Avid motorcyclist

[Robbb]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

[rustyp]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

I think you have hit the nail on the head.

[villagetinker]

I have never driven or ridden on a motorcycle, but I have had 3 close calls while driving a car where in every case the motorcycle disappeared from view. I try very hard to be extra careful when there is one around. I agree with your assessment of the situation, and as I recall there were several reports of serious injuries or death over the last 2 to 3 months. If you decide to ride, be very careful of oncoming traffic turning left if front of you, this seems to be the leading cause of accidents.

[willis100]

///

[retired guy]

I'm a rider ( Gold wing ), there are plenty of roads away from TV that are good country roads. I have found that riding here is NOT like up north (Pa. ) roads are flat & straight (boring ) but the scenery is great. I'm a snowbird my bike won't be back next season.
There are bike groups here maybe 3. Have been with the GW group great rides & people.
If you're only going to be here for a week leave the bike at home. There are plenty of other things to do. You can learn the aera then bring the bike later for a longer stay.
Enjoy your visit. Get in touch if you think I could help more.

[BrianL99]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Don't even think about it, leave your bike at home.

I don't know where you're coming from, but consider that the average age in FL & The Villages, is probably much higher. You have a zillion old people driving around, playing with their Cell Phones. It's not you, it's the cage drivers. I brought my Harley to FL for one season and never again.

[PugMom]

nearby Ocala Forest is a beautiful ride. in regards to safety, i always try to get behind the cyclist so i can keep my eyes on you, & allow plenty of space. if you're out of sight, it could be trouble like VT said

[photo1902]

And now we have non-riders chiming in with their expertise. Thousands of motorcycles in The Villages and a lot of good roads and areas to explore

[Happydaz]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

You can take country roads like 475 N , 42 E, 19 N, 314 West, 315 N, 315C, 315 South all the way to 40 then 314A (not 314) South to 25 and then back to 42 W to the Villages. These roads will take you up into Ocala National Forest. You will be riding in less populated areas. You will go through small towns like Salt Spring, Fort McCoy, Orange Springs, Interlachen, and Grandin. Just check the roads and put a nice country route together. I often take a side trip off 19 to Alexander Springs then back to 19N. I love the country up there. I take that run at least three times a month. My ride out of the Villages is around 250 miles round trip. You can also ride out to the Green Swamp (South) or Cedar Key. (West.) Cedar Key is a super place. Old Florida. Good restaurants. You have to be careful around population centers down here, but that is nothing new. Weather is perfect for motorcycling!

[Maker]

There are deed restrictions about where trailers can be parked, and for how long. Each district is slightly different. You may need to put the trailer in the garage.

[ThirdOfFive]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks
I was an avid motorcyclist (Minnesota and upper Midwest) before moving here. I had my bike shipped here and rode it for about a month before selling it. I had more close calls in one month of riding here than I had in probably five years before the move.

The Villages is primarily composed of older adults who (even though there seems to be a certain amount of denial) suffer the inevitable deterioration that comes with age. Narrowing peripheral vision, lessening depth perception, lapses in judgment, incorrectly judging the speed of other vehicles, and just not seeing things in or near the roadway that may present a hazard seem to be common here. Couple that with a perceived attitude on the part of too many that laws apply to other people but not so much to them, and motorcycling in and near The Villages constituted a risk that I was just not going to take, regardless of how much I love riding.

[Bogie Shooter]

And now we have non-riders chiming in with their expertise. Thousands of motorcycles in The Villages and a lot of good roads and areas to explore

Like most threads the “experts” chime in with their “I thinks”.

[HarleyDoc]

I am an avid "two wheel nut." I try to get 80-90 miles on my road bike a week and regularly ride my 21 HD SG to work and afternoon rides through central Florida with the wife. I used a bike and motorcycle in Pa for thirty years. I have seen terrible drivers (including golf cart drivers in Florida) in both states. I do think Florida wins out due the distracted drivers, substance impaired drivers and diminishing mental status with decreasing sensory acuity. I practice my motorcycle maneuvers, such as panic stop and tight space turning, regularly. So I think you can ride here in Florida if you are skilled and very defensive. It is a beautiful state to ride especially here in central Florida with each coast just a one to two hour ride away. As we know, no where is safe as the Bruce Rossmeyer death story will testify. Welcome to Florida.

[Michael G.]

And now we have non-riders chiming in with their expertise. Thousands of motorcycles in The Villages and a lot of good roads and areas to explore

Your right about non-riders, with many negative opinions, but I was a rider.
I brought my Goldwing down from Wisconsin 7 years ago when we move here full time.
Cycle riding gave me a high every time I rode, but people need to accept the consequences of what can happen at our age.

Well here's my thoughts:
Find a different pass time down here, seriously.
Traffic in Florida is nuts even in a car/truck

You don't heal very well at age 60, 70, or 80 after sliding across the blacktop.
Also, I didn't want my family feeding me through a straw for the rest of my life.

Your Life, Your Choice

[cypress]

Swap out the factory horn with a super loud one. My factory one didn't get anyones attention.

[Jayhawk]

Duplicate.

[Jayhawk]

Your right about non-riders, with many negative opinions, but I was a rider.
I brought my Goldwing down from Wisconsin 7 years ago when we move here full time.
Cycle riding gave me a high every time I rode, but people need to accept the consequences of what can happen at our age.

Well here's my thoughts:
Find a different pass time down here, seriously.
Traffic in Florida is nuts even in a car/truck

You don't heal very well at age 60, 70, or 80 after sliding across the blacktop.
Also, I didn't want my family feeding me through a straw for the rest of my life.

Your Life, Your Choice

Maybe you should get rid of your car then. Here is the AUTO fatalities in FLORIDA from only 2021:


Florida 3,863 auto fatalities

Deaths From Motor Vehicle Crashes - Florida Health CHARTS - Florida Department of Health (https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsDashboards/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Death.DataViewer&cid=0110)


Florida 593 motorcycle fatalities

In 2021, the most recent year with complete data, 593 people died as the result of a motorcycle accident in the State of Florida

How Many Motorcycle Deaths Are There Per Year in Florida? (https://prosperlaw.com/motorcycle-deaths-per-year-florida/#:~:text=Most%20of%20the%20statistics%20discussed, crashes%20in%20Florida%20in%202021).

How many motorcycle riders are in Florida?

