We have a new update on The Future of the Penny Arcade Forums.

Motorcyclin' the country side

1246759

Posts

  • CZroeCZroe Registered User regular
    edited September 2009
    musanman wrote: »
    Wow you really took that hard, moving right along. ...

    I don't know many riders who wouldn't when someone questions their fitness to ride, ability to ride, or motives for riding. Anyway, back to sleep.
    musanman wrote: »
    So my little brother is really looking at buying a bike. He doesn't seem to understand getting a motorcycle with 120hp is not exactly something he should be learning on. I've read about some of the bikes he wants, and even though people say the SV650 is pretty friendly (that's about the smallest he mentions) I'm still a little worried.

    He was originally going to buy a GS500, and I rode that around and thought it was a good fit. Now he's kinda settled on getting one of these these One of his friends has an older one, and I got on it and wow that thing can put out some speed. Anybody know about these new 'starter friendly' fz6rs? Anybody have any other good suggestions. Every time he tries to talk to me I just say "take the fucking class before you talk to me" but I'd like to be able to contribute more to him making a better decision.

    While probably pretty close in pushing the limit of what's appropriate for a beginner, the Kawi 650R got a nice overhaul for 2009. Has he looked at that? For that matter, has he thoroughly dismissed the 250R? Yeah, that's almost 100 HP less than the 120HP monsters but he may be swayed by the price + styling. It looks a little dated but at least the 500R is priced appropriately. Outside of those, all I can think of is the 500cc Buell Blast, which he'd have to buy used (at least they are cheap on the used market).

    Suzuki Katana?
    Bloodycow wrote: »
    This is my street bike.
    Been riding motocross since I was 8. First bike was a Honda Trailbazer :)

    2009 Triumph Daytona 675
    IMG_0720.jpg

    With the new exhaust-
    exhaust004.jpg
    exhaust005.jpg

    I live in southern Netherlands. Have just been riding locally since I just moved here in April and took a while to get the bike registered and plates on it. If anyone knows any good places to ride around here let me know.

    That's been my dream bike since the first time I laid eyes on it.. strange, considering how fuel-econmy centrinc my interest in riding was.

    CZroe on
  • killaimdiekillaimdie Registered User regular
    edited September 2009
    musanman wrote: »
    So my little brother is really looking at buying a bike. He doesn't seem to understand getting a motorcycle with 120hp is not exactly something he should be learning on. I've read about some of the bikes he wants, and even though people say the SV650 is pretty friendly (that's about the smallest he mentions) I'm still a little worried.

    He was originally going to buy a GS500, and I rode that around and thought it was a good fit. Now he's kinda settled on getting one of these these One of his friends has an older one, and I got on it and wow that thing can put out some speed. Anybody know about these new 'starter friendly' fz6rs? Anybody have any other good suggestions. Every time he tries to talk to me I just say "take the fucking class before you talk to me" but I'd like to be able to contribute more to him making a better decision.

    It really depends on his personality, I learned on a m900 and was fine. That being said the SV650 is a pretty fun bike to ride and has anything that a new rider could want, I haven't hopped on a gsxr600 but I've heard they're fun as well. Plus he should take the class, I learned on my own and took the class like a year after I started riding, it would have been way easier to just take the class in the first place.

    killaimdie on
  • BloodycowBloodycow Registered User regular
    edited September 2009
    That's been my dream bike since the first time I laid eyes on it.. strange, considering how fuel-econmy centrinc my interest in riding was.

    I usually get from 40 to 50 MPG. 40 when I get on it down the highways here. If I baby it I can get close to 60. It is way too fun to ride though to be babying it. God I love my bike!

    Bloodycow on
    " I am a warrior, so that my son may be a merchant, so that his son may be a poet.”
    ― John Quincy Adams
  • xeroismygodxeroismygod Registered User regular
    edited September 2009
    10728_154449072785_694852785_3667126_8239858_n.jpg

    CB750 Street Fighter with GSX-R Front End, GSX-R Wheels, seat/tail chop, kick start.

    xeroismygod on
  • AdrienAdrien Registered User regular
    edited September 2009
    So, motorcycles! Cool.

