 My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Last edited by 03Cruiser; 03/30/2008 5:38 PM.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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Excellent chioce. Makes me laugh when people go out and buy big bikes as their first ever bike. A 250cc bikes is a excellent bike to start learning on. I often get asked by my students what bike would be a good choice to learn on and they look at me like i from another planet when i recomend a 250cc bike to them. Kudos to your wife. Hope she enjoys riding it and builds her confidance up. 
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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The biggest bike you can learn on in the UK is a 125, unless you stick a restrictor kit on anything bigger. Nice looking bike Michael, love those pokey silencers 
Ray(UK)
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Looks very nice. Kymco generally makes a nice quality product. I agree starting small and working up is the way to go.
We have a guy (5'4" ish) at the office who just bought a CBR 1000 for his first bike after I begged him to get something smaller to start on. His take is that bikes are too expensive to keep trading up, I can think of more valuable things to be considered.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Never heard of that make. I disagree with the small first bike theory. Everyone I know that has done that was tired of it in less than a season and was wishing they hadn't spent the money on it and just bought what they wanted to start with. Wendys first bike was,and is, her America. As long as you find a bike that fits you and drive responsibly there is no reason not to get the bike you want. Take the safety course first so you can drop their bike a few times instead of your nice new one though. A 250cc twin?!  It must have 50 cent pieces for pistons!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Learned Hand
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Congratulations to you both, It's a fine thing to share something you love with someone you love. You're fortunate folk.  Quote:
Never heard of that make. I disagree with the small first bike theory. Everyone I know that has done that was tired of it in less than a season and was wishing they hadn't spent the money on it and just bought what they wanted to start with. Wendys first bike was,and is, her America. As long as you find a bike that fits you and drive responsibly there is no reason not to get the bike you want. Take the safety course first so you can drop their bike a few times instead of your nice new one though.
A 250cc twin?! It must have 50 cent pieces for pistons!
 Pure hog wash Dog, but I didn't expect much different. There's little wrong in buying what fits - whether it be size or wallet, or just want. There is equally no wrong in getting something one is comfortable with. There is little loss should one find the need to up-size, and probably vastly more to lose if one were to need to downsize. Thankfully, everyone doesn't suffer from some Freudian penisenvy/sizematters syndrom.
As a side thought, the time when we fatassed Americans with size issues will be looking diligently for smaller & lighter in most forms of transportation.
And finally, on the lighter side, I hear those little puppies are made in Thailand and assembled in England in a parallel universe. The Anti-Triumph...
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Gentlemen let's all get along then...
Kymco (Taiwan) has been making bike parts for 40+ years and actually have a good rep. The Venox puts 28 hp to the ground, and has quite a bit of pep. The chrome parts are better than those on my 03 Speedmaster. She got the bike for $600 under book price, and we're cool with that. When I buy another ride in the next year or so (can you say "1700" cruiser?) she will inherit my Speedy.
Evrything is cool. We didn't jump into this with our eyes crossed. It's agood starter, I wouldn't want her on anything more powerful, even though I started out on a 750 Kawi for my first bike. Different strokes for different folks.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Quote:
Never heard of that make. I disagree with the small first bike theory. Everyone I know that has done that was tired of it in less than a season and was wishing they hadn't spent the money on it and just bought what they wanted to start with. Wendys first bike was,and is, her America. As long as you find a bike that fits you and drive responsibly there is no reason not to get the bike you want. Take the safety course first so you can drop their bike a few times instead of your nice new one though.
A 250cc twin?! It must have 50 cent pieces for pistons!
This is the rare chance I get to dissagree with ya, dogg. I think a 250 is a great bike to learn on. And although this kind of bike is not my style, I think it is kinda cool looking. Illinois used to have a graduated learning system, tied to age and cc on a bike. I think it worked pretty good.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Congratulations to you both, It's a fine thing to share something you love with someone you love. You're fortunate folk.
Quote:
Never heard of that make. I disagree with the small first bike theory. Everyone I know that has done that was tired of it in less than a season and was wishing they hadn't spent the money on it and just bought what they wanted to start with. Wendys first bike was,and is, her America. As long as you find a bike that fits you and drive responsibly there is no reason not to get the bike you want. Take the safety course first so you can drop their bike a few times instead of your nice new one though.
A 250cc twin?! It must have 50 cent pieces for pistons!
Pure hog wash Dog, but I didn't expect much different. There's little wrong in buying what fits - whether it be size or wallet, or just want. There is equally no wrong in getting something one is comfortable with. There is little loss should one find the need to up-size, and probably vastly more to lose if one were to need to downsize. Thankfully, everyone doesn't suffer from some Freudian penisenvy/sizematters syndrom.