620,077 registered

With Florida's warm and sunny weather, it's no surprise that many residents choose to ride motorcycles. In 2020 there were an estimated 620,077 registered motorcyclists in Florida

[Byte1]

Loud pipes and loud horns, and don't be afraid to upset folks. Better to be a victim of angry seniors than to be a dead or injured victim of unaware seniors. I rode in other countries where traffic was much worse and one had to be defensive ALL the time. Once you get away from mass populated areas, you can have a peaceful and enjoyable ride. BUT/BUT riding in the Villages is dangerous for EVERYONE. You can't even be remiss in your defensive travel while walking, biking, golf carting, etc. Seniors are not inherently evil, just seem to live with tunnel vision and deafness.

[tophcfa]

I have been riding motorcycles since my teenage years and can say there are lots of good rides in the rural areas away from the bubble. Just be very careful and defensive riding in and around the Villages, the area has without a doubt the highest concentration of bad drivers per capital of any area I have ever experienced, and I am from Massachusetts where drivers are referred to as massholes. And please, regardless of the law, wear a good full face helmet. There are way too many future organ donors riding around these parts without helmets.

[Michael G.]

And please, regardless of the law, wear a good full face helmet. There are way too many future organ donors riding around these parts without helmets.

Sooo Helmets are the cure all. :shocked::shrug:
What about your legs, arms, back etc.

Helmets are like having a peeing section in a swimming pool.

[LAFwUs]

I have been riding motorcycles since my teenage years and can say there are lots of good rides in the rural areas away from the bubble. Just be very careful and defensive riding in and around the Villages, the area has without a doubt the highest concentration of bad drivers per capital of any area I have ever experienced, and I am from Massachusetts where drivers are referred to as massholes. And please, regardless of the law, wear a good full face helmet. There are way too many future organ donors riding around these parts without helmets.

Op, the above post is spot on!
Both my wife & I have been into bikes (choppers, cruisers & bobbers), riding building and teaching others to ride for nearly 2 decades.

Wear your helmet and ride VERY defensively at all times.

The worst will be the round-abouts, there are even multiple threads here, regarding them. Some have blatant disregard for anyone else, the laws, common courtesy, etc. Always be prepared for nearby cars & carts to do exactly what they shouldn't, this is true when you are on 4 wheels or 2.

2nd most common issue I've witnessed, is major intersection turn lanes. I cannot tell you how many near misses, accidents and folks locking up mid intersection, I've seen here.
If you are a good rider, you'll be fine, if you are not, this is going to be a sharp learning curve.
Be safe and enjoy your trip!

[Nucky]

Leave it at home. I have my memories but gave up my license eight years ago because I desperately want to live. Down here you want more metal surrounding you not less. You'll be too busy with other stuff anyway.

[Michael G.]

Leave it at home. I have my memories but gave up my license eight years ago because I desperately want to live. Down here you want more metal surrounding you not less. You'll be too busy with other stuff anyway.

:thumbup:

[ThirdOfFive]

Loud pipes and loud horns, and don't be afraid to upset folks. Better to be a victim of angry seniors than to be a dead or injured victim of unaware seniors. I rode in other countries where traffic was much worse and one had to be defensive ALL the time. Once you get away from mass populated areas, you can have a peaceful and enjoyable ride. BUT/BUT riding in the Villages is dangerous for EVERYONE. You can't even be remiss in your defensive travel while walking, biking, golf carting, etc. Seniors are not inherently evil, just seem to live with tunnel vision and deafness.
Good advice.

I had a 117 dB monstrosity of a horn on my bike. I don't know if it was legal in MN...just on the line, I think. Maybe not down here either. But man did it work. I didn't use it much (got lots of attention from people it wasn't intended for), but when it did, it got results. Sounded just like a locomotive horn. I used it once on some ditz woman coasting through a stop sign with her head buried in her phone. One short blast and I thought she had whiplash her head jerked up so hard! But she got the message.

Never used it down here but I don't think it would have quite the same results, given that hearing is one of the first things to start going away when you hit geezerhood.

[Michael G.]

Loud pipes and loud horns, and don't be afraid to upset folks. Better to be a victim of angry seniors than to be a dead or injured victim of unaware seniors.

Nice :confused:

[jebartle]

Husband sold FAT boy after two close calls in round-abouts

[William MacEntee]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks
I am originally from Pennsylvania, but I live in the villages currently. I had a Harley Davidson for 50 years, but recently sold it, because the villages is much too dangerous for all the reasons stated in this thread.

[NoMo50]

As a full-time resident, and avid motorcycle rider, I can tell you there are a lot of good rides available here. You just need to get out of the bubble. And, you do need to be careful. Dress for the crash, not the ride. Wear your helmet, even though you don't have to. I frequently see one particular guy around our neighborhood riding a HD ******. He is always wearing shorts, tank top, flip flops, and no helmet. I wonder if he is out looking for Charles Darwin. When I ride, it is all about situational awareness...head on a swivel.

[Rwirish]

I would avoid riding a cycle.

[La lamy]

Not a rider here, but I see so many crazy drivers running red lights, not doing their stops, not using turn signals, or worse, using or leaving a WRONG turn signal on, I'd be extremely weary for you.

[me4vt]

Trailer it to the country then unload and ride;) I live in East Tennessee in summer and ride VA, NC, KY and TN! I brought it down to Florida one season and rode twice never to bring back. Straight flat roads aren’t my thing… Enjoy and stay safe!

[JoelJohnson]

After riding a Goldwing for 15 years and 160,000 miles, I decided to sell my bike up north and enjoy the great weather on a golf cart.

[BBmac]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

A lot depends on how passionate you are about riding, how long you are down here, and what other interests you have. There are a lot of things to do down here and if this is your first time here my initial thought would be to leave the bike at home. Distracted driving is a problem everywhere and I don't find Florida to be much worse in this regard. I am an avid motorcyclist and vigilant in paying attention no matter where I ride and I have found plenty of decent areas to ride nearby. I don't ride as much here as I do up north mainly due to so many other things to do in The Villages.

Be careful in the roundabouts, while riding or driving, as far too many folks have no concept on how to correctly navigate them. The number of folks turning left from the right lane is staggering.

[Berwin]

All that stuff you hear about "Florida Man" goes double for "Florida Driver".

[RICH1]

NOT A PLACE FOR A BIKE! I sold my motorcycle after too many close calls… I still hold my motorcycle classification but The Villages and surrounding area is not the place for a motorcycle..

[Nucky]

Husband sold FAT boy after two close calls in round-abouts

Why would your hubby sell his ice cream sandwich after two close call’s. Just kidding, I get it. Very smart man.

The way I see it is a person has to know their limitations and look at their surroundings. Have a motorcycle in The Villages might not be the best idea for may lifelong otherwise very successful riders.
Hold on to your good memories of riding and dream another dream.

[Kjbatl]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

I have ridden bikes since 2005 all around The Villages area, lots of flat straight rides, but this time of year is perfect weather. Last year my wife and I did 6700 miles and 25 states on our 2 bikes, we had more concerns all around the country with bad drivers than in the Villages. We ride defensively and don’t try to jump around people in traffic. Plenty of forest outside The Villages easy to get to and enjoy.

[Ele201]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks
I don’t ride a motorcycle, but I’ve rented in the Villages many times for short stays.I don’t think it’s a good place for a motorcycle, as they can be loud and it might be a distraction to neighbors. But I’d ask the owner of the house you’re renting for his/her thoughts first.

[Quent]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

There are many roads that are perfect for riding in Florida. I might recomend a club that I find enjoyable, "The Southern Cruisers"

[rustyp]

What do you "think" so far ?

Yeas ?
Nays ?

I'm no "expert" but the volume of "Nays" appears to be in a clear majority. Shall we call for a recorded vote ?

[Mrmean58]

I was an avid motorcyclist (Minnesota and upper Midwest) before moving here. I had my bike shipped here and rode it for about a month before selling it. I had more close calls in one month of riding here than I had in probably five years before the move.

The Villages is primarily composed of older adults who (even though there seems to be a certain amount of denial) suffer the inevitable deterioration that comes with age. Narrowing peripheral vision, lessening depth perception, lapses in judgment, incorrectly judging the speed of other vehicles, and just not seeing things in or near the roadway that may present a hazard seem to be common here. Couple that with a perceived attitude on the part of too many that laws apply to other people but not so much to them, and motorcycling in and near The Villages constituted a risk that I was just not going to take, regardless of how much I love riding.

During this time of year more so than others, I will only ride off campus due to so many inattentive drivers rushing around. As you're already aware as a motorcycle rider, I always have my head of a swivel more so here than any other places I've ridden. I relocated from NoCal where the foothill rides were spectacular but I have found many beautiful scenic routes here. Just be damn careful while riding on property.

[RickyLee]

Trailer it to the country then unload and ride;) I live in East Tennessee in summer and ride VA, NC, KY and TN! I brought it down to Florida one season and rode twice never to bring back. Straight flat roads aren’t my thing… Enjoy and stay safe!

I agree, we're from southern IN, Louisville KY area. The best riding ever was E Tenn, Va, W Va, E KY, NC., beautiful country, exciting rides. I love to drag the floorboards thru the Dragon & run the high banks of 421 the Snake!
As for riding here, mine generally sits in the garage! No one to ride & you have to be so defensive, I choose to not be the smartest rider out there, but I don't blame anyone who wears a helmet or long pants whatever floats your boat! I keep saying I'm going to sell it because of all the idio,..., Inattentive old people around here, (me included), but then I take a little ride ..., come home and put it back in the garage! Whatever you decide, be safe & Enjoy!!

[JeepsterGlenn]

If your goal is to ride scenic curvy and hilly roads, there are plenty around here.

As mentioned the Ocala Forest area, 44 to DeLand, Ormand Loop, areas between here and Weeki Wachee and especially around Clermont which has extremely hilly roads.

Just avoid high traffic roads and stay alert and enjoy the ride!!!

[midiwiz]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

We have zero issues around here on either bike. The issue you'll be dealing with is the learning curve - knowing where to go etc. There is a ton of great riding Which roads is the key to everything. Fairly easy. I'd bring it.

[sloanst]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

There are lots of back country roads around Ocala with horse farms. Also there is Ocala National Forest. Have Fun.

[sallyg]

You are correct. You must drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Wear a face shield; the bugs can be excessive!

[MandoMan]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Yes, highway 441/27 is terrible for motorcycle riders, and 466, 466A, 44, and 301 through and near The Villages can be dangerous. However, the riders killed on those roads—and there are quite a few—are generally young guys who are probably riding way over the speed limit. If you follow the speed limit and pay attention and keep your lights on, you are much safer.

Get off those roads, however, and there are hundreds of miles of two lane roads through beautiful scenery—farms, forests, swamps—interspersed with occasional tiny towns. There isn’t much traffic on those roads. Fifteen minutes from the center of The Villages will have you out on those roads, ready for hours of cruising—north, south, or toward either coast. Just plan a route away from cities and stay off the highways.

[caljeff]

I am a motorcycle rider (2018 BMW K1600 GTL) . I moved here from California in 2017 I belong to the Villages Nomads motorcycle club. I can attest to the fact that there are hazards of riding a motorcycle in The Villages as there are in riding a bike anywhere in the USA. Riding a bike is not a "death wish". One has to exercise due diligence and caution. With the exception of the traffic circles (please get familiar with the rules) , I have not found riding here much different than riding anywhere else in the country. As noted above, the roads are fairly straight here with somewhat lush vegetation. The horse country in Marion County is truly exceptional as is riding along A1A and the Gulf. Not sure for your background, but the traffic around here is not truly oppressive, but again I hail from the environs of San Francisco/San Jose CA. I would say that if you are going to spend a week + here, it might be worth it to bring your bike and expect to get lost several times. Otherwise bring it when you can spend more time. I would also direct you to have a discussion with the President of the Nomad Club, Bob Kerfin (847-366-7888). I hope this is of some benefit.

[Wondering]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks
Once you get out of The Villages, the county roads are fine. Be careful when approaching small towns and stay off to RTs. 75, 95, Turnpike, and Rt. 4.

[toeser]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

I sold my motorcycle when I moved to The Villages. Going through a two-lane round-about with a motorcycle is a form of suicide. If you bring your bike, be darn careful. There are some decent country roads once you get out and away from here.

[Shadowrider]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Like many areas of the country you need to be a defensive rider. I try to avoid the bubble as much as I can. Watch out in the circles, stay in right lane unless your planning to turn left. I see too many people making left turns from the right lane cutting off people in left lane going straight. I do enjoy riding in FL.

[BlackHarley]

1. Git out of the bubble ASAP
2. LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES.

[cswett5234]

I've been a motorcyclist for decades, but when I retire and move to TV, I'm also going to sell my bike. Like many of you comments, I have good road skills, but I just DON'T trust the other guys! There are too many distracted drivers....I've worked all my life to get to retirement, I'm not going to get killed once I get there.

I'll have my memories and that will have to be good enough.

Clinton, Freeport, Maine

[Dmossien]

I have been riding for 45 years and would n ever ride in TV. I’ve had 2 close calls in the traffic circles. Two too many for me!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Looks like some of these puss er uh people have a lot more to live for than me.
I ride my RGS almost everyday. I moved here from the Ocala Forest where the riding is awesome.
It's probably my greatest joy in life at this point.
It may kill my ass one day but, I want to live and not necessarily live long.

