College @ UF, but roots in NOVA
Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 6:50 pm
Sup Motorcycle Enthusiasts,
My name is Sean, and I am from Northern Virginia. Right now, I am spending my summers in NOVA, but I'm going to college in Gainesville at the University of Florida. Even though the disparity between my two "homes" is a little rough at times, I think I made the right choice going to college at UF. More importantly, though, is how my interest in motorcycles was piqued.
This summer, I am working at my Dad's office as a civilian contractor for the Department of Denfense. I love the job: it pays well, the work is easy, and I have lots of free time to surf the (restricted) web. The only significant downside to the job is the commute, which averages about 45 minutes each way. Coincidentally, my hate for commuting in NOVA led to my initial interest in motorcycles.
When my dad was merging onto the HOV lane one morning before HOV laws were in effect, I noticed that the sign above the entrance ramp said that motorcycles were permitted on the HOV lane, even during "HOV-only" times. That got me thinking about motorcycles, so when I got to the office, I did some online research. Not only did I learn that bikes were an HOV-exception, but they also had high gas efficiency and were suposed to be a blast to ride. When my father and I went to lunch that afternoon, we walked by a couple bikes (cruisers and sport bikes) parked on the street, and I said, "I want that one", pointing to the sport bike. I wasn't expecting any kind of significant reaction from my dad, but he seemed to jump at the idea, suggesting that me having a bike to ride in FL wouldn't be such a bad idea.
My dad's support for me getting a bike helped push me toward the decision to actually get one, but it was not until I went for a ride on the back of my friend's Suzuki SV650S that I was sold on the idea. He only drove me a mile or two up the road to Wawa, but after that I was set on the idea of becoming a motorcyclist.
Fast forward to now, maybe a month into my summer. My desire for a bike only grows exponentially each day. My mother says I can get a bike over her dead body. My dad says if I want a bike, it's going to cost me. My friend is encouraging, but he lacks the experience to advise me on most of the motorcycle questions I have. I have signed up for the MSF Course, which I'm scheduled to take in just under a month. Needless to say, I am counting the days until I can get my M-class endorsement.
I'm having a hard time deciding what kind of bike I want to get. Granted, the MSF course will probably help resolve this issue in part, but I'd like to have an idea of the exact bike I'm looking for once I get my license so I can mimimize how long I have to wait to get on a motorcycle. My girlfriend's mom and stepdad both own really nice cruisers ( a H-D and V-Star -- don't know models), and in all honesty, I'm torn between getting a sports bike and a cruiser. I'm looking to spend about $3500 ideally, but might be able to go higher. I don't mind used or new. One issue that I do care about is comfort though, because whatever bike I get needs to fit my 6'2" 195lb frame. I'll probably use the bike for a commuting at the end of this summer, and daily transportation down in Gainesville (college town atmosphere). I will need to be able to transport things on it, but I was planning on just using saddlebags or a backpack. Hopefully I won't need more space than that, or can ask a friend to drive their car. I'm also under the impression that insurance is lower on bikes with less cc's, so I might lean toward a bike with better insurance premiums.
I know that's a lot to take in
but I REALLY DO appreciate all constructive feedback! A newbie like me is ready and willing to soak up tidbits of wisdom like a sponge if I'm given the chance.
Anyway, I appreciate your time and hope to hear some helpful things from some of you! And most importantly, THANK YOU!!!!
My name is Sean, and I am from Northern Virginia. Right now, I am spending my summers in NOVA, but I'm going to college in Gainesville at the University of Florida. Even though the disparity between my two "homes" is a little rough at times, I think I made the right choice going to college at UF. More importantly, though, is how my interest in motorcycles was piqued.
This summer, I am working at my Dad's office as a civilian contractor for the Department of Denfense. I love the job: it pays well, the work is easy, and I have lots of free time to surf the (restricted) web. The only significant downside to the job is the commute, which averages about 45 minutes each way. Coincidentally, my hate for commuting in NOVA led to my initial interest in motorcycles.
When my dad was merging onto the HOV lane one morning before HOV laws were in effect, I noticed that the sign above the entrance ramp said that motorcycles were permitted on the HOV lane, even during "HOV-only" times. That got me thinking about motorcycles, so when I got to the office, I did some online research. Not only did I learn that bikes were an HOV-exception, but they also had high gas efficiency and were suposed to be a blast to ride. When my father and I went to lunch that afternoon, we walked by a couple bikes (cruisers and sport bikes) parked on the street, and I said, "I want that one", pointing to the sport bike. I wasn't expecting any kind of significant reaction from my dad, but he seemed to jump at the idea, suggesting that me having a bike to ride in FL wouldn't be such a bad idea.
My dad's support for me getting a bike helped push me toward the decision to actually get one, but it was not until I went for a ride on the back of my friend's Suzuki SV650S that I was sold on the idea. He only drove me a mile or two up the road to Wawa, but after that I was set on the idea of becoming a motorcyclist.
Fast forward to now, maybe a month into my summer. My desire for a bike only grows exponentially each day. My mother says I can get a bike over her dead body. My dad says if I want a bike, it's going to cost me. My friend is encouraging, but he lacks the experience to advise me on most of the motorcycle questions I have. I have signed up for the MSF Course, which I'm scheduled to take in just under a month. Needless to say, I am counting the days until I can get my M-class endorsement.
I'm having a hard time deciding what kind of bike I want to get. Granted, the MSF course will probably help resolve this issue in part, but I'd like to have an idea of the exact bike I'm looking for once I get my license so I can mimimize how long I have to wait to get on a motorcycle. My girlfriend's mom and stepdad both own really nice cruisers ( a H-D and V-Star -- don't know models), and in all honesty, I'm torn between getting a sports bike and a cruiser. I'm looking to spend about $3500 ideally, but might be able to go higher. I don't mind used or new. One issue that I do care about is comfort though, because whatever bike I get needs to fit my 6'2" 195lb frame. I'll probably use the bike for a commuting at the end of this summer, and daily transportation down in Gainesville (college town atmosphere). I will need to be able to transport things on it, but I was planning on just using saddlebags or a backpack. Hopefully I won't need more space than that, or can ask a friend to drive their car. I'm also under the impression that insurance is lower on bikes with less cc's, so I might lean toward a bike with better insurance premiums.
I know that's a lot to take in
but I REALLY DO appreciate all constructive feedback! A newbie like me is ready and willing to soak up tidbits of wisdom like a sponge if I'm given the chance.Anyway, I appreciate your time and hope to hear some helpful things from some of you! And most importantly, THANK YOU!!!!
