Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: benknrobbers on March 20, 2013, 06:34:32 am

Title: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 20, 2013, 06:34:32 am
Now that I've been lurking on the forums for a couple of weeks I realize I should have probably done this a bit ago.

My name is Eric, I'm 35, in the USAF, I got two wheels under me on an 87 honda magna, and it died as my son was born. Since then I've been lusting after one bike or another, but not in a position to buy anything. I finally settled on a RE a couple of years ago, and two weeks ago I broke down and bought a showroom 11' Bullet Military. I was looking at the Classic in red but my better half decided that the OD green looked better on me.

Uncle sam says I have to have a motorcycle safety course before I can ride, which I did years ago but since I can't find my card, I have to wait for a few months till I can take the course again (Darn the MSF and their non record keeping habits).  Until then I'm working on saddlebags, fork bags, and a few other odds and ends for the bike.  I'll try and upload photo's of projects once they are complete.
 

Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: wildbill on March 20, 2013, 12:02:31 pm
nice bike. you will be very happy with that one.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: gremlin on March 20, 2013, 12:27:59 pm
Now that I've been lurking on the forums for a couple of weeks I realize I should have probably done this a bit ago.

My name is Eric, I'm 35, in the USAF, I got two wheels under me on an 87 honda magna, and it died as my son was born. Since then I've been lusting after one bike or another, but not in a position to buy anything. I finally settled on a RE a couple of years ago, and two weeks ago I broke down and bought a showroom 11' Bullet Military. I was looking at the Classic in red but my better half decided that the OD green looked better on me.

Uncle sam says I have to have a motorcycle safety course before I can ride, which I did years ago but since I can't find my card, I have to wait for a few months till I can take the course again (Darn the MSF and their non record keeping habits).  Until then I'm working on saddlebags, fork bags, and a few other odds and ends for the bike.  I'll try and upload photo's of projects once they are complete.


Uncle Sam has gone private enterprise?   When I was in the AF (1979) we took a class on-base.  MM-12 (I still have my old Base Motorcycle Driving License).  it was like a flightline license ..... every base you went to, you had to take the course over again.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 20, 2013, 01:15:52 pm
Yeah, I'm not sure when they started going private, but it's been at least 15+ years ago. They require that you take the MSF basic rider course or equivalent before you can ride period. If you ask me it's a P.I.T.A. The class itself is worthwhile and I'd recommend it to anyone, but It's annoying in the more northern climates where they only teach it 6 months out of the year and limited dates. So you get stuck on a waiting list. I signed up a month before I bought the bike and I'm still going to be another almost 3 months from now before I'm legal to ride again. I took it once in the past, but have since lost my card, and the MSF doesn't keep records. If you ask me it's a scam to get the government to fork over another $200 to send me through the class.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 20, 2013, 02:30:25 pm
I took it once in the past, but have since lost my card, and the MSF doesn't keep records. If you ask me it's a scam to get the government to fork over another $200 to send me through the class.

Did somebody trick you into losing your card as part of the scam?   ;)

Sorry.  Seriously... welcome!  You will find just about any information you need here on this forum.  I have...
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 20, 2013, 04:46:54 pm
Welcome!  And congrats on the new bike.  Don't be too hard on Uncle Sam.  That class is great, especially if it's been a while since you've been riding.

Scott
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 20, 2013, 04:50:27 pm
Wait a minute... my MSF class cost $300!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on March 20, 2013, 04:52:40 pm
I am really really really really loathe to suggest this but......check with your Harley dealer. Many of them have approved courses. I don't think I would mention that I already had a new RE
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 20, 2013, 09:03:03 pm
Wait a minute... my MSF class cost $300!
I just double checked out here in Missouri it's $200. East coast prices maybe?
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 20, 2013, 09:06:18 pm
Welcome!  And congrats on the new bike.  Don't be too hard on Uncle Sam.  That class is great, especially if it's been a while since you've been riding.

