I survived a highway ride...my clutch cable didn't

I made my first attempt at a highway ride the other night. It was crazy...I felt a lot smaller than I'm used to in my truck. It was still pretty cool...I was proud. The fun part was leading up to the ride I was really quite nervous and not knowing what to expect. I mean, I've driven this stretch of road for years, would it really be all that different? ok...not really. It was interesting as I thought back to the story of the car trying to ride the HD's butt on my way back from work...I was hoping that wouldn't happen to me.

So I rode around town a little and made a big circle around Vandalia and Englewood. Finally I made it up past the Airport and hit I40 to get to 70. 40 was easy, slow cars little traffic. No problem.

When I got on 70, it was 4 lanes of crazies. And the first thing that happens? I semi gets right behind me. Now let's be honest here, he probably wasn't all that close, but I've never been real interested in finding out what the bottom side of those 18 wheels smells like...so I said a little prayer in my head and kept my eyes on the road and hands on the grips. It was not more than 5 miles, but I was happy to have made it. The cards all passed me along the way, but at the end, I was proud.

Was it different? Yeah, but only to me.

So you're thinking? Clutch.

Yes. I got home and inspected the bike...wondering as I always do, what my next project should be. Probably should be the speedo...that's kind of important. Clutch looks a little loose. Better check it. Pull.....SNAP. One pull and it snapped. I was lucky that didn't happen on the road. Needless to say the next day was spent fixing it...but that's another story. What would have happened if it had snapped on the road...who knows. Someone had my back.

That's all for now...I'll tell you more about the cable in a bit.

Oil!

So I know what you're thinking...why doesn't he post more? Ok well the simple fact is that I like riding WAY more than I like writing about riding. Sorry...


So today is oil change day. An guess what. It's not like a car. I'm a car guy, I rarely hire someone to do anything, and today I feel like dork because I can't find and oil plug. Ok, ehow.com here I come...I think they should send me some free stuff for mentioning them. Apple iPad. Just in case that works...

Oil drain hose. Doh. Ok, back out to the garage for me. Thanks ehow. (iPhone)

Ok Round two...got everything drained and ready to go back in the bike...the moral of this story, never trust the guy you bought the bike off of to have the right parts. I supposedly got a new filter and oil...lucky me. Wrong filter, wrong oil. Oh well...parts store here I come.

Road Rage

A shorty but a goody. That's what you'll find with today's post. I think road rage is a little deceiving because it was mostly me being annoyed at the lack of repect shown to riders.
As the story goes I was on my way home from work when I came upon a man on a dyna followed by what can only be described as a punk in a corolla. As we all entered the highway, mind you I'm in my dodge ram, I could tell the biker was riding conservatively, much like I would. However this corolla charged right up on his tire. We're talking 2 feet behind him. Needless to say I didn't care for seeing this. When we got onto the hway I decided to pull up next to the car and give him the slow down sign, pointing down and miming slow down. This didn't work. In fact he rolled down his window and yelled what...

I said slow down you're following too close. He smiled and nodded and said haahaahaa I know. It was officially on. I made me way out in front of the car and he had slowed top talk to me. There was plenty of room between me and the bike so I hit the brakes and slowed the car down. The bike stayed in front of me and the car passed us both.

As I passed the bike I threw two fingers down to him and he dropped two down to me with a little nod. Nuff said.

My friend told me that riding would change how I drive. So true. That could have been me as a newbie. Quite the journey.

On the road again...

Is it too early to say that? Probably.

I rode again tonight...and this time I posted a blog post right after...all you readers, I think there are 4 of you out there, I'll do my best to be a little quicker with it from now on. How long do you think that will last?

I headed out, it was hot, but I threw on the leather coat (which dad gave me, old school but pretty cool), the gloves, the boots, and of course my helmet - I won't be riding without it. That's the deal I made with Sarah. I'd be more afraid of what she would do to me if I didn't wear one than what the road could offer up. At least the road would be a quickl way to go. Ok sorry mom, bad joke.

I actually installed my first accessory today too. I cross, draped and secured above what I suppose you could call dash and wrapped around my bars. It makes me a feel a little better looking down and realizing what's important, what's at stake and where my heart and head should be when I'm on that machine.

