Trails: Every little bit helps! I’m pretty mechanical, so I’ll probably be able to figure out what I’m looking at before long (it helps, being the son of an auto tech). Though I’ll remember to ask the dealer about those service manuals. Maybe I can get one out of him, if it’ll take money away from his competition. XP And as for gear, I was planning on winging it anyway. No harm, no foul.
Jeff: I’m looking seriously at a Vulcan 500, as a matter of fact. Water cooled, even though it is carbed, but everything I’ve read has said that it doesn’t need rejetted. I’ll keep the other bikes you mentioned in mind, if my meeting with the dealer doesn’t work out (Though it’s hard to picture myself on a scooter XP).
madjak: My old man, being the wise old greasemonkey that he is, recommended Haynes manuals, based on his years of experience in the auto repair trade. There was a new Kaw Vulcan 900 at my local dealer, and I couldn’t help but stare for a while. If I like the 500, maybe that’d be a second bike? The salesman actually said that if I was looking for my second bike, he’d try to put me on that one.
I got my lerner’s permit the other day, so I’m legally able to ride a motorcycle between sunup and sundown in Pennsylvania without a passenger while wearing a helmet and full protective gear… but, it’s a start! I’m really anxious to see this Vulcan 500 I’ve been telling you about. I just hope I’m not getting my hopes up, if that makes any sense at all. I don’t think I can wait til Friday to go, so it’ll probably be Tuesday morning after I get off work. I’ll let you know how it turns out! Thanks again!