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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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My Only Regret in Life
« on: October 03, 2009, 09:16:49 PM »
I've never learned to ride a motorcycle and I want to.

I'm not the chopper sort and I have no unction to ride a crotch rocket. If and when I do learn I want an older bike. Something vintage because I have a love of all things nostalgic.

Something to fix-up, paint-up and shine-up.

Discuss:
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Offline NHSparky

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #1 on: October 03, 2009, 09:26:36 PM »
Rode my first bike (Honda 70 cc) at age 7.  Blew it up.  Dad made me pay for the rebuild, but taught me about engines in the process.  Bought my own Kawasaki dirt bike at 12.  Gave it up in HS.  Haven't bought a bike since.

Man, was that stupid of me not to keep up.  However, leathers and helmet.  Do NOT get on a bike without them.
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Offline Chris

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2009, 09:28:33 PM »
I'm not a fan of the crotch rocket-style either. 

Honda's CB750 is a nice bike.  Stay away from the early DOHC models (79-82) as they are a pain in the ass to find parts for.  The Honda Shadow is their generic cruiser V-twin.  Nice if you're under six feet tall; mine was a little cramped.
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Offline Chris

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2009, 09:33:11 PM »
If you can operate a clutch, you can ride a motorcycle.  You can learn in an afternoon, easy as pie.
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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2009, 09:34:30 PM »
Triumph


That's the bike I'm thinking about.  Couldn't put my ears on it.

Man, I've loved the look of them things from the instant I set eyes on 'em.

Quote from: Chris on October 03, 2009, 09:33:11 PM
If you can operate a clutch, you can ride a motorcycle.  You can learn in an afternoon, easy as pie.

I drive a manual and I drove semis for 2 years double clutchin'
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Offline Eupher

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #5 on: October 03, 2009, 09:35:39 PM »
I'm kinda partial to the Honda 919. While the bike was discontinued in 2007, it's a fairly powerful machine with 100 bhp at the rear wheel, liquid cooling, fuel injection, and that's about it.

Here's my 2003, though later models come in more colorful colors than matte black or smoke gray.

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Offline Chris

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2009, 09:36:15 PM »
I've always liked the style of the Triumph.  I'd do some research on parts availability first... the last thing you want is an old orphan. :-)
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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2009, 09:40:47 PM »
Quote from: Chris on October 03, 2009, 09:36:15 PM
I've always liked the style of the Triumph.  I'd do some research on parts availability first... the last thing you want is an old orphan. :-)
Already looking.

I'm seeing some nice bikes c. 50's and 60s for around $5500 but that means nothing if you can't fix the damn thing.
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Offline Eupher

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #8 on: October 03, 2009, 09:46:55 PM »
Quote from: Mr Snuggle Bunny on October 03, 2009, 09:34:30 PM
Triumph


That's the bike I'm thinking about.  Couldn't put my ears on it.

Man, I've loved the look of them things from the instant I set eyes on 'em.

I drive a manual and I drove semis for 2 years double clutchin'

Noted for nice handling in its day (completely overshadowed these days by more modern bikes), but had bad brakes and the 650 vertical twin in the early Bonneville would rattle the fillings out of your teeth.
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Offline Tantal

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2009, 11:13:33 PM »
Quote from: Mr Snuggle Bunny on October 03, 2009, 09:40:47 PM
Already looking.

I'm seeing some nice bikes c. 50's and 60s for around $5500 but that means nothing if you can't fix the damn thing.
The beauty of Triumph is that they make new production vintage bikes. Be prepared when it breaks down though. Parts are hella expensive and there are few certified techs, which means their labor rate borders on extortion.
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Offline Chris

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #10 on: October 03, 2009, 11:17:04 PM »
Motorcycles are relatively easy to work on (as long as you can fit your fingers where they need to go).  Dropping the engine out of my dirtbike took all of five minutes.  Spend the money on a genuine shop manual.  Clymer books are better than Haynes, but you can't beat a factory book for diagrams.
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Offline Rebel

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #11 on: October 04, 2009, 09:21:43 AM »
This is the one I want:


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Offline Wineslob

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #12 on: October 05, 2009, 10:52:59 AM »
Triumphs or Nortons. Parts are available for most models, but be prepared for $$$$.
You will also need to be your own mechanic.

