Joined:
May 2025
Posts:
51
EE: 0% (0)
OH, USA
|
Check this out Op, it has no motor. It has no wheels. But your family would approve because there would be nobody to run you over. (it's just a Timbersled snow track for a snow bike, without the bike)  TAMING THE TIMBERSLED SCOOTER |
Joined:
Aug 2024
Posts:
942
EE: 0% (0)
TX, USA
| OP, here's my advice. After you get somewhat comfortable with operating the bike, learn to ride standing on the pegs. You know, like a jockey racing a horse. That's how you need to ride if you are being aggressive offroad, but also it can save your ass if you fail to see a speed bump until the last second. Of course, it only helps if you are conditioned to assume that position when you are about to encounter a large bump. |
Joined:
Aug 2024
Posts:
943
EE: 0% (0)
TX, USA
|
Originally Posted By grey50beast: Bro, I've been riding for 20 years. I got a permit when I was 15, it expired and I've never had a motorcycle license despite owning, registering, and insuring 5 different bikes over that time.  Good luck man. You'll love it. I still say buy used, cuz youre gonna lay it down, but you do you boo. My current daily. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/227817/1000001239_jpg-3580981.JPG If you have a motorcycle accident, is your insurance going to pay out when they find out you aren't licensed to operate a motorcycle? @grey50beast |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
Joined:
Dec 2009
Posts:
18820
EE: 100% (27)
GA, USA
|
Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: If you have a motorcycle accident, is your insurance going to pay out when they find out you aren't licensed to operate a motorcycle? @grey50beast Good question. Hope to never find out.... My insurance is $75 / year liability only. Never had a collision with another vehicle. |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
Joined:
Dec 2009
Posts:
18821
EE: 100% (27)
GA, USA
|
Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: OP, here's my advice. After you get somewhat comfortable with operating the bike, learn to ride standing on the pegs. You know, like a jockey racing a horse. That's how you need to ride if you are being aggressive offroad, but also it can save your ass if you fail to see a speed bump until the last second. Of course, it only helps if you are conditioned to assume that position when you are about to encounter a large bump. More than just bumps, I stand through intersections. Im that guy thats pointing at everybody, standing up and down on the bike, using my whole lane, etc etc. All to just be seen... |
|
Originally Posted By Warspite: I'm in the "I really want to buy a motorcycle and have never ridden" camp. Also in the "wife says it's a no-go" camp. This sucks. Same, bought one anyway. Now the wife has her own. She didn't like sitting at home while I was having all the fun. |
|
Originally Posted By chase45: Just written I road test to receive an endorsement which must be done within a year In some states (I don't know about Indiana) a receipt for passing the MSF class can be given to the DMV and you don't have to take the road test to get your motorcycle endorsement. Please sign up for the class right away, because they fill up quickly. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By chase45: Im still a go I believe But I woke up this morning feeling like thats a good little chunk I could put towards my family Feelin a little guilty Last night I showed my wife the motorcycle permit She just kinda rolled her eyes A happy dad is worth a chunk.  Getting the rest of the family addicted is the real pain. |
|
Just a few thoughts on this from over the weekend. Your bike is not some kind of museum piece. There may come a time when it's either it or you. Be willing to accept damage to the bike to avoid injury. Maybe just a scratch or dent. Maybe worse. The bike works for you, keep it in that place. Good safety gear makes you a better rider. You haven't lived until some jackass throws a cigarette or something out of their car and it hits you in the face. Wear a helmet. Riding in the rain can be downright uncomfortable. Wear a helmet. No sane person goes out and says "Today's the day I'm gonna lay this sucker down." Wear a helmet. I saw a guy hit a crow once. Wear a helmet. Right, Wrong, Nobody's fault... You will lose in any battle between other vehicles on the road. Assume they are all out to kill you either through ignorance or malice. You will see plenty of both. You will find it remarkable the number of people who actually see you and give you space. Most drivers are safe and reasonably aware. The ones who aren't are memorable, though. Take the MSF course. I have yet to meet anyone who didn't take a couple of new skills away from it. It is a far superior route to an endorsement over just doing the riding test alone. Always plan an escape route. After a while it just becomes second nature. You always need to have options. Stay aware. Measure risks. Understand your limits. Carry emergency contact info, medical paperwork, insurance cards, stuff like that in a written form that EMTs and Emergency Room personnel can access. Having it locked up on your phone is useless when you hit a trauma center. Have fun. Get out and explore. If it's not enjoyable it's not worth the risk. |
