Hey all, I'm new to the site and just started riding again this past June. I have enjoyed reading the different posts and particularly the humor injected. Like others I had to laugh at the recommendation to rev it to red line and pop the clutch. No I don't know how nor have I intentionally pulled a wheelie but am envious of those who have that kind of control and do it safely. Generally your advice to us rookies is on target and should help to make us better and safer riders, again thank you. I had a CB400 in Germany back in 82/83. I miss the Autobahn and the people that know how to drive. It was a great bike and don't remember having a sore butt and right hand falling asleep. Of course I was 25 years younger. I have a 2007 VFR with ABS and factory saddle bags which I purchased and brought home on my truck the week before my safety class and my class M license. No test drives just reading reviews and sitting on bikes. So far I think I made a great choice. It is all stock but I have read with great interest your discussions on seats, cruise control, windshields, heated grips and power outlets to name a few. In two and a half months I have put about 3000 miles on it. A combination of riding to the train station five days a week and trips to visit family 160 miles away. I returned from a week at VA Beach last Saturday. I left off the saddle bags and strapped a medium duffel bag on the back. In a combination of highway and moderate stop and go (not city) I achieved just over 46 miles per gallon going 625 miles. With the bags on even with straight highway driving I only average about 40 mpg. I guess for long trips the saddle bags will be staying home. I live in MD between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and would be interested in riding and learning from more experienced riders. I know one of the members who lives near by and am learning about after market add ons from him. I think I would bore him on a ride as I do prefer to drive within 10-15 miles of the speed limit. Just an FYI if you are military, retired, active or reserve check your local military base for MSF classes. Ft. Meade did not offer a licensing course where you get a certificate to take to the DMV but they do offer a beginner, experienced rider and sport bike class, all for free. I took the experienced rider course roughly two months after completing (you are supposed to have a year of riding experience) my licensing course which cost me $250. The course was essentially the same except it was on my own bike. Also they gave you a laminated MSF card and a air pressure gage at graduation. Currently Ft. Meade only offers the sport bike class to active duty military. The Military is concerned about the young service members who have been hurt or killed on bikes. Well I can't give you my whole biker life story on one posting so I'll just say thanks again and safe riding.
Welcome to the group. Sounds like you have an interesting past. Also, welcome back to riding and congrats on your purchase of a fine machine and completing your MSF.
If you are military or DOD civilian you should be able to find classes at many of our military bases.