    Fixing up (and subsequently cruising around on) my brother's old Mobylette has convinced me to move getting a bike up from "vague male desire" to "serious ambition". Currently my plan is to find the time this fall to take the MSF course for my license, and then pick up a used Rebel or equivalent beginner cruiser during the winter when prices go down.

    Coming from that, out of curiosity, does anyone happen to know when the best time is to be buying a bike in New England? I'd imagine that the going rate is lowest during the dead of winter, but it also seems like it might get to a point where demand is so low that people don't even bother to sell.

    Adrien on
    tmkm.jpg
  • wallakawallaka Registered User regular
    edited September 2009
    Just got this:
    th_DSC00033.jpg
    th_DSC00034.jpg
    th_DSC00035.jpg

    2009 Triumph Street Triple, 675cc of awesome. I went to the dealership to look at the Monster 696, but this caught my eye. Much more comfortable to ride than the Ducati as well. I've put 170 miles on it in two days. Got it for $7500+ tax, etc.

    I had an '85 Honda GL 400 about 5 years ago, and learned to ride on a YZ 125, so I'm not a complete noob. I am going to take the MSF course next month just for my own amusement. It's free so why not? No excuse, really. I had to buy all new gear because I got too fat for my old stuff. I got the convertible stuff so that I can use it winter or summer. I've been relatively cool the past couple days, but it has only been 85 or so outside.

    wallaka on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited September 2009
    Adrien wrote: »
    So, motorcycles! Cool.

    Fixing up (and subsequently cruising around on) my brother's old Mobylette has convinced me to move getting a bike up from "vague male desire" to "serious ambition". Currently my plan is to find the time this fall to take the MSF course for my license, and then pick up a used Rebel or equivalent beginner cruiser during the winter when prices go down.

    Coming from that, out of curiosity, does anyone happen to know when the best time is to be buying a bike in New England? I'd imagine that the going rate is lowest during the dead of winter, but it also seems like it might get to a point where demand is so low that people don't even bother to sell.

    End of summer through fall is a good time to buy. So, right now. :)

    Doc on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited September 2009
    Remember to keep a 2 second following distance, even when riding in a group!
    http://www.katu.com/news/59789107.html

    Hopefully everyone will recover. I hate thinking how often "critically injured" might mean "missing a body part."
    A witness to the crash, Terry Scott, said he and his girlfriend were driving northbound from Salem behind the motorcycles when he witnessed an SUV, that was driving in front of the group of motorcycles, suddenly slow down or slam on its brakes.

    And watch out for those SUVs!

    In any case, does anyone here own Happy Trails sideboxes? I'm thinking about getting the Happy Trails Teton boxes, the 7.5" model. Anyone own Happy Trails gear and have an opinion? You see their stuff out on the road all the time, and it's hard to find the gear used. I think that's a good sign.

    Doc on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    A guy I know never refers to his motorcycle as a "motorcycle." It's always a "Ducati."

    It's kind of weird. I look at them like the Apple of motorcycles - stylish, useful, and cool, but ultimately overpriced.

    Doc on
  • japanjapan Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Triumph owners do that too.

    Especially Triumph Daytona owners.

    japan on
  • Mom2KatMom2Kat Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    So I figured I had better add to this thread.

    My father has recently gotten back into having motorcycles. He rebuilt a 450cc '84(? I think) Honda night hawk, then he rebuilt the 55 honda cub that he learned to ride on. Then he thought that being 55 years old was the best reason to get a 2007 Shadow Spirit. See the trend here, he seems to have a thing for honda's. Any way all this 'cyclin has bitten me and I really want to get my liscence. I have my learners but am still trying to find some way to get lessons in this small town. Really shitty part is none of my friends ride so I can't even do that.