[Rango]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Hi, if you are interested in motorcycling during your visit, please visit the “ Village Nomads” Facebook page. Lots of good information from people that actually own and ride.
They do a lot of group rides. If you are not familiar with riding in a group, they offer a training class.

If you don’t use Facebook, bring your motorcycle, contact me via messenger and I’ll
take you to a ride and introduce you. ( you must have a valid motorcycle endorsement)

Looking forward to meeting you!

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

Hi, if you are interested in motorcycling during your visit, please visit the “ Village Nomads” Facebook page. Lots of good information from people that actually own and ride.
They do a lot of group rides. If you are not familiar with riding in a group, they offer a training class.

If you don’t use Facebook, bring your motorcycle, contact me via messenger and I’ll
take you to a ride and introduce you. ( you must have a valid motorcycle endorsement)

Looking forward to meeting you!
I would love to do more low speed training.
I don't want to scratch my 800lb bike tho.

[Jean G]

We sold our Harley two months ago for the reasons you mentioned.

[Spike380]

We had a Harley for years. Two yrs after purchasing a home here, our two very best friends were killed on their motorcycles in Buffalo. We had just come home for a visit and tired so didn't go with them. My husband brought the Harley down here, but after a few rides, he sold it. Riding is a real challenge-even when my husband was at a circle, a bike was in his blind side and that sealed the deal. . My husband said he was a safe driver-unfortunately, others on the road are not. Good luck
Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

[Deden]

Agree with Ocala Forest, Husband rides every day, we also like the ride county 314a to Route 40 to Daytona Beach.

[jimjamuser]

nearby Ocala Forest is a beautiful ride. in regards to safety, i always try to get behind the cyclist so i can keep my eyes on you, & allow plenty of space. if you're out of sight, it could be trouble like VT said
True, the Ocala National Forest is interesting to explore and a 2 wheel vehicle allows a rider to get a better "feel" for the area than in a car. However, I would NOT bring one for just one week. Not worth the extra driving energy and anyway someone might rear-end you. Basically, the negatives seem to outweigh the positives.

[jimjamuser]

Loud pipes and loud horns, and don't be afraid to upset folks. Better to be a victim of angry seniors than to be a dead or injured victim of unaware seniors. I rode in other countries where traffic was much worse and one had to be defensive ALL the time. Once you get away from mass populated areas, you can have a peaceful and enjoyable ride. BUT/BUT riding in the Villages is dangerous for EVERYONE. You can't even be remiss in your defensive travel while walking, biking, golf carting, etc. Seniors are not inherently evil, just seem to live with tunnel vision and deafness.
There is nothing to be gained by having a LOUD exhaust except to scare squirrels and rabbits. The seniors almost all ride in their vehicles with the windows up and the a/c or heat on (depending on temperature). And most have hearing loss. Actually, modern cars are designed to force people to have their windows up. Jeep Wrangler may be (?) the only modern car with vent windows. So no one can hear loud motorcycles anymore. The main selling point for the Harley machines is that they are a giant VIBRATOR.
.........I would NOT bring a motorcycle for only a week. As for being a resident, I would prefer an Electric motorcycle or if I had to have a gas vehicle, it would be a quiet Honda or a 3-wheel Italian Vespa type, which would seem to be a nice cruising ride.
.........Another point that has yet to be made (not read all pages) is older folks' lack of good balance. If you live here long enough, you would have to buy a new 3-wheeler or modify your current one. That is IF you are LUCKY enough to live long enough and without accidents and injuries until your balance deteriorates. Sorry, to be so negative, just trying to "keep it real"!!!!!!!

[Michael G.]

We sold our Harley two months ago for the reasons you mentioned.
Loss of hearing no doubt. :22yikes:

[joelfmi]

I am sure the homeowners would not love you and your motorcycle noise I know you would not be welcome to homeowners living there. unless they are hard of hearing. Let me know where you will be renting so I can be far away when you come down This is a big negative when buying a home there.

[jimjamuser]

1. Git out of the bubble ASAP
2. LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES.
Loud exhaust pipes DID ONCE save lives, "a long time ago in a place far, far away" - in about 1950 before automobile A/C when car drivers rode with their windows open and NOT in a LARGE retirement area with older people with deteriorated reflexes, awareness, and brainpower.

[ex34449]

Old saying. If you think loud pipes save lives, you should see how many are saved from experience. Loud pipes saving a life has always been a fallacy.

[jimjamuser]

Looks like some of these puss er uh people have a lot more to live for than me.
I ride my RGS almost everyday. I moved here from the Ocala Forest where the riding is awesome.
It's probably my greatest joy in life at this point.
It may kill my ass one day but, I want to live and not necessarily live long.
Interesting philosophy. One problem is that when hit on a motorcycle, people don't always die instantaneously. Many more get brain damage and/or become vegetables that outlive their ability to pay for an assisted living facility. They become a financial DRAIN on their family or eventually the greater society. And they may NOT be able to even remember their motorcycle DREAMS.

Obviously, a similar situation could happen when riding in a car or truck. The difference is a car or truck does NOT require the balance capability of a young person. And are more easily seen than a motorcycle. Also, a car has real steel surrounding the occupants.

Some people may NOT mind leaving this earth sooner than needed, but what about those other people in their lives that feel they wanted to be around them for a few more years? What about the person on the back of the motorcycle that was not so philosophic about an early death?

[Rango]

I think we’re pretty far off topic.

[jimjamuser]

I am sure the homeowners would not love you and your motorcycle noise I know you would not be welcome to homeowners living there. unless they are hard of hearing. Let me know where you will be renting so I can be far away when you come down This is a big negative when buying a home there.
Actually, I don't like LOUD motorcycles particularly, but they are NOT as loud as the mufferless riding mowers that the commercial yard dorks use. Also, their loud gas blowers and gas weed eaters are OBNOXIOUS. At least, I can take the motorcycle noise better knowing that they are ridden by real Villages seniors. The LOUD motorcycles come by my house once or twice a day and I only hear them for 1 minute, at most. The loud obnoxious grass and yard manglers spend twenty minutes or more torturing me about 4 times per week at the neighbors close to me.

I hope that in the future people use electric lawnmowers because the cost of electricity is SO MUCH cheaper than gasoline. If I were in charge of The Villages...........things would be different.
...........What a world, what a WORLD .......what a VERY LOUD world !!!!!!!

[Michael G.]

Did you know the louder the pipes on a Harley, the smaller his anatomy.

