Well, my riding season with a motorcycle is over. I rode it a lot the last 3 days but the weather here in Wisconsin is turning bad next week so I put the Harley away. I just thought it would be a good idea to jot down a few notes.

I got the bike in mid-may. After some negotiations with the dealer, I finally bought a 1200c. I never thought I would buy a brand new Harley. Then a buddy taught me the basics of riding and I was going to work and back. Around 500 miles, I took my riders edge and then I was off on the roads.

When I first got it I heard every sound and every noise that I thought might be strange. Now this bike gets great gas mileage and sounds great. Sometimes I ride and just listen to the engine and the exhaust. I get a lot of complements when I am on the road.

Getting this bike has been great for my marriage. I am a fishing and hunting fanatic. That is something I do with my buddies and my brothers. I took the boat out 3 times this year…. only. Now I am thinking of selling the boat. If I go for a ride and don’t take my kids, they get ticked. My 7 year old picked out her helmet and her own stickers. She is getting to be a legend around here. My wife will come home from work and want a ride to unwind… a ride on the bike that is. We ride around and she talks and talks and we talk. We stop and talk. We talk more on the bike than at home. We are busy people with different schedules. She loves to ride and wants to buy a full blown bagger when all the kids are gone. I won’t get rid of my first Harley. I read about all the guys here saying, “That brings back memories”. I listen and I am going to keep it forever. Someday, I will have two Harleys.

Found HD forums around Mid-June. This is now my favorite website and I have not even seen it all yet. What a great place. I have learned a ton of stuff here. When I first joined I asked some silly questions I am sure. But, the great thing about this site is no matter how silly, the questions get answered. The people on this forum make this site the best. The first fellas I found to be cool were XLOCD and MidwestXL. They helped me through my handlebar change. Thanks guys. Then the others who I have gotten a lot of information from just reading and replying are Tim, SportyPig, Whaap, WarriorHD GothMetalGuitarist, SealBeachBum, ****** and of course the real Dr.Cool… the one and only OldFenderGuy. These are the people I can think of off the top of my head. If I missed someone, I don’t mean to offend because everyone on this site makes it a great place. Getting on this site has made my first riding season much better and painless, I have gained a lot of knowledge and have more to learn. I know now that I won’t go to a dealer and will do the work myself. Plus, I can always go and check out the showdown, and see what Heather and HDWG are up to.

Thanks to the Military People and Veterans that are serving or have served our country and thank you all for participating in this great site and helping me out.

Jimmy

 

im glad to hear you are enjoying your harley so much..this is my first harley as well(but not my first bike) since ive got the harley all its done for me is cause grief between me and the mrs.,she wants one thing from me and that is to sell the bike..im holding on tight and am trying my hardest not to let go..there have been a lot of fun times for the two of us taking rides out on some long back roads,pulling over in deserted places and (well you get the idea).but now riding season is basically over for the year(especially for her)and all she wants is the money(bike is paid for- title in hand)maybe if im able to keep my bike ill try not to be obsessed like i was this pass summer..hope your marriage stays strong..

 

That is a great post..Thank you Dr Cool...this was also my first year I bought my 1200L back in May and have not looked back...chased the Hubby all over and yes it keeps us close too.
I have to second the statement that I too look to the forum for information and advice, I respect the people who truly take the time to help others and lend the knowledge they have. It has been an incredible help to me. I come here to wind down and get the skinny on what everybody is up too. I am not quite ready to put away for the season. In South Jersey it is still warm. I rode all last weekend and will do it again this one. Thursday will be 68..and I have been loving it.

I went to the dealer today to get some prices on new pipes ...so I may as well ask now....Bub Jug Huggers or Cobra...any opinions (as if wouldn't get opinions!!)???? I want to do this asap before it gets too cold to enjoy it a bit..and we also just booked accomodations for Daytona so I really want them for that trip...I just look at winter as planning time..planning more projects and more fun for spring.

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In having owned and ridden Harley's for over 35 years, about the only regret I have is not keeping the first "new Harley" that I purchased.

It was a '72 FX 1200 SuperGlide, and it never let me down, even though it took a beating...

If I had to do it over I would have kept it and put it in storage, even if I didn't have any immediate plans to ever ride it again.

I feel sorry for the guys that are getting a little 'pressure' to sell their bikes from wives or girlfriends. (And the same goes towards any ladies that are getting the same pressure from husbands or boyfriends)..

Any lady I've ever been around would know better than to even suggest such a crazy thing.

Your first Harley only happens once. If sold you might not regret it now, but sooner or later you will be kicking yourself. LoL...

 

Nice smile, PearlsofPauline. Can't help you with the selection between those two pipes, but if you're planning on going to Daytona Bike Week, you need to get a place to stay reserved early... very early. Include a set of ear plugs. The noise is loud and constant.

 

Thanks for the advice Ron...but the Hubby got that covered, booked us into a fishing camp on St Johns River...complete with alligators. A little ride away about 20 miles or so..but I consider that a warm up ride and a good safe distance from all the craziness. all kidding aside it looks like a beautiful spot...like Old Florida..the way I remember it when my Dad used to take me as a kid..I love those old spots that are becoming harder and harder to find, unspoiled and untouched. I am looking forward to doing some rides through Ocala National Forrest and the surrounding area. One thing about him and I...we brake for Bar-B-Que!!

 

Nice post Dr.Cool.I too am a hunting and fishing fanatic but haven't found time for either one this year because the wife and I both have bikes.We either ride or I customize one of our bikes a little more.I regretted selling my first Harley but had financial obligations with a new baby on the way.That is why I bought another one so I can have more time to ride.Riding clears my head when I'm angry or makes me feel better when I'm happy.It's a win win situation.Glad you enjoy it also.