Thoughts and Opinions - My Honda VTX1300R **Pics!**

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My Honda VTX1300R **Pics!**

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Topic: My Honda VTX1300R **Pics!**

Posted By: DeTrevni
Subject: My Honda VTX1300R **Pics!**
Date Posted: 03 February 2009 at 11:46pm

Well, this is my new toy. Anyone care to take bets on how long before I kill myself?

It's a 2005 Honda VTX1300R with an aftermarket winshield and saddlebags. Purty color, too!

Life is about making stupid decisions. Hopefully, this isn't one.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Replies:

Posted By: gh0st
Date Posted: 03 February 2009 at 11:47pm

You will get yourself killed on the 1300

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 03 February 2009 at 11:49pm

Keep in mind, this 1300 is no small bike, size-wise. It's not like a sport bike, where I wouldn't even consider a 750 cc. This is a big, lumbering bike, and the weight distribution is completely different. Plus, I'm 6'3" and 275 lbs. The bigger bikes are just much more comfortable.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: gh0st
Date Posted: 03 February 2009 at 11:50pm

I didn't notice it was a cruiser... in that case I have no idea

Posted By: Tical3.0
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 12:00am

go with the 1300. You will look like an idiot on a 750 if you are 6'3 275

Posted By: .636
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 12:16am

Your a idiot for getting a nice bike as your first bike. Your going to drop it a few times

750 will haul your ass around

Get a cheap POS ride it for a season then upgrade

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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 12:22am

*You're an

And yeah, I'm aware of the dropping thing. I'm prepared for that. I was budgeting myself around $6k for a bike anyway, and finding a nice one in that price range, well, I don't see what it could hurt. Sure the bike may take a spill or two, but it's still a nicer bike than the POS I would have otherwise gotten. That, and I really can't fit comfortably on many of the "POS" bikes.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: BearClaw
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 1:01am

Hey i am 6' 280lbs and i too suggest opting for the smaller bikes for a few reasons BUT i would not suggest your first bike being new. As the saying goes "Their are two kinds of riders those that have fallen and those that WILL".

First off is INSURANCE. IT is gona cost ya an arm and a leg to insure a 1300cc bike, even though its a cruiser. And second a 700lbs motorcycle is going to be a PITA to learn low speed control not to mention higher speed turn in is harder as well.

MY first bike was a 2000 Yamaha V-Star 650cc that i bought used in 2004. I rode it for two years and never had an issue with power or its size. I even rode that bike two up on a few occashions and it still had no troubles out accelerating traffic. The bike was easy to learn on and fun in its own way (wore though a pair of boots and a set of pegs grinding em in the turns). IT was affordable to insure and was AMAZING on fuel. IT was ALSO REALLY easy to work on and sounded/looked great. Over all if i wanted a cruiser again i don't see a need for any more than that 650cc. Cruisers by nature are slow so why pay the extra fuel and insurance for the bigger bike and sacrifice handling.

That being said i soon learned Cruisers were not my thing for a few reasons. BUT the biggest problem i found with the cruiser was simply every cruiser i have ridden was UNCOMFORTABLE and i believe that is just the nature of the riding position. See on a cruiser the seating position feels comfy sitting on it in a show room but after 3-4hrs in the saddle you realize that having your feet soo far ahead of ya means it is hard to adjust you position on the move and also places A LOT of your weight on you tail bone witch over time hurts on the back.

But any ways back on topic i dont think you would be wise to buy a bike you don't feel comfy on but i REALLY think you would be crazy to buy a bike WAY outa your skill level. So basically hang on, their are TONS of bikes out their keep your eyes open i am sure you will find a great bike.

Heres a pic of my old bike with my fat ass on it.

and hell one of the current bike

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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 1:13am

Hah. You guys obviously don't get how this works. You're supposed to say, "IT'LL BE FINE DO IT!" and pad my ego. Remember, we're going for the answers I want to hear, not what makes sense!

