Blood, sweat, tears & beers . . .

Buckhorn handlebars, a drum brake and a bubble facemask helmet.
ALLLLRRRightyyyyyyyyyy den!

Ha-ha-ha! You're a trip, Tommyc! I also have a pair of Big Ben goggles for those shorter, local trips (fit over glasses). The bubble shield is for the longer trips, like the 600 mile trek I'll be making to Ohio. But I'll be carrying the goggles in my saddlebag, too, if I want to switch. So, if I want, I can look like a dork or a space alien!

That's right - just getting out there and riding is the thing. Holy cow, it's been 40 years since I've ridden . . . I can hardly wait any longer - this waiting is killing me. Right now the weather is perfect . . . think I'll go for a walk . . .

All jokes aside, you can ride looking like a dork all you want but.....
You are spending all this money to build a custom bike... and you haven't ridin one in 40 years??
Do you see anything wrong with this idea?

JoshBob, here is the picture to that Shovel that is here in MN that I was telling about that I like a lot... D&M Custom Cycle - Originators of the Spike and Power Flow Air Cleaner Systems It is the blue one that you see right away... Thought since it was a shovel you might like it..

Hell, no. In fact, I think it's commendable. You don't know about all the years I've spent in prison, or the fact that I've broken my back TWICE, and had two hernia's - one on each side. Not to mention I've been so piss poor broke trying to make a living playing music I couldn't even have ridden a moped. But it's life & I play the cards I get dealt.

Not trying to offend you but frankly I'd say stupid not commendable.
Did you ever consider practicing and improving your riding skills on a inexpensive cycle before hopping on your expensive custom in fears of dumping and wrecking it because you haven't ridin a motorcycle in 40 years? Not trying to jinx but that's prolly what will happen. It happens to all of us. What about a motorcycle training course? Is there any of them available in yer neck-o-the woods?
You have a prison record and you are teaching children at the Hobgood Academy? Surly you jest, no?

I think the notion that you think that he should practice on an "inexpensive" bike is really ignorant dude.. I guess you haven't paid attention all that closely as JoshBob has said numerous times that he has ridden a bike a lot, but not just for a long time.

Tommy, I didn't even test ride my bike before I got it. When I did buy it, I tore it all down and hi perfed it out and had no problems riding it... Not bad for a first time rider which was on a bike that was a custom job..

Hey JoshBob, go for it buddy, I am sure that you will be ok and express yourself in any way you feel fit!! That is what being a biker and an American is all about. I look up to people you have the courage to do stuff that is not so mainstream, for me, it demonstrates individualism.

Yes, I was kidding, Tommy. They don't let people teach who have records, at least not yet! I guess you haven't read on some other threads where I have many thousands of miles riding cross country, in & out of congested cities, 2 lane twisty roads, all kinds of conditions and weather. Had a few close calls, and you don't forget things like that. Makes you wary, not fearful. It's the reckless fools with no experience hot rodding around on their crotch rockets who need to go to Fool School. Fear of dumping and wrecking? No way, my friend, otherwise, what's the point? Of course, I'm going to spend time in and around Hobgood getting used to riding again before taking it out on longer cruises. Do you guys think I'm crazy enough to go riding up to Ohio so soon? I will gradually increase the length of my rides until I feel familiar with the controls and handling. I will gradually build up my riding chops, practice evasive maneuvers, emergency stops, etc. When I feel I'm ready, I'll go.

Yeah, it is nice. Pics are not sharp and I was trying to tell if those might be shorty mufflers on the end of those pipes. Like the color, too.

I like the bike and it they are shorty mufflers on it which I don't like all that much.. I agree, the pictures do kind of stink.

I've been riding since the 60's and I never took a class until 2005, learned so much that I was doing wrong that I take an experienced riders course every two years now just to bursh up on what I don't pratice all the time, like head and eyes, slow look lean and roll. besides you always meet new people doing the same thing.

JB I thought you'd look good on the 2007 Johnny Pag Spyder bike, :roflmao::roflmao:

Hummm.

:roflmao::roflmao:

Tommy, I was pulling your leg like you pulled mine about cutting your finger off. On second thought, maybe it's a good idea to take a rider course, but right now that's kinda low on the list of priorities. In N.C. you have to pass a motorcycle riders test to get the final license and from what I can see, it's pretty comprehensive. They make you jump through the hoops. Right now I have a learners permit that's good for a year and a half. I'd rather get back into riding using my own bike, thank you, and in my own way. Hard headed that way, always have been. If I ever do take a course, it will be with my own bike. A man doesn't prepare for war on borrowed equipment.

I see. And all of my previous road experience probably won't get me into an advanced motorcycle course because I haven't ridden in a long time. I'm thinking if a guy learns some new moves or whatever on a smaller, lighter machine, it won't be the same on a big twin. I still think it's best to relearn or train on one's own bike. That way, you KNOW exactly how it's going to handle in any given situation. If I die or get injured out there, odds are it's going to be one of those "moron cagers" fault, not mine.
All I'm trying to do is build a scooter and ride a little before I get too old.
BTW, we had a car show today right here in ol' Hobgood. I forgot to take my camera or I would have shot some pics for you guys. There were a lot of muscle cars from the 70s and a 39 Ford coupe. And there was a small tent that was sponsored by a Christian biker club called the "Resurrection Riders Motorcyle Ministry". Mostly baggers and very nice people. Pretty cool.