[Rab]

I’ve done the wet T-Shirt thing and it *does* work quite well, but like the article says, it soon dries.

I’m thinking of getting one of these cooling vests for under my mesh jacket.

[Rab]

Where are the mufflers? Can’t see any in the pictures.

I’m sure you can buy something that’ll fit, but it looks like they’re missing and they’re not cheap…

[Rab]

Looks like a great bike, and not just to learn on (being a 450/500).

Nice simple, reliable, air-cooled parallel twin by the looks of it.

I really wish they still sold standards like this in the 350-500 c.c. class in the U.S.A.

They make perfect commuters with their upright riding position, lightness, reliability and fuel economy,

[Rab]

You can’t buy a new Royal Enfield in California as they’re not CARB certified.

Apparently some people have bought them in other states and used “creative” means of getting them registered in CA. See the Royal Enfield U.S.A. site and search engines for details.

If you get one, you’ll get the real 1950s experience of bike riding (including oil stained hands and dirty fingernails), as they require more maintenance than modern bikes.

Thay are gorgeous little bikes though.

[Rab]

One guy did an Iron Butt Rally (lasts for 11 days and the total ground covered is roughly 11,000 miles) on a 250 c.c. Honda Helix Scooter, so you should be okay I would think.

Take your time (60-65 mph as traffic allows), make regular rest stops, as much for yourself as for the bike.

If the bike’s near to needing a service, then get it done before you go. Also ensure that your tires have plenty of meat on them. Remember to lube the chain every 200-300 miles and also carry some spare engine oil in case you’re burning any.

Towing insurance and a cell phone should be pre-requisites too; just in case.

[Rab]

See review here which should answer your questions:

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/2006_suzuki_boulevard_s40/index.html

[Rab]

Tourmaster makes reasonable gear at inexpensive prices.

http://www.leatherup.com has lots of leather jackets which are reputedly stout and inexpensive (not many with armour though).

Similarly most HJC helmets test as good as the expensive ones. Look for CL-15 on discount for under $100.

You might want to not spend too much until you’re certain that motor cycles are for you. There are many beginner motorcycles for sale with only a hundred miles or so on the clock…

[Rab]

No, No, No!

Seems there’s been a rash of posts on here recently from beginners wanting to start on 650 c.c. or larger bikes.

I know that the glossy magazines are pushing bigger and bigger bikes, but there’s no sense in it (for anyone, regardless of experience). When I lived in Great Britain, I had a 4/5 seater car which could do 100 mph and only had an 1198 c.c. engine. Now there are *bikes* with almost twice that displacement. Madness…

I own a Hinkley Triumph Bonneville and although it’s a brilliant bike, it’s not a beginners bike.

The new ones are 865 c.c. for goodness sake. Smooth power delivery, but way too powerful and heavy for a newbie.

I started on a Honda 250 Nighthawk and the Bonnie was a natural progression from that. I’d suggest you do the same.

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