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Cool. Am a big proponent of following one's dreams. About the only
suggestion that comes to mind would be for you to take at least
one motorcycle class, and go from there: Learn to Ride a Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson USA
Incidently, I did quit riding for a decade due to marriage, mortgage,
and family. Was thinking what did I get myself into when I took my
first ride after 10 years. Felt a lot more comfortable after my 2nd
ride. Was almost back to normal within two weeks.
BTW, can you recall which '67 Triumph you owned back in the day?
I had a '67 Triumph 650 Trophy which was ridden by the original
owner from Washington, DC to Laguna Beach, CA and back again
before I bought it. This is what it looked like (not the same bike):
Cool. Am a big proponent of following one's dreams. About the only
suggestion that comes to mind would be for you to take at least
one motorcycle class, and go from there: Learn to Ride a Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson USA
Incidently, I did quit riding for a decade due to marriage, mortgage,
and family. Was thinking what did I get myself into when I took my
first ride after 10 years. Felt a lot more comfortable after my 2nd
ride. Was almost back to normal within two weeks.
BTW, can you recall which '67 Triumph you owned back in the day?
I had a '67 Triumph 650 Trophy which was ridden by the original
owner from Washington, DC to Laguna Beach, CA and back again
before I bought it. This is what it looked like (not the same bike):
Good advice on the riding school that is just what I plan on doing. The Harley dealer near me offers the course.
My Triumph was blue and white it was a 500CC with raised side pipes. I did a lot of dirt riding in that bike.
I bought another one in 1970 and rode it twice and sold it . I don't even count that one since I had it such a short time.
Good advice on the riding school that is just what I plan on doing. The Harley dealer near me offers the course.
My Triumph was blue and white it was a 500CC with raised side pipes. I did a lot of dirt riding in that bike.
I bought another one in 1970 and rode it twice and sold it . I don't even count that one since I had it such a short time.
Didn't take the riding school myself as it was just 10 years. Took the written test,
but no riding test was required by the DMV as the M endorsement was still in my
record.
Seems as if you had the 1967 Triumph T100C Tiger 500 with high pipes. The 500cc
twins were smoother than the 650cc and 750cc twins.
If I were going on a long tour, an 883 would not be my bike of choice. They're small, slow and uncomfortable. I'd go up to at least a softail, if not a full dress Ultra.
If I were going on a long tour, an 883 would not be my bike of choice. They're small, slow and uncomfortable. I'd go up to at least a softail, if not a full dress Ultra.
Thankfully, your opinion is only valid for yourself. Small is relative, if you're a Typical overweight 'Merrycan, then maybe you do dunlop the bike and need a much wider tractor set just to hold the flab off the road. Most people who aren't bombarded with constant social ignorance that "bigger is better" wouldn't think the bike was small. Others DESIRE a smaller bike. Comfort is 100% individual, first instance the 2 bikes you've mentioned are torture racks to me. A bone-stock 883 is geared (and has the power) to hit 110mph. Since the highest speed limit in the country is 85mph, one doesn't need any more speed. Not exactly enjoyable riding on those limited-access, high speed limit roads anyway.
Given that the PO last rode a 500cc Triumph ~ smaller, lighter and less power than an 883, it's already going to be a step up. The 883 is over 200lbs heavier and has nearly Double the torque. Plus, it's what he likes, and that's Really all that matters.
I'd recommend you do it even if you couldn't hold up a bike and had to rent a trike. 70 is the new 60, if you don't go you'll spend the next 20yrs daydreaming about it.
I've ridden a modern Bonnie long distance and it was a good time, I'd expect the 883 to be a similar experience. (I'd still go with the 1200 tho'..It's got to be more comfortable at cruising speeds.)
I'd recommend you do it even if you couldn't hold up a bike and had to rent a trike. 70 is the new 60, if you don't go you'll spend the next 20yrs daydreaming about it.
I've ridden a modern Bonnie long distance and it was a good time, I'd expect the 883 to be a similar experience. (I'd still go with the 1200 tho'..It's got to be more comfortable at cruising speeds.)
Is the 1200 a much smoother engine? I have not ridden either. I know both bikes weigh the same so that is not an issue.
I fell in lust with a Kawasaki KZ1300 six but cannot ride it because of low speed and stopping, not a bike but a rider problem. So I have to sell it. PM me.
As a replacement I bought a used Suzuki 650 Burgman scooter. This thing is a 650 cc motorcycle with a step through frame. I thought I would miss shifting but the auto variable ration drive is better than fine. By placing the rear brake on the left handlebar I can do heavy trail braking into corners like never before. The thing corners surprisingly well. The engine is powerful enough for 90+ mph on the slab when necessary.
PPD - I suggest a couple of things:
Before you start buy a helmet that fits and a protective jacket with reflective stripes. I also have a yellow/green fluorescent rain jacket that is blindingly reflective in a closet let alone the rain.
First find a state sponsored beginners riding course. I took one after some forty (I just turned 67) years of riding and learned enough to make the course worthwhile. In some places this is also your riding test for an M'cycle endorsement on your license. Check it out.
Second is buy a used motorcycle for a couple of grand, put good new tires on it and ride it around for a season or two before trying the grand cross country trip. I strongly suggest do not spend 20+ grand on a toy you may not be able to use (see Kawasaki tale). Odds are you will still be able to ride in a couple years so train yourself and build endurance on an easier bike before you try the epic ride.
Third is remember you are effectively invisible to the cage drivers so be very alert and aware of what is happening around you.
Welcome back to riding and keep the rubber side down. Good luck.
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