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    First Bike, First Rides

    I've always heard people saying things about when they ride, they're free. You could quite literally say that about anything like reading a good book, eating chocolate, or wrestling with a bear. I bought my first bike, the 1981 GS650L around Christmas time and couldn't wait for my first chance to jump on it. I've had very little experience riding before 2006. Three of my friends own Ducatis and I've ridden up and down the streets on these Italian stallions a few times, but I didn't see what the fuss was about (or the price). But anyhoo, three weeks ago it was 57 degrees here in Indiana, so I had to take mine out. It was my maiden voyage with my father and his Excelsior-Henderson (1388 cubes, ever hear of em?). I must admit, it was the single greatest moment in my life thus far. When you ride, you do feel free. Even though the sun was shining, it was freezing at 50 mph. I didn't care. I had to pull a 10-hour shift at work in 13 hours. I didn't care. Pure bliss.
    The bike handled excellent with plenty of pick-up. I rode for about 5 hours that day on the country roads. I've never been more comfortable with something so dangerous, which is a bad thing, but I've never been happier.
    This past weekend I rode with my Ducati friends thinking they would leave me in the dust. I couldn't have been more wrong. I know it's stupid to try such daring things considering my lack of experience, but I'm young and invincible, right? At first we were just cruising around town asking one another where to go when we eventually hit some country roads. I could feel the speed pick up. I looked at the speedometer. 90 mph! I couldn't believe it. I was keeping up with my friends' Ducatis. No problem. We maintained the speed for a little while and eventually stopped. We pulled into a restaurant and started to chew the fat. Needless to say they were impressed. Not one of us could have imagined the power that the 25 year old bike oozed out. As fun as that was, I don't think I will ride like that for a long time. Sitting here in my computer chair it frightens me. But then again, when you're on the bike, you're free.

    #2
    Sounds like you got the bug....but be carefull mate, you got the whole summer
    ahead of ya.\\/

    Comment


      #3
      I'm new this season too but got a few hundred miles now and I don't know
      how fast I've been because my 82 750 speedo stops at 85:-D

      Comment


        #4
        I know how you feel. Today was the first day I was able to take my bike out and really ride it now that I've finally got it put back together with new brakes, new tires, dropped bars and a fairing. what a difference! once those progressive springs arrive i'll be set. but yeah it was a really nice feeling to get out into the country and the canyons and actually be able to control my bike effectively. i hopped on it at 9:30 this morning and didn't come home until 5...what a perfect day (with plenty of leisurely breaks along the way of course). after a few months dealing with a lot of repair issues and expense, today really affirmed my decision to go out and buy a bike. motorcycles are sweeeeeet!

        Comment


          #5
          Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if we were doing 90. The needle was buried though. It goes to 80 or 85... not sure.
          My buddies were talking about speeds over 100, but I think they might be full of it.

          Comment


            #6
            it'll do 122. I know.
            1981 GS650G , all the bike you need
            1980 GS1000G Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely

            Comment


              #7
              These 650s are sweet bikes .They handle good and seem to run with the crowd just fine.My friend has a Harley and loves to ride with me.When we stop somewhere it seems the GS is the one that gets all the compiments!!!!!!!Ride With Pride Buddy!!!!!!!!!!!Post some pics.Everybody loves to look at bikes,I know I do,especially another 650!

              Comment


                #8
                I managed to get my first "real" ride in yesterday afternoon, after the drizzle stopped and the roads dried up. Being a total newbie, I made Hubby ride up and down the road in front of the house with me till I felt somewhat comfortable. Then we went to the store, a whole two tenths of a mile.... Let's just say people around here aren't happy about anyone on a bike going down the road at 25 in a 35 zone... Anyway, I finally made it to the next town (read village) and found out that my speedometer is about mile off from the hubby's... Maybe I was going faster than I thought all this time? Anyway, after yesterday, I'd give nearly anything for a windshield... LOL, I felt like a cat toy being bat around by a mountain lion....

                Comment


                  #9
                  I'm glad you enjoyed your first ride. Somehow, I'm having trouble imagining being blown around like a "cat toy" at 25 mph. LOL LOL LOL LOL Is stony mommy perhaps a wee 10 lb midget? heheheheh

                  You'll always remember that first ride. Great isnt it? :-)

                  Earl


                  Originally posted by StoneyMommy
                  I managed to get my first "real" ride in yesterday afternoon, after the drizzle stopped and the roads dried up. Being a total newbie, I made Hubby ride up and down the road in front of the house with me till I felt somewhat comfortable. Then we went to the store, a whole two tenths of a mile.... Let's just say people around here aren't happy about anyone on a bike going down the road at 25 in a 35 zone... Anyway, I finally made it to the next town (read village) and found out that my speedometer is about mile off from the hubby's... Maybe I was going faster than I thought all this time? Anyway, after yesterday, I'd give nearly anything for a windshield... LOL, I felt like a cat toy being bat around by a mountain lion....
                  Komorebi-The light filtering through the trees.

