[wbsprudels]

Hey, eon, it’s a small world. I am staying by the convention center (at the Red Lion). I’ve been here since Sunday night, but haven’t been out yet today. So, I didn’t see you today, but if you were down here yesterday or Monday, I might have.

[wbsprudels]

BTW, trip is planned for Friday–taking off work to ride!

[wbsprudels]

Welcome, Dash! Sounds like your homework has paid off.

[wbsprudels]

Elias wrote:

Results of motorcycle accidents in Arizona in 2007 according to the AZ Department of Transportation include:

– Of 141,458 registered motorcycles, there were 3,464 motorcycle crashes (2.5%)
– Of the 3,464 crashed, 132 involved a motorcyclist fatality (3.8% of crashes were fatal)
– There were 157 pedestrian fatalities in 2007, and 135 motorcyclist fatalities!!!

Here are those stats for my state, Indiana, in 2008 (even smaller rate of crashes and fatalities):

– Of 200,387 registered motorcycles, there were 3,814 motorcycle crashes (1.9%)
– Of the 3,814 crashed, 128 involved a motorcyclist fatality (3.4% of crashes were fatal)

[wbsprudels]

I think the issue family and friends have with most of us riding motorcycles is that riding is something we choose to do, not something we have to do. That makes it a hobby. As hobbies go, it is more dangerous than most. It certainly my most dangerous hobby–compared to reading, exercising, and playing video games.

[wbsprudels]

Welcome, Zimm. Where in Indiana? I am just south of Indianapolis.

[wbsprudels]

Welcome! I toyed around with getting a scooter but quickly changed to a motorcycle, too: took the safety class in September and bought my bike in October. It’s been quite a ride. Welcome to a great new hobby.

[wbsprudels]

My mechanic has cautioned me against buying anything older than 10 years because manufacturers or not required to make parts beyond 10 years. Also, when I was at my local Harley shop, the shop manager told me they do not accept bikes pre-2000 in their service department as a general rule.

[wbsprudels]

This is why you could have found my Blast on Craigslist. It was my entry bike and I had already bought a Suzuki Boulevard.

[wbsprudels]

I ordered my helmet and gear online!

[wbsprudels]

Pros:
– Weather (or lack of horrendous winter weather allows me to ride year-round)
– Traffic (rush hour is relatively painless)
– Many enjoyable twisty roads with hills and bluffs within an hour’s ride
– Annual charity ride allows bikers to ride on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Cons:
– No mountain rides
– No ocean front rides

Very happ riding in Indy!

[wbsprudels]

Awesome! I’ve got the cousin to your bike, a C50. I have about 2k on mine and love it.

But, holy crap, you get a new bike about as often as I get a haircut. Isn’t this your third in less than 6 months?

[wbsprudels]

To answer your question, “anyone close to my size has any experience on a Blast – and what it’s like with respect to comfort,” I stand 6’1″ and 200 lbs. I have 3700 miles on my Blast and have no trouble with comfort–I have the standard seat, not the low seat. The bike is perfect for my 20-minute commute and extremely fun to ride around on during the weekends. I have ridden it on the interstates and highways, but its lack of weight makes it not fun to fight the winds at interstate speeds. It is extremely fun to ride on the twisty roads where I live.

[wbsprudels]

I live in Indy and have put nearly 5,000 miles on my bikes since October. I ride to work if it’s dry and above 20. I tried riding below 20 and it was terrible.

[wbsprudels]

Thanks…my sensitivity comes from seeing how folks have been treated at other forums when they state they are planning to change bikes from one maker to another. I guess it’s silly.

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