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Returning to Riding

Started by MrMarple, January 04, 2007, 05:57:00 PM

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MrMarple

I haven't ridden since 94' but it's still in my blood and I still turn my head whenever a bike goes by.  I'm looking for something with good handling, comfort and acceptable performance.  The GS looks lilke a fit.  Bikes I've had in the past in order of ownership:  74 Kawasaki KZ450, a bike mag once labeled it reliable as a refrigerator and just as exciting.  The were right unfortunately.  81 Yamaha 750 Seca, nice bike, good power and easy maintenance shaft drive, 74 Kawasaki H2 750 two-stroke triple, world's fastest bicycle at least that's what the handling felt like, should of kept it as a collector.  Last bike owned:  1980 Kawasaki KZ750 LTD twin,  didn't handle and definitely down on performance, probably what sapped my desire to ride.  Anyway I'm back and ready to jump in again.  I plan on taking the MSF course this spring and then it's off to search for a bike.  I turned 60 this past year so i know I'm in the 4th quarter at least and don't want the clock to run out before giving it one more go.  Love your forum, best to everybody.

Greg   

shmdalum

Welcome back to riding, the GS is a great bike, easy to wrench on and all in all an inexpensive hobby for me.

"In god we trust, all others we monitor"
5th RS Blackcats
"If you ain't a blackcat, you ain't sh*t!"

rob1bike

If it comes out of your body you shouldn't be afraid to hold it in your hand! :o

pandy

Quote from: shmdalum on January 04, 2007, 06:08:40 PM
Welcome back to riding, the GS is a great bike, easy to wrench on and all in all an inexpensive hobby for me.

+1! (<---Yes, I'm so lazy tonight! ;):cheers: :thumb:
'06 SV650s (1 past Gixxer; 3 past GS500s)
I get blamed for EVERYTHING around here!
:woohoo:

pantablo

Quote from: pandy on January 04, 2007, 06:22:33 PM
+1! (<---Yes, I'm so lazy tonight! ;):cheers: :thumb:

tonight? LOL...


welcome returning rider!
Pablo-
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/
www.pma-architect.com


Quote from: makenzie71 on August 21, 2006, 09:47:40 PM...not like normal sex, either...like sex with chicks.

scottpA_GS

The GS is a great bike as the others have argreed. Of course this is a GS site :) Anyway. I have seen a few older folks on here that ride a GS and it seems to be a good fit for them. I hope that some of them will chime in and give you some input from the other side of the hill  :thumb:

Anyway.. welcome to the site  :cheers: and good luck with your bike shoping. Be sure to check the for sale section on here. You may get a good deal on a well loved bike from another GS twin member  :thumb:


~ 1990 GS500E Project bike ~ Frame up restoration ~ Yosh exhaust, 89 clipons, ...more to come...

~ 98 Shadow ACE 750 ~ Black Straight Pipes ~ UNI Filter ~ Dyno Jet Stage 1 ~ Sissy Bar ~


CO_GS500

Welcome, I was in the same postion and went for the GS.  It was a very good decision, if I do say so myself!

Happy and safe riding. :thumb:
2002 GS500
2005 DR650

dgyver

Quote from: MrMarple on January 04, 2007, 05:57:00 PM

.....  I turned 60 this past year .....


Looks like you are giving GSJack a run for the oldest board member.  :bowdown:


Quote from: shmdalum on January 04, 2007, 06:08:40 PM

..... and all in all an inexpensive hobby for me.


I wish I could say that.
Common sense in not very common.

gsJack

Welcome Greg, you'll be far from the oldest rider around here.  I got my first bike in 1984 at age 52 and never stopped.  In order, I've had a 81 CB400T, 82 CB750K, 81 CM400A, 85 CB650SC, 97 GS500E, and my current 02 GS500.    The GS500s have been the most fun of the lot, put the last 120k miles of my 350k miles on the two GS's.  Think you will enjoy a GS when you get back in the groove.

To scottpa, we're both on the same side of the hill; I'm just a little closer to the top.   :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
407,400 miles in 30 years for 13,580 miles/year average.  Started riding 7/21/84 and hung up helmet 8/31/14.

NiceGuysFinishLast

irc.freequest.net

#GStwins gs500

Hang out there, we may flame, but we don't hate.

My attitude is in serious need of readjustment, and I'm ok with that.

pandy

Quote from: pantablo on January 04, 2007, 06:56:36 PM
tonight? LOL...welcome returning rider!

Ok, ok...I'm lazy EVERY night! :flipoff: :laugh:

Quote from: MrMarple on January 04, 2007, 05:57:00 PM
I plan on taking the MSF course this spring and then it's off to search for a bike.  I turned 60 this past year so i know I'm in the 4th quarter at least and don't want the clock to run out before giving it one more go.  Love your forum, best to everybody.Greg   

The beauty of modern times is that there are now FIVE quarters!  :icon_mrgreen:
'06 SV650s (1 past Gixxer; 3 past GS500s)
I get blamed for EVERYTHING around here!
:woohoo:

scratch

Welcome!

The GS will make you feel right at home.
The motorcycle is no longer the hobby, the skill has become the hobby.

Power does not compare to skill.  What good is power without the skill to use it?

QuoteOriginally posted by Wintermute on BayAreaRidersForum.com
good judgement trumps good skills every time.

mp183

#12
I got the GS after not riding for about 20 years.
Best thing I ever did.
Great bike and will keep you out of trouble as you
get back into the flow.
I have over 24,000 miles on my 2002 and it's my favorite bike.
60 is not much.
Met a guy that was 76 on a trip to James Bay on my DL-650.
The guy had a 1000 and he really moved.
He said his wife was 73, she has the DL-650, and when she is with him on her
bike she's right behind him.
Every night for dinner him and the other French Canadian split
a bottle of wine.  Maybe that has something to do with it.

2002 GS500
2004 V-Strom 650 
is it time to check the valves?
2004 KLR250.

Zap

I went through about the same length of time away from bikes.  Thanks to the warm fall and winter, I've put over 2,200 miles on my '05 GS since October.  The bike's a lot of fun and a good choice for those of us with rusty riding skills.  Enjoy!

MrMarple

Thank you one and all for the warm welcome.  Can't wait for spring.  Oh well, winter's a nice time to shop for gear and farkles and ponder warm days, blue skies and winding roads.   

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