MarkB
Well-known member
Today marks the one week anniversary of my becoming a motorcycle commuter.
I could wax on and on about why it’s so great to be riding, but that would be preaching to the choir, I’m sure. Let it be said, though, that the last week has been fun and educational.
I am really glad I took the MSF class back in June. I had ridden before, but I learned a lot in that class and relearned stuff I had forgotten. Even though it’s been several months since I took the class, I have to say the training I received was invaluable. It comes back to me all the time in riding situations. I can honestly recommend the training to anybody on the fence about whether or not to pop for it. In California, it carries a lot of weight at the DMV and honestly, the things I learned keep popping into my head as I ride.
I grow more and more confident in my abilities every day. I realize this is a double edged sword as confidence can breed complacency which can get you into trouble before you know it. Still, I never imagined I would be taking to the freeway already. This was way easier than I thought and I’ve become pretty comfortable doing it.
I grow more and more comfortable on the Goldwing every day. I find I bang my shin on the guards less at stops, starts are better and shifting is getting smoother. I feel I have better control of the bike every time I ride.
I grow more and more confident in the bike itself every day I ride. Even when cold, it starts right up. A little bit of choke and it never hesitates to fire. There’s never a hiccup on the road, it’s smooth and comfortable. If anything should go wrong, I’m confident in the GW family to help me sort out the issues and get it running. In short, the decision to buy a 29 year old bike does not weigh heavy on my mind. I have no remorse and look forward to many miles of smiles. I think I am a WingNut.
In trying to decide on my next step, I realize I’m kind of anxious to get my hands dirty, but not real anxious to tear into my daily rider. I’ve been thinking after things settle down some, I may seek out a klunker/parts bike to tinker with and see if I can get running, just to learn on something that only kinda/sorta matters, if that makes sense. For now, though, I will probably just stick to fixing the things that need fixed, though I really haven’t found anything yet!
I am still waiting to hear back from the PO for more detailed history on the bike to decide if I need to tear into timing belts, or not. I checked the air cleaner the other day and saw where he had clearly written the date it was changed on it, so I think if it’s been done, it will have been noted inside the covers. If I don’t hear from him by the weekend, I think I will take a peek in there to see.
Riding wise, I still plan to hook up with a local group for some rides. There is a GW club not too far from me and two chapters of CMA within easy distance, so I should be able to find somebody to ride with pretty easily, I think.
I want to again thank all of you for the warm welcomes, words of advice and all the wealth of knowledge available to me.
Mark
I could wax on and on about why it’s so great to be riding, but that would be preaching to the choir, I’m sure. Let it be said, though, that the last week has been fun and educational.
I am really glad I took the MSF class back in June. I had ridden before, but I learned a lot in that class and relearned stuff I had forgotten. Even though it’s been several months since I took the class, I have to say the training I received was invaluable. It comes back to me all the time in riding situations. I can honestly recommend the training to anybody on the fence about whether or not to pop for it. In California, it carries a lot of weight at the DMV and honestly, the things I learned keep popping into my head as I ride.
I grow more and more confident in my abilities every day. I realize this is a double edged sword as confidence can breed complacency which can get you into trouble before you know it. Still, I never imagined I would be taking to the freeway already. This was way easier than I thought and I’ve become pretty comfortable doing it.
I grow more and more comfortable on the Goldwing every day. I find I bang my shin on the guards less at stops, starts are better and shifting is getting smoother. I feel I have better control of the bike every time I ride.
I grow more and more confident in the bike itself every day I ride. Even when cold, it starts right up. A little bit of choke and it never hesitates to fire. There’s never a hiccup on the road, it’s smooth and comfortable. If anything should go wrong, I’m confident in the GW family to help me sort out the issues and get it running. In short, the decision to buy a 29 year old bike does not weigh heavy on my mind. I have no remorse and look forward to many miles of smiles. I think I am a WingNut.
In trying to decide on my next step, I realize I’m kind of anxious to get my hands dirty, but not real anxious to tear into my daily rider. I’ve been thinking after things settle down some, I may seek out a klunker/parts bike to tinker with and see if I can get running, just to learn on something that only kinda/sorta matters, if that makes sense. For now, though, I will probably just stick to fixing the things that need fixed, though I really haven’t found anything yet!
I am still waiting to hear back from the PO for more detailed history on the bike to decide if I need to tear into timing belts, or not. I checked the air cleaner the other day and saw where he had clearly written the date it was changed on it, so I think if it’s been done, it will have been noted inside the covers. If I don’t hear from him by the weekend, I think I will take a peek in there to see.
Riding wise, I still plan to hook up with a local group for some rides. There is a GW club not too far from me and two chapters of CMA within easy distance, so I should be able to find somebody to ride with pretty easily, I think.
I want to again thank all of you for the warm welcomes, words of advice and all the wealth of knowledge available to me.
Mark
