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#15
by
waine
on 07 Aug, 2012 07:12
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I was never a keen motorcycle fan although my father was.
I have travelled the same freeway to work and back for 17 years and watched as the traffic went from hectic to unbearable. After moving 40 KM out of town in 2005, I wondered how I would ever cope. About three years ago a colleague was sharing how his hectic traffic nightmare was solved by him buying a motorcycle. This sparked an idea.
After much deliberation, I raised the cash and bought myself a brand new red Kawasaki KLR 650 as this was the best value for money available for its size. Not having ridden for about 20 years I carefully honed my skills and built up some confidence.
Since my purchase, I ride to work in all weather types. My travel time was cut by half and my parking problems ended. The fuel costs were halved although the maintenance is a bit hectic with the services and repair costs.
In a nut shell, the KLR is a machine that has proven itself, in keeping with the same design since the early 70’s when the US Marines used it on beach patrols. If you stick to the service instructions, this bike just keeps on going with no problems. The only hassle I have had is the headlight bulbs have blown three times. By no means a bike with significant speed, there are sufficient horses to get you out of a potential situation quickly.
My dream is to tour certain parts of South Africa and Namibia on my KLR with a tent, some cash and a good mate.
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#16
by
Hingatao
on 07 Aug, 2012 11:21
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I haven't got a bike yet but I hope to soon. If I'm lucky it'll be an HD Night Rod Special. I check it out every time I go by one of the local dealerships. It's a beautiful bike.
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#17
by
Mikekoz13
on 07 Aug, 2012 12:22
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I'm a Harley guy. I've been riding since my Dad plopped me onto a Yamaha 125 CC when I was 12 years old.
Back in the early days I rode only Yamahas.... then in about 1984 I went to a Bike show and sat on a Harley to see what all the fuss was about. I knew that day that I would someday own a Harley.
I bought my first Harley in late 1993... I rode it for a little over a year, almost got killed on it twice in a week, and then sold it (thinking it was time to back off for a while). I planned on buying another a year later.... but then I met my future wife, got married and had kids. No time or money for Bikes.
Then in July of 2009, for my 49th birthday, I bought a brand new HD Road King. A thing of pure beauty. I traded that about 16 months later for my current ride... a 2011 Ultra Limited...... the finest Bike I've ever owned.
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#18
by
Bolohead
on 21 Aug, 2012 21:21
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I like to photograph them
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#19
by
Viking
on 12 Sep, 2012 17:13
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I'm just taking my first steps into the world of bikes. At the age of 29 I've bought myself my first bike, just a little Suzuki GN125, nothing amazing but looks kinda cool I reckon (it looks like a bike, it's not trying to look like a sport bike or a chopper!).
I just need to do my CBT course so I can ride on the road, hopefully I'll enjoy it and do my full bike test and get a "proper" bike!! Would love to get a Harley (or more likely a metric V twin) at some point, I love the noise and drama of them!!
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#20
by
mark
on 02 Oct, 2012 18:11
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#21
by
Bald Weasel
on 07 Oct, 2012 18:54
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Count me in!
I've been riding since '89. I had a Suzuki GS500, a Honda CB750, a Honda Magna 700 and multiple dirtbikes.
3 years ago my best friend's brother in law had a bike he was selling due to having to move.
He had no idea what it was and didn't even know he was a rider. We went over the following weekend and in his garage was a 1998 Yamaha Royal Star 1300 with only 6500 MILES on the clock!!!
I was in love, bought her 15mins later for only 3K and we've been inseperable since.
With the exception of removing the bags, shield and installing forward controls she's stock.
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#22
by
Mikekoz13
on 08 Oct, 2012 05:01
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Nice find Keith. I used to be a Yamaha guy. Owned three over the years.
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#23
by
Scottakist
on 23 Nov, 2012 10:49
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Cool thread...
However if i get approached with you look like one of the sons of anarchy guys one more time
I ride a 2004 Harley ultra classic
removed the touring trunk cause if i spill the bike i dont want that extra rack to take me for the extra ride if i try and bail off
the bike belonged to my mothers husband who in 2005 had a wicked bad stroke and is now unable to ride.
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#24
by
Daven
on 06 Jan, 2013 12:04
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Okay, after not even being on the website for almost 2 months I said this would be a good place to start chatting. I started riding motorcycles when I was eight years old. Dad bought me a Yamaha YZ 80 for our ranch. I've ridden all my life with the exception of the last 12 years. Due to my multiple sclerosis the last time I rode a bike was was 12 years ago and I sold my 95 Dyna glide convertible which was my favorite bike of all time. Then three months ago my best friend called to tell me that he Won big money in Vegas and he was going to sell his trike (which was a Suzuki) To buy a Harley Triglide. I test drove his Suzuki, I thought about buying it but realized I needed Milwaukee's steel but it helped me realize I could ride a trike and now in the proud owner of a Harley trike myself. Since I am 43 and not 58, like he is, I decided a triglide was a little bit too big for me. I hunted for about a month and a half and came up with my dream trike. It is a 2009 Harley V-rod custom trike. The only thing better than having a Harley in the garage is having a Harley with a Porsche designed engine. The damn thing is so fast I can barely stand it. The night I closed the garage door and it was behind it my wife looked at me and said "are you happy"? I said hell no. She said what you mean hell no, you got your Harley back, I said yeah but I got to replace all my leathers. Needless to say Harley bags under the Christmas tree this year and I've got my full set of leathers again. I got to say, and not meaning to get cheesy, when I'm on my Trike I forget that I'm sick.
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#25
by
Switchy
on 06 Jan, 2013 12:24
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I have really been thinking about getting a trike. I miss my Harley alot, people out there driving around are nuts. But once it is in your blood it never goes away. I like you started riding when I was 7-8 had scooters, and just kept moving up. There is a Freedom that a person feels when out riding , and watching for the people that are not concerned about what is around them.
By the way good post. Thanx
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#26
by
Mikekoz13
on 06 Jan, 2013 17:06
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Welcome back Daven. The trikes are great for guys that love to ride but can't physically handle the weight of a Bike anymore.
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#27
by
Frontier Guy
on 06 Jan, 2013 19:45
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Daven ... great story, but an even greater example of not allowing "assumed" limitations contain you. I believe every one of us can learn from your experience. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
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#28
by
Lynchy
on 06 Jan, 2013 20:39
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Sounds ike an awesome bike.
Now where are the pics
?
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#29
by
VoodooSyxx
on 07 Jan, 2013 03:22
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I've never had anything quite as nice as some of the rides you fellas have, but back in 2006 I built a Kikker Hardknock 250 to cruise around on. Last year when I had to move from DFW to Austin, I sold her to my bother in law though. I'm still kicking myself for that and if I can manage the money for another kit, there will be a new bobber built.