As a side thought, the time when we fatassed Americans with size issues will be looking diligently for smaller & lighter in most forms of transportation.
And finally, on the lighter side, I hear those little puppies are made in Thailand and assembled in England in a parallel universe. The Anti-Triumph...
Get it right, I never mentioned size matters I said get what you want. If a 250 is what you want and will be happy with then get it but don't get it just because it's smaller cc to learn on. I can't count the people I have met that complain that they did that and are sorry because they should have bought what they wanted. I would expect you to read that with such a narrow minded point of view and I wasn't disappointed. If I was concerned with size or status I wouldn't have been riding 650 Triumphs for 30 years I would have gone for something larger, maybe a Hardley and even today I ride a 790 not a 1300. Might be a little of your self image in the way you read that I guess , maybe you look at it in terms of size due to some short coming of your own.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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My America was my first bike...I think it's a perfect starter bike. Slow enough to learn on yet still fast enough to kill ya. If I started out with a Honda Rebel, I don't know if I'd even still be riding, or if I'd have lost interest after the first few months. I've since sold the America and moved on to bikes that better fit my needs.
Mark
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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Quote:
My America was my first bike...I think it's a perfect starter bike. Slow enough to learn on yet still fast enough to kill ya. If I started out with a Honda Rebel, I don't know if I'd even still be riding, or if I'd have lost interest after the first few months. I've since sold the America and moved on to bikes that better fit my needs.
+1 Ditto.
That being said a Triumph might be too big for some new (inseam-challenged) riders. The kid at the local gas station was eyeing my Kingpin in anticipation of taking the MSF and getting a used Sportster. This kid probably weighs a buck 30 with his boots on. Better to get a lighter bike until you're comfortable.
Enjoy the bike & ride safe.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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Triumph Tiger Cub, Norton, Imperial, Yamaha all made 250 twins with those little 50 cent piece pistons and were very successful. Thats a 100MPH motorcycle. Almost as fast top end as our Triumphs. It is 150lbs lighter and less than 1/2 the cost.
Good choice, she will have a lot of fun.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
A 250cc twin?! It must have 50 cent pieces for pistons!
You implied it. But that ain't what pisses me off. What pisses me off is your belittling the lady's purchase and your smug and ever so valuable advice based on knowing nothing about the person, their tastes, or what they want or need. The fact is she's about to become a rider and it shouldn't mean a rat's ****** to you what she chose to ride or why. Your only expected and proper response was to welcome her, wish her the best, and continuing to post replies and comments to every other single post made throughout the remainder of the night.
And, while I'm at it - I appologize for my rudeness. Maybe I'm just to dumb too keep my mouth shut and way too old to care. Have a great day.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Big Bore
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Big Bore
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Settle down guys....Michael, Excellent choice for a first bike. My wife started on a Honda Rebel as it wasn't so intimidating for her. She put about 3k on it before deciding to graduate to an 07 T100. btw, we paid $2900 for the Rebel brand new. Sold it after about 7 months for $2600. Best $300 I've spent in a long time! 
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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This may surpise a few, it certainly surprised me. Earlier in the year i was at the annual Tennessee MSF Instructors get together and one of the discussion we had was on motorcycle fatalities in the US and the fact the the numbers are on the increase. A question was asked as to how the US numbers compare with the European countries that have a mandartory Progressive Licensing system.
Surprisingly, (least I found it surprising) the numbers do not change much between the US and the UK. Number of accidents per motorcycle registrations are about the same.
Having said that. I still believe and will continue to recommend to beginner riders to start out on a small capacity lightweight machine. Personally i think it helps to build confidence.
And as a side bar, how many of you would agree to letting a novice 17 year old "buy what they want" if that bike they want turns out to be a GSXR1000R or a Hyabusa or something of simaler power.
I adore modern sportbikes but i cring everytime i see a young inexperienced kid riding one.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Quote:
A 250cc twin?! It must have 50 cent pieces for pistons!
You implied it. But that ain't what pisses me off. What pisses me off is your belittling the lady's purchase and your smug and ever so valuable advice based on knowing nothing about the person, their tastes, or what they want or need. The fact is she's about to become a rider and it shouldn't mean a rat's ****** to you what she chose to ride or why. Your only expected and proper response was to welcome her, wish her the best, and continuing to post replies and comments to every other single post made throughout the remainder of the night.
And, while I'm at it - I appologize for my rudeness. Maybe I'm just to dumb too keep my mouth shut and way too old to care. Have a great day.
