The Official Motorcycles/Scooters Thread
04-07-2009, 05:04 PM
#1
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The Official Motorcycles/Scooters Thread
With spring on the way, and seeing sporadic motorcycle threads here on AZ, I thought to myself why not have a culmination thread dedicated to all the two (or three) wheeled motoring love? We've got a variety of "Official this and that" threads, so why not one for bikes?
So whether you're a seasoned rider, beginner, or have a desire to ride, you can share your thoughts and experiences here. It can be tips or helpful advice about riding, MSF class stories, new model info, racing updates (AMA, WSBK, MotoGP etc), or if you just want to share pics of bikes you own or want, it's all good.
For starters, here are some links for those who want to begin riding:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (Find a class here)
Top 5 Reasons to start on 250cc's from Best Beginner Motorcycles guide
Brittany Morrow's story, or the "Why I should gear up" testimony
Anyhow, I myself am NO expert. I've only been riding since 2005 and continuously try to learn new things while attempting to retain safe habits.
Here's a pic of my first bike. It's one i'll probably keep forever due to sentimental value
Then, after feeling more comfortable and riding for about 3 years, I bought my "crotch rocket" in the form of a used 2007 Triumph D675
As much fun as the Triumph has been (done a track class and 2 track days since), I'll probably get rid of it because I don't ride it as often as my Duc. And aside from the track, I can't really tap into it's full potential on the street and neither would I want to. In any case, I'll see what happens in the future, but I've got my eye on a supermoto as my next bike. Probably something like this...
What do you think? Crotch rocket for a 'tard?
So whether you're a seasoned rider, beginner, or have a desire to ride, you can share your thoughts and experiences here. It can be tips or helpful advice about riding, MSF class stories, new model info, racing updates (AMA, WSBK, MotoGP etc), or if you just want to share pics of bikes you own or want, it's all good.
For starters, here are some links for those who want to begin riding:
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (Find a class here)
Top 5 Reasons to start on 250cc's from Best Beginner Motorcycles guide
Brittany Morrow's story, or the "Why I should gear up" testimony
Anyhow, I myself am NO expert. I've only been riding since 2005 and continuously try to learn new things while attempting to retain safe habits.
Here's a pic of my first bike. It's one i'll probably keep forever due to sentimental value
Then, after feeling more comfortable and riding for about 3 years, I bought my "crotch rocket" in the form of a used 2007 Triumph D675
As much fun as the Triumph has been (done a track class and 2 track days since), I'll probably get rid of it because I don't ride it as often as my Duc. And aside from the track, I can't really tap into it's full potential on the street and neither would I want to. In any case, I'll see what happens in the future, but I've got my eye on a supermoto as my next bike. Probably something like this...
What do you think? Crotch rocket for a 'tard?
04-07-2009, 06:25 PM
#4
The sizzle in the Steak
Well you started off the bike thread perfectly with pics of your Duc!
Trellis frame and single sided swing arm FTW!
Trellis frame and single sided swing arm FTW!
04-08-2009, 10:27 AM
#6
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Actually, when I first finished the MSF, I was originally planning to buy a used but nicely modded Kawasaki 650R. In fact I had the winning bid on the auction (eBay) at about $4k, but the seller canceled at the last minute.
Although bummed, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, because I later found the Ducati and got it for about $6,500.00.
Was it a good choice as a first bike? Probably not. If I did it all over again, i would probably go with the Yamaha in my first post. I think it was the price and the fact that it was a Ducati that cemented my decision. In my mind I justified to myself, "I'm never going to find another deal like this!" When in fact of course, deals always come and go.
But just like Moog mentioned, the Trellis frame and the single sided swing arm did me in
I also loved the fact that you just don't see that many on the road like Harleys and anything from the Big 4 Japanese brands.
Although bummed, it was the best thing that ever happened to me, because I later found the Ducati and got it for about $6,500.00.
Was it a good choice as a first bike? Probably not. If I did it all over again, i would probably go with the Yamaha in my first post. I think it was the price and the fact that it was a Ducati that cemented my decision. In my mind I justified to myself, "I'm never going to find another deal like this!" When in fact of course, deals always come and go.
But just like Moog mentioned, the Trellis frame and the single sided swing arm did me in
I also loved the fact that you just don't see that many on the road like Harleys and anything from the Big 4 Japanese brands.
Trending Topics
04-08-2009, 08:38 PM
#10
<-- Avatar... '07 GSX-R600
She sees a lot of extreme track and race duty, on top of street riding. Still trucking hard as ever. It will take a lot for me to get rid of her.
I've only been riding for about a year and a half now, but I dove in head first. I went to the track only a month after riding, put my knee down and the rest was history. I now race in WERA and currently stand at number 2 in C Superbike Novice and 6th in C Superstock Novice in the North Florida region. With a good rest of the season, I hope to stand on the season championship podium.
I love cars, but motorcycles are a whole different world.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...c5e&id=2344840
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...7d3&id=2344840
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...ee8&id=2344840
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...eb9&id=2344840
She sees a lot of extreme track and race duty, on top of street riding. Still trucking hard as ever. It will take a lot for me to get rid of her.
