Motorcycle permit.

[snowballs]

Me on my 750 bonneville and my brother on his kz900 running from Brockton to Everett and back in 76 all highway wearing tires Michelin man style. I need a bike.

 

[Matt_SERE]

The only motorcyle accidents I've ever witnessed in years of riding in clubs, doing poker runs, riding to Daytona, Laconia, etc. were the fault of bad drivers in cars, people in cars engaging in road rage against a motorcyclist, or inexperienced riders going way too fast for the conditions or their abilities, or crashes on a closed course.

Some people just don't know how to, or care not to, ride in groups. Whether it is a 'freedom' thing or concern for safety it just isn't their 'thing'.

Hell, some NESers had a hard time keeping a tight group in 'cages' during the 2016 Roling Rally. An NES bike run would be like herding cats. Ask the bikes at the head of this procession. This is NOT a criticism of the event by any means. It was necessary and I think successful.

From Lexington overpass:

 

[FalArAk]

No! Which one? I was gonna buy a new one this year with a helmet from the place you shared but I don't  need them yet so other stuff got the budget

Super Speed.

Im trying to live up to the name, better off just giving it to @Lxpony lol

 

[garandman]

This whole thread is going “Get off my lawn.”

Me on my 750 bonneville and my brother on his kz900 running from Brockton to Everett and back in 76 all highway wearing tires Michelin man style. I need a bike.

Get a kick out of the bikes headed for Alaska. Most tires won’t last the trip, so a lot bring replacements. Storage solutions vary widely.

 

[SFC13557]

I practice the weave, swerving every time I ride. I pick out sewer covers and swerve left to right and then right to left around them. Good practice, press left to go left, press right to go right.

 

[Road_Clam]

You guys that are like this are such a bunch of nervous pussies. The guy has experience on the dirt, he'll be fine. I literally got my mc permit and scheduled my road test the earliest day I was able to at 16. I've been riding on the street about 20 years now, precluded by years of riding and racing on the dirt, including AMA national enduros, hare scrambles, and some trials. I've never come close to dropping a bike on the street. My father was the same way, raced and rode in the dirt and the street over 60 years, never dropped a bike on the street. Riding a motorcycle is not some suicidal endeavor every time you go out, use some common sense, try to anticipate the morons in cars a bit, and you'll be fine. Yea if you've never touched a motorcycle you should absolutely learn on the dirt first or take a class, but the OP said he has dirt experience. Ya'll need to stop acting like riding a street bike is some feat of that nobody can handle. Accidents can happen, but only an absolute office chair commando with no athletic ability or a clumsy moron drops their bike or lays it down during normal street riding. The only motorcyle accidents I've ever witnessed in years of riding in clubs, doing poker runs, riding to Daytona, Laconia, etc. were the fault of bad drivers in cars, people in cars engaging in road rage against a motorcyclist, or inexperienced riders going way too fast for the conditions or their abilities, or crashes on a closed course. There are also some people that just should not ride at all because they are always afraid, nervous, physically inept, etc. they are the ones that end up hurt. You have to know yourself and your limits. The "there's only riders that have crashed, or are going to crash" bullshit is the mentality that gets people nervous and afraid and gets them hurt. Yea I've gotten pretty hurt before racing on a closed course or on the dirt, but that's riding at a level far and above what should ever happen on the street and taking risks that should never be taken on the street.

So here we have self proclaimed veteran "Ricky Racer" and the above is the irresponsible BS that your throwing out ? Let me explain something AGAIN that you should be WELL aware of . The racetrack is a CONTROLLED enviroment where it's nothing but the driver, the track and the finish line. The STREET is a instantly ever changing dangerous variable environment. You throw a leg over a bike and attack the street with "no fear" you will eventually end up dead.

 

[SFC13557]

So here we have self proclaimed veteran "Ricky Racer" and the above is the irresponsible BS that your throwing out ? Let me explain something AGAIN that you should be WELL aware of . The racetrack is a CONTROLLED enviroment where it's nothing but the driver, the track and the finish line. The STREET is a instantly ever changing dangerous variable environment. You throw a leg over a bike and attack the street with "no fear" you will eventually end up dead.

