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Dave Ritsema
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« on: December 20, 2015, 01:06:37 PM » |
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First off, I have to say I have a FANTASTIC Honda Dealer. Doug (six2go)and Fudgie will most likely back me up on that. Lake City Honda in Warsaw IN. I have been dealing with them since I purchased my 1984 V65 Sabre from them. (Wicked fast bike for the time.) Anyway, the gave me a smoking deal on trade in for my Valkyrie Interstate two years ago and I purchased a 2013 Honda F6B. I loved the bike and it did everything I wanted it to do with one exception. My bride wasn't comfortable on it despite all my efforts to accommodate her. Since this is something we enjoy together a solution to this problem was required. After looking at several different bikes and weighing all the options the 2015 Gold Wing ended up at the top of the list. I loved the 40th anniversary model paint scheme but in late November in my neck of the woods they were difficult to find. My dealer offered me a 2016 at great price but I just wasn't a fan of the color options and I had really gotten used to the blacked out paint scheme of my F6B. Fortunately George at Lake City was able to find me precisely the bike I wanted in a Honda warehouse and had it shipped, I got a call early in the week and he told me it was in. Andrea and I arrived at the dealership yesterday morning and they took us to the warehouse area and here is what we saw. They even took the time to put red ribbons on it!  I have to tell you I was a little excited. I had not seen this color combination in person and was concerned a bit in the back of my mind if I would like it when I saw it for the first time. We then proceeded to remove the outer cover.  I have to admit that when I first saw it I think I heard angels singing.   I really liked the combination and it was really interesting to see how they ship them from the factory. With the exception of the outer cover (which of course I HAD to keep) it is all returnable dunnage and it will be returned to Japan to ship out the next Gold Wing. This was the first guy to sit his rear end in the seat. (except for some 125 pound Japanese guy) LOL Clearly there still remains some assembly to complete the bike after removing it from the shipping container.  It will be spending the balance of our Midwestern winter at the dealer, which works to the dealers advantage as this will provide ample time to install additional farkles and bits besides the ones he is already going to add. This final shot is of Andrea and I and well.....this shot explains my actions the best. Thanks for following along on our little adventure, I am guessing at least a few of you understand completely.  Hope to show it to you in person at InZane June 2016!  |
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« Last Edit: December 20, 2015, 01:11:58 PM by Dave Ritsema »
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13846
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2015, 01:13:17 PM » |
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I like the color combo  |
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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solo1
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« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2015, 01:21:47 PM » |
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Now that is a great color combination Dave. In the process of making Andrea happy you did a nice job on yourself too |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2015, 01:27:19 PM » |
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Am surprised if true you bought it without seeing that color combo first in person at a dealer. I know it was sharp looking, but NOT until I sat on one just like your color combo locally in Freeport IL at their dealership when they let me test ride a new F6B deluxe model they just got in. Man, that thing was fast and not use to the clutch barely releasing it and it just jumped off the line ASAP like a rocket. I didn't ask to ride the red/black blacked out Wing at around 21K in their showroom though. I think that would be asking too much, but would have liked just for giggles taking out their new Valk in the showroom right after riding the F6B deluxe version. About the only thing I did not like is all that plastic tupperware but am sure I could get used to it as well as upfront of the knees felt a tad cramped with a more upright sitting position vs. my 2001 Valk I/S. Both which am sure you can get used to since am sure the spousal unit will love it the best of all, even dare I say the previous Valk I/S. I still think my 2001 Valk I/S has more wiggle room and roomier for bigger rider/passengers than the new goldwings have. Both you and me seem about the same size with guessing you just a bit taller. Enjoy you new ride come end of March when you can finally probably ride it for the first time, although being 48 degrees out now would be fine except for the road salt now spread all over the roads. Plastic doesn't rust does it?? LOL  |
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« Reply #4 on: December 20, 2015, 01:36:03 PM » |
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2015, 01:36:26 PM » |
