Sweet. You might try some skater gloves with fat palm padding for damping the handlebar vibration.

Ended up running 45 miles on the bike today! Half a tank of gas. Used it to run and get parts since my Altima had a rusted out freeze plug and was spewing coolant. Got everything for a tuneup along with new gaskets & freeze plug, coolant, and two rolls of shop towels. Its amazing how much stuff you can put on the back of a bike.

This thing is fantastic to get around on. Trips a few miles from the house are just about as quick as getting in the car and driving. Only downside is I got a sunburn on my arms from riding around so much.

I passed my neighbor while riding today. he was out working on his lawn.. he says "Ride free, my brother!!" as Im riding away.

Born to be wild....

moped free or die!

going to get my motorcycle endorsement on my license in July. Will see what transpires after that.

Thats awesome!

My brother picked up a sweet Buell that he's been commuting 3-4 miles to work on.

I know my dad has been looking at bikes as well to commute to work up in Cottonwood.

I don't know if I could ride one. Traffic here scares the hell out of me. Riding a bicycle on the back roads and bike lanes is one thing, but ppl here just don't look for motorcycles when they're driving.

quote:

Originally posted by datz510:
I don't know if I could ride one. Traffic here scares the hell out of me. Riding a bicycle on the back roads and bike lanes is one thing, but ppl here just don't look for motorcycles when they're driving.

Yeah, I have that same fear. Taking the class to see if it's even something I want to do.

quote:

Originally posted by Desert Rat:

quote:

Originally posted by datz510:
I don't know if I could ride one. Traffic here scares the hell out of me. Riding a bicycle on the back roads and bike lanes is one thing, but ppl here just don't look for motorcycles when they're driving.

Yeah, I have that same fear. Taking the class to see if it's even something I want to do.

Best damn thing you could do, right there. Go and learn in a controlled environment, get your bearings and then decide what you want to do from there.

I did the exact same thing, and I'm totally glad that I did. I took a weekend class at the local college, Fri., Sat., Sunday.

Friday night was in-class stuff, not riding at all. First thing the instructor said to everyone was "First things first: If everyone in this class rides a motorcycle after taking this class, 1/3rd of you will be dead within 10 years due to motorcycle accidents. Those are HARD FACTS people. If you want to get up and leave right now, we'll give you all your money back, no questions asked, no shame."

After that, they talked about a lot of defensive things, where to be, what to do etc etc.

The Saturday and Sunday classes were all on-bike in a big empty parking lot. They taught us how to maneuver, emergency techniques etc etc.

It's all stuff you NEED to know, but a lot of people just don't bother to go out and learn.

Anyways, riding a motorcycle is AWESOME, but there are risks, and you NEED to be aware of them, and how to limit your chances of becoming a casualty.

Aside from that, Live to Ride, Ride to Live!

John, was that you that went buzzing by University and Val vista this morning about 6:20?

sure looked like you on a little motorized bicycle.

These things are becoming popular... I saw one this week on Guadalupe and Rural Rd. Was just buzzing along.

Yep, I saw one down my the airport the other day too.

Nope, wasn't me this morning. There are lots of ppl putting these on bikes now. I've seen quite a few running around.

I got sunburned pretty good last weekend riding around, so haven't ridden mine this week yet.

John,

I have a solution to your only problem - apply sun block!

My friend in Flag has been following your post and I think he is going to swap in an engine like you. Would it be ok if he gives you a quick ring about the mods you made. He is about 225lbs and the weak brackets with his frame might be a bit dangerous.

I'm still trying to convince my wife to let me install it on her bike... no luck so far.

Jason,

Sure, not a problem. I'd be happy to give him any info he needs. The brackets I had to make specifically for the bike and engine combination I have.

Welp, I'm enrolled in a MC safety course next weekend so I'll have an endorsement the Monday after. Looking for something in the 750-800cc V twin range. Checking out Hondas and Kawas.

Ride to Live. Arrive Alive.

I ended up buying a used gas scooter. $150, plus another $75 or so for a clutch, chain, and brake pads. I rode it to work for the first time today.
http://www.neoscooters.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Mosquito...r_stroke_gas_scooter