I cruised down to Steak N Shake - it's no more than 3 blocks away and a straight shot down the road. They have a weekly cruise in that brings out the likes of old Buicks, new GT500s, old GTOs and new Challengers...a very well rounded show. My second favorite, a white Chevy Monte Carlo SS from 1985...big engine, loud pipes, gotta love that. Not to be outdone, a cherry Yenko Chevelle SS...wow. Meticulously restored, looking factory perfect, 427, chrome engine, pristine paint...this thing was gorgeous...I digress, I suppose this is a motorcyle blog, but if you can't appreciate that...you need to read something like Martha Stewart's Living or Twilight...Twihards don't get your panties in a bunch, this is afterall a gearhead blog.

Obviously, I couldn't let the day go to waste, so I put in about 15 more miles, curves, stops and even a few hills...crazy I know.

So another day in the books... the jitters are subsiding. I'm cautiously enthusiastic. All I have to worry about is everyone else. Another mile in the books, and another day on my journey.

First Ride...Legally...

Ok so I know what you're all thinking...You can't call every entry "my first ride"...I mean how many first rides can you have?

You're right. Although I thought it fitting to call it my first legal ride for the simple fact that I got my permit the other day...I know, my bad for not posting right away, but can you blame me, I was excited to go ride.

I got my permit, which by the way has some of the most ridiculous questions on it...what does a sign that says "no passing" mean? I forgot to study. Oh well, good thing you can miss a few questions. I passed and after battling not one but two license bureau locations, I got my permit...and I get to have a photo of me in a tie for a year because I went after work. Jax Teller would wear a tie right. Maybe Bobby Elvis. Ok enough referrences...let's get down to it.

I got the bike all gassed up and ready to roll and started on my way. Appropriately I thought, I would ride to F&S Harley Davidson...only about 15 minutes away by truck...half hour by bike. I took it nice and slow, reached about 40 miles per hour, which as I understand is it is a sort of glass ceiling for new riders and is rather hard to break when it comes to comfort at first.

So, I take the back way, it's either that or interstate 75 which is dangerous in a big truck, let alone on a Sporty. There were plenty of curves and stop signs and other interesting opportuinities to practice, and I'm proud to say that during my entire ride, I never stalled the engine or killed it! That's an accomplishment, lest we remember our first time driving a standard shift kids? That wasn't nearly as pretty some ten years ago...

I made it to F&S with no issues, other than holding in the turn signals is a bear when you're still learning the best way to twist the grips...a minor issue though and workable. At least I don't have to make embarrassing hand gestures to let people know I'm turning... One problem. F&S was closed. Oh well, that wasn't the point, the point was to get out and ride. Which I loved.

The jitters have begun to work their way out, and I'm starting to get a feel for things. I'm sure before too long, I'll be hearing things and getting paranoid about parts that might need replaced, the burdon of the gear head.,

I made it back safely, Sarah was pleased to see that. Great trip! One more mile in my journey!

My First Ride! For Real

I'm pumped! That doesn't describe it...thrilled.
Today we visited a graduate school for my wife and as soon as we got back (we may have stopped by a few bike shops on the way back) it was time to jump on the bike for a practice run.

Mind you, I still don't hvae my license, it's Saturday so don't get too bent out of shape, I've read the manual, looked into the Motorcycle Ohio Basics course and have scheduled my written to get the permit taken care of...don't worry so much.

So this is it, first ride! Can't wait. I'm like a kid on Christmas morning. Got my helmet, remember the new helmets? Got some new gloves, remember the stops on the way home? Got my boots on, bike clean, tank full, ready to roll!

Turn the key, set the choke, switch the bike to run, and hit the starter....click. Very funny, I just got a new battery...click. Ok, not funny, click. Pissed. It's ok, these things happen. Get off the bike, check the wires, check the battery, what could it be? Looked like the battery was a little loose and the negative terminal was touching the frame...let's hope that's it and not an electrical issue. Popped the hood on the truck, jump start, good to go.

On a serious note, my wife and I both know how serious this is going to get and admittedly, we're both nervous. So we said a little prayer and a little kiss and I'm on my way...Here we go. Slip the clutch out, roll the throttle, rolling nicely. Rolling down my drive, it's long and steep, approaching a busy road. Stop look both ways...check my mirrors, there's my wife in my Ram...She looks good driving my truck. Note to self, talk her into driving it more often...but not too often, I don't want to drive her Focus. Focus...right focus, all clear, roll on the throttle clutch out first gear is torque(y)...careful. Slowly down the road.

I'm heading for the hospital...don't freak out mom. There is a really nice hospital not two blocks from our house. Nice hospital, nice parking lots. Made it there safe and sound. Realized very quickly how little respect people give motorcycles.

