I want a motorcycle - Page 24

ceptimus · #**576** 07-04-2012, 03:07 PM

It's always best to do any firm acceleration or braking while you're going in a straight line. As you gain more experience you learn how much you can bend this rule - depending on the road surface and so on - sometimes, of course, you have no choice.

viscousmemories · #**577** 07-04-2012, 03:15 PM

This is a follow-up to the video I was referring to:

Road Work: Turning from a Stop - YouTube

viscousmemories · #**578** 07-09-2012, 01:35 AM

I found another really good video, this one about countersteering. I didn't really get it during training but now I understand. In the class they kept saying "SLiPpeR!" to remind us to enter a curve by slowing to a safe entry speed, looking where we want to go, pressing on the handlebar in the direction we want to go and rolling on the throttle once in the turn. But I didn't really understand that the idea was to press the handlebar so the wheel turns the other direction. I thought they just meant press downward thus turning the wheel into the turn. Anyway this video really clears it up.

How To Ride A Motorcycle - Countersteering And...

Oh, I also bought a new Harley on Saturday but I haven't picked it up yet. I'll post pics when I get it in a couple days but if you just can't wait it's a black 2010 Dyna Wide Glide with mostly stock parts so Google image search is your friend.

Ari · #**579** 07-09-2012, 04:38 AM

That video was rather slow and I watched the whole thing because it sounded like Homer Simpson teaching me to ride.

BrotherMan · #**580** 07-09-2012, 04:50 AM

viscousmemories · #**581** 07-10-2012, 03:36 PM

Say 'hello' to my little friend.

viscousmemories · #**582** 07-14-2012, 07:47 PM

I put about 25 miles on the bike today. It's still intimidating (55 mph is still my top speed) but I'm gradually getting more comfortable. I wanted to keep riding but the lesson I learned from the weekend I had the 650 is 4-5 hours on the bike = tailbone so sore 3 days later that I couldn't sit without pain for two days.

Clutch Munny · #**583** 07-15-2012, 04:44 AM

So... five days?

viscousmemories · #**584** 07-15-2012, 02:42 PM

lol... no, the pain presented 3 days later and lasted for 2.

Clutch Munny · #**585** 07-15-2012, 05:16 PM

Ah, gotcha. :thankee:

viscousmemories · #**586** 07-30-2012, 04:25 AM

I've put 823 miles on my bike in the three weeks since I bought it, mostly cruising around town. It's safe to say I'm addicted. Next weekend I'm going to ride to San Antonio for a mini-vacation.

Kyuss Apollo · #**587** 08-02-2012, 02:01 AM

Excellent! It's in your blood now.

I should be getting mine back soon. Lat st time I checked on it about a week ago, the engine was out, the starter was about to be diagnosed and parts ordered.

viscousmemories · #**588** 08-02-2012, 03:35 AM

Definitely in my blood. I figured I'd enjoy it but I didn't expect to like it so much I'm spending every free minute on it. I've driven my car only once or twice since I got the bike and quite frankly I didn't like it. Unfortunately I can't fit groceries on the bike!

Kyuss Apollo · #**589** 08-02-2012, 04:48 PM

Lack of storage is the only drawback.

And snow. Lack of storage and snow. Those are the two drawbacks.

The first summer I started riding I put 10k on a little Honda CL175--I couldn't keep off it!

In other news, when I get back later I am going to clean up these nameplates that go on each side of the motor on my 650 that's getting the starter repaired. While the engine's out of the bike I figure I might as well do some cosmetic detail work that is near impossible when the engine is in the the frame and behind the fairing. We're also going to take the valve covers off and clean those up too (and get the valves adjusted while their off).

"After" photos to follow.

Kyuss Apollo · #**590** 08-03-2012, 03:10 AM

The top one is about 40% done. I wet-sanded it with 600 grit paper, which is all I have laying around atm. It's a good start, though ideally I think starting with 400 then finishing with 1000 grit would have been better. Tomorrow I'll stop by Home Despot and pick up some of both.

After sanding I'll finish the clean-up with some aluminum mag-wheel polish, then touch up the background with some black enamel with a fine water-color brush. Then clearcoat it, so it should stay like new for a while. :yup:

livius drusus · #**591** 08-03-2012, 03:22 AM

Wow! That is a spectacular result already. :clap:

Dingfod · #**592** 08-24-2012, 06:57 AM

My knee is still borked, but not as bad as it once was, so I can ride. Here is my unnamed scoot sitting in my driveway.

nt700v.jpg

curses · #**593** 04-16-2013, 12:46 AM

Hello this old thrad. I am going to take the plunge. I have decided on getting a dual sport bike. I have a friend that does dirtbikes and she's helping me a bit but I wouldn't do anything in life without asking :ff:

first, duh.

So I've settled on a 350-400cc dual sport bike. I'm looking at Kawasaki and Suzuki. So far the Suzuki DR400 is winning. I am planning on buying used. I'm going for the thumpers so I can learn to work on the bike myself and apparently the one cylinder is the way to go. My budget will be $2000 or so.

So can anyone throw some advice or opinions my way? Both about bike and gear. I will go into a store to try everything on the first go but what (other than boots and helmet and prolly gloves) is essential? For a trail bike what other gear would you suggest?

