How many other motorcycle enthusiasts do we have out there?

2014-03-20T09:44:57-04:00

<p>Riding is/was my hobby. I still love riding and love everything about motorcycles. However, I left my bike in storage before PCSing to Japan due to some of the laws and regulations here. </p><p> </p><p>I often joke that I miss my bike more than some of my family back in the states. Or is it a joke? lol I've been riding since I got on my first dirt bike when I was about 7 or 8. I love everything about riding and the feeling of freedom I get while on a bike.  </p><p> </p><p>I was the motorcycle mentor for a little over a year at my last unit and it was probably one of the best "additional" duties ever! lol I loved helping new riders learn how to ride and pick out the "perfect" bike for them. I was always available to talk to another rider or help wok on another riders bike. Whatever they needed. I always stressed the importance of PPE. I am big on PPE. I am glad the Army enforces the boots, long sleeves, gloves etc...I always used it before the Army and still do every time I ride. </p><p> </p><p>Here are a couple pictures of my bike. Anyone else feel like sharing their love for motorcycling? Or their thoughts on the PPE? I know PPE is a big debate for some people. </p>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2013 8:58 PM

2013-12-11T20:58:17-05:00

I used to have a small 250 cc ninja kawasaki. Had to sell but am planning on getting an upgraded one. Probably a 650 cc ninja. Hopefully next year.

Response by SFC Dennis Leber made Dec 12 at 2013 8:36 AM

2013-12-12T08:36:36-05:00

I have a 2006 Suzuki Katana 750, it is the 8th bike I have owned, BTW it is for sale right now. Looking to go back to cruiser.

Response by SSG Jarid Clapp made Dec 12 at 2013 10:26 PM

2013-12-12T22:26:17-05:00

2008 Kawasaki KLR-650 Dual Sport with added skid plate, brush guard, crash bars front and rear, old NVG Goggle cases as 2 hard saddle bags. Its a smooth ride on the road. I can take it out in ANY weather. It gets close to 45 MPG and low maintenance. A great all around bike.

Response by SSG Jarid Clapp made Dec 12 at 2013 10:28 PM

2013-12-12T22:28:09-05:00

Another pic with the new boxes

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 11:01 AM

2013-12-13T11:01:34-05:00

I have two black Harley Davidsons.

2005 Softail Duece

2010 Road King Classic

Response by PFC Dave Liter made Dec 13 at 2013 6:49 PM

2013-12-13T18:49:16-05:00

My first bike was a yamaha 350. I turned it into a cafe racer back in 76. I have had several since then but I would really like to have another HD.

Response by TSgt Tom Allen made Dec 14 at 2013 12:20 AM

2013-12-14T00:20:56-05:00

I have a 2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100. I love it.

Response by SSG Dean Reams made Dec 14 at 2013 12:30 AM

2013-12-14T00:30:40-05:00

Hi guys....I ride a Honda Aero 2006...from TN but live in Wa state...Try to get in one good 2 to 3000 mile a year with some of my other friends...most of the time there are 10 to 15 of us meet up some where in Wa, Or or Ca to get in a 3 or 4 day ride and get together...its so much fun except when we have to say good by.....love doing this...

Response by SFC Dennis Leber made Dec 14 at 2013 7:08 AM

2013-12-14T07:08:17-05:00

my rocket, she is for sale like I said. Love her but ready to stretch out on a cruiser.

Response by FN Robert Smith made Dec 16 at 2013 10:43 PM

2013-12-16T22:43:20-05:00

I have a 2009 vulcan 1700 classic 12k mile love it. My first bike.

Response by SGT Larry "Teruji" Sakai made Dec 17 at 2013 5:08 PM

2013-12-17T17:08:25-05:00

My old HD

Response by SPC LeRoy Paige made Dec 18 at 2013 8:39 PM

2013-12-18T20:39:28-05:00

I have a 2002 Harley Softail Heritage Classic EFI and have ridden over 74,000 miles. I have been in every state West of the Mississippi River, all the great Plains States, every state in the South, except for Louisiana and Miss. I haven't been to the New England States but intend to. Planning to go into the Heart of Texas this summer and over to Wyoming and Utah a 2nd time. Just love riding all I can during the Summer cuz in Michigan, you can't ride year round. My 1st bike was a 1966 Honda 160 that I got used in 1967. After I came home from Nam, I got another Honda, a 1970 BSA, then worked my way up to a 1978 Honda 550 4-cyl. which I kept until 1984 when I sold it after our Son was born. When I started getting interested in riding again after almost 18 years, I just knew I had to have a Harley. She is the 3rd love of my life. God is 1st and My Wife is 2nd.

