Boots for MSF class?

[zee]

My MSF class starts Tuesday, and I am worried that the boots that I was thinking to wear won't be considered acceptable. While I *do* plan on buying motorcycle boots, I don't really have the cash for that today. Does anyone have suggestions on more inexpensive, easy-to-find alternatives?

[ridingAK]

If your boots are over the ankle they should be okay. Most hiking boots, etc. will pass the MSF requirements. If not, what size do you wear? You are certainly welcome to borrow a pair of mine if they'd fit.

[Cyclone67]

At the Puget Sound MSF as long as you had over the ankle boots you were fine. Most people had on hiking boots and I wore an old pair of my Army boots. If that's what you have -- you'll be fine. Now if you're sporting some dress boots of some kind, then I would go out and buy a pair of cheap hiking boots. They will check -- one guy got kicked out because he showed up with tennies on. I personally would not spend alot of money on something like motorcycle boots for the class -- the time (and money) will come for that!

[Cyclone67]

Oh, and good luck and have fun! :kcd:

[zee]

They're basically dress boots, mid-calf but really flexible (I don't think they offer any ankle support, and isn't that the point?). I'll take a picture and post it up in a minute.

[zee]

Here's a couple pictures of what I have:

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o156/ZeeSparrow/boots/DSCN4075480x640.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o156/ZeeSparrow/boots/DSCN4077640x422.jpg

[KellyVA]

Those boots are great! They will be fine for the class, IMO.

[Cyclone67]

Look good to me too -- you'll be fine with those for the class. Just make sure you tuck in the laces!

[Follow]

Those are perfectly fine....they cover the ankles and that's what they want.:thumbsup:

actually they are cute, I like them.

[zee]

Really? Oh, good. I guess I am just over thinking things again. Thanks, ladies!

[Follow]

Really? Oh, good. I guess I am just over thinking things again. Thanks, ladies!
Naw! your just planning and preparing....as a rider you will never stop doing that. Planning a ride, preparing what to bring what to wear, will never end.:D: Just be sure to relax and enjoy the class, the more you relax the more you will enjoy and take a lot home.:thumbsup:

[FireChik]

Great looking boots! You'll get the jitters before the course, and in the classroom part, but trust me, once you get on the bike and start riding, you'll have an ear to ear grin on your face! Yes, relax and have a great time! :pompom:

[zee]

Thanks, Follow. I keep planning and re-planning (and re-planning) what I'm going to wear that first day. In fact, I think I'm already going to return the gloves I bought and get different ones. I wore them outside today for a short bicycle ride and realized they are not going to help keep my hands warm at ALL, not to mention they're not as comfortable as I'd thought. I think I'll just find some simple leather/deerskin gloves cause I know they're comfortable (and I could use some anyway -- can't find mine).

FireChik, I've had the jitters a couple times already. :lol: Now I have to get through the workday tomorrow, and try to sleep tomorrow night!

[FireChik]

Zee, you will do great! Please let us know about the fun you had!

P.S. That's the cutest doggie smile I've ever seen! :):

[Cyclone67]

My hands froze during my class -- it was early April and had snow on the first day and rain on the second! If it's rainy, a cheap way to rainproof your gloves is to wear a pair of the medical gloves under your regular gloves.

[Follow]

or dishwashing gloves, which also works great over your gloves to keep them dry as well....we get a lot of rain.:D:

Deerskin gloves are great Elkskin may be better, alot of LDR tend to use these.
My SO picked his up at the Army Navy Surplus store for under $20. Here are some but the site is pricey. http://www.aerostich.com/off-and-riding/gloves as for me I have had surgery on both hands so I get the ones with gel palms, it really helps with the fatigue I get in my hands.

Isn't it so hard to pick out what to where, LOL.

[zee]

Thanks, FireChik - will do! (That's my "new" puppy, Jackson. He's adorable... except when he tries to chew holes in the wall. :wtf:)

I might have some gloves that'll work for keeping dry, bought them for painting! If not, I'll pick up some more today. Thanks for the tip!

I'll keep an eye out for elk skin...

Isn't it so hard to pick out what to where, LOL.

