That sounds exactly like how I started…a 6 mile commute really stoked my interest in riding more and getting better. I cannot stress how important the rider course is!
I have the same problem with not really having any riding friends, being relatively new to the area. Where are you located?
Where in Maryland? I could use a riding buddy as well. I also need to get out and do some bonus hunting for my rally.
I’m in Cockeysville/Hunt Valley. The north side of Baltimore.
I’ve done a bit of riding on the weekends- there are some great back roads in this area, if you guys want to meet up. This weekend’s supposed to be nice (if a little cool).
That’s not a huge distance for me, though I don’t know about this weekend or not. The weather said for Gaithersburg that it might rain on Sunday. I’ll have to ask my wife if anything is going on or not. I’m going to PM you.
I suppose you could be right. I’ve never had any problems controlling it, certainly, and I’ve never dropped it. It feels big enough for me, it’s just a tense ride. Course, I’ve had that thought before, that I should have gone with a smaller bike assuming I’d just be using it on my commute rather than wanting a really highway-capable bike.
All griping aside, it really is a kick-ass bike, and there’s definitely been times where I’m on a straight-away just cruising along, and it feels great.
I just bought my starter bike a month ago. It’s a 2009 Buell 1125R. I still need to learn how to ride it, so I spend most of my time in the parking lot or little side neighborhood streets.
I ride a 2000 Kawasaki ZRX-1200 with about 30,000 miles on her. After an accident last year, I got rid of the half-faring and went with a round headlight.
In addition to some exhaust mods, she’s equipped with a hard top trunk and leads for my heated jacket liner and gloves in the winter.
My newest, favoritest, gear is my new Firstgear Kilimanjaro 4.0 jacket in hi-viz yellow, that my wife got me for my birthday in October.
I’ve been riding off and on for about 15 years and have been motorcycle-only for the past 5, although we do have a family car that my wife drives.
I live in northern VA and there aren’t too many winter days that I leave it parked.
I have a 2006 Honda Shadow Aero. Black & chrome, I like the retro styling with the big fenders. Smooth and reliable, gets 65 MPG too.
My advice is assume you’re invisible, all the time. Don’t assume anybody sees you, always have an escape/avoidance plan.
Guess I’ll have to chime in on this thread as well. I’m a sucker for momo threads!
I started riding when I was still in the womb. My dad would take my mom out in the Texas evenings to cool off when she was pregnant. Did it with all four of us. 
I started riding by myself when I was 16. My ex was an avid rider (and evader of the law, but that’s another thread), and taught me on his Honda XL600R. Yes, huge bike, and he had to hold it for me before I took off in first gear because I couldn’t touch the ground on it. I knew that neutral was between first and second, but no one ever told me the mechanics of it, so I kept shifting into 3rd on my maiden voyage. I’m afraid I bogged the crap out of that engine.
I then got my own dirt bike, but don’t remember exactly what it was other than a Suzuki, with the ugliest rust you’ve ever seen. Needless to say, this didn’t appeal to me much, so gave up on riding on my own for a while.
Fast forward to 1999. I had been trying for 4 and a half years to talk my hubby into getting a bike. I wanted a street bike, but he said, “No way. Too dangerous.” But, after much whining and showing stats and persuasive arguments (let’s get dirt bikes and keep them for riding in the hills! Anything!! please?), he finally relented and we got ourselves a set of brand spanking new KLR650s. Of course, then he complained that I was going to put us in the poor house having to replace all the bits I kept breaking every time I fell over when I couldn’t reach the ground. Longer dog bones, a Corbin seat and shorter kick stand fixed all that though.
I liked my KLR a lot, it was my first street bike, and we rode them constantly. Then I saw an add in a Cycle World or some other rag on the Suzuki SV650, it was love at first sight! Alas, it was on the Canadian/European version, with the upper fairing. It was only being sold here naked. POUT Then, as I was researching and making arrangements to have the faired version imported from Canada, hubby hands me the article which announced they were bringing them here! Glee!
So from then on, I was the proud owner of a shiny, new 2001 SV650S in Anteres Red. She was my baby, my first true love. I felt badly about my KLR sitting in the corner of the garage, all lonely, so I sold it to a dear friend of mine who owns her to this day. And I rode, and rode, and rode, and rode my SV!
