[wbsprudels]

Huh?  You moved to Alaska!?!  Must be love that made you do it.

[wbsprudels]

I always like reading your posts.I, too am coming up on a year of riding.  I have fewer miles (11,000) and fewer bikes (2), but certainly echo many of your sentiments (not the riding every day, though).  It’s simple, but I have become a firm believer of slowing down when in doubt.

I have really come to love my C50 and my current plans for the next bike are to get a newer C50 (2007 or 08).  Only thing I am debating is color schemes.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks for the pics.  Having lived in the Midwest all of my life, I am not accustomed to such beauty.  So how long is your riding season in Alaska?

[wbsprudels]

Just added the wind deflectors along the bottom right and left of the fairing, and my buffetting issue is a thing of the past.  I took the bike out Saturday on 200 mile trip to northern Indiana (75% interstate) and experienced no problems with the wind.  It was terrific!  Very happy I added the fairing.  The quick release is an added benefit I intend to enjoy if the temps climb back in the 80’s before winter hits.

[wbsprudels]

I enjoyed reading your tome on your first motorcycle. I don’t know what my next bike will be, but I enjoy learning about rider’s bike shopping experiences.

[wbsprudels]

I went with the 5″ with the plan on getting the 9″ later–may need to go with it sooner! Fortunately, they are not too expensive and easy to swap out.

[wbsprudels]

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: anyone checking this site regularly is still considered a beginner. I have nearly 11,000 miles logged in a little less than a year, but I keep checking this site.

–> Still a beginner!

[wbsprudels]

Congratulations, Sangria. I would argue that it was a gratifying learning experience rather than a waste of time, though.

[wbsprudels]

That bike looks like so much fun to ride! Congrats!

[wbsprudels]

Decided to buy the fairing and the 5″ windshield. Fortunately, the shields are cheap enough that I can opt for the taller shield later, if needed. I should receive it sometime next week. Let me know if you have any trouble installing.

[wbsprudels]

I would echo Jtown’s experience. I was 42 last summer when the bug hit me out of the blue. I put it down to the price of gas, too, while my friends and family called it a mid-life crisis. Call it what you want, but I am loving it!

[wbsprudels]

Unfortunately, the only windshields I like on the Boulevard cost the same as the Memphis Shades Batwing fairing. So, I will be sinking the mullah either way. What size windshield did you add to it? Did you add the wind deflectors?

[wbsprudels]

Thanks for your post, Owlie. Your determination is inspiring. I spent the weekend playing baseball in an out-of-town tournament and wistfully watching motorcycles cruise by the diamonds. After 6 games and a 3-hour commute home, I wanted to jump on my Boulevard and ride. I decided I wasn’t in the proper shape to ride–and it had nothing to do with drinking alcohol.

Hopefully, I can join you all out on the roads on Labor Day!

[wbsprudels]

Thanks, Rab. I will look into the Pinlock equipped visor and insert.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks for the summary of the different helmets. However, I would argue there is more to rating the safety of a helmet than crash tests. I prefer a full-face helmet with better peripheral sightlines.

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