Topic: I rode a cruiser for the first time... (Read 598 times)

DutchVDub · « **on:** May 13, 2009, 07:26:34 PM »

tonight, after a few beers. By buddy has a 2000 Honda Shadow 800cc cruiser and he let me ride it around my neighborhood tonight. I'd never ridden a motorcycle before as my only experience had been on 2d quads like the Raptor. The shifting wasn't an issue obviously as quads are the same, but turning was a bit weird and especially because for me that thing just felt heavy. Still, it was a blast. He actually left it at my house tonight because its a bit bit windy and cold up here now so I let him take my wife's S4 home to Loveland. I'll be riding the bike in the morning the entire 3mi drive to work in the morning. It was good times man, I'm totally getting one now.

Resident.:R · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2009, 07:42:48 PM »

Im bout to buy a wrecked GSXR750 for 750 bucks....bikes are the shit....if i could afford a cruiser i would get one of those....

Barry · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2009, 08:17:50 PM »

yes... you're hooked

buy something not too huge, but don't go real small either.... You'll grow out of the motor, and get bored with it. For a cruiser, a 1000cc bike is a good bike to start on... just make sure you learn with it slowly

DutchVDub · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2009, 08:46:13 PM »

I just went on another ride, about 5 miles total up and down CR13/Colorado Blvd. No real turns except into and out of the neighborhood and parking lots. I had to run to both King Soopers and Safeway to return some 1$ rentals. I've got to say, riding with a leather jacket and helmet is a lot more restrictive feeling than a t-shirt and sunglasses. It made feel even less comfortable because I felt like I couldn't see anything. I used to wear a dirtbike helmet when I raced BMX (and full jersey) bet having the full face shield really added to the claustraphobic feelings. Oh yeah, and while the jacket, gloves, and helmet keep might keep you warm its still pretty darned cold at 50mph wearing shorts.

His is an 800 and I'm pretty ok with that or a bit bigger, I definately understand I'll grow ut of that engine fairly quickly but I also don't want to get something that'll I really have to grow into so to speak. I'll be looking for an older one that somewhat cheap this summer, then maybe next year I can get a newer/nicer bike with a bigger motor.

And yes, I'm definately hooked!!!

xlr8rbmx · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:15:17 PM »

Nice, I just took a basic ridercourse and I am looking into getting a 600cc sport bike. good times

The Asshole · « **Reply #5 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:24:17 PM »

As soon as we close on house I'm buying a harley sportster 1200r in flat black.....

brandonb85 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:30:50 PM »

Sportbike FTW

Come on Dutch you know I'll teach ya some tricks

DutchVDub · « **Reply #7 on:** May 13, 2009, 09:56:55 PM »

I appreciate the offer there Brandon but I'll stick with a crusier. A lot more comfortable for long jaunts up the mountains, plus I can take the wife with me. I already have a bad back, so i don;t think a sport bike would be kosher for me.

Barry · « **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2009, 10:18:34 PM »

I retract my earlier comment about starting at 1000cc....

http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/1168699517.html

LOS · « **Reply #9 on:** May 14, 2009, 07:36:01 AM »

My first bike (and current one) is a Vulcan 900. Really recommend it. Good torque and acceleration down low and for cruisin around town. I love my cruiser. I know what you mean w/ the helmet and jacket but you get used to it. Rather feel a lil restricted than have to bail off the bike and not have the leather or helmet! Right size helmet makes all the diff. I may get a 3/4 or half but the full is nice to have on chilly mornings and windy/dusty conditions.
Take the msf basic rider course... will give you life savin info and cuts down on insurance too.

Jesus · « **Reply #10 on:** May 14, 2009, 08:22:26 AM »

Be careful on that thing man. It sounds like you just went from no experience to daily driver over night. I have a lot of motorcycle experience and what you are doing sounds a bit risky. I'd hate to see you get hurt due to inexperience.

LOS · « **Reply #11 on:** May 14, 2009, 08:37:08 AM »

Pat you talkin to me or Dutchie?
Another thing I wanna point out, you initial statement, after a few beers... NO NO NO, do not drink and ride! That's a surefire way to hurt and or kill yourself. You can't navigate turns as well and biking you use your equilibrium alot more than a car. Don't do it. I've had 2 beers and rode and felt the difference eventhough I wasn't buzzed. Scary feeling when you are in a turn and figure that out.