Shelli · #**594** 04-16-2013, 02:42 AM

I'd be on my bike by now :motorcycleglomp:

but my subaru is currenrtly prohibiting it, along fro with the pick up ahead of it it :giggle:

from getting out of the garage. :sadcheer:

Dingfod · #**595** 04-16-2013, 03:57 AM

I've ridden my Honda NT700V to work a bunch of times in the past month. Three of those days I had no choice, and it was a bit nippy in the mornings.

viscousmemories · #**596** 04-16-2013, 04:14 AM

I'm planning to sell my Harley at a huge loss just to get out from under the note. It's just as well because I haven't really felt like riding since wiping out, and although it was great fun I'm pretty fond of all my limbs too.

BrotherMan · #**597** 04-16-2013, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curses

Hello this old thrad. I am going to take the plunge.

Thanks alot, curses. Now The Sounds of Silence is in my head.

ceptimus · #**598** 04-16-2013, 12:01 PM

@vm:

@curses: some of those single cylinder dual sport bikes have pretty tall saddles, so depending on how tall you are you may not be able to plant both feet firmly on the ground when you're at a standstill; more experienced riders can cope fine with just putting one foot down, but it makes learning more difficult and the possibility of dropping the bike greater.

I think besides the helmet, you don't really need any specific motorcycle gear - you just need a strong pair of boots or shoes and some good gloves - plus trousers and a jacket that will keep you warm enough. A jacket that zips up or buttons up tight is best, so that it doesn't flap around in the airstream.

For best protection, should you fall off (I hope not :crossed:

) then you want some proper motorcycle gloves and some boots that provide good ankle support. Dedicated motorcycle boots will do this, but they're not much good for just walking around in (and some have soles that will wear out quickly if used for walking), so I prefer to use regular hiking boots. Leather jackets and trousers give best protection when sliding down the road but are maybe not ideal when you're off the bike working, shopping or whatever.

If you want the 'dirt bike look' and go for an open-face helmet without a visor, then you'll need goggles, or at least some 'wrap around' glasses that keep most of the airstream clear of your eyes . Insects, bits of dust and just the wind itself are painful when you have no eye protection.

Are you looking at a bike with or with an electric start? Most of the road-legal thumpers have one nowadays though that does make them a bit heavier; starting a big single cylinder engine with just a kick start is something of an art form - at times a frustrating one!

You'll probably want some kind of additional lock for the bike. The best ones from a security point of view are heavy and a pain to carry around. If you regularly travel to the same place (work?) then you may be able to leave an additional strong chain lock there - around a lamp post or similar - and then you can chain the bike to it when you arrive. Disc locks that bolt through the disk brake are lighter to carry and better than nothing, but if you use one you must remember to take it off before riding away or you're going to damage the bike and maybe yourself too (this also applies if you use a chain or shackle lock just through the wheel spokes). I carry a clip with my disc lock: when I fit the lock, I put he clip over the ignition key slot as a reminder.

Clutch Munny · #**599** 04-16-2013, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viscousmemories

I'm planning to sell my Harley at a huge loss just to get out from under the note. It's just as well because I haven't really felt like riding since wiping out, and although it was great fun I'm pretty fond of all my limbs too.

I've never met your limbs, and so can't really be fond of them, but I am mightily pleased at the thought that they remain yours. Sell away.

curses · #**600** 04-16-2013, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceptimus

@vm:

@curses: some of those single cylinder dual sport bikes have pretty tall saddles, so depending on how tall you are you may not be able to plant both feet firmly on the ground when you're at a standstill; more experienced riders can cope fine with just putting one foot down, but it makes learning more difficult and the possibility of dropping the bike greater.

That's one of the reasons the Suzukis are so attractive to me, they're smaller bikes. I'm 5'8" so a taller saddle shouldn't be too much of an issue...

Quote:

For best protection, should you fall off (I hope not :crossed:

)

It happens to every rider at some point, I've resigned myself to learning how to fall correctly. I've been told there's a technique...

Quote:

If you want the 'dirt bike look' and go for an open-face helmet without a visor, then you'll need goggles, or at least some 'wrap around' glasses that keep most of the airstream clear of your eyes . Insects, bits of dust and just the wind itself are painful when you have no eye protection.

I've considered this route but I will be using it a bit to tool around town, I may end up with both helmets at some point.

Quote:

Are you looking at a bike with or with an electric start? Most of the road-legal thumpers have one nowadays though that does make them a bit heavier; starting a big single cylinder engine with just a kick start is something of an art form - at times a frustrating one!

Most of the bikes I've looked at have electric starts. I've watched a friend of mine with a big old Harley with a kickstart-no thanks.

Quote:

You'll probably want some kind of additional lock for the bike. The best ones from a security point of view are heavy and a pain to carry around. If you regularly travel to the same place (work?) then you may be able to leave an additional strong chain lock there - around a lamp post or similar - and then you can chain the bike to it when you arrive. Disc locks that bolt through the disk brake are lighter to carry and better than nothing, but if you use one you must remember to take it off before riding away or you're going to damage the bike and maybe yourself too (this also applies if you use a chain or shackle lock just through the wheel spokes). I carry a clip with my disc lock: when I fit the lock, I put he clip over the ignition key slot as a reminder.

Thanks for this, I hadn't started considering locks yet!