Response by SSgt Matthew Georgia made Dec 20 at 2013 12:36 AM

2013-12-20T00:36:27-05:00

I have a 2004 Honda VTX 1800. It is my fourth bike, all I have ever owned are Hondas and I think they may be the best cruisers out there.

Response by SGT Dj Johnson made Dec 20 at 2013 6:24 PM

2013-12-20T18:24:17-05:00

I have had many bikes of all makes. Honda, Yamaha's. Kawasaki but my favorite and last I'll ever own will be a HD. I currently have a 2010 Street Bob. Love it. I have had a Road King. A Low rider and a Heritage Classic but I love my Street Bob. Maneuvers well. Rides nice. Simple. Love it. I have also enjoyed looking at the bikes in this thread. Ride safe brothers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 8:42 AM

2013-12-21T08:42:50-05:00

Always had bikes of different makes and types... I had a KLR650 which I loved...For my 40th BDay, I broke down and bought a HD Fatboy....I had wanted one for about 10 years, but just never pulled the trigger. AWESOME RIDE!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 10:34 AM

2014-03-20T10:34:19-04:00

Nice Bike! Wish I had some pics on this computer but I had a 05 Electra Glide. Yea sure its an old man bike as most tell me.... but nothing better than going on a cruise and having some classic rock blasting out of the speakers!!

As far as PPE goes, I respect what the rules are but man are some just a little over the edge, especially when its in the 90s here and you have full leathers on!

My riding attire normally is jeans boots, gloves, glasses, helmet, long sleeve shirt

Anything more I get uncomfortable

One thing I do to every bike to be more noticible is HID headlights, and a louder than stock exhaust, nothing to obnoxious, but loud enough to be heard, nothing worse than a driver who doesn't know your next to them and tries to get in your lane

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 10:18 PM

2014-03-21T22:18:13-04:00

Ride on man! I've been riding since I was 5. I have had a slue of bikes, always two at a time. I got to have a dirt bike and road bike. I ride a 2013 HD Road Glide and 2009 Honda CRF450X. You ought to look into riding CVMA. Like minded folk that share the love of twisting throttle!<div>Keep the rubber side down, loud pipe save lives!</div><div>Godspeed.</div>

Response by SPC(P) Delcina Myers made Mar 21 at 2014 10:52 PM

2014-03-21T22:52:03-04:00

My dad is a motorcycle enthusiast. Although he is not serving nor a veteran, he supports the military. In September 2012 - February 2013, my dad and my late mother stayed in Panama City, FL for medical reasons (mother was dying of cancer, wanted her last few months to a year in serenity and warm weather) rode with the Wounded Warriors and carried a flag for fallen soldiers when they arrived from the airport.

The first picture is my dad and my late mother beside his 2006 Yamaha V-star custom full-ride and the second picture you can see the flag that they carried. The motorcycle I am referring to is the very first one to the right up front. On their vests they have multiple patches, including a POW/MIA, and an American Flag. On my dad's vest he has all my old ranks and an old MP patch that I gave him; On my mothers vest she has (hanging in a frame at my dads' house on the wall) a pin that says, "My daughter is in the U.S. Army". I honestly don't know anyone who can support troops more than that, but I am also their daughter. :) Sadly, my dad doesn't ride as often, because he says that "It isn't the same without your mother." Apparently, a 98lb woman DOES make a difference. LOL. Yes, my mother only weighed 98 lbs. And close to 70 when she passed in May that very same year.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 21 at 2014 10:54 PM

2014-03-21T22:54:25-04:00

Is Foxtrot company sponsored in some way by the Ordnance Corps Association?