|
Originally Posted By weagle: Good for you. You are going to love that bike. I rode dirt bikes as a teenager and didn't ride again until at age 53 I took over as GM of a new Indian dealership in 2016. Took the MSF course and didn't take long to feel comfortable again, but I never did really enjoy the big street bikes or the metric rockets. I did however find I really enjoyed the dual sports that we would occasionally trade in; especially the small ones. We back to the firearms industry after a couple of years and one of my first buys was a used TW200. I liked it so much I bought another one to keep at my cabin and I've been riding them for the last 9 years. Never wanted anything bigger or faster, but all I ride are back streets and dirt/gravel roads. https://i.imgur.com/ecpV2M0.jpg Be safe and enjoy. @weagle What part of Georgia? I'm on the NE side of Atlanta and ride in the Dahlonega / Suches area once or twice a month, KLX230ds for the trails or my CB500X when I feel like sticking to the roads. Shoot me a message if you're in the area and want to ride sometime. |
|
She’s mine I did it A little more than I really wanted to spend after all the fuck you fees but I did it Been a blast so far. I’ve just been driving it around town a bit. Already had some dude try and pull out in front of me lol I haven’t really winded it out. Little slower than I thought it would be is my initial impression but I’m being a baby with the throttle. Suspension is sweet and I glide over bumps no issue. So much more comfortable to ride than my mini bike. It looks damn sharp I’ll throw down some pics when I get back to my computer Still gotta go show the wife here in just a little bit
|
|
Originally Posted By chase45: Still gotta go show the wife here in just a little bit His name was chase45 
|
"Makes me realize why there are warning labels on hemorrhoid cream about not using it orally" - Weomi
Save VA, Join or Donate to VCDL!
https://www.vcdl.org/Donate
Save VA, Join or Donate to VCDL!
https://www.vcdl.org/Donate
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
Joined:
Dec 2009
Posts:
18823
EE: 100% (27)
GA, USA
|
Originally Posted By chase45: She’s mine I did it A little more than I really wanted to spend after all the fuck you fees but I did it Been a blast so far. I’ve just been driving it around town a bit. Already had some dude try and pull out in front of me lol I haven’t really winded it out. Little slower than I thought it would be is my initial impression but I’m being a baby with the throttle. Suspension is sweet and I glide over bumps no issue. So much more comfortable to ride than my mini bike. It looks damn sharp I’ll throw down some pics when I get back to my computer Still gotta go show the wife here in just a little bit Yeah, 300cc, 25 hp and 300lbs. Those Kawis aren't known for their pep. Should have gone KTM 350 or 450 if you wanted that. I think my 350 is 45hp, 220 lbs. Regardless it'll be fun. Good luck with wifey! |
Joined:
Aug 2024
Posts:
947
EE: 0% (0)
TX, USA
|
Originally Posted By grey50beast: Good question. Hope to never find out.... My insurance is $75 / year liability only. Never had a collision with another vehicle. Originally Posted By grey50beast: Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: If you have a motorcycle accident, is your insurance going to pay out when they find out you aren't licensed to operate a motorcycle? @grey50beast Good question. Hope to never find out.... My insurance is $75 / year liability only. Never had a collision with another vehicle. So, if you crash you may die and leave your family to deal with paying out-of-pocket for damages/medical to the other people involved. And your plan for this possibility is to 'hope' it doesn't happen. And for what? Because you don't want to bother getting a motorcycle endorsement added to your license? I hope you don't ever lecture anyone on being irresponsible. I hope I don't sound overly preachy but I want you to hear how it sounds to me. Really, how's it any different from someone driving a car without any sort of license? I mean, what would you think of someone if they told you they had been driving a car for years without ever 'bothering' to get a license? @grey50beast |
