Based on what I see of my generation, I would have to agree with the coddled part. I get the peak earning bit, but there are plenty of low cost options to get a person started in the motorcycling hobby (if one is so inclined).

There are risks and rewards for everything. It’s a risk getting out of bed in the morning. Being afraid of everything isn’t going to keep you safe, it’s just going to rob you of enjoyment that could have been.

Re: 5th gear

Would also work for a NP435.

Not all of us. Sure there are dumbasses out there pulling stupid stunts like this, but they are in the minority. Remember, BAD NEWS is what is reported. Millions of riders behaving civilly doesn’t drum up clicks.

I have as well, thought it was more out of concern of my (air cooled) motorcycle having its motor lock up.

I’d fall under the “Luddite” category.

My 1988 Dakota 4x4 V6 5-speed. 200,000 miles, bought from the son of a guy who worked at an independent repair shop. Vehicles would come in and get repaired, repairs wouldn’t be paid for, shop got a new vehicle-which means his son got a new vehicle.

I would pay an additional percentage towards gas tax if it was GUARANTEED to be put to use on the roads.

Silicon Valley better watch out...

What reason do the contract companies have to repair the roads correctly? They know if they do a piss poor job and the roads fall apart in two years, that they will just be given more money to do it all over again = permanent source of income.

You better be talking about the “leaning tower of power”.

Working at one.

I recently drove from the suburbs of Detroit to Olathe, Kansas (12+ hour drive one way) to purchase a 2017 Indian Chief motorcycle.

I couldn’t pick a best, as many of my vehicles have been fantastic-favorite being a 1988 Dakota 4x4 stick that I bought for 300 bucks that lasted me 7 years. Here she is working in the yard.

While I will agree that this was a solid workhorse of an engine, it didn’t FEEL like it had as much power as it did.

I own a 16MY Ram Laramie 4x4 with the Hemi, 8-speed and 3.21 gears. It’s rated for about 7600-7700 lbs towing. Unloaded I get 21-22 MPG on the highway.

I have to agree with the sentiments of a metric cruiser for a first bike. They are cheap, and if you drop it you won’t be as pissed as if you drop a 25-27k Indian.

That “woodpeckery” sound that you mention is known as “clackers”. It is an issue well documented on the forums, and only a small portion of the Thunderstroke bikes seem to be affected. The Vintage I test rode had that issue, and I didn’t enjoy it.

No, it should be a ZJ with an AX-15.