Response by 1SG Jeffery Bertram made Mar 21 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-03-21T23:21:39-04:00

I bought my first MC 1 week after arrival in Germany in 1984 and rode it all over Europe & Germany. I sold that bike in 1989 after I came back to the states because I rarely had time to ride it and enjoy it. Last year, 25 years later, I bought another bike, much to my wife's dismay. There is nothing like the feel of a MC ride and I cannot wait for spring weather to arrive in Ohio and for the salt & gravel on the roads to get washed off so that I can get back in the wind!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-03-26T12:49:02-04:00

An 05 Dyna Super Glide Sport.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2014 1:22 PM

2014-03-26T13:22:27-04:00

I LOVE riding! I am a member of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association and we have a good mix of combat vets from all services, and a good mix of retired/active duty vets as well. One of my favorite additional duties was the company motorcycle safety mentor, and I had a blast doing it. I would even jump in on a riders course that didn't have enough people so it could still happen, plus it was a way to ride just that much more! Our CVMA chapter has done things like ride with the Patriot Guard and Warriors Watch riders, escorting our fallen brothers-in-arms, and we have done things like helping raise flags for memorial day ceremonies. I love where we live too (central coast of CA) because it is pretty much riding weather all year round! Here are some pics. My bike is the Heritage Softail on the right. And I should note that even Santa rides a motorcycle at my house!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 9:46 AM

2014-03-27T09:46:11-04:00

I ride an '08 Electra Glide. I love riding and I think the Army is making it too tough for riders to ride on post. The thing I hate the most is the descrepancies in standards. I can ride on post in the morning with no problems, then leave for lunch, then when I try to get back on post in the afternoon the gate guards try to gig me for something that I had no problem with that morning! When I ride off post I don't go with the Army standard PPE though. Riding in the summertime in Texas gets too hot for long sleeves and a helmet. I know that some will argue "better to be hot than dead!"...but I argue that if you are a good rider and pay attention to the other idiots on the road that you can avoid an accident altogether and then none of that other stuff matters. Cars and trucks are safer than bikes and bigger cars are safer than smaller cars...etc, etc. Let me be responsible for my own decisions. The Army makes more decisions for me than I care for now anyway.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 10:18 AM

2014-03-27T10:18:53-04:00

I enjoy riding and try to ride whenever possible. I understand that some folks may not like to wear all the PPE required off post, but let me remind everyone that the Army has invested a great deal of time, effort, and capital (human and financial) on each of you and though it may suck to wear the required PPE - DOT/Snell Approved helmet, eye protection if not a full-face helmet, long-sleeve shirt, full-finger, gloves, full length pants, and over the ankle boots/shoes -- it truly is for your protection. And this is already assuming that you are properly licensed and have taken the required training.

I know that riders all think that they can avoid accidents and watch out for cagers -- but if you are involved and an investigation is conducted you don't want to be on the wrong side of a "line of duty investigation". I have seen it on more than one occasion and it can be crippling to a career and financially for the Soldier and his/her family.

I like to ride just as much as the other guy and even though my '06 Road King Classic is my first bike I plan on riding for a while into the future. Once you get out of the Army -- do what you will, but remember that we are professionals and leaders. Leaders do the right thing -- even when no one is looking.

Hope to see you on the road -- be safe and keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up!

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 27 at 2014 10:34 AM

2014-03-27T10:34:05-04:00

Love riding! Way back in the day, started with a Kawasaki Ninja 600R (back in the late 80's. Later, moved onto a Honda CB750....later yet, moved to Honda Shadow Sabre, then got the Harley in 2004. Have about 35k miles on it so far, wish it was more!! Have been to Sturgis once. Here are a couple of my best pics of the bike....the one shows my best riding parter, my daughter. She has been riding with me off and on since age 3. Looking forward to summer and putting down a few more miles!! I have ridden with Patriot Guard to more military funerals then I care to think about... I am not a member of any MC, simply because they are not "for me", but feel that they are a great thing to those that want to be a part of it! Keep the shiny side up!! (FYI, I never ride without a helmet, nor do I allow my daughter to ride without. Helmets, while maybe not visible in the pics are in use!)

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 11:10 PM

2014-03-27T23:10:24-04:00

here are mine 2013 Victory Cross Country

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2014 1:54 AM

2014-03-28T01:54:17-04:00

2007 H-D Road King Custom

*hey, they get cold too...

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Mar 28 at 2014 8:10 PM

2014-03-28T20:10:51-04:00

I "rode" my first bike when I was around 4 years old and have been infected ever since. My friend purchased a Honda Dream 160 (i think) an 1962 and I borrowed this mechanical nightmare of a rice burner often.  It broke down as often as it ran, but I learned a lot about tinkering.  <div><br></div><div>Then a few more Japanese bikes and when I was in Naples I got a Norton 850 Interstate.  Rode that bike a lot and even paid to bring it back to the States. What a difference it was riding inn the States again.  Sold the bike and got transferred to Hawaii.  Moved back to the Mainland a a few years went by without a bike.  Always wanted one and finally got this one: a 1988 Harley Heritage Softtail. When i retired and went back to college I rode this almost every day it was not raining hard to and from school.  Plus for fun and playing around.  Yes, I still have it and still enjoy it.  But sometimes we do take the Smart - it does have heat, AC, and windows. Meow. </div>

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Mar 28 at 2014 8:39 PM

2014-03-28T20:39:27-04:00

2009 Yamaha FZ-6.

1999 Suzuki GS500.

1967 Harley Sportster.

I ride year-round - rain or shine. If there is ice on the road, I will consider taking the Jeep.

