New License

[screamer]

Well, I finally got my motorcycle license after all these years. Took a class given by Total Control which was paid for by the state Dept of Transportation. It had been 45 years since I rode anything with two wheels. The classroom lessens were a little hokey at times and what I was taught 50 years ago for good cycling has changed a great deal and is even now the opposite. The actual bike operation instruction was excellent. They corrected some bad habits I had from years ago and had me doing some scary tight turns in a couple hours. after a few more hours, they had the class doing some emergency swerves and stops. So now I have a couple short trips planned. Nothing major just an hour or two. More for scenery than anything. I really want to work up to doing the Skyline Drive. Maybe eventually the Tail of the Dragon.

[Red Dave]

Congratulations! I too rode a little bit when I was younger, but also have not been on a 2 wheeler in decades. I'm doubtful that I will be getting back on anytime soon, my wife would have a fit at the idea of it.

[littleguns]

Back in the mid 1960s I laid a borrowed bike down on gravel; got scraped up a bit but no big deal. So about 10 years later the urge hit me and I bought a beautiful sky-blue 350 Honda CB -- white fairing, downswept duals, crash bars -- just a really gorgeous bike. Got my motorcycle license and thought I'd have great fun. But I also had two little kids at home. The first time I took the bike on an out-of-town ride and felt how it got whipped around when meeting a semi at highway speed made me decide to park it except for low-speed, in-town rides. Even then, I didn't feel safe. Having a neighbor who did my hay ground get hit on his bike and lose the use of his right arm sealed it for me. I sold my lovely Honda to a bolder friend for much less than I had paid for it. So it goes, but, boy, how I wish I still had that bike today! It now would be worth at least ten times what I sold it for.

[smugpug]

You'll put your eye out kid

[sunfighter]

It's all about the ride..... Enjoy.

[mowmud]

Aye eeee! My first streetbike, on the road was a CB 350 also. Traffic has changed big time. Maybe why the things the school is trying to teach ya are different than the things you remember.

You gonna be jumping on a big son-o-gun. Congrats screamer.

I like the Yoda quote.

[sunfighter]

I like the Yoda quote.

One more for you with helmet.

[screamer]

Always boots, denims, gloves, jacket, helmet and shatterproof glasses. That was my rule even 45 years ago.

[mowmud]

So, have you tacked on any miles? I don't read all the threads, may have missed things.

Been eyeballing some enduros, they call them dual sports now. All brands seem to be in the 700 cc range, which is good, it won't be an interstate bike. They are all single cylinder though. I'd much rather have a 700 twin. Less vibrations. Kawasaki made a twin back in the late 80's, the folks that have them... ain't parting with them.

Motorcycles... add a sidecar, attach a bracket or three and put a roof on it. Then... go slow. Check out whats going on around you. Same thing applies to interstates...

but its just not the same. Go slow and have a roof.
I'm getting ready to forego my 4 wheel drive instinct too. I'm trying to hunt up a older model chevy van. If it has a blown engine and tranny, I figure I'll get a better deal. I don't want the 'high top' conversion vans. Just straight up van.