I've only been riding for about a year and a half now, but I dove in head first. I went to the track only a month after riding, put my knee down and the rest was history. I now race in WERA and currently stand at number 2 in C Superbike Novice and 6th in C Superstock Novice in the North Florida region. With a good rest of the season, I hope to stand on the season championship podium.
I love cars, but motorcycles are a whole different world.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...c5e&id=2344840
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...7d3&id=2344840
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...ee8&id=2344840
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...eb9&id=2344840
Last edited by Pure Adrenaline; 04-08-2009 at 08:41 PM.
04-09-2009, 12:50 PM
#12
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You mean a "liquor-cycle"?
Lol...that's what we used to call them because people with their license suspended for DUI's resorted to riding them. My girlfriend used to have a Honda NC50 and I used to make fun of her for riding it, but i secretly had fun taking it around the block a couple times
I couldn't agree more. Prior to riding, I was always looking for a nice car with good handling and speed, but after riding, I look at speed and handling totally different. And even though I'm still a car enthusiast, I wouldn't really care if I end up driving around in something like Honda Fit or Corolla as long as I have a bike to ride.
Lol...that's what we used to call them because people with their license suspended for DUI's resorted to riding them. My girlfriend used to have a Honda NC50 and I used to make fun of her for riding it, but i secretly had fun taking it around the block a couple times
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
I love cars, but motorcycles are a whole different world.
04-11-2009, 09:43 PM
#13
The sizzle in the Steak
Thought I'd post some pics of my bike....not the best and most current pics old crappy camera...
2004 Honda VTX 1300C
2004 Honda VTX 1300C
04-13-2009, 10:22 AM
#16
The sizzle in the Steak
Pipes & wheels are OEM.
04-13-2009, 10:26 AM
#17
Good idea and great links. FWIW, when I was starting out I read every article you posted (plus a few more)... they are excellent reads and I recommend them to anyone starting out. I also recommend the "Gear" topic for all riders as a refresher!
Below is a pic of my bike. Most already know about it by now, but just as a reminder
. I bought it in Dec. 2007 and sold it about a month ago. I have picked a new bike and hope to finalize the transaction this week. Mums the word though until it's in my garage 
Below is a pic of my bike. Most already know about it by now, but just as a reminder
. I bought it in Dec. 2007 and sold it about a month ago. I have picked a new bike and hope to finalize the transaction this week. Mums the word though until it's in my garage
04-13-2009, 10:42 AM
#20
Under Pressure
Started on a Kawasaki EX250 when I was 19, graduated up to an '02 CBR600F4i.
I bought an '06 CBR1000RR, but sold it when my best friend was killed this past July while riding his Kawasaki Z1000. I personally think a liter-bike was overkill on the street. I enjoyed riding my 600 more.
The next motorcycle I would like to get is this bad boy...
KTM Superduke R
I bought an '06 CBR1000RR, but sold it when my best friend was killed this past July while riding his Kawasaki Z1000. I personally think a liter-bike was overkill on the street. I enjoyed riding my 600 more.
The next motorcycle I would like to get is this bad boy...
KTM Superduke R
04-13-2009, 12:26 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by juniorbean
I have picked a new bike and hope to finalize the transaction this week. Mums the word though until it's in my garage
And yeah, I hear you about the supermotos. I'm somewhat vertically challenged at 5'7" (with an inseam of 29-30"), but I've been reading about the Yamaha WR250x being able to accommodate that. I won't know till I get an opportunity to sit on one, but riding around town and cutting through roads where street bikes can't go sounds very appealing to me
That and jumping stuff like speed bumps. Yee-haw!
Originally Posted by kneedragger87
On a side note, I'm excited about these two bikes Kawi's offering.
'09 ER-6n
'09 KLX 250 SF
'09 ER-6n
'09 KLX 250 SF
I'm currently leaning towards the WR250x.
04-13-2009, 12:45 PM
#24
The sizzle in the Steak
04-13-2009, 01:04 PM
#25
Ooooh...what's the new bike gonna be? Inquiring minds wish to know.
And yeah, I hear you about the supermotos. I'm somewhat vertically challenged at 5'7" (with an inseam of 29-30"), but I've been reading about the Yamaha WR250x being able to accommodate that. I won't know till I get an opportunity to sit on one, but riding around town and cutting through roads where street bikes can't go sounds very appealing to me That and jumping stuff like speed bumps. Yee-haw!
And yeah, I hear you about the supermotos. I'm somewhat vertically challenged at 5'7" (with an inseam of 29-30"), but I've been reading about the Yamaha WR250x being able to accommodate that. I won't know till I get an opportunity to sit on one, but riding around town and cutting through roads where street bikes can't go sounds very appealing to me
That and jumping stuff like speed bumps. Yee-haw!And I'm about 5'6" with a similar inseam... so good to know that the Yamaha would accommodate that. I may have to do some reading on that in the future.
I have ridden dirt bikes in the past when I was younger, so I figure one of these supermotos would fit me. Unfortunately the Hypermotard is not one of them... so maybe the Yamaha is the way to go...
