| Author | Message | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1025 Registered: 10-2003 |
I got my first "loud suit" a few weekends ago (not an Aerostich, but an Olympia), and love that the lane incursions have gone from several a day to nil. Of course, I still ride like I'm invisible (because I am, high-viz or not), which is the only way to really take any kind of control over whether I live or die, if/when it happens and how painful or messy it will be. Do you wear a loud suit? Post pics if you've got 'em! This pic was taken in Windsor, Ontario, the day I got my loud suit from BMW of SE Michigan in Detroit. I took the bridge over to Canada to visit with my brother and his wife, who was performing that weekend with the Windsor Symphony (and she is a BMW R1100R rider). John  | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1184 Registered: 10-2002 |
I once had a ski outfit that colour ;-) graeme | ||
| jack
Intermediate Member Username: jack Post Number: 155 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hey, nice suit! Is that an Olympic? | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1026 Registered: 10-2003 |
"Hey, nice suit! Is that an Olympic?" ;) That was inevitable, yet I did not see it coming! | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 264 Registered: 6-2002 |
Good job on the suit! Anything that'll help us four-wheelers see you guys is a good idea. Back in the 70's, I had the displeasure of seeing a cyclist get knocked off a bike and go skidding across three lanes of oncoming traffic. Miraculously, he wasn't hit by any more cars than the original one. Take it easy, and play on! | ||
| keith_h
Senior Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 775 Registered: 2-2005 |
I think you need to get a new helmet to match the suit. ;-) Keith | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 401 Registered: 11-2005 |
.....turn the volume down man!!!! BTW, what does a quiet suit look like? | ||
| j_gary
Advanced Member Username: j_gary Post Number: 249 Registered: 6-2005 |
Hey John, looks like a smart purchase. I don't know, I was at bike week this year and saw primarily tatoos and skin. Hell's Angels were dressed in some interesting "colors" which was nice. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1613 Registered: 3-2004 |
That's the only color helmet I've worn for the past six or eight years. I am in total agreement with your choice! It looks like you could use a little more color on the back end of your bike. All of those black saddlebags block a lot of suit visibility. Get some matching stickers for the top box, maybe some retro-reflectives, and add to your visibility even more. -bob | ||
| adriaan
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 1481 Registered: 6-2002 |
I've been driving a car for nearly two years now, and I must say the comments made by the two-wheel drivers on these threads have helped my awareness. There was a comment recently about how you will see only you what you're expecting to see, and that most car drivers expect to see other cars on the road, not bikes. Hopefully loud suits will help in that respect. Now for some unfounded statistics ... Percentage-wise, there are probably as many careless bikers as there are careless drivers. But if you put this in numbers of people actually on the road, then a careful biker's chances of colliding with a careless driver are much higher than a careless driver's chances of colliding with any kind of biker. (Message edited by adriaan on June 01, 2007) | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1187 Registered: 10-2002 |
I cycle to work 3 out of 5 days and ride fully expecting to be knocked off at any moment. Makes me a bit slower but alot safer. I also wear dayglo yellow cycling tops and bright red lycra shorts. Not a pretty sight but at least the motorists notice me;-) Graeme | ||
| georgie_boy
Advanced Member Username: georgie_boy Post Number: 238 Registered: 8-2005 |
I'll refrain from comments here Graeme until I see you next. Must take a strong stomach as a motorist though to see that first thing in the morning. Hasve a good day buddy LOLx2 G | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1188 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ok. 16 stones in Lycra might be offputting but at least I'm visible ;-) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1027 Registered: 10-2003 |
I've been reading lately that a white helmet is actually more visible than a high-viz yellow helmet, in terms of seeing what the helmet is doing. It seems the high-viz is best at letting someone know you're *there*, and a white helmet lets them see that you're moving your head to check lanes and such. I find that interesting. I've got lots of retro-reflective on the panniers, and they really light-up at night or in front of daytime running-lights. I've got to do something about that black top-box though. Things don't stick to it very well. Perhaps a piece of retro-reflective over the top of the existing reflector wouldn't be a bad idea. A percentage of folks look at me like I'm retarded when I don the suit, but they do see me. Other cyclists either give me a thumbs-up or look the other way. Most people just say something on the order of "that looks hot", to which I reply with something like "not as hot as a skin graft" (said with a smile) or "Thanks.." (with a Leisure Suit Larry delivery).. ;) Interestingly, the suit is much cooler than the mesh jacket/pants I am used to wearing, even just standing around (because of the reflective bright color), and at speed the ventilation is almost cold at 85 degrees (no joke)... Jacko, we're ready for our stomach test... You need to post pics!  John (Message edited by 811952 on June 01, 2007) | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1190 Registered: 9-2002 |
The unfortunate truth: Ride a blacked-out bike, wear all black (don't forget that silly black half-helmet), ride like a fool (or drunk/stoned) and don't drive defensively? Make sure your will is done, and be good to the family and have lots of life insurance. Or . . . make your first bike a Hayabusa or R1 or GSX, etc. This is proof as to how difficult it is to have people committed to a mental facility, but how easy it is to go to the Emergency Room. Though in a sick way, it's funny to watch a high side in the parking lot right after they handed you the keys to your new bike. Wheelies on the Interstate? Right . . . You have to ride like your life depends on it . . because it does. ANYTHING you can do to bring the odds in your favor needs to be done post-haste. DON'T buy too much bike till you can handle it. MAKE yourself more visible. Ride like every other s-o-b on the road is out to kill you, because mostly, THEY ARE. Be smart, don't paint yourself in a corner, don't 'stick it up in there' like they say in racing unless you have an easy out. Olie's harpooning by a nitwit really brought this home to me. BE CAREFUL out there, OK? I got enough to worry about already . . . . J o e y | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 655 Registered: 6-2002 |
You know Joey, I love my Hayabusa too much to put her at risk. It's VERY tempting to let her run wild on the highway. But there's just too much to lose for a moment of stupidity. There are a few local racetracks I'm considering taking her to. I'll just call it dating for now ;) My Baby:   She's my 4th. After first setting eyes on her, I vowed to make her THE ONE. A lady deserves respect. This one is guaranteed to have the last word, so I don't argue with her! Rami ;) | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1618 Registered: 3-2004 |