But seriously, I appreciate the advice. I REALLY want that 1300, but at the same time, I REALLY don't want to eat it because I can't handle it. From a local standpoint, my dad, who used to ride a Harley Road King, thinks that the 1300 will be fine. Am I truly putting myself at a disadvantage I can't overcome with the 1300? It's not Honda's biggest bike either. I feel confident in myself I can handle a learning curve (and I don't suspect I'll be taking it on the highway the first week I get it either), but if it's just flat out dangerous I may have to reconsider.

I'm just trying my hardest to justify the 1300, but if it's just out of the question I suppose I can rethink it.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: BearClaw
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 1:57am

Learning on a 1300cc 700lbs cruiser is Not a learning curve it is a bloody WALL.

IF ya get the 1300cc you may be fine BUT you setting yourself up for a MUCH larger risk of NOT being fine. Another issue with getting ALOT more bike that you can handle is you will be afraid of it witch will hamper your ability to learn.

Some of the most fun on bikes i have had has been thrashing SMALL bikes.

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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 2:02am

Hm. A lot to consider. I guess I'll have to keep my eye out then. I want to take riding seriously, so if the 1300 is going to put me in a position I really don't want to find myself in, then I may just have to pass on it. The Shadows are still an option. They're not that uncomfortable; the 1300 just feels much better. At least on the showroom floor.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 2:43am

I'd love to get a cheap, old bike, they're just still unaffordable to me.

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 4:59am

dont get the shadow if it isnt comfortable. that being said, dont get the 1300 either. as said, low speed maneuvers are goign to be a PITA, you will drop it, you will damage it, and you will most likely cry. shop around some more. i dont think it will be too much for you to the point of being overly dangerous, i just think you will find it to not be a very fun bike to ride. have you looked into the shadow 1100? more power than the 750, which is plenty, and significantly lighter than the 1300. Or you might see if you can find a good deal on a used harley 1200 nightster. It has a more upright riding position and is quite frankly, a blast to ride.

Posted By: NiQ-Toto
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 7:39am

This wont all apply to you, but its pretty good advice:

$hort$troke wrote:

I have been getting a lot of PMs and posts lately about questions regarding new riders and motorcycles in general. I am going to attempt to cover major areas of concern for a new rider, and try to shed some light on the common questions i've been getting. If a moderator deems this sticky-worthy, i'd appreciate it.

Choosing a Motorcycle

This is probably the most common question I am asked. I always recommend getting the basics down on a dirt bike of some sort, as the consequences are comparatively small when you make mistakes versus that of a street bike. For the sake of this portion of the article I will assume everyone is getting their start on a street machine, however.

The first thing to do when trying to decide what bike to purchase is to sit down and make a list of the criteria the bike is going to have to live up to in order to make you happy.

Things like comfort, practicality, insurance rates, price, passenger capability, etc. Anything of importance, wite it down and compare every bike you look at to that list to see if it matches your basic needs.

Lets look at a few different bikes that have been known to make good beginner bikes (all dollar values are estimations).

Kawasaki Ninja 250 - This would be the bike I would recommend to anyone with no prior street riding experience. It is a very solid, reliable design without a scary amount of power. This bike is very practical and will comfortably be able to accommodate a passenger or possibly a tiny amount of luggage. I rode this bike during the test for my 2 wheel endorsement on my liscence and it seems to be a very well rounded bike, perfect for a new rider. These can be had new for right at the $3000.00 mark and would be my #1 recommendation for a new rider. The downside is that it will usually be outgrown by a rider once he gets a good amount of experience under his belt, and may leave him wanting more out of his machine at that time.

Honda CBR600F2/3/4/4i - This bike would be a great choice for someone who is planning on moving on to a modern sportbike in the future. It is an Inline 4, which will allow you to get familiar with the engine characteristics of this type of design, without having the absurd amounts of power to cope with as you learn to ride. It has good wind protection and a comfortable, upright riding postition. This is a great all around motorcycle. (NOTE: These machines cannot be purchased new anymore. Used only).