Correct, too many variables which means too many brain dead auto drivers who have no situational awareness and couldn't care less about you or I riding a motorcycle. After I bought my current ride, 2016 BMWRT, I justified the expense by riding the bike 2-3 times a week to work, Leominster to Hanscom and back which is 60 miles rd trip. I was hitting RT.2 at 6am and quickly realized it was more trouble than it was worth. Tailgating, passing on the right and cutting in front of me because I leave at least 2 car lengths between me and vehicle in front of me, etc. I'd be riding 80mph in the left lane and some DB in a Civic would be on my ass doing her makeup or texting.

 

[pupchow]

Correct, too many variables which means too many brain dead auto drivers who have no situational awareness and couldn't care less about you or I riding a motorcycle. After I bought my current ride, 2016 BMWRT, I justified the expense by riding the bike 2-3 times a week to work, Leominster to Hanscom and back which is 60 miles rd trip. I was hitting RT.2 at 6am and quickly realized it was more trouble than it was worth. Tailgating, passing on the right and cutting in front of me because I leave at least 2 car lengths between me and vehicle in front of me, etc. I'd be riding 80mph in the left lane and some DB in a Civic would be on my ass doing her makeup or texting.

I'm getting there. Traded K1600GTL for a 300XC. Contemplating trading the R1200GS for a plated thumper. I still have an RSV4 but that might be going soon as well.

 

[Grendizer138]

…. I was hitting RT.2 at 6am and quickly realized it was more trouble than it was worth. Tailgating, passing on the right and cutting in front of me because I leave at least 2 car lengths between me and vehicle in front of me, etc. I'd be riding 80mph in the left lane and some DB in a Civic would be on my ass doing her makeup or texting.

Rides 25mph over the speed limit; criticizes everyone not wearing hi viz underwear.

 

[appraiser]

Correct, too many variables which means too many brain dead auto drivers who have no situational awareness and couldn't care less about you or I riding a motorcycle. After I bought my current ride, 2016 BMWRT, I justified the expense by riding the bike 2-3 times a week to work, Leominster to Hanscom and back which is 60 miles rd trip. I was hitting RT.2 at 6am and quickly realized it was more trouble than it was worth. Tailgating, passing on the right and cutting in front of me because I leave at least 2 car lengths between me and vehicle in front of me, etc. I'd be riding 80mph in the left lane and some DB in a Civic would be on my ass doing her makeup or texting.

I sold my 2017 Kawi C14 for the same reason.... with 3 bikes and the Mustang in the garage, I was not using the C14 enough to justify having it, and I was in a position to get almost all my money back on it after 42 months of ownership

Even my 2 Harleys barely moved from their spot in the garage last winter in FL. I used to ride with a bunch of older guys in my community, but most of them are on trikes now, and being the only bike or one of two or three bikes in the middle of 12 trikes on a group ride is not my idea of fun.. and I always tried to ride in the back but it didn't always work out that way

Riding while surrounded by geriatric Q tips and brainless kids on their phones is no longer fun.

After 47 years there is no joy in riding anymore

 

[Wickedcoolname]

Riding in groups is just weird. If it isn't weird why do guys only do it on bikes? Why not get in your car with twenty or thirty of your friends in their cars and drive around in a group? Because it's weird, that's why. It's just as weird as waving. I don't wave to other pickup truck drivers when I'm in mine, why the hell should I wave at you on your bike?
And for my final rant: Anyone motorcycle rider who calls cars "cages" is a flaming douche nozzle.

 

[Grendizer138]

 

[SFC13557]

Rides 25mph over the speed limit; criticizes everyone not wearing hi viz underwear.

Speed is safety, I wear Hi-Viz jacket not underwear. I ride in the left lane and ride as fast as I can because it's safer passing the cagers than allowing them to pass me. I see you don't ride much or never commuted on major roads and highways. I used to live in Norwood and rode my 1982 CB900F to Hanscom and back in the late 80's and early 90's. Talk about a death defying act, I was much younger and dumber or had more balls.