It's almost as bad when someone with a couple years of experience sells their Radian for a Hayabusa or other high horsepower machine. They figure they're pretty good and they know how to ride. In reality, the same twist of the wrist that gets you some decent acceleration on your 600 will put the front wheel of a modern 1200+ monster in the air quicker than you could imagine. Whatever you ride, always approach an unfamiliar bike with caution and respect until you get the feel for it. I like to start with a cautious ride to an open parking lot and then put myself through some mini-MSF drills to get the low speed handling down first. You can also play with the <30 MPH acceleration/deceleration and handling. Then we go out on the highway at a low traffic time and get a feel for the bike at speed. Understand your 40 to 80 MPH acceleration and deceleration rates for passing and maneuvering. At that point, I start to feel comfortable about riding in traffic. Road rash sliding down the highway sounds like a drag. So does the repair cost of all that plastic... -bob | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 656 Registered: 6-2002 |
I've been quite lucky never to have had any major incidents in my 20+ years riding sportbikes. I suppose the older you get the less risks you're willing to take for a quick thrill. I don't even take her out at night! Since I got her last October, she only has 800km on the odometer. She has another 800km left to complete the break-in. The very thought of her getting all scratched up hurts like road rash (which by the way - I've experienced several times cycling, but never motorcycling). Rami | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1032 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rami, that's one gorgeous ride! If not for long distance travelling on the interstate, I think I'd have a ton of fun on something like a KLX 250. John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 657 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks John. She's a 2006 Limited Edition. I first saw her at the motorcycle show in February 2006. I never thought I'd actually find one on a dealer showroom. It really was love at first sight. I wasn't intending to buy another motorcycle, but when I found myself visiting her every other day, it just HAD to happen. I still spend more time admiring her than actaully riding her. So the thought of putting her at risk... It ain't gonna happen. She's a keeper ;) Rami (Message edited by rami on June 02, 2007) | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1619 Registered: 3-2004 |
Man, bikes are for riding. I road my ST1300 home 55 miles from the showroom in late February '03 (in New England). By Labor Day, she was ready for her 16K mile service. Worst case, give her a monthly spin and annual service to preserve all the rubber parts and keep things from drying out! | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 658 Registered: 6-2002 |
I try to take her out at least once a week. Usually 100 -200 km rides. I don't like riding with other bikers or stopping at various gatherings. I enjoy her most on twisting, winding back roads or the open highway. She's definitely meant to move. She also happens to look great doing it. Rami | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1192 Registered: 9-2002 |
But Rami, you said the magic words: 'She's my FOURTH bike'. And you obviously have much respect for the warp-drive behind that throttle. It's unfortunate how many H-Bombs are bought as FIRST bikes, as terrifying as that sounds. J o e y | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 659 Registered: 6-2002 |
That's very true Joey. Youth, testosterone, and high horsepower are a dangerous mixture. Almost every other day I hear about another tragedy involving fast cars and/or motorcycles. I started riding dirt and dual purpose bikes at 16. Surviving on a high powered bike into your 40's and beyond is truly a credit to experience and wisdom. Knowing when NOT to pull that trigger. A powerful bike will definitely have the last word. Rami | ||
| 82daion
Junior Username: 82daion Post Number: 32 Registered: 5-2005 |
That Hayabusa is a beautiful machine, Rami. And that suit is quite becoming, John. ;) I've always wanted to try riding, but I've already got an automotive project going, and between that, college, and the Series I that's in my near future, it's probably not something I'll get into for a while. :D (Message edited by 82Daion on June 02, 2007) | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 450 Registered: 11-2004 |
Chris, Have you decided to go for the Series I? Did you get a chance to play that superfilter equipped bass? | ||
| 82daion
Junior Username: 82daion Post Number: 33 Registered: 5-2005 |
Toby, I haven't played the superfilter bass, but after some deep thought on the subject, that bass probably isn't the right one for me-there's just too much going on with it electronically, and the fact that it needs some neck work to be fully playable is a bit of a turnoff. I'd have to revamp my rig to make using it practical. Unless I'm offered a great price on the superfilter bass, the Series I is probably my best bet right now. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 451 Registered: 11-2004 |
Chris, Fair enough- They're both lovely and I love the lacewood on the Series I (and the back lam is drop dead gorgeous). Sorry for the hijack....bikers ride on!! BTW: I commute on my bike (pedal version) about 80% of the time. I don't wear flourescent, but I have a VERY yellow Cannondale Epic jacket that makes me mighty visible. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1033 Registered: 10-2003 |
Why, thank you, Chris! ;) Yesterday I picked up a pair of custom molded earplugs to wear when I ride or use the chainsaw. They match the suit, but are the opposite of loud! Rami, it definitely figures that someone that suffers from Multiple Bass Syndrome as badly as you, would also be afflicted with Multiple Bike Syndrome. What else ya got? John | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 455 Registered: 11-2004 |
John, How much do the earplugs block when you're on the bike? I recently got a little iPod nano and I started wearing it while I was pedaling my way to work- I kept the volume really low so that I could still hear traffic - the music was just audible- and yet I only lasted about a week. I stopped wearing it because I just didn't feel as safe with my hearing reduced. I've been commuting on my bike for abour 15 years and have been dumped off my bike 3 times (and just avoided countless other mishaps)- I've found my ears to be as valuable as my eyes for avoiding death-by-auto. As much as I liked listening to the Brothers Johnson while I climbed the big hills on the way to work, I just couldn't get comfortable with reducing my sense of hearing while out in traffic. Toby | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1621 Registered: 3-2004 |
The sound of pedaling isn't bad. The sound of a big bike engine, on the other hand, needs taming on longer rides. If I'm commuting, I usually don't bother, but on 300-1200 mile day trips, they're a necessity. | ||
| tbrannon
Senior Member Username: tbrannon Post Number: 456 Registered: 11-2004 |
I figured as much about the noise, but am still curious to see how you bikers feel about losing a certain percentage of hearing- I guess the full face bike helmets reduce sound anyway? My motorbike ignorance is shining isn't it? =) | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1034 Registered: 10-2003 |
