The Official Motorcycles/Scooters Thread
My R6 
05-16-2009, 09:24 PM
#124
I am going to get one of these a zuma 125
I currently have one of these a vino 125
I currently have one of these a vino 125
05-17-2009, 12:10 AM
#125
lowering
jb,just go ahead in lower your bike. you will feel so much more comfortable.
i lowered my cbr and am loving it. its true about the whole kickstand thing.
i need to look in to getting an aftermarket kickstand. just be aware of how you park your bike and you will be alright. soupys makes awesome lowering links. i
can adjust my height from stock to four inches. check out there website sometime. by the way im not sure how much mine is lowered,but i can put both feet flat and im 5'6 havent really noticed any difference in handling.
i lowered my cbr and am loving it. its true about the whole kickstand thing.
i need to look in to getting an aftermarket kickstand. just be aware of how you park your bike and you will be alright. soupys makes awesome lowering links. i
can adjust my height from stock to four inches. check out there website sometime. by the way im not sure how much mine is lowered,but i can put both feet flat and im 5'6 havent really noticed any difference in handling.
05-21-2009, 11:53 AM
#128
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ Nice Triumph
My R6 
05-21-2009, 01:10 PM
#131
AZ Community Team
85 Honda 500 Interceptor, 52K miles, stock except for Progressive Suspension Springs and 20W/30W shock fluids. First bike, bought it new, easy to ride up to 8/10. Maybe a 2007 CBR1000RR in the future.
My avatar is the motor upper crankcase when I rebuilt it. Nice bikes but they like to eat cams and followers.
05-21-2009, 03:57 PM
#133
AZ Community Team
Especially since the RCV212 went back to 16.5" wheels and a V4
05-26-2009, 12:38 PM
#135
AZ Community Team
05-26-2009, 12:58 PM
#137
There was four of us on those three bikes.
2004 Daytona 955i
2007 SV650
and my D675
All in all...a good ride. There is still a lot of snow up there and it got a little nippy in the higher elevation but no complaints...kept the bike running nice and cool
2004 Daytona 955i
2007 SV650
and my D675
All in all...a good ride. There is still a lot of snow up there and it got a little nippy in the higher elevation but no complaints...kept the bike running nice and cool
FML
05-29-2009, 03:24 PM
#141
Let me help the cruiser/sportbike balance:
I took MSF last July, got this bike - Vulcan 800 - in March and have been very addicted to riding ever since. I had to ride it today even with a threat of storms.
I took MSF last July, got this bike - Vulcan 800 - in March and have been very addicted to riding ever since. I had to ride it today even with a threat of storms.
05-29-2009, 03:50 PM
#142
I now drive an accord....
05-29-2009, 06:15 PM
#143
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ What's rain? 
05-29-2009, 07:32 PM
#144
Senior Moderator
Whoa...Jatt!
06-09-2009, 02:18 PM
#145
Well, took the bike on the Interstate for the first time today. That was fun. One thing I realized is that I need a windscreen if I plan on going on longer highway trips. Wind was brutal at 75 mph. On the way back I was merging, so I looked over my shoulder, rolled on the throttle... and whoa.... next thing I knew I hit 93 mph. Had to roll the throttle back a bit after I saw that 
I have an appointment with the dealer next week to do an oil change and check the fluid levels, etc. No one makes lowering links for my bike, but they said they can likely adjust the ride height a little bit by just adjusting the stock shock. If they can get half an inch I'll be golden. If not, no biggie b/c I am getting used to the height.
I have an appointment with the dealer next week to do an oil change and check the fluid levels, etc. No one makes lowering links for my bike, but they said they can likely adjust the ride height a little bit by just adjusting the stock shock. If they can get half an inch I'll be golden. If not, no biggie b/c I am getting used to the height.
06-09-2009, 02:46 PM
#146
The sizzle in the Steak
06-09-2009, 03:44 PM
#148
I came over to the motorcycle world just a couple weeks ago. I completed basic rider course and just purchased my first bike last friday.
I bought an '06 Suzuki Katana 600 with 900 miles on it. I went to the dealer to look at an '02 Triumph Sprint RS w/ 12k miles, but walked out with the Katana. $3600 OTD seemed to good to pass up.
I put on a couple hundred miles this weekend and can't wait to ride more. I still haven't mustered up the courage to take her on the highway, yet.
I wear gear everywhere except for my legs (jeans only) and reading page 2 is enough to make me go buy some riding pants, today.
Motorcycling, FTW. Wisconsin riding season, FTL.
06-09-2009, 04:20 PM
#149
^ Welcome!! 
FWIW, I did not go on the highway for about 14-15 months after I started riding. I wanted to make sure I was very comfortable before I did that. Also, I started on a Ninja 250 and I did not feel comfortable being on the highway with that bike. It's not an issue on the bike I have now.
Also, +1 on the riding pants. I went out and purchased the Icon Arc Mesh Overpants and I love them. I can wear shorts underneath, then just take the overpants off when I get to my destination. This way I'm protected when riding but comfortable when I am off the bike.
