[stp1971]

Hi I'm a new motorcycler(sp) and I was going to buy a C50T,, but the dealer suggested the Intruder VL1500 to me instead. He sold it to me new out of the box for $8495.00,,, I think it was a good deal. Is that a fair price for that type of bike,, I would like to know that way I can feel better about the service there. I live in Georgia west of Atlanta and will need a good service dept. Thanks,, Great Forum and site!!

 

[DrBob]

I'd say that is a good deal. you got it for about $2000 less than the C90, which is the same exact bike except for the fuel injection, and about $1500 less than the 2004 MSRV. You have picked one of the best designed and built motorcycles on the market. Even though I would never have recommended such a large motorcycle to a new rider, it is very mild mannered for a 1500 CC bike, with a low center of gravity, so if you can avoid wrecking it in the first 500-1000 miles you should get used to it faily soon.
There is a HUGE assortment of accessories for this bike, and a lot of things you can do to boost power in a huge way when you are ready. But it is reliable, durable, and will last you 100,000+ miles if you take care of it.
Where are you? I am in Decatur, GA. Did you get it at Motions Suzuki?

 

[stp1971]

Thanks!!!!! I live in Douglasville. I have ridden dirt bikes before,, my last was a DR350 stroked out to 400cc but it was an entirely different animal. I bought it at cycle specialty in Fayetteville. Do you know of anywhere local that has any good deals on riding jackets(with armor) and helmets?

 

[inspiron]

So, you had never ridden a street bike before, and your dealer sold you a brand new 1500?!?! :roll:

Get yourself some gear asap! (Buy the best gear you can afford - your life my depend on it.)

Have you taken the MSF course?

 

[DrBob]

Hmmm...not that familiar with Douglasville...Cycle Gear is good if you want to pop over to Smyrna, but they are the only place even close to your side of town I have done business with. There is Freewheeling in Douglasville, and Outdoor Motorsports in McDonough, but I have never been to either place.
Yup, dirt and street are two different animals. Did you take the course yet? What color is your LC?

 

[stp1971]

It is the two tone pearl and white. I passed my Learner's written test yesterday w/ flying colors. I am taking a two day class in Stone Mountain--"Sunshine's Learn to ride" they are supposed to teach you all the moves and prep you for the riding exam.
I intend to be spending alot of time going up and down my street(dead end) practicing.

The twelve miles I put on it thus far was from one day of riding in this newer subdivision where there are lots of hills and culda sacs(sp). I have a book that tells you different things to practice as well. I am going to spend alot of time in the nearby church parking lot. Thanks for the replies,,, I'll check out freewheeling's supplies.

 

[DrBob]

Oh yes, I know Sunshine's riding school- a couple of folks in my riding club took the course there. It sure beats waiting 4-5 months for the other course.

 

[Hunter]

ALWAYS use your head..Take it easy and be safe. The best riders in the world are the ones that get there.

 

[stp1971]

I went to freewheeling and the parts guy named Chris was more than helpful. He helped me pick out a nice helmet that meets all the specs and didn't break the bank. He stayed thirty minutes after closing explaining the difference in helmets and jackets. I would recommend him to anyone on this side of Atlanta.

I'll try to take it easy,, don't want to scratch the paint or my face.

 

[Pinhy]

you sound like a smart rider....take care on that big bike and you will be fine

congrats on the new purchase!

 

[stp1971]

What's the difference between "Pushing" and "Pressing"?

I have been told that I need to learn to "Push" the bike to steer rather than "Press" the bike to steer it. I guess I don't know what the difference is,, can anyone explain this?

 

[DrBob]

Rather than shifting your body to make the bike lean into a curve, you should push forward and down on the handlebars in the direction you want the bike to turn. This will make the bike dive into the turn very crisply. A little pressure on the other side and the bike will snap right back up. You will be controlling you motorcycle with just small movements, rather than trying to muscle that big bike around.
This will be one of the first things they teach you at the course, so don't worry about it now while you are just running up and down the street at low speed to get used to the bike. Worry more about stopping and starting smoothly, using your front and back brakes together to stop in a nice, controlled manner, and on getting the feel for where all the controls are so you can use brakes, clutch, shifter, directionals, and horn without having to think about where they are.

 

[Pinhy]

yeah what he said! i found myself leaning and trying to throw the bike around while in daytona. at those slow speeds and small little adjustments its ok, but i hate when i do it out on the roads....i was practicing the press all the way back sunday.....

proved to myself that just because i know how to do it, doesnt mean i dont have to keep practicing it!

 

[stp1971]

Thanks!!!! I am just itching to go ride it today. It has been sitting in the garage all week and I hope it dries out enough to ride today. I am going to try that method. Everyone has been telling me that I need to push my right handle bar right to make it go right and it just wasn't making sense. Thanks for explaining it. I sent you an email asking about your riding club,, look for it. When I get the hang of my bike I might adventure out that way.

 

[Pinhy]

yup...just go down your straight road right in the middle...give either side a little press forward and see which way the bike goes....kinda backwards, but starts to feel very natural.

then you start counterbalancing and it turns even more....but get the hang of other things first...

 

[stp1971]

Cool man,,, I just checked out your pics of Daytona,, I was there Saturday and Sunday until lunch time. I have friends in Jax that I went down there with. I followed them with my car and they rode their bikes. We had a blast!!!!! LOTS O BOOTY!!!!!
..... well needless to say I had so much fun that I came home Sunday night and went out and bought that Intruder 1500 Tuesday night. That bug had been crawling around on me,, and after Daytona it finally bit me,,, Thanks for the advice!!!!!

 

[DrBob]

Ah, I responded to your email, but the email system has been down most of the day so it might have ogtten lost. If you don't get it by tomorrow let me know and I'll re-send the info.
Glad Freeewheeling was so helpful, and you got some good gear. We'll have to get together sometime and ride...when you taking the course at Sunshines?

 

[shuttledawg]

Just remember, push right, go right, push left, go left. This is called countersteering. And as I learned at the MSF course IT WORKS. Especially at higher speeds. If you can, try setting up some cones about 15' apart, get going about 20mph or so and do the push technique. It will become readily apparent as you swerve through the cones. Doesn't take much effort to move the bike. I know it put a smile on my face when I realized it. Ride Safe.

Steve

 

[stp1971]

Cool,,looking forward to trying that. I have about six milk jugs for cones ready. Got Milk? I am taking the riding course the weekend of the 26th. I am so stoked!!! I got your email Dr. Bob and I sent you a reply,,Thanks!!! I appreciate all the advice. I am looking forward to getting involved into the motorcycle community.