a certificate of graduation of the course which can be used for discounted insurance rates. They also run the state test every Wednesday where you run through the entire course before you take it, then take it in front of a DMV rep. After passing, its just a matter of going to the DMV to get your license updated to reflect M class.

EvilCouch · Post by **EvilCouch** » March 23rd, 2007, 8:10 pm

Sounds a hell of a lot like the MSF course for not actually being it. 3 day course, something like 8 hours of classroom instruction and around 12 hours for hands on.

I would not be nearly as confident on the road as I am if I didn't take the course. Actually, considering the way drivers around here act, if I hadn't taken the course, I'd probably be fucking dead.

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » March 27th, 2007, 8:13 pm

Today I entered into a verbal agreement with a private seller to buy a 1992 Suzuki GS500E. I believe that I have gotten a really good deal on this bike.

Even though it is a 1992, it only has 7250 original miles on it, it has never been dropped, just had a tune up at 7k miles, and still has really good tread on the rear tire. I am buying it for 1750, which I think is a steal for how good of a condition this bike is in.

I will be getting it either on Thursday or Friday and I am really excited about it. Here are 2 pictures I have from the online sale add that I found it in, they aren't great but they are good enough. And, I'm not crazy about the color, but that is what paint is for, and I will have some better pictures probably on Saturday.

I think this is going to be a really good bike to learn on. It has a 500 cc engine which isn't overly powerful, but then again it isn't slow by any means due to the very light weight of the bike. The seller also threw in a brand new helmet which was still in the box and fits perfectly.

All I need to get now is a jacket and some gloves and I am definitely g2g. Please let me know what you think about the bike, as I would love to hear any input.

GSXRanger · Post by **GSXRanger** » March 27th, 2007, 9:14 pm

That GS is a fantastic learning bike. Hell, it is a great ALL AROUND DO EVERYTHING bike. Good for commuting, good gas mileage, low insurance rates, you name it.

Some things to pay attention to....

1. Tires. Look at them good. How many miles on them? If they have ANY weather cracks, ditch them for new rubber. Check your air pressure before every ride. I mean, before EVERY ride.

2. Chain. Is it neglected? Dirty? A clean chain, is a happy bike.

3. Oil. Is it clean or dirty? Service intervals? Clean oil is cheap insurance for a happy motor.

4. Brakes. What is the brake fluid like? If it is dark, change it. Should be clear. Check the pads... they are cheap to replace, but mean your life.

Other than that, does it smoke when you gas it hard? Smoke on decelleration? If not, ride that pig like you stole it.

Above all... get yourself some protective gear. A good helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots.

There are two types of riders in this world. Those that have gone down, and those that WILL go down. Road rash sucks ass. Imagine running across the parking lot at your jogging pace, and diving head first into the pavement. Now, do that at 45 mph... 55 mph... more?

I have slid on my back, at over 100mph on the track. I wear top dollar protective gear, on the track, and the same on the street. Like going into a firefight... you take your body armor and your weapon. You may not use them, but... would you go without them?

Enjoy my passion... great bike man.

Thursday · Post by **Thursday** » March 27th, 2007, 9:35 pm

Thank you Ranger GSXR. I noticed a few of the points that you mentioned and will be sure as hell to go over all of them and more when I do take ownership of it.

Tomorrow or Thursday I am going out on a shopping spree for some really good armor. Hot damn am I excited.

EvilCouch · Post by **EvilCouch** » March 28th, 2007, 12:09 am

Addendum to what GSXRanger said:

Jeans aren't protective gear.

GSXRanger · Post by **GSXRanger** » March 28th, 2007, 6:52 am

I concur with what EC said.

Jeans will not protect you in a get off. But, if you MUST wear jeans, get yourself some Draggin' Jeans. I have a pair of them, that I wear sometimes. However, I have a pair of Fieldsheer sport touring / commuting pants. I wear these every day, I zip them over my ACU's and then I zip my leather jacket to my overpants.

Gear is not cheap, but considering the alternative, it is way less expensive than hospital bills.

Get used to wearing it, and it will cause you no issues.

Cheers!!!