ETex2
E. Texas
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Joined: 05/09/2005
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With the gas prices and all, I've been thinking of getting a motorcycle for running around town on. I'm 56, in reasonably good health and shape, and used to own one - 35 years ago. It was a Honda 750, and I'm looking at used bikes under $5,000, and found a nice 2000 Sportster 1200 for a great price.
My wife thinks it's a (well past a) mid-life crisis. I say it might just be a wild hair. I was quite relieved when my son sold his crotch rocket a few years ago.
I'm a decent driver with no wrecks ever and have kept my M on my license all these years. I am well aware of how dangerous they are, but maybe I am just looking for a little excitement. Who else here would do it?
Proudly clinging to my religion and guns.
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Wildbuc
Henderson, N.C.
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Joined: 12/16/2003
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Well, I'm 63 and thinking of doing the same thing---only with a Vespa or Honda Metro. The safety factor might depend on your location. I certainly would not ride a scooter or motorcycle in heavy traffic.
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Ultralife
West Coast, USA
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My real biker buddies have told me to not buy a sportster. Poor handling and balance. Stay with a Honda 750 or similar and be better off. Don't let the HD ego bother you either.
Where you are is where your at!
2002 Beaver Monterey 38' DP 330HP Cat
2002 New Beetle "Silver Bullet" Turbo Sport (Manual 5-speed)
Blue OX tow bar and base plate
Who says AZ summers are hot???
Don and Pat
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fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
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Depends on where and how you plan on riding. A Sportster is not what I would choose for running around town. A dual-sport single or a maxi-scooter is what I would be looking at. They would be much more maneuverable, less top heavy, and just as good on gas. Just depends on whether you're interested in image or usability.
Howard and Peggy
"Don't Panic"
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downtheroad
Tumbling Waters, Washington
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Even if gas was cheap I think you should do it.
Motorcycles are really fun.
GMC Duramax/Allison (LBZ)
08 Komfort 277TS Our Rig Pic
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Mandrake
Seattle
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Joined: 03/22/2005
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.....if you just want a little excitement, tell the wife your old girlfriend called and needs to see you......
Mandrake
he ain't heavy..........he's my brother....
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BA_LoKo
Broken Arrow, OK
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Joined: 05/11/2006
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Last September I bought two of these...
I use it to run all of my errands. I've even gone grocery shopping with it (there is storage under the seats). It is capable of maintaining 75 (+) mph on the highway, but it isn't as stable as a larger bike if there is heavy wind, or if a semi passes you. I'll likely keep these scooters, but I will add an additional larger bike to the stable for longer trips.
For around town, it's hard to beat these smaller type (called maxi) scooters.
The bike pictured above is a Yamaha Majesty.
* This post was
edited 05/29/08 05:37pm by an administrator/moderator *
Kev
Note:This post may contain misspellings, grammatical errors, disorganized sentence structure, misquotes, and may entirely lack a coherent theme. These elements are natural to the process of writing, and will only add to the overall beauty of the post.
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salem
Central Valley, Ca
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BA LO KO: What kind of mpg do you get? Just curious.
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Skid Row Joe
America, Tent Camping and RVing since 1960
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Joined: 04/26/2006
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ETex2 wrote:With the gas prices and all, I've been thinking of getting a motorcycle for running around town on. I'm 56, in reasonably good health and shape, and used to own one - 35 years ago. It was a Honda 750, and I'm looking at used bikes under $5,000, and found a nice 2000 Sportster 1200 for a great price.
I'm a decent driver with no wrecks ever and have kept my M on my license all these years. I am well aware of how dangerous they are, but maybe I am just looking for a little excitement. Who else here would do it? I have an original, low-miles '76 Honda CB550-Four so I know how you feel about your 750. I picked it up for far less than $5K a year ago. It's a lot of fun to ride, but I've decided to sell it, even though I love it. Good Luck!
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Frankjake
the Beaver State
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The problem is, you just might have so much fun you may find yourself riding more often than needed, which would just add to your gas usage. he he he. And it really makes no difference what type of bike you get, it's all about riding!
Have fun and enjoy whatever you decide to get.
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