Jesus · « **Reply #12 on:** May 14, 2009, 10:45:05 AM »

I was talking to Dutchie

LOS · « **Reply #13 on:** May 14, 2009, 11:02:05 AM »

I figured, but wasn't sure. I took that MSF class, thats a HUGE help. Do it dutchie... hell they offer it free to military members, its required to ride on post.

sad_rocc · « **Reply #14 on:** May 14, 2009, 11:52:40 AM »

Quote from: Jesus on May 14, 2009, 08:22:26 AM

Be careful on that thing man. It sounds like you just went from no experience to daily driver over night. I have a lot of motorcycle experience and what you are doing sounds a bit risky. I'd hate to see you get hurt due to inexperience.

I have zero motorcycle experience and I think what you're doing sounds pretty damn dangerous. I know a lot of riders who have been riding for longer than I have been living and probably 90% of them have been smeared across the road at some point in their lives. And that's when they know how to handle a monster bike and riding one is instinctual.

LOS · « **Reply #15 on:** May 14, 2009, 12:07:19 PM »

Alot of the time people get too comfortable. You forget the tips or tend to be not as careful and something happens. The instinct and natural tendencies help in emergency situations, but if you are out screwin off, you are really playin your life imo.
Gotta keep respect for it and keep some fear in you so you dont go thinking you can do whatever you want and then lay it down. Hell sometimes I wanna see how hard I could push my bike in a corner but then I remember if I go too far... I dont just have a lil understeer or oversteer issue... Im sliding along pavement at 80 mph...

xlr8rbmx · « **Reply #16 on:** May 14, 2009, 02:22:11 PM »

I took the MSF course and it was great, can't go wrong for free training.

DutchVDub · « **Reply #17 on:** May 14, 2009, 04:19:38 PM »

For one its not my bike and I've only put maybe 8 miles on it. For two, besides the first ride around the block I've been in full leathers and helmet every time. Third, if I don't ride I can't learn. Fourth, I live in a town a lot smaller than Springs or Denver and there is virtually no traffic on our county roads.

Resident.:R · « **Reply #18 on:** May 14, 2009, 04:33:20 PM »

Gotta ride it too learn it.....

LOS · « **Reply #19 on:** May 14, 2009, 05:27:50 PM »

yes but thats what the course is for... they teach from turning it on to riding...

lpshade · « **Reply #20 on:** May 14, 2009, 05:28:37 PM »

my buddy has a Suzuki Boulevard 850cc for sale, I think he wants 6500 for it, it only has like 700 miles on it or less - hit me up on PM if interested

sad_rocc · « **Reply #21 on:** May 15, 2009, 05:37:32 AM »

Quote from: DutchVDub on May 14, 2009, 04:19:38 PM

For one its not my bike and I've only put maybe 8 miles on it. For two, besides the first ride around the block I've been in full leathers and helmet every time. Third, if I don't ride I can't learn. Fourth, I live in a town a lot smaller than Springs or Denver and there is virtually no traffic on our county roads.

I don't mean to get down on you or anything, I didn't realize you were in the boonies, I thought your 3mi trip to work was on populated city streets. Definitely take the course tho, it's a lot easier to learn new good habits than unlearn bad ones.

I really wanted to get a bike for awhile, mainly for the gas and ins. costs, but every older dude I know who's been riding for 30+ yrs and is a safe, responsible rider has been t-boned by a car that wasn't paying attention. Every one of them has permanent, painful injuries. Between our shitty city roads and retarded drivers, I decided it was better to stay encased in metal.

DutchVDub · « **Reply #22 on:** May 15, 2009, 06:57:17 AM »

Well yeah, I'll be taking the safety course and getting my own helmet and leathers once I get a bike. I have to get rid of some stuff though before I can justify a motorcycle purchase. My friend is just letting me learn a bit and have some fun on his because for one its a smaller cruiser (its a Shadow 750, not 800) and easier to learn on and for two he knows if I were to wreck it I can afford to fix/buy the bike. He's been riding for the better part of 15 yrs (I tend to hang out with people a lot older than me) so its not liking I'm learning from some idiot thats only had a bike for a month or two. And yeah, out here there isn't a lot to worry about in terms of traffic and I deinately stay away from the busier main highway. I wound up turning my 3mi ride to work into a 6mi one but the whole way I think I saw 3 cars and 4 other motorcycles.

