Scoutmedic -- The trials and journies of a *n00b*

[Scoutmedic]

I added a set of National Cycle Handguards to my bike today. Got a great deal on a set of used ones on eBay:

[Scoutmedic]

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted in my Blog:

I've got around 6,700 miles on the bike total which means I've put about 4,300 miles on it so far this year. Been to a few nice events but, kept forgetting to take the camera. A bar in my hometown of about 400 people started doing a bike night. The last few turned out between 80 and 100 bikes. Pretty impressive for a "pohdunk" pub.

I've added a tank divider/bra to the bike and I'm waiting for my backrest set to arrive. Both purchased on ebay for GREAT prices. (Pics as soon as I take some.)

I got my wife out for a ride finally. She enjoyed the ride home better than the ride out. We both got over our nervousness. The position isn't very comfortable for her. I'm going to try and have some peg lowering bars made over the winter. A friend offered to do it for free. Also, the seat isn't that comfortable for long rides but I'm not planning on getting a new one. The reason for that will be covered in the next post. I need to get her some proper riding gear. It's just a matter of talking her into going to try it on. She doesn't want to spend the extra money right now for the little she's going to ride. She has her own full face helmet and she wears a pair of my boots and gloves. For a jacket, she wears a "Carhardt" type material.

My deer avoidance whistle broke down and had to be returned to the manufacturer. The turn around was very rapid and no hassle. I definitely see fewer deer with it activated and, the ones I do see are ready to bolt away. I think it was a worthwhile investment.

I guess that's it for this post. Stay Safe Out There!

[Scoutmedic]

Well, we're starting to look for our next bike already. We're a year or two from purchase but, she seems as excited as me to go look at them.

Thanks for the info and input from the folks I pm'd about the FJR. The position just wasn't comfortable for her.

Right now, our three top choices are:

Yamaha Royal Venture (We both LOVE the '08 two tone);





Honda Goldwing Premium Sound Edition;





Harley Electra Glide Classic FLHTC;





The Yamaha is the top choice at the moment. Other than being carbed, I love everything about it and, it felt the most comfortable with my short legs.

The Honda is number two. They're just so much bike for the money. Slightly less comfortable straddling it but, the balance was superb.

The Harley is a nice bike but, you get fewer options for the same money and, it's just really wide. I felt too stretched when holding it upright.

Next to come will be the test rides. I need to call the Yamaha dealer to set up a test ride (assuming they don't sell it before I call). The Honda dealer is supposed to call when they get one in for me to ride. Finally, the Harley. I'm undecided about even taking a test ride on one this year. I'll probably wait until next Spring at the earliest. Of course, I may be waiting until next Spring to ride any of them to be honest. The only definite maybe for this fall is the Yamaha..... We'll see.

Thanks for listening to me babble!

Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There!

[Wrider]

Wow... You wanna go to those after an S50??? Lol Talk about a difference in horsepower!
I've got a friend with the Yamaha, and he loves it, been riding all his life.
As for the Goldwing, can't beat it for two-up touring...
As for the Harley... Well, it's a harley...
Wrider

[Scoutmedic]

Yeah, it's quite a leap. Going from "mid" cruiser to "Road Sofa". What can I say? I'm an old guy at heart.... . The HP and Torque will definitely take some getting used to.

Thanks for the input! I appreciate it.

[Scoutmedic]

Howdy all! I hope everyone is well and that those in the Northern Climates are having a mild winter. Ours has been "so-so".

Doesn't look like I'll be getting a new ride in the next couple years like I had planned. I started a poker chip sales business that is taking most of my "extra" income and time. The site is http://www.spot-this.com if anyone is interested.

I made a couple additions to the bike. I picked up a backrest on ebay that has been installed and a pillow touring seat, also from ebay, that still needs to be installed. I'm planning on giving the bike a good cleaning sometime next month.

Until next time; Have fun and stay safe out there all!

[Scoutmedic]

It's time to start riding again here in NW Pennsylvania! I still didn't break the bike down and do a total cleaning the way I wanted but, it's cleaner. I'll get some pics up sometime this month.

Stay Safe Out There!

[Scoutmedic]

Still no picture updates of my Zuke. Had a blast doing some test rides today though!

I rode the Can-Am Spyder; WOW! Fun ride! Might have to put that into consideration for our next bike. My wife likes the look of it and thinks she may want that instead of my Zuke. It's got stability control, traction control, ABS, choice of standard or semi-auto transmission, power steering and lots of storage space. The computer also learns how you drive. It really does. I didn't like the ride at first. The steering felt "twitchy" to me. But, after about 15 or 20 minutes it smoothed right out. The position was sport/touring 'ish but I found it comfortable. Not sure how I'd like to ride for a few hours that way. There are some riser options to put you into a more upright position. If you get a chance, ride one for yourself!

I also rode the Honda Gold Wing; This bike is easy to ride and I could see myself on one of these. Despite its size, it felt very nimble. All of the buttons seemed a bit overwhelming initially but I think they'd be easy to learn. I barely felt the normal bumps in the road. It was smooth with A LOT of torque. It was a touch tall when stopped but not horrible and this could be corrected with a lower seat.

I still need to ride the Victory Vision this fall and I hope to ride a couple Harley's this summer or fall. I've ruled out the Yamaha Royal Venture. They're extremely expensive to insure. I've also ruled out the BMW simply because of the lack of a dealership closer than a 90 minute drive. I really don't want to have to pay to have it trailered that far or be stuck there overnight while it's worked on, etc.

Guess that's it for updates! Stay Safe Out There!

[Scoutmedic]

Not a very eventful year in 2009. Unfortunately, I was only able to put around 1,500 miles on my bike. Too many other things got in the way. The only big riding related thing I did was join my local Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club Station 281. Fire & Iron is a neutral motorcycle club composed of Fire and EMS folks that like to ride.

I'm hoping 2010 will be a better riding year for me! The Zuke will be paid off next month and I've continued the search for my next ride. I had planned on buying a 2010 Goldwing early in 2011 but, I don't think that's going to happen. So, I've started my search for a used Wing. I'm hoping to buy late this season or early next season. But, you never know! I may find something else to tied me over. I definitely want something that will be more comfortable for longer distances. The Zuke just doesn't cut it for me. And, it's even worse when my wife is along.

2010 also finds me involved with two causes locally. The first is the 3rd Annual Michael D Crotty Memorial Bike Run on Saturday June 26, 2010. The second is the American Veterans Traveling Tribute - Erie starting with a Wall Escort on Wednesday August 25, 2010. There will also be a second ride, The Ride to the Wall, on Saturday August 28, 2010. The Traveling Tribute will be available for viewing with events honoring our American Veterans as well as First Responders from Wednesday August 25, 2010 to Sunday August 29, 2010.

Guess that's it for now! Stay Safe Out There!

[Wrider]

Very nice, and if it helps there's a place here locally that always has used Wings for sale. Right now they've got a very pretty 1800 for a good price...