[JtownJJA]

The freeway is a little scary for the first several times, but it does get easier the more you do it. However, don’t force yourself to do anything that you don’t feel ready for. I ride about 7 miles or so of freeway on the way to work, but I still have never ridden on the Columbus Outer Belt (route 270). Too many lanes and too many crazy drivers!

[JtownJJA]

I’m not sure how I ended up getting routed over to the Canadian site. I am anxious to see the new Suzukis if you haven’t noticed. I’ll check closer next time.

[JtownJJA]

http://moto.suzuki.ca/Product%20Lines/Cycles.aspx

Same great models. Color choices are ok, but not great. The prices are higher.
It’s kind’a neat to see them offering the GS500. It looks just like the GS500F, only stripped of the fairings.

[JtownJJA]

There is sunshine in Seattle after all. I enjoyed the video as well. Looks like some gorgeous scenery coming up there at the end.
Sunday must have been a good day for a lot of us. I was able to get about 3 hours of riding in, myself, thanks to a beautiful, sunny day.

[JtownJJA]

Congratulations on passing the Beginner Riders Course! Let the bike shopping begin. (As if it hadn’t already started.) I remember checking craigslist (it was made for you) and cycletrader almost every day for several months, even though I knew I couldn’t afford to buy anything yet. Finally the time came about 10 months later, and the right bike came along, finances were there, and the planets all were perfectly in line, and I jumped into a purchase. I’ve been lovin’ it ever since. Again, congratulations!
btw… that black Nighthawk in the background could be the very one I rode when I took the class.

[JtownJJA]

Best of luck to you CB. You’re lucky to get in the class before the end of this season. I also went through the Ohio Basic Rider Course last summer. I signed up for it in March or April and didn’t get to take it until August.
Hopefully the weather will cooperate for you. If you are near central Ohio, we were expecting rain and clouds today, and we’ve had a great sunny, warm day all day. It also may depend if your class is in the morning or afternoon. Also, you won’t have to worry about too much wind chill because you don’t get over 30 mph (give or take) through out the weekend.
I didn’t know what I was getting into when I went, and I ended up doing fine. I even passed. Everyone in our class passed, so your chances are good.
We’ll be excited to hear how it goes when you’re finished.

[JtownJJA]

I can’t believe the difference!! As a middle-aged male who has been with progressive for about 6 years or so for auto coverage with no claims, yet having no motorcycle experience whatsoever, and having taken the MSF course, and getting much more than only the minimum required coverage, including roadside assistance, my 12-month policy was only $130 for my 2004 Suzuki GS500F.

[JtownJJA]

I’ll join in there with you on the cold weather blues. I fear that today may have been the last good day for riding and due to other circumstances, I didn’t have the chance to get out there any. We’ve got dipping temperatures and more rain in our weekend forecast, and who knows what is to come next week. I bought the fuel stablizer earlier this week, and I’m planning to get a battery tender jr. soon. However, I’m not ready to put the bike to bed for it’s winter hibernation yet.

[JtownJJA]

So well stated…

[JtownJJA]

Have you looked at the Suzuki GS500F (which happens to be what I have). It is also a 500 like the Kawasaki you mentioned, but it has the full fairings and a more updated look. If it still feels small to you, which it may with your height, you might consider the Suzuki GSX650F. It looks like the GS500F, but it is bigger in size, with a bigger motor, yet still tame in it’s power deliver. Cycle World had a good article on it in it’s “Frugal Fuelers” series several months ago.

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=819

[JtownJJA]

Congratulations on the BMW! I hope you post some pictures for us when you get the chance. We love seeing pictures of new bikes!

[JtownJJA]

Hey, it’s great to hear from someone who has the GSX650F. I think it’s an awesome bike, and definitely one that I would consider moving up to. From a distance, it looks a lot like the GS500F which I have, but it’s definetly a bigger, more … hmmmm, what’s the word I’m looking for… just MORE, I guess. When I was looking for my first bike, the price, size, and weight of the GSX650F was a little intimidating to me, since I was so new to everthing. However, I had the opportunity to sit on one at the dealer about a month ago and it felt much more comfortable. It think it will handle touring for you pretty well. Gotta love the additional bells and whistles that it has over my GS500F. I look forward to hearing how it does for you. Also, when you get the chance, we’d love to see a picture or two of it.

[JtownJJA]

Hey, I forgot about those hand-warming packet things. I even have some already that I forgot about. I’m gonna give those a try. I’m hoping for a riding day to work on Tuesday next week. I work from home on Mondays.

[JtownJJA]

Although I’m NOT from Seattle, glad to have you here. The story of your start with the 50CC scooter is unique one, and it will be interesting to read of your future adventures.

[JtownJJA]

Thanks for your comments everybody. I’m intrigued by MCN, Rab. I had not heard of that one. I also like what I’ve seen on motorcycle.com, WZ. Also sounds like I may enjoy Motorcyclist better than Cycle World. I’ve got some thinking to do before I pay for another subscription, but I don’t think I’ll renew Cycle World.

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