Suzuki SV650 - This is Suzuki's bread and butter bike. This bike, being a V-twin, makes much more torque than an inline 4 (i.e. CBR600F4i), and does not rev as high. For a twin, this bike is very forgiving and easy to ride. Twins will require much less shifiting anytime than a 4 cylinder machine. This bike is also passenger or luggage capable, and is available either naked, or with a front fairing depending on year and version (there are also aftermarket fairings available). This bike is also one that most will never outgrow skill wise, is also a very common bike to see at the track, and is comparatively the cheapest bike to race at the club level (though thats getting way ahead of ourselves). This bike is many times what the 250 is in every area, yet it has a relatively forgiving nature. A good example can be had for around $4000.00.

Those are my 3 favorite recommendations for a new rider, any of those bikes should serve their owners very well. I tried to hit on bikes of different style and price range to cover the needs of most everyone. Before I move on, a word on the 600 Sportbikes (The R6, the GSXR, the ZX-6R, the 636, and the CBR600RR). I will never recommend these bikes to a new rider, for several reasons. These bikes focus (Focii?) are all track oriented. The egronomics of the machines are all very uncomfortable, and can be a pain in the neck (back, wrists, and arms) literally, when used in normal riding situations. They can not accomodate a passenger (some dont have rear seats at all, and those that do are so pathetic i'd feel very sorry for your passenger; they're not going to be happy at the end of the ride). The powerband of these machines is also very track oriented which means the powerband is very high up in the RPM range. These bikes have virtually no turn radius, which can make simple parking lot manouvers (or any tight situation) more difficult to handle. They have an incredible amount of power for any level of rider, and are very unforgiving of mistakes. You can get yourself into trouble with these machines faster than pretty much anything other than their 1000cc counterparts.

1. The Learning Curve ("Why should I start on something smaller?")

Ask yourself this question; in which manner would you rather learn to walk on tightropes: A) with a 4x4 board that is 2 feet off the ground, or B) with a wire that is 20 feet off the ground. Most sensible people would choose “A”. The reason why is obvious. Unfortunately safety concerns with a first motorcycle aren’t as apparent as they are in the example above. However, the wrong choice of what equipment to learn on can be just as deadly…regardless of how safe, careful, and level-headed you are.

2. "But I’ll be Safe, Responsible, and Level-Headed While Learning on a superbike!".

Sorry, but that excuse doesn’t cut it. To be safe you also need SKILL (throttle control, evasion technique, corner technique, braking technique, body position, etc). Skill comes ONLY with experience. To gain that experience you must spend time in real world riding scenarios. Before skills are developed which can foster safe riding, you need a bike that can mirror the level of skill that you’re currently at, not a cutting edge race bike that will throw you off the first chance it has.

Imagine someone saying, "I want to learn to juggle, but I’m going to start by learning with chainsaws. But don’t worry, I’ll go slow, be careful, and stay level-headed while I’m learning". Like the tightrope example above, the answer here isn’t hard to see. Be careful all you want, go as slow as you want, be as cautious as you want…you're still juggling chainsaws! Without a foundation in place of HOW to juggle there is only a small level of safety you can aspire towards. As such, it’s better to learn the skills of juggling with tennis balls first. The same holds true for learning to ride a motorcycle.

3. Cost (“I don’t want to waste money on a bike I’ll only have for a short period of time”).

Smaller bikes have good resale value, because other (smart) people will want them as learner bikes. You’ll probably be able to sell a used learner bike for as much as you paid for it.
If you drop your brand new bike that is fresh off of the showroom floor while you're learning (and you probably will), you've just broken a directional, perhaps a brake / clutch lever, cracked / scrapped the fairings ($300.00 each to replace or often more), damaged the bar ends, etc. It's better and cheaper to drop a crappy bike that you don’t care about versus one you just spent 9k on. Most new riders drop bikes going under 20MPH, when the bike is the most unstable (parking lots, anyone?). They often don’t result in physical injury, just a big dent in your pride and your wallet (depending on what you're riding).