Scott


Honestly even if I manage to sweet talk them into giving me a replacement card, which I doubt will happen I'm still taking the class again. I agree that the class was great. I'm just venting frustration because I have 500cc's of happiness sitting in my garage and all I can do is go sit on it and make put put noises.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 20, 2013, 09:10:35 pm
Aw, shoot, benknrobbers, I do that all the time, and I'm legal!  14 inches of new snow on the ground this morning, the first day of spring...  :(
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 20, 2013, 09:11:54 pm
Well if I recall the rules is you can't ride on base without your cert and large orange vest, but once off base your license is all you need.  Got a buddy off base with a garage?
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Arizoni on March 20, 2013, 10:46:30 pm
If your in Arizona you will need a Motorcycle drivers license.  A regular car driving license isn't enough for riding motorcycles but a person has the option  of getting a class D license that allows both.
Of course in order to get the Motorcycle license or the class D license you have to ride your bike thru the test course to prove you aren't going to fall over when you turn. :)
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 21, 2013, 01:36:03 am
Well if I recall the rules is you can't ride on base without your cert and large orange vest, but once off base your license is all you need.  Got a buddy off base with a garage?

Somewhere about 01 the AF had a rash of guys wrapping themselves and their bikes around trees before they even got home from the dealership. It got real nasty for a while (think having a full bird follow you home because he saw a base sticker and no vest off base then getting court martial-ed for disobeying a direct order, it really happened to someone). Now the protective gear is mandatory on base or off. If you get in an accident off base, and didn't have all your gear on and your motorcycle safety course C/W they won't pay for med bills if you survive, and you face punishment, if you die your family doesn't get the insurance money.

For the record the required gear for AF is mostly common sense but it goes as follows. Over the ankle boots, long pants, long sleeves, FULL finger gloves, Dot or Snell approved helmet, eye protection, and reflective vest. Harley Davidson had mercy a couple of years ago and started making reflective vests that don't look half bad.

I even thought about the storing off base to ride, but in this area someone would see me and recognize the bike. It's not like I'm riding a sportster, the RE Mil really stands out.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: DanB on March 21, 2013, 03:05:32 am
MSF Course = I did this last year at a community college;  same thing as you: lost the card years ago.  I didnt enroll for a class, but just turned up and added my name to the waitlist as a walk in.  Got in 1st try.  Many of the courses have the ability to take lots of (8-11) extras.  Cost was $20 cash i believe.  See if the MSF hosts around you take walk ins.  Might save you some time & $$ if you have the flexibility.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 21, 2013, 05:44:26 am
Ah, not an option then.  I've reassembled a wrecked bike or two on Palomar so a limping Marine could get it back home.  They do have jackets and vests that look much better these days, thankfully.

Scott
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: RE-Memphis on March 23, 2013, 12:35:11 pm
, if you die your family doesn't get the insurance money.


SGLI is a VA benefit. It will still pay out  although I really don't recommend that route. Might scuff the bike.

http://www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/SGLI/mythsRumors.htm


Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 23, 2013, 12:57:51 pm
SGLI is a VA benefit. It will still pay out  although I really don't recommend that route. Might scuff the bike.

http://www.insurance.va.gov/sglisite/SGLI/mythsRumors.htm
I stand not only corrected, but a little abashed at the false statement that I've not only believed, but have perpetuated myself over the years. Bravo!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: RE-Memphis on March 23, 2013, 02:17:35 pm
Amazing the things you can pick up on a motorcycle chat thread! :)

The MSF is a pretty awesome course. I'm actually taking my experienced refresher next week. We're now supposed to renew every three years. Is the AF doing the same thing?]

https://safety.army.mil/MMP/



At least it's free on post for Military!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 23, 2013, 02:31:09 pm
Amazing the things you can pick up on a motorcycle chat thread! :)

The MSF is a pretty awesome course. I'm actually taking my experienced refresher next week. We're now supposed to renew every three years. Is the AF doing the same thing?]

https://safety.army.mil/MMP/


At least it's free on post for Military!

I tried to access that link - my Firefox browser gave me a warning instead, paraphrased as:

"THIS CONNECTION IS UNTRUSTED  -  safety.army.mil uses an invalid security certificate."

Now that's funny...
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 23, 2013, 02:42:34 pm
I tried to access that link - my Firefox browser gave me a warning instead, paraphrased as:

"THIS CONNECTION IS UNTRUSTED  -  safety.army.mil uses an invalid security certificate."

