Make sure once you have them take them on a trip to meet Amsterdam Justin .

Hey Will...........cograts man, hope the wife is doing great as well.

Mudd

 

Will: Awesome... you're a Dad now!!!

 

Thanks for all the kind words guys. Becckie and Baby are home now and all is well with both.
I'm leaning pretty heavily toward picking up a sport bike Craig. Any models or makes you recommend? It will be a used one, so if there are particular years of models I should avoid please let me know. Too bad my helmet isn't DOT approved, LOL. I know the bike will be faster than the Z, but I still prefer a sports car like the Z. Maybe that will change when If I own a bike. I think Kevin and David both own sportbikes, if either of you catch this thread let me know your opinions please!
Will
Don, I'm gonna miss you at the track days man, but thanks for all your support!

 

CONGRATS!!!! What her name??? Ada & I would love to see her some time. Now... LOL As far as a sport bike are you sure you want one around the Springs. These ppl don't know how to drive with cars around them I would hate to see how they drive with a motorcycle?

 

Will and Becckie- Congratulations on your first born! What? You're not going to tell us her name?? LOL

As to the 600cc bike, I echo Craig's comments as far as performance. But speaking as one who has actually been in an accident on a Honda CBR F2 BE CAREFUL. If anyone makes a mistake- ahead, behind or on either side of you- YOU pay the freight!

 

Will, David is very accurate in his estimate of the hazards of m/c riding. It really hones your skills in anticipating the actions and reactions of "cage" drivers. I've owned a Honda CBR and it was an excellent bike. They all have their merits and problems. The best way to discover what they may be is to choose a bike or two and log on to the forum for that particular make. You will hear all the *****es and gripes related to that model. Just like the Z, owners are very picky and ***** about every perceived flaw and slight. As with a car, know what you want and what its worth before buying. The dealers are generally as bad or worse than auto dealers. The best way to buy a used bike is from a private owner. The dealers prices are too high, although when my son bought from Vickery, they were very willing to deal. He knew the book on the bike and made a very reasonable offer wwhich they accepted. Knowledge is power!!

 

Congrats Will and Beckie. I hope that everything turns out great for you. Since I don’t know anything about babies, I’ll contribute some advice on bikes. I use to have a 2001 GSXR600, loved it. I bought it brand new at Fey Meyers, took a beating. I will never buy from a dealer again. I really didn’t need anything bigger than a 600, I’m pretty light and short, but they have plenty of power. I really haven’t looked at the new bikes in a few years, but if I were to buy a bike again, I would probably get a Honda F4i or 6000RR or Yamaha R6. I think I would even look at a Ducati Monster. I have also heard really good things about the Kawasaki 600rr. The bikes have such similar comparisons and they are always switching around, so it’s hard to judge.

When I rode with a small group who had 2001-2002 R6s F4i and me. I felt like a Camaro in group of 350Zs. The GSXR was a little quicker, but it handled a little differently. I also got the impression that Suzuki builds a bike at a lower quality than Yamaha and Honda.

I would look for a 2001 or newer, just because of the fuel injection change that happened around that time. Also make sure that it was broken in properly. The sport bikes have a significant break in period. I’ve heard that they lose about 5% of their engine material since the tolerances are so tight.

I took me about a year to feel comfortable riding in the mountains. After a couple years I still wasn’t comfortable to take it to the track. If you want to get into the competitive racing, I know that’s its pretty expensive.

Don’t get a “girl’s” bike. I know you, and I know that you may be happy for a while with a small cc engine that will get you around town. After you get the hang of it you’ll want it to be faster, handle better, stop quicker, etc.

Well, my opinion, if I were to get a bike right now it would be a 2003+ Yamaha R6. I think that Yamaha builds a great bike. I would also look at both Hondas. Just with my experience with the Suzuki, I would stay away from them, but I have heard that the new ones are a lot better. Back then I would put the Kawasakis in the same class at Suzuki, but like I said the new one are great. It’s a hard choice. I don’t know what you budget is, but you should check out the MV Agustas.

Most importantly if you get a bike have fun and be safe.
David

 

Congrats Will and Becckie; that's great news!

I have absolutely NOTHING to offer about babies, and the only thing I know about bikes is what I've seen at the track...after seeing riders actually getting blown around on a bike in a stiff wind when they're up in the seat braking hard for a turn, I can tell you that it would definitely NOT be a for me. Karting is something that sounds like an appealing option, though. That track in the Springs only charges $130 for a full year of track time, however much you want (assuming you own the kart). So a few thousand bucks for a kart, and $130 a year would have you all set.

As for hitting the tracks with a bike, you might try PM-ing jgray...he's a Springs resident with some connections to a group of riders that goes to the track every once in a while.

 

Good to hear!! Will, Becckie best of luck to you guys, Shannon the four kids are down in AZ. Lake Havasu City for spring break! No snow here thank God!
Well be home this weekend.
Sport bikes, I've owne a bunch, Never had anything smaller than a 750cc, I still have a 02 GSXR 1000 full of mods. and a Yamaha RoadStar Warror two differnt worlds. I love the ride from Springs to PineJunction through Woodland Park. If you want to look new 05+ I have a sales guy from Fay Myers, Garry Marell I have purchased 4 new bikes from him over the past 10 years, he will treat you more than fair. The first thing you need to figure out is v-twin or in line 4, night and day between the two. You can ride my two bikes and see what you think.
Kevin Gilman

 

Where can I pick one of these up?



Very cute looking baby. CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family.

 

Congrats again Will and Becckie. Glad every one is doing well.

 

Wow. That's a lot of great feedback- THANK YOU GUYS very much for all your advice and feedback on the bike issue. I lean toward a bike only because I can afford a used one outright and would be able to use it around town and have a good time at the track. However, karting is a blast and hard to beat for track time and expense. Gary, I know you and I have talked about this before. The cost of tires and other track items is minuscule compared to ther forms of racing, and as you pointed out the track fees are awesome. Used TAG karts go for as little as 1K in good shape, new about 5K. And it can hang on the wall in my garage, so I can still have some room to work on other vehicles. Tough call, but I'll have something worked out by this summer and keep you posted.
Also, thanks again for all the kind words and congratulations on our baby girl. Her name is Isabel Grace. She's the coolest thing I've ever seen. It's absolutely mind blowing watching her experience so many things for the first time. She's very attentive and patient, she just stares wide-eyed at everything.
Hopefully I'll catch you guys at some meets this summer, and thanks again,
Will

 

Buy a pocket bike.........they have all the power you'll ever need.

 

 

Congrats on the Baby. Do you have any parts your trying to get rid of??