To be truthful, hearing protection of any kind lowers the level of everything enough that I can discern sounds far better than without. On my KLR, at speed, wind noise and the tires are the loudest continuous sounds. Without the plugs, I get ear-fatigue in a matter of minutes and have a difficult time identifying new and/or different sounds in my environment. With the plugs I can still hear the whine of the tires and the buffeting of the wind, but I can also hear other traffic (and identify it as such aurally), and since the volume is so much lower I can hear subtle changes and direct my vigilance accordingly. And my ears don't ring after I ride. Now, as for iPods and such, those ARE dangerous, due to the fact that they mask other sounds in the environment. 1200 mile day trips? bsee, you must have an iron butt! John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 660 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hey John, She's the only one. I wasn't intending to buy another bike, but one day I happened by a local Suzuki dealer and there she was. I couldn't take my eyes off her - it was love at first sight. I made every possible arguement NOT to buy her, but emotion won out over common sense. Rami | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1622 Registered: 3-2004 |
On occasion. I've done about a half dozen days above 1K. A couple noteworthy, but most just to get to someplace fun. Lisa and I went on a "family vacation" a couple years ago averaging 600 miles per day two up for a week. Took a winding trip from MA down to Pensacola, across to New Orleans and up to Memphis before racing home over 36 hours in chilly weather ahead of a big storm. The bike, setup and maintenance make a huge difference. The right suit is and clothing underneath are also critical. I ride an ST1300. Reliable, smooth and reasonably comfortable. Wind blast or engine vibration will really shorten your riding day. Some guys, mostly in the west or southwest, do 1500 mile days, but they can average over 90 out there in the desert. 14 hour days are really my practical limit for riding, but I've stretched it to 18 a couple times when there was no plan to follow it up. | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 267 Registered: 6-2002 |
My bike: Raleigh SC200, top speed 40MPH down a steep hill and pedaling like crazy. Helmet - YES, iPod - NFW, I have to be able to hear.  | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1623 Registered: 3-2004 |
Reid, I'd be impressed if that thing could do 40 without going off a cliff. Absent a hi-tech Lance Armstrong time trial suit, there's an awful lot of wind resistance to overcome. 45 on a race bike is tough to hit without something to cut the wind in front of you. | ||
| bracheen
Senior Member Username: bracheen Post Number: 1218 Registered: 11-2003 |
John I sure wasn't expecting a Leisure Suit Larry reference. Well done. Sam | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1036 Registered: 10-2003 |
Man, I used to LOVE riding pedal bikes! Now my back and knees give me fits.  Nice Bike! | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1037 Registered: 10-2003 |
Leisure Suit Larry was my first ever video game (before that it was basic games on a TeleType, and some Fortran), played on a CompuColor box my brother owned back in the late '70s or early '80s (it's all a nice blur to me now). Good times for sure.. ;) John | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2131 Registered: 9-2003 |
For all the bikers (or wannabees) out there, as an MSF RiderCoach, I'd recommend the following to save your bacon out on the street: Take an MSF (or equivalent, like Team Oregon) Experienced/Advanced Rider Course every two years and/or everytime you get a new bike. This will help keep your skill set full and fairly sharp. Statistics show a disproportionate amount of riders crashing on new and/or unfamiliar bikes. I'd also HIGLY RECOMMEND the Ride Like A Pro video series and classes (ridelikeapro.com) for those with less than stellar low speed M/C control. Jerry "Motorman" Palladino will have you being the boss of your hoss in no time flat. Practice, practice, practice. You can't be a good musician without practice and you certainly can't be a good rider without practicing as well. Your skills are perishable, so use 'em or lose 'em! Read/view everything you can about motorcycle safety. The more you know, the better it gets (sorry MSF, LOL!)! SEE AND BE SEEN. Use your eyes and gray matter to scan agressively for potential risk hazards (don't forget your mirrors and head checks as well) and let people know you're there! Ride like you're invisible, because you are! Get your head and eyes up and look as far ahead as possible when riding. Look for anything that'll ruin your day. Formulate a plan on how to deal with those problems and have an escape plan. Don't forget to TURN YOUR HEAD! I guarantee the car/truck/etc. that kills you WILL BE the one you didn't bother to turn your head to see! Wear bright, retro-reflective equipped personal protective gear. Dress for the ride (comfort), not the crash, by utilizing properly designed safety std.-conforming protective gear. Avoid impaired or distracted riding. The effects of Alcohol, drugs (prescription, OTC or illicit) are, of course well kown and N/G for a rider. ANYTHING that says "DO NOT operate heavy machinery" or "May cause drowsiness" are to be avoided like the plague if you're gonna ride (i.e., OTC cough suppressants, allergy/cold meds, etc.). Hunger, dehydration, hypo/hyperthermia, fatigue, illness/sickness, need to urinate/defacate, anger, depression, worry, etc., accomplish the same thing...they're all distractions and/or impairments. Keep your mind clear and free from impairment and distractions. If you're thinking about ANYTHING other than your task at hand (i.e., riding) DON"T RIDE! Take the car or get a ride instead! That is all (for now), LOL! Rubber Side Down, Kevin (Message edited by kmh364 on June 04, 2007) (Message edited by kmh364 on June 04, 2007) | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1624 Registered: 3-2004 |
All truth, Kevin. Several of those items can creep up on you on longer rides. With the wind chill at speeds over 40 MPH, temps only need be under 60F to have an impact. A couple hours in cruise mode on the highway, especially with sub-standard gloves, and your fingers might not work so well to brake and clutch when it's time to stop. You have to find ways to stretch and stay loose while riding so that everything works when you are called upon to maneuver to avoid trouble. Surprises on a motorcycle are almost universally a bad thing. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2132 Registered: 9-2003 |
Agreed. The MSF BRC manual states that @ 55-60MPH a 60F ambient becomes 38F! I find that with my carpal tunnel, cubital syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, etc that I suffer from in both hands/wrists/arms, I can barely operate the clutch and other hand controls due to pain and or loss of strength when I get chilled. I can only ride for extended perods when it's less than 50-60F ambient if I have my Gerbings/H-D heated gloves on. It s*cks to get old, LOL! FWIW, I taught a BRC in Rutgers-Livingston Campus this weekend, and Sat's weather was appalling blazing sun, >90F temps and 100% humidity made for a day as bad as any I've experienced in July/Aug in Joisey. Add the asphalt temps on the range that are 20-30F warmer and you'll get the picture. I had a 2-pill migraine (Zomig brand Zolmatriptan 5-mg ea.) when I normally take 1/2pill, and I never kicked the migraine...it lasted until Sun AM. I took the truck with the A/C all weekend. I know not to take the bike when I'm sick...I've got 22yrs and LOTS of safe bike miles under my belt and I've suffered life-long from migraineur. MOS: Know yourself and know when NOT to ride! | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 148 Registered: 10-2006 |