4. EGO ("I want to look cool cruising the Boulevard!")

Worried about not having a modern, flashy sport machine to show off to everyone? Well, you'll look like a tool with a brand new, but screwed-up, 2008 superbike (or a bike that you can’t pull away from a stop on without stalling 15 times), versus something less flashy that you can safely, responsibly, and comfortably ride. Any real rider would give you credit for going about learning to ride the *correct* way (i.e. on a beginner oriented bike). If you’re worried about impressing someone with a sportbike, or embarrassed about learning on a "lesser" bike then you're not mature enough to handle the responsibility of a motorcycle. Try a moped. After you've grown up revisit the idea of a motorcycle.

Originally Posted by Lucidus
Honestly, all motorcycles are pretty fast, regardless of what you get.

The things that set apart type Rs and lower model bikes are 2 major things.

The brakes, and the suspension.

You can buy a 600 r for your first bike and baby it around town all day, which you probably won't, but some people can. The problem comes at the first sign of anything but your comfortable riding conditions. Grab a handful of brake on a 250 and skid yourself to a stop, grab 2 fingers of brake on a gixxer and watch your face impact the ground and your bike flip on you.

There is not one person on earth who is such a natural at riding motorcycles that they are able to get on a type R and be fimiliar enough with the brakes and suspension to ride it safely in anything but ideal conditions, because the fact is, dirtbikes and quads don't prepare you to be able to handle the race ready features of the bikes when crap hits the fan, which it will.

It really comes down to getting whatever you want to get, but just be honest about the decision, don't pretend you know what you are doing, and hope you are one of the few very lucky guys who did start on something like that.

Personally I think the 1300 will be too much for you to handle learning on. Small bikes are meant for beginners to get the feel of driving along with traffic and basic handling skills of the bike. You really dont want to get yourself into trouble because you opted for a bike more powerful than what you were ready for, just because it was more comfortable. There are a million different models out there in your price range, dont be afraid to buy used if it means finding what youre looking for.

1. Learn to ride on a cheap bike.
2. Sell back cheap bike and invest in a nice new one.

These are the two steps Ive been told countless times about learning to ride. I plan on buying a bike next summer, and you bet your butt ill be starting on a small bike to learn what the hell im doing. Im not looking into cruisers though, I want something a little more sporty thatll rev to 11k rpm no problem. (:

http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html - Also, this is a good read for when youre looking at a used bike.

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///AMG What?

Posted By: PaiNTbALLfReNzY
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 8:09am

Get a busa.

Posted By: BearClaw
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 11:05am

Being as your tall and want a cruiser id would seriously consider a V-Star 650cc. When i had mine it fit me pretty good was easy to throw around as it weighed 500lbs (not light but managable) and the bike never felt overwhelming while at the same time never felt like to little of a bike, even when i ride it now (i gave it to my mother so i still get to ride it every once in a while). They have made the bikes since 1998 and good condition models can easily be found in the 3000-4000 mark Canadian so even cheaper up your way. As for the bikes looks its the SAME bike as a 1100 V-Star and has no bading porclaiming its smaller engine the only visable differance between the two is the 1100cc bike has twin front disc brakes and a rear disc while the 650cc has a single front disc and a rear drum brake.

Get your self a bike like that ride it for a couple years and decided what ya want from their. For me although i still love that cruiser look and sound i learned Cruisers just did not work for what i wanted and i ride a Adventure Touring bike now. IT sure dont look as cool BUT it sounds ok goes better and can actually TURN oh and its actually comfortable to ride.

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Posted By: tallen702
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 11:33am

http://www.michigansuperads.com/Motorcycle_Classifieds/C503A126636P1/World_War_II_Motorcycles_for_sale.aspx - DO IT!

AND! Either one is in your price range!

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<Removed overly wide sig. Tsk, you know better.>

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 11:54am

tallen702 wrote:

http://www.michigansuperads.com/Motorcycle_Classifieds/C503A126636P1/World_War_II_Motorcycles_for_sale.aspx - DO IT!

AND! Either one is in your price range!

That is VERY him...

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 11:56am

I would most definitely get one of those if I lived anywhere near Michigan...

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 12:16pm

DeTrevni wrote:

I would most definitely get one of those if I lived anywhere near Michigan...

shipping it will still keep it in your price range.