    It is so cute cause my daughter loves going for motorcycle rides with grandpa and apparently she is a great passenger. He claims he has to reach back and check on her to make sure she is still there. She was so happy this summer cause her feet finally reach the pegs! And grandpa bought her black leather vest to wear on thier rides.

    Anyway still a dream but the fever has hit me and I really want to get into riding, and even have my eye the Honda rebel for my own bike. Since I live on the west coast I think this would be a great second vehichle for us especially since I know the daughter is a good passenger and she wants to learn to ride too.

    Mom2Kat on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    I bit the bullet and ordered some Happy Trails panniers. The Tetons, to be exact. I rushed home after I saw the box had been delivered, only to discover that it was just the rack. It was only two days after I'd ordered it, so no biggie. I call them and they say the boxes are shipping on Monday. I got the rack installed (man, that takes some muscle - not everything is manufactured *perfectly*, you have to flex the rack slightly to get everything lined up), so when the boxes show up I'll be able to just slap 'em on. Pics will be coming.

    The only complaint I have is that I didn't realize that I'd have to remove the heat shield over the exhaust to install everything. It looks kind of bad when you don't have boxes on there. It'll only be an issue for a week, so no big deal. :)

    Doc on
  • ueanuean Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Yeah, motorcycle thread!

    When I lived in Canada I started out on a DR350 and rode that every day to work. I very quickly fell in love with dual sports due to the amount of fun and hooliganism they promote... ie, I'm stuck in traffic, so let's just hop a curb, blast through a park, hit a walking trail and burn pop out a ditch on the other side. Great fun and I usually had my blood pumping by the time I got to work!

    The downside was the cold. But I'm not a wuss... i just wouldn't recommend it for tender nancies that appreciate, you know, windows.

    I then moved into dirt riding and bought a KX125. This naturally led to all sorts of shenanigans. Having got into it a bit late (~26yrs old) and just after school (ie. after putting on 30 pounds) I realized how crazy a fitness sport that is. I love it for that. I loved coming home stinking to high heaven of two stroke fumes, aching all over from the exertion of pushing 200 pounds of man-machine around beneath me, and roosting the poor ass behind me on a muddy trail.

    I never did get into track riding. It's ok. I prefer natural challlenges and terrain, similar to my preferences for snowboarding... you'll never see me in a terrain park, and you'll never see me on a dirt track. But you will see me yelling out like I'm a 13yr old at a Sum41 concert while heaving my weight over the front bars trying to keep the front end on the ground while weaving between trees. There is no rush like it.

    This, then - my dual sport love for onroad shenanigans and my love for being an idiot in the dirt turned me towards Supermoto. Heck yeah. XR650R and too much power = tickets. But a really great time and some of the best people in the two wheel world.

    Now I live in Africa and ride a Suzuki TF125 exclusively offroad everyday for transportation. 6.5hp can still create a rush believe it or not. I just love riding.

    When I get back to Canada I'm planning on a KTM 450. I'm not crazy on orange, but they make some great street legal bbbig power bikes.

    uean on
    Guys? Hay guys?
    PSN - sumowot
  • ueanuean Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Doc wrote: »
    A guy I know never refers to his motorcycle as a "motorcycle." It's always a "Ducati."

    It's kind of weird. I look at them like the Apple of motorcycles - stylish, useful, and cool, but ultimately overpriced.

    I look at them as the Ferrari of motorcycles... gorgeous, exclusive, high prices, but you can never admit to anyone how much you have to pay for a valve adjustment.

    uean on
    Guys? Hay guys?
    PSN - sumowot
  • ueanuean Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Parts are readily available for both as they share sprockets, wheels, seats, etc. You would no doubt like the extra power of the 450. The two easiest brands with the least upkeep are Yamahas and Hondas being their WR\YZF450s or the CRF450R being the the most popular to mod with lots of parts cheap.

    Avoid 2 strokes as there are very few supermoto oriented parts available.

