What did you learn from/about motorcycling this year?

[spklbuk]

Breaking from the philosophical briefly, I came to realize that without a doubt, VA traffic laws SUCK!

 

[RadioHowie]

What I learned about motorcycling this year? Or even more specifically, from this forum?

That I could be completely devastated by the loss of a fellow rider I had never even met.

I still wonder if the loss of O'vale is something I can come to terms with. Haven't ridden since the weekend the horrible news came to the forum.

I'm not afraid...just don't have the same "heart" for riding like I used to.

I'm sure it will pass. All things usually do.

 

[painman]

This is a very good topic for a thread. First I have come to ride my FJR with more confidence as I learn the bike and this style of riding. Coming off a cruiser for 18 years was a HUGE change starting back in 06. I challenged myself by riding this year to WFO in Park City taking hwy. 50 from CA. (worlds loneliest highway), solo and I did it. Did I mention I never rode that far ever? You have to understand I shouldn't even be on a bike because of my arthritic condition of the spine and my doctor and family was totally against the ride. But I weathered 100 plus degree heat, jack rabbits, chuck holes and monsoon rain storms of Biblical proportions and did I say Arthritis on the way? And you know what, it just made the trip that much more of a challange and made it more worthwhile, especially the people I met and places I stopped along the way and the event in Park City, I will never forget. It took me 2 days to get there and even made a mistake and went 100 miles the wrong way. lol, but made it in one piece. Another record by me was made on the way home, 789.86 mi. in one day all the way home and did I say 100 deg. plus heat, dust and wind storms, and more heat in 11 hours? Yea baby! Met some new FJR friends from the board and got to know some I already knew better and to me thats the real treat of motorcycling, the people we meet while doing something we truly hold dear like riding our bikes. The only down side this year was I lost 3 friends to motorcycle wrecks in 4 months and OV was the hardest one to swallow. And yes like Howie I had a difficult time deciding to get back on my bike, but I know without a doubt Andrew would want us to continue what we do here on the board and to ride our bikes and take care of our friends. Yes this has been a year to remember, in many ways, some more than I wanted. God bless and hope all have a safe and greater new year. I hope this year in 08 will have the best rides ever with the best people ever. After all, isn't that what its all about? I'm really looking forward to the New Years Day ride, yes I am blessed. Take care, PM. <>< :good:

 

[user 6393]

That using a foot to pivot dirt bike style can work on a street bike, but chances of breaking a bone in your foot are high... :nono:

 

[Niehart]

I've learned that riding with other bikes of all brands can be blast. And riding by myself is just as much fun.

I learned that Haulin Ashe is not a bit slower with a tall good looking gal on back.

That DCarver has a interesting & awesome out look on life.

That Reno John is damn good entertainment.

Also that the folks on this forum are awesome.

Oh, and I just love this bike!

 

[S76]

I learned that just because the month is AUGUST, that doesn't mean you aren't going to freeze your A$$ off in Canada.

I learned that the FJR is unbelievably reliable, whether it's 1000 miles in a day or 5 straight weeks of riding. It demanded nothing.

I learned it is just as much fun to ride slow as it is to ride fast. Just a different kind of fun.

I learned that when I used to buy a tire that would last 10K miles, it would be good for 2 years. Now they are only good for half a year.

I learned that if your really enjoy working on your bike, then don't buy an FJR.

 

[Toecutter]

I challenged myself by riding this year to WFO in Park City taking hwy. 50 from CA. (worlds loneliest highway), solo and I did it. Did I mention I never rode that far ever? You have to understand I shouldn't even be on a bike because of my arthritic condition of the spine and my doctor and family was totally against the ride. But I weathered 100 plus degree heat, jack rabbits, chuck holes and monsoon rain storms of Biblical proportions and did I say Arthritis on the way?

Endurance riding is relative, and you done :good: .

For some, just getting on requires some "enduring". My run to Park City was a personal best as well, going the 700 miles in 13 hours, leaving at 11:00pm (a couple hours behind schedule) after a full day of preps.

I proved to myself that riding through the desert in late July is best done at night, if you're properly equipped. Next time, I'll leave just as the sun sets and be ready to go the night before, so I'm not stressing around all day before a long nocturnal journey. And not plan on getting anything other than fuel en route. And have plenty of tire for the journey. And don't discount the destructive potential of small critters.

Most of all, I learned that I'm a lot further up the list of "those who haven't crashed yet or been caught" than I was to begin the year. It's an honor of dubious distinction, and I remind myself that "I'm due", each time I snug up the helmet strap, and give thanks for every round-trip accomplished.

 

[Old Michael]

 

[sonicspeed]

i learned that an electrical implant in your back will do wonders for permenant nerve damage

i learned that , yes, you can live without pain pills

i relearned that motorcycles are a lot of fun and can take you to your happy place

i learned that there is a wonderful forum out there with a bunch of really great people

also just recently found out.........heated gear rocks!!!

 

[frayne]

Over torquing your oil drain plug can be expensive.

My butt can take 600 miles in a day on a stock seat but my shoulders ache.

Riding in the hills and mountains of north Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina beat the shit out of anything in west central Ohio by a factor of 10.

Group rides can be fun.

Always ride your ride.

This forum is great for meeting people, information and entertainment value.

 

[brazos parker]

This past year, I learned several things...

1. I need to ride more and take more extended trips.

2. I grieve at the loss of life of someone I never met.

3. I had the opportunity to meet some of the best folks in the world thanks to this bike...Radman, Grumpy, CCook82, Repairman, Mike H, SlapnPop, Charlie Hoss, JimLor, VMax03 and the list goes on & on...

4. All cagers are still out to get ME! Don't know why...maybe I'm just paranoid!

5. Did I say "I need to ride more?"

6. I need more money for farkles.

7. I need to ride more...oh! I already mentioned that.

 

[tinpusher]

I learned thats it's possible to ride in the cold, and not freeze your balls off (thanks Gerbing's).

I learned that the FJR will lean much farther than I'm comfortable leaning (gotta take more moto classes)

I learned that if you put your FJR on a treadmill, that's moving the same speed as the FJR (but in the opposite direction)..............well, nevermind.

I learned that I may not contribute much, but this is the one website I visit almost everyday, and I learn alot!

JS

 

[pickax]

I've learned rural america and its people are alive and well. And the best way to see it is from a feej.

Need to make more time...

 

[keithaba]

I learned that 1000 miles in one day is harder than it sounds!

I learned that planning and thinking about my next long distance trip on the FJR keeps me going at work, even on the sucky days.

I learned that the members of this forum will generally do anything and go out of their way to help other members and riders.

I learned how to completely rebuild an FJR, twice....

Finally, I learned that a good pair of protective pants costs a lot less than hospitol bills for treating road rash.

 

[camera56]

Thanks guys. Great posts. Ride safe in the new year.

 

[Wolfhound]

Not to think you'll always be here, Enjoy your friends/family every chance you get . . . .

 

[water-dog]

I have learned from 1 single motorcycle the power to :

Laugh with people I do not know.

Learn from people I do not know.

Help people I do not know.

Cry over the loss of people I do not know.

Thanks FJR

Thanks fjrforum!

Happy 2008!

dog

 

[leedavis]

After a pavement encounter I learned that my stylishly cool gear matters and that gotchas happen - deer, gravel, bad cagers, etc - so you better be ready. I now shudder thinking about how bad it could have been for me when I see folks on the open road in jeans and such.

On the plus side my bike will be back together soon and I'll be healed up enough to ride again! Not riding sucks...definitely learned that!

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

Lets see.....
I rode my first rally this year and realized that its fun but not necessarily my cup of tea. It takes a special breed and mindset to not only participate but to finish in a respectable position.

I found out for the first time what its like to break down far from home and have to spend valuable riding time dealing with the logistics of getting the bike repaired and everything else that goes with that.

I continued to ride with the Patriot Guard Riders, mostly Harley guys for some reason, and found that 99% of the time the type of bike I ride was never even mentioned. It was always all about the reason we were there in the first place which was to honor the fallen warrior.

Discovered how much fun a cheap, basic motorcycle can be when I bought a KLR.

I've finally come to the conclusion that I like the solitude and freedom I have riding by myself instead of with other riders.

For some reason, in some sick way, I enjoy riding in torrential rain.

I have to agree, going where you want when you want stopping and snapping off pictures etc.

Yes I found out on almost every trip i took this year I like riding in the pouring rain, AMS, Daytona, EOM06&07. with rain gear soaked through that my heated gear kept me warm and i did not get shocked even though puddles of water were inside my boots....

I learned the hard way that just because sometihng looks like it is an easy fix, hanging my tank off my garage door opener, when I forgot to remove the bungie and my tank got ripped of and the fuel filter fittings broke and or got ripped out and i had to pay to replace it.... and or fix it and could not ride for a few weeks, that i would not do that again.

I learned the hard way that when riding into the sun and almost over shooting the entrance ramp to the highway to expect gravel where none is seen..... lots of it! Should have just past and turned around.....

What a grand year it was and i can only hope for a better one in 08....

 

[Jagermeister]

Crashing is not fun. Ever.

+1

The subsequent FJR-less period is no fun, either.