OMG no kidding!! :lol:

[zee]

Cowhide Joy of Gardening gloves, it is! :lol:

[2wheelmeaggie]

Cute boots! I like them... they'd look great with a summer dress :): (I'm weird)
Good luck on Tuesday ZEE!! Can't wait to hear all about it!

[zee]

Cute boots! I like them... they'd look great with a summer dress :): (I'm weird)
:D:

Good luck on Tuesday ZEE!! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Thanks!!

I sent a text to a friend of mine yesterday about my class. She was going to ride over but it snowed, so I went to her house instead. She had me try on her helmets and gloves, sit on the 3 bikes they have, and showed me all the controls on hers. AND I'm borrowing her winter gloves to wear for the next couple days! Honestly, I think she's more excited about me taking the class than I am! :lol:

Nevermind the fact that I'm up at 3am... oh no, I'm not excited at all.

[Luna Tique]

Here are some guidelines for fitting yourself with a helmet


Proper Fit (http://www.motorcyclehelmet.com/helmet-fitting-guide.html)

Arai has a video (http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=92) that explains in great detail on finding the proper size

[VStar]

I agree, those boots will be fine for the class. When you do start looking for riding boots, check out all kinds, before deciding, the ladies here have lots of suggestions on different types. I got the clunky traditional boots for Xmas before I got a bike and now it's a matter of .. if I knew then what I know now ... I would have looked at something a little sleeker in design. The boots were expensive, are a name brand, are well made, do protect my feet and ankles but are heavy and not comfortable for hot weather riding. Not that there's any danger of hot weather any time soon here in Ohio. Grrrh.

[VStar]

Zee, be excited and nervous, it's good for you but remember to relax and don't drink too much before you go!

[Astir]

:yahoo: Have fun today Zee!

[ridingAK]

Good luck Zee! I hope it warms up before you hit the range!

[Luna Tique]

:popcorn1:

[TW200_CA]

Good luck Zee - hope its going well!! :pompom::D:

[zee]

You guys rock.

And you've created a monster.

No, really.

I had ... SO ... MUCH ... FUN this afternoon.:ecstasy:

So, details. I got up at 3 am after about 3 hours of sleep, had a cup of coffee and then tried to sleep again. Ha. My youngest son made me a breakfast of overdone eggs, overdone toast, perfect sausage and fresh apple juice. At least I got sausage and apple juice. ;) I stopped at the store and picked up some bananas for a snack, then checked in.

There were 12 people in the class, ranging from 20 to upper-60's/early-70's in age. Four girls, eight guys, with varying levels of experience. Classroom activities in the morning, after which we were allowed to choose whether or not to brave the wonderful NW weather. Unanimously, we decided to enter the range after lunch.

It was cold. It snowed. The wind blew. And then it all let up, the sun was shining, and it was perfect.

As one of the shorter people there, I was allowed my selection of bike. I went immediately to a little red one (red's the best right? :rofl:), even though they had quite a few TW200 (sorry TW200_CA). The red one looked cooler... a Honda 125 trainer.

Though I was really nervous before class, and at lunch, once I got on the bike I was relaxed. They went slow enough for all of us, showing us how to get on and off, how to start the bikes and turn them off. Then we walked the bikes back and forth across the parking lot. And again. And again. ... Until even I was wondering when they were going to let us just ride them!

We progressed from there, riding across the parking lot, then around corners. Stopping. Left turns, right turns. Weaving using the clutch or the rear brake (I much prefer the rear brake method myself). Shifting. Third gear is awesome!!!!! :wootrock:

The last exercise of the day was the emergency stop. I need more practice with that one. But everything else I picked up quite well. I was comfortable, controlled, relaxed.... You all would be proud of me. :D:

I can't wait until tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:kcd:

[Astir]

:ecstasy: I am ecstatic you had such a wonderful experience! Hopefully you will get a bit more sleep tonight. You sound like me... I get so excited can't sleep.


And yes - red is the fastest. :D:

[TW200_CA]

Haha - no worries, you picked the bike that is best for you (and I secretly LOVE red so I completely understand why).

Most importantly though, THRILLED for you that things went so well :ecstasy: - hope you get some more sleep tonight and have an equally wonderful day tomorrow!!