Welcome and remember, ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time)
FWIW, I did not go on the highway for about 14-15 months after I started riding. I wanted to make sure I was very comfortable before I did that. Also, I started on a Ninja 250 and I did not feel comfortable being on the highway with that bike. It's not an issue on the bike I have now.
Also, +1 on the riding pants. I went out and purchased the Icon Arc Mesh Overpants and I love them. I can wear shorts underneath, then just take the overpants off when I get to my destination. This way I'm protected when riding but comfortable when I am off the bike.
Welcome and remember, ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time)
06-09-2009, 04:28 PM
#151
Thanks.
Can you comment on the fitment of those pants? Did you buy a size or two up, or did you do as the disclaimer (below) says?
**Note: These pants are sized to fit as overpants. If you wear a size 34 pant, buy a size 34 ARC Mesh Overpant if you intend to wear them over your jeans. If you plan on running commando, buy a size 32.
Also, +1 on the riding pants. I went out and purchased the Icon Arc Mesh Overpants and I love them. I can wear shorts underneath, then just take the overpants off when I get to my destination. This way I'm protected when riding but comfortable when I am off the bike.
Can you comment on the fitment of those pants? Did you buy a size or two up, or did you do as the disclaimer (below) says?
**Note: These pants are sized to fit as overpants. If you wear a size 34 pant, buy a size 34 ARC Mesh Overpant if you intend to wear them over your jeans. If you plan on running commando, buy a size 32.
06-09-2009, 05:47 PM
#152
^ Actually I can b/c I have to return them. I'm typically a 31 or 32 waist depending on the fitment... and since i will be wearing them as overpants, I went with the 32 per that note. Turns out the 32 are way too long... so I am exchanging them for the size 30.
I guess I'm a 31 more then a 32... so I should have gone with the 30 from the beginning. Now that I know they have an adjustable waist/connection system I know I can fit into them whereas I usually cannot wear a 30 with most "regular" pants.
I guess I'm a 31 more then a 32... so I should have gone with the 30 from the beginning. Now that I know they have an adjustable waist/connection system I know I can fit into them whereas I usually cannot wear a 30 with most "regular" pants.
06-09-2009, 05:59 PM
#153
The sizzle in the Steak
Question: I see a lot of you guys mention being leary of riding your bikes on the highway.....why?
The highway is by far safer than city streets and canyons....I dunno why the "fear" or apprehension
The highway is by far safer than city streets and canyons....I dunno why the "fear" or apprehension
06-09-2009, 06:14 PM
#154
F1 cart racer
Just finished painting the whole bike nd going right through the whole thing....
all the fluids where flushed, radiator cleaned out....some repair work on the fairings and a total repaint of the whole bike. the bike was painted Mercedes Mars Red. alls thats left is wet sanding and buffing out the light orange peal.
going out on it the first time for this season, between school and work and trying to work on the bike i had no time and finally it's all done.
as far as highway driving....there is more cars all around you, people around me drive like idiots and do not pay attention...people merging into you without noticing you at all.
highways seem safer because there is no intersections however the amount of cars and speed can also get you in trouble. i much more rather be able to get a great feel of the bike around time at slower speeds then trying to bust down the highway at 75 and do a panic stop....not fun.
all the fluids where flushed, radiator cleaned out....some repair work on the fairings and a total repaint of the whole bike. the bike was painted Mercedes Mars Red. alls thats left is wet sanding and buffing out the light orange peal.
going out on it the first time for this season, between school and work and trying to work on the bike i had no time and finally it's all done.
as far as highway driving....there is more cars all around you, people around me drive like idiots and do not pay attention...people merging into you without noticing you at all.
highways seem safer because there is no intersections however the amount of cars and speed can also get you in trouble. i much more rather be able to get a great feel of the bike around time at slower speeds then trying to bust down the highway at 75 and do a panic stop....not fun.
06-09-2009, 06:20 PM
#155
The sizzle in the Steak
as far as highway driving....there is more cars all around you, people around me drive like idiots and do not pay attention...people merging into you without noticing you at all.
highways seem safer because there is no intersections however the amount of cars and speed can also get you in trouble. i much more rather be able to get a great feel of the bike around time at slower speeds then trying to bust down the highway at 75 and do a panic stop....not fun.
highways seem safer because there is no intersections however the amount of cars and speed can also get you in trouble. i much more rather be able to get a great feel of the bike around time at slower speeds then trying to bust down the highway at 75 and do a panic stop....not fun.
Bike is more stable at higher speed....no cross traffic on the highway...more escape routes on the highway. Highway is by far a safer place to ride.
06-09-2009, 06:20 PM
#156
It can be safer, but it can also be much more dangerous. Higher speeds means any little mistake is amplified. You have to contend with idiot drivers at much higher speeds. Not to mention trucks. Ever been blown around in a car when an 18-wheeler blows by you at 80mph? Now imagine being on a motorcycle when that happens. Be prepared to hold on. Plus, at the higher speeds you have a much stronger wind hitting your body, which makes it harder to move your head to check for cars, etc. Just as with a car, the faster you go, the more "difficult" it is to drive. Except on a bike, going down at 35mph and going down at 75mph can mean the difference between being injured and being killed.
