Motorcycles ,riders,rides and what,where and who to buy from

[Vulcan]

My first bike was a 1964 Suziki 80 cc I bought new from a bicycle dealer in Sapperton. Bikes were a lot smaller in those days as there were no freeways and this could get up to about 55mph, so I could go anywhere on it although still frustrating. I bought it to get back and forth to school (BCIT) and the two stroke stood up in every kind of weather. No lessons and no motorcycle license needed in those days. When they brought in the class 6, they just mailed everybody with a registered motorcycle a new license.

My next bike was an old AJS 400. I never did get it running properly so I haven't much to say about it.

In 67 I bought a new Ducati 250 Scrambler. Great bike except for the electrics. This is a picture off the net, not mine but the style still looks good, eh.









I got the itch again and bought a 95 Vulcan 800a but not before taking a riding course as it had been so long between rides. Fine reliable, good looking bike until it got destroyed in a fire. It didn't handle very well though with it's raked out forks. Another web picture. Mine had leather saddle bags.

Spoiler!

Current ride internet photo. I don't have the top bag.

[Simon96Taco]

Had my license for 6 years but only really riding for 2 years in earnest. Currently waitiing out the snow in the garage I have:

2005 Ducati Monster S2R 800
1974 Honda CB550

The S2R is my daily rider in the summer, while the CB is a project bike. Planning to tear into her and get her back to mint shape over the comings months. No pics handy or I'd post.

The Old Motorcycle Shop is also a cool shop to go and have a look around. Also huge thumbs up to the guys at Motorrad if you're looking for service.

[#22]

Originally Posted by Simon96Taco

The Old Motorcycle Shop is also a cool shop to go and have a look around. Also huge thumbs up to the guys at Motorrad if you're looking for service.

I second this recommendation. Good guys, great service.

[Young-Sneezy]

i am losing my motorcycle v card this year.

Just signed up for the 2 cool course on recommendation of past CP threads.

[pylon]

I am having CP member MrSector9 do my spring tune. He has very good prices, and is a certified bike tech.

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/member.php?u=12095

[MikeN]

Originally Posted by Young-Sneezy

i am losing my motorcycle v card this year.

Just signed up for the 2 cool course on recommendation of past CP threads.

Nice man, good school to go to, Any idea what you are looking at buying ?

[pylon]

My 02 Vulcan 1500FI Classic. Only paid $4000 for it. The guy who sold it to me owned a detail shop in Brooks, and the thing literally looked like it rolled out of a showroom. Lots of extra chrome bits, and Vance and Hines Longshots. Awesome all around cruiser. Great highway power, and not too cumbersome around town like some of the new massive cruisers.

[/URL]

[Pizza]

Originally Posted by MikeN

Also why do people HATE Blackfoot motorsports so much?

The times ive been there, blackfoot has been alright. Not sure why you believe this. There's only one other person in this thread who said Blackfoot wasnt their first choice, but didnt "hate" the place

[MikeN]

Im not saying that the people on here hate it, all you ever hear about is people crazy pissed at the. Inwqs curious why,

[#22]

Here is my '99 ZRX 1100

[theinfinitejar]

NSFW!

My baby, 2013 Triumph Street Triple R. Purchased from Blackfoot as they're the only Triumph dealer, no complaints.

Tagged for monster image.

[WilsonFourTwo]

A bit late to the part here but....I rode dirt bikes (farm community) when I was a kid but graduated to street riding about a dozen years ago and am proud to say that I've owned a couple of bikes that are making regular appearances in this thread.

1999 SV650s (with the ugly, rounder body styling): Amazing machine, arguably the best learning bike ever (my bias...) and was FUN every day that I owned it. Torque for fun, more than capable of keeping up with 'the big boys' during day rides, and so light and well balanced that cornering/turning was effortless. I miss that bike and still regularly fight the urge to buy another.

2000 Honda VFR800: Arguably the best all around production bike ever made. Bullet proof engine (100,000 km is not uncommon) capable of long touring days or setting the pace with a group of higher speed riders. Again, balance is phenomenal but power and weight require a lot more respect. Still own this bike and can't imagine ever selling it. Bonus points for being sexy as hell, beautiful machine. Did 3500km in 4 days a couple summers bike and the bike performed amazingly. A true sport-touring bike and one that all riders should own at some point.

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by MikeN

Im not saying that the people on here hate it, all you ever hear about is people crazy pissed at the. Inwqs curious why,

I'll be honest....I don't particularly like Blackfoot. I find that their prices are typically amongst the highest in the city, selection is often pretty average, and I've yet to have a truly positive customer service experience (its usually just, blah)

It's not any one of those things that makes me dislike Blackfoot, its the consistency of all of them that frustrates me.

Before I complain *too* loudly about Blackfoot, owning a Honda machine basically means having to deal with Powerhouse Honda. Frustrating beyond belief.

[speede5]

Originally Posted by MikeN

Im not saying that the people on here hate it, all you ever hear about is people crazy pissed at the. Inwqs curious why,

Because they sell high volume and the customer is just a number. When you go back for service it's a pick a number get in line experience. If you are ok with this then they are a great place to buy, as the prices are reflective of the volume, but if you need a tire changed the day before a big road trip you'll want to go elswhere.

Just my experience. I'd still shop there any day.

[speede5]

Oh ya, and I ride an 05 GSXR-600, and picked up a 99 R6 just before winter. Looking forward to spring.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo

2000 Honda VFR800: Arguably the best all around production bike ever made. Bullet proof engine (100,000 km is not uncommon) capable of long touring days or setting the pace with a group of higher speed riders. Again, balance is phenomenal but power and weight require a lot more respect. Still own this bike and can't imagine ever selling it. Bonus points for being sexy as hell, beautiful machine. Did 3500km in 4 days a couple summers bike and the bike performed amazingly. A true sport-touring bike and one that all riders should own at some point.

This X 1000

My biggest motorcycling regret was getting rid of mine. I am of the opinion that version (98-2001) was the greatest all round motorcycle ever built to date. Had insanely top notch fit and finish, nothing was even close. Was incredibly affordable. Sounded incredible (gear driven cams sounded knarly and expensive). Could ride it all day. Single sided swing arm looked amazing. Could take pannier bags. Had silky smooth performance. And probably the most linear power band a motorcycle has ever seen.

I wish I could go back and kick my 28 year old self in the nuts for selling mine. I had the rare blue, man I hate myself for getting rid of it.

edit: And you under shot the engine lifespan. They are routinely known for going 200,000 kms with just oil changes and general maintenance.

[MikeN]

200k? No ####? That's unreal.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by MikeN

200k? No ####? That's unreal.

Good thread on the topic. Quite a few 100k mile + guys in there.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/i...e-on-your-vfr/

[MikeN]

That is crazy, makes me laugh at people who say 13k is a lot on a bike.

[strombad]

Ok, total bike rookie here, looking for some advice. Wife doesn't like the idea of having a bike at all, but I'm mechanically inclined, so I thought I might like to start a project bike and kind of get her used to the idea of the bike while I fix it up.

I was hoping to find something in a similar style/look to a 1950 Indian Warrior, that I can spend some time working on and restoring in the garage.

Anybody have any good suggestions on what sort of bike to look for (under a couple grand for sure) and any places in Calgary that are good to go for ordering replacement parts and that sort of thing?