Bring on your motorcycling interests!

[desmo2]

Several members here at LP, and a few regular guests, are motorcycle riders. Lamron and I thought it would be a good idea to start a topic specifically for this MoH-unrelated topic.

For this particular thread, I'd like the riders to again identify yourselves and reply with what you ride, including a little bit about your riding experience.

I've had several bikes, all sportbikes. Here they are, in chronological order:

'07 - present...'03 Ducati 999
'01 - present...'99 Ducati 900ss
'91 - '01.........'87 Yamaha FZR1000
'93 - '97.........'89 Yamaha FZR400
'89 - '91.........'89 Yamaha FZR600
'88 - '89.........'87 Yamaha FZ600

I've never taken a bike to the track (yet), although I think it would be an incredible rush to do so. I've attended road races at Road America and Blackhawk Farms and was instantly hooked. Motorcycle roadracing is a true motorsport; a far cry from the roundy-round, left-turn-only bumper car rally often referred to as Nascrap (I'm sure that will stub a few toes! ). I've also attended circle track races at the Springfield Mile. Fun, but not as soul-touching as roadracing!

I'd like to use this forum to discuss all things motorcycle related...from bikes, riding gear, experiences, stories, hang-outs...you name it!

[Lamron]

2003 Honda Shadow A.C.E. 750 Deluxe


I learned to ride by reading about it on the internet. I didn't even know anybody who rode. When I bought the bike I couldn't even ride it home. I had the dealership deliver it to my house, and I just rode it around the neighborhood until I felt confident enough to go play in traffic. Of course, I started modifying my brand new bike before I even had my license.

I have drilled out the baffles and put a high performance air filter in it to breath better. The timing is not adjustable on this bike (computer handles it), but I did it anyway. I opened up the side of the transmision and modified the mount for the timing sensor to trick the computer into a 4 degree advance. That helped alot with throttle response.

Now with the extra power, of course I wanted to change the gear ratio. So I changed the back sprocket from 41 to 39 tooth. This moves all the shift points up and allows for lower RPM (and vibration) at highway speeds.

Not shown in the above catalog picture is the engine guards and hard sadlebags I've since added. As soon as I get a digital camera from a friend, I try to get some real pictures.

Two years ago when my company had very little work, I had lots of time to ride and learn how to mod and script for MOH. My current job gives me a regular paycheck, but I find that having a job REALLY cuts into my riding time.

[popeye]

i started biking in 1964!(those were the days!)not as many cars then!uk,s roads are crowded now!had various b.s.a bikes.at 23 i got married(ugh!)only joking!the bike went and a family car took over!20yrs later the pang for a bike returned..(its in your blood!)the bike i have now is a honda vt 600 shadow..its a beauty..i put after mkt. pipes on.highway-hawk slash-cuts.(got to get them decibles ringing) i put on highway-bars.(so you can put your feet up whilst riding)had the seat re-coverd and had gel inserted(more comfort)its a beaut cruiser..put a sissy-bar on plus sadlebags.dont have much time for cars..give me a bike anytime!!pop!!

[popeye]

i too wear a full-face helmet.as does my wife.we are also linked up with rider to pillion intercom.a big help when i need to pass an irritating motorist..the sudden surge of power dosent take her by supprise..i don,t ride with gangs,we use it purely for pleasure..at most there can be about six of us.i enjoy their company but just as happy on my own.i have got to know meny bikers over the years and we all wear "brain-buckets" regardless of the laws..i say dont give riders a choice.the helmets of today are very stylish and well vented..and as for them darned bugs!the echo of some of them truly makes you wonder what dammage they would do without your b.bucket on!safe-ridin,,,pop

[daffy_duck]

i'll list my bikes as well from first bike to present. yamaha rd 350, suzuki gse 1000, yamaha xt500, yamaha customized virago 1100, yamaha 400 it, can am 250. and hot dog has a yamaha 175 enduro. i still own the virago and the can am. i like to use the virago on days when it's sunny and need to just clear out the cob webs, or just to ride around to feel the freedom. hot dog loves riding on the virago he thinks it's the coolest. my older son thinks we are nuts to ride motorcycles and won't even sit on one.

[BAT*21{usa}]

in 1982 i had a 1980 yamaha 650 special black 6inch ,over forks, "z"handlebars,mag wheels,i took the emblems off the tank & put chrome strips on.had it until 1994 it started out at almost 9k miles it had almost 100k miles on it when i sold it [because a girl i was dating needed some money , that will never happen again] i rode it everywhere even sometimes in the winter. now i have a 1987 honda 1200 goldwing .some guys i know like convertibles not me .bikes r way better

[Pvt._Michaels]

PVT. Michaels here and reporting for Duty

Have 2004 HD Road King Custom in black.
have had some old hondas ( CL90s, CL350 )
This is my first "big Bike"..
Also, campaign a restored Top Fuel Front engine dragster on the Nostalgia circuit. Won Indy in 1997. Only have an alcohol Chevy in the car at present. Runs mid 8s and is all cast iron...! Quite a rush!
If i figure out how to post pics I will... I have a Mac and you know how that goes.
Pvt. Michaels ( Mike )

[desmo2]

Welcome, privatemichaels! Glad you decided to join us in the forums!

I guess I'll have to remember to be considerate of HD riders when I find material to post, now!

[Pvt._Michaels]

Thanks Desmo!

Glad to be here.... I see there are British Midlands members with bikes.
Thought I'd share that I am "Brummie" once removed! and my uncle in B'Ham was the sales manager of a sizable motorcycle dealership in the 50', 60's .... Lot's of good stories from the old sod...!

Pvt. Michaels

[Lamron]

desmo2 said:

I guess I'll have to remember to be considerate of HD riders when I find material to post, now!

Actually, I find that HD riders are some of the most considerate riders out there. While most bikers just wave at oncoming motorcycle traffic, HD riders make a special effort. They do a two-finger-point-at-the-ground gesture, which, as everyone knows, is sign language for "watch out for parts that may have fallen off my bike!"

[daffy_duck]

dudes its been awhile since i made a post. so i thought i would add that my next bike is going to be a HD. my wife had one years ago when we were just friends and would like to get a his and hers HD's. but it will be a year or two before that happens.

[Herr_Monk]

THIS IS MY BIKE GUYS,650.

[pistolpete]

Hey guys. I started out riding crotch rockets, but in my middle age decided that it is more comfy and relaxing to ride a cruiser. I have a 2004 Honda Shadow Aero. I have added many different accessories to "mistress". (that's what my wife calls my bike). Kuryakyn flame grips, Kuryakyn flame pegs with stirrups so that I can ride like I had floorboards. Double D custom pipes that are LOUD. Sissy bar, windshield and many little chrome additions. I ride to and from work more than I drive my Chevy HHR. There is nothing more stimulating than riding the bike. It is my way of getting ready for the day in the chopper.

[AIGAD]

I found a crappy pic of my first (and only) bike.
'94 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-600

I was a total nub on it though and basically dropped it right in the middle of a busy intersection lol. I got some nasty road rash and snapped my wrist. So then of course, the wife flipped out about it. I ended up fixing it back up so it was ridable again and then sold it. I sure do miss it though. It was definitely an exilerating feeling to be on it.

[AIGAD]

What? I broke imageshak now?