Several people have mentioned the dangers of riding impaired - on this I fully concur (and, unfortunately, I can show you the roadrash scars to back it up - sunny day + new bike + hot chick to show off for + wasted = stupid. Not my best day). Something else I feel needs mentioning, however, is NEVER ride in polarized sunglasses - the same thing that takes the glare out snow also takes it out of oil, so you don't realize it's oil until you're kissing it (for that one, I submit my crooked nose as exhibit A). Peter | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1209 Registered: 12-2002 |
Damn this is one Badass bike!  | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1039 Registered: 10-2003 |
The polarized glasses thing doesn't get talked about much. That's definitely good information to have! John | ||
| rraymond
Advanced Member Username: rraymond Post Number: 269 Registered: 6-2002 |
Alright Bob, how about 30MPH down a steep hill, pedaling like crazy, and with a couple of saddle bags full of rocks! LOL! John, I loved that bike from the first ride. It's like having a license to be a kid again! | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 661 Registered: 6-2002 |
She's all original. I added the optional two tone gel seat and the chromed Hayabusa tire valve caps. All original Suzuki parts. I thought about an aftermarket exhaust, but I REALLY dig it's natural, original GROWL. Very sweet tone - sort of like a fretless Excel! ;) Rami | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1040 Registered: 10-2003 |
Sort of like an Excel? I can practically hear it now... How do you like the gel seat? I've heard excellent reports and I've heard horror stories about them. There would seem to be little consensus (kind of like which body style is best!)... ;) John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 662 Registered: 6-2002 |
It's firmer than the original seat - which I like. It also has the Hayabusa logo embossed on it. The silver portion fits nicely with the silver flames and the silver wheels. Really cool. It adds a touch more style to an already very stylish bike...... - ok, I admit it; I bought the bike for its looks. But it's not a case of style over substance, one twist of the throttle makes that point very quickly! Rami | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1041 Registered: 10-2003 |
They are indeed a lovely machine! I did see a guy ride one to a biker rally I played at last summer, and the parking lot was gravel and grass. He had one heck of a time with traction-control on the marbles, what with all that torque and all that braking power plus the heads-down position and track tires, but he didn't drop it! John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 663 Registered: 6-2002 |
If he would have dropped it, I bet you'd have heard him cussing and crying OVER the sound of the band! I know I would - that's why I don't take unecessary risks with her on the road. She's just too pretty to get hurt. How can you not love a face like this?  ;) Rami (Message edited by rami on June 05, 2007) | ||
| byoung
Senior Member Username: byoung Post Number: 673 Registered: 12-2004 |
Mmmm... Hayabusa. Saw one while I still had my Trans Am. I blipped the throttle, 60MPH roll, and you can guess the outcome. They are very, very fast. Of course, this might make you think twice. One of these days, I'm going to own a car that fast. Probably right after I get over my bass habit. Bradley | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 150 Registered: 10-2006 |
I dunno - my old knees hurt just looking at that riding position. Feet first for me, thanks. Peter | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1043 Registered: 10-2003 |
That feet-first position kills my lower back. I don't know how you guys can sit like that all day. I've never ridden a "sport" type of bike, but it seems equally painful for me and my bad back just sitting on one. The KLR, VStrom and BMW GS bikes' upright seating is about perfect for me, other than the extra airflow at speed.. John | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1625 Registered: 3-2004 |
Personally, I wish someone would make a light version of a Wing. Nice seating position, comfortable pillion seat and some weather protection. Don't need an 1800, a 1000-1300cc engine would be fine. For some reason, engine sizes have gone up in spite of improved power and efficiency. It's overkill. Until then, it's the sport tourer that is the closest compromise. In spite of "sport" in the name, many tend to sit relatively neutral or can be modified to do so. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2133 Registered: 9-2003 |
Rami: Nice bike! You're a better man than me. My weak back, bad joints and arm/hand/wrist problems preclude sport bikes for this biker. I'd love one, especially a Duc 1098S, but I can't see the serious outlay of dosh for something I'd be in agony riding for more than 15mins. at a time. Enjoy her in good health. Peter: Good point! "Tinted" eye protection certainly helps during bright sunny and/or overcast, days. Try to avoid wearing ridiculously dark tints and/or polorized stuff...you miss more than you think. You don't wanna be wearing them as it gets dark either, LOL! Personally, I use "changeable" photochromic lenses in my eyewear. I prefer the Panoptx "windproof" speed-rated eyewear line. They make different models for specific action sports (i.e., Motorcycling, skiing, shooting, etc), are available in Rx, have proper anatomical ergonomics (each model was based on a different head mold shape for near-custom fit for most head/face shapes), and were designed by an eye Dr. to eliminate tearing and minimize fatigue due to motion/wind. I have two pairs of the Cyclone model and one pair of the Diablo model. They are identical, save the Diablo has removable eye cups (foam eye surrounds), and the Cyclone's are fixed. I have the older "Varia" photochromic lenses in the Cyclone, and the new Day/Night lenses in the Diablo. Think wrap-around wayfairer-style sunglasses, but with foam orbital seals for wind/dirt/debris protection. They aren't cheap, but neither is anything else that's good: http://www.panoptx.com Technically, it's against the law in most states to utilize "tinted" eye protection after dark. I do wear them because the aforementioned stuff turns clear or nearly clear at night and tends to reduce glare and increase clarity for me. Bob: You're right. Your only alternative is a ST, but they tend to be less appointed and less comfortable. Luggage space is less, and no smooth opposed flat six option exists in that segment. Honda ST-1300 aside, you can get a LOT of options on the Beemers, and Yamaha and Guzzi offer quite a bit in the way of same as well. Still, I think you're right on the money. IMHO, Honda would probably sell more ST's if it was more like a "baby" GL than the current ST-1300. Personally, I don't so much mind the heft and size of the Wing. I do mind the extremely restrictive leg room due to the intrusion of the lower fairing and the engine cyl. heads. This causes my bad knees to ache...I need the freedom of legroom to allow multiple positions and leg stretch and the comfort of boards as opposed to pegs. I also loathe the linked brakes and am not a fan of ABS as well. Try trailbraking the rear at extremely low speeds to see what I mean. Looks aside (they are subjective, right?), a bike that huge should have more luggage room as well, no? Cheers, Kevin | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1044 Registered: 10-2003 |
