New to Motorcycling and VTXs

[caseys186]

Hi
I just completed the MSF Basic Rider Course last Sunday morning. That afternoon, I went and picked up my first motorcycle, a black 2003 VTX 1800R. I am currently a musician in the United States Navy stationed at Navy Band Southwest in San Diego, CA. I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!). My beautiful wife and I have two girls, one is two years old and the other turns one in March, along with a daughter (12 in April)from a previous marriage. I got the Motorcycyle bug when I was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida ( a very motorcycle friendly area of the country) and went to a few Daytona Bike weeks. I have wanted a VTX 18 for quite a while, and am very excited. I am wanting to learn more about the mechanics of motorcycles (I've owned and worked on some cool cars...) and looking to find some ways to make my VTX uniquely mine, mostly with paint/chrome, etc. Hoping to ride to Vegas in the fall for the Bike week there.

[jagarcia]

Welcome aboard!

[caseys186]

Thanks !

[Kidd]

Welcome casey....This is a good place to hang out and exchange idea's

[Beastie Boy]

Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to come and learn from people who have been there.

I am pretty much in the same boat as you. I have wanted a motorcycle for years and years (since my teens), and everything seemed to take priority over getting one, until I finally decided that waiting had become something unto itself, and was in the way of ownership. So I took the MSF, and as soon as I did an 1800R showed up at a great price.

About the mods...

You want to "customise it" to yourself, but also want to make it practical for riding, if I read you right.

I would start by looking at what kinds of bags you want, and the hardware to put it on. There are throw-over bags that are very nice, or bolt-ons that are easily removable. The Hondaline (Honda sold, made by Auburn Leather) are bolt-on, but not what I would call easily removable. USA Bags has some nice removable ones that bolt and lock-on. Leatherlyke has ones that are plastic, look like Leather, and lock closed. And these are not the only choices, either. Look around and ask...

If you are planning long rides, like Vegas, then you also want to look into a windshield, and probably a light bar or independant driving lights. You should also consider the hardware like a backrest and luggage rack for the back, and which type is best for your needs. As far as MC luggage itself, there are lots and lots of different bags to consider for trips. Nelson Riggs makes some of the best, as does Kuryakyn. But again, there are lots of differing opinions, and even more than just these two that make motorcycle specific luggage...

Overall, you have one of the most modifiable motorcycles made, with some of the best features.

Ask around here, and the folks will do you right...


Again, welcome!:choppersm

[mthill]

Welcome Casey. Nice to have you with us. You will love your bike. It can't be beat.

[Rawman]

Welcome Mthill.

I was also Navy, stationed at Point Loma in San Diego. ET-2 (SS).

When you get a chance, ride north up the PCH. Go up through Carlsbad. You can go farther North, but you start to run into LA drivers! That ride has been one of the best rides in my life. I had an apartment in Del Mar for a while, but it was too far with all the traffic, so I moved to Spring Valley.

I am in Atlanta now and can still ride 11 months of the year.

[Dapper]

Welcome on board, glad to see you went the MSF route. If you are new, take your time in some parking lots and back streets before you take on the madness of the freeways etc.
The 1800 is a heck of a bike, you will not e disappointed!:icon_peac

[pastordave]

Welcome Casey!!

[beitz67]

Welcome to the Cafe!! Enjoy the new beastie!!

[mscales]

Welcome Casey. You picked a nice X. There are a lot of great people here and a lot of help. If you have any questins just ask.

[eman]

Welcome! I see you did not hesitate, and jumped all in with a big bike. The 1800 is an awesome bike. You will love riding it. Enjoy and stay safe.

[Zenine]

Welcome.

Where did u take ur MSF course? I took mine at Palmar College. Your gonna love riding the PCH. I have been very happy to be ridn my VTX here in San Diego too.

Check out www.californiavtxriders.com (http://www.californiavtxriders.com) for some maps/ rides in our area.

:patriot:

[Dapper]

Welcome.

Where did u take ur MSF course? I took mine at Palmar College. Your gonna love riding the PCH. I have been very happy to be ridn my VTX here in San Diego too.

Check out www.californiavtxriders.com (http://www.californiavtxriders.com) for some maps/ rides in our area.

:patriot:
I am soooooo looking forward to riding the PCH, have a trip planned for the last weeks in April, starting at Santa Barbara and heading all the way Vancouver BC. :choppersm

YEE HAA! :D

[Zenine]

I am soooooo looking forward to riding the PCH, have a trip planned for the last weeks in April, starting at Santa Barbara and heading all the way Vancouver BC. :choppersm

YEE HAA! :D

Awesome! Enjoy and snap plenty O pictures.

Last night the wife and I started in Carlsbad and rode the coast south to Coronado, cruized around and headed home. GoodTimes!! :)

Z9

...we are considering a trip thru Vegas then on to the GrandCanyon. Would HWY 40 be a good ride thru AZ?

[VTXDad]

Welcome Casey! Beastie Boy, you go! good info, lots of folks in this forum jump back and forth to get ideas and help as the 1800 and 1300 are great bikes and the folks that ride them are even better! Tons of folks in this forum serve one way or another, or have served in the past. One big helpful group here, i'm home, hope you will feel the same. Don't forget to show your pride and put in for an award for serving!

[Ichie]

Welcome!

[epiphysis]

Welcome, Casey....sorry about the Steelers thing....I'm from Philly (Eagles) and now live near Cleveland (Browns)......enjoy the bike and practice, practice, practice!!!

[rIDAHOnda]

Welcome Casey!! You picked a great bike and PCH is wonderful to ride. I am originally from SO CAL but now reside happily in Idaho. Enjoy yourself and post some pics if you get a chance.

[bravovtx]

welcome

[Jackel]

Welcome.....Casey. Lots of GREAT people use this forum!:patriot: