My bike is DONE!!!

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:16 pm

I can't believe it! Got the tank and fenders back from the paint shop today, and Bullet and I put the whole thing back together. There it sits, on my driveway, brand-new looking, (even though it's 25 years old!) and tomorrow I begin riding lessons. I am SOOOO nervous and even more excited!! Keep your fingers crossed for me, gang, that I don't booger up my pretty new paint job...

:yh_nailbi

I took pictures today, and as soon as I get the film developed, I'll post them.

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:32 pm

BabyRider wrote: I can't believe it! Got the tank and fenders back from the paint shop today, and Bullet and I put the whole thing back together. There it sits, on my driveway, brand-new looking, (even though it's 25 years old!) and tomorrow I begin riding lessons. I am SOOOO nervous and even more excited!! Keep your fingers crossed for me, gang, that I don't booger up my pretty new paint job...

:yh_nailbi

I took pictures today, and as soon as I get the film developed, I'll post them.

Oh BR I am jealous gawd how lucky you are. Can't wait for the pictures. What kind of bike??

We have had NO good biking weather here. Bike is ready to go but not really water proof ahahahahaha

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:36 pm

It's a Suzuki 450. Just a little thing, but perfect for my first bike. Apparently, though, it will beat Bullet's bike off the line. Something I don't care to prove for a LONG time...

I'd be going crazy if I couldn't be on a bike this far into the season! What do you ride, Minks?

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:52 pm

hehehe ooo you go girl.

Currently just passenger on the BF's 1998 kawasaki falcon. (I need to save more $$ if I am ever going to own one ahahahaha)

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 12:57 pm

That's a crotch-rocket, not a cruiser, right? (Still getting all the different types straight.)

I actually got mine for a song. The thing is a 1980, and beat to hell, (the body, that is) but it only had 6,000 miles on it. Bullet got it from a buddy, and $450 bucks later, (re-covered, re-shaped seat and a paint job) it's good to go! Do you know how to ride, Minks?

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:01 pm

cruiser my dear.

I learned how to ride many many a year ago, crashed my brothers bike and for years kind of blocked it out. I would love to learn again properly with a proper instructor.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 1:21 pm

I stand corrected! I'm not around many bikes that aren't Harley's, except mine and the ol' mans. There are only 2 others in the club who have Hondas.

I think I remember you telling the story of crashing your brothers bike. Am I imagining things?

minks · Post by **minks** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 2:07 pm

BabyRider wrote: I stand corrected! I'm not around many bikes that aren't Harley's, except mine and the ol' mans. There are only 2 others in the club who have Hondas.

I think I remember you telling the story of crashing your brothers bike. Am I imagining things?

Oh I could have told you it hehehehe

Oh Harleys hehehe the BF scorns those ahahaha no idea why he just does. I would love to own an Indian of some sort but not sure which style, I just think they are classic.

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:28 pm

BabyRider wrote: I can't believe it! Got the tank and fenders back from the paint shop today, and Bullet and I put the whole thing back together. There it sits, on my driveway, brand-new looking, (even though it's 25 years old!) and tomorrow I begin riding lessons. I am SOOOO nervous and even more excited!! Keep your fingers crossed for me, gang, that I don't booger up my pretty new paint job...

:yh_nailbi

I took pictures today, and as soon as I get the film developed, I'll post them.
Congratulations - and be careful!

anastrophe · Post by **anastrophe** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 4:30 pm

BabyRider wrote: I can't believe it! Got the tank and fenders back from the paint shop today, and Bullet and I put the whole thing back together. There it sits, on my driveway, brand-new looking, (even though it's 25 years old!) and tomorrow I begin riding lessons. I am SOOOO nervous and even more excited!! Keep your fingers crossed for me, gang, that I don't booger up my pretty new paint job...

:yh_nailbi

I took pictures today, and as soon as I get the film developed, I'll post them.
'get the film developed'?? how quaint! :yh_silly

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 12:58 am

1. WEAR YOUR HELMET OR I WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HELL

2. plan on biketoberfest in october, or bike week in march (daytona) of course you will have to hide that rice-burner! LOL .......when i got my motorcycle license the guy at DMV really had a good time bending my mind, told me i had to jump through fire hoops! that's ok , i got back at him. heh heh----- have fun! just one serious note...most automobile operators do not know how to drive around bikes...be very defensive and aware of the traffic. they simply don't see you.

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 3:01 am

That bike was from Suzukis GS series I believe. I rode a GS 550 back then. It was one of the first with a 5 speed transmission. Much was written about the GS series back then. The 450 was made to compete with Hondas early television commercials promoting women being able to ride. I took the 550 on a trip from New York to Nova Scotia. It was a pleasure. The Suzukis back then were in the catagory of the quiet small Japaneese bikes. Kawasakis were known for loud sound and quick speed. Suzukis were made to be able to go the long distance. Yamahas were also very nice but the steering wasnt great. The maintenance is very simple, nothing much ever goes wrong. Despite the kidding from Harley riders, Suzuki motorcycles were an excellent product and worthy of respect. The company went on to get better and better. They put out a low rider series a couple of years after the GS series. Same engines, very pretty. I worked for Suzuki in the late 70s Salesperson and instructor. Its very exciting to get your first bike. Since your surrounded by bikers Im sure you will receive plenty of advice regarding hazzards. Its great your taking lessons, I did also, Its the best way to learn to ride safely. The only rel way to become expert at it is to get out there and ride. Since the bike is 25 years old.. You might be interested in a book that is probobly 35 years old. Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. It was my bible back then. Great insight regarding the mental and physical connection between man and his motorcycle.

minks · Post by **minks** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 8:38 am

flopstock wrote: so do you feel comfortable enough with it ,after working on it, that if there is a problem you'll know what you are dealing with?

