Congratulations DesertDude!

[Hltoppr]

On passing his "big" motorbike test, and getting licensed....

On a 600+ pound BMW to boot!

:wings: :roost: :roost:

-H-

[goodtimes]

On passing his "big" motorbike test, and getting licensed....

On a 600+ pound BMW to boot!

:wings: :roost: :roost:

-H-

Huh????? Didn't even know 'dude was lookin' for a moto! Sweet!

[blupaddler]

Wow! Congrats...MotoDude!

:jump:

[Ursidae69]

Do we have a jealousy smile????? :peepwall: I'll get another bike someday.......:roost:

[Boston Mangler]

Whens the first Mex Moto Trip?

:roost: :roost: :roost:

Congrats Dude

[Desertdude]

In less than a days notice, Andrew was trusting enough to take his time and fine BMW (man what a machine! Smooth as silk...) and allow me to skills test up in Flagstaff. I all ready had a motorcycle endorsement but for a much lower cc rating ( that is a long story in itself...) So I need to complete the skills test with a larger bike ( I got my wish)

That is one big damn bike! :roost: Like most things in my life why make it to easy. So with thirty minutes of practice, up in NAU parking, we were off to MVD.
The wind was howling and it was cold out. The person handling the test was unsure they wanted to let me take it due to the cones moving by the wind. I assured the tester this was happening today. After much a do, the tester came out and gave the ultimatum; "If one cone blows over you fail the test, and have to come back. Using one of your three chances." I thought to myself, "hey no pressure, I don't know the bike either, lets do it!"

In one photo you can see Andrew clueing me in He says, "If the bike starts to lean to much, just let it go." I thought, "No way am I dropping your bike on the pavement."

Just another easy day in the life of desertdude :violent-smiley:

Small bit of history;

I have been into motorcycles ever since I was born. Back in New Jersey/New York where I lived years ago, my Dad owned several Harley's and took us out on rides all the time. In my teens, my Dad owned and operated his own Motorcycle shop. It was near the trails, so I had the chance to always ride and test the bikes. This was where I learned mechanics, and how to ride (and fall) without getting hurt. Through the years I had many trail bikes and a couple of road bikes. Fast-forward to the year 2000. I found my way to AZ, I have been getting the itch for a bike for the past seven years. The real question now is which one :)


Thanks again Andrew, for all your time and help with the bike!

Gracias everyone...

[Boston Mangler]

I dont care if your in a parking lot!

PUT ON A HELMET!!!!!

Dont want to have to change your username to Veggy Dude!!!

:roost:

[Desertdude]

I dont care if your in a parking lot!

PUT ON A HELMET!!!!!

Dont want to have to change your username to Veggy Dude!!!

:roost:


:iagree:

I will be ordering a custom helmet for the dudes extra large cranium, along with as much protective gear and my body can carry.

[Boston Mangler]

:iagree:

I will be ordering a custom helmet for the dudes extra large cranium, along with as much protective gear and my body can carry.

Good Man!

:victory:

[DaktariEd]

Congratulations, Dude!
:victory:

[Willman]

Congratulations, Dude!
:victory:


Thats next on my list to do!!!


Congrads!!!

:sombrero:

[mountainpete]

Welcome to the wonderful world of riding!

Congrats!

[Wanderlusty]

:iagree:

I will be ordering a custom helmet for the dudes extra large cranium, along with as much protective gear and my body can carry.

How large is that cranium? I have a full face HJC in 3X that has just been sitting around since I sold my moto...

[goodtimes]

So, uh, moto'dude....you gonna have a ride before July? :bigbossHL:

[KMR]

They let you take the test without a helmet? :Wow1:

Did you not have a "M" endorsement? Or is it broken into subclasses in AZ?
I was under the impression that my M class license covered everything on two wheels, were the cones a high speed test? My license was just a street course.
Sorry for the questions.
Put a damn helmet on.

oh, and holy crap I want that bike.

[goodtimes]

AZ does not have sub-classes to my knowledge (all my license says is "M Motorcycle").

There is a small difference in the testing course depending on what size bike you are on (over/under 500cc). Basically, over 500cc gets you a slightly larger "box" in which to do a couple of u-turns (one left, one right).

There are a couple of basic drills AZ has you do..."the box" (u-turns), one swerve to the right, strait line braking, and one corner. Where I took the test (Tucson), they had lines painted on the parkinglot for each drill, with cones marking the critical points. Not sure if all the testing sites are set up the same or not.....

[KMR]

Huh, New York had me drive around a residential neighborhood at slow speed, turn around in the street a couple times and gave me a license. Not much to it and they never asked what size the bike was.

but they did make me WEAR A HELMET!

[Desertdude]

Thanks guys! :coffeedrink:

[Skillet]

Nice bike!

Congrats. Welcome to the club.:D

[edgear]

Congrats, dude!
So will you be changing the configuration of the bed of your Tacoma to make room for a bike?

[Desertdude]

Congrats, dude!
So will you be changing the configuration of the bed of your Tacoma to make room for a bike?

Hmmmm...

[Scofco]

Congrats!
I'm currently in the middle of watching 'Long Way Round' on DVD, where Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman rode 2 BMW GS' around the world.

