Does the bike make the rider? Musings while riding

Like many motorcyclists, I've owned a number of bikes, and bikes from a variety of styles for road riding.  From the Honda XL250 Enduro I got most my first miles on, to probably 6 or 7 cruisers, one or two standards, a vintage sportbike (Ninja 900, aka "the Top Gun bike"), 2 Kawasaki Concours sport tourers, and among the cruisers a Harley Sportster and a Street Glide.

Currently I have a ride one of the Concours and the Street Glide.  Before that it was one of the Connies and a Sportster.  So I had a fairly big sport-tourer and a Harley as my bikes for most the past decade.

What I noticed, especially if riding them back-to-back, or the next day, is I actually rode differently depending on which bike I was on.  Not only did they handle differently (side note-the Sportster handled more like a sport-tourer than any other cruiser I've owned, and with good power-to-weight, it was one of the quicker bikes I've owned), I rode differently-often more aggressively on the Harleys.  More attitude, more "this is my lane/space".  That's not to say at times I have fully used the Connie's impressive roll-on speed, even as a 30 year old bike!  But there is just something about being on the Harleys, at least to me.

Do you find yourself riding differently on different bikes if you own more than one?  How about if you've switched styles?  I'd love to read your comments about this!

Demo ride on a Harley-Davidson Street 750

Yesterday I was able to test ride a Harley-Davidson Street 750.  San Diego Harley-Davidson was hosting Demo Days ’16.  They had a great variety of bikes-everything from Sportsters and Streets to V-Rods and Dynas up to full dressers.  As expected, the demand for test rides tended toward the larger bikes.  Since I have written on the Streets before, I actually went to the demo rides to try out a Street.  I have owned a Sportster and a Fat Boy clone, so re-riding one of those bikes wouldn’t have been a demo ride anyway.

So after a short wait, we got a short ride brief from the instructor coaches and HOG road captains, we went to our bikes.  First impression was that these are definitely smaller bikes and marketed well as in-town and commuter bikes.  Everything seemed kind of compact and close.  I’m 5’10”, about average for a guy.  The reach to the handlebars and pegs was easy but probably would have felt cramped on longer rides.  The grips and pegs are very basic, bottom of the line rubber. The bike fired right up and idles easily.  Of special note, the clutch lever is much lighter than I remember my Sportster being.  This is a big improvement for a commuter bike, as I recall lots of “clutch cramp” when stuck in rush hour traffic and not able to lane split.  There is also a lot of engagement “sweep” as you let out the clutch lever and the friction zone engages.  With the torque this bike makes, this is an improvement from trying to learn or commute on a Sporty.

One reason Harley makes both a 500 and 750 Street model is the 500 is the bike used for their new riders class.  The coach I spoke with said it was a great bike for the course.  I can see this-the bike just felt well laid out and basic without extras to confuse or scare a new rider.  I’m not sure I would want a 500 somewhere like San Diego, where you almost have to get on the freeway to get anywhere.  While the 750 was able to cruise with the big bikes the short time we were on the freeway, a 500 would probably struggle to quickly accelerate on shorter ramps or to get out of tight spots with a larger rider onboard.  I remember some commutes and rides on my Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic when I was looking for another gear as I was topping out the power band in 5^th.

Of interest, there are few accessories for the Street as a first year model, but both NY Mike and the employees at SD Harley said more were coming, including bags.  This will be interesting to see, and an improvement in my mind.  As a motorcycle computer who doesn’t like riding with a backpack, saddlebags or hard bags are a must.  Hopefully they will be functional as the rear fender area behind the shocks isn’t very large-maybe even shorter than Sportsters.

At $8,000 the Street 750 isn’t cheap, but it is a solidly built, well-laid out basic cruiser by an iconic motorcycle company.  I think it’s a better first bike than a Sportster, and depending on your long-range riding plans probably a better commuter.  For longer rides a 1200 Sportster with highway pegs and a larger screen would be a better bike, but for reasonable days and commuting I’d recommend checking the Harley-Davidson Street out!