    I dunno about this - "supermoto parts" are just big brakes, 17" wheels and tires. That's it. Yes two strokes are harder to ride supermoto with (in that you need a lot more skill to back it in due to the lack of engine braking) on the track but if you can get one on the road legally you might arguably have more fun. It depends what kind of powerband you like.

    Plus showing up with a CR500 to an event means everyone in the crowd is instantly rooting for you.

    uean on
    Guys? Hay guys?
    PSN - sumowot
  • musanmanmusanman Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    So anybody have suggestions for winter gloves? I'm willing to spend a decent chunk of change...

    I don't have a 12v input on my bike so I can't get heated ones that require plugged in (nor do I have the rest of the gear to be riding in freezing temps. I have some like $40 tour master gloves that do ok, but if I'm out for very long they're not so great.

    I heard BMW makes great ones, and I'm thinking about getting a BMW bike next year...but I don't know.

    musanman on
    sic2sig.jpg
  • CycophantCycophant Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    musanman wrote: »
    So anybody have suggestions for winter gloves? I'm willing to spend a decent chunk of change...

    I don't have a 12v input on my bike so I can't get heated ones that require plugged in (nor do I have the rest of the gear to be riding in freezing temps. I have some like $40 tour master gloves that do ok, but if I'm out for very long they're not so great.

    I heard BMW makes great ones, and I'm thinking about getting a BMW bike next year...but I don't know.

    Gerbings. They're a bit pricey, though not unreasonably-so, but they're hands-down some of the best heated gloves that I've used, period.

    I bought them at the beginning of this last season to extend my riding abilities by a few weeks, and also for the big road trip I was doing through the mountains and such. In many cases the gloves by themselves were warm enough for me, but when things really got cold I simply plugged them in and had roasty warm hands. I was amazed how much more comfortable riding a bike can be when your hands are nice and warm.

    And as an added benefit, you can get the gloves with a 12v cigarette lighter connecter, the special BMW connector, or a wiring harness that hooks up straight to your battery (which is what I used).

    Cycophant on
    sig.gif
  • BarrakkethBarrakketh Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    musanman wrote: »
    I don't have a 12v input on my bike so I can't get heated ones that require plugged in

    Have you considered heated grips?

    Barrakketh on
    Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
  • ueanuean Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    And hippohands. Those look ridiculous but apparently work

    uean on
    Guys? Hay guys?
    PSN - sumowot
  • BarrakkethBarrakketh Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    uean wrote: »
    And hippohands. Those look ridiculous but apparently work

    I just looked them up and agree that they do look ridiculous. I've heard of/seen people installing wind guards that are positioned in front of the grips but the hippohands just look silly :P

    Barrakketh on
    Rollers are red, chargers are blue....omae wa mou shindeiru
  • musanmanmusanman Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    I'm really not sure I can support these suggestions without plugging them in somewhere, and I can't do that (pretty sure '07 shadow vlx).

    So unless I can power the gloves with a battery I carry (I saw the hybrid gloves have those but it's going to be $250+) I just need solid insulation and wind resistance.

    musanman on
    sic2sig.jpg
  • ueanuean Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Musanman, you can wire the heated grips directly to your charging system. That is truly your best bet. You're not going to get very many (or good) options without spending some coin though.

    FYI, the wiring you'll need to do for heated grips would be similar to wiring in a 12v input. Talk to your local mechanic about options.

    uean on
    Guys? Hay guys?
    PSN - sumowot
  • CZroeCZroe Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    CZroe wrote: »
    So, anyway, I made a thread about it long ago but I didn't get much help so I may as well ask here too.

    I want to theme my bike like Captain Falcon's Blue Falcon from F-Zero and I want to get graphics on my helmet and face shield like Captain Falcon (crest, false-chin, white triangular eyes set in the shaded face shield, etc).

    The bike seems almost too easy... just a big "07" graphic on either side, blacked-out wind screen and some number plates on the tail section. The helmet on the other hand...