                  I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. H.D.T.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    I'm a bit more than 10 pounds and it was windy out... Still getting a windshield... and better mirrors. I'm sure I shoud be seeing something other than my shoulders. The guy I bought the bike from put Hnda Shadow mirrors on it. Why? I have no idea but when we called to ask if he still had the originals he asked what we need mirrors for??? :shock: Is that a normal question?

                    StoneyMommy

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Bitten....

                      Yeah..hes' got the bug alright...feels good doesn't it?
                      You'll feel the same thing from time to time as everything clicks & falls into place....the nice summer day, perfect temperature..cruising the countryside....the sound of your machine...like a musical melody...the smells of the warm grassy pasture....the temperature shift as you run down a well shaded valley..the little bustling town you slow down to putter thru before running the speed back up...All these things and more await you.........be carefull OK?
                      __________________________________________Rick.... ....

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by MetalAbrahm
                        I must admit, it was the single greatest moment in my life thus far. When you ride, you do feel free. Even though the sun was shining, it was freezing at 50 mph. I didn't care. I had to pull a 10-hour shift at work in 13 hours. I didn't care. Pure bliss.
                        The bike handled excellent with plenty of pick-up. I rode for about 5 hours that day on the country roads. I've never been more comfortable with something so dangerous, which is a bad thing, but I've never been happier.
                        Welcome....to you and to all of the other new riders. The fact that you are starting out on less expensive unpretentious machines tells me it is the internal joy you get while moving on two wheels that has drawn you, not the external image you project to others. And in the case of the GS you have been rewarded for your sincerity and sensibility with a very capable motorcycle the equal or better in performance to the megabuck status symbols so many of the pretenders feel they must have to qualify.

                        Reading your words makes me wish I could again feel the rush that I got on that first ride I took over forty years ago. Wait a minute, I do feel it again...by the end of my driveway on just about every ride I take.

                        Be real safe; those cages ARE out to get us. GET TRAINING. Be prepared to smile a lot from this point forward. I'll see you up the road.
                        Believe in truth. To abandon fact is to abandon freedom.

                        Nature bats last.

                        80 GS850G / 2010 Yamaha Majesty / 81 GS850G

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by StoneyMommy
                          I'm a bit more than 10 pounds and it was windy out... Still getting a windshield... and better mirrors. I'm sure I shoud be seeing something other than my shoulders. The guy I bought the bike from put Hnda Shadow mirrors on it. Why? I have no idea but when we called to ask if he still had the originals he asked what we need mirrors for??? :shock: Is that a normal question?

                          StoneyMommy
                          I am riding my first street bike this year a 750T. Having had a few trail bikes - I'm real comforatble with the idea of driving in general but never as nice. I just put a Slipstreamer Enterprise windsheild on the bike today as I anticipate 2 hour drives in work commutes. It didn't look as dorky as I thought it would. It also allowed a drive along Lake Michigan tonight wearing only a light jacket. The air sort of foiled around my back. It will be interesting to try it at highway speeds. I also share your distain for little narrow mirrors and will be looking at alternatives.
                          Hondas
                          '73 ATC70 '85 XL125S '02 XR650L
                          Suzuki
                          '83 gs750t vin#551 '97 DR650
                          Kaw
                          '89 KLR650

                          sigpic

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                            #14
                            Actually I am thinking of putting on maltese Cross mirrors............... LOL

                            Comment


                              #15
                              You need good mirrors. Knowing what is coming your way from behind is nearly as important as knowing what is in front of you.

                              Earl


                              Originally posted by StoneyMommy
                              I'm a bit more than 10 pounds and it was windy out... Still getting a windshield... and better mirrors. I'm sure I shoud be seeing something other than my shoulders. The guy I bought the bike from put Hnda Shadow mirrors on it. Why? I have no idea but when we called to ask if he still had the originals he asked what we need mirrors for??? :shock: Is that a normal question?

                              StoneyMommy
                              Komorebi-The light filtering through the trees.

                              I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion. H.D.T.

                              Comment

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