I recently bought a pair of prescription-lens Panoptx Diablo in the amber tint. Nice glasses! I would have loved to have gotten the photochromatics, but they were just awfully, painfully expensive. John | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2134 Registered: 9-2003 |
John: Wow! An extra $100 for the Rx!!! I though mine were expensive. They've gone up terribly since '01/'02. I paid around $185 for the Varia-equipped Cyclone, which was a 9/11/01 commemorative limited ed. with the US Flag speeeding into flames on the earpieces. They donated money to FDNY/NYPD for each sale and they were at least $50 more than the 9/11 SE Cyclones with reg (non-photochromic) lenses. Now the Diablo is $250 in just plain "black chrome" with the photochromic lenses ($350 for Rx!!!)...$25 less for the non-removable eyecup Cyclones. FWIW, I think the replacement eyecup seals were $20 ea. for the Diablo (I bought two). My Varia Cyclones need some TLC..the Panoptx emblems keep falling out on the range (they need glue)...Panoptx sends 'em for free...and the foam is getting long in the tooth. I scratched a lens by dropping it on the range so they could us replacement as well. Don't know if Varias are NLA or not. AFAIK, the foam replace and the lens replace are $50 ea. plus S&H to and $8 S&H from. To make you sick, I bought the other pair of Cyclones (also 9/11 SE) @ Sturgis last year as a close-out for around $60 new with a case and mf cloth! They are the best, though, IMHO. Cheers, Kevin Yeah, I know, I know...Why am I wearing a irreplaceable set of $200 eyewear on an MSF Range? I love 'em and I wear 'em around my neck on the supplied Panoptx neckstrap (gaiter). | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2135 Registered: 9-2003 |
Couple of things more for all bikers: 1) Do yourself (and your loved ones) a huge favor and get a subscription to Motorcycle Consumer news. It's a no-nonsense TILIS black and white newsletter style mag with NO advertising accepted. They review everything and tell you EVERYTHING, good and bad. Their website features a good blog...lot's of MSF RC"s belong and/or subscribe. It has lots of safety articles, bike/accesorie/gear reviews & buyers guides, Blue Book values, medical tips, riding tips, etc. It's expensive, but WELL worth it. Highly Recommended! http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/ 2) If you like your stock and/or aftermarket seat's looks but find it too soft and/or unsupportive for extended-ride comfort, ck out the Pro Pad. You can get universal fit external seat cushions in multiple sizes (velour or leather covers) or have a Pro Pad insert put inside your seat. Each has their own proprietary polymer gel-like material which does not get hot/cold during temp changes nor does it leak. I had both rider and pillion pads expertly installed by ProPad in my Road King Classic Touring Seat at the Sturgis Rally last year and it made a world of difference. The seat (from the H-D P&A catalogue is NLA...I have a new spare) looks the sh*t on the bike, but was too soft for serious long-distance riding. Not anymore! You can't tell it's there by looking, but your dupa knows! They have custom complete leather seats (cyclopedic) with the pads installed for Harley baggers as well http://www.thepropad.com/ | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1046 Registered: 10-2003 |
Excellent stuff, Kevin! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2136 Registered: 9-2003 |
You're welcome, John. FWIW I mentioned RLAP, here's the link: http://ridelikeapro.com/ Motorman's got a new Dragon (Deal's Gap) DVD as well as touring and Police Motor Rodeo DVD's along with the instructional stuff. Jerry and his wife Donna are tops! Ck out their site...they may be coming to a town near you. Their riding demo's are not to be missed! | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 151 Registered: 10-2006 |
Today on the way home I was behind a couple of bikes, and was reminded of a way to greatly increase your rear visibility. Get a bottle of Testor's Gloss White model paint (I disremember the color number). Take off your taillight lens & paint the silver reflector white. When it's dry, reassemble and be amazed at how much brighter it is - instead of a few weak red dots, that sucker will light up like a freakin' jack-o-lantern! (I thought of this because it was obvious the gentlemen in front of me hadn't done it.) Peter | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1050 Registered: 10-2003 |
Definitely worth checking into, Peter! I've also got Electro Pods on the taillight unit. They have 8 LEDs each and flash when the brakes are applied. Unfortunately mine have recently started just staying on, so I may replace them with Hyperlights, which are essentially the same, but more $$$ and better reliability. Those things really catch your eye.. John | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2137 Registered: 9-2003 |
Good ideas. Personally, I take "SEE and BE SEEN" seriously. I have a 100W euro headlamp bulb, twin 50W halogen "passing" lamps (all with clear non-fluted lenses for max output). H-D keeps the turn signals illuminated as running lights as well. All this is blinding to oncoming traffic...I get the "high beam" flash all the time from oncoming motorists. When they do it enough, I give 'em the 100 Watter and it usually stops the flashing, LOL! In the rear I have the "old' Kuryakin "Hot Flash" kit: my turn signals double as running and brake lights. This really lights up the bike and multiplies the distance at which I can be discerned from the rear. When I hit the brakes, it's blinding...the turn signals are brighter than the taillight! The only thing I don't have is something from the side. I loathe those "lizard lights" (LED pods that can be installed anywhere and flash/change color). | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1051 Registered: 10-2003 |
That's a lot of watts! The bigger Harleys are certainly visible coming and going. Sounds as though yours could probably blister paint with that headlight! Have you looked into the black retro-reflective tape that Whitehorse Press sells? I think a bit of that on the frame might do wonders in the evenings and still be invisible during the day.. This morning I passed a BMW GS going the other way with a headlight modulator. It was extremely visible. I want one! Of course, Aerostich sells an HID kit that works on the KLR, but it's a bit out of my budget at the moment! John edited for grammar (Message edited by 811952 on June 08, 2007) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2139 Registered: 9-2003 |
Why, Yes! LOL! The black R-R tape on the frame is an interesting idea. FWIW, I have the Police alternator kit on my bike to handle the drain on the elec. system. The bike is a fuelie and besides the added illumination, I ride with full heated kit (Gerbings/H-D 3/4 Jacket, overpants, sox and gloves with dual thermostats) and I have a 1.2kW upgraded starter and the largest H-D sealed battery I could fit in the thing. You're in luck: MCCN (above) just did an article on headlight modulators (why/how/how much/legalities, etc.) including installs on two Beemers that you might be interested in. I might do the same myself. FWIW, while I was leery of LED lighting in the past...LED's have inherently poor off-axis performance...especially those screw-in LED replacement "bulbs" that take the place of std. incandescent light bulbs, the new Kuryakyn Panacea LED tail/turn system is awesome! http://www.kuryakyn.com/category.asp?bn=harley&cn=Lighting&sn=Panacea My buddy has 'em on his Ultra Classic and it is very visible. He got free install at Sturgis last year AND Michele Smith from the American Thunder TV show on SPEED was there and he met her and got some pix taken with her! She's a sweetheart and a knockout all rolled into one! That lucky b**tard LOL! I was getting my TruTrack stabilizer put on my Road King while he was hob-knobbing with biker royalty, LOL! | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1193 Registered: 9-2002 |