    I've seen sunglasses with graphics visible on the outside of the lenses that are still functional from the other side (graphics don't seem to interfere with visibility). If something like that is available, say, on vinyl, I'd only need a couple triangles of it on my already tinted visor, though I'd be willing to go farther if I had enough flexibility. I'd like to go all out but I have no idea what kinda place can do this. An air brush shop perhaps? Would they be able to seal the artwork on there/clear-coat?

    I'd appreciate any suggestions.

    The answer to my prayers.

    They make custom elastic cloth helmet skins with matching see-through shield stickers. There is a small "set-up cost" for each custom skin, so perhaps a few others would like one once I've covered it... or perhaps they'd want to pitch in ($25 for skin; $10 for sticker; not sure but the $25 might cover both)? I'd like to see a Samus, Master Cheif, Viewtiful Joe, etc, helmet skins.

    I'm ready to go ahead but my problem is that I have absolutely no art skills or apps. Does the Artists Corner forum here on P-A accept requests? Commissions (then it starts to get expensive :()?

    CZroe on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    I'd be extremely hesitant to put any sort of sticker on my face shield.

    Doc on
  • wallakawallaka Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Because it might damage it? It's no darker than a tinted shield from the inside.

    wallaka on
  • CZroeCZroe Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Doc wrote: »
    I'd be extremely hesitant to put any sort of sticker on my face shield.

    They make sunglasses with sports team logos only visible from the outside. That's EXACTLY the kind of thing I was looking for. Worst case scenario, even if it's not the same tech, I'm sure it's better than simulating the efffect with painted pantyhose. Now THERE'S an idea! (J/K)
    wallaka wrote: »
    Because it might damage it? It's no darker than a tinted shield from the inside.

    Yeah. I'm already using a tinted shield and, when I was still considering painting, all I was originally looking for for the shield was a way to add silver triangular "eyes." You know? "Silver" like from the mirrored face shields (they sell both mirrored and tinted). I was thinking that I'd have to gut mirrored sunglasses and add tinting to an untinted shield and either leave out the "notched" nose piece or stick a sticker there if it didn't obscure my vision (it would be below and between my eyes). I also figured that the hinge area beside the viewport was fair game. Now I can get a reusable sticker that I can apply to any future helmet and I may be able to get a lot more elaborate, but the helmet skin sans-sticker is progress enough (I can still fall back to my original face shield plan). This guy didn't seem to have any problems seeing (PAX cosplayer). No, all I want to do is an homage on my bike and matching helmet... NOT cosplaying. ;)

    Oh: Once again, does anyone know if it is OK to ask for someone to design this in the Artists' Corner? What if money is involved? IIRC, P-A does not allow trade threads because they don't want the liability for trades gone bad, but this would be something else and I can't think of a better place to ask for VG art/design.

    CZroe on
  • BlazeFireBlazeFire Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    For now, a quick post with a picture of my bike.

    1981 Kawasaki KZ750 H2. It is beat up. It runs good however. Just needs some TLC which I will be giving it over the next year or so.

    http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/1052/bikeside.jpg

    BlazeFire on
  • wallakawallaka Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    CZroe wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    I'd be extremely hesitant to put any sort of sticker on my face shield.

    They make sunglasses with sports team logos only visible from the outside. That's EXACTLY the kind of thing I was looking for. Worst case scenario, even if it's not the same tech, I'm sure it's better than simulating the efffect with painted pantyhose. Now THERE'S an idea! (J/K)
    wallaka wrote: »
    Because it might damage it? It's no darker than a tinted shield from the inside.