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 12:52pm

Ship one to me while you're at it ;)

Posted By: oldsoldier
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 1:49pm

One word....Harley

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 2:38pm

Don't like Harleys. At least not as much as I used to. WAY too expensive for what you are getting, and from what I've been hearing, unreliable to boot.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 3:49pm

DeTrevni wrote:

Don't like Harleys. At least not as much as I used to. WAY too expensive for what you are getting, and from what I've been hearing, unreliable to boot.

But it's a harley man!

Posted By: ThatGuitarGuy
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 4:58pm

Harleys are only unreliable when you start modding them. Pretty much everyone who gets a Harley starts customizing it, and that's when their problems start.

You keep the engine and driveline in stock/showroom condition, meaning no power adders or crazy belt/chain extensions, you'll be fine with a HD.

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Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 5:05pm

ThatGuitarGuy wrote:

Harleys are only unreliable when you start modding them. Pretty much everyone who gets a Harley starts customizing it, and that's when their problems start. You keep the engine and driveline in stock/showroom condition, meaning no power adders or crazy belt/chain extensions, you'll be fine with a HD.

Certainly not what I've heard.

Posted By: .636
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 7:49pm

oldsoldier wrote:

One word....Harley

He probably wants something reliable that wont rattle itself to pieces. So a harley is out of the question

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Posted By: Predatorr
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 8:07pm

Howell is about 20 minutes from my family's house in Michigan.
I should check those out

Posted By: StandupRick
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 10:43pm

First off, buy a bike you like. If your not comfortable with it dont get it. Size doesnt matter. You have no more chance getting hurt on a 1000 vs. a 750. Its all throttle control! You control what the bike does. Period. If you grab a fist full of throttle and dont have the expierience yes your gonna crash. But, you can learn on any bike. Personally, id rather buy a bike I want to keep not a 250 then move up. Unless your a girl. If you have no expierience there are good rider training courses out there. Its funny how people say dont get a big bore bike for your first bike. I started on a v65 magna (which is an 1100). Never crashed it. Never dropped it. I rode my limits. I have been riding 22 years and never crashed until I got into stunting. I only owned big bore bikes. I have seen alot of nubes get seriously hurt on 600's. Why? because they didnt ride their limit. You can kill yourself on a moped. buy a bike you like, feels comfortable to you and that you plan to keep. Buying a starter bike is a waste of money in my opinion. If your smart ,safe and anticipate what other drivers are doing you will be fine on any bike you get.

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 10:49pm

StandupRick wrote:

If your smart

Sorry, had to.

Posted By: oldsoldier
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 10:51pm

Hey my Harley is still running strong and no problems, runs to NY, SD, WI, and no maintenence problems. Looking at trading for a HD Crossbones if everything works out here with my med condition

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 11:07pm

Well, too late.

Due to a series of... interesting circumstances... I am now the proud owner (titled to me) of a 2005 Honda VTX1300R. Any tips on handling a 1300 cc, 700 lbs., front-heavy bike?

I feel confident I can manage it. I love the bike, by the way! Gonna start small. Ride around the neighborhood. Get a feel for it. Etc. I'm definitely not intimidated by it. I don't feel I should be. Well, we'll see how it goes! If I'm not on next week, it probably means I'm dead! Pics to come tomorrow!

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: oldsoldier
Date Posted: 04 February 2009 at 11:47pm

Watch your braking, nose heavy bikes with a bad rake (street bikes) will wash out if front brake applied too hard on any slippery or sandy surface. Primary cause of dumps on large cruisers.

Give yourself plenty of room in traffic, a large cruiser at 65 will get unstable real quick in a panic stop, since brakes are stronger than weight/friction on road surface.

Clutch control, start 1 gear higher than you noramlly would till you get used to power band.

Check tires and airpressure daily, big cruisers wobble bad on less than fully inflated tires.

Watch your rims, a single pot hole with weight of bike and aluminum rims mean a bent rim, watch bridge lips on interstates a 1/2 raise in difference between road surface and bridge can and will bend rim if hit at speed.

Go yo your local Harley Dealer and take the heavyweight riders course, will pay off in long run.

Ride hard, and have fun.

