Assistance with motorcycle needed in SE Virginia

[David Ullrich]

I have already decided on the type of bike I want once I get a bit more
experience, a Triumph Bonneville America. As for the "beater bike" for
learning on, jsut about any 750cc and under older cruiser will work fine.

On 1/17/07, Mark J. Besso <mbspeed at maxboostracing.com> wrote:
>
> David,
>
> I'm sure you'll get lots of responses with varied opinions, but the ideas
> about getting truly good gear and attending an MSF course are the best
> ones!
> I'd been riding motorcycles for 30+ years when I moved to WA in 2000.  I
> still too the time to attend a local MSF course and found I still had
> things
> to learn about cornering and braking properly.
>
> Another thing that's completely separate from the type of bike to select
> is
> membership in HRCA. (Honda Rider's Club of America)  Regardless of whether
> you own a Honda or not they offer free roadside assistance or a tow to the
> nearest dealership.  That is worth far more than the $40 annual membership
> dues and usually less than adding similar coverage to your normal
> insurance.
>
> As far as what bike to get - I'm sure you've found already that there are
> dozens of capable bikes in the "cruiser" category that you could look at.
> The things to keep in mind are weight of the bike, seat height (more
> important if you're a short person), popularity of the model for ease of
> getting parts/service, and of course how cool it looks.  :-)  I won't
> preach
> to you about the good/bad of a particular brand, but there are some things
> to consider.  If you're not a particularly 'physical' kind of guy then
> stay
> away from the 800lb. bikes!  It doesn't matter how cool it looks if you
> don't stand a chance of controlling it.
>
> Models to consider:
>
> Honda Nighthawk (virtually bulletproof, but not a true "cruiser")
> Kawasaki Drifter (very classic looks)
> Harley Davidson Road King (heavy bike, but everyone has parts for them if
> it
> breaks)
> Harley Davidson V-Rod (Edgy design and Porsche-designed engine, but
> expensive)
> Victory - anything in their lineup
>
> Take a minute to stop into your local Border's Books and grab a cruiser
> motorcycle magazine.  See what models look cool to you.  You can always
> ask
> me about it later and I'll be glad to advise you if it's one I'm familiar
> with.  Don't' be afraid to ask more questions!
>
> Best of luck with your decision,
> Mark
>
> Fantastic site to ask questions and learn about your local motorcycling
> scene: www.sport-touring.net
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: quattro-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-bounces at audifans.com]
> On
> Behalf Of David Ullrich
> Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 6:58 AM
> To: Q-list
> Subject: NAC: Assistance with motorcycle needed in SE Virginia
>
> Hey all,
>
> So, time for me to bite the bullet and get my first bike. I want to get a
> small cruiser as my first bike, something old/used so when I drop it (and
> I
> know I will), its no big deal. Now here's the thing...I've never ridden
> before...at least not a real motorcycle...plenty of scooters and mopeds
> and
> I'm an active moutian biker and used to be active on the quaterpipe so
> 2-wheeled is not unfamiliar. And from what others have said, if you can
> drive a stick shift car and a moped...you can ride a motorcycle.
>
> So, with all that in mind...when I get my beater bike....any experienced
> riders willing to help teach me? None of my friends ride or I'd ask them,
> and the next safety class isnt until March...I WILL TAKE IT THEN, but want
> to start learning sooner and begin practicing on local slow roads and
> parking lots so Im not a total boob in class...and I've got the itch bad
> and
> don't really want to wait until late March. lol HELP?
>
> Dave
> 87 Coupe GT 2.3
> Portsmouth, VA
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