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
Joined:
Dec 2009
Posts:
18824
EE: 100% (27)
GA, USA
|
Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: So, if you crash you may die and leave your family to deal with paying out-of-pocket for damages/medical to the other people involved. And your plan for this possibility is to 'hope' it doesn't happen. And for what? Because you don't want to bother getting a motorcycle endorsement added to your license? I hope you don't ever lecture anyone on being irresponsible. I hope I don't sound overly preachy but I want you to hear how it sounds to me. Really, how's it any different from someone driving a car without any sort of license? I mean, what would you think of someone if they told you they had been driving a car for years without ever 'bothering' to get a license? @grey50beast Calm your tits. My bike weighs 220lbs. I have 75k ish miles on motorcycles. Never been pulled over, never had a collision. Bike is tagged and I wear a gopro. If I die, it won't be my fault. If someone told me they drove without a license for 20 years, with no tickets, no accidents and had their car tagged and insured the whole time, I honestly would not care. Should I get one? Probably. Now that you've gone full mom mode on me, Ill probably get pulled over for the first time tomorrow. People love freedom until it means someone did something that government said they couldnt do. And they side with that .gov. |
Joined:
Aug 2024
Posts:
964
EE: 0% (0)
TX, USA
|
Originally Posted By grey50beast: Calm your tits. My bike weighs 220lbs. I have 75k ish miles on motorcycles. Never been pulled over, never had a collision. Bike is tagged and I wear a gopro. If I die, it won't be my fault. If someone told me they drove without a license for 20 years, with no tickets, no accidents and had their car tagged and insured the whole time, I honestly would not care. Should I get one? Probably. Now that you've gone full mom mode on me, Ill probably get pulled over for the first time tomorrow. People love freedom until it means someone did something that government said they couldnt do. And they side with that .gov. Don't get me wrong. I don't claim to be a saint. In years past I've made decisions to break administrative laws when necessary based on a risk/reward calculus. But this just seems so unnecessary. Such a minimum of effort required to eliminate your exposure to financial risk (and headache). |
|
Originally Posted By grey50beast: Calm your tits. My bike weighs 220lbs. I have 75k ish miles on motorcycles. Never been pulled over, never had a collision. Bike is tagged and I wear a gopro. If I die, it won't be my fault. If someone told me they drove without a license for 20 years, with no tickets, no accidents and had their car tagged and insured the whole time, I honestly would not care. Should I get one? Probably. Now that you've gone full mom mode on me, Ill probably get pulled over for the first time tomorrow. People love freedom until it means someone did something that government said they couldnt do. And they side with that .gov. Originally Posted By grey50beast: Originally Posted By CapedCrusader: So, if you crash you may die and leave your family to deal with paying out-of-pocket for damages/medical to the other people involved. And your plan for this possibility is to 'hope' it doesn't happen. And for what? Because you don't want to bother getting a motorcycle endorsement added to your license? I hope you don't ever lecture anyone on being irresponsible. I hope I don't sound overly preachy but I want you to hear how it sounds to me. Really, how's it any different from someone driving a car without any sort of license? I mean, what would you think of someone if they told you they had been driving a car for years without ever 'bothering' to get a license? @grey50beast Calm your tits. My bike weighs 220lbs. I have 75k ish miles on motorcycles. Never been pulled over, never had a collision. Bike is tagged and I wear a gopro. If I die, it won't be my fault. If someone told me they drove without a license for 20 years, with no tickets, no accidents and had their car tagged and insured the whole time, I honestly would not care. Should I get one? Probably. Now that you've gone full mom mode on me, Ill probably get pulled over for the first time tomorrow. People love freedom until it means someone did something that government said they couldnt do. And they side with that .gov. I too love freedom but am not a fan of uninsured motorists which I think you would be on a motorcycle. Odds are low but still possible so just be careful. |
BikerNut:
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
Normal people like motorcycles. Real people like motorcycles.
People who don't like motorcycles are just... weird.