Response by Cpl Jim Nisley made Apr 2 at 2014 6:47 PM

2014-04-02T18:47:14-04:00

<p>Me ! ! !  I'm a 2-wheel junkie.  On road.  Off Road.  Cruise.  Sport.  Adventure Touring.  Hack (technically not 2-wheeled).  You name it.</p><p> </p><p>Thanks for the inquiry 2nd Cousin Zach.  Appreciate your service.</p>

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Apr 4 at 2014 3:21 PM

2014-04-04T15:21:06-04:00

I am on my 8th Harley. 07' FXSTI. My current "Baby"!

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Apr 8 at 2014 8:39 PM

2014-04-08T20:39:42-04:00

I am a huge Harley enthusiast. If I could figure out how to earn $80,000 a year to ride my Ultra Classic I would say my retirement career is set.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Apr 9 at 2014 4:16 PM

2014-04-09T16:16:26-04:00

2013 BMW R1200RT. I ride with the American Legion Riders in Brussels. Most of the club rides Harleys but we have a couple Ninjas and at least one Yamaha.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 11 at 2014 12:07 PM

2014-04-11T12:07:54-04:00

I have a 2009 Honda Shadow Aero... what I don't have in enough time or cooperative weather to really enjoy it! (yeah, I'm a fair weather rider!!!)

Response by SGT Timothy Byrd made Apr 11 at 2014 2:28 PM

2014-04-11T14:28:35-04:00

My current bike is a 2007 1200 Sportster custom

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 11 at 2014 6:38 PM

2014-04-11T18:38:09-04:00

Now? 2001 Suzuki Marauder.

Then. 1977 Yamaha 400XS.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2014 4:26 PM

2014-06-09T16:26:46-04:00

Rode an 84' Yamaha Venture Royale 1200 for many years back in Quantico Va. I now ride an 05' Honda VTXR 1300 around SoCal. Too much fun riding year round.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 3:55 PM

2014-07-10T15:55:18-04:00

Just got back into riding after a long hiatus. I went with the Honda CTX700. Its the standard shift model. I went with this one because its light enough to master, yet big enough for touring. Not to mention the price was right, 65MPG, and 8000 miles between oil changes..

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 1:04 PM

2014-08-04T13:04:15-04:00

Is there anyone in the Southern California Area interested in forming a ride? A Rallypoint rally?

Response by SFC Derek Ashman made Aug 19 at 2014 3:04 PM

2014-08-19T15:04:33-04:00

I actually have two bikes. I have a 2014 Harley Street Glide that I use for long trips and go riding with my wife on. Then I have a 2011 Suzuki Hayabusa for my times when I am by my self. I love riding its my escape from everything. I ride everywhere with my group Veterns Enforcers Motorcycle Association. We do alot for Vets, Police, fireman, and first reponders.
Its also great because I live in Florida for the last 3 years and got to ride alot. I got orders to Ft Stewart so should be interesting since it was pretty cold last year. Have not been in the cold since I left Ft Campbell.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Oct 26 at 2014 6:30 PM

2014-10-26T18:30:26-04:00

I have two bikes, a 2004 Harley Davidson Ultra Electraglide and a 2006 Harley Davidson 35th Anniversary Super Dynaglide. I ride all the time! If anyone wants to go for a ride just send me a message.

My three boys also all ride. My oldest son Jonathan rides a 2008 Harley Davidson Roadking, my middle son Tyler has a 2007 Harley Davidson Sportster 883 and a 1884 Yamaha 750 project fun bike, and my youngest son 2LT Connor Scharff has a 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 and a 1978 Honda 350 project fun bike.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Oct 26 at 2014 8:01 PM

2014-10-26T20:01:29-04:00

Hoping to rejoin the ranks when I get to Cali. Last bike was a 1997 Honda Valkyrie with the Cobra 6 into 6 exhaust-looked very cool.