[2wheelmeaggie]

ZEE......:clapping: I'm SO VERY PROUD OF YOU
I knew you would be fine!! It's so exciting, soon you'll be on your way! On your own, spending your time "in your helmet" ((my FAVORITE place to be) Hope you get to rest and continue to build your confidence!
Oh, just a little hint.......don't get to used to "liking" that rear brake. Too much rear brake can get you in trouble....(I know :slaphead:)
Oh Yeah, RED is faster! :hi:

[ridingAK]

I'm REALLY proud of you! :pompom: The weather yesterday would have been challenging for anyone, to do the MSF in snow means you've GOT IT!!! :wootrock:

[KellyVA]

:iagree:

[Luna Tique]

+1 on what everyone else has already said :wootrock:
I am very happy you are having a good experience.
That is the way it is supposed to be.:thumbup:

[LittleRedRider]

Congratulations on a successful first day.
Glad you had such a positive experience. :yahoo:

[motochica]

woohooo. You go Girl!!! it's a fun class and I'm glad the weather got better for you :thumbsup:

[zee]

Well, I did get more sleep last night (one whole hour more!) so I'm quite tired now. I have one correction to make from my previous report and that is, the age range in my class actually topped out at 80. Pretty cool to see that guy out there. I hope he isn't too discouraged at being one of those who didn't pass the class, retests and makes it.

I did pass.

Wait, let me say that again.

I PASSED! :yahoo:

I'm going to get some dinner and chill in front of the TV for a while now. Thanks for all of your encouragement, tips (not liking that rear brake so much really helped me in the U-turn part of the test) and cheers.

See you on the road!!!

:kcd:

[ridingAK]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[sweptwingnut]

......

I PASSED! :yahoo:
.......
See you on the road!!!

:kcd:

:clapping::wootrock::clapping:

[FireChik]

Good for you!!!! Glad you had a good experience! Now please do tell what's on the horizon for you? :yahoo:

[Dualsport Chic]

Congrats Zee - Awesome News!!!

:yahoo:

[Luna Tique]

:wootrock:
Congratulations Zee
:cheers:

[ImaSoftT]

:clapping:Great news zee, welcome to the wonderful world of two wheeling

[Astir]

:party:

how exciting! Do you still need to take the written?

[LittleRedRider]

:pompom:Congratulations Zee!

[zee]

Thanks, everyone! :D:

Astir, the class included both a written and a riding test. Passing the class allows me to get my endorsement with no additional testing... just gotta pay the state a few dollars.

Tomorrow, the buyer for my truck will be in town (flying from Seattle) so I am taking the day off. Of course, that won't take all day, so my husband is going to take me shopping!! According to my instructors, one of the local shops here provides a discount for having passed the class, so I am going to make it a point to stop in there.

... A little confession. After typing the last sentence of the previous paragraph, I went to the website of the local shop I mentioned so I could share the gear I am going to try on. I almost forgot to finish my post! :slaphead:

Here's the gear I'm considering. If anyone has suggestions for/against any of these, lemme know!

I already have a Speed & Strength Kiss & Tell jacket, though I may need to get a smaller size.

Scorpion EXO-1000 RPM (http://shopping.scorpionusa.com/C55D9C025BA44D11A3713BF0D546303C.asp?cat_id=FBF05A C4DB8843C1B0FF76893F5540D5&pcs_key=CCC7D1EF852B417AAF8168A364A989D0&retpage=%2FF4BD78EED51D4762989F1184B1165B96.asp&nm=RPM&spath=&path=Home+%3E+Equipment+%3E+Street+Helmets&sc_id=0DAEFF99C9894738A4D4CBC10E124649) or ICON Alliance Threshold (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/35663/ITEM/Icon-Alliance-Threshold-Helmet.aspx) helmets (looking for ECE approved, full face, fit and comfort... extra features a bonus)
Tourmaster Venture women's pant (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/12/109/8010/ITEM/Tour-Master-Womens-Venture-Air-Pants.aspx)
Icon Pursuit (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/37/302/ITEM/Icon-Pursuit-Stealth-Gloves.aspx), Icon Arc (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/2/47/10486/ITEM/Icon-Womens-ARC-Gloves.aspx), Icon Twenty-Niner (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/37/16962/ITEM/Icon-Twenty-Niner-Gloves.aspx) or Bilt Trackstar (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=5010&L2=40&L3=960&L4=961&item=TWL_BLG7-BZ-SML_G&name=BILT_Trackstar_Leather_Motorcycle_Gloves) gloves
Tourmaster Solution WP (http://www.empire-cycle.com/eshopprod_cat_6361-30111-21600_product_925749.TOURMASTER_SOLUTION_WP_ROAD_B O.htm), Bilt Women's Monsoon Waterproof (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=SGS_BLB7-BZ-W05_G) or TCX Sunray Gore-Tex (http://www.empire-cycle.com/eshopprod_cat_6361-21595_brand_4520-182-249-411_product_926166.TCX_SUNRAY_GORE-TEX174_WOME.htm) boots