In the meantime, we also acquired a pair of XRs for playing off street, and a couple of DLs for long distance riding after hubby’s accident that totalled his Bandit. (Yes, we’re Suzuki’s bitches, why do you ask?) We also ended up selling the XRs as they were sitting unused while my hubby recovered and started walking again.
Then, nightmare of nightmares happened on June 11, 2006. I was run off the road on a beautiful Sunday afternoon as I made my way home from work. I ended up going down an embankment, and when I came up the other side I hit the pavement at an angle, highsided, and my baby went tumbling into a ravine on the far side of the road from where I rolled to a stop. I managed to escape with some road rash on my knees, and a broken pinky finger. I will never forget the sound of my helmet grinding against the pavement - nasty sound, that. Wear your gear, kids! I’d be faceless or dead without mine!
I rode my DL for the rest of that season, but missed my SV dearly. I finally got my insurance settlement from the accident the next spring, and went and got myself a brand spanking new '08 SV650. She’s nice, but I don’t love her like Lil Red. No bike will ever replace her… I still have her though. Sitting in the garage. We’re going to turn her into a custom modded cafe bike when we have the time and funds. I hug her once in a while to let her know I still love her, even all battered and missing pieces.
Ok, this post is way longer than I meant for it to be! Really was just supposed to be about how much I loved my Lil Red. And just riding in general. Motorcycles are in my blood. As soon as I am no longer able to ride, I’m going off a cliff in a blaze of glory! I rode my bike up until the week before last, and will probably be trekking off this weekend to, um, top off the tank so I can put in some Stabil. Yeah, that’s it, she needs gas! I never winterize, you never know when a 70 degree day will pop up in the middle of January!
Oh yeah, and always ride like you’re invisible, you are to most cagers. My broke ass pinky that doesn’t bend all the way now is a constant reminder, and you’d be surprised at how much you really do use that little thing without realizing it. That’s my best advice to anyone who wants to start in this wonderful lifestyle.
Rode a little Honda something years ago. Stopped riding when first married and having a kid and all. Kid grew up, and I got a bike again in 2007. A 2007 Suzuki c50t.
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Boulevard%20C50/2007/C50T.aspx
Took the Motorcycle Safety Training course. Glad I did.
Use my bike mostly as a daily commuter (10 miles each way), with a few longer rides here and there. I try not to ride if the pavement is expected to be wet or snowy. I find I am still a bit ill at ease in the saddle, knowing that if I make a mistake, it is probably going to hurt a lot longer now than when I was younger.
I’ve had a few bikes over the years. I started with a 79 Honda CB 400 then a 84 Honda CB550F, 84 CB900 Custom. After a number of years off I started up again with a 2005 Yamaha VStar 1100 Classic.
My current ride is here. This is a retired police model Harley Electra Glide. After the purchase, I installed a new seat, trunk and a number of other things. It’s a fantastic ride - very comfortable on the highway. I also use it as much as I can around town. It’s pretty nimble despite its size.
I try to do at least one big ride a year. Last year was a cross country trip through the Canadian Rockies to Vancouver Island. What a way to see the Rockies!
I’ve been averaging about 8,000 km per year on the bike.
I could probably blow a few fuses at SDMB central if I listed everything I’ve owned and all my brushes with “it sounded like a good idea”. Even this place has got to have SOME limit to posts.
45+ years experience, AMA “earned life” member and HOG member. Also (I think) the only remaining member of the Polish Racing Drivers of America (PRDA) motorcycle arm but I am not placing bets on that.
My main ride right now is a slightly mix-n-match Harley Sportster. It’s a 1994 1200 with more 1972-74 suspension. I wanted something a little more nimble and a little snappier on the throttle. Basically I ended up inventing the “XR” version of the Sportster a couple years before the factory did. The bike reminded me a lot of an amusement park haunted house in terms of agility and stuff so it got named Dark Ride. Had the tank painted; my version of a tattoo. Don’t do ink so I usually have “keepers” painted to match their personalities.
http://www.northhillscycle.com/gallery/detailGallery.asp?imageID=110
I have owned at least one bigger Harley since I was like 14 and banging around my uncle’s farm on an old tank-slapper I got cheap off a cousin. Took my drivers test on a 1967 FLH. But I am not one of those “I would rather push my Harley than ride a rice-burner” types. I got my wife a 250 Virago which she wanted to learn on. She took the classes and did fairly well ----- until some bricks and rain and oil. Since the spill she decided she really and truly loves second seat more. The long and short is I kept the Virago and enjoy using it now and then. Some day I have hopes and a 66LGC Sportster that hasn’t seen the street in a couple dozen years. Vintage machines are calling my name. But I’m at that age where I like riding a lot more than tuning and tinkering.
