Yesterday I was riding around the outskirts of Winston Salem when I came across a group of motorcycles. It was maybe 35-45 bikes, mostly sport bikes but there were a few Harley’s in the group.

I did a quick u turn after flying by and joined the group right before they left for a ride. The gas station where they stage their ride is apparently an every Wednesday ride. It’s a 2 minute ride from my house. How did I not find these guys sooner!?

It was fun as hell to ride in a group. My little Honda CB400 Super Four version S bounced off the limiter more than a few times on the ride but generally was able to keep a pretty brisk pace.

This ride made me realize I need to get another proper sportbike or get my first gen R1 running again as it’s about on par with a modern 600.

I overshot one turn, went into the grass but kept it upright. That was a sobering moment but otherwise it was a damn fun ride.

I find myself wanting to get another proper sportbike such as an Aprilia RSV4 or a Ducati now. And I thought my sport bike days were over.

quote:

I find myself wanting to get another proper sportbike such as an Aprilia RSV4 or a Ducati now.

Don't we all...

I’m headed out next month for the American Legion Riders National ride. Should be 250-300 bikes. This year riding from Lincoln Nebraska to Louisville Kentucky. Normally a pretty good ride. 200-250 miles a day.

Group rides can be fun, and in some cases terrifying, depending on who's in the group.

Something like that probably has a lot of regulars which means you don't get people who are problems.

A bigger bike would help you relax to some extent not having to work so hard to keep up. Get the R1 running this fall/winter.

And next time, slow down in that corner, brake in, throttle out!

Tomorrow 4 others and I are off to ride SE Ohio for a few days. We're staying in Athens for two nights then we'll decide where for Sunday night. Our VStrom buddy had to back out so it'll be a snobby all BMW affair, me and another on R1300GS's, two on R9T's, and an R12. Looks like rain after tomorrow so taking my 1-piece Roadcrafter.

Stickman don't you already have a Monkey bike? Here's just what you should do, just make a sport bike out of it.

I've been on a few group rides and dislike them. People get competitive and want to show off with aggressive riding. I'm happy at the speed limit on the highway, which is 65 or 70, with all the 18 wheelers and distracted tourists. On mountain roads people ride like it's a race. No thought of tourists coming the other way around corners who drift across the center line, or wildlife darting onto the road.

It can be both fun and safe, but the worst comes out in group rides.

Glad you enjoyed the experience, but not my thing.

I've been on one and didn't care for it.

Primary reason was noise and fumes from all the straight-pipe Harleys. I was at the back of the pack and got the benefit of all of it. Throbbing headache about 2/3rds of the way through.

The other factor is that I am decidedly NOT a team player, especially when it comes to riding. I want to go at my pace and deviate from the route whenever I spot something interesting.

Since I gave up motorcycles, I apply the same sort of thinking to group rides in the Vette. No, thanks, but enjoy yourselves.

Used to do a Toy Run at Merritt Island every year, we'd get up early to get to the front of the line, 3000+ of your closest rider friends, filled up the parking lot at Merritt Island mall and the roads with motorcycles.



Was always a good time but you wore your clutch hand out about mid way through!

The only 'group rides' I've been on have been a pair of us.

A couple with member tatortodd, and with my father-in-law.

Easy cruises for a couple hours.

Between stick & 92fstech, I've got a hankering to get a bike in the garage again.

Rode up to the New River Gorge Bridge with a group of a dozen or so fellas a couple of times. That’s about as big a group ride as I’d want to be in, and there was huge benefit to me in that I knew everyone. I don’t think I’d be crazed about being in a group larger than that.

A couple of friends and I did go to the final Honda Hoot over in Knoxville a bunch of years ago. That’s not really a group ride, but a huge gathering — it was stated that there were some 30,000 Honda enthusiasts there.

Similar to some above, zero interest. They draw way too much attention. I’d rather ride in a very small group of track trained, experienced motorcyclists. I’ve seen way too much bullshit in big groups.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
The only 'group rides' I've been on have been a pair of us.

A couple with member tatortodd, and with my father-in-law.

Easy cruises for a couple hours.

Between stick & 92fstech, I've got a hankering to get a bike in the garage again.

We need to ride again when the weather cools off. I got in zero real rides last season due to recovering from the achilles tendon surgery, and only took it for a lap around the block a few times to keep the fuel fresh.

I would get the R1 going. Really fast. Then, experience a few more rides.

If good for you, then get the biggest baddest boldest sport bike there is today. Use the R1 as the capital cost reduction.

QUOTE]Originally posted by tatortodd:

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
The only 'group rides' I've been on have been a pair of us.

A couple with member tatortodd, and with my father-in-law.

Easy cruises for a couple hours.

Between stick & 92fstech, I've got a hankering to get a bike in the garage again.

We need to ride again when the weather cools off. I got in zero real rides last season due to recovering from the achilles tendon surgery, and only took it for a lap around the block a few times to keep the fuel fresh.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely. Maybe I'll even have the Midget roadworthy bny then