Newbie with a cruising question... - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

blackie1491 · 05-12-2007, 09:30 PM

Looking good.

RodScher · 05-13-2007, 07:48 PM

Thanks! So far, I'm lovin' it. Not as quick and nimble as the more sporty bikes I've had, but plenty of power and much more stable. I could see takin' a nice, long cross-country ride. But maybe we'll start with an hour-long jaunt to Nebraska City, just to make sure nothing falls off. Like my butt, for example.

nateW · 05-13-2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodScher

Thanks! So far, I'm lovin' it. Not as quick and nimble as the more sporty bikes I've had, but plenty of power and much more stable. I could see takin' a nice, long cross-country ride. But maybe we'll start with an hour-long jaunt to Nebraska City, just to make sure nothing falls off. Like my butt, for example.

Always the first thing to go.
Hell! New bike. New to the cruiser world. Go for your iron butt badge in the first weeks of ownership. LOL

In case you don't know the term. 1000 miles in 24hours or 1500 in 36 hours.

Jammer · 05-14-2007, 07:42 AM

Hello Rod and welcome. Here's what I did. For me it seemed that there were always some old riders. Now for me old means Old Indian riders and Old Harley Knuckle Head. Retired..not riding much anymore..but full of places to know where to go. Even if you are in the middle of nowhere there has to be some of these people around to ask. Next would be motorcycle groups to join up.

Good luck

RodScher · 05-14-2007, 11:21 AM

Thanks, Jammer & NateW. Yeah, I had heard the term, but hadn't caught the (1000 & 1500 mile) parameters. I'm thinkin' it'll be a while before I'm ready to try that.

But I do know there are a couple of clubs hereabouts; even a couple of guys at work who ride cruisers, So I'm sure I'll get to put the VN900 through its paces. (But gradually, while I learn the ropes.)

Rickster · 05-18-2007, 12:32 AM

Congrats

RodScher · 05-18-2007, 12:08 PM

Thanks, Rickster! Wow, nice stable of bikes you've got there.

jimr · 05-18-2007, 12:26 PM

Good lookin scoot there Rod, now quit ridin long enough to get that sticker off the tank

RodScher · 05-20-2007, 04:23 PM

I can take the sticker off?! I figured that if I did that, the mattress tag people ("Do not remove under penalty of law...") would come after me. Never mind, I guess you hafta be "of a certain age" to get that joke.

Took my first real ride this weekend - Lincoln to Omaha, mostly via the back roads. About 150 miles there and back. Lessons learned 1) It's really windy in Nebraska. 2) If you meet up at a stoplight with two young ladies riding H-D's, it's best not to get too friendly, especially if your wife is just ahead of you in a Mini Cooper. 3) Nebraska is very, very, very windy. 4) Some state senator is getting kickbacks from whatever construction company specializes in grooved pavement. 5) That nice little old lady in the Honda will not let you over in time for you to make that offramp. 6) Did I mention the wind thing?

Rickster · 05-20-2007, 10:29 PM

This is just a guess, but it sounds like riding really blows down your way.

Just kidding, don't worry about the wind too much, you'll get used to it, after a while, you'll hardly notice it. You want to experience some really windy conditions, head out west to Oregon, and ride Pacific Coast Hwy 1, now that's windy!! On a calm day the wind is 30 mph, when it gets windy, you have to park your bike behind a building to keep it from blowing over.

RodScher · 05-21-2007, 08:34 AM

Ouch.

Ah, that's right - grew up tooling up and down PCH, but in a car. Hadn't thought about what it might be like on a bike! Yikes. Windy! But gorgeous!

bonesnews · 05-21-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodScher

Hi, all. Been lurking for a few days; what a great forum! Awesome info, advice, suggestions. Figured I'd make my first post: I'm awaiting delivery of my new bike (a Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic to replace my tired 650 Nighthawk). First time with a cruiser and I'm so jazzed I can hardly stand it! (Like a few others here, my wife said that if I quit smoking I could buy a bigger bike.

) It's killing me to have to wait. I keep cleaning the garage, lining up my tools, arranging stuff; it's like getting the nursery ready for the new baby. It's so pathetic.