Crashes? Raced some and fell down some. Had some of the usual problems and minor get-offs on the road. Two serious one - both from drunk drivers figuring I could dodge them. Or they just didn’t care. I usually wear a helmet and leathers for that reason although in very slow traffic and with a certain group of friends all bets are off.
I’m enjoying reading all of the bike stories. I particularly like the stories about those of you who started riding as little kids. If I ever have kids I want them to ride early.
I was at the bike store a while back and there was a young couple shopping for a mini-dirt bike for their son. He must have been 7 or 8, but I’m not the best at telling the age of kids. He was the most excited child I have ever seen. As Dad and salesmen were going over the features on the bike the kid had the biggest grin on his face and was jumping and running in circles. He just could absolutely not contain himself, and it was incredibly fun to watch.
I can’t remember the last time I was that excited about anything. I hope he has a long and safe career on bikes.
Rubber side down guys!
I have a '06 Suzuki Vstrom, bought it new, have 50,000 miles on it now. I ride pretty much every day, and try my best to see new places on it.
I also bought a '80 Suzuki GS1100E, the ‘basket case’ version. You know, the kind that has been parked in a field since the late 80’s. Got it running, drag raced it though last season, and now it is in many pieces as I rebuild it for next season. Wish me luck as I try real hard for the 10’s.
I’m hoping for brief, heavy snow this winter so I can maximize riding days.
I started riding a few years back on a Kawasaki Vulcan 750. It was probably a bit big to start with, but within six months or so I felt comfortable on it. The Vulcan was a great bike to ride, and I haven’t sat on a cruiser that fit me better, but it was my first bike, so after a few years I moved on to my current one, a BMW R1150R.
The BMW is a great bike. I like the funky looks, the handling is great, and the boxer engine has a quiet growl, which is a pleasant contrast to loud V-twins or screaming 4s. The bike has been very reliable (though it did take a pro to get the engine balanced), unlike the Vulcan, which had some “issues” which really cut into my enjoyment of it. It’s no fun riding a bike you don’t trust.
Ever since I was a kid I’ve always liked the BMW R bikes, and I finally have one, and it’s a blast to ride and I’m not currently looking for a new bike. But, as I rode the BMW I started to notice other BMWs, and, sigh, their riders. Now, I’m sure there are tons of great people who don’t fit this stereo type on BMW bikes (I mean, not all BMW car drivers can really be douche bags, right?), but they keep seeming to be old guys, wearing full textile gear, and they just have a certain look.
Now, I think I fit that description, too. I’m only a year from 40 and am ATGAT with a dirty, yellow 3/4 length textile jacket. I know to many of you, I’m not old, but this is the oldest I’ve ever been. I got the 4 season textile jacket when I had the cruiser, and I didn’t want to look like every other guy on a cruiser. Now that I have the BMW I discover I’m wearing the uniform. Well, not completely, I saved about $800 by not getting the BMW branded jacket and pants.
So, this summer I went out to find the perfect leather riding jacket. All I really want is something that is leather, perforated for summer riding, and has real armor. Oh yeah, and I’d like to actually try it on before I buy it. I know carrying inventory is expensive, and times can be tough for motorcycle shops, but I can order something from a catalog without leaving the house, the only reason I’ve ridden 60 miles to come to your store (I mean, I could’ve ridden 60 miles to get lunch!) is to try stuff on.
I don’t want garish logos either. Sure if one of these companies wants to sponsor my commute to work I’d be happy where their ad, but I’m not paying for it. So that rules out many of the jackets meant for sports bike riders. Much of the stuff meant for cruiser riders doesn’t have anything approaching real armor.
I think my mistake was to shop in the summer. This time last year I found the shops had a fantastic selection of summer gloves. Hopefully this weekend I’ll be able to hit a few places to find a nice perforated leather jacket.
