I want a motorcycle
badly.
I think I want this one:
Suzuki Boulevard
It's not a Harley, but I think I can get a used one for under $4000. If I can sell my 99 Grand Cherokee for $4500.... I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself.
Yesterday, I rented a Dyna Glide from Barb's Harley Davidson in NJ. I rode it ALL day. I have sore stuff on me that I never knew could get sore. It rained at least half of the time I was on it, and I STILL had the time of my life.
I used to have a Suzuki GS850.... 18 years ago? and loved it then. I forgot how much I love it.
Here's the rental bike. I probably would make a different choice if I was buying a Harley Davidson, but it was the best one they had to rent.
I also rode my Buddy's Road King a little bit. Nice to switch off on a long ride. His bike is MUCH more civilized. The windscreen alone makes a HUGE difference.
He rode right up on the boardwalk, passed the signs that say NO MOTOR VEHICLES. Keeping up with him was a bit of a challenge, but it all comes right back to you. I have ridden my Dad's bike on short puts a handful of times since I sold my bike, but the whole day thing is different.
This is Bruce... also the guy whose deck I'm building. He paid for the rental as a birthday present. how cool is that? I suggested that I should rent one because I was without the kids this one Sunday, and he had just bought his bike.. but then he says, 'Yeah, DO it.... and that's your birthday present!' And then I was all like, 'cool.' and then it actually happened!
So, now I will get a bike, and he will have a riding buddy that can keep up with him in traffic. All of his other riding buddies ride like they're driving cars.
I'd love a bike but Do Not Trust self with such. I had a dirt bike as a kid, it was awesome.
Don't know much about bikes, but that one in the picture is gorgeous!! If you can handle a bike, then get one! :D
I rode a bike 1 summer, when I was about 22. Too many car drivers are dicks to bikes.:mad2:
While you can get a good buy on a used Suzuki, keep in mind that new models are factory ready for OEM accessories like pontoons and rear paddle wheel.
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If I had the money for one, there'd really be only one choice for me:
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What about the children though?
I get selling the Jeep to buy the bike, but where you gonna put the kids?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-bike.
Dad had one when we were young and got another one for his 50th (because they couldn't afford a car). And I'm a happy passenger - more than one biker friend/ bf has appreciated how relaxed I am. Despite the fact that Cousin Tony has two artificial legs and metal plates in his head after a motorbike accident...
I'm just wondering.
oh...
well, I guess I haven't been clear. I have a demo from work. That means I get to drive a new Nissan.. usually an Altima. Also, back in January, I bought a 97 Grand Cherokee for $1000 ...just so there would be a car in the driveway, and so I could pull my trailer/carry kayaks, etc.... Jinx had the Commander and the payment that went with it.
Then, in May, we traded a much nicer 99 Grand Cherokee, and I was able to sell the 97 and upgrade with minimal expense. So, it's a nicer Jeep...One I could drive another 50K, probably.... BUT! ... At the end of July, jinx bought herself a new Jeep Wrangler and dropped the Commander back off to me 5 days before the payment was due. Surprise! So now I find myself with 3 cars. One has to go. I should sell the Commander. But I can't. You've seen it. I'll tighten the belt and make that payment... and if I can't, I can sell out of it quickly. I'd still have the demo.
OH, and I'm a careful rider. My dad has been riding his whole life and never dropped one he's 70 now and still riding. I'm going to visit him in September. I'm also going to visit his motorcycle. he's got this one:
get bike number one! The first photo! it's waaaaay cool!!!
yeah.. in red too, right?
I saw a Harley with Pink Wall tires today.
...and the payment that went with it...
:thumb:
Buddy of mine went through a fairly ugly d-i-v-o-r-c-e. She said "I'm taking the house." He said "You can have it. But, I'll go bankrupt, and I'll bankrupt anyone who'll loan me money, to make sure you get the payment that goes with it." She did.
Dude, get the bike. You will never regret it. Unless you get all horizontal. Stay vertical. Or at least diagonal.
Oh, and BTW: Windshields are for cars.
