I don't think I'm going to get bored w/ the getting a motorcycle idea ... like I do in most of my ideas .... so I starting this thread ... post opinions on stuff if you want.... I basically going to post links to stuff I think is cool.

Pants: .... did some research ... look like the best on the market ... they've got armor and they're made of kevlar:
http://www.motoport.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=780.102.530&Merchant_ID=G7Y9CEYc&Merchant_Phone=1-800-777-6499&Merchant_Fax=1-760-233-7561

Nice safe jacket:
http://www.motoport.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=740.102.340&Merchant_ID=633Pm22C&Merchant_Phone=1-800-777-6499&Merchant_Fax=1-760-233-7561

this place has some normal looking kevlar stuff:
http://www.dragginjeans.com.au/products/index.htm

this looks like a nice helmet:
http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/PROD/fullfacemc/xelevenanthracite

nice seats!

http://www.mustangseats.com/kawcontst.htm

$514!!! Good God!
My dude's helmet was like, 80!

$519 for a Shoei, jebus, are you rich???

The big difference between $140 helmets and that $519 shoei is their weight. As soon as you are talking about a DOT/Snell approved helmet, they're all equally safe. The pricey one might just be a little lighter and have some cool venting systems or so. Not worth it.

Also, check out www.chopperweb.net , lots of links there. It's not all chopper talk, you'd find plenty of other info and opinions :)

Pants I wouldn't wanna pay for unless you're on the road a LOT, or are going really fast.

Jacket, yeah important, but you can get a pretty nice one starting around $150. Avoid the expensive leather, and go for something that's comfortable. So no online buying. I have tried some on and the padding is annoying.

Try www.dragginjeans.com or something similar

$519 for a Shoei, jebus, are you rich???

The big difference between $140 helmets and that $519 shoei is their weight. As soon as you are talking about a DOT/Snell approved helmet, they're all equally safe. The pricey one might just be a little lighter and have some cool venting systems or so. Not worth it.

Also, check out www.chopperweb.net , lots of links there. It's not all chopper talk, you'd find plenty of other info and opinions :)

Pants I wouldn't wanna pay for unless you're on the road a LOT, or are going really fast.

Jacket, yeah important, but you can get a pretty nice one starting around $150. Avoid the expensive leather, and go for something that's comfortable. So no online buying. I have tried some on and the padding is annoying.

Try www.dragginjeans.com or something similar

I was doing some more looking .... seems like as long as it's SNELL2000 and DOT-218 it's cool (like you said). I do want vents though (I think) ... I remember the full face ones as being hot as hell (used to ride w/ my dad when I was a kid) .... if i can find a nice one for less I'll definitly get it instead.

Thanks for the links! ... I saw the dragginjeans page in my searches ... looks like some good stuff.

do I need to worry about anything else? (other then passing the test to get the bike license)

yeah, plenty to think about :)

Note that helmets are actually only good for a crash of approx 14mph. This means that they will crack if there's a 14mph impact. Even the billionsdollar ones. Of course, this is also what makes them safe, but it's something to consider when you're doing 140mph...

I have a 3/4 helmet with full face shield, and i love it. It leaves most of the face free, so it almost feels like you're not wearing a helmet. Since there's no chinguard its also not as safe, but still pretty damn safe overall. And since it's a smoked out faceshield, it still feels and looks cool. Look into HJC (AC-3 is the 3/4) or KBC. I have one of each and they're very good value.

yeah, plenty to think about :)

Note that helmets are actually only good for a crash of approx 14mph. This means that they will crack if there's a 14mph impact. Even the billionsdollar ones. Of course, this is also what makes them safe, but it's something to consider when you're doing 140mph...

I have a 3/4 helmet with full face shield, and i love it. It leaves most of the face free, so it almost feels like you're not wearing a helmet. Since there's no chinguard its also not as safe, but still pretty damn safe overall. And since it's a smoked out faceshield, it still feels and looks cool. Look into HJC (AC-3 is the 3/4) or KBC. I have one of each and they're very good value.

:nice: .... I found a few SNELL and DOT approved (I think I need that due to MD regulations ... not sure though), vented, and a **** load less then $500!

http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=vr1darksilver&Category_Code=vr1

http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=wolfcharcoal&Category_Code=wolf

http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=vr1white&Category_Code=vr1

this looks neat ..... the chin flips up!
http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=clmaxwhite&Category_Code=clmax

vented ... even though it does not say it:
http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=cl14white&Category_Code=cl14solid

vented even though the description does not say it:
http://www.helmetcity.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ac11white&Category_Code=ac11solid



Wow! lots of choices!

.... I picked Shoei at first 'cause that's what my dad had .... but he's a rich old fart (I'm not) .... I did not know there were good ones for less :nice: thanks for all the info!

Go to a dealer and try some on. You'll be surprised how different the fit is, and how some may look cool and be expensive, but squish your head. Find one that meets your requirements but also has a good fit. Every head is different, after all. Once you found one, look online for the best deal

One of my fullface helmets (got 3, one 3/4, one fullface, and one fullface for the gf) is a VR-1. Comfy, good value, and DOT/Snell approved. Still, try it on first


Those chin flippers are very BMW-ish though, just so you know ;)

Go to a dealer and try some on. You'll be surprised how different the fit is, and how some may look cool and be expensive, but squish your head. Find one that meets your requirements but also has a good fit. Every head is different, after all. Once you found one, look online for the best deal

One of my fullface helmets (got 3, one 3/4, one fullface, and one fullface for the gf) is a VR-1. Comfy, good value, and DOT/Snell approved. Still, try it on first

Thanks ... I definitly have to try some on! .... what kinda store sells them (and has a big selection)?


