[cmelnick]

Hey...I'm new to this page, so I guess I'm supposed to post. Started riding in '97 when I bought my first vehicle, a 1978 Honda CB550K for $600 (it was as old as me). I kept that thing going somehow for a couple years (all the time "conditioning" my left boot w/ a fine oil drip). Finally the tires wouldn't pass inspection, and I couldn't justify spending $$$ to buy new tires as well as fix up some other problems. Things Happened, and I was fiscally unable to buy another bike until last summer, when I purchased my 0 mile, 2006 Honda 919. I'd had my eye on it since I first saw it in 2002. My passion for it never waivered, and I was so happy to get one last year. It is truly the most fun motorcycle that I've ever ridden, and fits my riding style and personality perfectly.

There were two crushing events last year for a proud new papa. The first, I had it out on the street to wash it, went inside to grab a sponge, come outside and it was lying on its side, the alternator cover all scratched to hell. Don't know how it fell over, but that sucked, big time. The second was later in the summer, I was accelerating on an entrance ramp, and there was an unmarked construction zone, with a section cut out of the road. I hit this, while leaning, at about 70mph, got jarred to hell but kept it up. When I got home, noticed that both rims had gotten bent on the right side. With a combination of getting the rims fixed, stripped and powdercoated, waiting for new bolts and bearings to come in, and putting it all back together, the remaining good riding days left for the fall, and it sat in my garage.

The nights are still below freezing, but the days are starting to creep up into the 40s and 50s, so the itch is on. Replaced the alternator cover 2 days ago. Washed and waxed it yesterday. Looks fantastic. Couldn't fight the urge any longer, and found myself speeding down I-70 at 80 mph while it's not even 30
°F outside. Even through the gloves, my fingers are chilled, but it's going to be an incredible, sunny, 52°F when I get out of work, and every bit of it's going to be worth the ride home.

[JeepinJeff]

You'll be cold as hell, but still have a huge smile on your face.

[sinfuldragon]

My son and I are going to be changing the oil and clutch cover this weekend on my bike then we are going to take it for a "test ride" you know to be sure its not leaking any fluid. Since he is only 2 he'll only be going from the garage to the front of the house (by way of the yard) but after that... its open road time

[A.F.T.C.T.T.G.]

Cruising at 80+mph isn't that bad. I do it everyday. Check out this handy link: MOUNTWASHINGTON.COM: Weather: Wind Chill Chart

[fl-929]