Now that's funny...

The DOD doesn't publish certificates very well I guess, I've encountered the same thing on AF websites a couple of times.

I haven't seen anything on the AF side of the house about having to take refresher, they seemed quite willing to accept a 10+ year old card if I could've found the thing.

On the other hand our guys have to take the advanced course within a year of the basic if we are riding a "sports" bike. Something tells me I'll be safe from that.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: High On Octane on March 23, 2013, 04:12:48 pm
Welcome to the Forum and Congrats on your new Military Bullet!  I literally live next door to Buckley AFB in Aurora, CO and LOTS of military personal live in my apartments that ride.  I always see the Air Force and Army guys wearing the safety orange vests, but I never realized it was mandated for them to wear at all times.

The rider safety courses are well worth the time and money, especially if it's your first time riding or if it's been several years since you have last ridden.  I myself grew up on 2 wheels and rode a dirt bike for the first time when I was 8 and had my own bike when I was 12.  Even after riding for over 20 years, I still have had some close calls on the road.  Always at the hands of some other careless driver.  It's very important you know exactly how your bike handles and what YOU need to do in a split second to react to any kind obstacle you might encounter, whether it's a animal running out in front of you or being cut off by another driver.  I'm sure there are many people on this forum that have had a close encounter of some sort and can attest to the importance of knowing what to do when the time comes.

My best advice to a new rider is ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and NEVER ride directly next to another vehicle if avoidable.  Either accelerate and get ahead of the car or slow down and get behind.
Scottie
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 23, 2013, 05:13:56 pm
If we're talking about the MSF course...

When I took it, there was a complete cross section of rider experience in my class.  The most experienced guys who were riding the longest were all the most vocal about how much they learned, and how much they got out of the class...
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: High On Octane on March 23, 2013, 07:04:09 pm
I've actually been thinking about taking an "experienced" riders course.  There's a guy north of Denver that used to be (or maybe still is) a professional racer, and from what I understand you train and ride on a closed course.  I'm going to look into further once it gets nicer out.
Scottie
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 24, 2013, 01:45:41 am
I believe my frustrations have been misinterpreted.  I'm a supporter of the class. I plan on taking it again one way or the other. My wife has shown interest in riding, and I've made known that I expect her to attend one as well. My frustration is at the total lack of organization on the MSF's part. I made up my mind to buy a motorcycle a little while back, so I dug through my stuff and found my old wallet. I found part of the card but not enough to get me on the program. So I jumped online and went directly to the MSF's website. You click the Contact us button which leads you to another page where the first question is "How do I get a replacement card" click that and it takes you down a bit and tells you that they don't keep records and that you need to contact the state or military branch representative.

I called the state representative, (Louisiana DOT) who was an amiable enough person who basically told me that the LaDot took over the from the department of education a couple of years ago, and they have no records prior to that. I contacted the AF representative (hey congress this guy a waste of oxygen, sequester maybe?) he told me that he couldn't do anything and I had to talk to the original ridercoach at the school I took it at. I call the school I went to, only to be told they don't teach it anymore, that I should call the base. I call the Barksdale AFB Wing Safety office and they politely suggest I'm S.O.L. I even went so far as to call the new school in hopes that they maybe use the same guy was teaching there, not so much though.

I understand that the MSF is a not for profit organization. I also understand that somehow they've managed to set up over 2700 sites, which translates to 27,000 motorcycles for training. They charge $200-300 a person for a two day course of training. I would say that they have the resources available to easily maintain, at the very least, a central records database of their training. They have a pretty decent sized website, to include a trainer site that is already password protected (https://www.retsorg.org/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f). Adding a database collection point to this site for the actual trainers to input their class rosters wouldn't be a far fetched idea. I understand that printing and mailing replacement cards would probably be kind of time/labor/postage intensive, so I wouldn't disagree to a reasonable nominal handling fee. The problem is they don't have a system in place for any of it.  I'm obviously not the first person to have tried to get a replacement card in the past, seeing as they have been asked enough that they put it at the top of the page for contact info. That is my frustration.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: kammersangerin on March 24, 2013, 10:22:49 pm
I didn't think you were angry up having to take the course. Just the pretty poor management of the course.