[jimjamuser]

I think we’re pretty far off topic.
Pretty much people are talking about LOUD motorcycle mufflers. One poster offered that loud mufflers on his motorcycle might be objectionable to the neighbors near his weekly rental. Myself and other people responded to that, which seems to me to be within the scope of the original thread.

[Glewellen]

Sorry about all the naysayers. Lot of fun rides. Generally, I find NW of The Villages most scenic. As an introduction, join the Nomads every Wednesday and Saturday morning. They do a 3 hour and 5 hour ride from Colony Rec Center at 8:30 a.m. (I think has to be above 50 degrees) They ride, eat and ride. Just show up to join them. There is also a Honda Goldwing group that I haven't participated in yet. Enjoy

[RickyLee]

Pretty much people are talking about LOUD motorcycle mufflers. One poster offered that loud mufflers on his motorcycle might be objectionable to the neighbors near his weekly rental. Myself and other people responded to that, which seems to me to be within the scope of the original thread.


After reading this last page I have found out how my neighbors Really feel about me 🤣🤣!
I'm a tiny weenied obnoxious old twit who trashes up the place😜🤣!
GOOD FOR ME 😊

[HogPilot]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

I’ve ridden in St Petersburg for 14 years (very crowded until you get out of town) and in the Village for 9 years. I had headlight modulator and auxiliary light installed up front. Increased my awareness to incoming traffic. I also recommend a louder horn. I guess I’d been lucky- no accidents. Also took a defensive driving course. Sold my Harley two years ago due to medical back issues.

[Byte1]

There is nothing to be gained by having a LOUD exhaust except to scare squirrels and rabbits. The seniors almost all ride in their vehicles with the windows up and the a/c or heat on (depending on temperature). And most have hearing loss. Actually, modern cars are designed to force people to have their windows up. Jeep Wrangler may be (?) the only modern car with vent windows. So no one can hear loud motorcycles anymore. The main selling point for the Harley machines is that they are a giant VIBRATOR.
.........I would NOT bring a motorcycle for only a week. As for being a resident, I would prefer an Electric motorcycle or if I had to have a gas vehicle, it would be a quiet Honda or a 3-wheel Italian Vespa type, which would seem to be a nice cruising ride.
.........Another point that has yet to be made (not read all pages) is older folks' lack of good balance. If you live here long enough, you would have to buy a new 3-wheeler or modify your current one. That is IF you are LUCKY enough to live long enough and without accidents and injuries until your balance deteriorates. Sorry, to be so negative, just trying to "keep it real"!!!!!!!

Loud pipes have saved me on several occasions, but I am not an expert.....just someone that really rides a bike and doesn't arbitrarily give advice WITHOUT real life experience on the subject. I have driven a Harley (as well as other brands) for most of my legal driving age. On my bikes, even though I do not enjoy constant loud pipes/sounds, I modified them for safety. A baloney cut facing outward allowed the noise to be focused against the quarter panel of cars on my right so that they would realize that I was in their "blind spot." The noise bouncing off their side of the car has saved me on numerous instances where I might have been forced off the road or crushed. "Trying to keep it real?" So many folks have OPINIONS that come from hearsay and not from experience.
The OP asked about bringing his bike down for a short period. He was asking for opinions, and probably did not expect lectures on safety or why you shouldn't ride in Florida. Someone suggested first enjoying the Villages and then return with his bike for riding. Some good advice was to contact the local motorcycle club here. Because I have driven(?) bikes in other countries, I do not fear the inattentive seniors in the Villages as much as some that probably have driven primarily in the U.S. on nice roads with less traffic and physically impaired drivers than we have accumulated in the Villages. If you are worried about bothering your neighbor for a few seconds as you pass their home while leaving or returning from a ride, then you simply drive slowly and do not rev your engine. It's as easy as that, IF you have driven a motorcycle before and really understand it's function. An "electric bike?" Hmm, that's a matter of preference. I don't have experience with an "electric bike" and the OP did not mention owning one. He simply asked the question of whether or not he should bring his bike with him for a one week visit. I have been to bike meets in other states and other countries that lasted only a week or so. I have driven hours to get there or have rented a bike while there. If he wants to bring his bike and enjoys riding more than golf, tennis, pickleball, etc. that his choice. I can relate to that.
For those that make recommendations without intimate subject knowledge, why?
To the OP: some on here have good advice on this subject, especially those that still ride, with or without the local bike club. I do not know how much riding experience you have, and it is none of my business. Riding IN the Villages is going to require constant attention and defensive driving techniques. Florida law does not require you to wear a helmet. I do wear a helmet, boots and long pants (most of the time). Florida law does not require motorcycle insurance, but I also have insurance. What you are allowed to do and what you choose to do is your choice. I have children and grandchildren that have visited here on their bikes and enjoyed it with no accidents...so far.
Enjoy.

[jimjamuser]