My first bike was a 72' Honda 750K. I rode it for 3-4 years before I got a 83' Yamaha Seca 900.
 Personally I would never go back to an old bike. They ride like crap (shake the crud out of you) do not Handel well, (more like a bicycle), and require lots of TLC. Something is always going wrong (see the Honda).
The Yamaha was a great bike.
The difference in technology in roughly 10 years was astounding. The Honda had roughly 65 hp, a reported  :bs: top end of 120 mph (mine could NOT break 100, 95 was the best) and was scary in the "twisties". Lots of frame flex and the balance of the bike was horrible.  :o (yes I know the CB 750 is "legendary" for it's time) Even so it was fun to learn on, you can't get in much "trouble" with it. The biggest problem was riding comfort. At 6'3 I was honestly too big for the bike and it gave me a sore back.
Going to the Yamaha we have 97 hp at the rear wheel. A top end of 140 mph+ a MUCH better braking system, very comfortable on long rides, and handling to match. Just a great all-around sport cruiser.

Another possibility is Moto Guzi, or Ducati, but now you're getting expensive.

Personally, I'd get a mid-late 80's Jap bike that strikes your fancy, and use it to learn about fixing up a bike, before tackling a classic, plus get some miles under your belt. I'd go with a 750cc or bigger range. I'm a firm believer in having plenty of HP.
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Offline Hawkgirl

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #13 on: October 05, 2009, 05:09:26 PM »
My advice, start small and take an MSF course!  I've ridden crotchrockets and cruisers. 
Sounds like you like a cruiser....I rode a V-Star which was really easy to learn on.

I no longer ride thanks to the crazy drivers in Miami.
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Offline jinxmchue

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #14 on: October 05, 2009, 05:37:07 PM »
These days, I'd be lucky not to fall off a tricycle and hurt myself.
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Offline bkg

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #15 on: October 05, 2009, 07:09:45 PM »
Raced MX for about 11 years. Couldn't afford to race and go to school, so I bought a sport bike in college.

I used to think MX was crazy until I started riding I94 in morning traffic. Sport Bike didn't last long.

Wish I could race again. Think my body would reject it.  :lmao:
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Offline vesta111

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #16 on: October 06, 2009, 05:13:41 AM »
 Oldest son got me into bikes, he just about gave me a heart attack when he was learning to drive an old Honda with big boy tanks, the size of a small car.  My kid ran into fences, had big accidents skidding on sand in the road, hit a deer and busted up his leg big time, deer was put down.

He learned somehow, and being such an independent young man after attending a few initiation rites for about 4 clubs decided to ride as independent, no colors or anyone to tell him what to do.

However since the clubs here are in a mess of drugs and violence he needed a bike that would get respect from the other bikers. He bought his fathers Harley Soft Tail and took off for the Mississippi with a few friends.   

As he tells it somehow he bent the frame falling into that river miles from home.  He found this Southern Gentleman who was getting along in age that offered to weld the bike so he could drive home.  The old geezer refused to accept any money so on his way out my boy put $50.00 under a flower pot for him to find.

Darn that Harley drove him nuts, he won a few rat bikes contests here and there, but when he road down the street nuts and bolts went flying everywhere, no springs and he had to buy a kidney belt.

I have ridden horses bareback with a spine that was 2 inches high and been more comfortable then on the back of that thing.

The winter he put the Harley in the shop due to pick up in May and was put off until late August did him in.

He began to look at Triumph and Norten that are accepted as equals to Harley's and settled on the Triumph.

He loves that bike, he and wife travel from Maine to Michigan most every year with no problems.   He says his wife has a cast iron bottom to be able to ride for hours at a time.