Bugs in ya teeth, that's where it's at.:D
I tend to agree, but at 80 mph + that windshield takes the bite out of a raindrop.
The bike Bruce has ...the windshield pops on and off with a couple clips and a tug. You just can't take it with you, so you have to decide before you leave...
Hello Kitty Harley?
I know a (mildly) butch lesbian who rides a Harley which she calls "kitten".
yeah.. in red too, right?
Right you are, Easy Rider.
I know a (mildly) butch lesbian who rides a Harley which she calls "kitten".
I nearly called a kitten "Harley" funnily enough.
Because of his huge purr.
We ended up calling him Raphael, which caused pronunciation puzzlement to all vet staff we encounted even when entered as a pair with his brother Gabriel.
Nearly as much as Diz, which they assume is a foreign name because he is a pedigree.
Nope, just my contraction of the breeder's name of Dizney, not being prepared to accept a homophone for a name I do not like.
I like that colour shirt on you, Jim.
If I scroll quickly it looks like you're bare-cheasted.
Or speaking of homophones.... bear-chested?
Life is short. Do stuff you love doing.
How's that midlife crisis going for yah there, Jim?
Bwahahahahahaaaaaaaaaa
@ wolf
How's that midlife crisis going for yah there, Jim?
I did not think that. AT ALL. Jim is way to young for that. Maybe more of a mid-wife crisis?
The thought had actually occurred to me, I must admit. I am 41 today. Actually at 1:20 am, I will be... If I live to be 82 I will be ahead of the average male, if not for my family (most of my dad's side makes 90 something) ....and my life is,perhaps, in what you might call a crisis. Certainly a transition, anyway.
Thing is, I am not feeling old or particularly unattractive. I've proven to myself that I can get dates, get laid, etc.... I'm not wanting a motorcycle for the image. I won't be draping myself in leather and conchos, by any means. I just had a really really good time riding on a day where most 'bikers' stayed inside and kept dry.
When I was 24, I sold my bike and bought a washer dryer set. We needed it. I find myself in a position where I can do whatever I want to, and this want is a strong one. I've neve been very good at depriving myself of things I want, and I know it. That's why I'm fat. I absolutely should not buy a motorcycle until I have my finances repaired and money saved.... Thing is, I'm so fucked in that department, that by the time that happens, I will be too old to ride!
This is not the smartest thing I could do. I could get hurt. I could use the money for other things. I may end up having to sell it if things get bad again with the economy.....
So, anyway.... I'm gonna go test ride that boulevard tomorrow!
Happy Birthday, Jim. And many more.
Wear a helmet, at least, eh? They don't just protect the noggin, they're a temporary c-collar.
I believe in helmets. Jimhelmet, at your service.
I'm looking at buying a motorcycle soon too. I want it for cheap transportation as long as I don't have to carry anything that won't fit in my pocket. It'll be great for doctor appointments, renting/returning DVDs and basic errands. My Avalanche, while a really nice truck, is a gas hog.
I have three motorcycles at home. I don't know why - I only ever ride one at a time. Two of them I bought more than 15 years ago for about $2500 each, and they both only had about 2,000 miles on them. Now they each have about 30,000 miles on them and I could probably sell them for more than I paid for them.
The major expenses have been insurance, tires, registration and gas - a total of about $350 per year each, or 18 cents per mile. That's a lot cheaper than driving a car for those miles.
Happy Birthday Jim!
as far as finances and 'other things to spend the money on' etc. - I'm over 100,000 dollars in debt due to medical bills. I'll NEVER pay them all off. Does that mean I never get to have any fun? That every penny must go to a debt that I'll never live long enough to settle? If I won the lottery I could pay it off, but I don't play the lottery. I do the best I can - I pay what I can. but I also buy scented candles sometimes just because Life is Short (and sometimes smelly candles are all that comes between me and despair) ;)
Jim can be your sugar daddy.
Love the bike idea, Jim. Get one, if that's what you want. You only live once. Wring every last drop of enjoyment from it.
And happy birthday!
Thing is, I am not feeling old or particularly unattractive. I've proven to myself that I can get dates, get laid, etc.... I'm not wanting a motorcycle for the image. I won't be draping myself in leather and conchos...