|
Goodonya man, they are great bikes. https://www.in.gov/rsi/motorcycle-safety-courses/ ATGATT, real gear. Hope you keep the mini. GL |
Tertium non datur
|
Originally Posted By chase45: She’s mine I did it A little more than I really wanted to spend after all the fuck you fees but I did it Been a blast so far. I’ve just been driving it around town a bit. Already had some dude try and pull out in front of me lol I haven’t really winded it out. Little slower than I thought it would be is my initial impression but I’m being a baby with the throttle. Suspension is sweet and I glide over bumps no issue. So much more comfortable to ride than my mini bike. It looks damn sharp I’ll throw down some pics when I get back to my computer Still gotta go show the wife here in just a little bit Look up KLX300 secondary throttle plate removal mod. It will really wake the bike up and it doesn't cost anything. |
|
Originally Posted By ZAquaman: Go buy good boots before you pick up the bike. Lower extremity Protection is MANDATORY. Lower extremity injuries are famously difficult to recover from. I have the Gaerne SG-12 Enduro Boots. They've been good for me. Wisdom I wish I had read. Combat boots were not quite the ticket. |
|
Originally Posted By grey50beast: Yeah, 300cc, 25 hp and 300lbs. Those Kawis aren't known for their pep. Should have gone KTM 350 or 450 if you wanted that. I think my 350 is 45hp, 220 lbs. Regardless it'll be fun. Good luck with wifey! |
|
Originally Posted By linx310: Look up KLX300 secondary throttle plate removal mod. It will really wake the bike up and it doesn't cost anything. Originally Posted By linx310: Originally Posted By chase45: She’s mine I did it A little more than I really wanted to spend after all the fuck you fees but I did it Been a blast so far. I’ve just been driving it around town a bit. Already had some dude try and pull out in front of me lol I haven’t really winded it out. Little slower than I thought it would be is my initial impression but I’m being a baby with the throttle. Suspension is sweet and I glide over bumps no issue. So much more comfortable to ride than my mini bike. It looks damn sharp I’ll throw down some pics when I get back to my computer Still gotta go show the wife here in just a little bit Look up KLX300 secondary throttle plate removal mod. It will really wake the bike up and it doesn't cost anything. 
|
|
Originally Posted By Admiral_Crunch: I highly recommend reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. It’s not a long book, and it was incredibly helpful. You can find a used copy for pocket change. I second this. I rode when I was younger then stopped for 12 years when I had kids. Before I started riding again I read this book when it was recommended. I learned quite a bit and it should be required reading for anyone starting to ride. Great bike you're getting BTW. |
|
Originally Posted By Admiral_Crunch: I highly recommend reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. It’s not a long book, and it was incredibly helpful. You can find a used copy for pocket change. I second this. I rode when I was younger then stopped for 12 years when I had kids. Before I started riding again I read this book when it was recommended. I learned quite a bit and it should be required reading for anyone starting to ride. Great bike you're getting BTW. |
|
Originally Posted By grey50beast: Calm your tits. My bike weighs 220lbs. I have 75k ish miles on motorcycles. Never been pulled over, never had a collision. Bike is tagged and I wear a gopro. If I die, it won't be my fault. If someone told me they drove without a license for 20 years, with no tickets, no accidents and had their car tagged and insured the whole time, I honestly would not care. Should I get one? Probably. Now that you've gone full mom mode on me, Ill probably get pulled over for the first time tomorrow. People love freedom until it means someone did something that government said they couldnt do. And they side with that .gov. Uh... he is not "siding with the government". He is simply pointing out that if some serious bad thing happens to you, or involving you or because of you, while you are illegally operating the motorcycle, it is possible that none of your insurance policies will pay anything at all. This could leave your loved ones in a tough position. That's all he's saying. |
Don't confuse where I live with where I'm from.
|
Originally Posted By chase45: I’m home now Did 80 miles today Called the wife when I was in the driveway to open the garage She was just like wow you finally did it. Smiled real big and was happy that I’m happy So all good on the home front! Dang. I’ve got 2 dirtbikes, one mx bike set up perfectly, a small mx track with big jumps and trails, a new 765rs sitting on “training wheels”, but been waiting to hear how good that first plunge was from this thread. That thrill of new… |
601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601
Joined:
Aug 2003
Posts:
94395
EE: 100% (42)
WA, USA
|
Find a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class or a local motorcycle safety class that rents out bikes for you to use BEFORE you buy one. Take that the class and then make the decision to buy a bike. Budget out money for a good helmet ($300+), a good textile summer weight jacket, good full gauntlet gloves and insurance before you buy the bike. Enjoy the ride! |
Grab a fence post, hold it tight, womp your partner with all your might, hit him in the shin, hit him in the head, hit him again the critter ain't dead!