Giggidy · « **Reply #23 on:** May 15, 2009, 09:46:14 AM »

that safety course was a waste of time. it's designed around somebody who's never ridden more than a bicycle.

LOS · « **Reply #24 on:** May 15, 2009, 12:28:49 PM »

Have you taken it? Or is this what you gathered from cliff notes? Cuz I sure as hell got alot out of it. Granted the learning to turn the key on and off and how to set the kick stand is a bit redundant, but the techniques and exercises they put you thru are worth their weight in gold.

101stvet · « **Reply #25 on:** May 15, 2009, 12:47:17 PM »

i had a suzuki m50 for my first cruiser it was a good cross between long riding and handling reallywell it was a 800cc and with a set of pipes, new intake and a power commander i was putting down 60 hp/75 tq which is pretty good , that was at sea level also

kutark · « **Reply #26 on:** August 17, 2009, 11:21:36 PM »

IMO, this bike would be the first one to buy:

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/618/0/home.aspx

Also, as los said, literally the worst thing you can do regarding motorized transport is drink and ride a motorcycle. 90% of all motorcycle fatalities are alchohol related.

mjohnson · « **Reply #27 on:** August 18, 2009, 05:40:23 PM »

Quote from: kutark on August 17, 2009, 11:21:36 PM

Also, as los said, literally the worst thing you can do regarding motorized transport is drink and ride a motorcycle. 90% of all motorcycle fatalities are alchohol related.

agreed. Driving a car drunk is different than a bike. I hate to admit it, but I've done both. However, when I rode my bike I had way less to drink and thought I was good to go (no buzz) but, like carlos said, I noticed half way in to my ride that I wasn't as crisp in my reactions. Since then I decided zero alcohol (not even "just one beer") when I ride my bike.

As far as the msf course goes. 1. it's required for military to get on post. Actually, it's required for military...per iod. 2. while some points are lame for those that have been riding a while, there is always something to be learned (or re learned). I grew up riding dirt bikes and now I've got a cruiser and sport bike and I was reminded of things that I just take for granted.

sorry for the hi-jack, but this is in regards to safety...

For those with sport bikes, I HIGHLY suggest getting some coached track time. If you think you can ride fast and/or that you're good, think again. I've always rode balls to the wall on the street with my gsxr (and it's not just another 600 by the way) and thought I was fast, but my coach made my lap times look like I walked them. You learn everything from body position, to braking, to choosing the right gear, to choosing the right line. All is done at your pace (you're learning curve and how fast you are daring on your bike). The best part is, 1. no pesky cops to deal with, 2. when you wreck (yes it will happen) it's really just your bike that needs repair since you're on a closed course.

Now you're thinking, "I'll never race on the track, why spend $200 for a track day when all my riding is on the street?" Well, using techniques I've developed on the track, I've saved my keester numerous times! After some time on the track you learn and feel the limits of you AND the bike. When you get in a situation that requires the most of you and the bike, you don't go, "oh crap! I don't think I can make it". Instead, you just go ahead and make it work (which may mean dumping, but you'll even know how to do that).

As long as you know the limits of you and your bike, and keep your head on a swivel looking out for those pesky people who think the world revolves around them, you will save yourself a world of hurt. In my experience and MHO the more work/effort you are putting in to your riding, the less chance of something wrong happening, at least nothing that could have been prevented/avoided.

punkrider99 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 18, 2009, 06:14:55 PM »

i took the abate course and it really helped. i started my motorcycle experience on a dirt bike and dirt bike riding techniques don't apply to a street bike. the course, while basic, was very informative. not everybody is a bad ass like btm is.

btw i now ride my buell 110 miles a day 5 days a week.

Giggidy · « **Reply #29 on:** August 18, 2009, 07:07:17 PM »

Quote from: punkrider99 on August 18, 2009, 06:14:55 PM

i took the abate course and it really helped. i started my motorcycle experience on a dirt bike and dirt bike riding techniques don't apply to a street bike. the course, while basic, was very informative. not everybody is a bad ass like btm is.

btw i now ride my buell 110 miles a day 5 days a week.

BTM is pretty badass... he owned that course..... heard he got first in class...

Giggidy · « **Reply #30 on:** August 18, 2009, 07:08:44 PM »

matter of fact it was in the very same parking lot that you got busted for doing doughnuts in his truck

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punkrider99

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