 

[SFC13557]

View attachment 759884

Who's yelling? Please detail your riding experience and current ride.

 

[SFC13557]

I sold my 2017 Kawi C14 for the same reason.... with 3 bikes and the Mustang in the garage, I was not using the C14 enough to justify having it, and I was in a position to get almost all my money back on it after 42 months of ownership

Even my 2 Harleys barely moved from their spot in the garage last winter in FL. I used to ride with a bunch of older guys in my community, but most of them are on trikes now, and being the only bike or one of two or three bikes in the middle of 12 trikes on a group ride is not my idea of fun.. and I always tried to ride in the back but it didn't always work out that way

Riding while surrounded by geriatric Q tips and brainless kids on their phones is no longer fun.

After 47 years there is no joy in riding anymore

I think I read that FL is #1 in motorcycle deaths or at least top 5. I'm getting there, actually called Max 2 yrs ago after I bought my Mustang GT and told them to make me an offer and it was not worth selling the bike. It's paid for and has all the bells and whistles I need. Also had the 18,000mi service done over the winter so I'll keep the bike for now.

 

[SFC13557]

View attachment 759884

I will gladly give you a complimentary riding lesson if you wish to ride to Leominster, we can meet at Whitney Field Mall and use the parking lot to practice counter steering and braking and swerving and then we can head out for a nice ride out RT. 2 W to RT 202 thru the Quabbin thru Granby/Hadley/Chicopee into Westfield and then down to Easthampton Center out to Holyoke and then pick up Rt 116 to South Hadley onto Rt 47 into Sunderland and pick up RT 63 to RT 2 E and back. I did this ride last Monday, about 170 miles. We could stop at Bub's in Sunderland for BBQ if you like.

 

[SFC13557]

I was riding home to Norwood from the Lab in the early 90's on my 900F, in the left lane on 128 and I'm riding to the left of the lane like we were taught. Never ride in center of lane because of oil, antifreeze, etc. and I want to be as far away from the vehicle on my right. Chick is on my ass so I flash my brake lights to warn her to back off. I do a little weave to the right and back to the left of the lane and next thing I know she's PASSING ME IN MY LANE!. I look to my right and she's next to me and passing me. She cruises past me, I move to right lane and ride up next to her beeping my horn and she looks at me like what's your problem. After I got home and calmed down, I realized she took my lane position as a invitation to pass me in my lane. It actually happened a 2nd time a few months later so I did the weave after that.

 

[SS1]

Been riding since I took my test on a 70 CL350 scrambler In 76
Now have a 08 Electraglide, The whole point is not to zone out like the cars
And with all the idiot's and pot holes, construction out there i'm tempted to trade for a Hayabusa and putting in for spot on a motogp team
Remember Bike week starts the 10th

 

[FalArAk]

I will gladly give you a complimentary riding lesson if you wish to ride to Leominster, we can meet at Whitney Field Mall and use the parking lot to practice counter steering and braking and swerving and then we can head out for a nice ride out RT. 2 W to RT 202 thru the Quabbin thru Granby/Hadley/Chicopee into Westfield and then down to Easthampton Center out to Holyoke and then pick up Rt 116 to South Hadley onto Rt 47 into Sunderland and pick up RT 63 to RT 2 E and back. I did this ride last Monday, about 170 miles. We could stop at Bub's in Sunderland for BBQ if you like.

I'm there, can I judge

Although your route is all Harley Highways with a LOT of slow moving Harley traffic, specially on 202.

62 to 122 then backroads to Rt112 to 8A then 116 is better

Waaaaay less traffic.

 

[SFC13557]

I'm there, can I judge

Although your route is all Harley Highways with a LOT of slow moving Harley traffic, specially on 202.

It's the scenic ride for old guys
Yup, lots of Harley's cruising the roads.

 

[FalArAk]

It's the scenic ride for old guys
Yup, lots of Harley's cruising the roads.

Scenic as in traffic? lol

Try that route that I do above if you like rolling hills, farmlands, streams, mountains and a LOT less traffic and highways.

No place good to eat though on that whole 200 mile loop

 

[SFC13557]

Scenic as in traffic? lol

Try that route that I do above if you like rolling hills, farmlands, streams, mountains and a LOT less traffic and highways.

