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From your posts you seem more capable of expressing your thoughts in writing than most forum posters I’ve seen.

As to advice on riding a moto, I would take up driving a junker car for a while before you are more financially stable to afford a used bike around $2500-3000. Driving experience is not only limited to operating your vehicle, but exposure to idiot operators on the road can make you more aware of the possibilities to mishalp, prepare yourself to react when bad things happen on a moto.

Take up a second job, work in the library, participate in some clinical trials.. I supported myself through school doing all of that.. I was lucky to have been a limo driver in college, driving clients to airports, parties in all hours, did most of my studying in the back of the limo while waiting for clients… slept in limos, too.. It paid for my college tuition, got me plenty of driving experience and met some interesting people that got me my job 9 years ago.

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Practice seating on one thigh before you come to a stop.. you don’t need to flat-foot the bike on both side when you’re stopped.

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Submitted by owlie on Fri, 10/30/2009 – 20:36.
Out of curiosity, why is this always your solution to questions like this? And why do you assume that the poster is not in good shape?

Because answers in a form of question intice people to think, rather than given an answer more or less set perameter of thinking. You assume that I think poster is not in good shape, I did not make such statement.

I simply imply that riding a bicycle can allow the rider to get in good shape. Whether the rider has good shape to begin with or not is not implied in my statement.

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You can find a used one pretty easily for under $3000 or even $2500.

At 6’3″, you should not have problem standing over the Bandit with both feet flat on ground.

Rock solid engine, upright riding position, good amount of torque if you do descide to venture out to Harriman State Park for a jaunt.

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Maybe stick with riding a bicycle?
Get in good shape, save lots of money, still on two-wheel…

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I have also used Hippo Hands

http://www.hippohands.com/

In the very cold weather and long rides, they do better than just handguards, but the ability to remove your hands from the handlebars and open your helmet visor is reduced.

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Wear a pair of latex/nytrile glove inside of your winter gloves can prevent the inside of the winter glove getting wet from sweat. If you wear the latex/nytrile gloves inside out that would allow the winter gloves to go on easier.

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I’m comfused,

Are you bashing the Gladius for its looks that resemble the MV Agusta Brutale?

How is the Gladius a “let down” in your opinion? have you ridden the Gladuis, Monster or Brutale for good amount of time for good comparison of the three motos or just judging from color and looks?

Consider the retail cost of Gladius at around $6500, the Monster 696 @ $8500 and Brutale @ nearly $15000, are the looks or colors of a Gladius that much of a “let down” or just decent value? especially for beginner motorcycle.

ABS is over rated for motorcycle application, hone your riding skill and you’re more likely to avoid sudden need of grabbing a fist full of brakes.

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I wonder how much of Buell’s failure has to do with HD lack of support since their ownership?

Buell certainly serves a very different market than the majority of HD customers… and I don’t recall HD ever take advantage of Buell’s moto related innovations on HD models.

He says “A small motorcycle company proved that it can compete with the world.”

Call me a cynic but… if it could compete…. would it be being shut down?

http://www.aflcio.org/corporatewatch/paywatch/ceou/database.cfm?tkr=HOG&pg=9

Somebody is making a pretty sum:

Keith E. Wandell

Chief Executive Officer

Harley-Davidson Inc.

Automobiles & Trucks

Compensation Year- to -Year

Salary: 2007 $875,534 vs 2008 $980,704

Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards 2007: $3,135,105

2008: $4,499,990

Total has increased by 29% from 2007: $5,560,650

to 2008: $7,182,027

Anyone buying a MV Agusta?

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I’m 5’10” about 150 lb. with full riding gear including helmet, full leather race suit, gloves and boots.

My track bike is a kick start-only +/-270 lb. Honda XR650R supermotard, with a single disc front brake.

 

Yes, ABS works better than regular brakes in rains, blah blah blah.. How often do you need maximum braking power while riding in the rain? how often have you used your ABS in the rain? more than likely, if you require maximum braking power in the rain, you would fare out of the situation poorly whether or not you have ABS. Have the common sense to avoiding or get yourself out of those situation is more effective than any ABS. 

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Still fail to answer my question: how often do you get to use your ABS? once a week? once a month? every day?

I trust myself not to lockup the brakes over any mechanism.. that’s how I roll.. rather than carrying 7 lb. extra pound on the bike that may or may not work and require more maintenance.

Any time you have to brake hard to avoid hitting another rider, means that you’re not watching far enough ahead… If you have to depend on ABS to save you from impact on the track, perhalps you shouldn’t ride on the track. 
 

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Chill bra, get that thong out of your buttcrack, you like carrying extra weight that’s fine.. how often do you get to use that ABS anyhow?

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Next time you ride on a track day, try carrying a spare tire on your bike somewhere… see if that makes a difference.. weak sauce it maybe, still potent enough to spoil a track day, no?

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Have you removed the ABS on your SV and wiegh out the difference?

7lb. that’s like carrying a spare tire, right?

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I have a 09 Gladius, same engine as the SV650, it is a very easy rider, but also very capable in the twisties.

My approach to avoid accidents have always been: look for a way out before braking, go off-pavement if you have to.

I feel ABS just add more weight to the bike, more item to go wrong, more item to maintain.

I’ve ridden many bikes with ABS, never actually got to experience them other than parking lot tests to find out how they feel. I don’t use my brakes all that much, regular brakes have served well and I’ve never ran into things because of lack of brakes or skidding.

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