Anyway, here's my question: I live in Lincoln, NE -- essentially, the middle of nowhere. Not finding any good Nebraska-area cruise info. Any advice on where to cruise or where to go to find info about cruising in this area?

Thanks again to all of you for the solid advice and for the camaraderie.

Hey Rod if you are looking for good places to cruise do what I do......Fill up the tank and start driving. Any ride can be a good one. Hey

to the forum.......

wildwolf · 05-21-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodScher

Thanks, Rickster! Wow, nice stable of bikes you've got there.

Yup..but I'm not sure why he'd want to keep a (SOLD) bike in his signature?

RodScher · 05-21-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonesnews

Hey Rod if you are looking for good places to cruise do what I do......Fill up the tank and start driving. Any ride can be a good one. Hey

to the forum.......

Yeah, you're right. Plenty of open country here, too. (Nebraska literally has more cows than people.) Lots of it's pretty. Just jump on, push the button, and go. (OK, OK, check the oil, coolant, and tire pressure first.)

Rickster · 05-21-2007, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildwolf

Yup..but I'm not sure why he'd want to keep a (SOLD) bike in his signature?

Just being lazy, and I still like to post on the M50 section, besides, I never figured anyone would have a problem with it. Now if I listed the 30 or so bikes I've sold in the past, I can see someone possibly having a problem with that.

shmedly · 06-16-2007, 09:10 PM

Nice bike!

RodScher · 06-17-2007, 10:28 AM

Thanks! Been having a great time with it! (Trying to keep a bloggish record of rides here. We'll see how that goes.)

Next question: That 600 mile service -- OK to have an indie shop do it? The dealer spent so much time trying to scare the crap outta me so that I'd buy the extended service plan that I don't really trust 'em.

stp1971 · 06-18-2007, 12:01 PM

Well on the 600 mile servise it is really your call. Supposedley they must honor your warranty unless they can prove you have not maintained it correctly.

I decided that rather than let the manufacture have an edge in case something went wrong that I would let them once over it for the initial service. That way I could show them I had maintained it. But after that I bought my oil and filters from the delear and kept accurate mileage logs with dates that cooresponded to the purchase of the parts. Plus I took pics of the 7500 mile service I did on the Intruder.

A little over kill but I figure I could fight a case in case I had a problem.

EasyE · 06-18-2007, 12:11 PM

Very nice looking ride.

hey, I'm down in KC, if you ever near here gimme a holla!

RodScher · 06-18-2007, 02:36 PM

Thanks, stp1971! I may do exactly what you say...

EasyE... May be headed to Marceline, MO some time this summer. Got a buddy who just bought a business down there. (In other news, There are businesses in Marceline, MO!)

05-14-2007, 07:42 AM	#24 (permalink)
Jammer Sprocket Pilot Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: 2004 GSXR 750, 2003 Kawasaki Mean Streak, 2007 Susuzki DRZ400s Location: York, Pennsylvania Posts: 867	Hello Rod and welcome. Here's what I did. For me it seemed that there were always some old riders. Now for me old means Old Indian riders and Old Harley Knuckle Head. Retired..not riding much anymore..but full of places to know where to go. Even if you are in the middle of nowhere there has to be some of these people around to ask. Next would be motorcycle groups to join up. Good luck __________________ 2004 Gixxer 750 2003 Mean Streak 1500 2007 DRZ400S Location: York, Pennsylvania

05-18-2007, 12:32 AM	#26 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,911	Congrats __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

05-18-2007, 12:08 PM	#27 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	Thanks, Rickster! Wow, nice stable of bikes you've got there. __________________ Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic Location: Lincoln, NE

05-18-2007, 12:26 PM	#28 (permalink)
jimr In Training Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 06 C50 blue/gray Location: Thomasville GA Posts: 113	Good lookin scoot there Rod, now quit ridin long enough to get that sticker off the tank __________________ If you ride like there's no tomorrow - there won't be.

