Back in the Saddle

Discussion in 'New Riders' started by Mad Doctor, Feb 22, 2019.

  1. Mad Doctor

    Mad Doctor New Member

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    It's been a long 18 months., but I think it was worth the wait in the end.

    I think I got one of the best deals in the country for a 2014 base model at $5000... yes you read it right $5000. It almost made the 2600 mile round trip to Missouri bearable (with the missus and new baby in tow). Toss in a 4 year warranty (For peace of mind. No telling what may have happened to a bike sitting for almost 5 years even though these bikes have been said to be pretty reliable), cost of shipping and all those damn dealer fees (wonder why they never tag it on the cost in the first place since one always pays them) though and the cost gets closer to $7000 but still a good deal overall.

    I do need advice on the MSF class though. I've previously owned (and ridden hard) a 2003 Suzuki SV650s and a 1992 CBR 600. I learnt how to ride from youtube videos (sometimes it works since I didn't kill myself in the process) and riding with guys who had tonnes of experience which trickled down. With this background does it make sense to take the beginner course, or skip that to Experienced rider course (cheaper).

    Thanks.:Rockon:

    Now to wait for the damned winter to be over.:wheelie:

    P.S Did I mention the exhaust looks ugly? That's the first thing I'll be getting rid of.
     

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  2. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    It is never wrong to take training regardless of the level of training you take. Having learned the way you did, I am sure you have developed some habits that may be wrong. I know I have and my riding basically began at the training lot. Really only you can answer that question but the training you take from the professionals might show you a few things that can make your ride more safe.
    I understand you have new additions to the human side of your family. I am sure they would like to see their old man for may years to come.
     
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  3. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    Experienced.

    Now make that theme song from Welcome Back Kotter playing in my head go away, dammit!
     
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  4. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    Mad Doc, I should take the course with you. Since we are both in Utah. P.M and we can look at the schedule this spring. It would be good to get rid of some habits that are wrong! Let me know.
     
  5. Mad Doctor

    Mad Doctor New Member

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    Thanks. I definitely want to get training. was just wondering which of them would be more useful given my experience. One can't get enough training on a motorcycle. Heck, I even go to a parking lot just going around in circles practicing turns and braking. I want the joy of teaching my young girl how to ride, and going on rides with her, so I intend to be around for a long time:).
     
  6. Mad Doctor

    Mad Doctor New Member

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    Sounds good. Looked up the song and now I have it playing in my head too..
     
  7. Mad Doctor

    Mad Doctor New Member

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    Sure. Will do.
     
  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Thanks a hell of a lot Mac. Now so do I! Catchy tune like many of them back in that era. Welcome Back COtter is where John Travolta got his break.

    IMOFWIIW, if you are going to take training, which is a good thing, I would start from scratch. They will probably ask you what your previous riding experience is and knowing you have considerable, they may watch you a little closer to detect bad habits and try to break them with you, You can also use the fact that you took training after experience with your daughter when come time to send her for training and her typical teenaged stubbornness arrives on scene. And it will.
     
  9. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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    My impression of GatorGreg trying to help you guys get the other song out of your heads... :D

     
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  10. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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    Hey MD, you mentioned in another thread that your shifting feels clunky and you're not sure about oil level. Did the dealership perform maintenance before selling/shipping to you? "They" say that all the fluids in the bike "should" be replaced every 2 years. A fresh oil change with good oil may help the smoothness of the shifting. I've never owned a brand new bike so it might not be uncommon during the break in period...?

    Also, if you're interested, there is a group buy going on right now (maybe for about a week more) over at VFRD for Factory Pro shift kits - https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index...ry-pro-shift-evo-kits/&page=2#comment-1093295 My 2015 shifts fine but I'm gonna give one a try - the reviews are all pretty good...
     
  11. Mad Doctor

    Mad Doctor New Member

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    Checked the oil level using Duccmann's suggestion and and it turns out its overfilled. Got in touch with salesman as well, and he isn't exactly sure when the oil was filled so so I guess I should just take care of that first. Looked at the instructions for installing the pro shift kits and it's a little bit more than I'm willing to take on now, even though I'm mechanically inclined. After the oil change, I'll see if there's any difference.
     
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