Posted By: StandupRick
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 12:13am

congrats on the new bike. Like I said before you contol the throttle. Smooth is the key. Also when riding in traffice you have to anticipate what other drivers will do. I always look into their mirrors, watch head turns. never ride side by side other vehicles when possible. Watch for gravel and oil at lights and stop signs. This is important when stopping and putting your foot down. The last but noy least. Dont drink and ride. Ever. Anybody who does deserves what they get.

and give it sometime before you do this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv1E2Uz-gys - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv1E2Uz-gys

Posted By: BearClaw
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 12:22am

Wish ya luck is all i can say oh and be SMOOTH on ALL of the controls. Keep your head on your shoulders. DONT show off. ALWAYS gear up. AND for gods sake dont get cocky (it hurts i KNOW).

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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 12:28am

Jesus...

Props to whoever did the Valkyrie wheelie. Those are not little bikes. My uncle has one. Not something I'll ever want to do, but impressive no less.

And I don't expect to jump in on traffic, touring, etc. just yet. With a bike as big as I got, even if it's not the biggest, I still want to be absolutely comfortable with one level before I step to the next. Oh, don't worry about me drinking. I hate alcohol.

Anyway, I figure I should explain myself. See, I was in love with the bike when I first sat on it. Just the style I was looking for, had just the accessories I wanted, and it was even the color I wanted. Not only that, but it was literally half the price of the other bike I was looking at. But what really clenched the deal, is my dad really likes it. As mentioned, he used to ride a Harley Road King. He really loved it. He'd do his best to deny it when I expressed interest in motorcycles, as I don't think he wanted me to go down that road, per se. But, persistance pays, and when he finally agreed to let me get a bike, I showed him the one I was looking at and he really likes it. This is good for two reasons. First, he said he'd cover my insurance

. Secondly, I've always wanted motorcycling to be our father/son activity. I imagine cruising down the Blue Ridge Parkway, or down to Big Bend. Just us and our motorcycles. And now, with this bike, he's gotten "the fever" again. He wouldn't even look twice at the Shadow. Now, all this may happen even sooner than I anticipated.

Besides, if I master this bike, then I shouldn't have too much of a problem with the other bikes! I belive an article I read compared learning on a high cc bike like learning to drive on a Lambo. Well, I look at it like this: If I learned to drive on a Lambo, the I'd never have a problem with any other car!

Anyway, what's done is done. I feel confident in myself, I'm not scared of the bike, and I look forward to this. I'll make do with what I've got! Thanks for the advice guys, and sorry I didn't listen.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 12:28am

How long till Detrev's "well..I crashed" thread?

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 12:34am

i wouldnt compare riding that bike to a lambo, more like a school bus.

My dad had a similar experience when i got my bike. He had ridden motorcycles from about the time he was 14 until my sister was born in 92. I guess he caught the fever again when he was riding mine home after picking it up from the guy we bought it from and he bought one for himself a couple of weeks later.

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 1:06am

Well, admittedly, it was an article about sport bikes. :)

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: BearClaw
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 2:08am

Yeah FAR from a lambo. For comparison the 1300cc VTX puts the Same power down as the 650cc V Twin in my bike 60hp at the wheel 70ish at the engine. The VTX has more TQ but is also 300lbs heavier and has one less gear. But the biggest differance is a Lambo can actually take a TURN at speed a cruiser CANT.

In my two years of rideing my cruiser i wore though a set of boots and a set of pegs and im not a fast rider.

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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 2:35pm

Updated first post with pics!

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: IMPULS3.
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 3:26pm

Ride like everyone on the road, is trying to kill you. It's true.

That's the best thing I learned before I started riding.

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Posted By: jmac3
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 3:33pm

So you disregarded all the advice you asked for?

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Que pasa?

Posted By: IMPULS3.
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 3:42pm

jmac3 wrote:

So you disregarded all the advice you asked for?

Did you expect anything less?

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Posted By: NiQ-Toto
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 3:44pm

Not my style, but still, sick bike man.

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///AMG What?

Posted By: notXXscared
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 3:49pm

I wouldn't get anything other than a sports bike if I were to get one. But that's me, good luck, dont die.

