Motorcycle people.....just bought this,

[jerk]

update: i'm really enjoying this thing. i've spent way too much money on gear though. i'm just such a fucking geek when it comes to this shit and i really do believe you should wear the stuff you'd want to be wearing if you decided to open your driver side door and jump out while going 75 on the highway. dress for the slide not the ride blahblahblah....

this is all coming from a guy who rides a bicycle without a helmet, listens to music etc. but i'm all about keeping my motorcycling as safe as possible. beyond gear, part of being safe on the bike is developing riding skills so when i get some time i'm going to sign up for some track day classes, try to get into a flat track racing beginner program and basically try to become more comfortable riding a motorcycle at speed.

i am a little disappointed in how i am taking to the old brakes, the old suspension and some issues with an old transmission. i didn't expect a modern motorcycle when i bought this thing- but it would be nice to have a modern from brake. honestly, the rear drum seems more powerful than the cable actuated ancient disc on the front. like wise the suspension sucks. the geometry of this bike is awesome- but the reality is the suspension especially in the back is wholly under sprung. i'd love to get some fancy shocks for this thing- increase the travel a bit and eventually address the front end too (although at least compared to the rear the front is good.)

the next purchase for the bike though is def. mirrors. it looks cool but when you're riding on the street you need to see what's behind you especially given the peripheral vision limitations caused by event the best full face helmets. harley 48 had cool under bar mirrors and i'll probably go for a similar set up.

i think i'm going to invest in custom two piece leathers too. my Vanson Drac is great but i really want a totally perforated leather upper with full armor for those hot days riding here in socal especially in the desert (where the best riding is!). i'll get this kind of jacket with a matching pair of armored leather pants that will attach. these things don't need to be perforated as my legs usually don't get hot and that way i can use'em with my Vanson when it's cooler or with the matching perforated jacket for hot days. and yes- i will deck the new leathers out in Gaulzetti and Summer Cycles livery! :)

[j44ke]

This is a fun looking machine. I always wanted to buy a harley in Aix but getting the motorcycle driver's license is such a pain in the ass that I have always put this off. Harley's are uber cool in France. Just saying.

Don't get a Harley. That's such a thoroughly predictable and cliché pick for a French person. Next you'll be saying you got a cool new pair of Converse All-Stars and that you really think Levis jeans are tres whatevers.

Get a Moto Guzzi Lemans.

[NYCfixie]

I know leathers are all the rage on a cafe racer and/or flat tracker but it is hard to beat synthetics when it comes to ventilation and cooling for street riding. Can't say what's the best protection/cooling trade off for the track.

[Mabouya]

i think i'm going to invest in custom two piece leathers too. my Vanson Drac is great but i really want a totally perforated leather upper with full armor for those hot days riding here in socal especially in the desert (where the best riding is!). i'll get this kind of jacket with a matching pair of armored leather pants that will attach. these things don't need to be perforated as my legs usually don't get hot and that way i can use'em with my Vanson when it's cooler or with the matching perforated jacket for hot days. and yes- i will deck the new leathers out in Gaulzetti and Summer Cycles livery! :)

Motoport gear works for me in hot and humid St Louis. Not leather, but awesome ventilation with the mesh and top-notch protection.

Motoport Air Mesh Jacket | Motoport USA

Motoport jackets and pants come up for sale on the ADVRider classifieds all the time. In fact, there's some now.

[Lionel]

Don't get a Harley. That's such a thoroughly predictable and cliché pick for a French person. Next you'll be saying you got a cool new pair of Converse All-Stars and that you really think Levis jeans are tres whatevers.

Get a Moto Guzzi Lemans.

Cliche yes, my son believes a Harley is a completely stupid idea. I saw a BMW R9T the other day that looked really nice and talked to the rider who was enjoying a cigarette at a cafe terasse. He also has a motoguzzi and a Ducatti. He could not stop raving about the BMW.

[Too Tall]

My Neighbor has that BMW R9T. Love it, neat bike.