Hello from Florida

[Steve - Alafia]

Hello and best wishes to all:

I am a new member from central Florida - near Tampa (the Cigar City) on the Alafia River (hence the name) - 'bout 30 minutes from the Gulf and 2 1/2 hours from Daytona

Well I think I am taking the plunge (think like the feeling just after you leave the diving board - past the point of no return but not yet in the water)... I put a deposit on a new 2007 R3 - black (I always believed black bikes and cars are faster....) open mike and filter off - I looked at Harleys and Vulcans but passed for the R3

Although I rode through most of my college years as a primary means of getting where I had to go - I have not rode regularly since then - but I always knew I wanted to come home - well now is the time....

Although pushing 40, I am basically an ignorant kid in terms of knowledge and skill - albeit one that would appreciate advice from the adults on the board - I do intend to take the MSF course before taking delivery (hence the deposit only and the delay) - and deposited on a basic black because I thought being selective on the accessories would be better since there is no way I can really know what I truly want on her until I have rode for a while.... (already been through the drill on a new boat where I bought a bunch of stuff and then took half off - a mc is obviously smaller and less forgiving as far as size)

Anyway - I am interested in safety, maintenance (read through the idle and sprocket threads), events, clothing, accessories, and well everything and anything by way of words of wisdom for an erstwhile wannabe captain..... I pledge to return the favor at a minimum with pics when appropriate.....

Thank ya'll - Steve from the Cigar City in the land of Sunshine

 

[RTNAPL]

Welcome to the site. The MSF refresher can't hurt after an absence from the iron horse. As for passing on the Harley and Vulcan, was it really even a choice? Once you pick up your Rocket you are going to have to tell me what it is like to ride in January as I don't have that option (I am missing my Kate.) The Minneapolis St. Paul area is predicted to have a high temp of 0 on Saturday with negative wind chills... Someday I will talk my wife in to moving to a more 365 day Rocket friendly place

 

[snuffcityrider]

Hello and best wishes to all:

I am a new member from central Florida - near Tampa (the Cigar City) on the Alafia River (hence the name) - 'bout 30 minutes from the Gulf and 2 1/2 hours from Daytona

Well I think I am taking the plunge (think like the feeling just after you leave the diving board - past the point of no return but not yet in the water)... I put a deposit on a new 2007 R3 - black (I always believed black bikes and cars are faster....) open mike and filter off - I looked at Harleys and Vulcans but passed for the R3

Although I rode through most of my college years as a primary means of getting where I had to go - I have not rode regularly since then - but I always knew I wanted to come home - well now is the time....

Although pushing 40, I am basically an ignorant kid in terms of knowledge and skill - albeit one that would appreciate advice from the adults on the board - I do intend to take the MSF course before taking delivery (hence the deposit only and the delay) - and deposited on a basic black because I thought being selective on the accessories would be better since there is no way I can really know what I truly want on her until I have rode for a while.... (already been through the drill on a new boat where I bought a bunch of stuff and then took half off - a mc is obviously smaller and less forgiving as far as size)

Anyway - I am interested in safety, maintenance (read through the idle and sprocket threads), events, clothing, accessories, and well everything and anything by way of words of wisdom for an erstwhile wannabe captain..... I pledge to return the favor at a minimum with pics when appropriate.....

Thank ya'll - Steve from the Cigar City in the land of Sunshine

Welcome to the site, your probably the youngest one on here, don't push 40... it'll push back When I turned 40 (six years ago) my mom sent me a card that read "your now at the age that if you act 20 the next day you'll feel 60" Be careful and take plenty of time to get to know the new Rocket. P.S. I love cigars if you have any you need to get rid of

 

[Pig9r]

Welcome Steve. You'll be fine on the Rocket. Despite all that power it can be ridden with easy. Just remember to respect the power at high speeds and the weight at slow speeds and when coming to a stop. You are smart about getting the right gear. I prefer a full face helmet. I recently bought a Shoei Multitec, it's the flip up modular style. I have had a Triumph leather jacket for several years and it has performed well. Also have Triumph boots.

And you might as well ask your dealer how much rear tires are so you can start saving your pennies.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

Welcome aboard. I'm a little slow tonight. I just got home from school and I'm trying to unfreeze my nipples....that's another story.

 

[Paul Hyland]

Welcome Steve

Good luck on your new toy when it comes in. By the way if you are looking for grown ups for grown up advice!!!! you might be in the wrong place there an't noboddy here but us over grown (some more than others) kids.
OOh and if you need sheep advice direct all those to Jack.

 

[goodfellow]

hi

hello steve,
welcome to the forum.

greg

 

[Big Goaler]

Welcome Steve,
Hey, if you can make it down to Ft. Myers, this Saturday for bike night, a few of us will be there. Most of the out-of towners will be staying at the Crown Plaza in Ft. Myers. We are meeting Saturday afternoon there os the "bell tower" which, I guess, is across the street from the hotel. The bike night is from 6-10 Saturday at 1st Street from Monroe to Jackson Street and is put on by the local Hardley dealership. The Triumph dealership is having a BBQ that afternoon. Maybe we will see you there.

 

[speedfreak]

Welcome,I am waiting to file my income taxes and going to buy me a Rocket also,cant wait!!!!!!

 

[Thunderbolt]

Welcome

Be glad to have you aboard. I am 20 miles N. of Gainesville Fl. Kinda far for an afternoon ride but the other club I belong to the Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club likes to ride to eat on Saturday, and have some folks from your area that show up regularly for the rides in our area. I think they like the peace and desolate roads we have up here.