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Discodino
| Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 09:56 pm: |
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Hey there, Well, after months of waiting for my work documents & SSC, I transferred my Canadian Driver's license to a NYS one and passed the written MC exam this morning (woohoo!) So now, I'm working to get my big butt in the seat of "my" 07 black Uly (it'll get a new paint scheme soon...), and have several questions for you guys...so appreciate your patience! 1. I'm trying to get into an MSF Beginner's Riding Course in a weekend in April before getting the bike to make sure I'm 100% and that I waiver the practical exam here in NYS...after lots of research, I'm having trouble finding a course location that offers something in April (I know its insane, but I wanna get on it ASAP!) - any hints? 2. Insurance - I've searched online, but wanted to know if there are any tricks of the trade as this is my first time insuring a bike...any great companies to go for? any crappy ones? 3. Security wise, I'm gonna order a Talon alarm and send it to the dealer (Liberty HD in NJ, got a hook up via Dave) and have them install it. Do I need any other security measure (disc lock, chain?) - it'll be stored in an attended bldg garage in Manhattan (low profile area)... 4. Safety wise, I decided to get the Arai XD and Tourmaster clothing. Figured I'd work from there and see what best fit me and change accordingly. Can't beat the value it seems. The wife will get an N42 3/4 helmet (less claustrophobic) and a jacket for her rare pillion visits. 5. Is there anything else I need to pay attention to? I do have my head screwed on right Thanks in advance guys...you've already helped out by having this site and me investing time reading it... Nadim |
Dick8008
| Posted on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 - 10:14 pm: |
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Not sure where in NY you are but Southern Tier Harley in Binghamton offers classes. Not sure of the dates though. Look'em up. www.sthd.com. I took the class there as was very pleases. So much I bought my bike there... |
Jmhinkle
| Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 03:27 am: |
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1) Have you tried MANYS? Not sure what county you are in so here is the link if you haven't. http://www.manys.org/mancourse.htm Weather is a big factor so this time a year is hard for some states. Here in NM, we have been running several courses a week since February and by May should be in full swing. Judging by what our schedule used to by in OH, I would guess that NY is a little slow this time of year. You can also find out about a Riders Edge course at any Harley dealer there. Prices tend to be higher, but availability is generally better. 2)I personally have never gotten a good insurance quote from my Auto company or House company no matter who they are and that includes having a spotless record and being a MSF RiderCoach. My motorcycle rates are much better thru Dairyland, Geico, or bike-line.com. 3) Have never used or needed any of the mentioned security items ever. (knock on wood) 4)Of all the helmets I have owned and used, I found the Arai's the most comfortable, but you have to get the right one for your head shape as they make 3 different shapes. I am very interested in the new Scorpion EXO-1000 when it releases. My current Shoei has been pretty good but not up to the ventilation standards of my last Arai. I currently have a Tourmaster Transition 3/4 coat and love it except the material on the inner side of the sleeves is getting fuzzy for some reason. It converts extremely well and is comfortable from very cold to very hot. Tourmaster's Ram vents work great. You might try a Modular helmet for the wife. My wife likes having the extra chin protection but being able to flip it up when she starts getting that closed in feeling or needs a smoke. 5)You are starting off much better than most in my opinion, welcome to the redheaded stepchild club. |
Electraglider_1997
| Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 03:38 pm: |
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Discodino, I hereby rename you, "InstantBiker". |
Discodino
| Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 06:54 pm: |
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LOL - yeah, well, you can apply that 100% since: 1. I've booked May 4, 5 & 6 for my MSF course 2. I've already checked out some of the clothing at a local store - I need to loose weight! but can't find ANYONE that has an XD in stock in NYC or Cleveland! 3. Called Liberty HD and working on the paperwork/finances 4. Checked insurance, will probably go via Liberty HD 5. Talked to the Alarm dude and will be sending one to the dealer So that's it for now...sad thing is that I need my wife to co-sign for me as i have no credit history yet in the US! Thx to all again... |
Froggy
| Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 07:53 pm: |
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Good luck with the MSF course, its fun, easy, and you get a paper to take to the dmv to get your license! Oh yea they do it no matter what the weather is so be prepared and bring a coat if its still freezing and snowing in May. Hell it was 75f last week and its gonna snow tormorow.... Oh yea if your ever going to ride outside the city, hit me up, im about an hour north of you. |
Discodino
| Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 - 07:57 pm: |
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Hey Froggy... I'm counting on my tourmaster apparel ... I'll DEFINITELY hit ya up on the riding...I have a buddy in Boston with a bike as well so we'll definitely hook up... Cheers |
Discodino
| Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 03:44 pm: |
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Got KILLED today when the MSS riding school told me that it would take 4-6 weeks to get the document from the DMV to exchange my permit for a license! Everything was going well until this! So I can't ride until JUNE? WTF? 4-6 weeks for a paper? governments in Africa have a faster turn around time! |
Froggy
| Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 03:48 pm: |
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Yea took me about a month to get it after the class, but it didn't stop me. They give you a card at the end that says you completed the class. I didn't get pulled over so i don't know if the temporary card is any good. |
Discodino
| Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2007 - 05:58 pm: |
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Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do... |
Atoms
| Posted on Friday, April 13, 2007 - 05:22 pm: |
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Good call on the MSF course. In addition to just plain common sense, it may also pay off when you insure your bike. I just got off the phone about getting insurance on my new Uly. The nice lady said that completing a safety course within the last five years saves a person 10%! |
Discodino
| Posted on Thursday, April 19, 2007 - 07:01 pm: |
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UPDATE: 1. MSF course this weekend (nice weather, wife out of town...perfect!) 2. got Puma Brutale boots from Paris this week (was there on business), just got some Olympia gloves & an AGV "back-up" open face helmet (for visitors, nice Sunday drives in Manhattan, etc...) 3. Ordering the Tourmaster Venture & Transition apparel with gloves, and checking Arai XD XL Alum Gray pricing (tried it in Paris and was VERY tempted to buy...remembered the DOT issue) - GREAT helmet 4. Finalizing Buell, insurance, & financing deals next week 5. torn between the sleek looking Buell bags or the square happy trails - thinking to get the Buells and change the locks on the spot (under warrantee, right?) So yeah, aiming at riding by end April! Woohoo! |
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