Intro #1 - New Rider

[once_was_human]

Greetings fellow Shadow owners / riders / enthusiasts!

I am very new to this entire culture; motorcycles, and more specifically, Honda Shadows, and am just looking for a place to gain knowledge. How new? well... I don't even have my beginners license yet (for bike, anyway... I've had a drivers license for 14 years) .. to be quite honest; I've never even ridden on a motorcycle as a passenger.

As for my knowledge base; to be quite honest, what I don't know about motorcycles could fill a warehouse. And I'm not talking about a small storage warehouse; I'm talking about the size of warehouse where the US government stored the Ark of the Covenant in Raiders of the Lost Ark (this size).

With that said; I've decided to jump into this with both feet... I've already booked a motorcycle driving course at the local college, I've purchase all the required gear, I'm in the midst of reading through the drivers handbook and I've even purchased a bike.

Now, I'm not completely ignorant to the ways of mechanics; I'm a mechanical engineering technologist with a background in manual and CNC machining. So, I have a rudimentary understanding of the theories behind the mechanics... Now I'm ready to learn the hands-on practices for both riding and maintenance.

As for the bike itself; with the help of a trusted friend and mentor (who has lots of practical experience, and a Shadow of his own), I purchased a 1985 Honda Shadow VT500 in stock condition (no custom parts as far as I, or my friend, can tell). It needs some work, but it is in driving condition, so it's not that bad. And there's plenty of room for customization.
Here's an album I've set up on imgur to document the process: 1985 Honda Shadow VT500 - Imgur

Having been a member of various forums for many of my other hobbies and interests, I can understand why this process of 3 initial posts is in place. So, with that said, I figured I'd use my 3 introduction posts to chart my progress with my first bike. And, along the way, I'd definitely appreciate any comments, tips, suggestions, etc. from the members here.

Cheers

[Harvey]

Nice looking bike. Welcome to the forum.

[Ray McGinty]

Beautiful bike, Ontario. When does your prime riding season start up there in the North? I imagine it is still a little cool or even wet. But get on with your license test anyway and get busy riding! My best tip for new riders is the oldest tip in the book: Keep the rubber side down, friend.

Ray

[SuperboyX]

Welcome to the forum.

[tigrzeye]

Welcome aboard and that warehouse of yours will get filled with all sorts of knowledge here

[BrianVT500C]

Hi Once...I am Ontario also, and a beginner with my M1 licencse - booked my M2 course at loyalist college for middle of May. I have an 84 Vt500c and it's great so far. I have about 800 km's on it personally and try to ride everyday when the weather is good. Have fun with yours.

[Juggy's Mom]

Welcome and yes you will learn tons here. I've been on for less than a week and have learned SOOOO much from these guys and gals.
Enjoy!


Sent from my iPhone using MO Free

[shadowmaker07]

Welcome once was human! First day here myself, rider for 24 years, 3rd bike

[once_was_human]

Thanks for the hospitality everyone. After a bit of lurking, I know I'm going to learn a lot here. Hopefully, in time, I'll be able to pay it forward.

Originally Posted by Ray McGinty

Beautiful bike, Ontario. When does your prime riding season start up there in the North? I imagine it is still a little cool or even wet. But get on with your license test anyway and get busy riding! My best tip for new riders is the oldest tip in the book: Keep the rubber side down, friend.

Ray

Hi Ray. Good advice (rubber side down)... I've screwed up that simple task in a car before (military staff car.. not mine... don't know if that's better or worse), so I can imagine it's even worse on a vehicle without a roll cage.

As for the riding season in Ontario; I'm in Southwestern Ontario (closer to Buffalo, NY - Kitchener, Ontario), we didn't get much of a winter here. A few weeks of snow rather than a few months, and sporadic bouts of bad weather, but that's about it. A lot of my other friends who ride had their bikes out in early April; we had a heatwave for a week or so where it got up to 24 C (about 75 F)... may not sound that warm, but if there's no snow on the ground, people pull their bikes out. As far as I know, the same goes for the end of the season; people will ride up until there's snow on the ground.
Beyond what I've observed from other riders, I really don't know what's considered the prime season, but riders are out pretty much whenever the weather allows it.


Now as for my bike and how it's progressing; last night, we pulled the seat off, and cleared a path to the carbs and pulled that off. We found a few things that need some attention; a little pitting in the chrome and a lot of grunge in the usual places. The carbs need some cleaning, but otherwise look fine. Everything else on the engine (lines, hoses, etc) look good, so we're just going to clean everything up. The major project, so far, is fixing the seat. There are some good rips in the cover, so now I'm torn between ordering a new cover or just getting some marine-grade vinyl and wrapping it myself. I looked at getting a whole new seat, but the foam in this one is in great shape, so I can't justify the cost. Going to do a bit more research into reupholstering; whether to do it myself or find someone else... But any suggestions would be appreciated.

The next phase of the project is to clean the carbs and the rest of the engine. Then it's on to the front forks or the back end... I don't know much about either end of the bike, but I'm sure I'll learn.
The extent of my knowledge (for now) pretty much ends at the operation of a 2-stroke engine, since that basic thermodynamics and motor theory; now we're venturing into stuff that is almost entirely new to me... I can't wait.

On the license side of things; I'm writing my M1 tomorrow morning (hopefully), then on to the course in 2 weeks... I'm pretty damn excited. I picked up all my riding gear this week and now I feel like a giddy kid... I have to fight the urge to wear my helmet around the house.

Anyway, thanks again for the warm welcome, everyone.

Cheers

[Ray McGinty]

I'm going to chuckle all day! I can relate with your enthusiasm. "Fight the urge to wear your helmet around the house" is classic. I find myself looking out my window sometimes just to stare at my bike. It's love, I guess.

Best wishes on your test.

Ray