New Rider

[kingdaddy]

Just wanted to introduce myself, Im Casey from Grenville SC. Bought my 99' 1200lt in October. Its my first bike since my dirtbike days as a teenager, about 20 years ago. Did not plan to but such a big bike at first but got a unbeliveable deal on it I had to go big.

My wife is not to keen on the idea, although she has rode with me a few times. My 12 year old daughter is on it everytime I go anywhere. She enjoys it so much she told my wife that she wants a bike not a car for her 16th birthday.

As a new rider I welcome any advice or comments from all of you veterans.

Look forward to seeing you on the open road,

Kingdaddy

[sheldan2]

welcome to the forum

[KIC]

Welcome to the asylum. You will learn more here in two weeks then a year of bike ownership. Don't let the mental instability of those here scare you off. :eek: We are usually harmless. :D

Take some time...lots of time... and read through the threads. Don't let all the Final Drive ( FD failures) stuff scare you. If your bike has a build date of 6/02 or later, supposedly you won't have a worry of becoming a 4% family member. :cool:

Ride safe, the LT stands for Light Truck. you will understand that the first time you make some slow turns and the bike decides to (try) to take a nap. If she does nap, there are some videos on U-Tube that shows how to pick her up.

Welcome, it only hurts for a while. :histerica

[mccodavj]

Welcome. I have a 14 year old daughter who has the same thing in mind. However in Texas they can ride a 250cc motorcycle at 15 - and she's already picked out the one she wants. (There was a rumor that the age limits were changing but I haven't seen anything. My son got a 250 when he turned 15. She'll be most upset if things change before August).

She's been riding on the back for the last 3 years, mostly on my RS since I only bought the LT in December. We went to the 2006 MOA rally in Vermont, then Wiconsin last year and we'll be in Wyoming this year. We had a really good time volunteering at the Wisconsin rally.

One word of advice - get your own iPod. I can only listen to a 14 year old's choice in music over the intercom for so long.

[rando]

King daddy:

I know it would be a haul, but a few of us are getting together on March 1 for a tech session in Dobson NC. Exit 93 off I 77. You can see how the LT comes apart. Or even get a little service maybe, if you need it. And meet some of the folks from here.

See the post in the "southeast" section.

Randy

[Shaftywon]

Welcome KingDaddy, I hope your enjoying your new to you ride and that your SO will come around to enjoy the ride as well. I moved from a much smaller bike to the LT and have no major problems handling the LT with my wife on it on all types of roads. But stay focused and use your best judgement when ever your on it because they can be challenging due to the weight and handling traits. Slow speed handling,gravel,off camber roads,slick spots like painted services,manhole covers,wet leaves etc can all aid in dropping the big gal. Some of my offroad skills have helped me ease into thr streetbike world very much I'm sure you know what I mean. Ride safe suit up and enjoy this very capable motorcyle to the max.