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Am surprised if true you bought it without seeing that color combo first in person at a dealer. I know it was sharp looking, but NOT until I sat on one just like your color combo locally in Freeport IL at their dealership when they let me test ride a new F6B deluxe model they just got in. Man, that thing was fast and not use to the clutch barely releasing it and it just jumped off the line ASAP like a rocket. I didn't ask to ride the red/black blacked out Wing at around 21K in their showroom though. I think that would be asking too much, but would have liked just for giggles taking out their new Valk in the showroom right after riding the F6B deluxe version. About the only thing I did not like is all that plastic tupperware but am sure I could get used to it as well as upfront of the knees felt a tad cramped with a more upright sitting position vs. my 2001 Valk I/S. Both which am sure you can get used to since am sure the spousal unit will love it the best of all, even dare I say the previous Valk I/S. I still think my 2001 Valk I/S has more wiggle room and roomier for bigger rider/passengers than the new goldwings have. Both you and me seem about the same size with guessing you just a bit taller. Enjoy you new ride come end of March when you can finally probably ride it for the first time, although being 48 degrees out now would be fine except for the road salt now spread all over the roads. Plastic doesn't rust does it?? LOL Nope, just followed my gut and hoped I would like it. When I purchased my 1998 Standard it was mid January and they delivered it to my house in a trailer during a snowstorm. Rode it for the first time three months later. And your right, its not the cold, its the salt and grit on the road. |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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old2soon
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« Reply #6 on: December 20, 2015, 01:41:19 PM » |
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Well I GUESS!!  Just a long as the first refreshment stop AIN'T Dairy Queen! Be lookin forward to seein yer new ride and mama and you! C-ya at -16. RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #7 on: December 20, 2015, 01:52:47 PM » |
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Well I GUESS!! Just a long as the first refreshment stop AIN'T Dairy Queen! Be lookin forward to seein yer new ride and mama and you! C-ya at -16. RIDE SAFE. This may be destiny as I have been a big fan of Dairy Queen for years!  |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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cookiedough
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« Reply #8 on: December 20, 2015, 01:56:20 PM » |
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Am surprised if true you bought it without seeing that color combo first in person at a dealer. I know it was sharp looking, but NOT until I sat on one just like your color combo locally in Freeport IL at their dealership when they let me test ride a new F6B deluxe model they just got in. Man, that thing was fast and not use to the clutch barely releasing it and it just jumped off the line ASAP like a rocket. I didn't ask to ride the red/black blacked out Wing at around 21K in their showroom though. I think that would be asking too much, but would have liked just for giggles taking out their new Valk in the showroom right after riding the F6B deluxe version. About the only thing I did not like is all that plastic tupperware but am sure I could get used to it as well as upfront of the knees felt a tad cramped with a more upright sitting position vs. my 2001 Valk I/S. Both which am sure you can get used to since am sure the spousal unit will love it the best of all, even dare I say the previous Valk I/S. I still think my 2001 Valk I/S has more wiggle room and roomier for bigger rider/passengers than the new goldwings have. Both you and me seem about the same size with guessing you just a bit taller. Enjoy you new ride come end of March when you can finally probably ride it for the first time, although being 48 degrees out now would be fine except for the road salt now spread all over the roads. Plastic doesn't rust does it?? LOL Nope, just followed my gut and hoped I would like it. When I purchased my 1998 Standard it was mid January and they delivered it to my house in a trailer during a snowstorm. Rode it for the first time three months later. And your right, its not the cold, its the salt and grit on the road. I'm still tempted to get out the 250cc scooter in the mid 40's now but when I drive around town, I see all that ice chunks in places and dusting of snow and I think to myself that could be on the roads on the hwy. around the next shaded curve. The scoot only has plastic though and only worth 1500 bucks, but still able to pass some HD's and not worry about getting too many speeding tickets doing 60-65 mph. |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12765
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #9 on: December 20, 2015, 01:57:10 PM » |
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Dave when I grow Up I am gonna get me one of those
Bonnie loves the throne on the back of the I/S and that looks about the same You getting a russell day long?
Thats my favorite color combo almost like the 01 Valk interstate that MP has
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #10 on: December 20, 2015, 02:07:08 PM » |
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Dave when I grow Up I am gonna get me one of those
Bonnie loves the throne on the back of the I/S and that looks about the same You getting a russell day long?
Thats my favorite color combo almost like the 01 Valk interstate that MP has
Thanks! As far as the seat goes, I want to like it because of how dang expensive the heated alternatives are.....but I have my doubts. I am a die hard Ultimate guy and if I can't stand it I know Des will fix me up. |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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PAVALKER
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Posts: 4435
Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213
Pittsburgh, Pa
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« Reply #11 on: December 20, 2015, 02:55:40 PM » |
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Congrats and Merry Christmas. Very sharp color combo, have seen it in person....it grabbed me when I saw it. Hope you both enjoy it for many many years.