OK, maybe you guys can walk me through this to some sort of conclusion: Bikes like Rami's HBomb or any of the current 600 or 1000cc supersports, offer a stupefying level of performance, yours for a song. Unfortunately for most people, they're too much bike. Last night a kid pitched his Yamaha R1 150 feet off a bridge not two miles from my home while street racing. Unfortunately he was still aboard and did not survive the flight. This is repeated all across the country. He THOUGHT he was ready after previously owning a 250 dirt bike. Naturally, street racing is not smart, but will never go away. So here's where I'm torn: A) Part of me thinks it's a free country, and by God, if you've got the money, you should be able to buy whatever you want. Or . . . B) After I got my driver's license, if wanted to drive 18-wheelers or motor coaches (for hire), there's ANOTHER license and some more training (I know, not much . . .). Hell, a lot of us had to drive at first with one of those "Dad-in-the-front-seat-only" licenses. So is it time for 'stepped' motorcycle licenses, ala Great Britain: You must spend a year (I believe) on a 250 street bike before you can apply for a license for the rest of the motorcycle displacement range (Deauvilles, GoldWings, RC51's, etc.?) Along with this, my great disappointment: There's so few small bikes to learn on offered by the manufacturers these days, all the more galling inasmuch as for the rest of the world, they still offer tons of 250s, 400s, Honda still sells the Super Cub in most of the Third World. I really want to begin riding again, and am truly terrified if I had to start off with a 600 Sport, and I look silly on a Harley or Harley-clone. I can't wait to see the new and improved KLR. But if I did not want something like that, I don't know where I'd start again. Whaddya think? J o e y | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 153 Registered: 10-2006 |
You're right Joey - I have often lamented the current lack of the "starter bikes" we all started on. Last year my youngest bought himself a non-running 1976 CB360T, which he spent the winter getting running (leaving me in the somewwhat hypocritical position of desperately needing another bike myself, while being scared s***less at the thought of him riding one - not helped by the 2 weeks in intensive care followed by brain suregery he collected on a bicyle last year). He commented on riding a friend's 750 crotchrocket, and I adamantly instructed him that he was to take a MSF course, get licensed, and spent at least 1 year on the 360 without ticket or accident before getting on anything bigger. Alas, he's 22 and a state and a half away, and its been some time since fatherly adviser was welcomed. At least he had the sense to find a smaller one to learn on - and to be terrified by the 750. As an advocate of the step-up policy I recommended to him, and as the holder of a Class A CDL, I don't why I never thought of it, but you've now converted me to the cause of stepped MC licences (here in IL, they have 2 levels, but 1) the lower one is for 150cc or smaller - and as you say, where do you find a 150 these days, let alone a 90 or 50? and 2) its either/or - you don't have to get the Class L before the Class M) Peter | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1054 Registered: 10-2003 |
Kevin, I'll look into those Kuryakyn Panacea LEDs. Thanks! Joey, while I'm certain this makes me some sort of traitor to a lot of folks, I think I agree that a stepped mc license would probably save some lives here. When my wife and I took the Basic Rider Course, there were a couple of people who literally couldn't make the 125cc Kawasaki Eliminator bike go anywhere near where they wanted it to go, and made course work not unlike being the spaceship in a game of Asteroids, if you can picture it. These people had new Road Kings at home. To most all of our disbelief, everybody passed the class somehow (and there were more issues than just the riding) and these people are sharing our roads on a 1/3 ton of metal that they can't control. As for my personal experience, I think if I'd gotten a KLR 250 or something similar, I wouldn't have been as much of a threat to myself and others as I'm certain I was when I first got the 650, and I'd spent a reasonable amount of time on motorcycles before (Suzuki 400 2-stroke when I was in high school, and sporadic riding in the intervening years). If everyone was compelled by law to start out on a small bike, then there'd be enough available that they'd be cheap, instead of the present situation where there are only a couple of nice adult-sized 250 to 400 bikes around and new (because you can't find them used) they cost as much as or more than a used Sportster. Of course, this applies to music as well. By starting players out with steps, or better still, half-steps, in no time at all (after a little practice) they'd be able to maneuver that minor or major third down the musical freeway without killing any innocent bystanders? ;) I present to the court Exhibit A: http://moto.cled17.com/compil-de-chutes-de-stunt Hope everybody's got a good gig lined-up tonight! John | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1630 Registered: 3-2004 |
Buying whatever you want and being able/allowed to drive it on the street are two different things. I don't think you can draw the line at a 250, though. You can drive an older 750 and not be ready to handle a modern liter sport bike. A 600cc sport bike with decent horsepower and no weight is probably the cheapest way for a youth to commit suicide out of ignorance. It doesn't take an R1 to get you out of control at triple digit speeds. Put someone on a 50 hp bike for a year and they'll learn a bit about handling before trying something stronger. For that year, they might only going 50 or 60 when they get off into a telephone pole instead of 90. In short, I think restraint and training are the answer. The initial motorcycle license needs to come with enough education to do the job because I don't think restricting bikes will make that much of a difference for the guy that wants to wind it up. Any restriction you try to make will be too much and nowhere near enough. Just my opinion... | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1056 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well stated, and true enough. *sigh* As with all things, a little training goes a long way, as does a little experience. It's been a lovely day, and I've seen several people nearly bite it just driving to setup for tonight's gig. I guess because I'm riding now I see how wrecklessly others sometimes ride. John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 664 Registered: 6-2002 |
I only bought my "H-Bomb" for her stunning good looks. I'd never put her (and me) at risk trying to exploit her prowess on the streets. If I wanted to get stupid on a Hayabusa, I could have bought one 7 years earlier. Like I said earlier, there's alot to be said for age and experience. Besides, I think there's a MUCH greater problem of idiots who drink and drive - not to mention young idiots pushing their cars to their limits on the street. Realistically, how many motorcyclists do we see on an average day getting stupid compared to car drivers? Rami | ||