Loud pipes have saved me on several occasions, but I am not an expert.....just someone that really rides a bike and doesn't arbitrarily give advice WITHOUT real life experience on the subject. I have driven a Harley (as well as other brands) for most of my legal driving age. On my bikes, even though I do not enjoy constant loud pipes/sounds, I modified them for safety. A baloney cut facing outward allowed the noise to be focused against the quarter panel of cars on my right so that they would realize that I was in their "blind spot." The noise bouncing off their side of the car has saved me on numerous instances where I might have been forced off the road or crushed. "Trying to keep it real?" So many folks have OPINIONS that come from hearsay and not from experience.
The OP asked about bringing his bike down for a short period. He was asking for opinions, and probably did not expect lectures on safety or why you shouldn't ride in Florida. Someone suggested first enjoying the Villages and then return with his bike for riding. Some good advice was to contact the local motorcycle club here. Because I have driven(?) bikes in other countries, I do not fear the inattentive seniors in the Villages as much as some that probably have driven primarily in the U.S. on nice roads with less traffic and physically impaired drivers than we have accumulated in the Villages. If you are worried about bothering your neighbor for a few seconds as you pass their home while leaving or returning from a ride, then you simply drive slowly and do not rev your engine. It's as easy as that, IF you have driven a motorcycle before and really understand it's function. An "electric bike?" Hmm, that's a matter of preference. I don't have experience with an "electric bike" and the OP did not mention owning one. He simply asked the question of whether or not he should bring his bike with him for a one week visit. I have been to bike meets in other states and other countries that lasted only a week or so. I have driven hours to get there or have rented a bike while there. If he wants to bring his bike and enjoys riding more than golf, tennis, pickleball, etc. that his choice. I can relate to that.
For those that make recommendations without intimate subject knowledge, why?
To the OP: some on here have good advice on this subject, especially those that still ride, with or without the local bike club. I do not know how much riding experience you have, and it is none of my business. Riding IN the Villages is going to require constant attention and defensive driving techniques. Florida law does not require you to wear a helmet. I do wear a helmet, boots and long pants (most of the time). Florida law does not require motorcycle insurance, but I also have insurance. What you are allowed to do and what you choose to do is your choice. I have children and grandchildren that have visited here on their bikes and enjoyed it with no accidents...so far.
Enjoy.
OK. I respect that opinion. I rode often for over 5 years. I NEVER dropped my bikes. I did have to roll upside down once to void death when I was in Nebraska in a thick fog and some dork in a car tried to pass on a 2 lane road and ended up in my lane at about zero visibility. My life stopped for a long minute as I looked UP at my feet on the pegs as I rolled over on my back. This was one of the 3 near-death occurrences in my life, very exciting.
.......Truth be told, I could never afford a Harley as I always could purchase motorcycles that I considered better built and engineered that met MY NEEDS for MUCH less money. To me, truly, a Harley is just a big vibrator that I never needed. I never needed a cycle that went faster than 60 MPH because I never wanted a windshield and even at 60 MPH the wind force was like a hurricane that would slap around your clothes.
........The fastest cycle that I ever owned was a 2-stroke Yamaha 300 (or 400, I forget)that could go 80, but I never went above 60. It was a new one-year-older model Yamaha that was in a crate when I picked it up (save big bucks). I also owned several 4 strokes that same-same I kept under 65. Every cycle that I owned got at least 60 miles per gallon. The most that I ever paid for a cycle was about $5,000 in today's dollars. So, my concept of a motorcycle was to get from A to B in the least expensive way. I was NOT about to pay $30,000 for a heavy, vibrating Harley because I could only justify taking a chance with my life IF I got GREAT CASH VALUE for going from point A to B.
.......Different strokes for different folks (that was the old saying). And now you know the rest of the story!
........OH yes, there is another old saying. Honda and Yamaha owners RIDE their bikes from up north to bike week in Daytona......BUT Harley owners put theirs on a trailer and pull it down to Daytona because they are AFRAID that it will BREAK DOWN !!!!!!

[jswirs]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

Far too dangerous for me. I'm from the Philla. area, and I have never seen such inattentive drivers as I have seen here. Many reasons, mostly age related problems. Not only for motorcyclist, but for bicyclist as well. I rode motorcycles for about 40 years, after what I have seen here, and after almost being killed while riding my BICYCLE, decided not to ride a MC here. I am now a certified cager, but my "cage" is a 6 speed performance enhanced Porsche. However, bottom line, your body, your choice.

[Byte1]

Far too dangerous for me. I'm from the Philla. area, and I have never seen such inattentive drivers as I have seen here. Many reasons, mostly age related problems. Not only for motorcyclist, but for bicyclist as well. I rode motorcycles for about 40 years, after what I have seen here, and after almost being killed while riding my BICYCLE, decided not to ride a MC here. I am now a certified cager, but my "cage" is a 6 speed performance enhanced Porsche. However, bottom line, your body, your choice.

These 35mph speed limit roads in the Villages must be rough on a Porsche...:)

[Daxdog]

Renting a home in the Villages next week, thinking of trailering my motorcycle down to ride around the area. My concern is, from my limited experience, the Villages and surrounding area, are not really good riding areas due to heavy traffic and inattentive drivers. Looking for opinions from local riders. Tks

You are correct sir! I don’t ride anymore, people here the eyesight and reflexes aren’t as good as they once were, and contractors (lawn care people) are in a rush getting from one job to another, and the locals and younger people don’t care for us.

[MrFlorida]

I sold my bike, and gave up my motorcycle license when we moved here....too many close calls.

[ThirdOfFive]

OK. I respect that opinion. I rode often for over 5 years. I NEVER dropped my bikes. I did have to roll upside down once to void death when I was in Nebraska in a thick fog and some dork in a car tried to pass on a 2 lane road and ended up in my lane at about zero visibility. My life stopped for a long minute as I looked UP at my feet on the pegs as I rolled over on my back. This was one of the 3 near-death occurrences in my life, very exciting.
.......Truth be told, I could never afford a Harley as I always could purchase motorcycles that I considered better built and engineered that met MY NEEDS for MUCH less money. To me, truly, a Harley is just a big vibrator that I never needed. I never needed a cycle that went faster than 60 MPH because I never wanted a windshield and even at 60 MPH the wind force was like a hurricane that would slap around your clothes.
........The fastest cycle that I ever owned was a 2-stroke Yamaha 300 (or 400, I forget)that could go 80, but I never went above 60. It was a new one-year-older model Yamaha that was in a crate when I picked it up (save big bucks). I also owned several 4 strokes that same-same I kept under 65. Every cycle that I owned got at least 60 miles per gallon. The most that I ever paid for a cycle was about $5,000 in today's dollars. So, my concept of a motorcycle was to get from A to B in the least expensive way. I was NOT about to pay $30,000 for a heavy, vibrating Harley because I could only justify taking a chance with my life IF I got GREAT CASH VALUE for going from point A to B.
.......Different strokes for different folks (that was the old saying). And now you know the rest of the story!
........OH yes, there is another old saying. Honda and Yamaha owners RIDE their bikes from up north to bike week in Daytona......BUT Harley owners put theirs on a trailer and pull it down to Daytona because they are AFRAID that it will BREAK DOWN !!!!!!
The prevailing "wisdom" was always "if you want image, get a Harley. If you want dependability, get a metric bike". That was probably more true before Y2K than now, new bikes seem to have more quality across-the-board but then the issue of cost rears it's ugly head. All things considered you'll pay more for an HD than for just about any other equivalent bike. Often a lot more. Image is expensive.

I've gone both ways. To be honest riding a Harley is much more tiring than, say, a Suzuki C90T which is built from the ground up as a touring bike and fits the bill very well. The shaft drive and the way the motor is tuned makes it virtually vibration-free, and the soft suspension maybe gives you a bit less responsiveness but you'll be thanking it after, say, eight hours in the saddle.

I really have no dog in this particular fight either way. People ride what pleases them. As it should be.

