Anyone else getting motorcycle fever from the weather warming up? I took a class to learn to ride last year and told my dad I'd wait until I felt I was a little more responsible before I got a bike, but it's so tempting! What stinks is he's got a bad back so he's selling his Goldwing. Now I'm not even going to have one to ride on the back of! lol

 

No, but I can't wait until the weather warms up so we drag this out of the snow bank.

 

I actually just signed up for the Motorcycle Safety class a couple days ago. I take it in April and will be purchasing my first bike shortly after. I'm doing it mostly for the fact that I need something better for commuting than my truck which currently gets somewhere around 11-13 MPG.

I also want to save miles on the truck because I don't want to wear it out, I plan on keeping this one for quite a while.

 

I learned how to ride at our base's course. It was a lot of fun, just wish it was longer than 2 days. I had the same thought originally, get a bike for a daily driver and save gas. Only problem is in South GA, I'd hit rain almost every day!

I understand saving miles too... I got my truck this past May and already have 14,000 miles on it! I blame the USAF for putting me hours away from my home town! lol What kind of bike do you think you're gonna get? I like Harleys, but for a first bike, I was thinking a Honda Shadow.

 

For a first bike, I highly recommend something fairly lightweight and not overpowered. If you must get a Harley, get a Sportster. If you want a rice rocket, don't go over 650cc. You can trade up when you become more experienced.

 

I agree. Go with a sportster. They are good bikes and have lots of accessories. Find a good used one too!! Then most of the money you would spend on added items such as saddle bags and detachable windshield are already on. I ride an 03 wide glide but I have also been riding almost all my life, and that isn't my first bike. And same with the rocket. Nothing needed bigger than a 650 for a begginner. I have a friend the races them around the world. He is like 6'9" and he said even as good as he is there is no need to go above a 750. Good luck with the bike decision and let us know what you come up with.

You stationed in moody?? I am in stationed in Travis in california, but from ND so I don't get home too much. Right now though I am currently deplpyed. So that helps keep miles off the truck. Haha

 

Yep, I'm at good ol Moody! lol I'm deploying in July, but just to Al Udeid. When I get back, this bike fever may get more real. I'll be debating on getting the bike or finally getting stuff done to my truck...

 

I was supposed to go there back in novemeber but 2 days before it got cancelled.

 

I agree that buying a Sportster is a good idea. I've got a '05 XL1200 C with 30,000 miles and the only thing to go wrong is 3 sets of tires, 3 sets of brake pads and a new battery.

The newer ones are now FI and they are still cheap in price compared to the TC 88's and 96's.

There are also quite a few different models of Sporty's to choose from these days, too.

 

I loved my learner class, had a blast. You could try to find a place that rents bikes and try a few out see what you like. I rode a little bit today, it was awesome and exactly what I needed. And it does save a ton of gas in the warmer months. Good luck!! and post some pics when you get one.
R

 

Consider yourself lucky... If it wasn't so close to home, I'd much rather be in Cali! I'm pretty sure this base was built on a swamp. It rains entirely too much.

 

Well right now I am currntly in UAE. Much rather be in Qatar. Haha but oh well. Yea cali is pretty nice.