I'm pea green with envy kiddo. 48 next thurs ...maybe i should tell 'hisself' i'd like a bike! Don't know if i could hold the smile if i walked out and saw a 10 speed..lol

that's funny flop hehehehe that would be most traumatic mind you hehehehehe

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 12:22 pm

Flop, all we did is cosmetic stuff, so I wouldn't say that I could deal with any mechanical problem that comes up! I just hope there aren't any!

Anastrophe, I know, I know, we're living in the dark ages! No digital camera yet.

LC, do you really think I'd risk your wrath by not wearing my helmet? HA! Yeah, right!

So I rode today! Not very far, but I got the feel of the clutch, and picking up my feet, and stopping. I did dump it once, but only bent my turn signal a little, no damage to my paint job. Also, the battery was not keeping a charge, and Bullet had to keep push-starting it, and it was wearing him out! 93 degrees today, so we couldn't stay out long. He put in new plugs and put the battery back on the charger, and we will try some more tomorrow.

Weeder, you are right about the GS. That's exactly what it is. I think it is SO cool that you rode "back in the day." Do you still?

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 3:41 am

I put a for sale sign on my bike the day after I found out I was expecting my first child. At the time it broke my heart.. but for me, it was time to move on to other things and a different life. Couldnt possibly ride now, I look at bikers and cant believe I did it back then. It was the time of my life. It was wonderful. Nothing really has ever compared to the thrill of it. You need to be mentally sharp, agile,alert, and in good physical shape to do it well. My motorcycle instructor uded to say to me" Ride like your in Vietnam.. every other vehicle is the enemy just waiting to get you. Always expect them to jump the stop sign, go through the red light.. wander over the center line, pass you on the right etc.... The attitude served me well. I was a long distance rider. It is during those trips that man and engine fuse together. That is the subject of the book I suggested to you. Having lost my first love in a motorcycle accident in 1969... driving defensively was never off my mind... doing it well. was something I had to do for him. He was the person who introduced me to the joy of it so many years ago. Yesterday June 25th was the 36th anniversary of his death. There isnt a year that goes by, that I dont remember him, or the wonderful times we had. " Live to ride, ride to live" is an excellent slogan.. remember it.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:02 pm

Not wanting to start a new thread about this, but I did want to let anyone know, if you're interested, I've been riding all week! Bullet has been setting up cones and putting me through drills and today we finally went out on the public roads. Wow. It was amazing! A short ride, and it rained on us, but I made it! I was really nervous when it started to rain, but what can you do? You've got to get the bike home! Damn, but that rain can HURT! I don't have a windshield yet, so I took it full in the face at 50 mph. I've gotten lots of great advice and tips and I appreciate all the interest in my safety from all of you!

Weeder, if you have any more stories, advice, words of wisdom, ANYTHING,...I am all ears. Thanks so much for your input. :yh_hugs

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 7:20 pm

prepare to eat lots of bugs! hahahahaha (do you have a fairing?) ....and, like weeder, i also highly recommend the old book "zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance". be safe and have fun my friend! xoxoxox

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 8:06 pm

Ahh...THERE'S my buddy!! I will check that book out, having been recommended to me by two very bright women! xoxo

No, I really do need to keep my mouth shut tight while riding. It will probably be the only time Bullet gets any peace! :yh_rotfl

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 10:37 pm

the time it takes to get films developed :rolleyes:

i was a biker chick in my hey day, many good memories & many i couldent possibly tell for fear of lady cop

of course im a complete angel now :yh_angel

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 3:08 am

BR.... Heres a little known common hazzard zone for new riders... The oil slick that runs down the center of the highway at a toll booth. OOps one more. The seam

(Often broken and or deep between lanes on the highway.) A skill to aim at becoming expert at.... is the art of using brakes. Front and back together. Sqeezing on front brakes alone is an impulse when faced with a potential calamity.

At high speeds, doing this can throw you over the handlebars leaving your bike behind. Im off today for Virginia. Going for 10 days to see my sons. Ill be taking these old bones on the road in my nice safe F150 pickup.....Its got a great windshield... 4 tires, and plenty of room in the back... for anything I might decide I need...ha ha ha.

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:01 am

Weeder, I will keep all that in mind, thank you! There is a lot to remember! I've been told that it will all be second nature if I just ride, ride, ride.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, weeder, and be safe! xoxo

No pics yet, ladies, still using up that last roll of film, but with the weekend I have in front of me, I'm sure we will be done with it by Sunday.

(When I do develop the pics, I will post them right here in this thread)

babygirl · Post by **babygirl** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:42 am

Congrats hunny i am glad you are getting out on the roads now, keep us updated and post the pics when you get them.

baby girl is sooo jelous

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:45 pm

As promised, here's my bike.

Attached files

buttercup · Post by **buttercup** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 1:05 pm

nice