No place good to eat though on that whole 200 mile loop

What route?

 

[roccoracer]

Thank you all for the advice. I got my permit today and I am calling for my MSF class tomorrow. I also bought this beautiful bike today. I already insured it and will register in the next couple of days. I wasn't going to buy a used bike but this was an excellent deal.

 

[chris_1001]

Who has a line on a cheap DRZ 400? I’m getting the itch for a toy bike.

 

[roccoracer]

I would love some advice and sources for riding gear. I was thinking level 2, is that overkill? I will get fitted for a helmet, buy a jacket, gloves and riding shoes. Should I also get pants?

 

[chris_1001]

I would love some advice and sources for riding gear. I was thinking level 2, is that overkill? I will get fitted for a helmet, buy a jacket, gloves and riding shoes. Should I also get pants?

Yes!!! Yes! Always wear pants!!!!

Kidding aside. I have no recommendations. I know there are a few companies making riding pants that look normal (I’ll refrain from the incoming chaps comments)

 

[WilliM1940]

I would love some advice and sources for riding gear. I was thinking level 2, is that overkill? I will get fitted for a helmet, buy a jacket, gloves and riding shoes. Should I also get pants?

Was considering pants, but reviews don't hold much hope for proper fit and protection. In trying for max protection will probably go the armoured shorts route, separate knee armour covered with oversize jeans to fit. Preferably all CE level 2 armour.

 

[garandman]

Riding in groups is just weird. If it isn't weird why do guys only do it on bikes? Why not get in your car with twenty or thirty of your friends in their cars and drive around in a group? Because it's weird, that's why.//

They do. Meetups of enthusiast car owners to drive to events are common. Or track days. There was an off-road trip organized on this very forum. Larz Anderson Museum organizes 100+ mile rallies to expensive eateries.

Camaros, Corvettes, Miatas, Mustangs, Porsches, Vipers, WRX all organize track day or back road trips, including Tail Of The Dragon.

There is one you might approve of. Back in the 80’s a friend of mine bought a Ferrari Dino. At the time, the purists didn’t even consider it a Ferrari. But it allowed him to join the Ferrari Owners Association.

The Association planned a trip from outside Boston to the Montreal Grand Prix. With police escort. They made it to the border in less than three hours.

When they got there they also got a chance to drive the circuit in their own cars. Then they sat on top of the pits to watch the race, being fed drinks and entrees.

So, he was loving Ferrari ownership: until he brought it in for the first oil change. $1,200 - in the 80’s! He sold it for a good price.

 

[AJK129]

They do. Meetups of enthusiast car owners to drive to events are common. Or track days. There was an off-road trip organized on this very forum. Larz Anderson Museum organizes 100+ mile rallies to expensive eateries.

Camaros, Corvettes, Miatas, Mustangs, Porsches, Vipers, WRX all organize track day or back road trips, including Tail Of The Dragon.

There is one you might approve of. Back in the 80’s a friend of mine bought a Ferrari Dino. At the time, the purists didn’t even consider it a Ferrari. But it allowed him to join the Ferrari Owners Association.

The Association planned a trip from outside Boston to the Montreal Grand Prix. With police escort. They made it to the border in less than three hours.

When they got there they also got a chance to drive the circuit in their own cars. Then they sat on top of the pits to watch the race, being fed drinks and entrees.

So, he was loving Ferrari ownership: until he brought it in for the first oil change. $1,200 - in the 80’s! He sold it for a good price.

Bugatti has a owners club where they all fly their cars to different countries and drive together

 

[Road_Clam]

Thank you all for the advice. I got my permit today and I am calling for my MSF class tomorrow. I also bought this beautiful bike today. I already insured it and will register in the next couple of days. I wasn't going to buy a used bike but this was an excellent deal.

You are going to have a BLAST on that bike for sure! Just remember as far as getting aggressive playing through the twisties, be safe and responsible making the decision to go fast, and far more important is when to slow down . Constantly read the traffic and road surface conditions . Be smart, and enjoy the ride !