Next bike will be American Steel-Harley Davidson. Not sure what, but not negotiable. Now just have to convince the Commander that I "need" one.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Oct 26 at 2014 9:01 PM

2014-10-26T21:01:25-04:00

Riding is my sanity. this is my girl.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 28 at 2015 2:49 PM

2015-05-28T14:49:51-04:00

Really like to do about 3,000 to 4,000 mile trips once a year from California to Sturgis or up into Wyoming! Here's my newest addition to the family of Harley's that Iv'e owned over the last 10 years.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-05-28T15:02:37-04:00

Live to ride

Response by SPC Ken Sawyer made Jun 2 at 2018 9:38 PM

2018-06-02T21:38:06-04:00

Love my first Harley I bought it about 3 years ago. It’s an 08 ultra classic. I added the dirty air system so I can adjust my ride while in motion. I can also lower the bike to make it a lot easier to get on and off it’s a great system.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 3 at 2018 10:17 AM

2018-06-03T10:17:41-04:00

Thanks to age, bad knees and shoulders I switched to a 2000 Goldwing 1500 trike!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2018 11:03 PM

2018-06-05T23:03:03-04:00

I have been riding from the age of 16. Owned about 7 Harleys, became a PHD Technician. Currently riding 2004 FXST/I.

Response by Carey Boles made Jun 6 at 2018 7:10 PM

2018-06-06T19:10:34-04:00

1984 Honda Goldwing Interstate that's a work in progress. Paid $400.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Jul 17 at 2019 3:16 PM

2019-07-17T15:16:33-04:00

I wouldn't describe myself as an Enthusiast so much as a Practical Rider. First started riding as a form of fun, yet inexpensive transportation. Previously I've had a Kawasaki KZ650; 1985 HD XLX; Royal Enfield Bullet 500 with sidecar (Beer Runs and Grocery Shopping, also held some Scuba Equipment or my Bagpipes quite nicely as well). My current beast of burden is the 883 sagging under my fat ass, seen here.

Response by SGT(P) Troy Escomiendo, MBA made Nov 9 at 2019 8:13 PM

2019-11-09T20:13:27-05:00

16’ Harley Softtail

Response by 1SG David Niles made Nov 20 at 2019 2:55 PM

2019-11-20T14:55:26-05:00

Ride as much as I can

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 24 at 2019 12:40 AM

2019-11-24T00:40:10-05:00

I took my bike to Korea had a blast. This is my room in Korea 1993.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 24 at 2019 12:47 AM

2019-11-24T00:47:39-05:00

This is how it looks now. It was stolen and I recovered the motor and back wheel so me and the Wife built around them.

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Nov 24 at 2019 12:53 AM

2019-11-24T00:53:01-05:00

Here are some I had printed in Easy Rider, Biker, and in the wind. Had quite a few printed from 90 to 1994.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2019 1:35 AM

2019-11-24T01:35:49-05:00

I bought my first Harley as a PFC in El Paso, TX. Luckily you can ride year round there becaus I didnt own a car. Ive had that same bike for 10 years now.

Response by CPL Gail White made Feb 11 at 2020 12:44 PM

2020-02-11T12:44:40-05:00

I belong to a local Hog group. Everything is voluntary. I enjoy their company and short trips. I have been riding since grade school and now that I have grey hair I LOVE the shocked look on faces when I take my helmet off as I sit on my Harley. People have to pick their jaws up oof rom the cement.

Response by SP5 Tom Manning made May 2 at 2020 7:32 PM

2020-05-02T19:32:53-04:00

i am on a 2020 tri glide ultra classic. this is my 4th trike , i have had an 06, 13, 17 and now a 20. the two wheel boys in the group i ride with , Warrior Watch Riders, are a military, first responder support group with probably over 65% veterens riding, and back to the two wheelers they can get away from me. pick the road and lets have some fun. have done the dragon both ways and the back and the claw of the dragon and almost all the smokey mtns with twp up.

Response by SP5 Tom Manning made Nov 6 at 2020 8:05 AM

2020-11-06T08:05:44-05:00

I am now on my fourth HD trike
Had an 06 ,13,17 and now a 2020
Have a combined 40k used mainly escort duty with WWR here in the s.e. Pa area. Wife has been in the back for a greater majority of those miles . Have ridden in 19deg weather to provide escorts etc
We have a great group of people who we vacation with etc besides the escort work