Topic: New Motorcycle Owner - Anyone Else Ride?
in Forum: Off Topic
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Lifetime MemberApache Junction, AZ - USA
Joined: 10/15/2006
Posts: 285
Vette(s): 1982,150K,Renegade CFI,Hooker Side Pipes,85 fuel pump,Bilsteins,HD suspension, Aluminum radiator, SharkBar/w 5-Point Restraints. 3:73 gears coming soon.
Just bought a 2003 Honda Shadow Spirit to enjoy on the weekends; I have not rode a bike in 20 years so I have been taking it slow through the neighborhood - learning to ride again. I am almost ready for the Learners Permit testing so I will be legal until I get the full MC endorsement license. I have decided to get enrolled in one of those MC training courses to help me along, has anyone else gone to one of those?
I have always loved the look and sound of Harley's, but most everyone I talked to said they are high maintenance and I do not want another high maintenance vehicle to invest my time and money into..... my C3 owns my heart AND wallet and always will! This Honda has the look of a Harley and sounds close and is almost as loud as my 82
So anyway, does anyone else ride and what do you ride? Also, any advice for a new ride would be appreciated.
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(modified 2 large images to links)
Adams' Apple 2009-08-24 07:23:49
I have always loved the look and sound of Harley's, but most everyone I talked to said they are high maintenance and I do not want another high maintenance vehicle to invest my time and money into..... my C3 owns my heart AND wallet and always will! This Honda has the look of a Harley and sounds close and is almost as loud as my 82
So anyway, does anyone else ride and what do you ride? Also, any advice for a new ride would be appreciated.
Pic 1
Pic 2
(modified 2 large images to links)
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Congrats, Phil!! 
There are a few of us here that go two wheeling...I ride a Honda Goldwing every day, weather permitting.
Then there's Scott(cj5nutz)....but he rides upside down, from what I hear...
sorry, Scott...just messin wid ya
By all means, do the MSB New Rider's course!!! It will make getting your license so much easier, and you'll prolly learn a thing or two, too! And, at least here in Texas, once you pass the course, you don't have to wear a helmet if ya don't want to, you get a better deal on insurance, and you don't have to take the driving portion of the license test...just the written part, which is simple.
Adams' Apple 2009-08-24 07:40:15
There are a few of us here that go two wheeling...I ride a Honda Goldwing every day, weather permitting.
Then there's Scott(cj5nutz)....but he rides upside down, from what I hear...
sorry, Scott...just messin wid yaBy all means, do the MSB New Rider's course!!! It will make getting your license so much easier, and you'll prolly learn a thing or two, too! And, at least here in Texas, once you pass the course, you don't have to wear a helmet if ya don't want to, you get a better deal on insurance, and you don't have to take the driving portion of the license test...just the written part, which is simple.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Well Phil, I used to build custom bikes in the 70's. For myself, I chose a Honda power plant (low vibes,meaning smooth, lotsa power, very reliable), drove it for another 20 yrs. ( cam started to go flat, ..regrind) never had any problems. Your choice was my choice, never had any regrets.
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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The tags on my 79 low rider say 2004, they leak a little oil out of the primary, use a little oil, put your butt to sleep at times, maintenance, nut and bolt check, oil ck, pri.& secondary chain ck, clutch ck., bought her new and she never let me down, came close tho when the electronic ign, started to go out, new ones are all together different, less ck's smoother ride, another bike I've heard good things about is the Victory, Harley customizer king Arlien Ness is a dealer, a friend of mine just bought one, its well balanced, confortable, when you pick it up you don't have to "horse" it up like a big twin, comes with a 104 cu. in. and the closest sound to a hog so far..and made in the USA..
anips 2009-08-28 09:11:10
I think you'll be a lot happier with the Honda Shadow than the Harley anyway. I've never owned one myself but I have a close friend that's been riding a Shadow for years. He has had a couple different Honda Shadows over the years. A Great bike that's very reliable.
I have used it many times and always enjoyed riding it.
I once used it for a weekend cruise from Seattle to Yakima (about 300 miles round trip over a mountain pass) and it was a great handling bike. Way less vibration and maintenance issues with the Shadow compared to the Harley. I have been riding bikes all of my life but most of the bikes I have had were Dual-Sport bikes that I could cruise the mountain dirt roads. My last bike was a 1984 Honda XL-600. I rode it for about 12 years before I sold it.
If that red bike is the one you bought she's a beauty. Good choice.
Good luck and have fun...
Rafterman
in Forum: Off Topic
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