OK - Only about 5%-10% of the people on this forum are as old as me, I've been riding and working on bikes for 45+ years and there is so much I still don't know - but these things I believe;
It's your bike - tall - low - narrow - fat - black - green - pink I don't care, if you like it and it makes you happy - that's what it's all about.
Here's the gripe - your bike will only take you as far, fast, and safe as the time and effort you put into the things nobody sees.
Galvenized bolts and 6 spacing washers don't belong on a Harley - get the right lenght and hardness for the application. Twisted wires and electrical tape or even cheap crimp fittings might works for your trailer lights, but your bike deserves better - nice solder job and shrink wrap. You may have as many as 10-12 colors of wire 20ga - 6ga, don't splice everything with red-black - white 12ga and think you did a good job.
Somebody somewhere needs every part you take off, so don't trash em. If you need the money you can get a fair price, if you have a brother in need give it to him, he'll be a friend for life and be there when you need him.
Last - Help a brother when he's down and enjoy his company every chance you get. Biker (if you have to ask or try {you're not}).

 

yup. well said sir!

 

I agree. Love to ride, then love your ride.

 

Great advice. We all need a refresher course like this every so often.

 

Allrighty, I'll bite, just how old are you (I might be older)? I have been riding for just over 50 years.

Seriously, I agree with what you say. My last five bikes have been Harleys but in my youth, I really enjoyed Norton, BSA, and yeah even a Suzuki and a Honda. Life is good!

 

MMCBEAT I started out on an Allstate - Benelli - Honda - 3 Triumph Bonnies 2 rigid 60s style - CB 750s - raced motocross Suzuki 250 intermed - 125 expert - wheelied Z-900s, then started just riding to enjoy - Harleys since 1980. Lots of bikes, enjoyed them all. I'm only (57), been riding since I was 10, wrenching since i was 12. Have 3 grown sons that can ride and wrench - Life is good. Love the good tips on the forum - Hate the rare but occassional attitude.

 

Good advice. Most wont listen to it. Still good advice.

 

soft 02 - The Tiger looks sweet gives me flashbacks of the Bonnies.

 

Thanks for the reply. At 57, you are just a pup (I will be 65 in May and have been riding since I was 14). Your post brings back memories, my first bike at 14 was actually a Sears Allstate Moped. I bought it used for $65 and thought I was in heaven. Live is good!

 

Couldn't agree more! Well said.