[kari-star]

yay zee! another thumbs up from me on passing your course! :wootrock:

have a great time shopping tomorrow! I have the tourmaster solution WP boots and they are actually really waterproof, and fine for walking around off of the bike. also the tread has saved my butt from a drop a few times in gravely intersections.

[ridingAK]

I have a Scorpion EXO helmet and love it! Keep in mind though that just as every body works better on different bikes, the same goes for helmets. Some helmets just don't work on some heads, and you won't know until you try. With the gloves, be sure to test them with your hands on the bars of a bike. I got a pair of winter gloves years ago that felt great as long as my hands were empty. As soon as I tried riding with them the ridges where the leather bunched up were so uncomfortable that I wore them for less than a block before I pulled over and put back on my summer gloves.

[zee]

Thanks, Kari-star. I'll definitely be trying those boots on tomorrow.

RidingAK, my friend has the Scorpion EXO also and when I tried hers on, it felt pretty good. She has another one (can't remember which now) but it didn't fit at all. Not enough cushioning in one particular spot that hurt the moment I put it on. Will definitely try everything on and keep my options open to find the right one.

Your comment on bikes fitting differently reminded me -- I'm going to try some of those on, too! I haven't any idea what style I want yet. So exciting!

[ImaSoftT]

zee the next best thing to riding a bike is http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/s301.gif?t=1296229958for gear. Hope you find some super deals.

[KansasKawboy]

:wootrock::wootrock::wootrock:

[TW200_CA]

AWESOME - CONGRATULATIONS!!!:pompom::clapping::thumbsup:

[VStar]

Excellent! What a great feeling when you knew you'd done it, I remember when I passed, I smiled to myself all the way home, cheered quietly in my head, smiled some more.
Have fun shopping, don't forget to add a little bling to the practical stuff.

[Luna Tique]

Helmets need to be tried on and sized correctly Your head's shape and diameter will help guide you to the right brand of helmet.
If the salesman does NOT measure your head I would go somewhere else for my helmet. Most riders wear the wrong helmet size and a lot of them wear the wrong shaped helmet for their head shape.

The pants you are looking at are 1680 denier it is not as strong as double weave 1050 denier and will get fuzzy as it wears.


What is the Definition of "Denier" in Ballistic Nylon?

"Denier" refers to the weight, NOT the strength of an individual fiber that goes into making a fabric. Therefor, a higher denier count does not indicate a stronger fabric, it just means a heavier fabric. Strength and abrasion resistance are achieved through molecular manipulation, or how a fabric is stretched, spun, or woven. These characteristics are measured through tenacity (strength per denier), breaking strength (tenacity x denier) and toughness. Laboratory tests prove that the Tru-Ballistic 1050 denier fabric is the strongest and most durable fabric for its denier weight level.

There are two significant technical differences between cordura and ballistic nylon. First, ballistic is a "filament" yard, vs cordura which is texturized. This means ballistic nylon yarns are smooth & slick; cordura yarns are slightly fuzzy, actually discontinuous, more like a natural fiber. This gives cordura somewhat higher abrasion resistance, while the ballistic has higher tear strength. However, in both fabrics the tear strength and the abrasion resistance are so much higher than necessary, the end-user will seldom if ever experience any difference between cordura and ballistic. The other technical difference is that ballistic is two-ply weave, which means two 1050 denier yarns are woven as one. This mostly impacts the look of the fabric, not so much it's utility, but it pretty much is what people like about ballistic nylon.
Some other differences: ballistic is harder to dye, hence many manufacturers use only black; because cordura has more texture than ballistic, it frays less at the cut edge. With modern coatings on the backsides of the fabrics, this is typically not a problem these days, but it used to be.