Gorgeous bikes indeed.

[Desertdude]

cool DVD!


this one is also inspirational to watch

http://www.dirttrackproductions.com/

[BajaTaco]

Congrats Pasquale, that is awesome :beer:

[articulate]

Pasquale is tipping the stud scale, isn't he?

Is anyone else wondering what sort of 2-wheeled video masterpiece to expect out of DesertDude Video & Music next? There's something up that sleeve . . .

[BajaTaco]

Pasquale is tipping the stud scale, isn't he?

Is anyone else wondering what sort of 2-wheeled video masterpiece to expect out of DesertDude Video & Music next? There's something up that sleeve . . .

I heard that he will be installing a 2M radio, fridge and hot shower unit on the bike before departing on a world tour.
:roost:

[Desertdude]

Pasquale is tipping the stud scale, isn't he?

Is anyone else wondering what sort of 2-wheeled video masterpiece to expect out of DesertDude Video & Music next? There's something up that sleeve . . .

Mark, you are the wordsmith... ;) It would have had a bit more impact if SC typed it ... :elkgrin:


Chris, now if I could figure the roof top tent... ah yes side car! :jump:



:::

[Desertdude]

:roost: :roost: :roost: :roost: :roost: :roost: :roost:

[Ursidae69]

I thought you were working in CA? :shakin:

[mountainpete]

oooh! KTM Adventure! Sweet!

[goodtimes]

It sure is...uh....orange. :cow:

:wings:<<----you still got "that" feeling?

Sweet ride, but where is the the matching one for D'girl?

[Boston Mangler]

Congrats Dude

Nice choice of bike!

[Desertdude]

I thought you were working in CA? :shakin:

I am, which is how I got a chance to test out this sweet bike. It is owned by one of my clients. This bike rides so nice, what a machine... :jumping:


:REOutArchery02: I'm still in research mode, but this brand is at the top of the list... There is even a KTM dealership in the town of Santa Cruz :peepwall:

[Desertdude]

It sure is...uh....orange. :cow:

That color is really growing on me :shakin:

[Hltoppr]

That bike will treat you very well! Congrats!

Now make sure you get some good riding gear...no more "no helmet, sneakers, jeans...."

You gotta look like you belong on that bike....think Hein Gericke...not Levis....

-H-

[Desertdude]

:REOutArchery02: Points well taken...

Once I actually get a bike (see post 33) - I don't ever see my self riding without the best helmet, gloves, boots, pads, chest plate... When I fall its usually an event, and my immortal days are slowly waning... :shakin:

I did have a chance to ride my clients KTM Adventurer 990 - I like the simplicity of the instrument panel, vibration was down to a minimum. The gearing was a bit tall, but even when cruising along at at 2K rpm's, it had plenty of git and go, in any gear when it needed it. The gear box fairly smooth (but a bit noisy.) The bike was really nicely balanced, you could ride with two easily.

The bike would be great on and off highway, I am guessing a bit too heavy for single track.

[goodtimes]

:REOutArchery02: Points well taken...

Once I actually get a bike (see post 33) - I don't ever see my self riding without the best helmet, gloves, boots, pads, chest plate...

I thought that once too...then I needed to run over to a buddies house to give him a hand with something real quick. 2 blocks in a subdivided neighborhood = no jacket, riding pants or boots for this "live dangerously" guy...:roost: (yea, ok, there was none of that either...)

Just don't get caught in the trap of "more $$$ = better gear". The best gear is the gear that you will wear. Get what fits.

OH, you can stop researching and start buying already! There is no rule stating that you can only have one bike. In fact, having multiple bikes is encouraged. . .:shakin:

[BajaTaco]

Any plans to test drive the Super Enduro? :) You look great in orange.

[Desertdude]

Any plans to test drive the Super Enduro? :) You look great in orange.

When I have a chance I am only a few miles from the dealer in Santa Cruz CA

Orange is the next Black...


OH, you can stop researching and start buying already! There is no rule stating that you can only have one bike. In fact, having multiple bikes is encouraged. . .

...you would have to bring this up :chowtime:

[adventureduo]

Dang, i want a bike so bad.

Congrats on your license dude and getting a new bike soon!

Im jealous!

[robert]

Congrats on the new ticket to ride. I took my test on a BMW too, an R90. The woman actually asked if I was sure I wanted to use that bike. I did and passed only losing a point for my braking (well yeah, huge bike with a single disc up front).

[Desertdude]

Thanks Dave and Robert - yeah I missed a few cones and had a bit of a challenge with bike size.

I am really liking the KTM my client has and will most probably take another spin while I am visiting them ;)

[goodtimes]

D'dude! Hurry up and get a bike already! Then we can double the pressure on Scott to get after that KTM he is eyeing. It will be cooling off pretty soon, and will be time to get in some moto trips. Then if Kermit would break down and buy his buddies 640, we'd be set (I just don't see him camping off of his 300).

I'm looking for some long weekend rides this fall...but no one down here is into the dual sport thing. Everyone is either tearing *** through single track, or sticks to the pavement. So just give in...you know you wanna!:bike_rider: