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    I PASSED MY CLASS!

    This week, my youngest (23) son and I took a class in motorcycle safety. We had a 5 hour lecture/discussion class, followed by a test (I scored 49/50).  Saturday and Sunday, we met at a large parking lot for the practical training (actually riding the bikes and learning different maneuvers).  The driving test consisted of what would be included in a DMV test, and I passed! Not the top score in our group of 12, but right in the middle. 
    NOW, I can take the written test at the DMV, and get a Class M (motorcycle) license.

    My question is:  What kind of motorcycle would be the most practical for me. (I'm 61, and about 5'5"; my weight is none of your business). Fresno is a dry climate, and we have some nasty highways within the city and busy surface streets. I do want to ride in the countryside and into the foothills, possibly go off road, too.
    Please post a photo if you can.  Thanks. 
    Oh, one more thing....I'll be happy to accept monetary donations for my bike fund.  
    ""

    +9  Views: 1401 Answers: 14 Posted: 10 years ago

    14 Answers

    Bob, I really like these 3 wheeler's though  I know most people think they are ugly and don't see the point in riding something with 3 wheels.


    https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3NJ5zYINuL95UP7bT2ObpD0yN69oyYftlVvwT2jUE4Du71rj6


    https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQfMNV9dhNY_Nbos0KzJE20aWg6o-zjAWsJMs4WJDTYmYOB9L9XRg


    When I was in my late 20's my son' father bought me a Kawasaki 250 because it was small (I'm 5 ft 4) and I was novice, just learning how to ride. This is a picture like the one I had, but I don't think it would be appropriate for you living in California and it's a little ordinary. 


    https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIOeCWtkbMC88QYacw-NLCVo0ivcJWgIleWwoc9P3vY81_Xp4


    My ex husband was and still is an avid motorcycle rider.   He participated in 3 US Iron Butt Rally's where each rider had to cross the United States in a certain amount of time and we also took several trips on his motorcycle.  One trip we took was from Texas to Colorado and we also rode up Pikes Peak on his motorcycle.  I actually was brave enough to get behind the wheel of it once and though it was a little heavy for me, I loved being behind the wheel.  His bike was a Yamaha Virago.


    https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5cCDp5ZFwO__RMQVXfIGemcm7BxKng0VWY6m9e8T-pbkkDJZHaw

    mycatsmom

    CB, I want a 3 wheeler, b/c you're less likely to flip over or fall off, if you get in an accident. I'm also thinking of getting a large 30-wheeled bicycle. I see they're back . My aunt had two of them when she was in her later 60s. Adn the time frame was also around '66.
    Bob/PKB

    These are all really good ideas, CB; it must have been a wonderful experience to take those longer trips, though I'm pretty sure I won't be in any Iron Butt Rallies. LOL
    That Kawasaki 250 is EXACTLY what I trained on this past weekend. It wasn't too hard to handle, though for the figure 8 u-turn "test", I drove right on out of the "box" and made a big wide "8". I lost some point for that, but did NOT have to put my foot on the pavement during the maneuver. :D
    hector5559

    Can i ride pillion??
    country bumpkin

    Moderator
    LOL, we'll let you ride on the side cart.

    I M AN OLD BIKE ENTHUSIAST FROM WAY BACK.a NICE LITTLE LADIES BIKE IS THE NEW hONDA cbv250.It's light & gutsy & you don't have to be built like a brick outhouse to ride it.Sorry about the caps lock.It won't happen again.(maybe)

    Bob/PKB

    Thanks, Tommyh. I will definitely be looking into that one. It sounds about right! I need to be able to lift it off myself (or the ground, whichever gets in the way first), but don't want other vehicles to literally blow me off the road! :D
    hector5559

    Get around better on a Lambreta,
    Tommyh

    Drrring,ding,ding,ding,ding

    Congrats Bob/PKB.  Cheque's in the mail for your bike!

    Bob/PKB

    Very much appreciated. Make sure there are at least four "0", including the ones behind the decimal point. Thanks again!!! :D

    I road a Honda Ascot V twin. 500. Just the right size and a good fit. Allowed little lean forward, it had a rifle faring, I was so cool. All black,   This isn’t it but close. CONGRATS!!!!


    ""

    Bob/PKB

    Is this a "crotch rocket", where you are leaning over while you ride? My neck and back are messed up, so I'm hoping to find one where I am upright and my arms are level instead of raised up (like many HDs)

    Congrats Bob, take it slow, watch out for others, also for the sand.  We have lots of sand left in the spring from winter ice control, and it is treacherous for bikers, like ball bearings! 

    Bob/PKB

    My son and I both thought that 15-20 mph was just about right. Neither of us have far to go, and just a gentle breeze is enough. We learned a LOT about making ourselves visible to other motorists. That's going to be a priority. One classmate told me to stay out of the middle of the lane because that's where the four wheel vehicles leave an oil slick. Made sense! I'll be staying away from the other traffic at every opportunity...for their sakes as well as my own.
    bustieone

    sound like a good safety plan, regards and happy biking!
    mycatsmom

    we use salt on icey roads. But in Wis, they use sand. Sand is easier on the paint job and on the body of the car.
    Bob/PKB

    Thanks for your help and good wishes bustieone!

    Be a Harley girl !


    ""

    I have an '83 Moped. Whoopee !!    ' ' Born to be Wiiilllllddddd "

    wow! great achievement.....'fine girl ye are'  happy and safe biking! very exciting  (I was a biker's mole..once upon a time....ha!) thrilling but I was terrified really, anything over 20miles felt like 50.+.but my biker was so hunky........just held on tight and enjoyed the ride.!!.......take care out there x

    Congratulations Bob! You are an adventurer, for sure. No experience so I can't advise about motorcycles. Have fun and stay safe!     :)


    And don't forget your helmet!


    ""

    Bob/PKB

    THAT is the helmet for me!!!
    Ducky

    Moderator
    Cool isn't it? :)
    Bob/PKB

    Oh, yeah. Shouldn't be any problem seeing someone wearing THAT!!! You could dangle from the ceiling on New Year's Eve!
    Ducky

    Moderator
    Or it could be the trophy on Dancing with the Stars?
    Bob/PKB

    Only if I get to go home with Derrick
    Ducky

    Moderator
    He's a sweetheart! :)

    Well done Bob, get something really smart and cool, it will be you. Enjoy yourself, and be careful. 

    A nice 350 cc Bultlet would be a nice starter bike ,

    Congrats, Ms Bob - there is only one bike suited for a Californian Girl - Enjoy! :)""

    country bumpkin

    Moderator
    I like this.
    lindilou

    Way cool! ;)
    Bob/PKB

    My arms couldn't handle the grip angle, darnit.

    Now you can get your leg over,

    Congrats Bob If your neck and back are bad, what ever you get make sure you get the ape hangers.... You can ride and stretch at the same time..

    Bob/PKB

    My goal is to sit up straight and have my arms at a comfortable angle!



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