I ride a 2003 Honda Gold Wing to which I have added a Utopia backrest. I think the back rest helped some. My wife rides a 1997 Honda Valkyrie (Gold Wing engine and transmission in a cruiser frame.) I used to ride the Valkyrie so when I bought the GoldWing she took the Valkyrie and added a sidecar for slow speed stability and eye appeal. I have about 80,000 miles under my seat riding these two bikes. Good luck on your course and your bypass. My best advice for riding is: 1.Wear protective gear, especially a helmet 2.Ride within your capacity. Two wheels are not very forgiving when you make a mistake. 3. When riding in trafic do not expect the other guy to see you. Ride defensively. 4. When you find yourself in a risky situation slow down. If you come off, the slower you go the less it hurts. They will tell you all this and more in the course. In spite of the risks I love to ride and sometimes if I can't take the bike it's not worth going. Best wishes Rich

Wow! that's quite an accomplishment. You have my respect and envy! What a ride that must have been, such beautiful scenery! What are you riding? I have just bought my first motorcycle and am learning to ride. I'll be taking the course on 9/24&25 and having bypass on 9/26. But, I'm getting a few lessons from my son in the meantime. Mostly because I probably won't be able to ride until the Spring here in Massachusetts.

Hey! Anything with two wheels and an engine counts in my book! I drive an 1800 cc Gold Wing but I think a scooter can be a lot of fun for tooling around town. If you want to ride any long distance and have better durability I would prefer the Honda Silver Wing or the Suzuki Bergman. These have a 650 cc engine with enough power to handle highway speeds. I haven't ridden one myself so I can't give any preference or say how they would be for long distance.. Even if you get a smaller scooter I recommend taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding class and get the motorcycle classification for your driver's license. I am also a believer in protective clothing so I always ride with a helmit, eye protection, gloves, long sleeves and pants and usually boots or shoes that cover my ankles. It may be a hassle to get dressed for riding but one fall at any speed will make it worth while. Scooters are getting more popular all the time with the rising cost of gas and I am seeing more all the time in my area. Just take steps to keep it secure and safe from theft. I think you almost have to treat them like bicycles and lock them up since they are light enough to pick up and toss in the back of a van. Let me know what you get and how the riding is in your area. Best wishes, Rich

My husband and I stopped by on our way through from North Carolina to Wisconsin. It was very hot!! We toured the plant and then left. We saw several bikes with their kick stands sinking into the asphalt parking lot!!! We reported them to Honda workers so hopefully they were helped out. Susan

Hi Everyone Honda Homecoming this Thursday thru Saturday ~ Marysville Ohio Motorcycle Plant!! It has always been a HOOT HUGS Deb @ Indian lake