I ride with my son every now and then, I figure the odds of a mother and son riding into an accident must be few.  No Helmet law up here, riders swear that their audio and visual view are blocked.  Boots and leather a must, rug burn is nasty but road rash is hospital time.

You know what really surprises me about these big bikes the riders can controll.  Watching the cops that accompany a funeral or some political figure at 5 mph and manage to controll those heavy suckers and not tip over is awesome.

One thing I have learned in my life is, if YOU want to ride in T Shirt, shorts and sandals, that is your problem.  If you take a passenger along, make sure they are booted and in leather, a helmet, goggles and gloves.  I know of few bikers that will take their child for a ride unless they are dressed for disaster.
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Offline LC EFA

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #17 on: October 06, 2009, 05:28:32 AM »
I did my pilgrimage to the drive through bottle shop the other day and while waiting for service noted a strange looking bike in parked up in one of the service lanes.

It was a Italian Motor-guzzi 850 CC bike. Very "classic" looking. Not a crotchrocket and not a chopper.

The guy who owned it saw me staring at it in complete puzzlement - and we had a nice little conversation about it.

Turns out they are apparantly a lot more common than I though (given that was the first time I'd ever seen that breed of bike)

 
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Offline Eupher

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #18 on: October 06, 2009, 11:45:25 AM »
The 'Guzzi features a V-twin turned sideways.

The Italians are themselves turned sideways most of the time.

No surprise there.

All the same, it's a great bike for those who like to pony up lots of bucks lots of times.
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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #19 on: October 06, 2009, 05:48:07 PM »
Quote from: Wineslob on October 05, 2009, 10:52:59 AM
You will also need to be your own mechanic.

...

Personally, I'd get a mid-late 80's Jap bike that strikes your fancy, and use it to learn about fixing up a bike, before tackling a classic, plus get some miles under your belt. I'd go with a 750cc or bigger range. I'm a firm believer in having plenty of HP.
I definitely not into a touring bike and I'm not interested to going 120+mph (bunnies are, after all, timid creatures) so a cruiser is probably about right.

One of the things I'm looking forward to is playing mechanic. This summer past I showed the 10 y/o how to pull a brake caliper, replace the pads, compress the caliper and replace everything. I then had him repeat what he was shown on the opposite wheel...which he did and he's quite proud of himself. I intend to use the bike for more such father and son moments.
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Offline dutch508

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #20 on: October 06, 2009, 05:52:35 PM »
Quote from: Mr Snuggle Bunny on October 03, 2009, 09:16:49 PM
I've never learned to ride a motorcycle and I want to.

I'm not the chopper sort and I have no unction to ride a crotch rocket. If and when I do learn I want an older bike. Something vintage because I have a love of all things nostalgic.

Something to fix-up, paint-up and shine-up.

Discuss:

A rabbit on a bike. That's about as useful as tits on a bull.
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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #21 on: October 07, 2009, 08:58:17 AM »
Quote from: dutch508 on October 06, 2009, 05:52:35 PM
A rabbit on a bike. That's about as useful as tits on a bull officers in a firefight.

Fixed....sir.


*runs*
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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #22 on: October 07, 2009, 05:34:15 PM »
National Guard pays for lessons.

Who knew?

I'm taking mine weekend of the 25th. Sizing bikes this Friday.

Would that I had more money, I saw a Harley Shovelhead on craigslist for $7900.  :banghead:
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Offline SSG Snuggle Bunny

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #23 on: October 26, 2009, 08:09:46 PM »
Regret resolved, got my endorsemsnt today.

Will be spending the next week or so looking for a bike. Gonna go old and cheap (kinda like dating) to start figuring you have to lay the first one down at least once. Then in a year or so I'll be looking to get the newer, prettier one I always wanted to begin with (kinda like dating).

It'll be nice to ride under Colorado skies while saving 2/3 on fuel. If I get enough miles in before December I may try to make the "Toys for Tots" run.
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Offline Alpha Mare

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Re: My Only Regret in Life
« Reply #24 on: October 26, 2009, 08:44:49 PM »
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