|
Originally Posted By Emoto: Uh... he is not "siding with the government". He is simply pointing out that if some serious bad thing happens to you, or involving you or because of you, while you are illegally operating the motorcycle, it is possible that none of your insurance policies will pay anything at all. This could leave your loved ones in a tough position. That's all he's saying. Originally Posted By Emoto: Originally Posted By grey50beast: Calm your tits. My bike weighs 220lbs. I have 75k ish miles on motorcycles. Never been pulled over, never had a collision. Bike is tagged and I wear a gopro. If I die, it won't be my fault. If someone told me they drove without a license for 20 years, with no tickets, no accidents and had their car tagged and insured the whole time, I honestly would not care. Should I get one? Probably. Now that you've gone full mom mode on me, Ill probably get pulled over for the first time tomorrow. People love freedom until it means someone did something that government said they couldnt do. And they side with that .gov. Uh... he is not "siding with the government". He is simply pointing out that if some serious bad thing happens to you, or involving you or because of you, while you are illegally operating the motorcycle, it is possible that none of your insurance policies will pay anything at all. This could leave your loved ones in a tough position. That's all he's saying. Stop all this rational shit right the fuck now! We don't do that in GD. In fact, Chase should be banged up hard for not scoring a Maico 700. Fuck those little 45 pony Katooms. Chase should get something that will put hair on his balls. You think a Big Bore light switch CR or IT is the shit. Maico goes a full 82 when it comes on the pipe. Fuck yea - that's exactly what a new rider with a kid should roll. Just needs to SM that bitch. |
Tertium non datur
|
Originally Posted By KA3B: Find a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class or a local motorcycle safety class that rents out bikes for you to use BEFORE you buy one. Take that the class and then make the decision to buy a bike. Budget out money for a good helmet ($300+), a good textile summer weight jacket, good full gauntlet gloves and insurance before you buy the bike. Enjoy the ride! He's bought - there a link to Indy classes above, but this should be de rigueur for every new rider. |
Tertium non datur
|
Originally Posted By Alacrity: He's bought - there a link to Indy classes above, but this should be de rigueur for every new rider. The great thing about dirt bikes is they are fun to ride. The not so great things about dirt bikes is that it costs way more to repair the rider than it does to fix the bike. |
It's a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack
|
I got my temps and everything mods except big bore and stroker Crf450. I had to gear it down a bit cus it wasn't torque even and didn't have high even revs at 25,35, and 55. Dang thing won't even pop a wheelie 🤠 If I was a big boy and leaned back enough I'm sure the tire would come off the ground a bit I guess. Or I clutch and gassed it a bunch. You'll be fine! ❤️ |
601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601 601
Joined:
Aug 2003
Posts:
94405
EE: 100% (42)
WA, USA
|
Originally Posted By Alacrity: He's bought - there a link to Indy classes above, but this should be de rigueur for every new rider. Missed it by THAT much. |
Grab a fence post, hold it tight, womp your partner with all your might, hit him in the shin, hit him in the head, hit him again the critter ain't dead!
|
Originally Posted By x_varmits: Take your time man... enjoy the new bike. This thread has taken on a life all its own.  https://i.redd.it/3bw80juu7l561.gif |
|
Originally Posted By KA3B: Missed it by THAT much. Originally Posted By KA3B: Originally Posted By Alacrity: He's bought - there a link to Indy classes above, but this should be de rigueur for every new rider. Missed it by THAT much. Close Brother it's too bad you didn't get here sooner cos that can never be said enough, |
Tertium non datur
| Hey op, since you got a long travel suspension bike, even though it’s probably valved for street, I would set sag. It makes a world of difference, especially when you start to get into it. Google it. Have your wife or kid help. Super easy. I wouldn’t touch the clickers until sag was set. Depending on how it’s sprung I’d go more for the race sag(just a term) than worry about getting static perfect, or split the difference if you don’t want to change springs. |
|
Originally Posted By jeepnstein: Right, Wrong, Nobody's fault... You will lose in any battle between other vehicles on the road. Wise words. Even if it’s 100% the other guy’s fault, you’re just as dead. “Here lies Biker Bill. He had the right of way.” |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
I had ridden before but this was my first bike back in the late 1900s.  Attached File Attached File A bike so nice I have now owned one twice. Attached File |
|
Originally Posted By boolzi: Hey op, since you got a long travel suspension bike, even though it’s probably valved for street, I would set sag. It makes a world of difference, especially when you start to get into it. Google it. Have your wife or kid help. Super easy. I wouldn’t touch the clickers until sag was set. Depending on how it’s sprung I’d go more for the race sag(just a term) than worry about getting static perfect, or split the difference if you don’t want to change springs. I’ll have to read up on that. I know the suspension has settings you can tweak. Been real nice having real suspension. That mini bike was a bit rough on bumpy roads to say the least |