Well I own two bikes, cant ride a single mile...

[mithuth]

I'm pretty new around here and to motorcycles in general. I'm not sure how many saw my other post, but a quick run down is that I bought a 99 vz800 Maurauder and I'm waiting for PA DOT to sent a replacement for a lost title to the prev owner so I can go do insurance, title work, and get plates. So that bike sits in the prev owner's shed until the title arrives.

Secondly, last friday I bought a gz250 to practice throttle control, stopping, circles, figure 8s and all that on while working up to the 800. Well I did not call my insurance company to get insurance on it because I wasn't sure I would buy it when I went to look at it. Not to mention the insurance on the 800 for a year was quoted at 384/year and I was going to shop around for better insurance.
To make a long story short, I bought it cheap and the prev owner and I went to a local notary and I paid for a title transfer but since I had no insurance on the bike at the time, I could not get plates immediately and had to use the prev owner's plates to have a friend drive it home for me. He has a license, I haven't gotten my permit yet, and I didn't want to chance driving it without a license.
So I went today and got insurance on the gz250, but not the 800 since I haven't taken delivery. I then go to the local notary to get plates for the 250.
SURPRISE, since PA DOT has not yet processed the replacement title, I cannot get plates on that bike either. ARGH!!!

According to the notary, the PA DOT can take up 3 months to process and issue a new title on a motorcycle. And here I sit with one bike paid for and I can't take delivery until a replacement title comes, and the second bike on hold for the title paperwork.

I am at the mercy of the PA DOT now, and could possibly waste half a riding season when I could be learning to ride and enjoying the motorcycles I paid my hard earned cash for. *sigh* Thanks for letting me rant, I am really down and out on this one.

To cheer me up, I tried some retail therapy and bought myself a helmet.
What ya think?
Amazon

[Kinkikowboi]

Go get your permit while you wait!

[mithuth]

That's definitely in the works also.
I decided at 35 it was time to go back to college. So for the last couple years, I've been working on an associate's degree in applied science as well as continuing to work my job. The next few months determine if I pass or not, so I'm trying to not add more studying to my load right now, but I have been leafing through the MC Operator's Manual while sitting on the throne. (1 bathroom copy, 1 recliner copy)

[Kinkikowboi]

Honestly, the 50 question written test I took during the class was no biggie. It was mostly common sense, like the drivers test. I'm sure you'll do well =] I had a 4-5 hour lecture and a 30 min test. Not bad.

[78CB400PA]

Just to give you some hope it took PennDot about 3 weeks to get me a new title and plate.. good luck. also what part of PA are you in.

[mithuth]

3 weeks... I guess that's doable. gives me time to get my college back in order since my oral surgery, and then go take my permit test. Looking at the MSP schedule, it looks like I'm waiting til next season or later in summer/fall to take it. I'm definitely not making this round of classes.

I'm up near Erie in Warren, PA 16365

[ReconLdr]

Originally Posted by Kinkikowboi

Go get your permit while you wait!

This ^^^^. In Pa you can ride with just a permit (provided you already have a Pa license), you just can't ride at night, with a passenger or without a helmet. I know people who have been riding on "Permits" for 20 years. I guess they think it's easier to just get a permit renewed.

Originally Posted by 78CB400PA

Just to give you some hope it took PennDot about 3 weeks to get me a new title and plate.. good luck. also what part of PA are you in.

It depends if the Notary is "Online" or not. It took 3+ months to get my title for my KZ750 but only 2 weeks to get the title back for my Buell. The difference is the individual Notary. In some parts of Pa, the Older/Existing Notary offices can stay old school/paper until 2015, new(er) offices have to be Online already. (I don't know what constitutes Old vs Newer, the PennDOT operator I spoke to was less than helpful.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by mithuth

(1 bathroom copy, 1 recliner copy)

Glad to see I aint the only one who likes to read while teachin the kids to swim.

