Twizted

I have an '03 VTX 1800 cruiser... I traded in an 02 FZ1 on it (can't say that was my best move ever ) however it's probably kept me out of jail.

Anyone else ride?

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
-- Emo Philips

FlatLand Flyer

I ride Harley's. 2004 Fatboy now. Used to ride a 2003 Springer Softail and a '98 Spriger Softail. Fuel injection rocks!

Twizted

Mmmm.... Fat Boy's.....

If I had the money... Actually, I really like the new RK Custom (FLHRSI) Great lines...

I do love the FI on my Honda, for sure. My Yamaha was FI'd as well. You get spoiled once you have an FI bike.

Any good riding in your neck of the woods?

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
-- Emo Philips

sushiboy

92 kawasaki ex500... but i haven't even touched it in one year

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Twizted

How come you aren't riding? I just went 4 weeks off my bike and getting back on it was GREAT. Nice reminder of why I learned to ride in the first place...

__________________
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
-- Emo Philips

timbuk2

I ride - '82 Shovel. It's pretty strange when your only reliable means of transportation is a twenty year old Harley Davidson.

I'm not one of the "if it's not a Harley, it ain't a motorcycle" crowd. To be honest, I literally DESPISE what Harley Davidson has become in recent years. You'd have to tie me up before I'd set foot in a dealership. They want to sell what I look like to the RUBs, but they plain don't give a rats ass about me personally or my bike because they know right away I aint dropping no 20K for a new bike (with a $14K MSRP no less).

At any rate - I used to ride motocross as a kid. Did some street and flat track some years ago. Was never very good - I get scared too easy riding fast and close. Then one day I sat my ass on my FXR, and never have had any desire to ride anything else since.

All you riders stay sharp and shiney out there!

-tb2

Twizted

I hear ya, timbuk2. I hate the way HD has turned so over priced and 'fashionable'. One of the reasons I bought my Honda instead of a Fat Boy. Bang for the buck, the Honda is a clear value winner.

That being said, it's boring. I miss the agility of my previous bikes. I don't miss the speed (trust me, the VTX is no slouch) but I liked tossing it around the turns.

Maybe I will keep the Honda and put a Buell or a Duc Monster in the driveway next to it. I dig the short wheelbase bikes for the crisp handling.

Recently we did a ride for the US troops out here in Washington. It was great, got to see quite a few well kept, well riden HD's that, to me, is what Harley was about before it became the yuppies bike of choice. Ahhh well... the almighty dollar can ruin quite a bit.

And I echo your advice, keep em upright and ride safe. There are a ton of wacko drivers out there.

Jason

__________________
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
-- Emo Philips

THGL

I'd just like to add please, please, please wear your helmet.

2 years ago I lost my best friend of nearly 30 years because his Sportster dropped out from underneath him in a curve and he ended up head-first into a mailbox pole. The road wasn't wet, there wasn't any gravel, speed wasn't a factor... it just happened. He'd been riding for half his life so it wasn't lack of experience that killed him.

You may think it's cool to ride with the wind in your hair, but the people who love you will appreciate you more for sticking around than for you being "cool".

cJoe

'82 Suzuki GS450. Two cylinder will pull the front wheel up wiht no problem.

Twizted

All the time, man, all the time. Seen too many pics of people with their heads chewed up.

I agree it should be a matter of choice, but my choice is full face everytime.

Stuff just happens... it would be my luck the one time I went lidless... whammo!

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A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
-- Emo Philips

bodypainter

I sold my bike a couple months ago - a 1982 Honda CBX. This makes the first time in over 20 years I've voluntarily been without a motorcycle.

I can't explain it but I just lost the desire to ride a couple years ago. It took me this long to realize the urge wasn't coming back and put the bike up for sale.

FlatLand Flyer

Well, you may know it. I ride back home in Spokane, WA. Like to ride a lot in North Idaho too. Nice scenery, windy roads, and decent riding weather.

fulltiltgonzo

I've got a '77 shovel that I bought new. Yup, I'm that old. When you have a good thing going why trade it for the unknown. I too, won't set foot in a dealership for exactly the reasons mentioned above.

The dealers would be happy if they could only sell new bikes and do service on the late-model units. They've forgotten those of us who bought their products when they were struggling. If it wasn't for the old timers who bought American-made iron in the late seventies and early eighties, we'd all be riding imports.

wisj2

56 year old single guy with an 85 Aspencade GL1200. This bike has very close to 270,000 miles on the clock. I've had it for a year and a half and put on 25,000 in that time. The original owner did all his own work on this bike and it's in very good condition. When something would wear out, it was replaced. I've been to 9 states on it this year.

sushiboy

One of my best friends was pinned between to cars a year ago. It kind of freaked me out. I have been getting the urge to get back out there.

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mrbill700

I ride a 2003 Ducati monster. So sweet
Glad to see there are some riders on theis forum.

wisj2

Even an old fart on a Goldwing? LOL

sushiboy

YOU SUCK! aww, who am I kiddin', I am just jealous.

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strife

I ride my roomates 1987 Honda Magna 750 every day to work, rain or shine. I enjoy riding a lot, but sometimes, I wouldn't mind having a car. Especially considering how cold its getting now. I've had my license for a little over two years, but I just started riding his bike this year. (I grew up on an '82(?) Yamaha 125cc dirtbike.) I wear as much gear as I have when I ride. Full face helmet (I <3 arai), then I have my dads old Hien Gericke Leathers, a Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket (the mesh), and I use my roomates cold weather jacket/pants for the crappy days. There is a certian freedom that I enjoy riding a motorcycle, the Magna isn't the quickest, it still lights my face up, and is still agile enough to keep that smile plastered on my face.

Ride on.

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You are what you love, not what loves you.

strife

Twizted

Its funny... a bike doesn't have to be the quickest, shiniest, loudest, most expensive, etc... to be great fun! The old saying goes, it's not what you ride, but that you ride!

I think it's great to see all the riders coming out of the woodwork... Wisj2 - 270,000 miles! Impressive!

__________________
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
-- Emo Philips

timbuk2

Salute to all of you.

No THGL,
I'm not wearing a helmet. Well, sometimes. In the rain. I can appreciate what you say, but "it just happened" is to ride in itself. Then again , I'm just about the most paranoid rider you will probably ever meet. I've lost more friends who died with a lid on than I'm willing to share here. You think that helmet is going to save your ass, then you shouldn't be riding in the first place.

Ful... gonzo...
Nice to meet another Shovel rider. I think it's the most... uh.... "beautiful"... engine ever placed on a motorcycle frame. How's she running? Mine *loves* this time of year.

wisj2:
I'm catching up with ya. Don't think you're the only "old fart" on this board. :-) And GoldWings are the bikes that made me respect Japanese motorcycles. I rode one for 2 years in Spain, and that bike INSISTED on going places. And believe me, we WENT. Yum.

-tb2

Cycler

I agree sweet machine. I had a 99 ZRX 1100 sold due to some financial stuff during a divorce well this year things worked out very well lets say and I pulled in an 04 Yamaha Rl. Wow it is fun. Be safe out there guys.

__________________
"I'm not even supposed to be here today."

"I assure you we're open."