Posted on Mar 20, 2014
How many other motorcycle enthusiasts do we have out there?
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<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>
Motorcycles
DoD
Army
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 60
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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<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>
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SSG Zachery Mitchell
Hey cousin Jim,
I figured it was just a matter of time before you chimed in on this post. LOL. I've seen most of your toys. You should upload some pictures for the rest of the world to see all your fun bikes!
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Cpl Jim Nisley
Anything else I have is in storage off site. I've been riding the 2006 Suzuki DL650 (V-Strom) while in endurance training for a cross-country trip, with hopes to going to Prudhoe Bay AK. If I can pull it off and get it done, I'll then be getting rid of the V-Strom and getting the 2001 VTX 1800-C out of storage and getting back on it. Be Safe Zachary.
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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.
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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!
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!
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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.
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SSG Zachery Mitchell
I really like Electra Glides too. Not too many Harleys I don't have a man crush on though lol. Also, I understand how you feel about the PPE and the Army making decisions for you Sir. However, I was stationed at Ft. Bliss for almost 5 years and no matter how hot it got I always wore my PPE. A long sleeve T-shirt with summertime riding gloves and a half shell helmet and sun glasses I stayed plenty cool enough while rolling down the open road.
You are a grown man though and have the right to make your own decisions but, it's the other drivers out there on the road you got to be careful for. You can be the best motorcycle rider in the world but you still have no control over the other careless idiots on the road. Ride safe Sir.
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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!
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I have a 2009 vulcan 1700 classic 12k mile love it. My first bike.
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