My first "Real" ride

[manshack_one]

I put it in quotations because it was only a 12 mile run round trip but I was riding, eating bugs, and fighting the wind like a pro! I still feel more like a passenger than a pilot but I'm learning. My previous experience is entirely limited to under 15 mph at the safety course on a little 250 so of course this is a big difference.

After much work on the bike (battery, coils, pickups, carbs, fuses) it was finally ready for a road test. My first one was about 3 PM. Nice and sunny. Just went around the block of my residential neighborhood. Second trip was about 3 mile circle including a little rubbing with other cars at a big intersection and a ride through our park on the way back. Last trip was 12 miles round trip down a little country highway. Got up to 70 once but my eyes were watering up pretty bad and it was beyond dusk so I mainly kept it at 55. Bike runs smooth. Plenty of power and quick response. (except for an idle issue, meaning it won't come back from 4K rpms).

I could be happier but not for the moment. I'm proud of myself for sticking to it and I couldn't be more grateful for everyone's help here on the site. I'm excited and can't wait for another reason to ride, or do I need a reason at all? Hmmm.....

[BrianB]

Sounds like you had a great afternoon.

I have to wear a shield on my helmet because my eyes start to water at anything over 40 or 45. But then again I can smile and not worry about the nats and the bees.

[STEPPENWOLF]

Sounds like fun!!!!!!!!The early first rides...mine was on a Honda 160 Dream...ya never forget. Hope you have many more rides and can share. Just had a flood of early riding experiences and don't know how I am still here. Would like to hear about your new real rides.

[manshack_one]

Thanks for the encouragement Steppenwolf.
I've been trying unsuccessfully to bum a set of gauges to sync the carbs with or I'd have put more than the last 102 miles on it! I have a windshield on it now and that helps a ton (national cycle dx deflector with quick release hardware). But with gas hitting 3 bucks a gallon and me only getting about 20 miles out of that gallon it has to stay home. Once I get it dialed in I'll have to hit the road for at least one long trip before old man winter shuts me down.

[Brent]

wrench & ride

Congradulations Manshack.

Bring your bike to the meeting of the minds in Hurst Texas. This rally is more of a wrench, eat,visit & wrench than most rallies. Those TeXSives are good at wrenching.

When I showed up last year on Friday night, Tod had the engine out of his bike. Saturday morning he took it apart & put new main and rod bearings in it. (John had parts and carefully supervised.) By saturday night he was riding it to the car show and doing wheelies on the way back. ey caklk

Originally posted by manshack_one

You shouold be getting around 30 mpg, Though some get much more. I bet they have tools and know how In Hurst. Great bunch of folks who like to teach & help.

Happy motoring,
Brent in Ga

Thanks for the encouragement Steppenwolf.
I've been trying unsuccessfully to bum a set of gauges to sync the carbs with or I'd have put more than the last 102 miles on it! I have a windshield on it now and that helps a ton (national cycle dx deflector with quick release hardware). But with gas hitting 3 bucks a gallon and me only getting about 20 miles out of that gallon it has to stay home. Once I get it dialed in I'll have to hit the road for at least one long trip before old man winter shuts me down.

[manshack_one]

Oh, I'm going to be there with bells on (and a box full of parts waiting to be installed). For now I'd settle for getting the carbs synced.

[dale_1]

right around the corner

Well, you know I aint but 60 miles from you.......

JAX

[manshack_one]

Oh, now you chime in! LOL and to think i just sat here all weekend twiddlin' my thumbs. Seriously, thanks a million for the offer. With the holiday coming up this next weekend I'm booked with the family. Maybe I'll be home next sunday though? Gets dark early and I'm not that great a driver during the day much less with one headlight at night! I could always trailer it up there. Whats your schedule like?

[dale_1]

pretty much see me on the weekends

[manshack_one]

Thanks! I've almost gotten my DIY version complete but I'd still like an honest set of gauges to work with. I'll send you a PM when it gets closer to sunday to see what your up to. I'm installing the 1st half of a projection system this Fri-Sat but if I finish up early and get home on time I'll have sunday open. Thanks again!