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Hobbs


Registered: 04/11/09
Posts: 520
Loc: Va
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Recently purchased a motorcycle.
#14545756 - 06/01/11 01:34 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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The MSF courses were relatively booked, so my class isn't for another month, but that gives me time to get the registration, inspection, insurance, gear and other such stuff out the way.
I've just been practicing throttle/clutch control each day in my drive, running the bike so everything stays lubed and in good working order. Once I'm licensed I'll be riding around the country backroads of my town for a while until I gain a good level of confidence and experience. Even after that I have many low traffic, easy riding routes planned. Thankfully there's plenty of roadways near me I can pick from that don't get much traffic at all, and the roads are in good shape.
Armed with a clymer manual and several Honda service manuals I found online, I've been researching my bike, learning maintenance and daily pre-ride checklists to get in good habits.
I've also been watching and reading Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist, Vol II" which goes in depth into what is actually happening to your bike while you ride, turn, brake... etc. I recommend this to other riders as it's packed with useful and often overlooked information. I'm looking for any and all resources to learn more about riding so if you have any suggestions I'd love to hear em. In a year I can take the advanced MSF course, and there's also a California Superbike school offered not far from me which I think I'd like to attend after I ride for a few months.
I'll be getting a high quality set of armored Vanson leathers for my hide. As far as I can tell these are among the best, but if anyone has any suggestions, they're always well received.
No real point to this post, I'm just really stoked. This bike fits me perfect and I got a great deal. Here's some pics, I will be changing the speedo overlay with a black/white one, adding front and rear turn indicators, and a front fender but other than that she's good to go. Also going to add an oil pressure gauge where the oil galley plug is, and a neutral light. Oh, and smaller pod filters, the ones on it currently are a bit smooshed on carbs 1 and 4.
1976 CB550 (Honda)



-------------------- External control, are you gonna let them get you? Do you wanna be a prisoner in the boundaries they set you? You say you want to be yourself, do you think they'll let you? They're out to get you.
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shLong



Registered: 03/04/10
Posts: 25,330
Loc: 'sconsin
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Re: Recently purchased a motorcycle. [Re: Hobbs]
#14545771 - 06/01/11 01:36 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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Just dont think you're hot shit and start doggin it. My cousin did, and that's why I address him in the past tense. Have fun, be safe, wear a helmet.

(sweet retro bike)
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Newbie
User of semicolons.



Registered: 07/18/04
Posts: 24,710
Loc: SoCal
Last seen: 2 days, 16 hours
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Re: Recently purchased a motorcycle. [Re: Hobbs]
#14545787 - 06/01/11 01:39 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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I ENVY YOU!! I took the MSF course in October, passed, and got my license... I'm just waiting on the funds for a bike. That's a gorgeous bike man. You'll learn a LOT from the course. It was very fun and informative, and I may even take it again once I have the bike just for a refresher.
Congrats!
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Hobbs


Registered: 04/11/09
Posts: 520
Loc: Va
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Re: Recently purchased a motorcycle. [Re: Newbie]
#14545872 - 06/01/11 01:55 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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Thanks man, I'm excited for the course, it's gonna be the longest month ever. Worth it to learn proper though. Definitely won't be dogging her, ego is not your amigo. The bike may be cool, but I know I'm not.
-------------------- External control, are you gonna let them get you? Do you wanna be a prisoner in the boundaries they set you? You say you want to be yourself, do you think they'll let you? They're out to get you.
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Newbie
User of semicolons.



Registered: 07/18/04
Posts: 24,710
Loc: SoCal
Last seen: 2 days, 16 hours
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Re: Recently purchased a motorcycle. [Re: Hobbs]
#14545945 - 06/01/11 02:13 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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I'm the same way. When I got my permit my buddy took me out to a parking lot on his Virago 550(?) and I treated it like a 4 wheeler. I didn't realize simply easing off the clutch is enough to get it going... With a 4 wheeler you need to be quick and give it throttle at precisely the right time to not have it stall. ANYWAY, I did OK at first, but I later ended up dumping it at 10mph and made an ass of myself. He expected it though, he fixes bikes and wouldn't have let me on it if he didn't think I'd lay it down. Since that course my clutch control has greatly improved and I'm a lot more comfortable with it.
The best advice I've ever received was look where you want to go, the bike follows your eyes, and don't ride beyond your ability.
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gonzo422
Haunted

Registered: 10/14/10
Posts: 237
Last seen: 10 years, 8 months
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Re: Recently purchased a motorcycle. [Re: Hobbs]
#14546289 - 06/01/11 03:17 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Hobbs said: The bike may be cool, but I know I'm not. 
Quote of the year...
-------------------- When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro
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shLong



Registered: 03/04/10
Posts: 25,330
Loc: 'sconsin
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Re: Recently purchased a motorcycle. [Re: gonzo422]
#14546291 - 06/01/11 03:18 PM (12 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
gonzo422 said:
Quote:
Hobbs said: The bike may be cool, but I know I'm not. 
Quote of the year... 
 IDK how I missed that
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