tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29129102.post1103521389390152385..comments2023-03-25T13:19:07.691-07:00Comments on Meanhappyguy's Blog: Sunny SundayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29129102.post-5934337689769317802007-05-14T21:16:00.000-07:002007-05-14T21:16:00.000-07:00@UJHah! Not dumb luck, it was based on what I tho...@UJ<BR/><BR/>Hah! Not dumb luck, it was based on what I thought my normal commute might be, gas mileage, and cost. The 500cc and 750cc's are twice and thrice as expensive. The price really dropped off for the 250cc.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the info about the MSI course. I read a bit about them, but I'm not exactly sure when the best time to take the course would be. I definitely like the "they give you a bike" part. I don't want to do tight turns at slow speeds just yet on my ninja!<BR/><BR/>Still weighing the pros and cons of having the bike in Seattle. It would be fun, no doubt, but I'd have to be in the right living situation to make it work. Close to public transit for rainy day commutes, and have enough gear to make the occasional rain-ride not terribly uncomfortable.MHGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084597930631891245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29129102.post-49539585912700439232007-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:002007-05-14T13:03:00.000-07:00Your mother just sent me an email about your new m...Your mother just sent me an email about your new mc acquisition; it was titled 'Heart attack city'. I suspect I am expected to offer some sort of experienced counsel, which I will, but first - <BR/><BR/>WOOHOO! Congratulations! The mini-Ninjas are a blast. Did you pick this by dumb luck? It is far and away the best and most usable of the small street bikes. Better brakes, handling, especially power; this is the only 250 that's really safe on a highway. A very good choice for a first bike. Not the greatest for long distances, but pack light, take it easy, stop often, give the freighters a little room, and you'll do okay - you aren't as prone to debilitating monkey-butt attacks as us old farts. Above all, get lots of experience, better yet some training, before your first highway trip - coordinating everything should be second nature before you go for the long ride.<BR/><BR/>Now the nanny stuff - look up Motorcycle Safety Institute and see where the nearest classes are. I took their basic course in ABQ a few years ago when I started riding again and was seriously impressed. Takes an evening and a weekend, costs about $150, and they provide the bikes. Which is really good, because they'll push you a bit, and you don't need to be worried about scratching your own shiny new scooter. I guarantee it will raise your comfort level a lot. Completing the course typically gives an automatic MC license endorsement in most states, a break on insurance premiums, and some nice discounts from the local dealers and shops that sponsor the program. Check with WA, you might even be able to get an endorsement through the mail by taking the course.<BR/><BR/>You are on the right track about a bike not being very good as routine transport in Seattle. You already know how uncomfortable it is when it's too cool for your clothes, it's about an order of magnitude worse when it's wet. Add to that severely reduced traction and stability from wet pavement, reduced visibility, and hideous urban traffic. If you do take the bike up, save it for weekend trips in nice weather.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, I would be happy to babysit it for you in Arizona. Trust me, it would get plenty of care and exercise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29129102.post-53247019969790618122007-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:002007-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00@StaceyYeah, I'm sort of crossing my fingers about...@Stacey<BR/><BR/>Yeah, I'm sort of crossing my fingers about the license thing. I hope I can at least have a CA permit and WA license at the same time. Then hopefully that permit will last me until Seattle, where I can get both my driver's license renewed and a fresh motorcycle license.<BR/><BR/>@G<BR/><BR/>Good idea!MHGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03084597930631891245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29129102.post-15717415510349878292007-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:002007-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:00Why don't you use your work address at the CA lice...Why don't you use your work address at the CA licensing office? Isn't that in CA?GeneGinnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05172142394579145655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29129102.post-59407827567328558852007-05-14T02:03:00.000-07:002007-05-14T02:03:00.000-07:00yeah..i don't really know that the whole licensing...yeah..i don't really know that the whole licensing thing is going to work for you. but you're only 24 going on 25...if federal student aide doesn't cut you off until you're 26... couldn't you use your parents address anyway? at least, that seems like the logical thing to me. but let's not count on the government being fair. <BR/><BR/>the shots are awesome. i remember emerald bay. you have to go see that castle on the island.staceyfacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14810553849557777139noreply@blogger.com