[owlie]

Elwood is right. It looks like you can upload them to BBM, but I’ve never been able to make it work.

If you go to http://www.photobucket.com, you can upload your pics to there. Once they are uploaded, information showing the HTML code is available right under the picture.

Best of luck!

Owlie

[owlie]

Welcome to the forum, madjak!

1st) for dealing with your sweetheart- the common advice is to take her with you to take the MSF Basic Rider Course (or whatever the Canadian equivalent is).

2nd) on cruisers- you don’t necessarily have to have forward pegs on the cruisers. I ride a Suzuki S40, and it basically is a standard. The pegs are kicked forward a wee bit, but not so much that I feel off balanced by it. (I’m also not a fan of forward pegs.)

If you didn’t get a chance, you might try sitting on the S40. It is a single cylinder, 650. It fits me just about right. You are a little taller, but I don’t think you would find it cramped.

Also, you indicated that you have no problem tinkering with things mechanical. Bikes are great in this regard. If you don’t like the seat, you can replace it. The handlebars in the wrong place? Get new ones. Same for any number of other items.

Best of luck!
Jodie

[owlie]

Only if you get a big signing bonus for your high-powered job. Otherwise, I will consider you as recently-graduated-but-still-broke.

Hey, Eon! Wanna get in on the party?

[owlie]

Congrats on finishing school! That is fantastic. I understand just how wonderful it is to be done with that kind of commitment. I am still reveling in my free time after finishing the CFA program last summer.

Maybe when I’m in Seattle in April, I can buy you a drink to celebrate?

[owlie]

One thing I would suggest is to not use the safety gear that came with it. Jacket and Gloves may be okay, but definitely replace the helmet. There are a couple of reasons for this:

1) It only takes a drop or two from waist height onto concrete to compromise the integrity of the helmet. There won’t necessarily be scratches to the finish to indicate a drop. We’re talking about protecting your brain here.

2) As you wear the helmet, it will mold itself to your head. The one you just got has already been worn enough to mold itself to the old owner’s head (only takes 6-8 hrs of wear to start breaking it in).

Don’t forget a new helmet/gloves/jacket for your sweetie too.

Enjoy your new ride!

[owlie]

My sweetie’s mom sent some pictures of the ice fog. Absolutely beautiful.

NE Oklahoma got their fair share of ice and snow. My parents were out cleaning up the driveway this morning when I called.

Honestly, I think that Oklahoma has had far harsher of a winter this year than Alaska. We haven’t had much snow at all. Just windstorms and ice fog.

I hope that the weather clears up for you soon so you can get back out on the roads.

[owlie]

Definitely let us know how it works out.

It looks like they have women’s sizes that might fit me. I tried finding some overpants last year, but unless I want chaps (bleh), I’m stuck at the moment.

[owlie]

Congrats on the new bike.

[owlie]

I use tennis balls that are cut in half. ~$1 for a can of three at the Wal-mart, and 10min to cut them in half.

They are very forgiving if you hit them and if you destroy or lose one, no worries, they are super cheep.

[owlie]

+1 to eternal’s comments.

For my own:

You said that you only have $800-1200 to spend. MSF class aside, you should also figure in another $250-500 for safety gear and $100-800 for insurance depending on how risky your insurance company thinks you are.

If you are running with guys who think high displacement sport bike are cool, you’re going to have to go with the high end on both, so gear and insurance have just eaten up what you want to spend on your bike.

The smart thing to do (and what it sounds like you actually don’t mind doing) is to go with a smaller bike (like a 250 Ninja). It will radically reduce your insurance cost, and if you watch Craig’s List like a hawk, you might find one that will work. However – DON’T BUY SAFETY GEAR USED!!!

Mostly it sounds like you are only interested in this bike for its price and provenance. Skip it and find one that you like for learning on.

Owlie

[owlie]

If you decide to come Alaska way, drop me a line.

I don’t think I’m going to do any long trips this summer. Just scoot around the valley and get some more experience.

The ride through Scotland looks like a blast.

[owlie]

Heya, J.R.

+1 on looking at smaller bikes for your first bike.

My 2cents worth:
1) be sure to take the MSF class. It is worth every minute and every dime.
2) the new v used question is a personal opinion. If you find a new bike that you like more than a used bike, all else being equal, go for it.

Every thing else I have to say is redundant to the rest of the thread.

welcome to the group!

[owlie]

Congrats on the new bik…

Okay, so it is early Sunday morning, I think you are outside of Munch’s hour or so clearance for putting up pics if you picked it up Saturday. Can’t finish my congrats until it exists!

Hope your having too much fun on it to post ’em up.

[owlie]

Welcome to the forum.

I’m not sure if we have anyone in Detroit posting regularly right now. You might try asking around the dealerships, local ABATE group, or motorcycle toy store.

[owlie]

Welcome to the group.

Unfortunately, I’m not mechanically inclined. However, if you post this question in the “General” forum, you might get some responses.

Hope you figure out your difficulties.

[Author]

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