The 1680 is woven from a really big 1680 denier single yarn, rather than two plies of 1050; this large yarn size makes if look like a two-ply fabric. The 1680 is made in asia and is about half the cost of 1050 ballistic, and though it may look very similar when brand new, it ages rather poorly, tending to fuzz out at any wear points.




Personally I do NOT like a shortie glove In my opinion it leaves the wrist at risk in a slide. I always wear a gaunlet.

As far as I am concerned for boots the further they come up your leg the better and make sure they have good solid ankle support.

Have fun I love to shop and can't wait to see what you bring home today :pompom:

[YahmahaDawn]

Enjoy ! You will learn alot . Took my class last August.

[zee]

:D: Thanks everyone!

LT, you are a never-ending source of information. I will rethink the pants and see what's available.

Today's plan: sell truck. Get endorsement. Sit on some different bikes. Shop for helmet, boots, gloves, pants and mayyybe a jacket. If I am comfortable on the style, and if it's still available, go check out a 1992 Suzuki Bandit from CL. :cool:

[Luna Tique]

:thumbup:

[Astir]

Didn't we find a nice online tutorial on fitting a helmet? :chin: The four or five places I have been around ABQ have never even thought of measuring my head.

Let me dig around and see what I can find.

[Astir]

What do you think of this site? http://www.motorcyclehelmet.com/

There is a nice write up on the MSF site that I found via google, only I can't link it for some reason. Let me play with it and see what I can do.

[Astir]

Here is the link to the MSF document (http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_CSi.pdf)-it will open a PDF document. If it doesn't work google 'fitting a motorcycle helmet MSF'. For me, it was the first line.

[zee]

Thanks, Astir. Those were helpful.

I got such great deals yesterday! Picked up a Scorpion EXO-1000 Apollo (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/38/6960/ITEM/Scorpion-EXO-1000-Apollo-Helmet.aspx) on clearance for $80 (!!!), and Bilt Trackstar (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=5010&L2=40&L3=960&L4=961&item=TWL_BLG7-BZ-SML_G&name=BILT_Trackstar_Leather_Motorcycle_Gloves) gloves (black/white) and Bilt Tempest pants (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=BOY_BLW9-BZ-XSM_G) that were half off.

The Bilt Women's Monsoon Waterproof (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=SGS_BLB7-BZ-W05_G) boots weren't wide enough, so still need to find boots. And the pants don't zip the same way as my jacket (which is definitely too big anyway) so going to look for a new jacket. I have plans to meet up with a couple friends and hit a local shop's "garage sale" this morning.

The bike wasn't quite right, so still shopping. I'll post a new thread on the one I bring home. With pictures. :):

[TW200_CA]

Ooh - have fun shopping Zee, good luck!!

I'll be thinking of you today in my class and hoping that soon I will also be getting my endorsement - so much fun to be learning along with other women, even if it's over the internet :D:

[Luna Tique]

The bike wasn't quite right, so still shopping. I'll post a new thread on the one I bring home. With pictures. :):

I am happy to hear you were able to find a pair of gloves pants and helmet

I will be patiently waiting to see what bike you decide on.:thumbup:

Have fun shopping today. :D:

[Cyclone67]

Maybe the Easter Bunny will bring you a bike! http://smileys.emoticonsonly.com/emoticons/b/bunny_suit-1839.gif (http://www.emoticonsonly.com/holidays/1839/bunny+suit.html)

[Follow]

The Bilt Women's Monsoon Waterproof (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=SGS_BLB7-BZ-W05_G) boots weren't wide enough, so still need to find boots.
The bike wasn't quite right, so still shopping. I'll post a new thread on the one I bring home. With pictures. :):
,
How was the length? are they true to size?