I never belittled anything and the piston size just struck me as funny had nothing to do with her choice. All I said was buy what you want. I also said if a 250 is what you want then buy it. I never meant to belittle anything and am glad she has a bike that makes her happy if that in fact does make her happy. I was actually replying to someone else on the first bike small bike point. A first bike doesn't have to be small and in most cases in an adult rider probably shouldn't be since they soon out grow it. While that bike wouldn't be my style I didn't mean anything negative about her bike and if it read that way then I apologise to her as any bike is better than no bike. Hers actually looks bigger to me than it is and I was suprised it was a 250 then the thought of a 250cc twin and thinking of the size of the piston made me smile. I think it's great she wants to ride and has a nice bike to learn on. I was just saying that to me , and I am entitled to my opinion and can share it if I choose, an adult shouldn't go small just for the sake of going small and getting a bike they won't be happy with. I never said she wouldn't be happy with her choice , my statement was a generalization. You are entitled to your opinion too and can voice it as well.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Nice choice for a first bike. It has rear drums which IMHO are better for new riders. Less likely to lock up the rear in a panic situation. Light weight, nice lines, water cooled, and probably very reliable. I think she made a great choice.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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i fekin love it when you yanks get into a hissy fit.best part of the forum.hanbags anybody.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Interesting bike, what's the seat height? Looks kinda tall.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
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I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Seat height is 29". Fits my fiancee perfectly; she's not so tall. When she takes my Speedmaster in a year or so, we'll have to lower it an inch or two.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Quote:
btw, we paid $2900 for the Rebel brand new. Sold it after about 7 months for $2600. Best $300 I've spent in a long time!
I had a similar experience. My first ride was a 1982 Yamaha 250 exciter. I was 37 when I first started riding, EVER. So being new I wanted to cut my teeth on a smaller bike. The bike cost me 800 dollars and when I up graded to the Speedy I later sold it for 500 dollars. 300 bucks to learn on a first bike wasn't to bad a price to pay. In fact I'm seriously considering getting a Ninga 250 in a year or two. I do miss the yamaha's 60+ MPG's!
She's a Lady and the Lady is 100% mine !
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Nice first bike. I just picked up a Honda CG125 and hope the wife takes an interest in learning on it, It,s all you can ride as a learner in the UK .
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Dog, I didn't read your response in a negative way at all. No problems here. I understand what you said, but that bike is perfect for her as a starter. She definitely needs to build up some confidence and I wouldn't "let" her get on a bike that had more power than the Venox. PLUS, We got the bike WAY under book value, and might even make a buck or two on the re-sale. 
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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WOW!Q The weather was finally good enough here for a ride. She is a Natural. After 70 miles on the back roads through the country-side, she did well. Only the usual complaints from new riders - Thighs sore from gripping the tank, hands sore from gripping the grips, too many things to pay attention to on the road... But seriously, she was Inspirational, did better than I did the first time I rode a bike.
I do belive that I now have a great riding buddy...
I am a Lucky Man!
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Very cool, I worry about Wendy when I ride with her, but we both have a great time. Confidence is the key, Wendys biggest problem was thinking she couldn't do something/ That being said don't let her get over confident and out ride her ability. Glad she took to it so well and you know those small complaints will go away in short order. Have fun!
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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A guy at work recently took the riders course and got his license through the course.The guy went from wanting a Hyosung 650 cruiser,to a Suzuki Marauder,to a 900Vucan Kaw,to a 883 Sportster.He ended up actually this week getting a new Kawasaki 250 Ninja.Cool looking bike and the thing is suppose to go over 100mph.What's also neat about it is it does NOT say 250 on it,so it looks like a mid-sized bike.He really likes it so far.The freakin thing redlines at 13,000rpm.Looks fun to me for a first bike.
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Hah!, I had forgotten those kinds of first time rider experiences. Now I remember that after my first time of riding a bike on the highway, I got back and could't hardly unclench my hand! As to my wife riding with or alongside me, I'm kinda glad she is selling her Honda Helix 250. I was always so nervous riding with her it wasn't much fun, even though she rode fine. We both much prefer to ride closer together on the same bike, anyway. There are sure a lot of girls riding on the road today, compared to just a few years ago. My great Aunt used to ride an old Harley a little bit clear back in the 50s and 60s, when it was almost scandolous!
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: My Fiancee bought a V-Twin.....
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Sunday was nice as well so we went out on a 102 mile loop aroung the county. No complaints this time at all. She's doing Great. Arstaren, I know what you mean about the Closeness of riding together, but she was really getting bored on the back seat...
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