So after 40 years of thinking..."One day I'll get a bike" I'm finally going to do it.
A minor medical scare has got me thinking "Get busy living or get busy dying" and a hack bike has been on my Bucket List for a long time now.
Here is my plan: I am starting my own business Q4 this year or Q1 next. Home Inspections, Appraisals, Light Handyman Stuff and just generally goofing off. It is my "semi-retired" job and I don't need to make a million bucks at it since I plan on doing it for at least 20 more years (God willing).
I'm planning on getting something I can ride 3 seasons in SW PA. That I can carry levels, cameras, tool bag and that sort of stuff around in. On "Ladder Days" and bad weather I can fall back on my compact PU truck. Locking bags or boxes and 2 wheel drive is probably in order.
I like the Ural's looks, also the old Harley and British Enfields but I wouldn't dream of getting a real antique and turning it into my first bike. Something newish and cheapish with vintage styling is the way to go.
One day I might like to tow a camping trailer around and maybe even stick my wife in the hack (sorry, we're cat people, no dog) so I guess I'll need something with some guts.
Ridden plenty of peddling bicycles in my days, and we took my friend's Enduro 250cc out for a couple of hours oh, about 20 years ago, but other than that, zero, zippo time on a bike. Plan on ponying up for several riding classes of the hack variety.
Opinions, advice, wisdom, warnings. Please and thank you
Should I take Pennsylvania's required motorcycle classes and tests on regular bike or get a hack unit? I've heard they are two different animals and since I plan on riding a hack exclusively, makes sense to learn it first.
Greetings from Butler County in PA!
I'm totally new at this, but my story mirrors yours, so here's what I did/am doing. Folks on here are extremely helpful and knowledgeable, so start reading old threads for good advice.
I took the PA course, it's not required but is an excellent way to learn about motorcycling. It's free and you can get your license by passing the course. I have several friends with years of experience that took the course and they all said they learned something and it was worth the time and effort. I had no experience other than being a passenger and I managed to pass the test and learn the basics of riding. http://www.pamsp.com/ The closest sidecar course is in VA. PA now offers a trike course, no sidecars allowed.
I was going to get a big scooter, but decided to get a bike and sidecar because they are different and I wanted to travel and the space would come in handy. And......everyone told me not to. (except the guy I know with the hack) I found a 99 Yamaha Royal Star Venture with California side car, set up by Wing and a Chair in NC on ebay. Low mileage, liked the way it looked so off the boyfriend and I went to Charlotte to pick it up. He drove it home - he had bike experience but not with a sidecar. It was a great time! . Our first trip was 516 miles and the only thing that happened was a deflector on the fork flew off. I really like riding in the sidecar. I'm 5'11 and have lots of wiggle room.
I spent several days in the local school parking lot. Stalled the thing more times than I can count. I am a clutch popper.....Finally got the hang of it so now I'm practicing on the back roads around my house. I'm a long way from venturing on the highway, but getting a bit better each time I go out. I only stalled twice last time. Of course the first stall was at a stop sign, making a right uphill, with 10 cars behind me.... I just wave them past.
We went shopping last weekend in "The Broom" as I've dubbed the hack. We managed to pack in the side car with me a small duffel bag, a sleeve of 100 cups, 16 jars of fruit, 12 pack of toilet paper, two 34 inch mini blinds, disposable paint trays and behind my seat, 2 other bags of groceries and 2 coats. And a few water bottles, always carry water.
If the boyfriend owned the bike, I can guarantee it would look like the work truck you envision. The things that man has fastened to his Electra Glide is both amazing and frightening.
If nothing else, take the course!
Best of luck,
Mary Jo
Thanks for the reply and words of encouragement. I've seen one riding around Wexford and Ross township these last few months. Looks like a blue and white classic styling (maybe a HD?) I haven't been up close to it to tell.
Looks like I just missed the Virginia S/TEP class (Its this weekend). I'm hoping I can make it out to the Spokane class in July. No hurry though, I'm holding off on any purchases until I have a chance to ride one for a weekend or two.
The obvious choice from a budget and utility standpoint is the Ural line but I've also heard rumors. I think the DMC Sidecars paired with the BMW's from WA are outstanding but I think I'm going to have to have a real heart attack before my wife puts those on the approved budget list.