[jimjamuser]

Far too dangerous for me. I'm from the Philla. area, and I have never seen such inattentive drivers as I have seen here. Many reasons, mostly age related problems. Not only for motorcyclist, but for bicyclist as well. I rode motorcycles for about 40 years, after what I have seen here, and after almost being killed while riding my BICYCLE, decided not to ride a MC here. I am now a certified cager, but my "cage" is a 6 speed performance enhanced Porsche. However, bottom line, your body, your choice.
I can understand owning a Porsche as a "need for speed" and acceleration (within the speed limits of course) as a BETTER combination of uniqueness, pride of ownership, and safety than a motorcycle for THIS senior environment - relatively high population density with bad drivers (both residents and commercial vehicles trying to set speed records), narrow streets, and side-by-side walkers, and unpredictable golf cart pilots.

That way you may be "caged", but you are still a TIGER.

[jimjamuser]

You are correct sir! I don’t ride anymore, people here the eyesight and reflexes aren’t as good as they once were, and contractors (lawn care people) are in a rush getting from one job to another, and the locals and younger people don’t care for us.
I am with you about lawn care people. And recently a truck with a big sign HOME TOWN drove by our house at approximately 50 MPH in a 25 MPH residential street........so, we will NEVER have any HOME TOWN people do ANY work around our house. I wish that I could have gotten a video of that CLOWN speeding. I wonder if Apple makes an app where a video would show the speed of a vehicle. Then we could do a version of VIDEO SHAMING.

[jimjamuser]

The prevailing "wisdom" was always "if you want image, get a Harley. If you want dependability, get a metric bike". That was probably more true before Y2K than now, new bikes seem to have more quality across-the-board but then the issue of cost rears it's ugly head. All things considered you'll pay more for an HD than for just about any other equivalent bike. Often a lot more. Image is expensive.

I've gone both ways. To be honest riding a Harley is much more tiring than, say, a Suzuki C90T which is built from the ground up as a touring bike and fits the bill very well. The shaft drive and the way the motor is tuned makes it virtually vibration-free, and the soft suspension maybe gives you a bit less responsiveness but you'll be thanking it after, say, eight hours in the saddle.

I really have no dog in this particular fight either way. People ride what pleases them. As it should be.
That was a classic top 10 post. It made clear what I was trying to say about how I felt about Harleys versus smaller more approachable, quieter, less vibration, user friendly, and better gas mileage"as you say" "metric bikes". Many years ago I admired and coveted a BMW motorcycle, but it was out of my league from a cost perspective. I ALMOST purchased a long time ago a Russian-made copy of a BMW 2 cylinder with a horizontally opposed motor. Some guy in Miami had some for sale at a reasonable price. I read a story about some Canadians liking the bike for snow driving. I could be wrong, but I think that they somehow got the front wheel to drive also. I even went to the address of the seller in Miami once after work, but they were closed. It was basically a "fly-by-night small operation out of a small rental warehouse. I started thinking about how HARD it would be to get parts and I never followed through on the idea.........I kind of regret that, but then I have a lot of those.......regrets.

So sorry for digressing, I will call myself on it because I know some others might also. But, Harleys are an IMAGE THING. I think that Marlon Brando made a movie wearing a black leather jacket and riding a Harley with a gang -
where he was some kind of an antisocial rugged anti-hero and I IMAGINE that it made an impression (pro-Harley) on some people needing to be "rebels without a cause".
........Thanks again for saying in a much better way what I was TRYING to say.

[jimjamuser]

The prevailing "wisdom" was always "if you want image, get a Harley. If you want dependability, get a metric bike". That was probably more true before Y2K than now, new bikes seem to have more quality across-the-board but then the issue of cost rears it's ugly head. All things considered you'll pay more for an HD than for just about any other equivalent bike. Often a lot more. Image is expensive.

I've gone both ways. To be honest riding a Harley is much more tiring than, say, a Suzuki C90T which is built from the ground up as a touring bike and fits the bill very well. The shaft drive and the way the motor is tuned makes it virtually vibration-free, and the soft suspension maybe gives you a bit less responsiveness but you'll be thanking it after, say, eight hours in the saddle.

I really have no dog in this particular fight either way. People ride what pleases them. As it should be.
Oh, I forgot to say that some of my VERY BEST riding experiences came riding OFF-ROAD in Arizona up and hills on a 250 cc Honda on and off road bike. To me that was more exercise and skill enhancing and seeing wildlife than I ever got riding on a road, which is just A to B. Animals do NOT run from a QUIET dirt bike or a bicycle. I know this won't impress anyone, but I also owned a Honda 90 which got about 100 miles per gallon and had a top speed of only 40 MPH on the street. It could be used as a DECENT off road bike in a pinch as it had a lever that gave it a low range with lots of torque. I took it with me deer hunting out west a couple of times - great for scouting. That 90 cc 3 stroke was a MASSIVE seller throughout the Far EAST for a very long time until the middle classes there got more money to afford cars. I am surprised that Honda stopped making them - there were very rugged....... ACTUALLY unbreakable !

[JMintzer]

I am with you about lawn care people. And recently a truck with a big sign HOME TOWN drove by our house at approximately 50 MPH in a 25 MPH residential street........so, we will NEVER have any HOME TOWN people do ANY work around our house. I wish that I could have gotten a video of that CLOWN speeding. I wonder if Apple makes an app where a video would show the speed of a vehicle. Then we could do a version of VIDEO SHAMING.

You must live on the worst street in TV...

40 mph golf carts, 50 mph drivers whizzing by on a daily basis... Lawn mowers every single day...

It must be awful...

[Byte1]

That was a classic top 10 post. It made clear what I was trying to say about how I felt about Harleys versus smaller more approachable, quieter, less vibration, user friendly, and better gas mileage"as you say" "metric bikes". Many years ago I admired and coveted a BMW motorcycle, but it was out of my league from a cost perspective. I ALMOST purchased a long time ago a Russian-made copy of a BMW 2 cylinder with a horizontally opposed motor. Some guy in Miami had some for sale at a reasonable price. I read a story about some Canadians liking the bike for snow driving. I could be wrong, but I think that they somehow got the front wheel to drive also. I even went to the address of the seller in Miami once after work, but they were closed. It was basically a "fly-by-night small operation out of a small rental warehouse. I started thinking about how HARD it would be to get parts and I never followed through on the idea.........I kind of regret that, but then I have a lot of those.......regrets.

So sorry for digressing, I will call myself on it because I know some others might also. But, Harleys are an IMAGE THING. I think that Marlon Brando made a movie wearing a black leather jacket and riding a Harley with a gang -
where he was some kind of an antisocial rugged anti-hero and I IMAGINE that it made an impression (pro-Harley) on some people needing to be "rebels without a cause".
........Thanks again for saying in a much better way what I was TRYING to say.