    Yeah. I'm already using a tinted shield and, when I was still considering painting, all I was originally looking for for the shield was a way to add silver triangular "eyes." You know? "Silver" like from the mirrored face shields (they sell both mirrored and tinted). I was thinking that I'd have to gut mirrored sunglasses and add tinting to an untinted shield and either leave out the "notched" nose piece or stick a sticker there if it didn't obscure my vision (it would be below and between my eyes). I also figured that the hinge area beside the viewport was fair game. Now I can get a reusable sticker that I can apply to any future helmet and I may be able to get a lot more elaborate, but the helmet skin sans-sticker is progress enough (I can still fall back to my original face shield plan). This guy didn't seem to have any problems seeing (PAX cosplayer). No, all I want to do is an homage on my bike and matching helmet... NOT cosplaying. ;)

    Oh: Once again, does anyone know if it is OK to ask for someone to design this in the Artists' Corner? What if money is involved? IIRC, P-A does not allow trade threads because they don't want the liability for trades gone bad, but this would be something else and I can't think of a better place to ask for VG art/design.


    What I would do, is see whose art you like in the forum, and PM them to see about a commission.

    wallaka on
  • CZroeCZroe Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Sounds like a plan. Thanks. I can't afford much so I hope they want to do it for the sake of trying out a new canvas or, if really lucky, because they'd also like one for theirself.

    CZroe on
  • wallakawallaka Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Custom artwork takes time...and most people don't donate their time for free. I wouldn't, not for a stranger. Just putting that out there.

    wallaka on
  • CZroeCZroe Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    wallaka wrote: »
    Custom artwork takes time...and most people don't donate their time for free. I wouldn't, not for a stranger. Just putting that out there.

    Yeah, of course, but so does painting/drawing for ones own pleasure. If it sounds like fun to someone, I'm hoping it can be a little bit of both. Besides, the only "art" part would be the false chin and maybe the falcon crest... heck, a line-art trace of any ol' bird shape crest will do for me. I imagine that Photoshop or whatever will make quick work out of painting the whole template solid red with two solid yellow discs and the already tinted shield takes care of the rest. Metroid (Samus) or Master Chief, yeah... I don't see any short-cuts, so that's be a bit harder and take more time.

    CZroe on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    WOOOOOOO! Just got my Happy Trails aluminum panniers installed! They look awesome. It's too dark to take pictures now, though. I'll have some up by this weekend. I need to go find matched padlocks. And a new cover, my old one doesn't fit any more. :( I'll have real parking soon enough, I guess.

    Anyone who is looking to get some: the 7.5" ones will provide plenty of space - 9" would have been way too wide.

    Doc on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    boxes.jpg

    Doc on
  • musanmanmusanman Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    look at dat ass

    musanman on
    sic2sig.jpg
  • CZroeCZroe Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    musanman wrote: »
    look at dat ass

    I did, "smarty-pants." ;)

    You can fit a lot of junk in that trunk. :winky: Well... comparatively speaking within the world of motorcycling. Even then, it ain't like one of them thar trailers you kin buy fer yer Yonduh Gol'wing.

    What do you plan on haulin', Doc?

    CZroe on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    Camping, commuting, etc. The boxes are almost exactly as wide as my handlebars/mirrors, so it's not too ridiculous.

    Smarty Pants is a biker bar in Seattle. :)

    Doc on
  • VeritasVRVeritasVR Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    The afternoon temp in central Ohio dropped from 70 to 40 in a week. I'm painfully going through the winterization of my bike. I've got an outdoor garage, but still plan to ride it when it's warm from time to time.

    Only got to ride ~4000 miles this year. D:

    VeritasVR on
    CoH_infantry.jpg
    Let 'em eat fucking pineapples!
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    FFFFFFFFF! Just saw a demo bike Ducati Hypermotard with 2k miles on it for $7,500. I'd buy it in a snap, but I am moving and have nowhere to put it. D:

    Doc on
  • xeroismygodxeroismygod Registered User regular
    edited October 2009
    Doc wrote: »
    FFFFFFFFF! Just saw a demo bike Ducati Hypermotard with 2k miles on it for $7,500. I'd buy it in a snap, but I am moving and have nowhere to put it. D:

    You just do what every other Ducati owner does. Place it inside the house.

    xeroismygod on
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2009
    There are a lot of videos on youtube of people doing burnouts in their kitchens.

    what's up with that?

    Doc on
Sign In or Register to comment.