04-13-2009, 04:01 PM
#28
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Hehe... I'm just afraid to jinx it b/c I've been looking for a while and finally found one that has everything I'm looking for... so that's the main reason I'm keeping it quiet. Not b/c it's a super rare bike or anything.
And I'm about 5'6" with a similar inseam... so good to know that the Yamaha would accommodate that. I may have to do some reading on that in the future.
I have ridden dirt bikes in the past when I was younger, so I figure one of these supermotos would fit me. Unfortunately the Hypermotard is not one of them... so maybe the Yamaha is the way to go...
And I'm about 5'6" with a similar inseam... so good to know that the Yamaha would accommodate that. I may have to do some reading on that in the future.
I have ridden dirt bikes in the past when I was younger, so I figure one of these supermotos would fit me. Unfortunately the Hypermotard is not one of them... so maybe the Yamaha is the way to go...
But yeah, the Yamaha has a seat height that is about 33" tall. The suspension is adjustable and can come down about 1". I figure if I shave the seat down another 2" then voila, I might be able to put both feet down. I would love to get a Husky or KTM sumo, but they're just too tall for me.
Originally Posted by teranfon
This picture is of my 2000 KLR. 650 thumper as well. This bike is very special to me, and one that will remain with me until I die. And I have died before on this bike. About five years ago I was making an Alaska trip when I struck a deer on the highway. I had no vital signs and was eventually revived by my friend Connie.
Glad to see you made it from that crash. I get a bit nervous riding out in the foothills outside of town because they have deer crossing signs all over the place. I can't ever imagine what it would be like to crash into one and hope I never experience that. There's a ton of videos of that happening to people on youtube...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueoreTP_4Us
04-13-2009, 04:48 PM
#30
Thanks taitando and jb. Only thing that saved me was my gear. In all of my thirty plus years of riding I have ALWAYS worn everything. Although horrific, it could have been worse.
I don't recall the accident. I broke eighteen bones and had a severe skull fracture and brain injury, but only a few abrasions. Connie, unfortunately, never threw her leg over a bike again, selling hers sometime later.
Terry
I don't recall the accident. I broke eighteen bones and had a severe skull fracture and brain injury, but only a few abrasions. Connie, unfortunately, never threw her leg over a bike again, selling hers sometime later.
Terry
04-13-2009, 05:22 PM
#32
JDM Laser Fogs!
Sorry, missed the editing time.
Anyway, I've been riding since I was 10 or 12 yrs old. I don't have any pictures of my old bikes, but this is my current bike
2004 CR125R two stroke, stock except for a FMF turbine core exhaust silencer.
Don't see myself outgrowing this baby. Hope I get to rider her more this summer
I love Ducati Monsters! I plan on getting an 09 696 dark some day.
Crazy story Terry. I'm happy you can still ride and enjoy yourself.
Anyway, I've been riding since I was 10 or 12 yrs old. I don't have any pictures of my old bikes, but this is my current bike
2004 CR125R two stroke, stock except for a FMF turbine core exhaust silencer.
Don't see myself outgrowing this baby. Hope I get to rider her more this summer
I love Ducati Monsters! I plan on getting an 09 696 dark some day.
Crazy story Terry. I'm happy you can still ride and enjoy yourself.
04-14-2009, 04:28 PM
#34
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I guess some people think scooters are :ghey:
but I'd love to have a Vespa GTS 300 in my garage as well. I went to Rome last year and saw all the crazy motorini (scooter riders) cutting through traffic. It looked dangerous, yet fun.
but I'd love to have a Vespa GTS 300 in my garage as well. I went to Rome last year and saw all the crazy motorini (scooter riders) cutting through traffic. It looked dangerous, yet fun.
04-14-2009, 04:45 PM
#35
The sizzle in the Steak
I dig Vespas......don't know if I'd ever want to buy one to ride....but I appreciate them.
04-14-2009, 06:07 PM
#36
In the Mid-South meow
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My first and only bike was a 1985 Honda VFR500 Interceptor. I bought it from a friend my sophmore year in college. Unfortunately after a month with it the engine took a crap and that was that. I ended up taking the engine out and sold the rolling frame and body work to get at least part of my investment back. The funniest part is a guy I knew found a used engine with low miles the day after I sold it. It was just the icing on the cake for a bad first bike experience. At least I had a blast with it when it ran. It was a pretty quick little bike for what it was. I only have pictures of it when I was disassembling it, but it looked just like this but completely white with side fairings covering the engine.
I've comptemplated getting another bike ever since, and nearly pulled the trigger on an older Ninja a few years ago, but things fell though. I would love to have a new gen Inteceptor some day, and being 6'3", as a tourer it would be a perfect fit. We'll see though, the wife isn't too keen on it. Sigh.
I've comptemplated getting another bike ever since, and nearly pulled the trigger on an older Ninja a few years ago, but things fell though. I would love to have a new gen Inteceptor some day, and being 6'3", as a tourer it would be a perfect fit. We'll see though, the wife isn't too keen on it. Sigh.
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ZhenyaF (08-11-2012)
04-16-2009, 07:55 PM
#40
Still not telling what it is? I kind of have an idea.
Terry
.Terry
