Well, I'm a newb here. Starting out slow with short rides and lots of low speed maneuvers - just finished my rider's course a week ago. I have to break the wife in too, slowly and stretch out my rides longer as she gets used to the idea that I won't get run over by a truck. Her fear is a bit unrealistic, but she did loose a friend on a bike years ago. Married for 30+ years, so I'll give her some time.

It was my first ride on my brand new bike. Way different than those 500 cc bikes I learned on!

 

Unrealistic fear? Don't get too cocky.

Not only is a Sportster "Way different than those 500 cc bikes I learned on!", but riding on the street is nothing like going slowly around cones in a parking lot.

 

Welcome to the motorcycle realm! I wouldn't take your wife on any rides until you get 1000+ miles or so experience. The handling is way more difficult with a passenger. You need to start building your skills. It's all about having fun, and staying alive on the crazy streets. I would advise you to ride with a lot of caution, come to complete stops at stop signs/red lights, put both feet down, then check traffic before you move on. Best wishes and ride safe.

 

Congrats on your new ride!

Take your time and enjoy, but trust no one else on the road!

 

Not cocky at all. That's why I was in a parking lot practicing my U turns and a few other tight maneuvers that I can expect to see on the street. My wife is a bit overboard in the death/dismembership department. I've passed plenty of bikes on their sides and seen EMTs trending to some poor soul on the ground. I do understand the risks from the perspective as the guy with his hand on the throttle. There was a bit of a drive to the parking lot too. I was pretty ***** to the wall in my 20s but now at 55 I understand risks.

Nevertheless, I do appreciate your concern - thank you.

 

Well fired it up rode to work today came home wiped the dust off fueled up the shovel I'll ride it tomorrow weather nice cool 50 degrees Ride safe. Wild Bill

 

Nothing.
Rain.
Rain.
......and more rain.

 

I've been meaning to check your area... have you been having any rain there?

 

Parts acquired, so I reassembled the transmission last night and will be installing it in my daughter's '98 this afternoon. Yes, I used the manual for reference. I don't reassemble a transmission every day, and I wanted to do it correctly, THE FIRST TIME!

 

For my Sportster today, I called the repair shop to check the progress on the repairs from being hit in the rear end. They said they would call me back. Have not heard a word. They have had the bike 5 weeks today and my patience with the insurance company and the repair shop is running thin.

I have boxes of parts and lots of ideas from all of you good folks here and learning from reading the post here. Now I just need the bike to make it all happen.