Sarah and I made our way around the back of the hospital. She parked the truck and pulled out a book, her attempt to not be nervous I suspect. She climbed in the bed of the truck on a Bengals blanket and watched me take off. First go, not bad. Find a point turn at it, lean roll the throttle, brake with both brakes...catching on quickly. This fever catches quick.

I spent about and hour tucking in and out of parking lines and parking lights, dodging rocks and practicing turning both directions, no offense NASCAR fans...
I'm loving this. What a great sound hearing that Ironhead wind up and scream out the pipes. I can't wait to really open her up. Not today, but soon hopefully. Not too much too soon, especially without a license or permit. I can't wait to get that taken care of and start stretching my legs.

Time to head home...Sarah following. I can get used to this. Sarah said it sounded great and I even managed to look decent on it. Watch out road, here I come...ok that was a little cliche, how about this. Finally a chance to twist the grip, and farther along my journey with HD...

New Helmets

So picking a helmet is apparently almost as hard as picking a bike. I've been to at least 5 different shops and tried on like 20 different helmets. Walking in and saying black full face yields not one black full face helmet, but an ample supply of colors and shapes. Who knew.

Modular, 3/4, half, full, black, white, red, blue, graphics, none, HD, AVG, Fulmer, Shoei, Arai...like I said, black full face.

One thing is for sure, half helmets only look good on TV, and just because the Sons of Anarchy can pull it off, sure doesn't mean I can. I can't. Not even a little bit.
So I settled on two I liked, full face non-modular made by AVG and a nice black Harley-Davidson modular. Neither of which I think made me look all that cool, but I figure that I'll look much cooler with a helmet than I will with a big hole in my head or laying flat on my back in a hospital bed...I think my wife and my mother would agree.

An important factor to remember here is that all things considered, I'm cheap. Maybe that's not the best word, because for something as important as a helmet, you bet I'm willing to spend the money. But in general I'm pretty thrifty. Keeping that in mind, I wasn't ready to make a just into one of those helmets, no less than $150 and the other was over $250. At this point in time, I don't even have my license, so getting a helmet is not holding me back. I do have it scheduled, so don't worry...but this helmet decision is not do or die right now.

Fast forward a few days...captain indecisive has yet to get a helmet.
I called dad, and for those of you that don't know dad, he is the constant wheeler and dealer and for who knows why I didn't think to call him first about this helmet order.
I called dad and mentioned a helmet, and not only did he say oh I think I have a few extras, he happens to be with his neighbor who not only has a few helmets to get rid of, but has a set of matching helmets for me and the old lady. Of course. They're nearly brand new, worn like 5 times and still in the factory package when I get them. 2 brand new helmets, visors and face masks for both, only $50. NICE. Now they aren't exactly what I would have picked, but for $50 they are perfect. And comfortable to boot...

I will definitely be wearing it at all times, a good way to make this journey a little longer...

My first ride.

So today I put in a new HD battery, changed the plug and wires, cleaned the tank and got some fresh gas in the bike. Fired RIGHT up. Sweet! Sounds so good.

I really wanted to see if it would keep running while it was in gear, but honestly up until this point I've been, frankly, too scared to try it.

On a side note, owning a bike for the first time is an intimidating and scary thing. I'm nervous. I really can't wait to get the jitters out and stretch my legs out. I can't wait to twist the grips and get this thing opened up.

So I decided to keep it safe and putter around my driveway (which is pretty darn big). I thought I'd get it into first and putter around...so I kicked it into gear and started moving...hey the yard looks like a great idea...let's coast though the yard. One lap, not so bad! Nerves are high but this is great. I can't wait to get moving for real. Ok one more lap just to see if it stays in gear. Around the driveway, turn to the back yard.

Here is where it gets a little tricky. And a lot embarrassing. I hit a muddy spot in a dip in the yard and there goes the back end...slides right away from me...what do I do? Who knows. Down goes the bike, thank goodness my goofy butt didn't get caught under it. What an embarrassing and silly thing to happen. The bike went partially down and hit the grass. That's why I chose the grass!!

So I stepped back, laughing it off, trying not to get nervous. I pushed my hands under the bars and tried to lift...had my cowboy boots on and the yard was muddy...bad combination. SLIP. Down I go. Muddy knees, dirty boots...bike on the ground. Dork. Got it up though, one last try, not too hateful...at least I know I can get it up if worse comes to worse. So I started it and coasted it back to the drive. Laughing and thankful it was on grass.