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Previously DYE PLAYA

Posted By: Skillet42565
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 3:56pm

Nice bike.

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Posted By: ammolord
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 4:59pm

nice bike. i like hayabusas better though.

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PSN Tag: AmmoLord
XBL: xXAmmoLordXx

~Minister of Tinkering With Things That Go "BOOM!"(AKA Minister of Munitions)~

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 5:19pm

jmac3 wrote:

So you disregarded all the advice you asked for?

In effect, yes. But I explained my reasoning in the previous page.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 6:23pm

Dammit, now I want a bike more than ever before. Just an old beater honda or something

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 6:37pm

choopie911 wrote:

Dammit, now I want a bike more than ever before. Just an old beater honda or something

you can get them for damn cheap. like under 500

Posted By: .636
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 6:46pm

choopie911 wrote:

Dammit, now I want a bike more than ever before. Just an old beater honda or something

1000 bucks you can have mine after i rebuild the engine. But I have a policy not to kill people I know so I wont sell it to you lol

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Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 7:04pm

Theres ones on craigslist well under $1000. Not that it matters, as I don't have ANY extra money. I can't even get rock band yet

Posted By: JohnnyCanuck
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 7:19pm

Nice bike, I like the color. You have to drive like no one can see you, regardless of the color or size of bike, people sometimes just don't see a bike. Maybe get a helmet with a flashing red light, add some dual whip antennas with orange safety flags on them.

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Imagine there’s a picture of your favourite thing here.

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 7:20pm

JohnnyCanuck wrote:

Nice bike, I like the color. You have to drive like no one can see you, regardless of the color or size of bike, people sometimes just don't see a bike. Maybe get a helmet with a flashing red light, add some dual whip antennas with orange safety flags on them.

the only thing that will make people see him is if he adds 2 more wheels and a sheet metal cage.

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 10:30pm

I'm fully aware of a motorcycle's "invisibility." I anticipate on riding like it as well. Ride like I'm invisible and like everyone's trying to kill me. I've got no problem with that, as I'm a naturally defensive driver. I figure motorcycling is greatly common sense, and having wanted a bike for years, I've made a point to take mental notes of peoples' stories, watching other drivers, try to read traffic, watch intersections and places cars pull out from, and looking over my shoulder for anything I may not see.

I feel comfortable I'll be okay. After all, my dad learned to ride on his Road King.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: Mack
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 10:32pm

Okay DeTrevni, tell us the truth now. You didn't really get that bike did you. What you actually got was a mauve Vespa.

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Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 10:35pm

As sweet as a mauve Vespa would be, this one's mine. :D

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 10:58pm

DeTrevni wrote:

I figure motorcycling is greatly common sense

Uh oh...

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 11:06pm

Never miss a beat, do ya Chewp? :)

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: arcticmonkey
Date Posted: 05 February 2009 at 11:17pm

how big of bike did you learn to ride on? all I can say is always watch the road and where you're going not where you are, that's what will get you in trouble with bad situations.

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Posted By: NiQ-Toto
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 7:36am

I drive my car like im invisible, and people probably hate me for it haha.

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///AMG What?

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 7:39am

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Posted By: arcticmonkey
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 8:23am

Eville wrote:

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

my dad rides, and i've heard him say that before

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Posted By: Benjichang
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 8:31am

gl;hf;dd

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irc.esper.net
#paintball

Posted By: JohnnyHopper
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 8:59am

You're gunna make some grandma a nice hood ornament.

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My shoes of peace have steel toes.

Posted By: StormyKnight
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 12:51pm

.636 wrote:

oldsoldier wrote:

One word....Harley

He probably wants something reliable that wont rattle itself to pieces. So a harley is out of the question

How many Harleys have you owned that have rattled themselves to pieces?

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Posted By: StormyKnight
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 12:55pm

DeTrevni wrote:

Well, too late.

Due to a series of... interesting circumstances... I am now the proud owner (titled to me) of a 2005 Honda VTX1300R. Any tips on handling a 1300 cc, 700 lbs., front-heavy bike?