The Return of the BikeBandit.com Daily Deal and a chance to win a $5,000 Alpinestars shopping spree

Yeah, while  the Daily Deal might have gotten your attention the chance to win big bucks probably grabbed you!

First, here's today's Daily Deal:  An Arctiva Comp 7 RR Shell Jacket at an up to 52% off!  As a closeout item, limited sizes and colors are available, so hurry on over to BikeBandit.com and check out your favorite and get one while they last.  At the time of this post, only large sizes in black remain at $109.95-a good saving and this qualifies for free shipping.  Lots of sizes remain in blue with red trim and the high-vis orange jacket, and both these colors are priced at over 1/2 off at $79.95.  Throw in an oil filter, some other accessories and get over the threshold for free shipping and you get a great deal!

Ok, now for the details on the Alpinestars contest.  Buy $100 of Alpinestars products before shipping and tax (hmm, I bet most qualifying purchases might also qualify for free shipping!) and you are automatically entered.  So whether you need new boots for desert and dirt season, a new jacket for cool weather riding, replacement sliders and buckles, or just some cool Alpinestars swag, click on any of the BikeBandit.com links or banners on this blog, do some shopping, and you could win a $5,000 shopping spree!  Just imagine how much more cool Alpinestars gear you could have for yourself, your friends, and yes, your faithful blogger!

Ride it like you stole it-unless you stole it, then give it back and buy your own bike!

Just sold the 1999 H-D Sportster

So tonight a young man and his brother-in-law come by to look at the Sportster.  I notice a USMC tattoo on his arm and ask when he was in.  He says a bit and it comes up that I came from a USMC Retirement Ceremony today.  I start to say who it is, and he finishes the sentence for me.  Turns out they know one another from car clubs and other get togethers, so we chat about that while they check out the bike.

Needless to say, any former Marine from the past decade is likely a combat vet, and he is.  He was definitely interested in the bike and his first offer is reasonably, so I give him the "fellow vet discount" and the bike is now his.  I hope he enjoys it as much as I have!

Selling my 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883

Due to having three bikes and only riding the Sportster a few times a month, I have decided to sell it.  I love the bike and always smile riding it, but 3 sets of registration and insurance just aren't making sense.

I have it listed on Craigslist out here in San Diego:  http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/4508191974.html
and here's a picture of the bike:

1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster for sale

As you can see, some customizing done.  I like the clean understated but non-stock look.  Asking $2999 with current tags and clean title in hand.  Thanks!

Another bike for sale: 2006 Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster-almost no miles-$4500

While I was picking up my fork tubes from my independent custom shop, the owner showed me a nearly new 2006 Sportster they are selling.

The Goods:
4000 miles on it (what da?  that's a few months riding out of 7 years!)
Custom mini-apes
Flawless paint
Buying from a certified H-D mechanic, so I'm sure it will get a once over if you ask

The Bads:
Bone stock other than bars 883, so it's got the smaller motor
Unknown if mileage was all at once and it's been sitting (shop may know)
Price at higher end, but again super-low miles.

No pic, but if you google 2006 Sportster and see a black one, that's about what you're looking at for this bike if you add 10" ape hangers.

PM or comment if interested.

A bit of humor-6 truths about riding a motorcycle from Cracked

Heading out the door soon for the Final Option MC monthly pancake breakfast, then back up to church.  I'll post something motorcycle maintenance or customizing later today or tonight, but for now, here's a funny list that's also very accurate about immutable motorcycling truths.  It's from the Cracked website, so language and innuendo is a little coarse, but probably only PG-13.  Enjoy and hope you are riding and being taught from the Word today!

http://www.cracked.com/article_19217_6-things-nobody-tells-you-about-owning-motorcycle.html

2006 Harley-Davidson Softail Heritage Classic for sale-$10,000 (San Diego County CA)

OK folks, another bike for sale by a friend of mine: (his write-up, although I can personally vouch for 90% of this, only exceptions are work he did before we started riding together)
Harley Davidson Softail Heritage Classic, 57,500 miles
Red-Black Original Harley Paint Scheme,
88 CI engine (balanced),

Custom (Red) Screaming-Eagle Spark Plug Wires
Thunderheader 2 into 1 header pipes, flat black (the best sounding pipes out there, in my humble opinion!)
MoFlo High-Flow Air Cleaner
Replacement Saddlebags (the right ones for this year and model), Leather, Studded
Always run Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic oil
PowerCommander with custom map (Tweaked the map to get rid of decel backfiring which is common with the Thunderheader muffler)
Custom Corbin seat (buddy type, 2-passenger, one piece)
Sissy Bar by Harley (permanent fixed mount)
18 inch 80-spoke rear wheel (Michelin Tire) with about 2,000 miles, 1/3 worn
Standard 16-inch 40 spoke front wheel (Dunlop H-D Tire)
Kevlar compound brake pads, over 50% front and rear; both discs completely serviceable, no grooves
Cigar Lighter Fixture run to handlebars
"Mini-Apes", below the shoulder, kicked back about 5 inches.

This bike runs perfectly, paint is 8/10 and I am willing to get a professional painter to touch it up if you wish.
Removable H-D Windshield, 7/10 condition; battery 4 months old and is a Cycle Gear lifetime warranty.

This bike is a real runner, starts every time and no issues at all with any of the running gear. It is better than average for this year bike, lots of chrome on this model, and although it has miles, it has been meticulously maintained and I have 95% of the maintenance records with miles. Oil changed every 4,000 miles with Mobil 1 V-Twin Synthetic, filter changed every time with H-D Chrome filter, Spark Plugs new, All wiring 100%, all bulbs work, all controls work 100%. Just changed trans and primary oil with H-D standard Trans Oil. No fork leaks; I will change the fork oil before I sell it (it's due.) Shop Manual by Clymer and H-D Parts manual

How to buy your first motorcycle, part three

So now the fun part (well, the first fun part) begins!

It's time to go shopping for your first motorcycle.  I have to admit, shopping for motorcycles, gear and parts/accessories is one of the few kinds of shopping I like to do!  Hopefully you've talked to some friends about their bikes, looked at a few (or alot) of bikes, and decided what general type of bike you want for your first motorcycle.  So now it's time to find that motorcycle that speaks to you.

I recommend two ways to shop for your bike.  Both of them work, and have satisfactory results depending on your personality and other purchasing habits.

First, you can go to dealerships and shop for models that you like.  Most larger towns have a multi-make dealership that sells a variety of imported makes, aka "metric bikes" and other dealerships that specialize in one make.  A Harley-Davidson dealership is likely nearby if you are considering a Harley as your first cruiser.  Most dealerships will allow you to look around, sit on bikes and talk with them to find out features, costs and pro's and con's of the bike you are considering.  They will likely have a variety of sizes in most styles, and probably have a few used bikes or bikes on consignment.  Because their reputation among motorcyclists depends on the product and service they sell, you should find well-maintained, clean bikes on the showroom floor, a trained service staff, and quality accessories (if maybe a little pricey) at the dealership as you shop for your first motorcycle.  You also will find a financing office (more on that in another post).  Some dealerships offer deals on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation New Riders course, which I highly recommend taking, or offer their own new rider school.  Buying from a dealer is one good option for buying your first motorcycle.

The second option is buying your first bike from a private party, either a friend or via want ads or the nearly ubiquitous Craigslist.  You can even buy a motorcycle off of eBay, but I wouldn't recommend doing so for your first bike.  If you go this route the bike may not be as clean and well-maintained as at a dealership, but could also be in outstanding condition.  If you don't know much about motorcycles or other mechanical things, if you go this route having a friend who has a motorcycle go with you to look at the bike is a good idea.  The advantage of buying from a private party is that you will likely pay less, and depending on why they are selling, possibly make another riding friend.  Many used bikes are sold because the previous owner is moving "up", has too many bikes (NEVER, lol!) or just wants a different bike.  Some sellers won't be interested in teaching you much about motorcycling, and their attitude may tip you off that the bike isn't that great.  Buying a friend's starter bike can be a good deal, especially if they are a safe rider and have an interest in you becoming a safe motorcyclist on their/your first motorcycle.