I plan to take their intermediate version in my region once I have a bike I can stick with.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Royalista on March 25, 2013, 01:05:54 am
I read your motto and think how much do you have to prepare to be able to go through all that trouble. :o
Good luck though and think of next year, this time. Life'll be good.  ;)
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Ice on March 25, 2013, 03:15:04 am
I tried to access that link - my Firefox browser gave me a warning instead, paraphrased as:

"THIS CONNECTION IS UNTRUSTED  -  safety.army.mil uses an invalid security certificate."

Now that's funny...

Funny but not ha-ha funny.

The connection is untrusted because the website installs a root kit among other things

 By accessing the website you agree to the terms and conditions of the website one of which makes your computer and extension of their information system another of which is consent to monitoring.

 The same conditions applied to the official cash for clunker websites too.
 
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Ice on March 25, 2013, 03:22:36 am
Back on topic.

Yes do get MSF type education and training.

 I wish they had it when I started riding.
If they did I would not have picked up the bad riding habits I fight to this day.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: DanB on March 25, 2013, 04:14:46 am
I know its beating a dying horse, but... the cost of 200-300 for the course just doesnt ring correct. 
Quote
I also understand that somehow they've managed to set up over 2700 sites, which translates to 27,000 motorcycles for training. They charge $200-300 a person for a two day course of training.

My state, Illinois, is done through mostly education orgs.  Cost about 25.  A quick google search for Louisiana, i found this: http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html (http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html). 

Quote
Basic Rider Course
This 15.5-hour course is designed for the beginning motorcycle operator with emphasis on the special skills and mental attitude necessary for navigating safely in traffic. Classroom instruction is followed by practical exercises, which are usually divided into two sessions on Saturday and Sunday in a controlled, off-street environment.
Motorcycles used in Basic Rider Course may not exceed 550cc.
Training Cost: $25
Motorcycle Reservation Fee: $75 (if not using personally owned motorcycle)

Am i missing something?
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Arizoni on March 25, 2013, 05:20:06 am
That sounds like a better deal, but only if the Military recognize and accept it.

The Military often doesn't work in a logical manner when common sense is needed.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 25, 2013, 10:44:14 am
Am i missing something?

I don't know. The course I took ran two days, and included classroom time and riding time - on a specially painted closed course, and on bikes that they provided. At the end, if you passed both the written and practical riding portion, you walk into the Maine DMV and walk out with your motorcycle license.

Is this what is offered by the Illinois $25 class?
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 25, 2013, 11:50:03 am
I know its beating a dying horse, but... the cost of 200-300 for the course just doesnt ring correct. 
My state, Illinois, is done through mostly education orgs.  Cost about 25.  A quick google search for Louisiana, i found this: http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html (http://www.lsp.org/motorcycle.html). 

I wish I was still in Louisiana, a lot of this would be easier, they tend to run classes earlier and later, and it's not as hard to get in. I have the good fortune to be stationed in Missouri now. Not actually a bad place, but the cheapest class that I can find within reasonable distance is $200. I even took a page out of your book, and googled the MO DOT and tried through that. I thank everyone for the suggestions, but it looks like I'm just going to have to be patient. No worries. I guess I just needed to vent a little frustration out really. I'll spend the extra time getting some of the small projects done that I wouldn't have done if I had the opportunity to go out and ride.

On a related but amusing note I was reading the AF regulation that governs the Motorcycle program, and found out that if I had a sidecar I wouldn't require the MSF for some reason. Kinda gave me a chuckle. almost wish I would've ordered one to go with the bike now. Mount a replica SAW on the sidecar and get one of my buddies to ride to work with me.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: DanB on March 25, 2013, 12:07:11 pm
Quote
I don't know. The course I took ran two days, and included classroom time and riding time - on a specially painted closed course, and on bikes that they provided. At the end, if you passed both the written and practical riding portion, you walk into the Maine DMV and walk out with your motorcycle license.

Is this what is offered by the Illinois $25 class?

