I bought a new motorcycle and I've been ear-to-ear smiles all day

[Squatch]

Here's my new toy:



2007 Suzuki V-Strom DL1000

It's my commuting vehicle now, and since the HOV lanes are open to me, my entire commute has decreased from 1.5 hrs to 1/2 hr and is HELLUVA lot more fun!

I just met my Aunt in Georgetown, and my confidence on the bike (after riding through that mess) has drastically improved. If I can ride through Georgetown traffic, I can ride anywhere.

My first modification is going to put on some Remus pipes to let people know when I'm about.

[american_typeculture]

1. You are kidding? You are going to make that thing louder...

No offense, but I can't stand loud bikes. I think they should be banned from National Parks, where I go to "get back to nature", only to hear 25 Harley enthusiasts jamming their way down a valley or across a scenic mountain parkway. Sorry, you just hit on one of my pet peeves. It's gotten to the point that I can't stand listening to those things ANYWHERE.

[SacredCow]

3. That irritates me as well....

If gas continues to trend upward, I plan on getting a bike; but a nice QUIET one.

As near as I can tell, Harley's are all about the brand. They're overpriced, underengineered status symbols.

[Squatch]

12. No kidding. I absolutely HATE loud Harleys.

OTOH, I love the throaty grumble of a big sportbike.

[SacredCow]

13. I test-drove a Ducati a while back.....

More than I'm EVER going to consider spending, but it was friggin' sweet.

[liberaldemocrat7]

14. That bike looks good.

Of course I like driving my electric motorcycle.

[Squatch]

16. That was the other bike I was looking at...

namely the Multistrada. I was talked out of it by my Father-in-law and brother-in-law, who are avid motorcyclists. They said that, while the bikes are very well built, maintenance can be a nightmare...especially if you find yourself broken down out in the sticks.

[SacredCow]

18. yeah, that's another problem....

Had a friend who moved abroad (lucky bastard) and was going to give me his fairly new Triumph bike. He had a LOT of trouble with it, but it was still under warranty. Unfortunatly, Katrina hit and his house was looted and they took the bike.

[Squatch]

19. Was he able to recoup the loss through insurance?

[SacredCow]

20. He was renting....

And was on a huge high from his opportunity to live abroad (in New Zealand and Austrailia). He didn't pursue it- just gathered what he could, got on the plane, and never looked back.

I'll repeat- Lucky bastard! :silly:

[cobalt1999]

24. Disagree about Harleys now.

In the 70's and 80's Harleys were underengineered, but the new Harleys are as well engineered as any bike. They aren't cheap, but have a great resale to make up for the initial cost.

[SacredCow]

26. Maybe so....

I really haven't looked closely in years. But I still stand by my status symbol assertion!

On a road trip recently, I was stretching my legs at a rest area when a group of Harley riders drove up. Pompous, geriatric, freeper jackasses, all. They were SO indignant when the security guard told them that they couldn't park in the "no parking" zone around the handicapped access ramp. Asshats.

[Midlodemocrat]

2. Motorcyle = Freeper

:hide:

Nice bike. Wear a helmet. :thumbsup:

[commander bunnypants]

5. minivan = southsider

:hide:

CB

[Midlodemocrat]

7. You're just jealous.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

9. Nah. Hard to ride a motorcycle without opposing thumbs.

[IndianaJones]

4. be careful. chances of accident go up as you get more comfortable.

I've had a couple.

[Wcross]

6. "I've been ear-to-ear smiles" that explains all the bugs in your teeth! n/t

[idgiehkt]

8. wow

that is amazing it cut an hour off your commute. I'm really surprised, to me that is a vast improvement in quality of life. I bet the commuter lanes are safer too because of less traffic. Be safe. :)

[Squatch]

11. Here was my commute two days ago:

Leave home, get on I-95:

Encounter traffic jam at Prince William Parkway to Rte 1. Takes about 20 minutes to go a mile.
Go fast for 1/2 mile, encounter second traffic jam from Rte 1 to Lorton.
Go fast for about 2 miles, encounter third traffic jam from Lorton to Springfield.
Go fast for 1/2 mile, encounter fourth and longest traffic jam from Landmark to Glebe Rd.

Last week, that commute took me over 3 hours on two separate days.

[billyskank]

10. Don't make it louder

The point of a bike like that is to be faster than hell, not loud as hell.

[GoneOffShore]

15. You make it louder and lose some power.

You just need a bright jacket and a bright light.

I know black is cool, but fluorescent is safe.

[Squatch]

17. Here's the jacket I wear:

and in this color:

[GoneOffShore]

21. Pic isn't showing.

Is it as bright as this?


(on edit) I couldn't resist.

[Squatch]

22. How about now?

[GoneOffShore]

23. Brilliant.

They should be able to see you just fine.

I used to wear black, but learned my lesson. I even put stripes on my helmet and wore gloves with reflective stripes.

[cobalt1999]

25. Congrats.

My wife has forbidden me from owning a bike, so I'll have to just drool over yours.