| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
I can't understand why no one wants to look at the good beginner bikes Simple. Everyone wants the biggest, baddest, sexiest, most popular bike they can get their hands on, because it's (motorcycling) all about image and 'cool'. I see it every day... (and yes, my first bike was an orange M2....just as guilty, but in my defense, my lanky frame doesn't *fit* on anything much smaller) I think human nature is to want the biggest and best. Unfortunately beginning riders don't have the experience in the saddle that more experienced riders do - many times I look at the smaller bikes now, and think "that would have been a good idea". It's a tough battle between "wanna have" and "good idea", especially for a newbie - just depends on whether rationalism or emotion is the stronger side of the personality. | ||
| Babired |
Oh Man and to add to Rat's post. I have several newbies who learned last year and their bike is a 1550 cc Harley. So whatever they feel comfortable on. Comfortable means Mind and body! Then what type of riding was she planning on doing, commuting, weekend warrior, etc. I think the Ducati Monster is a really good beginners bike. Then to plan for the "its gonna happen drop" Price sliders, and guards, instead of plastics. K | ||
| Hooper |
The power question is important. My first bike was a 4-year-old Yamaha V-Star Classic 650cc. Gorgeous bike, cheap (still have it - never dropped it), but underpowered for my size. I and my skills grew out of it within the year. During that year, I had rented big Harleys for weekend trips, nervous that going from a 650cc to an 88 cubic inch was going to mean the death of me. It wasn't. It's what you do with your right wrist. Yeah, sportbikes are different, but I really believe it's the mentality and sensibility of the rider that determines what they can handle. The BIGGEST factor was the weight of the bike and how different it felt turning at slow speeds and balancing luggage (and picking it up). (Message edited by hooper on January 08, 2009) | ||
| Black |
My first bike was a 50cc Honda mini bike....In my defense, I was two feet shorter than I am now......"Surely you jest.", you might say. To you I say, "No, I'm not kidding..and don't call me Shirley!" | ||
| Marlinrider |
I can't make IMS on Saturday, but will be there Sunday. Looking forward to seeing Rat back on his feet! Is anyone meeting on Sunday? | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'm only going to be there Fri/Sat  Hoping that A) they get my Jeep finished in time (alignment after I rebuilt the front end), or B) the weather holds off and I can ride on Sat. Riding tomorrow, though. Gonna be a chilly one....but layer, layer, layer. Oh, and heat (I cheat). I'm probably leaving Fredneck around 2, 2:30 at the latest if anyone wants to come along. I'm planning to arrive a little early, so I can a)find my way indoors, and b) get my bearings at the booth, etc. For those who aren't familiar with the show information, here y'go: http://www.motorcycleshows.com/motorcycleshows/sta tic/staticHtml.jsp?id=359156 | ||
| Crackhead |
I am going to the IMS at the dc convention center on sunday. If you use the promo code "battley" there is a $4 discount. but you ahve to purchase before midnight on the 9th (tonight) | ||
| Ratbuell |
To those thinking about the IMS show - GO. It was a great time, people everywhere (so much for "economy problems", lol), and *constant* traffic in the Buell booth. It was great to see so many badwebbers again - thanks everyone for your kind words and thoughts about, and during, my recovery. I'm SO glad to be back and a part of the 'family' again. To everyone from the factory - I had a great time working with you. Hopefully I actually helped out some, too  The show is today also, so again - stop by if you haven't yet, and bring your key for a tee shirt. I'm back in the showroom today so I won't get to be there again. Here's hoping for next year! | ||
| Thunderstruck |
It was nice hang out with some familiar faces in the "Off Season" and to finally meet some of the Bad Webbers in person. I hope to be out on the bike this week to test out the Gerbings heated jacket and glove liners I picked up at the show. So maybe there will be no such thing as an "Off Season" for me any more.... maybe just a lonely season with few people to ride with. Here are my pics from IMS 2009. http://www.flickr.com/photos/planethiker/sets/7215 7612461527882/ | ||