05-20-2007, 04:23 PM	#29 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	I can take the sticker off?! I figured that if I did that, the mattress tag people ("Do not remove under penalty of law...") would come after me. Never mind, I guess you hafta be "of a certain age" to get that joke. Took my first real ride this weekend - Lincoln to Omaha, mostly via the back roads. About 150 miles there and back. Lessons learned 1) It's really windy in Nebraska. 2) If you meet up at a stoplight with two young ladies riding H-D's, it's best not to get too friendly, especially if your wife is just ahead of you in a Mini Cooper. 3) Nebraska is very, very, very windy. 4) Some state senator is getting kickbacks from whatever construction company specializes in grooved pavement. 5) That nice little old lady in the Honda will not let you over in time for you to make that offramp. 6) Did I mention the wind thing? __________________ Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic Location: Lincoln, NE

05-12-2007, 09:30 PM	#21 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,186	Looking good.

05-13-2007, 07:48 PM	#22 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	Thanks! So far, I'm lovin' it. Not as quick and nimble as the more sporty bikes I've had, but plenty of power and much more stable. I could see takin' a nice, long cross-country ride. But maybe we'll start with an hour-long jaunt to Nebraska City, just to make sure nothing falls off. Like my butt, for example.

05-14-2007, 11:21 AM	#25 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	Thanks, Jammer & NateW. Yeah, I had heard the term, but hadn't caught the (1000 & 1500 mile) parameters. I'm thinkin' it'll be a while before I'm ready to try that. But I do know there are a couple of clubs hereabouts; even a couple of guys at work who ride cruisers, So I'm sure I'll get to put the VN900 through its paces. (But gradually, while I learn the ropes.)

05-20-2007, 10:29 PM	#30 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,911	This is just a guess, but it sounds like riding really *blows* down your way. Just kidding, don't worry about the wind too much, you'll get used to it, after a while, you'll hardly notice it. You want to experience some really windy conditions, head out west to Oregon, and ride Pacific Coast Hwy 1, now that's windy!! On a calm day the wind is 30 mph, when it gets windy, you have to park your bike behind a building to keep it from blowing over. __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

05-21-2007, 08:34 AM	#31 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	Ouch. Ah, that's right - grew up tooling up and down PCH, but in a car. Hadn't thought about what it might be like on a bike! Yikes. Windy! But gorgeous! __________________ Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic Location: Lincoln, NE

06-16-2007, 09:10 PM	#36 (permalink)
shmedly In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: HD Electra Glide Classic, Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: In a box in Connecticut Posts: 121	Nice bike! __________________ Loud pipes sound cool! 2003 HD Electra Glide Classic 100th Anniversary Edition

06-17-2007, 10:28 AM	#37 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	600 mile service question - indie shop OK? Thanks! Been having a great time with it! (Trying to keep a bloggish record of rides here. We'll see how that goes.) Next question: That 600 mile service -- OK to have an indie shop do it? The dealer spent so much time trying to scare the crap outta me so that I'd buy the extended service plan that I don't really trust 'em. __________________ Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic Location: Lincoln, NE

06-18-2007, 12:01 PM	#38 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,768	Well on the 600 mile servise it is really your call. Supposedley they must honor your warranty unless they can prove you have not maintained it correctly. I decided that rather than let the manufacture have an edge in case something went wrong that I would let them once over it for the initial service. That way I could show them I had maintained it. But after that I bought my oil and filters from the delear and kept accurate mileage logs with dates that cooresponded to the purchase of the parts. Plus I took pics of the 7500 mile service I did on the Intruder. A little over kill but I figure I could fight a case in case I had a problem. __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

06-18-2007, 12:11 PM	#39 (permalink)
EasyE Ditch Magnet Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: 2006 M50 Blue Location: Lee's Summit, MO Posts: 184	Very nice looking ride. hey, I'm down in KC, if you ever near here gimme a holla! __________________ Mine - '06 Blue M50, Cobra Streetrods Slashdowns, Kuryakan Hypercharger blue butterflys and inset, Cobra FI2000, OEM Billet backrest Hers - '06 C50c - Pearl white with ghost flames , Cobra Short backrest

06-18-2007, 02:36 PM	#40 (permalink)
RodScher Where Am I ? Joined: May 2007 Bike: Kawa Vulcan 900 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 26	Thanks, stp1971! I may do exactly what you say... EasyE... May be headed to Marceline, MO some time this summer. Got a buddy who just bought a business down there. (In other news, There are businesses in Marceline, MO!) __________________ Kawa Vulcan 900 Classic Location: Lincoln, NE

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