I wish you the best of sucess. As someone who loves to tinker on bikes, I can attest that having two bikes WILL have its advantages. Such as being able to have one bike to ride while the other is tore apart for painting or what not lol

I found out that apparently, I HAVE to have the 2nd bike on the same policy as my other one. For most people, this would actually be an advantage, but for me, well, I have to deal with the Veteran's Administration, and they are telling me that I should only have one bike. Since it is my fiduciary that pays my insurance... the VA will find out.

Well, the VA can go (seventeen paragraphs of straight cussing deleted)!

I hope that it all works out for you with both bikes.

[mithuth]

Originally Posted by ReconLdr

This ^^^^. In Pa you can ride with just a permit (provided you already have a Pa license), you just can't ride at night, with a passenger or without a helmet. I know people who have been riding on "Permits" for 20 years. I guess they think it's easier to just get a permit renewed.



It depends if the Notary is "Online" or not. It took 3+ months to get my title for my KZ750 but only 2 weeks to get the title back for my Buell. The difference is the individual Notary. In some parts of Pa, the Older/Existing Notary offices can stay old school/paper until 2015, new(er) offices have to be Online already. (I don't know what constitutes Old vs Newer, the PennDOT operator I spoke to was less than helpful.

Yeah, I knew i can ride with just the permit, which is cool, but I can't ride without plates I'm sure hoping i'm looking more like 2-3 weeks vs 3 months. *sigh* Do you have the PennDot number laying around? (I'll probably google it before you reply though, lol) If I dont see any results in the next 7-10 days I'll call them and see if I can speed up the process.
And I'll call every few days. If I gotta suffer, I'll nag them with my suffering. lol

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

Glad to see I aint the only one who likes to read while teachin the kids to swim.

I wish you the best of sucess. As someone who loves to tinker on bikes, I can attest that having two bikes WILL have its advantages. Such as being able to have one bike to ride while the other is tore apart for painting or what not lol

I found out that apparently, I HAVE to have the 2nd bike on the same policy as my other one. For most people, this would actually be an advantage, but for me, well, I have to deal with the Veteran's Administration, and they are telling me that I should only have one bike. Since it is my fiduciary that pays my insurance... the VA will find out.

Well, the VA can go (seventeen paragraphs of straight cussing deleted)!

I hope that it all works out for you with both bikes.

First off, thank you for your service and my apologies for having to deal with a less than adequate system put in place for our vets. My buddy is combat wounded after 2 tours in (undisclosed location) and since his mission records are "sealed" and classified, he's having a hell of a time getting help. My heart goes out to you for the hassles you have to deal with from our government.
(ok, back on topic)
Having two bikes was never my intention, of course neither was having three Jeeps, but like you said, when one needs work, at least I can still ride. My oldest son is 15 (16 in Oct) and he wants to ride. Of course my wife says hell no, but we'll see. He's a very responsible and mature 15yo. He's more grown up than I was at 25. So I'd have no problem taking him out to the old air strip and letting him have some fun in a controlled environment and if he does well there, getting him a permit and letting him go out with me occasionally. My wife doesn't see it that way. (I sense a storm brewing)
Of course he wants a wrangler as his first vehicle, and if he saves for it himself, who are we to argue?

[Biker Dash]

Maybe, if you can afford it, you could get it so that you, your son, AND your wife take the 2 (or 3) day MSF course together. Maybe if she sees that your son is taking the needed steps to be as safe as possible, and when she experiences it herself, then she may become more open to the idea.

[mithuth]

I swear this plays in my wife's head: Mr. Mackey voice - "Motorcycles are bad, mmmkay!"

You should have seen her face Christmas morning a few years back when I brought "surprise presents" for each kid in from the garage. I had bought each of them a bolt action .22lr rifle so they could target practice and learn about firearms. She was less than impressed, but all turned out well. the boys are excellent marksmen and very safe with their rifles.


In all honesty, I don't foresee her giving in on our son riding. But time will tell. I know she's not too keen on me riding, so if I can show her I'm not going to be hit and killed the second i sit on a bike, maybe she'll loosen the reigns a bit for our son.

[Biker Dash]

lol, I pray that it all works out. And maybe you might be able to make a believer out of her

[mithuth]

I think the downfall was watching PeeWee's Big Adventure with her. The part when he comes out of the biker bar and rides the motorcycle out through the sign, I told her that would be me the first time out...

If you're not familiar with the scene, here's a clip:

You Tube

[prefire]

Every time I ride in PA I notice TONS of those signs with the Pennsylvania department of taxation printed on them. Conversely here in Florida, one doesn't need insurance. Simple take the title (properly endorsed to the tag office and get a registration, pay 80+ bucks for a title, sales tax, grrr, and get your plate. Done deal. April 5th I registered a motorsickle and got the title 2 weeks later (not that I needed it to ride it though).

The guy you bought the Maurauder from is either a moron, he didn't have the title in hand before placing the advertisement, or two he made an honest senior citizen mistake of assuming he had a title and could find it at will. I favor the first choice (although we all make mistakes (and he may be a friend of yours in which case I do not want to denigrate your friend!))

Whatever the case may be, I hope you get things sorted! Congratulations on your purchases!

(Do your neighbors think it strange of you when you sit on the gz250 and make vroom vroom noises?)

[mithuth]

Originally Posted by prefire

Every time I ride in PA I notice TONS of those signs with the Pennsylvania department of taxation printed on them. Conversely here in Florida, one doesn't need insurance. Simple take the title (properly endorsed to the tag office and get a registration, pay 80+ bucks for a title, sales tax, grrr, and get your plate. Done deal. April 5th I registered a motorsickle and got the title 2 weeks later (not that I needed it to ride it though).
In PA you have to have insurance at the time the title is transferred to get a plate immediately or you have to wait til the title comes back in your name (4 days to 3 months, depending on their mood I guess) and take your title + proof of insurance to get plates. It's a PITA, but I understand they're trying to fight uninsured motorists driving/riding.


The guy you bought the Maurauder from is either a moron, he didn't have the title in hand before placing the advertisement, or two he made an honest senior citizen mistake of assuming he had a title and could find it at will. I favor the first choice (although we all make mistakes (and he may be a friend of yours in which case I do not want to denigrate your friend!))
He went and got the lock box to get the title and went into total panic mode. He ripped apart all sorts of drawers and he and his wife were shouting back and forth looking for it. I'm 99.9% sure it was an honest mistake.

Whatever the case may be, I hope you get things sorted! Congratulations on your purchases!
Thanks.

(Do your neighbors think it strange of you when you sit on the gz250 and make vroom vroom noises?)
I've done stranger, they're not phased. lol

Replies in red. lol

[prefire]

Originally Posted by mithuth

He went and got the lock box to get the title and went into total panic mode. He ripped apart all sorts of drawers and he and his wife were shouting back and forth looking for it. I'm 99.9% sure it was an honest mistake.

Been there done that!

[LWRider]

What is up with PA? Seems liek they want to make it hard for you to do anything! I once tried to buy beer there......grrrrrrrrr

[mithuth]

Originally Posted by LWRider

What is up with PA? Seems liek they want to make it hard for you to do anything! I once tried to buy beer there......grrrrrrrrr

PA is a Common Wealth, not a Common Sense. lol

What day was it? Did you have your polka dotted boxers and black sheet? It's always so much easier to show up at the distributor wearing polka dot boxers and wrapped in a black sheet on Thursdays. I think you get a discount dressed like that...

[prefire]

PA might as well be MA as far as taxes go. That said PA is a beautiful State that I love to ride in! PA rt 6 for one...

[iamjustifyd]

Hope you get your papers soon!! Nice helmet too..let me know how you like it Last time I bought a beer it was in Alabama, I was carded...that lady had a new best friend that day

[mithuth]

Originally Posted by prefire

PA might as well be MA as far as taxes go. That said PA is a beautiful State that I love to ride in! PA rt 6 for one...

I have moved away countless times nad ALWAYS move back to this ares. I LOVE it here. We have 4 seasons; beautiful scenery; rolling hills to play on with the Jeep; streams, lakes and ponds to fish, canoe, and swim; wilderness to camp, hunt, wander around in; and back country roads to get out and enjoy the simple life. I wouldn't trade any of that for the city life, ever.

Originally Posted by iamjustifyd

Hope you get your papers soon!! Nice helmet too..let me know how you like it Last time I bought a beer it was in Alabama, I was carded...that lady had a new best friend that day

I hope I get papers too, I bet more than you do! lol.
I hope the helmet appeals to me in real life as much as it does on paper. I wanted a full face helmet but I have great peripheral vision. So I didn't want to narrow my field of vision and this seems to be a great compromise between the full face and an open helmet. The chin guard is a huge plus.

I haven't touched a beer in almost 3 years now. I had a real bad outing and swore off drinking ever since. Sure I'll go to bars and hang, but I'll be that sober guy with a Pepsi that leaves early when things get too rowdy/belligerent.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by prefire

April 5th I registered a motorsickle

Did it come with a tickle or a pickle?

Originally Posted by iamjustifyd

Hope you get your papers soon!! Nice helmet too..let me know how you like it Last time I bought a beer it was in Alabama, I was carded...that lady had a new best friend that day

What? Your only 22, right?

[mithuth]

Well, time heals an impatient heart. Thankfully the 250 paperwork buzzed right through and I have put on just over 400 miles in 3 days. I freakin' LOVE riding!
The 250 is NOT built to haul a 230# full size adult up steep hills. I do NOT like downshifting into 3rd to maintain speed up hills. I think the 250 is a great around-town bike but lacks comfort and power for long rides or hilly terrain. It definitely has a place in my stable and I will continue to enjoy it.
The paperwork for the Marauder finally came today and I went and did title, plates and insurance. I didn't go pick up the bike today though because I didn't have a ride to go get it. My wife worked until 4 and the guy was out of town after 3. (Just my luck) But we're going to go get it tomorrow morning. I can't wait to give it a good once over and take it out for a ride.

For mother's day, I got to go for a long ride with my mom. She has her own gz250 and we had an awesome time. We haven't really had any common interests or anything to share growing up until now. Who would have thought at 52 and 36 respectively, we would find a common ground to bond over.
Anyhow, we put on 205 miles in a big loop here in northwestern PA and southwestern NY. For those familiar with the area, we started out with me riding from Warren, PA to Bradford, PA to meet up with her. We then rode from Bradford, PA to Panama, NY and back into PA to Youngsville. From there we went a back way to Tidioute, PA and up through more back roads to Heart's Content Recreation Area and back down into Warren, PA and finally back over to Bradford to get her home. (total miles logged 205) What a great mother's day present.

[prefire]

Good news!

[mithuth]

I went and picked up the 800 Marauder today. (First thing I did was remove that hideous windshield) But all I can say is WOW. Just WOW.
Who would have thought of putting this much power into a bike. And I know it's not even a big bike by today's standards. This thing is like power on tap. So much bike, so fast. Almost TOO fast. (I say that now, give me a few months, lol)

With the little 250, I had to almost lay on the tank to reduce drag and give 'er hell to pass someone doing 50 in a 55. Not with the 800. A simple twist of the wrist and zooooom 65+ in a few seconds. I'm almost afraid of it; almost.

Don't count the little 250 out though. With it's small frame and light weight, it's perfect for around town and will remain my daily commuter in decent weather.

While I am just getting back into the MC hobby, I can already feel myself wanting to get rid of both cruisers and pick up a 450-650 on/off bike. My dirt bike days of old are starting to rekindle deep inside me. I think I just really enjoy riding.

[Biker Dash]

After a while on that Marauder, I think you might just find yourself wanting to keep it. Nice looking bike, btw ^_^

[mithuth]

Thanks. I love the color scheme. A bit too much bling (aka chrome) for me, but it's not bad I suppose. I'd love to see it in a nice pearl white with the same black grafics.