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John  |
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signart
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« Reply #12 on: December 20, 2015, 03:06:21 PM » |
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Very sharp, congratulations |
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six2go #152
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« Reply #13 on: December 20, 2015, 03:38:02 PM » |
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Very nice, Dave. I really like that color combo. I wonder what Honda of Russellville would charge to make my F6B look like that? ???
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scooperhsd
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« Reply #14 on: December 20, 2015, 04:02:17 PM » |
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Cool Dave - I know I'll never be able to convince my better half to get a Wing. I'd settle for finding a way to fit the electric reverse into my Valk ... getting it out of my storage shed is a bit of a challenge since we had the driveway regraveled - especially by myself.
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cookiedough
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« Reply #15 on: December 20, 2015, 04:17:44 PM » |
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Well I GUESS!! Just a long as the first refreshment stop AIN'T Dairy Queen! Be lookin forward to seein yer new ride and mama and you! C-ya at -16. RIDE SAFE. This may be destiny as I have been a big fan of Dairy Queen for years! Hey Dave, let us all know if DQ still has their 5 dollar value meals...  If not, may have to stick to Culver's with their snak paks for 5 bucks and under.... I wish the new Wings would make their colors POP like this blacked out rims/exhaust and do more of it vs. the cookie cutter color combos they have done for awhile now and limiting year to year their color choice of just 3-4 colors is all. Just let me know when you want to give this new one up since I bet there will be several dozen of us in line to take it off your hands. |
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #16 on: December 20, 2015, 04:36:30 PM » |
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that color is making want to go trade in my harley
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Jopson
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« Reply #17 on: December 20, 2015, 04:46:37 PM » |
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CajunRider
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« Reply #18 on: December 20, 2015, 04:53:24 PM » |
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I just saw one at my local dealer with that same color combo... it is one sharp lookin' bike! Congrats! |
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Sent from my Apple IIe
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Jack B
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« Reply #19 on: December 20, 2015, 04:57:30 PM » |
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That's a great looking bike I'm sure you will enjoy it.
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Let’s RIDE
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Popeye
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« Reply #20 on: December 20, 2015, 04:58:42 PM » |
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Nice looking bike Dave, sure it will give many miles of smiles.
Popeye
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A man stands tallest when he stoops to help a child.
Heros wear dog tags, not capes
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Disco
Member
Posts: 4913
Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #21 on: December 20, 2015, 05:00:26 PM » |
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Congratulations, Andrea! Nice job, Dave!  |
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783 |
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Robert
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« Reply #22 on: December 20, 2015, 06:29:28 PM » |
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Congratulations I had a chance to see mine in the crate also, I like the colors.  |
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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wiggydotcom
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Do Your Best and Miss the Rest!
Yorkville, Illinois
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« Reply #23 on: December 20, 2015, 06:35:17 PM » |
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Dave and Andrea, congrats again. I think you already know I love it. I do have a question for you though. Coming from the "B" and the longer reach from the pedals to the back of the driver seat, do you find the Wing offers enough room? Hopefully, because of the trunk, you're not scrunched forward too much. Highway pegs of some sort would definitely let your legs stretch out, regardless.
I can just picture the scene at the dealership.... "Uh, Mr. Ritsema.... it's CLOSING time! You can spend the night tonight and sleep next to her but by this time tomorrow night, We're afraid you have to leave!"
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VRCC #10177 VRCCDS #239  |
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Black Dog
Member
Posts: 2607
VRCC # 7111
Merton Wisconsin 53029
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« Reply #24 on: December 20, 2015, 07:34:14 PM » |
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Wow... She sure is purdy (Andrea that is ). The Wing is a looker too You gotta be giddy beyond belief! Like Oss said, when I grow up, that's the way I'm thinkin' I'll go. Merry Christmas Bro  Black Dog |
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Just when the highway straightened out for a mile And I was thinkin' I'd just cruise for a while A fork in the road brought a new episode Don't you know... Conform, go crazy, or ride a motorcycle...  |
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Windrider
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Posts: 137
2000 Valkyrie Tourer
SE NE
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« Reply #26 on: December 20, 2015, 09:00:56 PM » |
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Hooter
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« Reply #27 on: December 21, 2015, 03:20:55 AM » |
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I wasn't a big fan of the wing color scheme either, but, this one is NICE! Congrats to you and the bride. 125 lb Japanese guy, He was a fat one! |
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You are never lost if you don't care where you are!
