So I'm in the process of deciding on what my first bike will be. I plan on taking a local MSF course, and at the moment, the two bikes I like best on paper are the BMW R1200RT and the Suzuki V-Strom 650 ... But as I'm considering this, several "logistics" questions have come up for me... maybe I can get some insight?
1) I plan on commuting to work with the bike. That means (minimally) dress pants, shirt, tie, and typically that also means either (usually) a sportcoat, or a full-on suit. I don't mind stashing the jacket portion of the suit in some luggage for the trip, but is the rest of this get-up feasible with riding gear? Are there any provisions I should make or take to prevent ruining my nice clothes, or is that not even something to really worry about?
2) Securing the bike while out and about -- how, and how much? I've read everything from people who just use the factory alarm and just park it when out, all the way to people suggesting it's smart to chain the bike to a lamp post or tree. I don't want the bike to be stolen of course, but at 500ish LBS (both bikes are in this range), it's not exactly like one person could pick it up and walk off with it. How much paranoia is healthy, and how much paranoia is unnecessary?
...
I'm sure I'll have some more, but that's all for now.
1) I plan on commuting to work with the bike. That means (minimally) dress pants, shirt, tie, and typically that also means either (usually) a sportcoat, or a full-on suit. I don't mind stashing the jacket portion of the suit in some luggage for the trip, but is the rest of this get-up feasible with riding gear? Are there any provisions I should make or take to prevent ruining my nice clothes, or is that not even something to really worry about?
2) Securing the bike while out and about -- how, and how much? I've read everything from people who just use the factory alarm and just park it when out, all the way to people suggesting it's smart to chain the bike to a lamp post or tree. I don't want the bike to be stolen of course, but at 500ish LBS (both bikes are in this range), it's not exactly like one person could pick it up and walk off with it. How much paranoia is healthy, and how much paranoia is unnecessary?
...
I'm sure I'll have some more, but that's all for now.