As for the bike, when you shop it will jump out at you. When I saw my sporty on the showroom floor years ago I wanted it real bad, she called out my name, I called SO and said she found me...well he said no at the time, I went home to discuss this and the following day it was sold to someone else.:eek: I cried and was upset.
About four months later the dealer called me and said the gal who bought it returned it and after she added all kinds of great farkles on it, she had only put about 300 miles on it so I went there and bought it.
The following day the HD truck came to my house with the bike loaded on the trailer, my SO was looking out the window and said there is a Harley truck here, I said woo hoo my bike is here...um did I say I failed to mention this to him:D: well he says what do you mean, I said well I did not tell you because I knew you would say no, so I bought it with my own money:): the look on his face was priceless but he knew I was happy and that was our compromise...to see momma happy.:lol: I had that bike for 5 years and about 75K miles later, she served her time and traded it in for the one I now have which is in the shop for her 50K mile service.
But the moral to the story is, they will let you know.

[zee]

Cyclone, that would be great!

Follow, I have all kinds of difficulty with shoes/boots, but it seems like the Monsoon is typical length as I wear about a 7 shoe and that fit well. Love the story of your first bike!

I rode a LOT today, on the back of a YZF600r most of the day, and then a V-Star 1100 Classic for 20 minutes or so. They were both fun, in their own way. The sportsbike was more fun... more exciting, especially in the corners. I LIKE leaning in the corners, I think.

Anyway, I looked at an '03 Savage and a '03 V-Star 650 Classic today. :drool: at the V-Star but ... I'm just not sure I want to spend the cash on it. It's absolutely gorgeous, which honestly is part of the problem (do I want something so beautiful for my first?) and it's kinda heavy at ~500 pounds. As I wasn't sure I wanted to buy it, I was too afraid to give it a test ride up the street. But omg it's beautiful. And comfortable to sit on. It's also a little more than I was planning to spend. Then again, it would probably last me a while... whereas the Savage was beat up (dropped on gravel, scuffed/dented the tank pretty good as well as the pegs, etc.). There were a few other things about the Savage that made me decide against it.

Tonight, I'm remembering how much fun the sports bike was, and how much I enjoyed the cornering on that. So I kinda think I'd have more fun with it than a cruiser. I could also probably find a 500cc or <=50hp bike for less than that V-Star. Like the Ducati Monster Dark 600 on CL now. :cool:

:chin: I just don't know what to do!!!! I like cruisers AND sports bikes. I can't afford both... :chin:

[ridingAK]

SHe barely has her endorsement and already has MMS (multiple motorcycle syndrome)! :rofl:

[Luna Tique]

:lol:

[Astir]

:lol:

[Follow]

OMG..........I have MMS too!

Zee, it wasn't my first bike. It was my first Harley, I purchased by myself. I don't even remember what my first bike was, I started riding when I was about 3-4, my dad made us mini-bikes and from there it progressed into dirt bikes of sorts and then Enduro's so I can ride both off and on the road, my dad had Yami's, Harleys, Suzuki's, our backyard was a motorcycle parking lot, it was a choice of whatever you wanted to ride or what he wanted to ride and he made us go.
I moved back to live with my mom and we moved to Hawaii as a kid I had a nice scooter to get around on and what ever I could get my hands on, I was always borrowing the guys dirt bikes/enduros. Big time tom boy.
I got married young my hubby and I were in our 20's we had a Honda CB750 and Honda enduro's, ATC's the list goes on. Now I have a Harley FLHX and a Honda ST1100 Nick has Harley Road Glide, Honda 1300, and KLR 650. We are bike hoarders as you can see, I plan on shopping for an enduro for me...oh wait I have been but none have screamed out my name yet.
The funny part is when my dad met Nick, he wanted me to marry him because he had a bike and rode...LOL

Well as you can see I can't make up my mind on cruiser or sport so I have both but the ST is kind of both its a cross over bike that is why they call it a sport touring bike hense the ST and the corning on this bike is awesome, I live in Colorado and well you can fill in the blanks.
I'm glad you are shopping around and checking things out first, it is so hard when you like so many, why don't you go check out the NT700 you sit up like a cruiser but it handles like a sport bike it's an Sport touring.
Just go have fun test riding them all until you find what you like the "BEST".

I think I will copy the top half of this and rewrite it for rAK's book.

[VStar]

Happy Easter Zee, let me put in my .02 on the Vstar 650 Classic, it was my first bike, I started learning on it last year. It's is not as heavy as it you may think, it comes off the stand very easily, handles well too, good at cornering, I loved riding it. The seat is good for a medium size cruiser, at 5'6", I had no problem flat footing, has no issues with leaning too much at stops either, just put the foot down and that was it. If you narrow you choices down to include the 650, check your local Craigslist, have someone you trust test drive too and remember, whatever bike you choose, take cash, it speaks very loudly.

