[Dagger]

This was the jacket I decided on.. So far it’s been great in every kind of weather we’ve had.. I would definitely buy a size up though.. This one is a lil snug on me.. But I figured, better snug than too loose.. My next one I might get a lil bigger…

http://leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Jackets/Mens-Advanced-Armored-Padded-Black-Motorcycle-Jacket/42527.html

Dagger

[Dagger]

I did the same mod to my bike as well.. Definitely better than before but would still love a deeper sound to it… Only new pipes will get you that unfortunately.. Even fully gutted they still sound tinny..

Dagger

[Dagger]

I’m a big fan of Xelemet gear.. Most of the stuff I have for me and my family (Boots & Jackets) are from Xelement.. These are the boots I went with and I’m really happy with them…

http://leatherup.com/p/Mens-Motorcycle-Boots/Mens-Advanced-Motorcycle-Lace-Up-Biker-Comfort-Boots/41688.html

I wear them every day pretty much.. To work.. At work.. At home.. Even when I’m not riding..

My only thought is that the height of them could have been about an inch higher.. I may get a pair of their taller boots when I have some cash to burn.. But for now I’m very happy with them.

Dagger

[Dagger]

The funny thing is.. Even if you start out on a 500.. If you’re any good at riding and pick it up quick enough.. You’ll probably start thinking about moving up to a bigger bike within a year.. But the 500 is a decent starter bike IMHO.. Not too heavy and just enough power to keep you happy for a while until you get more comfortable and skilled with your riding..

Dagger

[Dagger]

You should check with your MSF course and see what they require.. Here you need to have your motorcycle permit. Also for the class they asked that you bring your own helmet, gloves, boots and at least a long sleeve shirt that covers your arms (Jackets preferred). That said.. They did have some helmets for those that did not have them, and some gardening gloves for a couple people that came without them.. But neither were anything too comfortable so it was better if you brought your own. Good luck on your course.

Dagger

[Dagger]

Street bike or cruiser is just a matter of opinion.. You need to find what feels good for you.. I grew up riding dirt bikes which are more of a standard riding position.. And although a street bike probably would have been closer to the same riding position and style, I knew I wanted a cruiser.. Took me a little while to get used to having my feet forward instead of below me or behind me, but you get used to it quick.. I started out on a V-Star 650 Custom since I had had some riding experience as a kid and I wasn’t concerned with a bike being too powerful.. My main concern was the bike weight.. I know I could probably handle an 1100, but that extra 200lbs of machine was more than I wanted to deal with while still relearning to ride.. The main things to consider are your height, weight and strength when learning.. You want a bike that you can easily control. Not a bike that’s going to control you.. Meaning if it starts to lean, you want to be able to stop it from falling hopefully.. That’s not going to happen on an 800lb cruiser.. But being 6’1″, starting out on a 250 cruiser was not an option for me.. Every one I sat on my knees were to my chest..

So what am I trying to say? Find a bike that’s big enough for your frame yet light enough for you to control and you’ll be set..

Dagger

[Dagger]

Man this is an old thread.. But I’ll put my 2 cents in anyways.. I started on my V-Star 650 that I still have.. Been riding it since last Sept. and I love it.. I wouldn’t want to start off on a bigger bike.. (Well.. Maybe now that they have the 950’s I might have gone with that) The 650 has everything look wise that the bigger cc V-Stars do.. Only complaint is it’s a bit smaller so tall riders might want to look into getting the forward control extensions put on.. That’s what I did and I’m so much more comfortable on it now.. My plan right now is to keep riding the 650 until probably this summer, then moving up to an 1100 or 1300.. I love the V-Star line of bikes and I’m very happy with all the additional hardware there is out there to customize it..

Dagger

[Dagger]

Welcome Jon! And get the wife a Vstar 950..

[Dagger]

My opinion is to look at finding a used Ninja 250.. It’ll be great to learn on and you can find them fairly cheap.. After 6 months you can sell it for about what you bought it for and move up to a bigger bike from there.. If you’re completely new to motorcycling, your time on the 250 will help you build the confidence to handle your bike and build up your riding skills. What part of Cali are you in? You can look at Craigslist and there’s usually a few 250’s listed there every week..

[Dagger]

Thanks for the tip.. I’ll take a look at that this weekend.. I’d love to not have to sit there holding the choke under my leg for the whole time it warms up…

[Dagger]

Still waiting on the patches.. I’ll take a new pic of me on the bike once I get them on my vest..

Munch.. I’m sure there’s a group near you that you’d feel comfortable in.. I’m the youngest one in my group at 39… But all the guys seem very cool and fun to ride with. You just gotta get out to some bike nights and look around…

[Dagger]

The only pain with my choke on the V-Star is that if you don’t hold the choke it slides back in.. So you’re stuck there with your hand under the seat until it warms up..

[Dagger]

Well I was voted in unanimously last night at the chapter meeting. So now I’m an official “biker” I suppose..

Dagger

Star Touring & Riding, Chapter 237, San Fernando Valley, CA

[Dagger]

Yeah.. Every morning I have to run my bike with full throttle for about a minute.. Then after it’s been sitting all day at work I have to give it choke for another 30-45 secs.. One of my Co-workers has a newer Suzuki with FI.. Pisses me off that he goes out and just starts the damn thing up and goes while I sit there warming up…

[Dagger]

Maybe all the dumb cagers get transfixed by the perdy lights and just run into people…

*shrugs* Seems like a stupid law to me too..

[Author]

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