An old guy jumps back in...

[Bogey]

Howdy,

I rode a lot when I was younger (desert/endouros/trials) then had a 1980 Goldwing...then got out of bikes for 20+ years!

Bought me a KLX 400 a couple of years ago and started hitting the trails again. Well, the street bug bit me again and I just picked up a 1994 1100 Shadow with 4,000 miles on it.

I feel like a dork because I'm REALLY out of touch with what's out there. I struggled as to whether I should even get this bike, as it was so old...but it's in GREAT shape, and well, I have always loved this bike! (a buddy had it)

Wondering if there is anything I should know about it, or things I can do to it that might be beneficial.

Also wondering about a safe jacket that will work in 90+ temps.

OK, I've rambled long enough

[Ninja Geoff]

A lot of riding gear companies offer mesh and textile jackets that are good for high heat. Some leather jackets also come perforated that i hear are bearable in heat. As for that bike being old, yeah a little, but doesn't mean it's bad. Just keep up on regular maintenance (oil changes, tires, chain lubing/replacment, valve adjustment, brakes, etc.) and it'll last years and years. Some members on here are riding bikes that are 30 years old or more. The one bit of advice i can share is to keep the dirt squirter and ride it often, there's a lot of things that you learn on a trail that helps you on the road (like what to do when your front wheel smacks a fist sized rock and decides to try and yank the bars out of your hand).

PS -

[Wizzard]

Congratulations Bogey and welcome to the TMW Forums .
Nothing better than riding for clearing out the old cob webs .
Respect , Wizzard

[kgdb]

Welcome. Good to hear you are back on the streets. I have been riding for over 32 years (and dirt bikes etc even longer, before there was dirt)! and sure couldnt see being away from it. Ride safe.

kgdb

[Bogey]

Thanks guys! I waxed it up today, rode it a tad and FROZE my butt off, and scheduled it for it for a going over at the m/c shop!

[Canuckskie]

Welcome aboard Bogey,
Got back on 2 wheels recently myself after a long 20+ year absence, and it feels GREAT, ride safe and enjoy

[2wheel]

Welcome back to riding!

[plainsman]

From one "retread" to another, welcome back to the great and wonderful world of bikes, Bogey. I had a 38 year "gap in service", but it's coming back to me.

If you have one available in your area, I would certainly recommend the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider course. Even though I had kinda kept my hand in by riding friends' bikes once in a while, I learned stuff that I had apparently forgotten, but probably never knew before. I'm VERY glad I took the course.

Reference jackets, I have a Reima Warrior which does a good job in the cold, as well as warm weather, with a removable fleece liner. I also have some FirstGear stuff that works very well - armor, also with mesh for hot, zip-in/out liner for cool or cold, etc.

To your benefit, your bike is one of the Honda models that basically hasn't changed since they first came out. With only 4,000 miles on it, you oughta be in great shape. Enjoy.

[jmillheiser]

Those shadows are pretty much bulletproof, that bike should serve you well.

My CX500 is considered to be a low mileage one with 16,000 on it

[Bogey]

Nice to know I'm not alone in getting back in the game... I'm going to bundle up today and go out and ride in 42 degree weather - brrrrr

I'm also going to check out a "fieldsheer" jacket?

Thanks!