For a moment there I thought we had a chance, you had me at hello but lost me at no leather and conchos.
:sniff:
Life is short. Do stuff you love doing.
Thing one should go in the wisdom thread. It's really good. :)
Oh I say do it, too, by the way. Tomorrow isn't promised (as I overheard in Walmart from a customer saying it was payday yesterday and she'd spent it all already..... but never mind because tomorrow isn't promised)
I'm sure I'm much more likely to get a Japanese bike....but rocking on, as directed, sir!
Enjoy man. I barely afforded mine, but it is so worth it.
Before you make up your mind, read
Big Sarge's Danger thread.
... You just can't take it with you, so you have to decide before you leave...
I thought you were going all philosophical on us thar, Jim. But it is true!
Well did you get the Boulevard?
If you did not buy it yet check out the Roadliner. I have one and love it. Trouble free, big, and a smooth ride. This is mine.
And it comes with a big, shiny bow!
Yea, that was the wife's idea, since I had to get the chit from her to buy it.... for some present or holiday gift to myself.
looks awesome merc. Roadliner.. have they been out long enough to be found used? oldest I see is 08 for 10K!
Pretend to buy Merc's, Jim, and then dump it in the lake until it won't start. He loves that
I found a Bike just like the one I used to have:
The one I had was dark teal, though. Guy wants $800 for it, and says he rides it daily. I'm intrigued.
ha. I emailed the guy and was gonna go see it, but then he says, 'oh, i just realized that my wife posted it for $800, I wanted $1800. I'm reposting it for $1500..... what's the most you'd pay"
zero, dickhead.
fucking craigslist.
Pretend to buy Merc's, Jim, and then dump it in the lake until it won't start. He loves that
Haaaaa...:blush::D
I'm glad you can laugh about it.
Life is short. Do stuff you love doing.
That.
I'm glad you can laugh about it.
No choice. It is all in the hands of the insurance investigator. Trying to get them to go after his boat insurance.
Oh gawd. The legal fees alone could probably buy a fleet of jet-skis.
omgOMGomg!
how did I not see this before? I sent email asking if it's still for sale.... quick, someone buy my jeep!
that listing is from Aug 3rd...
looks like the same bike was $4500 on July 21st
I wonder why winter storage wasn't a problem before?
That looks like your baby!
it's available!
I have a boner.
figuratively speaking, of course.
oh, wait... nope... it's real. lol.
So, I went and rode a V
Star 1100 today. Supercharged. Red. It was really loud. Not the cleanest bike ever, but in my range. And big. Everyone is telling me that the 805cc m50 boulevard (that pretty red one above) is too small. Might be.
you gonna try the boulevard when?
Fucking end of the month. You would think we were saving lives. Because the month ends on my day off, have to work it. So Friday is the next time i will have a minute off. 4consecutive 12+ hour days = tired Jim. I hope to go ride the 805cc then.
and then make a decision?
So, I went and rode a VStar 1100 today. Supercharged. Red. It was really loud. Not the cleanest bike ever, but in my range. And big. Everyone is telling me that the 805cc m50 boulevard (that pretty red one above) is too small. Might be.
Is really loud good ?!?
Everyone is telling me that the 805cc m50 boulevard (that pretty red one above) is too small. Might be.
I agree, absolutely. You need something much closer to 1000cc or larger. The difference is pretty huge IMHO, esp on the highway.
This bike will be stopping by to see me later tonight.
I agree, absolutely. You need something much closer to 1000cc or larger. The difference is pretty huge IMHO, esp on the highway.
That's the size of the engine in my car.
how many cc's are in 5.7 liters? 5700? that's what the Commander has. vroom.
the purple bike there is an 1100cc Yamaha Vstar. 2003 with 23K.
price is really low...($2500).... I wonder if there's something wrong with it. it's nearly too good to be true.
Is really loud good ?!?
Only for the rider.
Just don't get a roadliner. They are SO gay.
Prancing around with a lot of noise. It's for the Mascu-fag.
