December 21st, 2009 at 12:36 PM ^
I had a Yamaha TTR-125 as a kid, and my little sister had a Honda CR100. My dad races enduros in the Northeast and usually has one or two KTMs in the stable. He has one of these for the street and loves it:
06 Yamaha FZ6
My dad doesn't want me to get my motorcycle license yet, and I see his rationale, since I'm from NY where people drive like morons and it's kind of pointless to bring one to UM.
06 Yamaha FZ6
My dad doesn't want me to get my motorcycle license yet, and I see his rationale, since I'm from NY where people drive like morons and it's kind of pointless to bring one to UM.December 21st, 2009 at 12:50 PM ^
Biker chicks.......sweet!
December 21st, 2009 at 1:13 PM ^
I've decided that you're probably just a myth.
Nice sorority girl who is an engineer and also a Michigan football fan (who knows about football) who now rides motorcycles?
Total myth.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:32 PM ^
...I just got called a myth by Jason Avant's imaginary friend.
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:36 AM ^
you are both made of dreams. Pot, kettle. Kettle, pot.
December 21st, 2009 at 12:38 PM ^
I have a Fat Bob that I have only owned for a year and rode maybe a dozen times, but I love it.
Like you, I used to have a racing bike (Honda CBR 600F4i) but have since had quadruplets (three boys and a girl) who are now 18 months old so my wife made me switch to something I wasn't so likely to kill myself on.
It is a drastic change, but I am liking it. The bike is sooo much heavier than my old honda but it rides a lot nicer IME.
Stick with a Harley and you can't go wrong, that is what I was told by a few long time riders. I'll let you know if they were right in a few years.
Good luck!
December 21st, 2009 at 12:46 PM ^
My mom hates it but it's my baby.
Don't have a good picture of mine but it's the same as that except for the tail section on mine is black.
It goes faster than you would ever need to. Incredibly fun, but very dangerous.
Before this I drove a 1999 Harley Super Glide 1450 cc. It was too big for me and drove like a tractor. (side note: it was my dads and he wanted it back)
Don't have a good picture of mine but it's the same as that except for the tail section on mine is black.
It goes faster than you would ever need to. Incredibly fun, but very dangerous.
Before this I drove a 1999 Harley Super Glide 1450 cc. It was too big for me and drove like a tractor. (side note: it was my dads and he wanted it back)
December 21st, 2009 at 12:53 PM ^
I would recommend the Sportster since you can pretty much do whatever you want with it. Mine is pretty significantly modified in the performance since the stock is shipped pretty baffled and quite underpowered. I have since added hardbags recovered from a Road King and I am totally happy.
If you want to talk Sportsters goMichblue let me know.
Spec. 05 Sportster 883 Stage 2 engine mods., Rinehart Pipes, Sundowner Seat, Front/Rear Turn Signal Relocation, Hoppe Industries Fairing, bunch of chrome
December 21st, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^
so i take it you did the 883 to 1200 upgrade? don't quite know all of the Harley talk yet. Whats your opinion on 883 power vs 1200?
I'm seriously considering buying a 1993 sportster, 883 to 1200 converted, lowered, with screaming eagle perf package for $2500. it's in very decent condition from what I can tell right now. What do think of that deal? Supposedly you still pay the 883 insurance rates with the benefits of the 1200 power.
Have to take a trip down to the worst state ever to inspect the bike. any opinions on what to take a microscope too? only problems listed are a loose throttles cable housing group, and a few minor dents and scratches.
Have any opinions on forward controls vs center controls? due to being vertically challenged, I'm thinking center controls.
December 21st, 2009 at 9:40 PM ^
I think the 883 to 1200 upgrade done right is much much better than the stock 1200 (the components are a lot better, mainly). That said, if you didn't want to tour a bit you could easily be very very happy with 883 provided you upgraded the pipes, rejetted the carb (pre 07 models) and upgraded the ignition/plugs etc. (not so expensive all that).
I will say that the 1993 model at $2500 is a bit overpriced to my mind (you can buy new here in Canada for $7000 (883) and $9000 for 1200. I imagine US prices are maybe $5500 or 6000 (883) and feel free to negotiate with the dealer in January for sure. If you can swing it, I would advise you look at a post 2005 model since the benefits of the rubber mounting of the engine are very significant (believe me). I realize 2004 was the introductory year for rubber mounts but I'd avoid the introductory year. I cannot stress the relevance of the rubber mount.