| cozmik_cowboy
Intermediate Member Username: cozmik_cowboy Post Number: 154 Registered: 10-2006 |
OK, let me revise my propsal. Take the MSF basic course and get licensed for 150 or smaller. A year (or 2) without crash or violation, and you take the advanced course and move to 350. Another safe & legal year & you can go unlimited. No way to be sure you're not parking it for a year, but really, if you have a bike, would you do that? And as a professional driver, allow me to say that while I see amazingly reckless behavior from both cars and motorcycles, the dumbest stuff is done by city bicyclists. When I'm in the city (Chicago in my case) I spend WAY too much effort trying not to kill them. Not being aware of them, or making allowances, but actively maneuvering so as to avoid snuffing them despite their best efforts to die. Peter | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1631 Registered: 3-2004 |
Peter, displacement doesn't say how dangerous a bike can be, but it is a start. Even so, there's such a big difference between the 30-50 hp of a 350 and the 150 hp of a liter sportbike. Rider size matters too. A 250 lb man on a Ninja 250 wouldn't be able to get on the highway, but a 120 lb woman would move pretty well on it. If you're going to ride the big bikes hard, you ought to get a full protection suit and go to track school where you can learn some handling limits in a relatively safe environment. After that, you're on your own to ride intelligently. I have to say I'm almost afraid to ride in this age where every motorist has a cell phone stuck to the side of their head. Bicylists may ride stupid, but no one is as clueless as the compulsive cell phone user. | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 665 Registered: 6-2002 |
I spend more time avoiding idiots on cell phones during the day and worry about drunk drivers at night than I ever do about motorcylists. A motorcycle requires much more attention and focus to operate than a car. You have to use both hands and feet, plus you have much more input from your environment than when driving a car. In a car, most people feel more invincible - there's a metal shell around your personal space. Not so on a motorcycle. There are more risk takers and just plain idiots in cars than on motorcycles. They're the bigger threat. Rami | ||
| alembic_doctor
Advanced Member Username: alembic_doctor Post Number: 283 Registered: 8-2002 |
I was up driving through the Santa Cruz Mountains today and a biker had a head on with a car because he was taking corners too fast and leaned to hard into a left. He got to take a ride of Life Flight after that. Bummer. I lost a friend a few years ago this way too. He was climbing the mountain at about 80mph. He missed the curve and went over the mountain. Riders: Please be careful. Personally, I do everything I can to avoid biles on the roads. To the point that I even will drop back 10mph just to be clear of him or her. My $0.02 | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1057 Registered: 10-2003 |
"Personally, I do everything I can to avoid biles on the roads. To the point that I even will drop back 10mph just to be clear of him or her." I wish more people were that thoughtful! Last year in Nova Scotia, in a driving rain, we had some girl in a beater that was about 10 feet behind us for several miles (at 50-ish mph). There was no shoulder to pull off on (road construction). We were afraid to slow down to make her pass, because we weren't certain she would slow down and not simply run us down. We were on KLRs with lots of reflective on the bikes, but we were both wearing dark clothing. Yet another compelling reason to get the Hi-viz suit for me. Other than that scary 5-10 minutes, it was a glorious (albeit very wet) day! John | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 666 Registered: 6-2002 |
I've had many more close calls riding my bike (I'm an avid cyclist) than riding my motorcycle. Car (and bus) drivers don't seem to have any problem with physically pushing you out of their way! I've gotten run off the road many times - several of those times I wasn't able to keep both wheels on the road. Rami | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1062 Registered: 10-2003 |
Rami, When I was in Windsor, there was a guy on a bicycle in the right lane who had just passed a cop who was pulled off the street (it was a low-traffic side street). As soon as the cyclist passed, the cop pulled out and got on his mic and practically screamed at the cyclist "Get out of the way!" No "please yield," or "Pull over" or anything half civil. The cyclist bumped over the curb in frantic fashion and the cop drove off, nearly running him down. The cyclist looked at us on the sidewalk and said "he might as well have told me to f*** myself," to which our reply was that that was pretty much how we took it too, then we all had a good laugh over the absurdity of it. You guys on pedal bikes do seem to get little to no respect, not from anybody! It looks like I might be riding through your neck of the woods in 3.5 weeks or so, depending upon which route I ultimately choose to get from upstate NY to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Any good roads you'd care to recommend to a KLR pilot? Ride safe! John | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2140 Registered: 9-2003 |
Joey, I agree 100%. I have a real problem with beginners taking their MV road test on a scooter or 250cc or smaller rental bike and then getting an unrestricted license. The time for tiered licensure is now. The NJMVC is seriously looking into changing the legislature to force those who do the scooter and/or rent-o-mini bike thing at the state MV testing centers to get a license restricted to 250cc M/C or scooter license. The exception would be if they successfully completed the MSF BRC and got their license that way. Personally, I believe this is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, more needs to be done. ALL licenses need to be tiered IMHO. You are right that there is a definite lack of small displacement M/C's available here, which is part of the problem. Having said that, 250CC and lower M/C's are really NOT suitable for most public highways with today's higher speed limits and driving speeds of today's motorists. They're OK for <55mph, but lack high-end power and speed to compete with nutjobs and 18-wheelers on todays interstates. My personal recommendation is to take the BRC first in order to decide if riding is right for you WITHOUT spending serious money. Once you get your license, and you decide you really want to ride, then shop for a bike. Once you have it, IMMEDIATELY take the ERC on it to make sure you can handle the thing BEFORE you get out on real roads with it. Meanwhile, read as much as you can. THE MSF's "Guide to Motorcycling Excellence" is a good place to start. Likewise for M/C Consumer News, and a bunch of other good publications on Whitehorse Press. RLAP wouldn't hurt either. Remember: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Kawi has a lot of good choices for beginners: Sport "style" - Ninja 250, 500, 650 and the new Versys; http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=6 Cruiser - Vulcan 500 (old 454LTD); http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=7 DP - KLX250 and KLR650 http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/SubCategory.aspx?id=14 Then there's the Suzi V-Strom 650, SV-650, DR650, etc. Buell Blast (not my fave) BMW GG650 I think you get my drift. Yes, it's not like the good 'ole days when you could get the same naked UJM (standard or universal japanese motorcycle) in any size from 80cc on up. The good news is that todays bikes, while ridiculously expensive, are MUCH better performance, safety and reliability-wise. Hope this helps. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1066 Registered: 10-2003 |