I believe you are attempting to speak of the Russian made URAL. You might want to Google it, so you can better understand them. That they are sold all over the place, including the U.S. and are used in many countries. They have been around for over 80 years. As for finding spare parts, you will find parts for the Ural in most other countries easier than finding parts for Harley motorcycles. I've seen plenty of them in my travels but I have never operated one. I do enjoy operating different motorcycle brands and do not disparage one over another, like some uninformed dabblers. Some folks accuse HDs of leaking of not being reliable, but that was the old models, like many other brand bikes. None of the four HDs I have owned leaked or ever broke down on the road. I have owned and operated several different "rice burners" to use the non-PC term for Asian made bikes, and have owned and operated Britt made bikes.
This is off the actual subject, but I found it worth responding to. Harley Davidson motorcycles are not loud when they come from the factory. They do have their own distinct sound. Some folks believe that "rice burners" sound like sewing machines or chain saws, but most just have a distinct metric sound. I know many folks that have modified their metric bikes to make much louder "music" than those that own HDs.
The OP question was whether or not he should consider bringing his bike down here for a week visit. My answer is that it depends on what he is seeking in his visit; to learn about the Villages or to tour the area on his bike. If he wishes to ride his bike, then he is warned of the inherent dangers of senior vehicle operators in the area. There are hundreds of bike owners in the Villages that have NOT been involved in a traffic accident while operating a bike. I would venture to say that there are far more Villagers that have been victims of scams since they have moved here.

[ThirdOfFive]

I believe you are attempting to speak of the Russian made URAL. You might want to Google it, so you can better understand them. That they are sold all over the place, including the U.S. and are used in many countries. They have been around for over 80 years. As for finding spare parts, you will find parts for the Ural in most other countries easier than finding parts for Harley motorcycles. I've seen plenty of them in my travels but I have never operated one. I do enjoy operating different motorcycle brands and do not disparage one over another, like some uninformed dabblers. Some folks accuse HDs of leaking of not being reliable, but that was the old models, like many other brand bikes. None of the four HDs I have owned leaked or ever broke down on the road. I have owned and operated several different "rice burners" to use the non-PC term for Asian made bikes, and have owned and operated Britt made bikes.
This is off the actual subject, but I found it worth responding to. Harley Davidson motorcycles are not loud when they come from the factory. They do have their own distinct sound. Some folks believe that "rice burners" sound like sewing machines or chain saws, but most just have a distinct metric sound. I know many folks that have modified their metric bikes to make much louder "music" than those that own HDs.
The OP question was whether or not he should consider bringing his bike down here for a week visit. My answer is that it depends on what he is seeking in his visit; to learn about the Villages or to tour the area on his bike. If he wishes to ride his bike, then he is warned of the inherent dangers of senior vehicle operators in the area. There are hundreds of bike owners in the Villages that have NOT been involved in a traffic accident while operating a bike. I would venture to say that there are far more Villagers that have been victims of scams since they have moved here.
The story behind the Ural is interesting (maybe just legend, I don't know...). The reason Urals so strongly resemble BMW bikes is because near the end of WW II the Russians commandeered a BMW factory in Germany and basically disassembled and shipped the whole works back to Russia, where they basically began producing a bike that was a more--or-less carbon copy of BMW hardware. Maybe less, because I've heard that Urals resemble "a collection of parts flying in loose formation". Typical Russian product; they rattle, belch, and smoke, but always seem to get where they are trying to go, and will go through anything.

About 20 years ago I was looking at one; designed for a sidecar which for some reason was appealing to me at the time. Didn't do it. Maybe I should have.

[Michael G.]

Oh, I forgot to say that some of my VERY BEST riding experiences came riding OFF-ROAD in Arizona up and hills on a 250 cc Honda on and off road bike. To me that was more exercise and skill enhancing and seeing wildlife than I ever got riding on a road, which is just A to B. Animals do NOT run from a QUIET dirt bike or a bicycle.

Just don't understand why off-road bikes and ATV enjoy tearing up the back county,
and disturbing the wildlife. :shocked: :shrug:

It's amazes me there aren't more animals on the endangered species list.

[Happydaz]

I think we’re pretty far off topic.

Yeah the OP asks where he can ride his motorcycle and whether it is worth bringing his bike down for a week trip to the Villages and then a bunch of non riders get on and post about all the dangers down here and a whole bunch of other stuff the OP wasn’t asking about. Don’t you think motorcycle riders should have answered the OP’s inquiry? These are the same people who get in golf carts without a helmet or seatbelt. The one fact that many of these “cagers” forget about is the high number of golf cart riders who have been killed or seriously injured in accidents in the Villages over the past years. It is a sizable number, but for some reason this is rarely talked about. Why? Maybe it is because they all ride in golf carts and enjoy it and are willing to accept the higher risk of death and serious injury because they like the way it feels and enjoy the breeze and fresh air? Being in a car is dull, riding a motorcycle or a golf cart is fun and as long as you are willing to accept the higher risks involved you can carefully enjoy these activities. (Both activities are more dangerous per mile traveled than driving a car.)

[Byte1]

Oh, I forgot to say that some of my VERY BEST riding experiences came riding OFF-ROAD in Arizona up and hills on a 250 cc Honda on and off road bike. To me that was more exercise and skill enhancing and seeing wildlife than I ever got riding on a road, which is just A to B. Animals do NOT run from a QUIET dirt bike or a bicycle. I know this won't impress anyone, but I also owned a Honda 90 which got about 100 miles per gallon and had a top speed of only 40 MPH on the street. It could be used as a DECENT off road bike in a pinch as it had a lever that gave it a low range with lots of torque. I took it with me deer hunting out west a couple of times - great for scouting. That 90 cc 3 stroke was a MASSIVE seller throughout the Far EAST for a very long time until the middle classes there got more money to afford cars. I am surprised that Honda stopped making them - there were very rugged....... ACTUALLY unbreakable !

"A quiet dirt bike?" Is this something new?

[Jayhawk]

"A quiet dirt bike?" Is this something new?


Surron Storm Bee Dirt Bike - MX Edition | Built eBikes (https://www.builtebikes.com/products/surron-storm-bee-dirt-bike-off-road?variant=42641615093978&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4SeBhCwARIsANeF9DJbyy8CCYGL3RmDaj3o vh4lUi7V71ti_WIhxqX2v0C_9iJTMKVpP-YaAq7SEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQiAn4SeBhCwARIsANeF9DJbyy8CCYGL3RmDaj3o vh4lUi7V71ti_WIhxqX2v0C_9iJTMKVpP-YaAq7SEALw_wcB)

[Michael G.]

"A quiet dirt bike?" Is this something new?

Yep, usually only the clean ones are loud. :loco: