Featured A Tale Of Two Test Rides: The Electric Livewire And The Low Rider S

Thanks, @littleade. I appreciate your comments and suggestions about the matte paint. My very first bike was a matte black H-D Street Bob so I've some previous experience with the pros and cons of a matte finish. Mr. Sandi's current Street Glide is matte black, too. Neither of us had too many problems with the paint but, that said, we were (and Mr. Sandi continues to be) pretty careful and we use a spray cleaner and "polish" designed for a matte finish. I had read to not polish it the usual way or you'll wind up with a shiny spot amidst the matte surroundings. On the Low Rider S there's a fair number of painted parts--fenders, side covers, faring--so I'm not sure about the best way to protect the paint in terms of some sort of coating or covering. But I will definitely look into it as I'm pretty darned OCD about my bikes and keeping them spotless.

Yes, the prices on the e-bikes don't make for an easy entry into the motorcycle world for new(er) riders nor does it encourage the motorcycle of average means to add an e-bike to their stable. Like you, I don't see them as an option for someone who will only have one bike unless they only ever intend to ride it down the street and back thanks to a restricted range. Currently the motorcycle charging station situation in the U.S. isn't that great either. And even charging isn't like popping in to the gas station and taking 10 minutes to gas up your bike and being back on the road again. There are definitely kinks to be ironed out in the e-bike world before they are commonplace.

 

Thanks, @chiari1! It's great to be getting back into the groove! It feels so good to be riding again. And to feel confident and strong enough to not only ride my Speed Triple and my Street Glide but also to get out on a couple of test rides on bikes I've never ridden before.

I looked at that photo again after reading your post. Those silver hands and speakers are definitely creepy.

 

I could envision that, too, @covid-21. It is an intriguing idea. But unless you could not only hear but FEEL the sound of the muffler it just wouldn't be the same for me.

Mr. Sandi and I have a friend with whom we ride both bicycles and motorcycles. He rides a BMW R1250 GS. He totally loves how quiet it is and I think would be even happier if it was even more quiet! In fact, the lack of sound of an electric motorcycle would be a selling point for him. But I guess in the future that would be one of the options along with choosing the sound of any after market muffler.

 

I actually hadn't, Dartplayer, but now that you mention it a friend did that on his bike so I'l ask him about it. Thanks!

 

Why not, Steve?! I'm pulling the trigger on another bike tomorrow actually. If you buy another one, too, I won't feel quite so guilty about having a third bike (again).

 

@littleade, thanks for the info! But the link is just a general link to the business and not the protection film.

I've never had issues with paint where my jeans hit the tank--whether matte or gloss paint--but will see where my legs hit the tank on the bike I"m about to buy---TOMORROW! I'll pick it up after I have them order and install a few goodies. Haven't bought a bike from out of Tucson before so will try to do most everything by phone then ride up with Mr. Sandi in his truck and ride the 100 miles back. Looking like I'll get it a week from tomorrow. In the meantime I'll ask that dealership a few questions about that custom matte black paint job.

 

Glad you enjoyed it, @Beerman! Yeah, I think wearing t-shirts at the end of October isn't right either. We're ready for some cooler weather. Got two days of lows in the 30's (F) and highs around 70 but today it was back over 80 again. But after 110, 80 seems pretty nice!

Great routes you've been on here in the West. I've not ridden to a number of those places you list but have been to Vegas a lot and through Kingman--on our way to Laughlin and/or Vegas--even more. I've hiked the Grand Canyon but that was well before I started riding and I've yet to ride there, either, though I've been close when we went to a motorcycle rally in Williams half a dozen years ago. Love that you said you met all 4 people who live in Death Valley Junction. There are some tiny crossroads towns in the western U.S. that's for sure!

 

Thanks for assuaging my guilt, Steve. I'm fighting through it. It does seem 3 is my lucky number. Or t least my preferred number!

 

Thanks, @littleade! Now I can see it. I hadn't selected a bike and hadn't scrolled down far enough. I wonder if it's made of other makes of motorcycles in addition to BMW's. It does look like a good (and nearly invisible) solution. Once it's on, is it pretty much permanent? Or is it relatively easily removed?

 

Thanks, littleade! I had something like this on one of my Audi's and its worked great. But I had it applied when I initially bought the car and didn't ever think about doing it myself. I'm not very handy so I'd be a bit anxious about whether my "home job" might wind up looking like, well, a home job.

 

@Beerman, I just finished watching the Marta Becket and Armagona Opera House video. What a moving story and amazing woman. I think it's incredible, too. Thank you so very much for sharing this.

 

That sounds great, @JtC! I've not been to Kerrville but when Mr. Sandi and I were in Austin and got to ride around the hill country, we made a fun stop in Luckenbach which google maps tells me is only about 40 miles away. That area is beautiful with some terrific riding. And the nice thing about being an RV'er (is that the right lingo?) you can get away when you need a change of scenery. Arizona for example.