Hi from the Great White North eh

[arent_we_sarcastic]

Hi, my name is Andrew, I live in Aurora Ontario and I ride a motorcycle (listens to the group say Hi Andrew).

I always wanted a bike so I finally broke down and got one last year after taking one of the highly recommended training coiurses.

It's a pretty short season up here depending on your aversion to cold, snow and ice. Even so, I still managed to put over 8000 miles on it in the first year with no "incidents" (knocks on wooden head).

I'm still on my first bike, a 1986 Honda VF700C Magna, but was looking for something a litle bigger/newer for 2 up riding. The g/f complains about the rear seat on the Magna being too narrow and I can't find a Mustang Vintage Wide for an older bike.

Haven't seen anything interesting yet because I'm not ready to give up the power of the V4. It's supposed to be 10-12 degrees out today (thats 48-50 for eveyone else) and the sun is starting to peek out so I'm thinking it's time to sneak out for a short ride.

Cheers
Andrew

[scan]

Welcome. Magnas are cool. A favorite of mine in the cruiser world, mainly because it is unlike most cruisers really.

Anyway, Aurora is just north of Tronto, eh? I really love that city. Only been there twice in my life, but both times it left a good impression. If it weren't for the additional winter time, I'd move there myself. As it stands now I'm trying to figure out how to move further south.

Enjoy, and ride safe!

[Patrick]

That part of the country is fantastic but too cold for me. I want to take a long ride when I retire and head up that way but for now I can ride longer (number of good months) down in Texas so here I stay. Welcome aboard. In fact I am getting ready to go riding now as today is should hit 80 degrees.

Pat

[badinfluence63]

Andrew,

Welcome.

Haven't seen anything interesting yet because I'm not ready to give up the power of the V4. It's supposed to be 10-12 degrees out today (thats 48-50 for eveyone else) and the sun is starting to peek out so I'm thinking it's time to sneak out for a short ride

That still decent riding weather....with ther right gear.

[Patrick]

Andrew,

Welcome.

Haven't seen anything interesting yet because I'm not ready to give up the power of the V4. It's supposed to be 10-12 degrees out today (thats 48-50 for eveyone else) and the sun is starting to peek out so I'm thinking it's time to sneak out for a short ride

That still decent riding weather....with ther right gear.

Not so sure if I would call 45-50 decent, but yes you can ride. However then 100=105 is not much better and we do deal with that from time to time.

Pat

[badinfluence63]

Patrick,

After 30 + years with a novelty 1/2 helmet and Black
leather biker jacket I was pulled kicking ans screaming into the 21st century. So glad I did ans wished I'd done it sooner. I now own a Nolan 102 and a Cortech/Tourmaster jacket and pants. It don'took cool but I am now able to ride comfortably into November, with 28+ degrees.

[Patrick]

Patrick,

After 30 + years with a novelty 1/2 helmet and Black
leather biker jacket I was pulled kicking ans screaming into the 21st century. So glad I did ans wished I'd done it sooner. I now own a Nolan 102 and a Cortech/Tourmaster jacket and pants. It don'took cool but I am now able to ride comfortably into November, with 28+ degrees.

How much did that cost and how comfortable are you. Also what do you wear in the summer, I mean hot summer (95-105), I have been looking for suggestions on this for awhile. I take blood preasure medication which makes being in the heat a bad thing so I need to keep as cool as possible. This summer I sacreficed safty for comfort but I know I need to change my errant ways.

Patrick

[badinfluence63]

Patrick,

By the way I enjoyed reading your blog/journey/thread.

Heat is a tuff one in my opinion. What works for me is I take the liner out of the tourmaster jackey and unzip all the air vets on the back, sleeves and chest and it works pretty slick. I leave the kevlar in the elbows, back and shoulders, I don't care. Its not the best but when its so hot even a short sleeve shirt won't work besides being risky. Luckily it doesn't get too too hot in NH in the summer. Winter sux arse.

[Patrick]

Patrick,

By the way I enjoyed reading your blog/journey/thread.

Heat is a tuff one in my opinion. What works for me is I take the liner out of the tourmaster jackey and unzip all the air vets on the back, sleeves and chest and it works pretty slick. I leave the kevlar in the elbows, back and shoulders, I don't care. Its not the best but when its so hot even a short sleeve shirt won't work besides being risky. Luckily it doesn't get too too hot in NH in the summer. Winter sux arse.

I am glad you enjoyed the blog. I was thinking of going the way you mention regarding the jacket. I have seen some what look to be good ones like Joe Rocket and others. And your right,when it is even hot with a tee shirt, why not just put the extra protection on. I know it is just a matter of time before I need the protection. I do too much riding (mostly local) to keep the luck or my poor guardian angles from running out.

[badinfluence63]

Patrick,

when you do decide to purchase either a joe cool or tourmaster you'll kick yourself for not getting it sooner. Like I've said....I ridew well into Novembre and more if the roads would stay dry anfd slick free.