Plus, for me, I was not comfortable going on the highway with my 250. The RPMs at 75 mph would already be high and there was not much power left in the bike for me to accelerate out of trouble. On my 1000... I do not have to worry about that. I've been confident enough with my riding skills to go on a highway for a few months now... but was not confident with my bike until now. Even so, I've only put about 100 miles on the new bike, so I am still adjusting to it and the interstate is not the best place to get comfortable with a new bike...
06-09-2009, 06:24 PM
#157
Ever have a 6500 pound SUV mommy-mobile with mommy on the cell phone merge into you almost into you at 75 mph? I haven't, but know friends who have. One went down due to a variety of factors (traffic conditions, overcompensated on brakes and locked them, etc). Luckily he was going slower before he went down, and he went down on grass... so injuries were minimal, but the bike was totaled.
Woman didn't even stop... likely never even saw him.
Woman didn't even stop... likely never even saw him.
06-09-2009, 06:31 PM
#158
Oh and things like this too
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=103
It's a lot to think about when learning to ride...
https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...&postcount=103
It's a lot to think about when learning to ride...
06-09-2009, 06:35 PM
#159
The sizzle in the Steak
First question back would be... when you were learning to drive, were you out on the highway almost immediately learning? Probably not... you likely learned to drive at lower speeds. Second question would be...are you a rider? I think you are, so surprised at the question. Other questions would be... have you ever been on a 400 pound motorcycle with other vehicles weighing anywhere from 2500 to tens of thousands of pounds manuvering near and around you, within feet of you and your bike at 70-80 mph after only owning the bike for a short time?
It can be safer, but it can also be much more dangerous. Higher speeds means any little mistake is amplified. You have to contend with idiot drivers at much higher speeds. Not to mention trucks. Ever been blown around in a car when an 18-wheeler blows by you at 80mph? Now imagine being on a motorcycle when that happens. Be prepared to hold on. Plus, at the higher speeds you have a much stronger wind hitting your body, which makes it harder to move your head to check for cars, etc. Just as with a car, the faster you go, the more "difficult" it is to drive. Except on a bike, going down at 35mph and going down at 75mph can mean the difference between being injured and being killed.
Plus, for me, I was not comfortable going on the highway with my 250. The RPMs at 75 mph would already be high and there was not much power left in the bike for me to accelerate out of trouble. On my 1000... I do not have to worry about that. I've been confident enough with my riding skills to go on a highway for a few months now... but was not confident with my bike until now.
It can be safer, but it can also be much more dangerous. Higher speeds means any little mistake is amplified. You have to contend with idiot drivers at much higher speeds. Not to mention trucks. Ever been blown around in a car when an 18-wheeler blows by you at 80mph? Now imagine being on a motorcycle when that happens. Be prepared to hold on. Plus, at the higher speeds you have a much stronger wind hitting your body, which makes it harder to move your head to check for cars, etc. Just as with a car, the faster you go, the more "difficult" it is to drive. Except on a bike, going down at 35mph and going down at 75mph can mean the difference between being injured and being killed.
Plus, for me, I was not comfortable going on the highway with my 250. The RPMs at 75 mph would already be high and there was not much power left in the bike for me to accelerate out of trouble. On my 1000... I do not have to worry about that. I've been confident enough with my riding skills to go on a highway for a few months now... but was not confident with my bike until now.
Ever have a 6500 pound SUV mommy-mobile with mommy on the cell phone merge into you almost into you at 75 mph? I haven't, but know friends who have. One went down due to a variety of factors (traffic conditions, overcompensated on brakes and locked them, etc). Luckily he was going slower before he went down, and he went down on grass... so injuries were minimal, but the bike was totaled. Woman didn't even stop... likely never even saw him.
Been in many close calls too.
Perhaps it's California...but freeway/highway riding is the "norm".
Over all my years and miles of riding I've had far fewer "close calls" on the highway versus the streets.....by a longshot.
Now I'm not talking about spliting lanes on the freeway when traffic is pretty much at a dead stop.....that's an entirely different issue.
Ever go into a corner on a canyon twisty and hit gravel....and before you know it you are watching your bike slide away from you while you are on your backside?
I have.....the roadrash was fantastic!I stand by my opinion...as for the opinion of a lot of the guys & friends I have ridden with over the years: highway is much safer.
I will say that the highway is Boooooooooooring!
Backroads and canyons FTW
EDIT: ...and the stats IIRC are 70% of bike accidents are vehicle to vehicle.....majority occuring on city streets versus highway.
Last edited by Moog-Type-S; 06-09-2009 at 06:39 PM.
06-09-2009, 06:43 PM
#160
Overall I agree with the fact that the highway should be statistically safer... but you asked the question to people who are new/newish to riding which is what didn't make sense to me.
I don't know of any riders who started out on the highway. They learned to ride at lower speeds and once they were confident with the basics of riding and comfortable with their bikes they then started riding at higher speeds and riding on interstates, etc.
I don't know of any riders who started out on the highway. They learned to ride at lower speeds and once they were confident with the basics of riding and comfortable with their bikes they then started riding at higher speeds and riding on interstates, etc.