Hello From North Carolina

[Weatherbrick2112]

Hi Gang,

I am pretty sure I recognize some of you from a different Brick forum that I found first. Now I have found this one and I'm glad I did!

I bought my '93 K1100LT around the 1st of March this year after shopping for bikes for about ....oh.....15 years or so. At age 51, I finally pulled the trigger on my first ever bike. Yes, yes....I know. "A K1100LT for a 1st bike??" It's way too big for a starter bike!" "It's way too top heavy for a starter bike!" Believe me, I have heard it all before. But I'm older, mature enough to understand the risks and I'm a well trained, conservative (safe) rider. Plus, I just fell in love with the Bricks years ago. I knew I would get a Brick if I ever took up riding. When I found the bike I have now, I knew it was time. It was so beautiful and in crazy great shape at a fair price. I had to have it! So I pulled the trigger, got the bike, got the gear, went to MSF and off I went.

I must admit, after doing very well at the MSF course on their Honda 250, the K1100 was a bit intimidating at first. It was indeed big and heavy. And when I dropped it at a stop on gravel a month after I got it, my confidence was rattled. In fact, I put it up for sale on Craigslist the next day after some seasoned brickster's on that other site made me feel like I was in over my head. I got calls from buyers right away so I knew I could sell it quick. But something inside me said "don't give up"! I needed to get back on that horse.  So, I did. And on my first ride after the drop I rode better and smoother than ever before. I had a blast! When I got home, I immediately took it off Craigslist. She's not for sale! Then I made myself ride at least a little every day. My confidence grew

Now here I am, almost 6 months and about 5,000 miles later, and I'm still riding my beautiful Brick and continue to learn more and get better every time I ride. No more drops since my earlier blunder. Still keeping my generally conservative (safe) riding style and probably always will. And of course, all the gear, all the time, no exceptions. So far, I've only done a few shorter trips to the beaches and mountains here in NC, but I have big plans for next year! Sure hope I get to meet some of you in person out there!

Take care,
Doug

[mystic red]

Glad you joined.....parking lot practice for new and seasoned riders is always a good thing, Hope you are having fun with your new ride. Post up some pics in Show Us Your Klassic K section, its right above your post.

[roninvt]

Hi Weatherbrick2112...looking forward to see pix of ur bike

[Glacial]

Welcome to the forum!

I have been riding bikes on and off for 43 years and my brick most days since May but I still managed a SAD (stopped and dropped) last night in my own driveway - tired after a long day at work I let the attention wander at zero miles per hour and she just settled down on the right side.  Only real damage was to pride.  it happens - get back on - you did the right thing!

[subforry]

When I got my license a little over 2 years ago at age 41, I was not sure if I really liked motorcycling.  Now, the more I ride the more I love it.  I am sure you will get used to the weight.  As for the engine size I think a larger engine with some torque makes for easier times for beginners. In your day to day riding, just keep the RPMs below 7k and you wont have any problems.
My first bike is my '81 Suzuki GS850G.  It weights about 20-40lbs less than my K1100RS and has about the same power.  I got used to it quickly.  Now it is the bike I toss around like the 250s in the MSF class.

Welcome.

[Bokobob]

Welcome from Gastonia, NC....I have often heard the saying, "for your first bike, buy one that is two sizes large than you think you need."
Looks like you  more or less accomplished that...your bike would likely be too big for me, a codger of 78 years, but you should get to tossing it around with abandon by the end of the season...

[Weatherbrick2112]

Welcome from Gastonia, NC....I have often heard the saying, "for your first bike, buy one that is two sizes large than you think you need."
Looks like you  more or less accomplished that...your bike would likely be too big for me, a codger of 78 years, but you should get to tossing it around with abandon by the end of the season...

Thanks neighbor. Interesting that you also have a '94 Magna 750. That's the same bike I am shopping for for my second bike as well. Or maybe a Nighthawk. Looking forward to it!

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Like you I got my first brick, a K75RT, last spring and dropped it in the driveway the day after I finished all of my "new" bike prep including a $400 paint job on the right side fairing parts.  There is a reason for the dirth of right side mirrors and fairing bits on ebay, and I learned it early.

As you have probably found out by now, the brick doesn't react well to timid riders.  Relaxed confidence is what it takes to ride these bikes.  At 66 I'm not as strong as I was a few years ago, but the only scary time is when I have to get off after a ride.  After 6000 miles this summer I still haven't erased the memory of that drop.

[Elipten]

I have had my K75RT since new in 1990.  It is a tall, top heavy  bike for my short legs. I sill love it and have accepted that I drop it every 5-10 yrs and no longer worry about the paint.  I do wish it was the low seat model, but did not know about them when I bought it.

[Green Monster]

Welcome!  I too made the same leap of faith into a larger bike for my vertically challenged inseams!  I was skeptical at first, but this forum has persuaded me against trying to modify my seat on my K11000RS to accommodate my short legs....and I couldn't be happier!

Thanks Guys!

Now I throw it around the twisties with the greatest of ease and confidence while still keeping my guard up!

[Motorhobo]

I started riding at 40 (Honda 550/4) and after one accident on that little wobbler got a k75 which I've now had for 15 yrs. I dropped it once while pulling it off the centerstand and since then only push off the CC while seated. 13 years now I've lived with that fear. Time for me to get over it and push off the CC from the side like real moto people do.