Those chin flippers are very BMW-ish though, just so you know ;)

:nice: I was kinda wondering about that.... :) lol

is white or silver good to go with .... for visibility (I want cars to see me best the can)

check online for a dealer that sells different brands. If you can find a Honda/Yamaha dealer, they'll have a pretty good selection. There's gotta be plenty around where you live. Usually the easiest.. Most of em carry Shoei, KBC, HJC and the other typical brands. Just go to the main brands and use the store locator: yamaha, suzuki, honda etc


color doesn't matter too much, cars won't see you anyway if they're on the phone or fixing their hair :|
Get something you like, and then buy a couple strips of reflective stickers. Cheap, and works like a charm. Depending on the kind, they'll be able to spot you from miles away on the highway :)

http://www.dmtaonline.com/

seem to have good prices

Damn .... this hog is sweet! I would never drop the $16k they want for it .... but it is a sweet looking bike!

I want to touch your hiney. :D

I want to touch your hiney. :D


:nonono:

Hello.

What's your favorite leather jacket?
Vanson?Bates?

no idea .... I have not really looked at any. how about you? .... do you have one that you like?

Well,my favorite jacket is single type that made by Kusitani( A leather suit maker with 50 years or more of history in Japan).
I get it 5 years ago.

Well, I signed up for the Harley Easy-rider course.... I start 4/28. it's Thurs / Fri from 6-9pm and all day Sat. and Sun. .... if I don't **** up I'll have my license upon completion of the course!


Been looking at some other bikes, I may have to get an American Bike.... I'm weird like that.... don't think I'd be as happy on a Jap bike. Been looking at the victory bikes (http://www.victorymotorcycles.com/victory/modelyear.aspx?Year=2005)! the Hammer seems pretty bad-assed! I've been working hard all my life, if I've got to drop 16k on a bike that'll I'll be happy with, that's fine.... unless there's a kick-ass American bike that's a better deal out there. :)

You're making the classic mistake, notchy. Dropping 16K on a powerful big heavy bike without any riding experience. You'd be a lot better starting with something smaller so you can get used to riding in traffic, dodging SUVs etc, without having to worry about keeping control of the bike. You can pick up a nice secondhand bike pretty cheap. Then use that for year or so and then move up. Also gives you an opportunity to experience what its like to ride. Maybe you don't like it all that much. Would be a shame to own a bike you don't really ride much and dropped 16K on.

Also, the majority of motorcycle accidents are older riders with bigger bikes. They may have owned a 250cc when they were younger and are now hitting midlife crisis and are buying big inch monsters. Not saying you're old, but you really dont want to become a statistic do ya? Start a little smaller, allow yourself to gain experience in a more sensible and responsible way. There's a LOT more to it than just using the controls properly

I ordered my helmet today! I got this one (in silver) http://www.hjchelmets.com/ac11_solid.htm

I needed one for the class. I also need boots that cover the ankles, some leather gloves and eye protection (I'm guessing the face shield on the helmet will count for eye protection) and I have boots and glovesallready. I'm looking foward to the class! It should be fun!

Class was a blast! ...... got the paper work to get my license (don't need to take the test, took it in class on Sun .... I lost a few points, but passed!). :nice:

It was raining all day Sat. Was on the bike out in the rain for 4 hours for the class..... I enjoyed it alot (and I'm glad it was raining, now I know I can ride just fine in the rain.... still need to practice, don't get me wrong.... I'm just not worried about rain).

I'd really like to get a Harley VROD or a Victory Kingpin or Hammer..... but I think I'm going to get a Suzuki C50 to start off on. I'll be happy w/ the c50 for a minute, who knows, maybe I'll love it. And it's a Jap bike so I won't be heart broken if I bang it up and drop it. :)

Put money down on a Suzuki C50 Limited today. :) :) It’s beautiful!

Wow!!! What an experience! Picked the bike up today, rode around the neighborhood near the dealer for about an hour to get used to the bike, then I rode it home. Then I rode around my neighborhood for an hour or so to get more used to it….. Then I went to my parent’s house. My mom was not thrilled and said very little, my dad took her for a ride and liked it. I then rode to my friend’s house (who also has a bike…. A Honda v-45 Magna)… let him ride it, he liked it. …. Chilled for a while then I rode home on the dark. I think I like night riding better, but maybe that’s only because I was even more used to the bike ….. Anyways, anyone thinking about getting one should take a safety course and just do it! It’s ****ing great! :nice: I was born to ride :)

Got allmost 1700 miles on it so far and fregging love it!

Got "Fast company" kevlar draggin jeans w/ armor, and a armored/kevlared Nomad II jacket.

http://www.dragginjeans.com/classic.html (blue ones)
http://www.dragginjeans.com/armor.html

http://www.dragginjeans.com/nomad.html (red / black)

Also got gloves comming: (ordered on monday... it's getting chilly :) )
http://www.tourmaster.com/product.html?sku=82-601 (red / black)


Good stuff :nice: .... and if you're going to ride its good to have the right gear, kids :)

For real though...... riding is an expirience words can not describe.... it's livin', no doubt about it.

Damn, I can't wait until it warms up and I can ride again :nice: Got her stored in my shed right now.