[briderdt]

I’ve never used the stuff, nor have I seen it used, but I’ve seen it referred to on the SVRider board quite often.

[briderdt]

Even on a bicycle, a foot down is the legal requirement. Doesn’t matter if I can track-stand for a half hour (which I can), if I don’t unclip and put a foot down, I can get cited (though Mercer Island is the only place I’ve ever heard of this actually happening).

YMMV depending on where you are.

[briderdt]

As I come to a stop, I downshift each gear and let the clutch out a little, applying both brakes (though I tend to apply the rear first). If I’m going to be at a light for a while, I’ll shift into neutral once the car behind me has stopped. I won’t do that UNTIL that car has completely stopped. Otherwise I’m in 1st. If I’m back a ways at a light, I’ll stay in neutral until the light changes, otherwise I look for the opposing light to turn yeallow and snick into 1st. At stop signs, I’ll often come to a momentary stop and then go in 1st without putting a foot down. I know, not strictly legal…

[briderdt]

Suzuki S40 or even the S50 (big and heavy though on the S50), previously known as the Volushia, is a pretty good bet. Other manufacturers have similar models. Just don’t try to use it for the DMV test — go with the MSF course and use their bikes and class.

[briderdt]

Yup, LED’s will flash faster because there’s much less resistance. The relay that makes it flash relies on the resistance of the system to trigger the flash. You can wire in a resistor into the circuit to take care of that. Check at NewEnough.com, I think they have them. Also at BikerHiway.com and CustomDynamics.com.

[briderdt]

I’m thinking resting the bike on anything that rolls is just asking for it.

[briderdt]

“…but want to know how much performance I will lose ( acceleration, top speed, handling) ?”

I think if you’re talking about these kinds of things with a passenger, your GF is better off to NOT get on your bike. The very FIRST and LAST thing on your mind should be your and your passenger’s safety.

[briderdt]

“im stressed trying to make sure that i buy the right bike on my first attempt…”

If you’re going to be riding for a long time, then this is only your FIRST bike, not your last. Relax a bit. The two bikes you put up here have very little difference, so I think you’d be good to go either way (assuming equal attention to maintenance).

[briderdt]

I’ve been contemplating a trip across much of the northern US this summer, but I may not – finances and “reason to go” will be the determining factor. I’ve got the vacation time. Thinking 2 weeks and traveling light…

[briderdt]

My problem with the current crop of “eco” bikes is the range. That Ninjette will go about, what, 250 miles per fill-up, and then you fill it up in 5 minutes and go again.

The Enertia… What, 80 miles? Seriously, I don’t know. But I don’t think it’s anywhere near the Ninja. And then you have to recharge it for HOW long?

When eco-tech catches up with dino-juice-tech, then I’ll be interested.

[briderdt]

Yup. A lot of the SV-havers go the GSX-R fork swap and replace the rear shock with one from a ZX-10R just to get the adjustability. And there are lots of those around from parted out bikes.

[briderdt]

…that gave me a built-in “road radar” such that I didn’t really have to worry about THAT aspect of riding, and that my bike is a 650 V-twin “sport bike” (the SV650s IS considered a sport bike), there were many times I felt overwhelmed just managing the throttle and clutch. A year and some months later, I’m not perfect with them. Can’t imagine trying to do that with the power curve of the super sports. In fact, the whole idea of the I-4 sport bikes just turns me off. I really like the manners of the V-twin.

[briderdt]

Who ever invented that thing, I hope they’re tipping back a cold one at noon every day… Yep, it’s THAT good. $2.50 at Cycle Gear, worth its weight in gold. Get two, just in case you lose one, and keep it in the tank bag.

[briderdt]

Find a local Motorcycle Safety Foundation class and take it. Do that first. Get your endorsement (in many states, passing the class waives the DOL test and you just pay your endorsement fee). THEN do your bike shopping. I didn’t do it that way (I got the bike first), and though a year plus (and over 6000 miles) down the road I’m comfortable on my bike, coming out of the class I probably would have picked a different one.

I don’t think the Rebel will be overcome by the hills, but you may find it small for your height. No way to know until you sit on one.

[briderdt]

Different bikes with totally different characters. Assuming they’re both equally comfortable to you… If you have to pick just one…

Imagine that you already have both bikes and have to give up one of them. Which one would to be most affected at losing? That’s the one you should get.

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