That '76 Honda is pretty rad, would love to get one of those.

I used to get the "you'll kill yourself on a motorcycle!" argument, too, but I'd usually respond with: no, there is a far greater chance that YOU, as a car driver, will kill me. The MSF course is not only fun but worth the time. I like a bike small enough to handle easily and big enough to get me out of harm's way. That size would be different for people that are larger or smaller, so it's hard to give advice to unknown other. My Virago was right for me. Wear your gear and keep a sharp eye on traffic & roadway, and 'keep the rubber side down'. And oh yeah, I'm jealous! I wish I still had my bike.

I want a motorcycle...

...but I'm afraid of my mom.

Either way you are :yeldead:

A driving instructor emphasised the phrase "I shouldn't be in this grave! I had right of way!"

The fact that it is the car driver's fault would be small consolation for being killed or crippled.

That said, you know what you're doing, and a totally risk-free life is not worth having. So ... VROOM! VROOM! GO FOR IT! (carefully).

Now looking at an '82 Kaw 550 LTD with under 10k on the clock. I had an '82 440, not an LTD, and it was a great bike. This will have more than enough power as a commuter bike, has the low seat height and reach back handlebars for comfort and stability (lower center of gravity and all), and looks to be cherry.

I'm stoked. The other stuff I have been pondering has been sold while I was waiting for the check. I have the check now, but have to get it into the bank and wait for it to clear. Sigh.

And the Winner is...
 

The '82 Kaw 550 LTD. I hope to pick it up Saturday afternoon in Lawrence. Tomorrow night, helmet shopping.

Cool bike. I hate you.

A vroom vroom with room room for two ... how foresighted!

Cow & Saki... let the good times roll. :thumb2:

Oh goody, you picked one of the taller bikes that short-legged me couldn't hope to ride - without a training wheel, I mean. Get a great helmet and have fun. I'm still envious.

True, but I'm going to make a great ghost! :p
And I wanted to remind those 4-wheel drivers that surviving a collision between bike & car doesn't mean they were 'right'. Don't think I convinced any, though.

No, no. The LTD is a cruiser. Seat height is quite low for that era, and the bike is very light and responsive. No worries, even for shorties.

Got my helmet today. Will post pic later.

Cool bike, Els. Ride safely.

And don't forget to carry a toothpick. :D

Great Esplode! Congrats. Don't put off that Motorcycle Safety course please. Have fun. Drive like everyone is trying to hit you. See, Evaluate, Execute. Keep your distance from the cagers. Left turners are one of your biggest risks. Watch the front tires of cars for movement to see if they see you; drivers can stare right at you and not see you. Have fun.