I'm sure I'll keep the Marauder. Hell I only paid 1650 for it, I got such a steal. I'll save up for that on/off bike and when my wife puts her foot down for the # of bikes I'm allowed to keep at the house, I'll decide then which are important and let the others go.

She's already limited my Jeeps to 2. My lifted, locked and ready to rock wrangler, and my daily driver cherokee. I figure it's only a matter of time before she gets mad at me for dragging bike after bike home. lol.

I've got the urge to build a custom bobber/chopper though and the 800 just may see some real custom work before it's all said and done. I have a decent little welder and the balls to cut up a perfectly good bike, so who knows where I'll take it.

[Biker Dash]

I'll take that Cherokee off your hands lol

(stick or auto)

[mithuth]

6cyl auto, 4door, only 101K, absolutely zero rust.
Everything's for sale for the right price.
Here's a pic of it with my lifted wrangler. (edit to add, there's my wife's cherokee in the background too. lol)

[Biker Dash]

It's RUINED!!!! (automatic transmission)

[Gandalf]

Originally Posted by mithuth

3 weeks... I guess that's doable. gives me time to get my college back in order since my oral surgery, and then go take my permit test. Looking at the MSP schedule, it looks like I'm waiting til next season or later in summer/fall to take it. I'm definitely not making this round of classes.

I'm up near Erie in Warren, PA 16365

I don't know about PA, but in IN you can just show up to the MSF classes to see if there's any no-shows...a friend of mine did that, the first time he waited for 30 minutes, everyone showed up, he went home. He went back the following week and got in.

[mithuth]

I may have to look into that. I'd LOVE to slip in and get this done. I would imagine it's possible

[Badlands-4-2]

Originally Posted by Gandalf

I don't know about PA, but in IN you can just show up to the MSF classes to see if there's any no-shows...a friend of mine did that, the first time he waited for 30 minutes, everyone showed up, he went home. He went back the following week and got in.

That would be nice we signed my sone up last month when they started planning this years courses up here. The soonest we could get him in was in July.

[KMWilliams]

Originally Posted by mithuth

... Looking at the MSP schedule, it looks like I'm waiting til next season or later in summer/fall to take it. I'm definitely not making this round of classes.

I'm going to give you some hope on this front.

Pick a date you would like to attend and show up for the first day of class 30 minutes early. Find the instructor and tell them you would like to be considered for a walk on spot.

Many people sing up, but then never show up. You would be surprised how many bail. The order to fill those spots are:
1. Anyone who who singed up on the website as an alternate. These individuals often get a spot.
2. Anyone who shows up as a walk on, based on the time they arrived at the site and id's themselves as a walk on. The instructor will be keeping a list.

I just looked at the Edinboro site list and it looks like there are some new classes for July.

And here is Clarion which is closer to you.

Good luck

[mithuth]

That's too funny, I was looking at different places, and I never even thought to put in Erie's zipcode to get other courses.
The local (Bradford) is done for the season it seems.
Looks like I'll figure out a way to take it at Edinboro. Now my only problem is that I work until 9pm Mon-Say. *facepalm*

[Ops]

Shame you aren't closer to the middle of the state, there are some great places to ride here.

Ops

[mithuth]

I'm not opposed to long rides to take a ride. My mom and I did 200 miles for mother's day as our first ride together.

I do find myself enjoying being at the back of the line (ie I don't like leading a group). I like to lolligag and not have to worry about the bike(s) behind me. If I want to slow down a bit and look at something as I pass I can, and then catch back up as necessary. I really enjoy getting out on my own and just puttering around and seeing the sites.

I have a friend that's dead set i go to a big dice/poker run, but huge groups of bikers grabbing drinks from place to place doesn't appeal to me. (As he had described it)

I have friends in Phillipsburg, just past Clearfield. You may see me out and about down there one day.