SO, the guy came by and it looks like it needs a little love. has 32K, not 23K... not a HUGE difference, but notable... The mechanic I know that could look at it had not arrived yet, so he's gonna bring it back in an hour.
If the tech says it's decent, and the guy will take a little less, I might just pull the trigger.....
Oh, the guy is an old head. The gas tank had this cool leather cover down the middle with a Steal Your Face logo on it. He said he's keeping that, but his 'old lady' makes them, and he'll have her make me one. I'm thinking I'll offer $2100 and $100 for his old lady to make me one of those covers. I'm bugging. Am i annoying you with this yet?
You thought the original price was low - why go lower? Just give him the $2500 and you'll both be happy.
Am i annoying you with this yet?
no.
Good luck Jim, I hope you get it and love it.
You thought the original price was low - why go lower? Just give him the $2500 and you'll both be happy.
32K is a lot on a bike. The tech looked at it, found more oil leaking... I might be getting into $1k in repairs to make it right... at which point I'd have been better off with the $3500 bike with 3500 miles. I offered 2100, he wanted 2300... i went to 2200... he held firm, and I passed.
I'll ride the red one and see how it feels. I can call him if I hate the red one. I think I'd be better off with a bike that had no issues and less miles for a little more money.
He just called and said he'd go $2200... but I gotta ride that other one first. The tech that looked at it said it was an $1800 bike, and don't fix it.... there's a LOT of iron out ther for sale right now, no sense rushing...the prices are just going to drop as the season expires.
This tech has 35 motorcycles. yeah. right now.. not HAD, ...HAS.
ugh.
talking to my deck buddy... he says...."at 2200, you gotta buy the bike. If you don't want it, I'll buy it for my son." So Harry is bringing it tomorrow with the title and the windshield. I'll pay him, and ride it for a couple days... check out the red one... and if I don't want to keep it, pass it on.
nice huh?
now... helmet shopping!
new user title: jimhelmet
no bids, you didn't get it.... seems there's a wealth out there, though. Do they come in fivehead size?
I would buy it locally... Just a style question, really... I like the look.... And the goggles especially... I would need an actual DOT approved lid too.... I don't remember what became of the full face helmet I used to have.
Wow
And then there's this:
And this:
This one might actually work
Are you getting it with the schwa-stickers?
Stickers that look like this?
Insurance through Progressive is $75/year. My Allstate agent, who always answers my stupid questions, and gives me free advice quoted $103. I'm gonna go with Allstate.
freaking cheap, right?
That's amazing. That's liability insurance? I guess motorcycles don't do much damage to others in crashes.
that's liability and comp/collision. no extras.
BIKE IS HERE!
Harry paid, title signed, parked out of the way! W00~ friggin ~00t!
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new user title: jimhelmet
Love it.
that's liability and comp/collision. no extras.
BIKE IS HERE!
Harry paid, title signed, parked out of the way! W00~ friggin ~00t!
Groovy. We expect pictures and video footage - real soon now.
Congratulations man.
yes, pics, but none from the emergency room. Got it?
Very cool Jim. Enjoy. We should start a bike commute video thread.
I'll play!~
I'll need to rig up the helmet cam!
this is MY BIKE RFN!!!
Sweet!
Congrats Jim. I wish you many happy miles.
AND it has eagles on the pannier bags!
Totally cool.
What a delicious ride home. I'm so fucking happy I could puke!
WOW, congrats man! Enjoy....
Best advice I ever got, "Ride like everyone is trying to kill you.", and, "Ride your own ride.", meaning don't get pushed into going faster than you want or longer than you want.
Safe riding.
Congrats Jim!! I'm so happy for you (and jealous of you :blush:). It's a very sweeet looking bike. Enjoy the wind in your face...
How nice will that be this fall, country rides with the leaves changing and the cool air...envious.
RIDE FREE MAN. RIDE PROUD MAN. RIDE LIKE YOU RIDE MAN. FUCKIN' PEACE MAN! RIGHT ON MAN. (FIST BUMP MAN)
:)
This morning ... After a hella painful dentist appointment.... I got tags ($234 with the sales tax and notary service!!!).... Then I went (in the car) to a nearby Suzuki dealer and bought a helmet like the one I had borrowed to get the bike home. Dropped of my prescriptions(dentist), went home, had a bitchin veggie bagel that coulnt be beat, and put the tags on the bike....
Then ...on the bike..to the bank, and then to the Harley dealer for a clear face mask, and back to the Suzuki dealer to get inspection... Greased the tech and passed inspection with no repairs needed. $35 plus the $20 tip... And all done in 35 minutes....Nice.
Then a couple more errands and back into the car to go pick up the kids. They didn't look at Facebook so they didn't know I had gotten the bike..... I took them helmet shopping, told them it was for when I eventually got my bike... Kids are suckers.... ;)
Look at my Facebook for the picture of them in their new helmets.... Stopped for chinee, then home.
..."who's motorcycle is that!?". As we pulled into the driveway.
Ha!
After dinner, Ripley got her first ride. We went to get gas and took a 15 minute putt. Nice and slow, getting comfortable with it..... She is a Natural rider. Spencer didn't like it, and we only made it once around the development.... Hopefully he comes around....
Ripley wanted to go again, so we took a long ride at dusk out to my friend, Dan's house and showed off the bike. Cold riding home in the dark, but she still loved it.
Later, Spencer and I put a couple Steal Your Face stickers on the bike, and played Madden 2012. Cowboys 14, Saints 7.
Great day of riding and bonding. This one goes into the Vault as is.
I was woundering how long you would hold out
From desire, though decision via research, to ownership, in less than two weeks.
Not bad, really.
Greased the tech and passed inspection with no repairs needed. $35 plus the $20 tip... And all done in 35 minutes....Nice.
How does that conversation go? I'm just curious because this sort of thing is something I'd never have the balls to do.
How does that conversation go? I'm just curious because this sort of thing is something I'd never have the balls to do.
Lacking balls, you probably should use your other... er.. attributes.
How does that conversation go? I'm just curious because this sort of thing is something I'd never have the balls to do.
[COLOR="Blue"]Hey, Bro. You're the inspection tech?[/COLOR]
[COLOR="Green"]yup.[/COLOR]
[COLOR="Blue"]Here. <<$20 folded in 1/4>> and my key[/COLOR]
[COLOR="Green"]Oh, you don't have to...[/COLOR]
[COLOR="Blue"]Keep it. Buy lunch. Thanks.[/COLOR]
And then I went back to the writer's desk.
The key here is to get it in BEFORE he looks at your vehicle. See, the dealer is paying this guy hourly. Probably $20 an hour if he's a good tech. If he gets a tip before he even sees the bike, he's MUCH more likely to help me out by not charging me for the typical bullshit things they stick people with than if I had tipped him after. Afterwards, you might as well not bother, cuz it's unlikely that you'd get the same guy, and that he'd remember a $20 tip.
It may very well be that the bike was fine, and my tip only sped things along. I didn't ask hm to do anything, or even bring up what the bike might or might not need. I just put him in a good mood.
You might try bringing a box of donuts for everyone when you go. That's a much more 'no balls' approach. Just try to make sure your tech gets one and knows you brought them. Ask to meet him if you can. Maybe let him pick his donut first?
Yeah, I could maybe do that. I'm just always worried I'll get the indignant one, who is offended at such an obvious bribe attempt and makes my inspection results worse than they would have been.
I did bring a box of cookies to our medical lab techs once, but it wasn't because I wanted better service, it was because I knew I was dropping off some 30-ish test samples and didn't want them to hate me for it.
Well, yeah... You have to consider who you're dealing with. This guy was 20 something, thin and hungry looking. lol. The guy in the Lab Coat at the Audi dealer might take offense.
Today, I gave my niece her first ever ride on a motorcycle, and my sister her first since ....a long time ago....
Took Ripley on 3 separate rides, and a went out on a couple solo outings too. It's a different bike without the windshield.
Right now, I'm playing xbox with Spencer. I don't want him to feel left behind.
I'm gonna take ripley home on the motorcycle... by her request, then come back and drive Spencer home in the car with the luggage. Kids are fun.