Yes the very same. I just walked on one Friday evening. Done at a community college. Great course and saw more drops than a motocross. Not everyone passed.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: gremlin on March 25, 2013, 12:55:54 pm
............ I was reading the AF regulation that governs the Motorcycle program, and found out that if I had a sidecar I wouldn't require the MSF for some reason...............

I've had a hack, you don't ride them .... you drive them.   Wickedly dangerous.  Darwin would approve.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 25, 2013, 12:57:24 pm
Lucky you! Here in Maine it's private enterprise, no state (or other) subsidy...
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 25, 2013, 02:18:40 pm
Lucky you! Here in Maine it's private enterprise, no state (or other) subsidy...
I think that may be the difference here as well.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 25, 2013, 05:53:26 pm
When I was bike shopping in NH (where I test-rode, and fell in love with, a C5 {http://www.nationalpowersports.net/RoyalEnfield.aspx (http://www.nationalpowersports.net/RoyalEnfield.aspx)}), I stopped by a Suzuki dealer that had a pile of TU-250's in stock, all lined up - and all sold... to a local high school district that ordered them for their motorcycle training classes!  Nothing like that available anywhere I've ever lived!

They didn't want to put any miles on them, but did let me ride one around the parking lot.  It was quiet and smooth and fun - and I didn't buy one.  But what a great bike for the MSF course!

(http://www.moto123.com/ArtImages/133294/Suzuki-TU250-2011_i04.jpg)

The outfit that gave my class ran, almost exclusively, Honda Rebels - yuck!  A cruiser bike with your feet way out in front of you is no way to learn to ride, if you ask me, which you didn't.  Fortunately, they had a couple of KLR or some other such dual-sport bikes that were taller, so they put me on one instead (unfortunately, it was a terrible fit for me, and it wouldn't run worth a damn, but that's another story)...
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: barenekd on March 25, 2013, 06:06:06 pm
In CA, the MSF courses are over $150. It was $150 the last time I checked and that's been a few years ago. I was considering becoming an instructor, but  they want a lot of preliminary tasks to get there, so I opted out.
They supply the bikes and teach classes in appropriate parking lots around the area.  I think it's two nights of classroom and two days riding.
Bare
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Rich Mintz on March 25, 2013, 08:11:55 pm
I have no sympathy -- I had to pay $350 for the basic MSF course here in New York City! But everything's more expensive here. Course is run by a private driving school, but they issue the MSF certification when you pass and NY State accepts it as a waiver of the road test. For whatever it's worth, the instructor was not gentle -- everyone passed, but he was quite rough on us. He wanted us to actually learn the basic lessons of handling and control before he gave us that little card.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: barenekd on March 25, 2013, 08:49:50 pm
Gee, an instructor with integrity!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on March 26, 2013, 03:30:55 am
The first time I took the class it was Honda Rebels. I had been riding a Magna for a while so the form factor of the bike was about the same so it was comfortable for me. The instructor for my class was a drag racer. The class was enjoyable, but definitely put me out of my comfort zone. Controlled skids, fast reaction maneuvering around the instructor and his partner (guy who was studying to be an instructor himself). I think the one that put me in the highest clench factor was when we had 10 people doing one figure 8, and I was one of three of them who had ever been on a motorcycle at all. I kept thinking I was going to die doing 15 miles an hour in a parking lot.

As far as the motorcycle safety course taking place of the test, in Louisiana it would have I believe but I hadn't gotten the course when I got the license. A week before I took my test I went to the DMV and tried to get a motorcycle permit. They don't issue permits in LA, so I ask how to practice legally and get the bike to the DMV for the test. The lady there told me to stay off of main roads when I was practicing, and that if I felt like I could pass the test to drive to the DMV.When I get there a week later the same lady handed me the written test, and when she took my answer sheet she asked how I got there. I told her I drove and she responded with "We want to go to lunch early and since you obviously got here in one piece we are going to waive the driving portion."
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 26, 2013, 12:00:36 pm
...she asked how I got there. I told her I drove and she responded with "We want to go to lunch early and since you obviously got here in one piece we are going to waive the driving portion."

