Almost motorcycle season

Balog · #1 03-08-2013, 01:28 PM

And here in WA state it's looking to be an early spring.

I must admit I'm excited. I finally got an endorsement and a bike last year, but (because I am an idiot) I bought one that needed work to make it street legal. Work I didn't have time, space, or tools to do. Yeah. So I spent all of last year being mocked by my perfectly functioning but not legally rideable bike while my wife was off zooming around having fun. Not this year though! I'm selling that bike to a co-worker and buying one that runs well as is. I can't wait to get out on the road!

So who here is looking forward to riding again this year?

alembicguy · #2 03-08-2013, 01:38 PM

viper4000 · #3 03-08-2013, 01:48 PM

I'm ready to go! Supposed to be in the mid-60's here tomorrow. If it weren't for the 25 degree mornings, I would be riding everyday already.

tplyons · #4 03-08-2013, 02:09 PM

Can't wait for spring to get here to unbury my bike, pull off the bike cover and get that oil changed.

Only downside is that I probably need new tires this year.

murphy · #5 03-08-2013, 07:48 PM

yup....countdown
2degrees c or 36F......getting there

blastoff99 · #6 03-08-2013, 07:52 PM

Balog, Chuckanut Drive (SR11) was full of motorcycles today! I wasn't on one of them, but I'll probably get out tomorrow.

Bittersweet, though. I'm looking to sell one of my two bikes, probably my favorite bike of all time.

fdeck · #7 03-08-2013, 07:54 PM

Yup. Time to get out my almost motorcycle.

nortonrider · #8 03-08-2013, 07:59 PM

I rode to work today.
36 degrees this morning and I got snowed on during the ride home.

giacomini · #9 03-08-2013, 08:24 PM

Just let my hand heal from the last accident, then it'll be motorcycle season again.

4dog · #10 03-08-2013, 10:47 PM

Depends on where ya live, southcentral TX , bike season all yr round, well mebbe a week or two of for polishing.

pedulla-2007 · #11 03-08-2013, 11:41 PM

Anybody have any idea how hard it is to register this bike street legal ? Have wheels, brakes, need baja designs lighting kit, and registration.

MarkMgibson · #12 03-09-2013, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedulla-2007

Anybody have any idea how hard it is to register this bike street legal ? Have wheels, brakes, need baja designs lighting kit, and registration.

I have a registered DR 650 and the only problem I can see with your bike is that it doesn't have indicators or mirrors. I can't tell if it has a brake light, but that's all you need in Australia to register a bike. Your tyres wouldn't be a problem here either (my bike has off-road tyres like yours).

I guess it depends on the laws where you live, but I hope you get it registered. I have a blast riding mine around, and there's no such thing as a traffic jam.

hgiles · #13 03-09-2013, 06:51 AM

Mine:

TechJunky · #14 03-09-2013, 04:06 PM

Go to around 50 here today, with lots of sun...perfect for riding! Can't wait for the weather to break completely so it can be the daily ride again!

She's filthy, but I'd rather ride it than clean it.

blastoff99 · #15 03-09-2013, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pedulla-2007

Anybody have any idea how hard it is to register this bike street legal ? Have wheels, brakes, need baja designs lighting kit, and registration.

All depends on your state regs. Some states are much stricter than others. You might consider taking an internet trip to your state's Department of Licensing to find out what the requirements are.

pocketgroove · #16 03-10-2013, 01:19 PM

I'd like to start riding and maybe pick up a used Honda Rebel or Yamaha V-Star. It definitely seems like a ton of fun, and the gas mileage will be a big benefit, too. I'm still not entirely clear on how to get the endorsement, etc. but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.

tplyons · #17 03-10-2013, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocketgroove

I'd like to start riding and maybe pick up a used Honda Rebel or Yamaha V-Star. It definitely seems like a ton of fun, and the gas mileage will be a big benefit, too. I'm still not entirely clear on how to get the endorsement, etc. but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.

Here in NJ it's as simple as a written test, a few bucks and then a road test.

However, look into taking a course by the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) -- in many states the completion of the course will act in place of your road test, you get to do it on a lighter bike, plus fifteen hours of education and PROPER riding technique.

Find a location near you here: http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx

In many places, MSF courses are subsidized so you should be able to get everything taken care of for around $200.

MarkMgibson · #18 03-10-2013, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pocketgroove

I'd like to start riding and maybe pick up a used Honda Rebel or Yamaha V-Star. It definitely seems like a ton of fun, and the gas mileage will be a big benefit, too. I'm still not entirely clear on how to get the endorsement, etc. but it shouldn't be too hard to figure out.

The test itself is easy as hell (I'm guessing it's fairly similar wherever you live). If you have no experience riding bikes, it would be a good idea to do a defensive riding course. I got my first dirt bike when I was about 12, so riding a motorbike is much more instinctive for me than driving a car. There's a lot more danger involved though, so if you do start riding, stay out of the city for a while. The more traffic, the more halfwitted drivers.