[Alcyone]

Hi zee!

Your enthusiasm is infectious. :)

I am pretty sure that I am infected with the MMS as well, unfortunately I'm on an anti-finance-otics (otherwise known as "not enough money to properly support the habit") that have been keeping the disease under control. :( I am confident however that someday the medication will no longer be necessary and the disease can run its course.

[zee]

MMS.... :lol: Guess I better find some of those anti-finance-otics and start taking a double dose!

VStar, thanks for sharing your experience. I weighed my options repeatedly, leaning towards the "I want that but..." response and that's about where my response will stand for now. "I think I'd like that bike, but it's a little bit heavier than I wanted and a little bit more money than I wanted to spend."

... to be continued in a new thread ... :D:

[TW200_CA]

Hi Zee - I know you have your bike now, but wanted to chime in about boots in case you haven't made a final decision there yet.

I got a pair of Frank Thomas boots off CL for really cheap when I started, and they are pretty good except for one feature that is a big issue and potential safety problem - they have a flap that covers the zipper on the inside of the foot and ankle all the way down to the bottom of the boot. Since the flap is secured only by velcro, it comes up pretty easily, and I find that it can get caught on my bike when I'm moving my foot back and forth between the shift peg and the foot peg. Not good.

So I'd say if you are still looking for boots, make sure they don't have anything near the bottom inside of the foot, especially on the left, that could catch when you move your foot around to shift or brake.

[zee]

So I'd say if you are still looking for boots, make sure they don't have anything near the bottom inside of the foot, especially on the left, that could catch when you move your foot around to shift or brake.

Excellent tip, and I'm not sure I would have thought of it. Thank you!! I am still looking for boots... 3 shops this weekend and nothing yet. But I will definitely keep this in mind during my search.

[Cyclone67]

Wow, good info to know TW200. I have had my shoelace wrap around my bicycle pedal before (and it was not pretty!!) :lol:

[TW200_CA]

Cyclone & zee - I would never have thought about it if I hadn't had these boots, but definitely a big annoyance and potential safety issue. Fortunately, these boots were cheapo used off of CL.

I have new TCX boots on order - so excited for them to get here I can hardly wait!!:ecstasy:

[IrishMutt]

Well, I did get more sleep last night (one whole hour more!) so I'm quite tired now. I have one correction to make from my previous report and that is, the age range in my class actually topped out at 80. Pretty cool to see that guy out there. I hope he isn't too discouraged at being one of those who didn't pass the class, retests and makes it.

I did pass.

Wait, let me say that again.

I PASSED! :yahoo:

I'm going to get some dinner and chill in front of the TV for a while now. Thanks for all of your encouragement, tips (not liking that rear brake so much really helped me in the U-turn part of the test) and cheers.

See you on the road!!!

:kcd:

It was very encouraging to read your posts regarding your experience with MSF. I'm SOOO very nervous about mine, which starts next Thursday, but I don't feel so bad about my sleepless nights so far and nail biting as I know others felt the same and survived.. AND passed. :pompom:

[Luna Tique]

Irish on Thursday I will be sending you some :magic: :riding: (aka moto magic). To help you settle your nerves on that first day ;):
I can't wait to hear what you thought of the class and your instructors .:pompom:

[zukilady]

You'll do great, IM! There are a number of us that took and passed the class this year, and we ALL know how you feel. We're here to help and :pompom:you on!

[zee]

Glad you were encouraged by my experiences.

You'll do great, IM! There are a number of us that took and passed the class this year, and we ALL know how you feel. We're here to help and :pompom:you on!

+1 !! :thumbsup:

[calico1062]

+2!! took the class in June in NJ. Thoroughly enjoyed it after being ridiculously nervous about it for weeks in advance. It was a blast. Can't wait to hear how you do.:thumbsup:

[phoenix63]

Irish, those of us who've done the class were ALL nervous...and we were all supported by the amazing group here at TWF.

So, here's more TWF :magic: for you!

You will be brilliant!

[Astir]

:magic::zen::magic::zen::magic:

You will do GREAT!!