Gee, a state employee with integrity!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: kammersangerin on March 26, 2013, 01:25:15 pm
The MSF in Virginia depends on where you take it. It is separately run, but usually using a municipal or state property. The one I first took 20 some years ago did not get you your license but it prepared you. And it really did. I still had to do my exam. And, for my part, I forgot to check off the right box at some point after I stopped riding for a long time, and I had to retake it to get my endorsement back. It was kind of tricky.

I am not sure I would say yuck about the Rebel. It's a great bike and it fits me beautifully. You can also carry a good bit of stuff on it, unlike the S40. I almost bought one again. I just couldn't put up with the cold natured ride. I also looked at the TU250, because it is fuel injected, and..again, it's too tall. Not as tall as the C5, but had I thought more carefully about shock tension, I would have bought one, or simply swapped the shocks on the Vespa. The Vespa still had plenty of clearance.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: barenekd on March 26, 2013, 06:10:28 pm
Quote
he asked how I got there. I told her I drove and she responded with "We want to go to lunch early and since you obviously got here in one piece we are going to waive the driving portion."

Now that's funny!
Having been riding and racing for twenty years before I had to get a license, I kinda thought driving through a keyhole shaped slalom course was a bit ridiculous. I'm don't think I was ever I was situation to have to maneuver through something like that. For what it's worth I got my CA license on a Yamaha SR500. Woud've felt better on a Bultaco Sherpa T! This was long before MSF courses.
Bare
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 27, 2013, 09:21:26 pm
Now that's funny!
Having been riding and racing for twenty years before I had to get a license, I kinda thought driving through a keyhole shaped slalom course was a bit ridiculous. I'm don't think I was ever I was situation to have to maneuver through something like that. For what it's worth I got my CA license on a Yamaha SR500. Woud've felt better on a Bultaco Sherpa T! This was long before MSF courses.
Bare

Some of the skills in the test seem silly but you'd be surpised how many people can't perform them.  And if you can't do that stuff at 5 mph you probably shouldn't be out there.

I remember speaking to my instrutor in Cali when I took the test and he told me that almost every 40+ year old guy who bought a Harley took the class because it gets them out of the skills test at DMV.  Trying to do the test on a giant Harley land yacht is pretty tough even for someone with good skills just because the things are so damn big.

Scott
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: mattsz on March 27, 2013, 11:25:20 pm
I guess we've thoroughly hijacked this thread!

Our courses in Maine provide the bikes - you cannot take the 2-day basic safety course on your own bike...
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: RE-Memphis on April 03, 2013, 02:56:17 am
I just completed my Experience Rider Class (Army makes us renew every three years now) on my Enfie.

What fun! The 25K HD guys were all over my modest green friend!
 8)

I was able to accomplish most of the maneuvers in 2/3rd the space that they needed!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: kammersangerin on April 03, 2013, 02:22:33 pm
Harley people are usually good people in my experience.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: barenekd on April 03, 2013, 08:03:10 pm
Yeah, but they're are still fun to pick on! But ya know, it's not them, it's the bike!
Bare
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on April 04, 2013, 03:09:30 am
On a news update. I got picked up from the wait list on tomorrows class, and got my commander to brief me into the motorcycle safety program. In two days I'll be legal to ride. I have my temp tags ready (waiting on louisiana for the real plates).

About Harley's I refuse flat out to buy one. ever. I grew up in a motorcycle family, and my dad was a die hard harley rider. I heard the sales pitches from them about the bikes my entire youth. Then I got a 20 year old Honda Magna. The bike ran me 50,000 miles with no problems. I did basic maintenance. Hell I didn't even have to change the chain. Dad teased me then. A couple of years ago, someone couldn't afford to pay him for some work that he'd done, but offered him a BMW bike in trade, and dad being off two wheels for a few years took him up on it. He now says he'll never own another harley.

As far as the riders being good people, I will agree to that.
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: benknrobbers on April 06, 2013, 03:23:10 am
MSF C/W, Temp tags C/W, Insurance, C/W, 50 mile ride Yeah buddy!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Rich Mintz on April 08, 2013, 03:42:02 pm
Good job benknrobbers!
Title: Re: Newbie Intro
Post by: Jack Leis on April 08, 2013, 04:26:38 pm
Yeah, but they're are still fun to pick on! But ya know, it's not them, it's the bike!
Bare
Its THEM Bare.