Have fun, and remember, don't give in to peer pressure and get the bike that speaks to you.  While you most likely won't own it more than a year or two, it will always have special memories as your first motorcycle!

Picking out your first motorcycle

Today I'd like to talk about how to pick out your first motorcycle.  I've often felt that shopping for a motorcycle is also a lot of fun.  Not quite as fun as riding, but learning about motorcycles, visiting shops and looking at all the different bikes, and even sitting on a few is enjoyable.

It can also be very intimidating to buy your first motorcycle!  Many different models, expense, peer pressure, confidence in your ability to ride a motorcycle safely-all come into play.  So let me share a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for that first motorcycle.

First, understand while you will remember this bike forever, you won't own it forever!  Sure you can expect to spend anywhere from $1000 up to way more than you should for a first motorcycle (many bikes are over $10,000 now-a-days, with some approaching $25,000 or more), but that doesn't mean you have to own it for years and years unless you really like it.  You need to buy a bike you like and will be proud to ride, but don't think it has to be "the perfect bike" or even the dream bike. 

Second, watch out for peer pressure.  Your friends might all ride Kawahayazukida-Vicson's with tricked out chrome unobtanium after-market parts, and you may soon too, but right now you need a serviceable, safe motorcycle to get riding.  Later you can build the best bike in your ride group/club and win the Bike Night parking lot show, but that isn't what you are going after if you buy your first motorcycle right.  A "old school" Harley dealer once told me, "You want to learn how to wrench, buy this classic Ironhead Sportster.  You want to learn how to ride, buy a basic cruiser and ride it as much as possible for a year or two".  Great advice-even when it cost him a few thousand dollars when I walked away from buying a bike that needed lots of work.  Stylish and cool?  Oh yeah, but I wouldn't have ridden for months getting that "cool" ride back on the road.

However, the corrollary is also true-ask as many riding friends about their bike and why they have that style as you can.  First, they will like talking about motorcycles with you.  Also, that old-timer on the Gold Wing, Harley full dresser, or BMW super-sport tourer once started out just like you.  I just recently met a rider with 70,000 miles on a Hayabusa!  He knows exactly what that bike is capable of, but likely rode many a smaller sportbike before accomplishing a rare high mileage feat, and was easy to talk bikes with.  Some of us own multiple bikes of different styles, or have owned them, and can help you figure out if a standard, a cruiser, or a sport bike is best for you.

So what are those differences?  A "standard" bike, while not as common as they were, is your basic motorycle meant for transportation and general riding.  Once known as the "ubiquitous Japanese motorcycle" or UJM, these bikes had basic styling and parts, generally 750cc engines or smaller, and few accessories from the factory.  Many were customized for utility-the style for many years was to "acquire" a milk crate and strap it to the passenger seat or rack!  Kind of a reverse cool factor and quite functional.  Cruiser bikes are one of the two prevalent styles now and have generally replaced standards as the basic bike.  The seat is normally lower to the ground than other bikes, the feet are forward or just under the rider's knees, and the handlebars are higher than most other styles.  There is little bodywork, usually just fenders, a gas tank and maybe small side covers.  Windscreens can be added as can saddlebags, which can be handy and look better than a milk crate!  Sport bikes are the third general category to consider when buying your first motorycle.  These are the faired, "racing" bikes.  Handlebars are generally low (directly attached to the fork tubes in most cases), there is a small windscreen, and the rider is crouched over the bike as much as sitting on it.

All of these styles come in many sizes, and leads to the last piece of advice for today:  Don't buy too big a bike for your first motorcycle!  Re-read the paragraph above where I say you won't own this bike forever.  Even a 300cc sportbike (the smallest Ninja for example) and the basic cruisers (like the V-Star 250) are capable motorcycles and can do all legal speeds where a novice rider should be riding, including the freeway.   OK, if you weigh 225 pounds, and are going to put camping gear all over the bike, maybe not, but you probably figured that out already!  That also brings up safe loading and gross vehicle weight ratings, which really isn't the topic today anyway.

So think that through, and later we'll discuss shopping for this much-desired first motorcycle.