If you decide to look at the 1993 bike I would want to take it to a local HD mechanic (or pay one to come over) and have the basics completely inspected with you there...worth $150 if you are going to purchase. He would start at the frame and work his way out which on that age bike is totally indicated.
I use mid controls which I just like a lot better than forward controls. Posturally, if you ride any distance, you'll want mid controls with forward highway pegs. I have ridden forwards extensively but they put far too much pressure on the coccyx area of your low back over the long rides. Just one opinion on that, however.
If you are looking for informed opinion on all things Sportster take a look at xlforum.net unquestionably the best sportster site online. I hope all of this is helpful.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:58 PM ^
I'm in southern Cal, and I'm riding it into work tomorrow (December 22nd!!). Though people are used to seeing motorcycles year around out here, it doesn't mean you won't encounter soccer mom cagers on their cell phones talking about the latest episode of American Idol as they fail to signal and swerve right into your path.
Ride with care boys and girls.
December 21st, 2009 at 1:59 PM ^
market a full motorcycle helmet with the Wolverine wings and stripes? Damn it, I'm sicking of asking for this every Christmas and then...nothin'.
There is no Santa Claus. There is no Santa Claus.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:32 PM ^
there's plenty of people on the internet who will do a custom air brush job for helmets. one guy i googled will do a pro job for 250 to 350, his art work is pretty amazing. clear coated and everything
if i had the cash, i would do a custom job on my helmet with base dark blue and maize flames in the form of the UM helmet. same for the bike, some day
December 21st, 2009 at 2:03 PM ^
I have a 2008 Yamaha R1...I'm still alive...
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/manufacturerlineups/ig/2008-Yamahas/Yam…
December 21st, 2009 at 2:21 PM ^
It isn't the bike that kills s a person, it is the way the person drives it.
I just can't get on a racing bike and keep myself from winding it out on the highways and pulling endos and cat walks while flying by people in the passing lane.
Many people are much smarter than I am and drive much safer. The issue with me (I think) is that I have been driving bikes since I was about 6 years olds when I got my first KDX 50. Ever since then it has been pedal to the metal and hasn't stopped, even at 35.
I don't feel that same urge when I am driving my harley.....I can't really explain why.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:36 PM ^
that it's the attitude of the rider as well that keeps him and his bike healthy. My attitude is 'Foe, foe, foe'; everyone on the road is potential hazard. I keep my head on a swivel and my mind ready to react. While I want to keep myself safe, I want to keep my bike safe as well; I worry about it more than I worry about myself, lol. I think that keeps me from being too reckless.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:54 PM ^
I'm exceptionally jealous of your bike. The undertail exhaust on those is awesome. I nearly bought a cbr 1000rr over the summer but decided I'm not quite ready for the jump up to the 1000 yet. I need another season on my 600 first.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:40 PM ^
similar to this one, but with Leo Vince exhaust and not the fancy clutch cover. I highly recommend it. My second choice would be Triumph Triple R. Been riding for Ducatis for 7 yrs, if you get a bike, get it before you have kids. Also, when you are at a stop light and the dude next you revs his engine, wants to race to impress his gf or his pals, don't do it, let him race off and win and be the cool dude.
Sorry, I don't know how to shrink photos.
Best info on ducati's http://www.ducatimonster.org/
Sorry, I don't know how to shrink photos.
Best info on ducati's http://www.ducatimonster.org/
December 21st, 2009 at 7:40 PM ^
I love the Monster. I am honestly contemplating saving up for one. I either want the Monster or Triumph Triple Speed.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:16 PM ^
I had a 71 Norton Combat Commando with 10:1 Hepalite pistons, Interstate gas tank (6.2 gallons), and café bars mounting a bikini fairing. That was a 4 speed bike; maxed it out at about 120 mph.
Ah British bikes. Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness.
I sold it.
December 21st, 2009 at 2:36 PM ^
I've got an 83 Yamaha Maxim 550 that is... umm... reliable. And for sale. And a 73 BMW R75/5 that is halfway through an upgrade to fuel injection. And a 07 Buell XB9SX, which is fantastic.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:12 PM ^
those are some nice rides. Thanks for uploading the pics.
Christ, I hope you guys are wearing good protective gear, because whether we all like it or not, there are literally hundreds of people out there who are inadvertently trying to kill us all.
For the love of god, ride safely.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:18 PM ^
man mgobloggers have some nice bikes
December 21st, 2009 at 3:50 PM ^
2003 Honda vtx 1300. Nice bike but is a tad too big for me really. I weigh 175,and the bike weighs 800lbs.lol
December 21st, 2009 at 3:54 PM ^
check out this custom paint job:
http://www.ebycustoms.com/
under helmets, theres a UM paint scheme
December 21st, 2009 at 3:55 PM ^
1 Litre of thumping twin goodness wrapped between an all aluminium frame. Suspension has been reworked to fit my 6'1" frame. I ride everyday without rain from April to Oct, then when I can. Just put it in the garage a few weeks ago and will get it out and ride when it's over 40 to come to work.
To answer the question above...yes, I wear gear all the time. I spent $$ to be protected, but not look like a Power Ranger.December 21st, 2009 at 4:00 PM ^
I have one of these as well as an '02 Honda Reflex (scooter). It's awesome since I like to ride on both pavement and dirt/gravel. I've ridden it across OK, NM & into CO (all off-road). Next summer I plan to ride the Pony Express Trail from St. Joe MO, thru KS, NE and then into CO (to Denver). I cannot wait.
And yes, ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time)
December 21st, 2009 at 4:05 PM ^
Unless you are not into that whole "GTA" thing.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:10 PM ^
Grew up on a number of dirt bikes but haven't been on one in years. I was actually just telling my girlfriend this past weekend I want to look into buying one to ride with my dad this spring. I am hoping to get on something like this. :-)
December 21st, 2009 at 4:16 PM ^
any bike from 93 should be inspected completely. If you do not know how to do this, bring it somewhere that can and is independent from the current owner of the bike. If you cannot repair the bike yourself, like me, buying a bike that old without complete confidence is a recipe for disaster.
I have been riding motocross and limited street for over half my life, 16 years now. Have had more than 20 bikes. Trust me, not knowing how to fix a bike and buying an old used bike will frustrate the heck out of you.
Coming from a Ninja 250, center controls will be good for you, as will the bike you want because it is somewhat small for a harley, and is fairly conventional. I spent some time on a Buell, and from what I understand, they use a sportster engine. I really liked the engine, it was slow for the size, vibrated a lot, and shifted like crap (took a deliberate effort to get into gear...I usually shift clutchless however)..but sounded and looked great.
Current owner of:
-2008 RMZ450 set up for motocross
-2005 RM250 set up for woods riding
-2000/2005/2008 (long story) DRZ400 set up for supermoto with a -470 big bore stroker engine and EFI conversion
and my favorite 1986 Yamaha BW80 fat wheel pit bike to go from the truck to the track to watch people ride.
If you have any questions let me know. My personal opinionj if money is tight is to find something "totaled" that is fairly new. Most insurance companies basically give totaled bikes away, and all it takes is a small slide to cosmetically total a bike these days. They are usually in perfect mechanical shape with minor cosmetic damage that you can fix yourself over time. Fairly new liter bikes can be had for 1-2000 dollars.
December 24th, 2009 at 5:16 PM ^
and being able to go wherever to get to them, so I've got a '97 DR650 for tooling around Mt. Hood and the coast range and an '06 Vstrom 1000 for riding out to Banff, Glacier, Canyonlands or wherever... oh wait... that was before I had a kid.
Now I mostly just ride them to work.
As for people thinking one sort of bike is more dangerous than another... that's true to a point, but the biggest factor is the rider.
Any bike that has excellent acceleration, stopping ability and suspension is going to have the potential to be more safe with a capable rider. A newer Harley only has one of these three - braking - and the older ones... forget about it.
If you want to ride safe, learn all you can about riding (yes this includes sport riding), understand the capabilities of both you and your bike and most importantly... pay attention.
I had a TTR 225 here but shipped it to Greece to the island my parents are from tons of dirt roads and the bike is perfect for the place. The motorcycle insurance is a few euros a month so cheap.
most notably this one http://www.pelicanguanomotorsports.com/1972montesa125.html. Paper route, stealing from my dad's wallet, whoring out my cat, I scrimped and saved and my dad matched it. Loved that thing - rode the snot out of it for 5 years. Then, turned 16 and lost interest.
Haven't ridden in 20 years probably.