Have you taken a motorcycle safety course or have a motorcycle endorsement on your license? If not, I'd get right on that if I were you.

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Posted By: StormyKnight
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:15pm

First of all, nice bike man! You will thoroughly enjoy the experience. There is nothing nicer than to take it out on a nice sunny day in the country just riding for the hell of it. It is amazing how much better you feel after a pleasure cruise.

I learned on a 2001 Sportster Sport. 1200cc engine with hotter cams and dual-plug heads. Nimble fast little thing (I still miss it from time to time), but miserable on any long ride. I found out how miserable it was while on a ride to Cabella's in Dundee, MI and back. I was exhausted, sore and cramped up. That is when I started to look for a larger bike. Found one the following year. A nice '02 Softail Deuce. It was love at first sight. Traded in the Sportster and have been happy ever since. It is a big improvement. The engine is counterbalanced to help dampen the vibration. The seat and forward controls just make it a delight to ride. I always felt 'top-heavy' on the Sportster, but not on the Deuce. Did many cosmetic changes to it. Only upgraded the intake and the exhaust. No engine specific upgrades.

You're going to love that bike you got. It is really sharp! My most important advice to give is to always have an element of fear when you ride. When you lose that fear or believe nothing can happen to you is when something usually does.

Sportster:

Deuce:

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Posted By: StormyKnight
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:27pm

After a couple of minutes of thought, I decided I made a mistake in posting these pictures. I apologize to anyone that was offended or severely mentally damaged.

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Posted By: proteus316
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:38pm

Those pics will probably be removed.

Posted By: JohnnyHopper
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:41pm

^ I'd do that too if you tried to send me back to Tulsa :)

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My shoes of peace have steel toes.

Posted By: Benjichang
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:46pm

Christ, that's brutal. One of the reasons I'd be scared to death to ever ride a crotch rocket.

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irc.esper.net
#paintball

Posted By: mbro
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:49pm

Wowzers

The first pic makes it look like he's trying to see what's in the back of the truck through a small hole.

Then you realize his head made that hole and he's dead.

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Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos.

Posted By: NiQ-Toto
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 1:49pm

Cant an accident like that happen on any bike exceeding the posted speed limit though? Granted he probably had to be going above 120 for damage like that to happen...

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///AMG What?

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 2:02pm

Just because the bike can go 150 doesnt mean it has to. mine is certainly not a crotch rocket but it could easily do that to me. point is, it doesnt have to be a sportbike, it just usually is idiots that buy them.

Posted By: choopie911
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 2:31pm

Eville wrote:

Just because the bike can go 150 doesnt mean it has to. mine is certainly not a crotch rocket but it could easily do that to me. point is, it doesnt have to be a sportbike, it just usually is idiots that buy them.

Exactly. Just because your car can do 150mph doesn't mean you will in crowded traffic. The same should apply.

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 2:57pm

unless you are this guy

imagine embedded youtube vid here until i figure it out.

Posted By: DeTrevni
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 3:30pm

I'm assuming the pics I missed were the results of some bike crashes. There's a good chance I've seen them. As I mentioned, I've been wanting a motorcycle for a long time, and have put a great amount of thought into this decision.

A lot of the advice I'm hearing is, "Don't open the throttle," "Wear your safety gear," "Ride like no one can see you" and "Respect your machine." This is actually good news for me, as this was stuff I was anticipating anyway while riding. Why is this good news? Well, that means I may not have to learn the lesson "harshly" before I remember these things Big smile

.

Also, don't worry, I fully intend to take the MSF course. Probably in the next couple of weeks before I get out and start riding.

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Evil Elvis: "Detrevni is definally like a hillbilly hippy from hell"

Posted By: Eville
Date Posted: 06 February 2009 at 3:57pm

on thing i learned the hard way. when pulling off the road onto gravel, be extremely careful. it could be really deep, in which case it wont take much to go down. i dropped mine going under 5 because i pulled off the highway into some gravel that happened to be about 4-5 inches deep. front end slid right out to the side. thankfully i didnt damage anything as i was a couple hundred miles from home.