| Smiley1eye |
Thunderstruck, Could'nt help but notice that the bike is moving pretty far outta the frame in this one... hehe.  I'd ignore the 'Busa too.  | ||
| Thunderstruck |
Smiley, That's what you call "killing 2 birds with one stone"... You know I was trying to save space on the memory card | ||
| Thetable |
killing 2 birds with one stone But I only see one bird... and a bike. Oh, never mind, you meant it in the figurative sense. | ||
| Babired |
you guys... outta control  Tony here is the house I was telling you about it's right in the Deals gap area and for all what it offers you can't beat the price. The owner is very nice as well. I had rented from him last year, same house. http://www.hemlockgrove.com/lakewood.html K | ||
| Thunderstruck |
Thanks Kathy. This place looks very nice for the price. Divide that by 4 people and it's $50 a night with garage parking for the motorcycles. Paul's thinking of putting together a trip in the spring/summer. | ||
| Babired |
Tony he has another house that is larger if there are more riders interested. The prices are better than the lodgings linked to Deal Gap, like Tree Tops. K | ||
| Ratbuell |
...any MD licensed plumbers/electricians on the list? Send me a PM, I have a logistical nightmare to deal with.... | ||
| Babired |
Rat go to Craig's list and look under services so many of the trades people are hurting right now. I used to have a plumber across the street from me but he lost his house. I saw another neighbor lose their house last night 2 doors down, my neighborhood is becoming quiet. Ras, I didn't sell the jeep on Sunday, I posted it on Hemmings, we'll see how it does there! K | ||
| Smiley1eye |
K, You know that deal when rats start getting off the sinking ship...? Your neighborhood is the ship. RUN!!!! hehe, snicker, hehe | ||
| Babired |
ain't like I haven't seen it before! K | ||
| Buell2001b |
sorry to hear that man, too many people bought what they could not afford | ||
| Babired |
Anybody know Josh this was posted today... http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/995365348.html | ||
| Ratbuell |
Just started a thread on our page under vendors, if anyone's interested  Keep warm! | ||
| Supafast |
Hey folks. So, Last weekend my boss, a partner at a law firm, called me and said that he had been fired via FedEx letter. Crappy way to do it. Hmmmm. So, as I suspected, Monday was my last day. They phased out my position b/c my boss was canned. There has been a bunch of drama at the office for the past year. Long complex story. So to make the story short, Im unemployed and pissed that its not warm out so that I could at least ride my bike! lol! Does anyone know any law firms hiring a paralegal or legal assistant? I over being in the city and Im moving out, so I would rather not work down here either. Im looking for a burbs job in Howard, Carroll or Frederick Counties. Thanks much! | ||
| Ratbuell |
I'll definitely keep an ear to the ground for ya... | ||
| Babired |
Hey Cindy, I would try to see if Dick Gelfman had any opening for his Ride Across Maryland org. Man then you would have a motorcycle job, not retail related, sorry Rat , and be helping others! K | ||
| Supafast |
Thanks Kathy, I'll check into it..... Ex-Boss called me and has been asking around for me. Have a few leads which is good. We'll see. Dang I wish it was 75 out right now..... | ||
| Babired |
You ain't the only one who wished it was 75 out K | ||
| Ratbuell |
More good stuff...check our sponsor page here on BWB and look under "new stuff". I'm *tryin'*, lol | ||
| Supafast |
Did you ride to work today? Brrrr! No thanks! | ||
| Ratbuell |
Nope. Rode in yesterday, wimped out in the evening because of ice worries and hitched a ride with my mgr - he lives just past my house. Drove the Jeep today. Gotta bring the Uly home tomorrow. I'd do it today, but I wore sneakers instead of boots (all my other gear is here in the locker, I left it with the bike last night). *I'm* good down into the 10s, heated gear is awesome. The bike...it doesn't seem to warm up. I'm waiting to hear from the factory to see if there is such a thing as "too cold" for 'em. Might try taping over the oil cooler, or removing the scoop - it only really gets bad under 20 or 25. In the 30s the bike seems to run normally. |
