So I have to bump this epic thread from 2007 about Motorcycles and related. Since this time I stopped riding for years and recently got back on. Started again because my son Zack, who appears earlier in this thread as a child on my Triumph, here again for reference...
He came home with a bike of his own. Naturally that 'forced' me to buy my own bike to ride with him. I spent a few weeks with him in a parking lot showing him the ropes before I was comfortable letting him ride on the street. Privilege of being a parent and the kid still lives at home haha. At least he took my year old advice to buy a used beginner bike, Honda 2 cyl 500cc, cause he did drop it a couple times but no serious damage to bike or him, other than his ego. Things progressed rapidly and he was riding a Yamaha R1 before he commissioned in the USN. He now has a Aprilia Tuono but is anxious to sell as the roads in TX (Corpus Christi) are made for cruisers.
Riding the in parking lot
I'm the short guy on the left
I ended up buying a '08 Hypermotard to ride with him. Familiar ergonomics from my dirt bike past and a total blast to ride on the epic East county roads of San Diego.
We did a 3 day road trip up the coast from San Diego
As already stated his now living his own awesome life as a USN officer now starting primary in TX. Since that time I began riding with work peers who are associated with the San Diego BMW group, all ride, or used to GS 1200 adventure bikes. It quickly became apparent I was not properly equipped for 400 mile days or multiple day trips on the Hyper. Friendships were formed and I knew it was a time for change. I used the user-rental web sites to try out a few bikes to determine what was next on my list. I narrowed it down to BMW/KTM/Triumph offerings and spent a few months pondering. I ended up going with a more sport bike that can tour, a 2017 KTM Super Duke GT and could not be happier!
Since I bought the bike, used with 18K miles (for a steal), I have rolled up 6K miles of smiles with a great cast of characters. Really enjoying my new turn with life.
My intent to bump this thread is to provide insight and guidance for those former riders, new riders, and those on the fence. This thread is loaded with great information and I feel it would be tragic to not bring it back to life for those who are pondering the lifestyle. Many of the original posters on this thread are no longer on PP, but their words are not diminished for that and should be considered.
Final picture, UT trip this year with some old F's like me (white glasses...aka Motion), it really does not get better than that. Peace to all.