The best part my neighbor Jeff, he rides a trick electraglide, was outside and asked how it was going. "hit a mud hole in the back and almost lost her...the good news is that she's running great." He said it sounded really good! Music to my ears.

So get the garden hose and wash the rear wheel. All that mud and grass...I guess soft grass isn't the best idea...what a learning experience. After all that I'm still excited to get it to an open parking lot and try to work on some real riding skills. Another small step down the road...

Let's get up to speed.

Let's get up to speed.
So far it's been an interesting experience looking for and finally finding my motorcycle.

I new I wanted used, and I new I wanted HD. That's about all...
So I researched like crazy and asked around, all the usual things that someone does before a big purchase. What I realized is there is more to learn and more to consider when it comes to buying a bike. It's not quite as easy as what model looks good and what do I think I'll like.

I visited every HD dealer within an hour and sat on at least 50 bikes. They sure must have been annoyed at me. But it helped me realize what I was looking for. I knew it would be either a Dyna or a Sportster. I thought I'd end up on a Street Bob or Low Rider just based on the way the 2010 models felt. With that in mind I began scouring the internet and quickly realized that my budget wasn't going to allow me to get much more than a serious basket case...and even then, not much of a basket case. I started looking more and more into Sportsters and thought it would be a good idea to go sit on a few. So I did. And the more I sat on, the more they started feeling good. The problem was in the position of the controls and the reach of the handlebars. Ah-ha. Here is what I first loved about my bike. Mid-controls converted to forward controls, mini ape-hangers, a Mustang seat and a bigger sportier tank. That made for a slick looking ride that felt great when I sat on it for the first time.

So back and forth I went all week. To buy or not to buy, is this the right choice, and printing off at least 5 other bikes to go look at. Finally after the weather broke and we had a string of 70 plus degree days, each and every bike I printed off was selling off immediately. People are motivated. What if I miss out on this bike I've started thinking about? What happends if someone else gets it... can't let that happen.

So calls and emails go back and forth and the fever has me in its grips...
After about a week, I go back down to see the bike and the exhaust note has me... insert Jerry McGuire quote here.

So skip through the misfires, old gas and fouled out spark plugs and I think I'm on to what could be a pretty good buy. Talking the seller down wasn't hard, he seemed ready to sell and willing to negotiate. The good news is that the seller was an obvious gear head and his roommate was clearly just as good with a wrench. In fact the bike was parked next to an old Dodge Challenger. I agreed to $3200 (at first) and was even ready to pick it up as long as it would run and I could take it for a test...

I decided to go see it one last time and try to take a ride. It just wasn't mean to be though. When I got to the seller, he tried and tried to get it started. I suspected old bad gas and a dirty carb...he tried so much the battery died. Well that didn't go so well...oh well, I was sold by this point in time. I'd take it.

Later that night when we decided to go get the bike it started to rain, I mean pour! Downpour and hail. Sadly that meant I wasn't going to be able to get the bike that night.

The next day was pretty rough. Without going into too many details, I went home sick from work and wasn't going to be able to go get the bike...

However, later that day, I was able to make it out and about and my brother joined me to go get the bike. We headed down and loaded it up on the back of my truck. Tie straps and harbor freight ramps later and the bike was sitting in the back of my truck. We made it slowly back to my house and much to our surprise, unloading was much easier.

Too bad I had to park it in the garage and get to church...another day another step in my journey with Harley-Davidson.

My Journey with Harley-Davidson

It began some time ago with an interest and a desire to ride...
That interest took some 5 or more years to manifest into reality. This week marks my first motorcycle, and fitting that I start things off right...it's my first Harley-Davidson.

Some say you never forget the first time you sit in saddle of the bike that's meant to be yours, some say you know the minute your hands hit the grips. Some say your bike chooses you and when you find the one that's right for you, you'll know it. They're right!

Mine, 1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL. 1000cc Ironhead. Purchased used for $3,000. Twin sport tank, powdercoated frame and custom-painted tank and fenders, mini ape-hangers and a rebuilt engine...what a way to start. I'll be posting more information and specifics about the bike later...

I got the bike a week ago, but the road started long ago. Let me say that I did not go into this cocky and arrogant, ready to ride and show the world how cool I could be. I very thoughfully planned this purchase and what it would mean to get a motorcycle. As a newly-married, new home-owner I have plenty of responsibilities. No kids, but a wife that loves me and who I love more than I can write. There were many factors that lead me to the decision I recently made. And there are many factors that rest heavy on my mind and especially as I consider taking the road for the first time.

This begins my journey and my long ride with Harley-Davidson.