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #28 on: December 21, 2015, 04:01:40 AM » |
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Dave and Andrea, congrats again. I think you already know I love it. I do have a question for you though. Coming from the "B" and the longer reach from the pedals to the back of the driver seat, do you find the Wing offers enough room? Hopefully, because of the trunk, you're not scrunched forward too much. Highway pegs of some sort would definitely let your legs stretch out, regardless.
I can just picture the scene at the dealership.... "Uh, Mr. Ritsema.... it's CLOSING time! You can spend the night tonight and sleep next to her but by this time tomorrow night, We're afraid you have to leave!"
LOL Russ. Regarding the seat, I am concerned about that as well but if I can't adjust to it I will have to go to Ultimate. They set you back further away from the tank and I have always been happy with Des and all of my Ultimates. |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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TJ
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« Reply #29 on: December 21, 2015, 06:00:49 AM » |
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Great looking bike Dave.... |
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Misfit
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« Reply #30 on: December 21, 2015, 06:02:12 AM » |
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I wanna be Dave for a day. Very nice.
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If you're lucky enough to ride a Valkyrie, you're lucky enough.  |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #31 on: December 21, 2015, 06:31:08 AM » |
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I wanna be Dave for a day. Very nice. Nah, not right now, give it April 1st for a month or two, more like it!  |
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #32 on: December 21, 2015, 07:27:08 AM » |
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Great looking bike Dave.... Thanks TJ! I figured you would like the ULTRA low windshield look. |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #33 on: December 21, 2015, 07:27:58 AM » |
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I wanna be Dave for a day. Very nice. It all depends on the day brother.....it all depends on the day. |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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LL
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« Reply #34 on: December 21, 2015, 07:30:35 AM » |
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What level did you get? I see one antenna so.... And the seat, You know I'm an Ultimate fan but I can tell you this, get yourself a good backrest (not Kuryakyn) and you will be good to go in that department. When it comes to handlebars, the Kuryakyn risers have plenty of adjustments and can get you closer or wider reaches, I think MBL was another brand too. Krys liked the passenger armrest too, stay away from the Rivco's. Oh yeah, be on the lookout for a Michelin Alpin 195/55/16 and you'll never look back......you picked and excellent bike there my friend
LL
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Dave Ritsema
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« Reply #35 on: December 21, 2015, 08:02:06 AM » |
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What level did you get? I see one antenna so.... And the seat, You know I'm an Ultimate fan but I can tell you this, get yourself a good backrest (not Kuryakyn) and you will be good to go in that department. When it comes to handlebars, the Kuryakyn risers have plenty of adjustments and can get you closer or wider reaches, I think MBL was another brand too. Krys liked the passenger armrest too, stay away from the Rivco's. Oh yeah, be on the lookout for a Michelin Alpin 195/55/16 and you'll never look back......you picked and excellent bike there my friend
LL
Thanks for the great advice oh fortuitous one. It is the Sat/Nav model. |
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VRCC 2879
Lake City Honda Warsaw IN
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Willow
Administrator
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Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #36 on: December 21, 2015, 08:39:15 AM » |
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She looks good on there, Dave. That smile is what it's all about. The bike looks good too but then it's still before they put that huge Goldwing sail on the front of it. |
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doubletee
Member
Posts: 1165
VRCC # 22269
Fort Wayne, IN
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« Reply #37 on: December 21, 2015, 08:40:45 AM » |
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Congrats, Dave! Great looking bike.
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hotglue #43
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« Reply #38 on: December 21, 2015, 10:34:46 AM » |
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Sweet bike Dave!!!!! Enjoy!!!!!
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 blue=3 times green=at least 4 times When they are all 'green'.. I'll stop counting. |
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~ Timbrwolf
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« Reply #39 on: December 21, 2015, 12:18:06 PM » |
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. ....Have to admit I wasnt totally sold on her at first....something was missing.. . . ...That is, until I got to that last shot with you two sitting on her and smiling ear to ear.. . .. . .....Totally Bodacious ! .. |
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. . . ...I saw a werewolf at Trader Vics. . . ...his hair was perfect...
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