By all accounts, the Kawasaki Versys is a wonderful bike. Glad they saw fit to start selling it in the USA. Now, if only Honda would import the TransAlp again, things would be (at least a little more) right with the world. ;) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2147 Registered: 9-2003 |
Joey: Ck out the new MCN...it has a glowing review of the new '08 KLR650. I imagine all the M/C mags are gonna have a review as well. Great bike! Looks aside (I'm not fond of the overgrown dirt bike look), this could be the ticket for me: a "sport" bike with real-world ergonomics and comfort. The cheapo $5399MSRP is tempting as well. A Duc would be sharp, but this thing is actually rideable for more than 1/2hr. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1082 Registered: 10-2003 |
Kevin, Yes, the new KLR is getting lots of good reviews. The changes Kawasaki made all seem to be good ones. That bike would be a lot of fun and plenty flickable in an urban environment such as yours and Joey's, and would be plenty capable to taking you to places you might not be tempted to go on a larger, more street-oriented bike. I think if you had one, you'd soon be addicted to the versatility. Earlier this week I installed an HID headlight kit (from Aerostich) on my '04, and that sucker is bright! Should help me dodge Bambi at night.. John | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1201 Registered: 9-2002 |
I can NOT wait to see the NEW KLR. They seem to have addressed most everything (Bigger fairing/windshield, suspension, bigger alternator) and kept the good stuff (big gas tank, idiot simple mechanics) and the price went up $100. What a world! I'm tall enough to put both feet down on the old one, and 40hp is MORE than enough to get me back in again. I could see where I might never want anything bigger or more expensive. Amazing how middle age makes you a lot more careful . . . . I'd save enough on insurance alone vs. a rocket sled to pay for it. J o e y | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1202 Registered: 9-2002 |
But KMH, what's and ERC and what's RLAP? I subscribe to MCN, as well as Motorcyclist, Cycle World, SportRider, and RoadRacing World (the BEST raodracing coverage on the Planet). Big Peter Egan nut. J o e y | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1203 Registered: 9-2002 |
Incidentally, KLRWorld.com has a neat review and side-by-side with an 07 and 08, written by the guy who owns the page. A little more down to earth than the 'dazzling prose' in the usual suspects. Just go to the site, and on the cover page you'll see SEVERAL links to the article. J o e y | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1083 Registered: 10-2003 |
Joey, Thanks for the link! John | ||
| palembic
Senior Member Username: palembic Post Number: 2540 Registered: 9-2002 |
Howdie I just pop it to see that Rami is defintely starting another collection! After the Porsches came the Alembic, now up to Hayabusa!!!! oh well! Just joking! I can see him travelling the long winding roads of Canada, Montreal to Rouyn-Noranda?? Paul TBO Rami mon frère, je ne savais pas que tu est amateur des "fusées" sur deux roues! Trés joli machin mon pôte! Fais gaffe! Ce qui concerne le "growl" de ton Excel, je m'imaginais que l'Hayabusa "siffle" plutôt? | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2149 Registered: 9-2003 |
Joey: ERC= MSF Experienced Rider Course Here's the MSF link and the link for the school I work for: http://msf-usa.org/ http://www.renj.com/ RLAP= Jerry "Motorman" Palladino's Ride Like A Pro Yes, RoadRacing World is the best coverage of M/C Road Racing. I used to subscribe to 'em all. I just got pi**ed by the local post office and their handling of the "new" third-class "periodical-rate" postage: You get three weekly issues of Cycle News a month late and all at once, despite the HUGE writing on the cover to tell the Postmaster that this is dated mat'l that needs to be delivered by a certain date! To pay for first class mail DOUBLES the price of the sub...$45 for a regular subscription! I know most will scoff, but I go to the local Barnes & Noble and read ALL the M/C mags for FREE while I sip my $4.00 venti cappuccino's and flirt with all the hot Rutgers coed's and MILF's, LOL! If I bought all the mags I like...I'm a voracious reader and my taste in guitars/basses/amps and M/C's and Hi-Fi, etc. means LOTS of mags...I'd spend hundreds a year on subscriptions! Getting back to the bike, personally, I'd JUMP on the KLR! I'm tempted to get one myself. With experience, a good rider should be able to shock all the crotch rocket riders through the twisty bits (you'll still get spanked in the straights). If you have the dosh, I'd go for the '08 KLR ASAP! FWIW, Peter Egan did a story on my two bud's from the Harley Plant in York, PA back in '95. My buddy Smokey contacted him and invited him down to York to see the place and meet the Employee Rider Club chapter there of which Smoke was a Road Captain at the time. Egan was so impressed with Smoke's personality ("Live Wire" was his quote from the article), that he agreed and an article with nice pix and bios resulted (the defunct Cycle World's Big Twin magazine, if I'm not mistaken). I have a copy of the issue somewhere, but I couldn't find it online. Cheers, Kevin (Message edited by kmh364 on June 25, 2007) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2150 Registered: 9-2003 |
Bob: I missed that part in your post about trading a Radian for a 'Busa. I just sold my '86 Yamaha YX-600S Radian in '05 and I got nearly what I paid for the thing new. I loved that bike, but I didn't care for the way I fit it (I was too big for it) or the (lack of) long-term comfort issues. That was a great bike that only lasted for a 4yr. run because of minimal-to-no promotion by Yamaha and the fact that it wasn't a glamorous cutting-edge sport bike. The lack of entry-level "standard" M/C's in the marketplace is opined by many, including me. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 671 Registered: 6-2002 |
Howdie Paul! The closest I ever came to a Porsche was in my dreams. The Hayabusa is real though... It was my mid-life crisis gift! | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2154 Registered: 9-2003 |
I saw pix of the Versys...looks OK until you see the front view...what were they thinking? I guess you either have to put up with the overgrown dirtbike look or the weirdo "adventure touring" look that runs the gamut of gaudiness in order to get a comfortable "sporty" bike that you can actually ride anywhere, anytime, anyplace. | ||
| 811952
Senior Member Username: 811952 Post Number: 1086 Registered: 10-2003 |
Woo Hoo! I'm in Lake George, NY, with the wife and kids. I rode the KLR and they drove the car. They're heading home Saturday, and I'm heading for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador for two weeks. The roads around Lake George are absolutely delightful on the bike. I dragged a peg twice, which is something I never expected to do on the KLR with Mefo Explorer dual-sport tires. I saw another guy with my Hi-Viz Phantom suit on too, on a V-Strom. Of course, there are a brazillion Harley-type bikes around.. John |
