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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 8/13/2008 8:23:17 AM
Posts: 4,
Visits: 4
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I'm so impressed with this forum (not like the sophomoric forums that I stay away from), I just had to join! I was doing some research and came across the site and this question.
Hope you don't mind my $.02, sir.
For starters, I live in your neck of the woods...more specifically, the woods north of you. I am a relatively new rider, but have always loved bikes (been a passenger for years). You mentioning where we live, I only had to warn about the vast number of city folks (in cars, specifically) that frequent the outlying communities and how much they do not know how to drive curvy, two lane roads (out-of-town bikers have not been a problem).
For example, many of my neighbors and co-workers have had encounters with "silver mercedes guy." At first, we all thought he might be drunk, but, after comparing notes, we realized he is just a bad driver: he's ALL OVER the road. He is an opportunistic bad driver, as in: he crosses the double line in front of bikes and cars alike. SCARY!
I've had more and more cars just pull out in front of me in the last three years (huge increase of part-time residents up here). I know they can see me because I usually stop and point at them (there's usually a freaked out spouse hitting/covering face/screaming at the driver). I don't really equate video gaming to the problem because I live a huge retirement area. I think the problem is more people, more cars, and less awareness.
So after that breathy intro, my $.02: take it easy and get full coverage insurance. Atlanta has become rather hectic in the last 10 years as well. Just a thought, rent a bike from Eagle Rider and just take some strolls around the area. Just see how traffic (cagers and bikers) interacts with you and vice versa. There's no need to sink money into a practice bike when you already know the one you want. Just rent one (maybe even the type you want) for a couple of days to get back into the groove. Ride out to Savannah for the weekend and stay at a B&B with the loved one.
As for break-in, picking up your bike, and the road trip, you can plan ahead to arrive at a compatible dealership at break-in to have your appropriate service (talk to them and let them know you are on your way). For safety, just make sure to pre-purchase a service manual to carry with you, have a tote of some minor tools, and have a tow-service plan...Murphy's law is a powerful force! If anything is going to rattle off, it will during the break-in (handle bar ends, the miscellaneous bolt). Just keep an eye on everything. Have the dealership go over everything with you before you head south. Make sure the petcock is on "FUEL ON" and not on "RESERVE." Many a new bike owner has been stranded because they completely ran out of gas because of this.
Have a great trip and welcome back!
Best wishes,
DRZGrrl
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Advanced Member
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 5:29:25 PM
Posts: 3,265,
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Welcome to the forum DRZGrrl. We have our sophomoric moments but in general we tend to keep on topic. I always like hearing stories where the passenger makes it to their own driver seat. And what is really interesting to me is I am seeing a lot more ladies with their own rides.
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
V-Strom 06
Goldwing 03
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/23/2008 7:31:23 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 5
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Wow
as a returning rider gotta love your passion, and as a madman, I have purchased a Kawasaki ZX-14 and am starting to do the sport touring bike conversion. I ran into Gary Prickett riding a Suzuki B King who wants to try it as a sports tourer also..may be a friendly contest with other entry's could be a future article?
I am in agreement with others on the buy/roadtrip concept tho...
why not rent some bikes or try an outfit like So Cal Real riders they provide bikes and work one on one to progress at your pace.
As far as equipment is concerned I like Aerostich catalog and BMW dealers for the best gear and support....enjoy the ride...don
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/25/2008 1:15:46 PM
Posts: 13,
Visits: 8
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| Hi Jim. One more thing to consider if you do the ride... If you buy that bike in Big D...when you first get on it...and you are the greenest you will be the whole journey...for the first 50 miles give or take (depending on where in Dallas you buy the bike) you will be navigating through some of the scariest and frikkin craziest traffic that you'd encounter during the whole trip.... and in order to get to the little two lane roads outside the metroplex that you want to ride on.. no matter which direction you leave Dallas, you will have to ride those roads....on a bike you've never ridden before. Something to think about. Riding in Dallas intimidates me and I know the roads and my motorcycle well... I avoid it if I can.
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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/11/2008 1:37:19 AM
Posts: 1,
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Hello, Jim, I just registered to MCN Forums and read your original post as many others have. I feel a kinship with you and your plans for an extended ride. I purchased my first motorcycle last year (FLHRS - HD Road King-Custom). Granted, 1450ccs is a bit much for a new rider, but I had plenty of skilled riders available to me. I learned good riding habits from them (I also read “Proficient Motorcycling”.) I’ve spoken to many riders who’ve ridden longer than I’ve been around (42 Years) who feel that they don’t need training. I smile and inwardly shake my head at their complacency. There is nothing to be ashamed of by taking a basic or experienced rider class. One thing that is unique to your situation; about your racing experience, public roads aren’t for racing. The riding is totally dissimilar. Find a local Motorcycling Club and ride with them until you get reacquainted with two wheels. I am also planning and extended ride; from Alaska to Milwaukee and back to Bellingham Washington via the Grand Canyon and the California coast. I’ve been planning this trip for over a year now and have gained valuable skills and tips from lots of other riders. I hope your trip is successful and you have a blast. Ride Smart, be Safe and have fun.
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Advanced Member
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 5:29:25 PM
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Welcome to the forum Andrew. That sounds like a fun trip of a lifetime ride you are planning.
Torqueman
Battle Creek, MI
V-Strom 06
Goldwing 03
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