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After picking up my helmet this afternoon I decided to go for a little ride.

Since its only 30 degrees out I just took it around the block a couple of times.

Had an absolute blast, and froze my butt off.

I learned that the CX500 was a good choice to start on, very forgiving and easy to ride, I could actually manuver it around easier than the dual sport I took the MSF course on. Also learned I need lots more practice, I kept it upright but was definately looking like a noob. Suprisingly was able to do a U-turn on it without putting my foot down, and this was on the first try.

If its warm tomorrow I plan on doing quite a bit more riding.

The hardest part of the whole ride was getting the bike turned around in the garage and out of my pea gravel driveway.

30º ???

it's been getting hot here for a while now. i already took out the thermal liner in my jacket 1 week ago.

i thought you were a regular rider already. i was suprised when i saw this post. it must have been hard on you to see your bike everyday and not be able to test it until now.

but at least you're on your way to have a great time when spring comes to you.

good luck and be safe.

Welcome to the best club in the world now you know and if you have to explain "they" would not and could not understand.
Ride safe

VermilionX wrote:30º ???

it's been getting hot here for a while now. i already took out the thermal liner in my jacket 1 week ago.
good luck and be safe.

It's been the same down here in San Diego. I put on and take off my thermal lining just about every day (the mornings are cold when I go to work, but days are warm when I leave).

Gratz on getting out and riding. Even if it's just around the block, it's still time enjoyed on the bike. I only ride maybe a mile to work every day, and I love it

well here is the timeline so far.

July 2005 - bug bit me, found this site

September 2005 - Took MSF cousre and got my endorsement

December 2005 - Bought Bike

January-February 2006 - bought gear

February 2006 - Got insurance and plates on the bike

Today - Got helmet and went for ride.

Would have been riding sooner but had to wait for the helmet as my wife got it for me as a Birthday present (I knew she was getting it and didn't want to ruin it for her by getting one early)

Kal wrote:You're a very patient man and a good husband... Not sure I'd have had the strength!

True dat

VermilionX wrote:30º ???

it's been getting hot here for a while now. i already took out the thermal liner in my jacket 1 week ago.

i thought you were a regular rider already. i was suprised when i saw this post. it must have been hard on you to see your bike everyday and not be able to test it until now.

but at least you're on your way to have a great time when spring comes to you.

good luck and be safe.

my thermal liner was never in. Even in our "winter" season it was never below 65, the jackets leather was warm enough for me. I wish i would stop getting hotter though, i want to get some more snowboarding in before it all melts


JWF

Only part of me that was cold after the ride was my hands. My jacket kept me quite warm. Its a Tecknic Lightning Armored leather jacket with the liner installed. My gloves are summer weight tour master leather/tex gloves. Helmet is a KBC TK-7 and is very comfortable.

In wyoming 45* and above is considered acceptable riding weather and its not uncommon to see a lot of bikes out on 45-50 degree days in the winter.

I was suprised how smooth the power delivery is on my bike. I was expecting it to be a little jumpy, but it was silky smooth, even easier to control at low speed than the 125 dual sport I took the MSF on. The shaft drive and V-twin no doubt help.

The bike weighs 471lbs and is a tad top heavy, but it definately sheds it weight quickly when moving. Only thing that is a pain is turning this bike around in the garage, then all of those 471lbs make themselves known.

jmillheiser wrote: The bike weighs 471lbs and is a tad top heavy, but it definately sheds it weight quickly when moving. Only thing that is a pain is turning this bike around in the garage, then all of those 471lbs make themselves known.

i feel the same on my bike. eventhough it's 100lbs lighter than yours, i also weigh a lot less than you. you're 200lbs right? im only 128lbs.