New Ride

Just a short post here.  I am now owner of a 2001 Suzuki GSX650F also know as 'Katana".  So far I am really liking it.  Sure is different than riding a Harley Sporty 1200.  Just need to get used to how it handles and it handles nice.

Been for a few short rides.  One up to Lake Tahoe and back.  Nice twisty road.  Not happy with drivers in cars that ride your ass.  Another ride up to Virginia City which is another fun road.  Did some little rides when I first got it.  Rode out around Washoe Lake and Frank Town Road.  Fun Stuff!

Honda MR125

I can't tell you what year my Honda MR 125 was but had to have been a late 70's bike.  My Honda had belong to a rider by the name of Rick Munyon who was trying to qualify for the International Six Day Team representing the US.  It had a 125 frame but the engine was from a 175cc bike.  I rode that motorcycle for a few years and was a good race bike.  Even after I got another bike the Honda was in the garage for awhile before we sold it.  I have owned some fun bikes and this was one of them.

Check out my story about the Honda Elsinore.

My Penton Dirt Bike

This is one bike that I still think about.  My 1969, 125 Penton.  It had the metal gas tank with the two tone paint job of green and white.  I took that thing off of jumps, hill climbed, and raced that dirt bike all over southern California desert.  I knew of only one other at the time, early 70's and it was riden by another girl who also happened to be in the same motorcycle club as me.  After riding it for a few years it was sold to a neighbor who had a son who was getting into riding and racing.  I often wonder what happened to my Penton.  I still would like a Penton Jackpiner and maybe one day I can find me a nicely restored one that I can do some riding one. 

Those were the days!!!

Check out John Penton, Son Jack Penton and the Penton Dirt Bikes.

Dream Machines

Since I have been writing on Hubpages on some of the 2010 motorcycles that have come out it makes me wish I was able to go out and buy a new motorcycle.  Maybe buy two since I would like to have a street bike and possibly a dual sport to run on the dirt roads here in Iowa.  My dream street bike, as always would be a Ducati Monster and still undecided on what I would ride off-road.  There is a motocrosser that I like that has a seat height were I can actually get my leg over but it is a 110cc bike.  I haven't ridden anything that small since I was a kid, but seat heights were lower back them.  The Kawasaki KLX110L thumper would be a fun ride and may be something I would get once back on the west coast were I can do some desert riding.  Other than having a Ducati I really like the reviews of the Suzuki SZ650S and if I was low on money maybe the Hyosung GT650R which had mixed reviews but with a few changes could be a good bike.  The price tag on that bike is resonable.

I will still dream of owning a Duc and hopefully one day there will be one sitting in my garage.

Buell Is Shut Down

I never like to see a business fold.  It is even more troubling since this involves a motorcycle manufacturer here in the US.  With record job loss this is another chapter in our failing economy.  Harley Davidson reports a profit loss of 84%.  It seems that Buell is a weak link so they have to go. 

To read more, Click Here.

Women and Motorcycles

I know what some of you were thinking when you read the title. For some it was an attention getter. This blog is actually geared towards women that ride or are thinking of riding. Let's start off with there is no one bike for a woman. Women do have to think about things like seat height but so do the guys. Not all men are tall and not all women are short. Our experience levels are all different too. A man just starting out riding should be a little picky about his first bike, so should a woman. No one wants to go out a buy a bike that is intimidating. Make sure the bike fits you. The most important thing is can you plant your feet flat on the ground. Do not rush out and get something just because your buddy has one, or your girlfriend says it's the best bike she's ever seen. No one can tell you want is right for you. Being a beginner rider there are concerns not to bite off more than you can chew. I personally would not tell someone to go out and buy a Ducati 1098R Superbike, if they are a beginner.


As for safety, please wear a helmet. Some states do not require it but please make the choice and buy yourself a DOT rated helmet. Think of it as being responsible to yourself and your family. There is nothing more sad and frustrating than sitting in a hospital with a loved one that is hooked up to a machine. The bills, loss of work, rehab, and stress that plagues the family associated with that person being in the hospital. Worse yet, if you die because you didn't wear a helmet leaves a destroyed family in the wake of your death. Do not be one of those, which people say, "If he/she had only been wearing a helmet". I personally think if you have family, spouse and children it is very selfish of you to ride and not wear a helmet.


The most important thing is to have fun.

Happy Riding and Keep the Rubber Side Down.

For Further Reading:
Motorcycles For Women Riders.
Advice For Women Buying Their First Motorcycle.

Motorcycle Accessories Geared Towards Women Riders.