Karma: 945575

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.
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+9 Views: 1430 Answers: 14 Posted: 11 years ago

14 Answers

country bumpkin

Karma: 1665030

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.

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.

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.

11 years ago. Rating: 13
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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.

commented 11 years ago

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

commented 11 years ago

hector5559

Can i ride pillion??

commented 11 years ago

country bumpkin

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

commented 11 years ago

Tommyh

Karma: 609115

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)

11 years ago. Rating: 12
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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

commented 11 years ago

hector5559

Get around better on a Lambreta,

commented 11 years ago

Tommyh

Drrring,ding,ding,ding,ding

commented 11 years ago

sawali

Karma: 49425

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

11 years ago. Rating: 12
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Bob/PKB

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

commented 11 years ago

jhharlan

Karma: 1457190

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!!!!

11 years ago. Rating: 11
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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)

commented 11 years ago

bustieone

Karma: 250320

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!

11 years ago. Rating: 11
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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.

commented 11 years ago

bustieone

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

commented 11 years ago

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.

commented 11 years ago

Bob/PKB

Thanks for your help and good wishes bustieone!

commented 11 years ago

lindilou

Karma: 480785

Be a Harley girl !

11 years ago. Rating: 10
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mycatsmom

Karma: 393700

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

11 years ago. Rating: 9
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billyboy1

Karma: 5370

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