- This topic has 25 replies, 14 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 1 month ago by madjak30.
Is this forum officially dead?
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March 20, 2011 at 1:44 pm #29378Jeff in KentuckyParticipant
I spend some time at this forum and at a Kawasaki forum. The other forum has much newer software, making it easier to search for older posts, but this forum is small enough that the older software is not a problem for me.
I think the main problem now is that fewer people are buying their first motorcycle, because of the economy and because the popularity of motorcycling is on a downward curve, similar to the 1970s when Harley Davidson was bought by AMF then later sold to some of the Harley staff at a bargain price, and similar to the 1950s when Indian went bankrupt.
The post count at the other forum that I go to is also smaller than it used to be, maybe because of the above reasons, and maybe because more people are texting and tweeting and doing other things besides spending time at forums. Another possible problem is that as more people buy computers, more less educated people have computers, and they are easily offended by someone with a different opinion than theirs, and only spend time at a forum for people who think just like them, and do not want to be told that a 600cc sportbike is not safe for a beginner. Maybe more people are going to forums for one brand of bike or one philosophy, or more people are taking the MSF classes instead of spending a few hours at forums, although it would be best to do both, to get as wide a range of information and opinions as possible.
March 21, 2011 at 7:33 am #29384romaloParticipantGood points. I actually do frequent the site even though I don’t post much. When I first started it was great to see the dialog of other new riders. Also being in Canada with a longer than normal winter this year has made it tough. The itch is getting bad
March 21, 2011 at 10:25 am #29387Jeff in KentuckyParticipantI had to mow parts of my lawn for the first time yesterday, with temps near 70 degrees F. I lived in upstate New York from 1960 to 1988, and I remember the stronger spring fever for bikes there. I ride 22 miles here at 40 degrees F- most winters I just go 3 weeks without riding, although this winter was worse, with two several week periods with no riding.
March 23, 2011 at 3:47 pm #29394madjak30ParticipantAnd I still send newbies to this site to back up what I am trying to instill…start small, light and slightly under powered…all of these are helpful to a newbie…I think it was in here that I saw the quote “it’s your first bike, not your only bike…” or something along that line…and I think newbies miss that point…learn the skills first, then try to impress the “guys/gals”…
I put links into my responses from reviews of gear, bikes and some of the threads…this is a great resource for new riders or someone who is thinking of getting into the sport…
In the end, it is the attitude and demeanor of the people in the forum that makes it a good place…definately not an intimidating place to ask the “dumb” questions…’cause no one in here treats those questions that way…as soon as we start telling people to “use the search”, or “that has been asked a million times…look around”…that will be the end…the newbies will find somewhere else to get their info…
It was Ben’s review of the GS500 that sold me on that bike (didn’t hurt that I like the look of the bike)…and yes it was just a year ago I was pining for a bigger, more powerful bike…and now I am thinking that the GS500 might do me for another season…Eon enjoyed his MP3 and just got onto two wheels recently, so I think I will be sharpening my skills before moving on…or maybe I will just realize that 50Hp is plenty for the type of riding I like to do…
So, just keep up the good work and try to cut the “but I’m special, what type of bike is best for me?” guys some slack!!
Riding season is almost here in Alberta, so the newbies will start showing up again on the sites…get ready, ’cause here they come…
Later.
March 24, 2011 at 6:07 am #29395romaloParticipantWhich site are you an admin on?
March 24, 2011 at 7:06 am #29396an-evil-doerParticipantI came here first when looking for first bike articles online quite a while back. I STILL have not purchased because I have not had time to take the MSC due to working on weekends. I have made a commitment to myself to do it in the next few months so I can get on the road this season.
There is another site I visit a lot because it has more to fuel dreams with lots of pictures and ride reports. It also has a lot more side forums to get involved in off topic for entertainment. In short, it is a good way to spend time thinking about bikes until I actually get going.
I will be back on this site when I have something to contribute. I am so grateful that I found it. It did for me exactly what it was designed to do. Even though I have been encouraged to go and get the bike of my dreams and ride it home to practice on my own instead of taking the course, and even though I have been told by salespeople, friends, my dad and even my bosses at work that 250ccs is too small to bother with, and even though I am lucky enough to be in a financial situation that I can go and buy any bike I want tomorrow, I am waiting until i take the class before I decide. I am going to get fully geared up before I start. And although I won’t really know what I like until I get some experience with ass to seat in the course, I am guessing my first bike will be the new honda 250. I am not a sport bike sort of guy either, but I want to learn to ride right and then grow into my next decision with more skills and better knowledge of what kind of rider I will become and what my tastes develop to.
This is all thanks to this site. Thank you to all who contribute here and I hope it doesn’t disappear before I have a chance to give back a little from my own experience, both for current member/lurkers sake and those who don’t even dream that they will ever get the itch to ride one day yet.
March 24, 2011 at 11:22 am #29397TrialsRiderParticipantI like the thought on your first bike choice, I am very impressed with the new Honda from first sight, true you might want for more steam once you are ready to venture out on superhighways or ride two up, possibly if you start riding with lots of others that are into go fast sport bikes, but I seriously can’t see anyone getting bored riding a sweet bike like that real fast. Honda singles are typically near indestructible if you maintain them well, you really don’t need to be afraid to ring the snot out of it and a 250 ridden close to it’s limit will impress way more than a hyper sport being ridden at 10%. Singles are great bikes to learn to self service too, order the factory service manuals at the same time you buy the bike if you are the least bit mechanical or interested, you will never loose money on manuals if you keep them with the bike forever.
I can’t over stress the importance of finding a riding partner, it keeps you motivated and you learn from their success and failures as well as yours. Easier to meet up with people once you actually have a ride and if finances and location allow for it, dirt bike experience will always be the best way to learn the basics. There is nothing wrong with having a leg up on riding skills before you sign up for the MSC.
…Madjaks site was easy to find, just google ‘Alberta motorcycle forum’ lol he’s addicted.
March 24, 2011 at 1:04 pm #29400WeaponZeroParticipantPersonally I tend to shy away from everything motorcycle-related in the off-season because it only serves as a teaser. My only contact with the motorcycle world at all is my subscription to Sport Rider and the OCCASIONAL post on svrider.com.
March 24, 2011 at 3:18 pm #29401madjak30ParticipantThe actual site is http://www.albertamoto.com …not sure if that is cool here or not, but I refer lots of new guys here so I don’t think anyone will have an issue…
It’s mostly guys from Calgary and Edmonton, but we have some from Medicine Hat, Innisfail, Red Deer, Fort McMurray…etc…we mostly talk about rides and trying to organize rides for the group…planning a couple of longer runs for the summer into BC…should be fun…
Later.
March 24, 2011 at 3:39 pm #29402madjak30ParticipantMan, I thought I had it bad with cars…I was looking at getting an older Corvette (’91-’96) before the wifey suggested I get a bike instead…(I gave her three choices…muscle car, bike, or dirt bike for me and our oldest)…I nearly crapped that day…I found this site shortly after that and read the GS500 review by Ben, and the rest is history…and I couldn’t be happier…and yes, totally addicted…
I’m a lifer… ;-p
Later.
March 24, 2011 at 4:58 pm #29403madjak30ParticipantI’m a Moderator, not an Admin…couldn’t remember what it said under my name…but it’s a good site that has a hand full of active members, and the number is growing now that the season is about to start…let’s hope for above freezing temps so that the ice and snow melts from the streets…maybe some rain to wash some of the grit off the corners…
Later.
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