[ScottyJ]

I’ve been riding my motorcycle to work almost every day and today I don’t and it’s National Ride to Work Day! Ugh.

[ScottyJ]

Congrats on the bike. Sounds like you had an eventful ride home. I get comments about being geared up in 100 degree weather but it doesn’t bother me. There are lots of others who agree with and respect my decision to wear protection. And my loved ones definitely approve of it.

[ScottyJ]

Jack, read this…

http://home.ama-cycle.org/amaccess/laws/result.asp?state=CA

Here’s an excerpt…

State Funded Rider Ed – Available for all eligible applicants – required under age 21

[ScottyJ]

ShannonG said, “I think they get blamed when someone outgrows a 250 and has to ‘buy up’ fairly soon.”

Personally, I think they would love for that to happen because then you’d be buying another motorcycle. I have to side with Mickey on this one, they’re trying to get more of your money.

[ScottyJ]

When I was shopping, there was a new ’07 or ’08 for $4700 or $4800 so $4200 seems a little high for one a few years old with 1800 miles. But I really don’t know for sure. Maybe someone else on here can give you a better answer.

Edit to add that the prices I quoted were OTD prices so that was grand total, take-it-home price. Also, I agree, I found the 500’s hard to find in stock at my local dealers.

[ScottyJ]

Just watched the video. What happened to him would suck. He did not seem to be getting on it at all. When I recently got my bike the dealer warned me that the tires had not been “scuffed” and I should be careful. I’m really glad something bad didn’t happen on my first ride.

Oh, good point about cold tires, spaz. That’s something a newbie like me may not always think about. But I will now! Thanks.

[ScottyJ]

I’ve been riding for three days so please take what I say accordingly. I sat on a few bikes including the Suzuki C50 (800cc), the Yamaha V-Star 1100, the Kawasaki Vulcan 900, and the Vulcan 500. My debate was between getting the Vulcan 500 and getting the Vulcan 900. When I was finally able to find a 500 to sit on, it felt just a bit cramped for me so that was all it took to convince me to get the 900. Maybe something in the 600-750 range would have been fine, maybe the 500 would have been fine, but I am very happy with my choice of the 900. As I said, I am brand new. But the power is not overwhelming and I feel like I can handle it, and I know it’s got a bigger upside. Of course, the price was higher too. So if you’re in the market for a first bike, I think you’ll be thrilled with just about anything but I definitely do not regret going with a bigger bike than I originally thought I would get. Sit on a few and see how the feel. Stand them up and feel how they balance. Best of luck!

[ScottyJ]

Hey Pope, I went the manufacturers route, I’ll have to make sure I make my payments on time.

[ScottyJ]

Thank you, hawkeye.

I read your thread and saw your looking at Ninjas. I can’t help you with your search for a dealer with a first time buyer plan but I do wish you luck. I financed mine through Kawasaki at 6.99% for 24 months. I take it you did not qualify for that. Anyway, best of luck.

[ScottyJ]

I got home a couple of hours ago with my very first motorcycle. I bought an ’07 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom in Candy Plasma Blue. It had .8 on the odometer when I got it and now it has over 20 miles of neighborhood riding. I am so happy I was able to ride it. I know it may sound funny, but I was pretty nervous before that initial takeoff. I obviously have tons of things to practice but a couple of immediately obvious things are making tighter turns from a stop and canceling my turn signal sooner while shifting and accelerating. That multitasking while remaining aware of everything is tough stuff.

Here’s a picture of me “posing” on my bike…

http://i27.tinypic.com/2dmfrqu.jpg

[ScottyJ]

I’m in Allen. You?

Btw, I just took my MSF course in Carrollton off I-35 and Valwood.

[ScottyJ]

The 500’s seem to be a little rare around here although the 09’s may be out soon. Anyway, I hope to check one out tomorrow at a dealership that’s a little further out. And I may end up getting one but probably not tomorrow.

[ScottyJ]

Let this fellow Texan be the first one to welcome you here, Bryan.

[ScottyJ]

According to the specs, the M50 has fuel injection and the S50 does not.

[ScottyJ]

Hey all, I finished the class yesterday and today I took the DPS written test and got my license. So I am street legal. Now I just have to get a bike.

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