I'm new!!

[ZombieRob]

Just wanted to say hi, i'm new to motorcycling, xs's, and this site. i recently procured a '79 xs1100f for 1600 and it's my first bike. originally from kc mo area (lee's summit to be specific) i currently reside in indiana outside chicago, am in the military and getting out soon, going to ride "Lucy" to kc in two weeks and then to seattle in august. I'll post pics as soon as i open up a photobucket account. thanks for all the info already. you'll be hearing lots from me as i have many questions.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Zombie,

Well, we hope you have already taken or have scheduled to take an MSF course, so that you won't end up like your username's sake!!

These machines are not as fast as the current 600+CC sportbikes, but they can still turn you into a ZIP-SPLAT if you're not careful!

Congrats on your acquisition, and we'll be here when you need us.

Would suggest you take some time to also peruse the tech tips, ALL of them, before attempting any maintanence, repairs, etc.!!

Looking forward to seeing the photos!
T.C.

[skids]

Welcome Zombie! You are nominated as local VicePresident. You are also my bodyguard and I need one due to my big mouth!

[dbeardslee]

Rob - Welcome, and thank you for your service. Those are some pretty long treks you mentioned. Being new to motorcycles I would suggest you try some shorter ones first. 100 miles on a bike, and 100 in a cage are very different . Sounds like fun though. Good luck with Lucy .

[ZombieRob]

Thanks again for the warm welcome. i know a few of you have now mentioned a msf course, i was scheduled for one this weekend through abate of indiana and they overbooked. they tried to schedule me for the next one in june but i can't make that one being as i'll be in k.c. already. i'm gonna try and find a different one before then though. I'm also aware of how long these trips are, and i appreciate the reminder that it is quite an undertaking. i'm a little nervous about the distance of the trips. however i've been getting a lot of good riding time in already and the trips are entirely necessary. I have gotten tons of good advice so far and have been working on trying to learn everything possible before i go. thanks again for all the incredible info and tips and encouragement on this site.

[DiverRay]

As you have NOT been able to get into a class, let me give you one little bit of advice:
1. CAR DRIVERS CANNOT SEE YOU
2. CAR DRIVERS THAT DO SEE YOU ARE TRYING TO KILL YOU!!
Keep these two FACTS in mind as you traverse the highways and byways of this fine country.
Thanks for your service from an old "jumper"

[TopCatGr58]

Hey again Zombie,

If you haven't already seen them, would suggest you check out the Riding Tips section, I just added the Invisible thread to them as well. I do hope you have heard of countersteering, but if not, please check it out as well!!

Also, go to your local DMV, they should have some manuals or guides for motorcycling, booklets that are used as study guides for the MC license test, IF your state requires additional testing and certification other than automobile status!?
T.C.

[ZombieRob]

i've read some in the tips section and am going to read some more tonight. i've also purchased a book about beginners tips for motorcycling and everything you wanted to know about motorcycle touring, as i am going to be making a couple of long trips.

[Fix]

ZR, check your local community colleges. I was able to take the MSF there, and I'm glad I did. There's a lot of info that may not be intuitive, even to folks who've ridden for years.

[ZombieRob]

will do thanks

[ZombieRob]

sorry tried to add pictures

[bikerphil]

To add pictures, open a free account with Photobucket, load pictures from your computer to Photobucket, click on IMG link below photo, paste into your post. HTH

Looks like you got it.

[ZombieRob]

kinda pic heavy now

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kind of pic heavy

[ZombieRob]

yay i got the pics up, her name is lucy and i got her for 1600 drivable, idles a little high, was twenty five hundred and i got her down to fifteen but won't go below without stalling out. any tips would be appreciated.

[Fix]

Looks real nice, ZR. Can I ask what kind of seat that is? I'm looking for a king/queen for my '78 Standard.