Honda Shadow, first bike, questions - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Walterjp · 09-30-2007, 01:22 AM

Hey, I just purchased a 1983 honda shadow 500 i'm 18 and this is my first bike. Ive always had a interest in bikes and it seemed that a 500cc would be a good size for starting, but still enough power to keep up with traffic. Also this is my first post. Im signed up to take my schooling soon. I just wanted to ask a couple of questions.

1. The bike has 23,200 miles on it, is that average for its age?

2. Ive checked over the tires and oil, the basic things some one would check, are there other things I should check with the bike being just purchased that I might not be aware of?

3. Helmets wise, I live in florida, and of corse its hot as heck, I am considering getting the full faced helmets due to the protection. Ive looked at a couple helmets most notably the HJC's, am I gonna be able to breathe in these full face helmets considering the heat in fl? (also i wear glasses, will i be able to wear them with a face shield on also?)

4. Ive noticed when I drove it (only once down my street without license) when i slowed down/shifted down the pipes had a little bit of a poppy sound, is that normal or is something out of whack.

I'm sure ill have more questions later, and thanks for the help with these questions.