I have been riding for over 20 years and I have had a bunch of bikes but British bikes always “felt better” to me, several years ago it occured to me that modern bikes were getting entirely too fast so I sold my 1995 Triumph Speed Triple and I have gotten into vintage bikes pretty hard. Currently I have:
1971 Norton Commando (or at least most of the pieces)
1952 Triumph TRW (almost done, being restored by me as an RAF Dispatch bike)
1936 BMW R2 (in Oklahoma getting a “museum-grade”, big $$ restoration)
So I’m the stereotypical Euro-biker, 3 bikes and I drive my car everywhere, I think I enjoy the parts chasing and the rebuilding aspects at least as much as the actual riding.
Unclviny
Member"
AMA, AMCA, BMOA (Houston), VBMWOA
I feel the same way about some of my fellow Harley riders. After seeing too many proctologists and dentists dressed up like Grim Reapers on the weekend some of the old gear of mine got retired. Actually now I usually dress Amish for longer and organized rides. Kind of my way to protest.
One thing for Harley though ------ their leathers are top notch. And all the shops stock heavy enough that you can easily find plenty to try on. Check several shops around you in the clearance area. (I can look up a radius in my HOG atlas if you want)
My good winter leather coat is good down to 20 degrees and 60mph. It was regular $600 and I got it for $270. It will outlive me so figured over 10 years or so the cost isn’t really that bad. A lot have the brand stitched on and I did strip the brand off my summer weight (also a clearance) coat.
You should get some full-on superbike racing leathers and a full-face helmet. That would be a protest! (Oh, and show up on an FJR1300. 
)
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I started riding when I was 43. I bought a 1991 Yamaha Virago 1100with only 4,000 miles on it from a guy at work. I fell in love with riding right away. The Virago is sitting in the garage now, 4 years later, with 48,000 miles on it. The Virago is for sale, by the way, if anyone is interested. I’m not trying too hard to sell it because it is still a lot of fun to ride. It’s agile and faster than greased lightning.
Last year, I told my wife that if she would take the MSF class and get her license, I would buy her a bike. She surprised me and she did it. So, we started bike shopping. At the time, gas was approaching $4.00 a gallon, so used bikes were nearly as expensive as new bikes. I researched it quite a bit and we decided on a Suzuki C50Tfor her. It’s a great bike - modestly size, easy to handle, yet it still has enough power to hold its own on the freeways around here. The only thing that keeps it from being perfect are the tubed tires and drum brakes on the rear.
While we were shopping, I started thinking about how many miles I had on the Virago. It has mid-mount pegs, so I was also thinking about how my knees felt after the ride to work on a cold morning. So, I started shopping. Suzuki was coming out with a color scheme on the C90T in '09 that matched the colors on my wife’s C50T. The dealer had a C109T left over from '08, but they really didn’t want to discount the price. Plus, that thing was huge. It has a very wide and soft rear tire to handle the power of the 109 and I could see myself not liking paying $250 to replace that back tire once a year on my daily rider. So, I opted for the C90T. However (this was in November '08), Suzuki had not yet shipped the '09s. I put down a deposit and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, in April '09, it arrived. The salesman later told me Suzuki only shipped seven of these to the US this year and they aren’t going to make them next year.
After I added a fuel injector controller to the C90T to correct the overly lean mapping, I love the way it rides. I really like the extra leg room.
After four years of nearly daily riding, I still love riding. It rained one day last week and I had to drive the truck to work. When it was time to go home, I was a little depressed because I couldn’t ride the bike home. I got some heated gloves a few weeks ago and it was cool enough to try them out last week. They work very well. I’ll will definitely be using them this winter.
I’ve never ridden a sport bike, but they look like a lot of fun and I would like to try one. There’s a Triumph Street Triple in the parking lot at work that looks tempting. There’s also a Honda CBR 1100 that looks responsive and tight. I sometimes wonder if there’s a place that will rent them so I could experience that kind of ride. A Ducati Multistrada and a BWM R. Those look like an adventure waiting to happen.
I also wonder what riding a Gold Wing is like. I could see myself touring the country on one of those.
Heck, I figure I should have a whole garage full of bikes - one for every occasion and mood. Why not?
I have a 93 Sportster that I bought new. It was an 883 when I got it but I put a 1200 kit in it after the warranty expired. I also added a bigger tank and dual front disc brakes.
I used to ride a lot but after being rear ended twice in my truck in a very short time plus loosing a good friend in a bike wreck this last spring and seeing all these people in the cars next to me at stoplights texting while driving…I’m riding much less these days.
