[skippersusie]

Josh,
So glad to hear someone else talk about their mom!!! I thought of a conversation I had with mine 20 years ago. Sorry to say 20 years later it didn’t change. Yes, I may be older, but mom is still the boss. Glad to hear she got over it… I just picked up my Virago 700 this morning. I may send your post to my mom…

Check out the Aprilia SportCity 250 as well. A friend of mine from Italy turned me on to these when I was first looking at getting a scooter, it is freeway legal in California and I have seen quite a few on the road over the past few months.

http://www.apriliausa.com/en-US/Model/21124/SPORTCITY+250/Overview.aspx

[skippersusie]

I’m in California, so I don’t think there is a state mandated inspection. I was thinking along the the lines of the basics. I did ask if it would include them adjusting the handlebars and levers to fit me as the previous owner is a pretty big guy and has huge hands!!! The said no problem.

Thanks again for the awesome advice… I hope I can contribute something more than just questions at some point to the group.

[skippersusie]

I just finished the MSC this week… what an amazing experience. I had a similiar day to yours, but my instructors really coached me through it and by the end I was feeling a little less uneasy. I went home and did some serious soul searching and decided that I really wanted to ride and that, for me, I would need some serious “Parking Lot” time before I feel comfortable on the streets. So, I went ahead and purchased a bike that many here would say is too powerful, but I WANT to do this and have for a long time. The course also made me realize that in part, this a family and most folks that ride have each others backs (as this site can atest to. I tthink that for a lot of people, that is a draw as well.

I have to say, I know how to drive a manual transmission and did some pretty extensive bicycling, including a 5 mile commute on busy roads for a number of years. I’m still a little freaked out, but I figure I am statistically ahead of the game for taking the course. And besides, I know my limits and don’t plan to push them any time soon.

I am picking up a bike tomorrow morning and like some others purchased the gear before I fully appreciated the complexity. I have signed up for the ERC later next month because they will allow me to use my own bike, which is over 500cc’s.

My first ride will be about a quarter of a mile, on a fairly light thoroughfare to the local wrench who will be doing a safety check for me. Bright & early Sunday I am planning on hitting the parking lot for LOTS of drills & practice before I attempt my first “real” ride/commute. I can tell you, the most valuable part of this has been the advice of the folks here, especially Munch. I was hesitant about purchasing my bike when I started reading the forum but he and others have been a wealth of knowledge.

I guess it is really about what you feel comfortable with and why you want to ride. If this was a piece of cake, they would call it “driving”. Best of luck to you, whichever way you decide to go…

And I think scooters are pretty freeking awesome myself!

SS

[skippersusie]

Followed your advice, turns out the local Kawasaki deaer/shop is willing and able to do the work, when it needs to be done and has a line on hard to find parts. The Yamaha dealer wasn’t willing to touch it. Previously, all the work that had been done was through a V-twin shop about 30 minutes away that specializes in Harleys. That was a great piece of advice.

I am nervous about the power (750cc) but it was a great fit and felt comfortable both standing still and on the ride. I had a friend go with me and he test rode it with me on the back. For the price I feel like it is well worth it. The guy I am purchasing from was able to answer all our questions about maintainance and what will need to be done over the next few months.

So, I will be picking her up on July 16th… looking forward to it. Will post a pic as soon as I do!!

And if anyone has an opinion, for, against or other.. It would be welcomed!!

[skippersusie]

You’re the man!!

[skippersusie]

That is some solid advice, much appreciated!!!

[skippersusie]

I really appreciate the feedback, nice to know I’m on the right track. I don’t plan on doing any freeway riding just yet. I’m able to commute on the backroads, so I figured I’d do that to build up my confidence and practice. I rally like the Vulcan. It feels really comfortable and I really would like to have a liquid cooled engine as I have a few steep, but gradual inclines on my planned route. Right now it is 95 outside, it was over 100 this weekend.

I found a local shop that was dialed and I’m planning on taking whatever I end up with down there for a safety check. I was amazed that out of the 5 shops within a 5 mile radius, these were the only guys to take the time to tell me what to look for and help tell me what it may cost to do most of the common repairs. I was thinking buying from a dealer was the best way to go, but know I think I am going to be checking Craigslist out on a regular basis.

Thanks again for the advice on the MSF classes. I have sailed & taught sailing for over 25 years and I’m constantly amazed at how much I still have to learn!! Trying to have the same mentality with this. better to put the money out up front than to pay for someone to have to reteach me the alphabet!

You guys are awesome!!! Thanks again.

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