I'll pipe back in about now I guess. I'm 30 years old and live in the midwest. I've been on bikes most of my life. My father has been drag racing since before I was born , and has very good friends that that race in the GP races. So I've seen both sides of the street. I've been on sportbikes (Honda's) growing up. Nothing like the performance.
I've watched my dad win 6 championships growing up , and seen all the biker world has to offer. I also watched my dad 3 years ago settle down to build his own Harley. and started with nothing but a frame and built his own. Something I would reccomend anyone with a decent head for mechanics for what it will teach you about your bike.
Up until 4 years ago I rode with a group of Sportbike stunt riders in my city , known as TiltedVisions. They were the guys that some people talk smack about for what they did. Stuntriding on motorcycles. The problem is , the practice that was done , and the stuntriding that was done , was all done at race tracks , and a closed airstrip outside of town. Controlled situations. The rest of the young guys , that would see the video's that were for sale at the local bike shops all tried to emulate this on the street. The idiots you see cutting you off on the street in a wheelie , or busting out stoppies at red lights/stop signs. This developed a really bad attitude with the local police force , when if they would have had their facts straight , would have know that we were advocating safe responsible riding practices to all riders. All members were licensed and insured , and wore the protective gear necessary to keep safe.
Until I saw one of our own killed in an accident..Timothy Alberton 6-23-03 he was 20 years old , and out trying to race while in a large group. I've never seen a more diverse group of riders come together to show support. Over 700 bikes at his funeral ....the police escorted us across town from the bike shop he worked at , to the funeral home , and to his final resting place , over 2 miles of bikes alone. That's when I stopped caring about who rode what. Everyone who really RIDES , rides for fun , because they enjoy it. There are buttheads with attitudes out there sure. But for the most part , what you ride , be it the stereotypical "japanese" sportbike , or the "american muscle" Harley - Victory - Indian...what have you....you'll find a good group of people too.
Galvanized is right....stay away from the small tranny 4-speeds...you'll not see many of these anymore however. The smallest you really see anymore is going to be a 5 speed...
sportbikes 6 speed.....take your time , and really do your homework and make sure you know you are getting what you REALLY want. That will make all the difference in the world.
Here in downtown Long Beach, Ca. signs have been posted warning of ticketing for loud pipes. People are fed up with loud pipes saving lives. The way I figure it, straight piped Harleys have saved the world population several times over. We are tired of being saved.
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