Today was my first real ride out on the bike. One of my dad's friends met us at the house this morning, and at 10am we were on our way, my dad's friend on an 08 Fatbob, my dad on an 05 V-Star 1100cc, my brother on an 05 Roadstar 1600cc, and me on my 02 Sportster 883. We left my dad's house and headed toward Orient (north fork of Long Island). We stopped on the side of a road near the Peconic Bay to take a break, we got there at around 11. We turned around and headed to a small bar/restaurant where bikers hang out for some drinks. There were about 25-30 bikes there total. It was a cool little place with a nice outdoor patio to sit down and relax with some good music playing. From there we headed home to a local bar/restaurant my dad and his friends regularly go to, to grab some food and wrap up the day. Total it was just about 97 miles.

Many times I found myself trying to keep up with the other 3 bikes after leaving a stop. Other than that, I didn't really have much trouble keeping up with them. I think its safe to say I pushed my bike hard to keep up, mainly twisting more and waiting longer to shift. I was surprised when I filled up at the end of the day (filled up before leaving) that it came out to 52.3 mpg. I did have some thoughts about wishing I'd gotten a 1200 instead, but I think after I pick up a heavy breather and have the carbs rejet I should be just fine, especially considering the mpg I got today.

My throttle rocker II came in the mail yesterday at my dad's house but I got there late last night and did not put it on for todays trip, but I did put it on before heading back out to my mom's house 25 miles away (yeah this was quite a long day for me ). I stopped on the side of the road 2-3 times to adjust it but overall I think it is very helpful. I find myself just pushing my palm against it rather than squeezing the grip to death and already I think I can feel an improvement not only in how my hand/arm feel, but also how I accelerate, it just seems easier to do with the throttle rocker.

So, in the end, today was my first real trip of the summer, first time I rode with more than 1 other bike, and the first time my dad took his bike out this summer (first time I got to ride with him), and I have to say it was probably one of the more enjoyable days I've had all summer. Not to mention it was the best day weather-wise in all of August.

Oh yeah, note to self: wear sunscreen

EDIT: Pictures to come, just need to download them from my cell phone when I get back to my dad's house.

 

Sounds like a good time. And yes, sunscreen is highly recommended

 

It's a hell of a lot better than those damn fake rides...

 

Glad to see you had a great time. And I'm glad to see you're progressing in your riding.

Teek

 

Ride on!

 

As promised, some pictures:

 

Good pics ripto , (padodgeram here from the ram forum ) looks like a good time..

 

hey man, thanks, yeah it was a fun day.