[jroskelley]

Before you sell the Ridley short, they make two sizes - 3/4 and full size. My girlfriend rode a 250 Honda Helix (automatic scooter) for a year and wanted a Ridely in a bad way. I sat one of their full-size models and it felt every bit as big as an Ultra Classic albeit it sat a little lower. You can't beat the great sound either. They sound like an old Shovel. Being a 750 would make it a little light in the pants but if a cruiser looks and sounds that good, you don't have to blow people's doors off to get attention.

If he's still not into a Ridley, I really think he should check out the 450 Suzuki Berghman scooter. 0-40mph, they'll take on any cruiser I ride with if not outright blow them away (I'm eager to run against one to find out.)

Let us know what he decides on...

Thanks, bro. He really loves the Ridley actually. It's me who thinks it's going to be too small for him. I'm gonna call the company on Monday and ask em about it. That would really be his bike of choice.

Cheers,
John

 

[jroskelley]

A Very Weird Turn of Events

So his wife calls me today, making sure I'm not with her husband (which I am but make myself scarce), to tell me she's out buying him a motorcycle as we speak, and it's his christmas present so I need to keep my mouth shut. She's calling me to get some details about the various features he's been mentioning to me. I was really surprised and wasn't quite ready for the conversation.

Well, she was at the local Victory shop (which shares a building with the local Kawasaki shop) looking at some Indians, some Victorys, and some Ironhorse choppers (which I love). She said everytime they drive past the Victory dealer he points out certain bikes he likes, which is why she is there (although she asked me if she should go to the Harley dealer across the street instead. We had a quick conversation about value and dollars spent, and she stayed put). After no success in telling her to walk next door to buy a Vulcan (I tried...I really tried) I helped her pick out a brand new Arlen Ness Signature Series Kingpin. This seems like a very nice bike, and is definitely his style. She told me she was tired if hearing him whine and complain about not being able to deal with shifting gears, but not being able to find a decent automatic bike, and was just going to make him bite the bullet.

Anyway, I don't know a lot about this particular bike but it looks really great, and the specs all seem decent for a cruiser-class bike. A 4.5 gallon gas tank is a bit smallish, and I wish he'd gone with a water cooled bike instead, but that's just me. I'm really happy his wife did what she did and I can't wait to be there christmas morning to see him discover it out in one of their garages. I think he'll have some short-term anxiety, but once he's past that I really think he's going to love this bike...and if he doesn't perhaps I'll buy it from him

Thank you everyone for your help, comments, and suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Cheers,
John

 

[bikeaholic]

re

that is a very nice bike imo-
i like the vics,but i wish they were priced a little lower
you do get lots of goodies straight off the floor though for the money

he'll slap himself for ever thinking auto after he rides it awhile :grin:

 

[Slicks]

wow. Ummm yeah, I think he'll be shocked. She obviously has great intentions but I can't imagine what his reaction will be. That's just crazy. :-|

 

[2WheelFun]

Uhhhh....Gee.....Does he need someone to help break it in?

I have to think he's going to feel his heart almost stop when he see's it. You'll need to be there to calm him down.

 

[ispeed77]

man, what a wake up on Christmas morning ! victory does make some nice bikes, i am sure he will be happy with it. please make sure he still takes the MSF course, especially with a first bike that big. oh, and once whistle is done with his break-in, send it my way and i will continue it for him !

 

[2WheelFun]

LOL....ispeed77....Should we get a list of names of who will pitch in and help "GENTLY" break in this new bike? I mean.....it's the least we can do for the guy.

 

[ispeed77]

that's what i'm thinking, its only the right thing to do

 

[PickYourPockets]

Good god, that's a lot of bike for someone who was talking about a scooter last week. Make sure he takes the MSF, does a lot of parking lot riding, and is VERY CAREFUL. Would hate to see that $20K King beauty damaged.... or your friend.

 

[Slicks]

Hey Jros... Be sure to tell us about his reaction. Shoot, I'd like to see it on video.

Oh, and you can put me on the break-in list...

 

[jroskelley]

I'm going to ride it like I stole for a little bit, and then he can take it over and start to learn how to ride. I want to make sure it's gets broken in properly, before he putts around in parking lots. He's lives in a very exclusive neighborhood with very wide streets, massive driveways, and a church parking lot at the end of it. We're going to be very careful, and very methodical about teaching him how to ride, and MSF is a big component. He's a pretty big guy and should be able to handle the size ok. The bike actually weighs less than my drifter. It was delivered today and I got to see it. It's super sweet. Gorgeous, really.

Also, I'm gonna be there on Christmas morning with my digital camera in hand, to capture every moment. I really hope he loves it. His only option if he hates it is to trade swap it for the Cory Ness Vegas (or another Victory), or sell it. I'll post some pics here for everyone to see.

Thanks to all of you for the great comments, suggestions, and guidance in this thread.

Happy Holidays,
John

 

[Slicks]

Not that I'm expecting him to want to sell it, but there is a law in effect that allows a buyer to return a vehicle within 30 days for a full refund and I would imagine that includes a motorcycle.

Can't wait to see the pics.

Happy Holidays man.

 

[2WheelFun]

I just looked under our Christmas tree and I ddn't see anything that nice there.

 

[woodchucks800]

I'm with Slicks, I want to see the christmas morning pic's as well. This guy gonna sh*t his pant's when he has to learn to shift on a brand new $20,000 bike.lol

 

[ispeed77]

I just looked under our Christmas tree and I ddn't see anything that nice there.

should i stop staring at my tree ? i thought maybe something would appear !

 

[2WheelFun]

LOL....I think the closest I'll come to seeing a new Arlen Ness Signature Series Kingpin under our tree is to buy the magazine that has it's picture and place it there myself.

 

[Slicks]

This website has very realistic paper models of motorcycles that you can download and make for free. Too bad they don't have a KingPin or I would have made one for each of you and sent it for Xmas.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/entertainment/papercraft/realistic/index.html

 

[2WheelFun]

This website has very realistic paper models of motorcycles that you can download and make for free. Too bad they don't have a KingPin or I would have made one for each of you and sent it for Xmas.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/entertainment/papercraft/realistic/index.html

ROTFLMAO.....That's great Slicks!!! It does offer some comfort....minimal at best...but at least it's something!

 

[kyhick1]

Ipseed and whistle clean,

I have friend who wanted a ZX6R for Christmas. I couldn't afford to buy him a real one...so I went to the store and bought him a very realistic dicast model of one and sent it in the mail to him

He should get a good laugh out of if at least.

Heather

 

[2WheelFun]

LOL.....GOOD MOVE Heather!!!

A few years ago when I was beginning to voice to my wife how I wanted to get a nice road bike....she went to Wal Mart and bought me a miniturized Harley Chopper (forgive her Lord as she knows not what she has done) and gave it to me on my birthday. I lauged so hard and thought how neet that was that she did that. I still have it sitting on top of my computer (forgive him Lord as he knows not what he is doing). I really look silly scooting it along on the dekstop making motor noises....BUT NOW....since I have a real bike I just hum along with the real engine noises.